Category: Hip Hop

Ghazi is betting big on immersive tech and hometown pride as his EMPIRE label invests in a $6.5 million entertainment venue set to reshape San Francisco’s Pier 70.

The independent Hip-Hop powerhouse is joining forces with Elevation Sky Park San Francisco to launch what’s being billed as the Bay Area’s first large-scale immersive entertainment space. The venue, slated to open this winter, will feature projection domes, a pyramid-shaped structure and capacity for over 2,000 attendees across multiple rooms.

“ESP SF represents exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused venture that embodies San Francisco’s creative spirit,” said Sean Ahearn, CEO of Elevation Sky Park. “Partnering with EMPIRE creates incredible opportunities to showcase how technology and artistry can transform communities while pioneering the future of immersive entertainment.”

The collaboration will fuse EMPIRE‘s global artist network with ESP SF’s tech-driven platform to deliver 360-degree concerts, live performances, film screenings and community arts initiatives. The venue will also serve as a hub for emerging artists, giving them access to industry resources and audiences they might not otherwise reach.

Ghazi, who founded EMPIRE in 2010, called the partnership a natural extension of the label’s roots. “

San Francisco has always been the heartbeat of EMPIRE, and Elevation Sky Park is the perfect stage to reimagine how music and culture come to life,” he said. “We’re excited to create experiences that are as bold and innovative as the city itself.”

The project is being developed through a public-private partnership involving Brookfield Properties and the Port of San Francisco. The venue’s location at Pier 70 places it in the heart of the city’s expanding arts and entertainment zone.

The team behind Wisdome LA, known for its immersive domes and multimedia installations in Los Angeles, is leading the buildout. Their experience in blending art and tech is expected to play a key role in bringing ESP SF’s vision to life.

The immersive entertainment sector is booming. According to Bloomberg, the global market is projected to reach $413 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for interactive and tech-enhanced experiences.

Ghazi, a San Francisco native with Palestinian heritage, began producing music at the age of 14. Before launching EMPIRE, he worked as a DJ and audio engineer.

What started as a digital distribution service for Bay Area Hip-Hop artists has grown into one of the most influential independent labels in the industry, known for blending traditional music strategies with digital innovation.

The ESP SF partnership reflects EMPIRE’s continued evolution, expanding from music into experiential entertainment while staying grounded in its local community.

The venue’s programming will cater to a range of audiences, from casual music lovers to tech-savvy concertgoers.

ESP SF is scheduled to open in winter 2024, just in time to draw holiday crowds and position itself as a new cultural landmark in the Bay Area.

​AllHipHop

The Philadelphia Eagles looked dead in the water at halftime last Sunday in Los Angeles. The Rams had them on the ropes, dictating the pace and stacking up a commanding lead. Then the second half arrived, and everything changed.

The game flipped when the Eagles blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown, but the spark that fueled the comeback came from star wideout A.J. Brown. Already considered one of the NFL’s premier offensive threats, Brown turned into a one-man wrecking crew in the final two quarters, shredding the Rams’ secondary and helping Philly secure a 33-26 win.

While highlight reels replayed the blocked kick, something else unfolded behind the scenes that may have set Brown on fire. Sources inside the stadium say the DJ cued up Kurtis Blow’s old-school classic “AJ Scratch” during the game. For those who know it, the song’s hook chants “AJ” over a funky beat — catchy enough to get a crowd moving, and apparently enough to give No. 11 an extra jolt.

In postgame interviews, Brown didn’t directly name-check the track but hinted at the moment, grinning when asked about what fueled his surge. One source who was in the locker room told AllHipHop that Brown “pointed directly to that song” as a turning point in his energy. Whether coincidence or cosmic timing, the mix of football and Hip-Hop may have tilted the momentum toward Philadelphia.

Kurtis Blow, a pioneer from rap’s earliest days, probably never imagined his 1984 anthem echoing inside an NFL stadium and motivating one of the league’s top receivers. But Hip-Hop has always been about energy, defiance and winning! These are the same ingredients that powered Philly in the second half. By the way, KB did not return our message for a comment. He might be a NY Giants fan…or worse, LA Rams

Anyway…to casual fans, it may have looked like pure luck. But in truth, the comeback was built on grit, adjustments and mental toughness. Brown and the Eagles didn’t just ride fate. They forced it.

As Philadelphia keeps pushing through the season, this victory is likely to be remembered not only for the blocked field goal or Brown’s dominance, but also for a reminder of how culture and competition often collide in unexpected ways. One old-school jam, one fired-up receiver and one resilient team turned what looked like certain defeat into a West Coast heist.

For the record…our own Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur is the “source.” He was there and saw it all as it rolled out.

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​AllHipHop

Kim Kardashian and Ray J are at it again, but this time it’s not sex tapes, it’s full-blown legal threats over wild talk about the feds.

Ray J hopped on a livestream with Chrisean Rock and dropped a bomb, claiming he’s working with federal agents to bring a RICO case against Kim Kardashian and her mom Kris Jenner.

His exact words: “The federal RICO I’m about to drop on Kris and Kim is about to be crazy… the feds is coming. There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s worse than Diddy.”

Well, Kim’s lawyer Alex Spiro didn’t waste time. He clapped back hard, calling Ray J’s comments “false and defamatory” and warned that pushing those claims is defamation under California law.

I GOT NOTHING TO LOSE THIS LIE!!! — YOU ALREADY THINK IM A BAD GUY BC OF FALSE NARRATIVES BY KRIS AND KIM!! So F### IT — MY KIDS ARE MY ONLY PRIORITY!! Daddy is a great person – NEVER DID ANYTHING FOUL LIKE THEY SAY!! Truth is here right now ! pic.twitter.com/pGiWoVbnvf

— Ray J (@RayJ) September 11, 2022

Spiro made it crystal clear: there’s no RICO case, no investigation, no fed involvement, nothing. In his words, there’s “no credible evidence whatsoever” behind Ray J’s allegations.

He also stated that no law enforcement agency has launched an investigation against the Kardashian crew.

And he’s not playing around. Spiro demanded that any site running with Ray J’s claims yank the content ASAP and post a retraction. Kim’s legal team also contacted multiple outlets, instructing them to revise their stories or face the consequences.

​AllHipHop

Cardi B leaned on faith and her mother’s prayers after sensing what she described as “weirdness” and “dark energy” from women following her pregnancy reveal.

The Grammy-winning rapper said she felt a growing wave of negativity since announcing she’s expecting, prompting her to seek spiritual protection for herself and her unborn child.

“I called my mom the other day to pray over me and my baby because I feel like a lot of weirdness has been coming out from people and women and all this stuff ever since I announced that I was pregnant,” she said.

Cardi B is expecting her first child with Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the Patriots. The rapper revealed her pregnancy earlier this month and discussed how Diggs makes her feel safe as she prepares for a new album and tour.

Cardi B also has three other kids with Offset, her soon-to-be ex-husband. She told her followers that she believes many already suspected her latest pregnancy before it was confirmed.

But after going public, she noticed an energy shift that felt hostile.

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“It’s funny because I know that y’all knew that I was pregnant because clearly everybody kind of figured that I was. But the negativity and the weirdness that people are bringing and putting, I told my mom like, please pray for me and for the Lord to cover me.”

The Bronx-born rapper said she especially felt targeted by other women, some of whom she believes are wishing harm on her unborn child.

“There’s a lot of weird women that will wish you weird stuff on your kid, like stillbirth, death, slowness, you know what I’m saying? And I feel that energy. I feel people putting that on me.”

To protect herself, Cardi said she turns to her faith and spiritual practices.

She often reads the Bible aloud in her home when she senses tension or negativity. “I personally believe nothing is as powerful as a mother’s prayer,” she added.

Cardi B has been open about her spiritual side in the past, but this time she’s using it as a shield against what she sees as a toxic response to her pregnancy.

The rapper said she is doing what she can to stay grounded.

​AllHipHop

Cardi B revealed her grueling three-month recovery from butt reduction surgery and shut down critics of her body during a revealing episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast.

The Hip-Hop star, known for her unfiltered honesty, opened up about the physical toll of reducing her Brazilian Butt Lift, saying the process was far from simple.

“For me to reduce my butt, I have to literally sit on the table, get cut from the bottom, get cut from the top, and be on bed rest for three months,” she told host Alex Cooper.

The “Bodak Yellow” rapper, who is currently expecting a child with NFL player Stefon Diggs, said she has no plans to undergo another procedure despite lingering pressure from the public.

“I already did a reduction and people will be like, ‘Well, you need to reduce your butt more,’” she said.

Cardi clarified that the surgery was far more invasive than people assume.

“And it’s like, I think you guys think that people just plug something inside my a**hole and just suck it out,” she said.

Still, the Grammy winner said she’s reached a place of acceptance with her appearance.

“I look at myself in the mirror, and it’s like, I really wouldn’t change a thing,” she said.

​AllHipHop

21 Savage didn’t hold back when critics questioned the surprise reunion between Young Thug and YFN Lucci on their new albums, which dropped Friday (September 26) and signaled the end of a years-long feud.

The two Atlanta rappers stunned the Hip-Hop scene by featuring each other on their respective comeback projects.

Thug’s UY Scuti includes a guest spot from Lucci on “Whaddup Jesus,” while Lucci’s Already Legend returns the favor with a Thug appearance on “Still Waiting” alongside 21 Savage.

The mutual features marked the first time the two have collaborated publicly after nearly a decade of tension and public jabs.

But not everyone welcomed the peace treaty. Some online critics accused both artists of trading authenticity for unity.

That’s when 21 Savage jumped in with a sharp Instagram comment aimed at the naysayers.

“Yall want n##### to beef forever then say they ain’t appreciate they blessings if they get locked up for it,” he wrote, urging critics to shut up.

21 savage speaks on people who are upset about YFN Lucci & young thug being buddy buddy pic.twitter.com/p3n7b2fEJQ

— STREETWORK85NAWF BY DRE HOVA (@Streetwork85N) September 26, 2025

Thug’s UY Scuti is his first full-length release since being freed from jail in October 2024.

The album features a stacked lineup including Future, Cardi B, Travis Scott, T.I., Sexxy Red, 21 Savage, and YFN Lucci, among others.

Meanwhile, Lucci’s Already Legend marks his return to music after his own legal troubles. The 21-track album includes previously released singles like “Would You Care?” and “JAN. 31ST (my truth)” and clocks in at just under an hour.

The dual releases and mutual features were seen by many in the Hip-Hop world as a symbolic end to one of Atlanta’s most notorious rap rivalries. Following the releases, Lucci confirmed in an interview that the collaboration was deliberate, designed to reset the narrative and foster unity within Atlanta’s rap scene.

​AllHipHop

Death Confirmed By Cuban Officials

Assata Shakur died Thursday in Havana at age 78, according to a statement from Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials cited “health ailments and her advanced age” as the cause of death. Her passing ends a decades-long chapter in the life of one of the most polarizing and influential Black liberation figures of the 20th century.

From Conviction To Asylum

Born JoAnne Deborah Byron in 1947 and later known as JoAnne Chesimard, Shakur rose to prominence as a member of the Black Liberation Army. In 1977, she was convicted of first-degree murder for the 1973 shooting of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. She escaped from prison in 1979 and resurfaced in Cuba, where she was granted political asylum in 1984.

Her escape and subsequent life in exile made her both a revolutionary icon and a wanted fugitive. In 2013, the FBI added her to its Most Wanted Terrorists list, offering a $2 million reward for her capture. She was the first woman ever placed on that list.

A Lasting Influence On Hip-Hop

Shakur’s political legacy extended far beyond activism. Her influence is deeply embedded in Hip-Hop, where her story became a symbol of resistance and empowerment. As the step-aunt and godmother of Tupac Shakur, her ideology helped shape one of rap’s most influential voices. Tupac referenced her in his 1991 track “Words of Wisdom,” linking her revolutionary stance to the emerging wave of politically conscious rap.

Common paid tribute to her in his 2000 track “A Song for Assata,” featuring CeeLo Green. The lyrics included, “I’m thinking of Assata, yes / Listen to my love, Assata yes / Your power and pride is beautiful / May God bless your soul.” Common later explained, “I read this sister’s story, [and] knew that it deserved a song.”

Her impact also resonated with Public Enemy, whose politically charged lyrics often echoed her themes of systemic injustice and resistance. Chuck D and other artists in the conscious rap movement viewed her as a symbol of defiance that aligned with Hip-Hop’s activist roots.

Life In Cuba And Literary Legacy

While living in Cuba, Shakur kept a low profile but remained engaged in political discourse. Her 1987 memoir, Assata: An Autobiography, became a foundational text for students and scholars of Black radical thought. The book continues to circulate widely among activists and academics.

During her trial, Shakur maintained her innocence, claiming she was targeted because of her activism. Her involvement with the Black Liberation Army in the early 1970s reflected her belief in armed resistance against racial oppression.

Final Chapter Ends In Havana

Shakur died on September 26, 2025, in Havana. Her death marks the conclusion of a life that spanned civil rights struggles, revolutionary activism, and the cultural evolution of Hip-Hop as a platform for political expression.

​AllHipHop

Swizz Beatz will remain a defendant in a $7.3 million lawsuit tied to fugitive financier Jho Low and the 1MDB corruption scandal, following a federal judge’s ruling in New York on September 26.

U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald rejected the Grammy-winning producer’s attempt to dismiss the case, which accuses him of receiving millions in questionable wire transfers from offshore companies allegedly controlled by Low. The lawsuit claims Swizz Beatz, whose legal name is Kasseem Dean, accepted the funds between 2012 and 2014 without providing any services in return.

Lawsuit Alleges Dean Accepted Funds With No Legitimate Purpose

The complaint, filed by court-appointed liquidators Angela Barkhouse and Toni Shukla, alleges Dean was paid through a network of shell companies connected to Low, who is accused of embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB and SRC International sovereign wealth funds.

“None of the transfers were made for any consideration and, as of the filing of the Amended Complaint, none of the funds have been returned,” Judge Buchwald wrote in her ruling.

The liquidators are seeking to recover the funds on behalf of creditors and investors impacted by the fraud.

Judge Cites “Adverse Domination” to Keep Case Alive

Dean’s legal team argued that the lawsuit was filed too late and should be dismissed on procedural grounds. But Judge Buchwald ruled that the statute of limitations had not expired due to “adverse domination”—a legal concept that delays deadlines when the wrongdoers are still in control of the companies harmed.

“Until the issues of domination and control, which are fact-based, are more fully litigated, the statute of limitations must be deemed not to have expired and must be tolled during the wrongdoers’ period of control,” she wrote.

Liquidators Have Standing to Sue, Judge Rules

Dean also argued that the companies involved were too entangled in the fraud to bring claims. Judge Buchwald disagreed, stating that once the companies were no longer under Low’s influence, they had the right to recover misappropriated funds.

“Freed from his spell they became entitled to the return of the moneys—for the benefit not of the wrongdoer but of innocent investors and creditors—that the wrongdoer had made the corporations divert to unauthorized purposes,” she wrote.

Fraudulent Conveyance and Enrichment Claims Move Forward

The lawsuit includes claims of actual and constructive fraudulent conveyance, as well as unjust enrichment. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had provided enough detailed information—such as transaction records and dates—to support their allegations.

“Plaintiffs have pleaded specific facts supporting an inference of actual fraudulent intent, and therefore, defendants’ motion to dismiss the actual fraudulent conveyance claim is denied,” Buchwald wrote.

One wire transfer labeled “Everyday is your Birthday” was specifically called out by the court for lacking a credible explanation. “An eight-word note in a bank statement does not demonstrate that the transfer was, in fact, for that purpose,” the judge noted.

Swizz Beatz Must Now Participate in Discovery

The court has ordered both parties to begin the discovery phase, meaning Dean will need to formally respond to the allegations and provide documentation.

Jho Low remains a fugitive and is the central figure in the 1MDB scandal, which has already led to prison time for former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and a conviction for Pras Michel of the Fugees. Michel was found guilty of federal charges tied to Low’s influence operations in the United States.

​AllHipHop

Metro Boomin walked out of a California courtroom cleared of all civil sexual assault allegations Thursday (September 25) after a jury found him not liable on four claims stemming from a 2016 incident at a Southern California hotel.

The verdict came after just one hour of deliberation, with jurors concluding that plaintiff Vanessa LeMaistre failed to prove her accusations against the Hip-Hop producer.

The lawsuit, filed in October 2023, alleged that Metro Boomin raped her following a music event.

After the decision, the 32-year-old producer took to Instagram to express relief and frustration over the toll the case had taken on his life and career.

“I’m grateful and thankful to God that I can finally put all of this nonsense behind me. Based off of how I treat others and represent myself, never in a million years would I have thought I could be accused of such a disgusting and heinous act,” he wrote.

with love, Leland Wayne pic.twitter.com/7L3GUEfE3U

— Metro Boomin (@MetroBoomin) September 25, 2025

Metro Boomin reflected on the emotional and financial cost of the legal battle, saying, “Today I took a victory in court but in reality there is a long list of losses I stacked up in this year long process of clearing my name and reputation. The very large amount of money and time wasted based off of someone else’s greed, coupled with the incalculable amount of money and opportunities that did not make it to me or my team during this time.”

He also spoke about the impact the case had on his family, particularly his younger siblings, whom he adopted after his mother died in 2022.

“The trauma my family and I have endured during this dark period can never be forgiven,” he said.

Metro Boomin closed his statement by thanking his legal team and offering support to others affected by similar circumstances. “Peace and love to all of the actual victims out there as well as the innocent and accused.”

LeMaistre’s attorney, Michael J. Willemin, told People they were “disappointed” by the jury’s decision and plan to appeal the verdict.

​AllHipHop

Here we go. Young Thug just rolled out a new album and the reaction is anything but love. The very first track is already sparking outrage because it features him dropping the N-word with a “hard ER” multiple times. No metaphor…just repetition. Over and over and over. And people are calling it out immediately, saying it’s offensive, unnecessary and flat-out cancel-worthy. Yikes.

But that’s not the only head-scratcher. The album cover (see above) itself is pulling attention for all the wrong reasons. On Thursday (September 25), we posted what turned out to be the artwork on our socials, and the response was instant. The image shows a version of Young Thug that looks noticeably lighter, almost unrecognizably pale, and that’s got folks comparing it to Sammy Sosa’s infamous transformation. It feels like Thug is presenting some “aspirational white” version of himself, which is wild. He’s very brown. Is there a deeper message we are missing… or…something deeper.

When you connect the cover with the repeated use of the hard ER, critics are already saying the two go hand in hand. I won’t include screen shots of the reactions, but some have suggested this is a form of self-hatred or a very toxic view of Blackness. Now, whether that’s actually what Thug intended is unclear. Perception is everything right now.

For supporters, this feels like the last straw. Social media is full of people saying they’re done with him, that he’s officially “canceled.” I don’t know what that means in today’s landscape. It’s like a mass breakup with an artist who defined a a specific lane of rap.

Canceling Young Thug isn’t easy. He’s been polarizing. And he’s survived plenty of controversy. Whether this is the breaking point or just another storm he weathers remains to be seen. Right now, the energy around this release is frustration and confusion. And disappointment. Time will tell…

​AllHipHop