THE DIGITAL DEN #28

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THE DIGITAL DEN
November 13, 2024

Get ready for some thrilling news in the world of hip-hop! Swizz Beatz has teased the return of the iconic Verzuz battle series, aiming for a grand comeback in 2025! After a major partnership with Elon Musk's X, Swizz took to Instagram to share a glimpse of new merch, saying, “2025 Loading.” The excitement is palpable! Swizz and Timbaland, the masterminds behind Verzuz, expressed their enthusiasm for taking the series to new heights, collaborating with X to redefine entertainment.

While some critics questioned the partnership, Swizz addressed the concerns, reinforcing their dedication to the fans. This comeback promises to blend innovation and nostalgia, offering an electrifying experience for music lovers worldwide.

🎉 Happy Heavenly Born Day to the legendary Big Pun! Born in the Bronx in 1971, Christopher ‘Big Pun’ Rios skyrocketed to hip-hop stardom as a member of the iconic Terror Squad alongside Fat Joe. His compelling lyricism and unforgettable tracks, like the Grammy-winning “I’m Not A Player,” made waves in the music industry, culminating in his groundbreaking platinum-selling album, Capital Punishment.

This amazing accomplishment made him the first Latinx solo artist to reach such heights in hip-hop! Though we lost him too soon in 2000, Big Pun’s legacy as a trailblazer in the genre continues to inspire fans and artists alike.

Skepta is raising the stakes in the ongoing beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake! In a fiery interview with Ebro Darden, he expressed his concerns that their feud is damaging the entire Hip-Hop community. Skepta, who recalls clashing in a time when artists had nothing to lose, feels that today's beefs are different—they're closing doors for upcoming artists who look to these mega-stars for inspiration.

“If you two don’t like each other, just link up and talk,” he urged, highlighting the negative impact their public exchanges have. Skepta believes that while drama can create buzz, it shouldn't overshadow the collective progress artists have worked hard to achieve.

Meanwhile, former President Obama chimed in, praising Kendrick’s status in the game and his dedication to serious messages.

Young Thug's dad, Jeffrey Williams Sr., is raising eyebrows and heating up the Atlanta hip-hop scene! In a fiery interview on the "Nothing But the Truth" podcast, he called out fellow Atlanta artists for their lack of support during Young Thug's challenging 29-month stint in jail.

Williams Sr. accused these influencers of seeking out Thug only now that he's out, while failing to stand by him in his time of need.

He even recounted a disappointing incident where an artist refused to help with a YSL event when it mattered most. The excitement doesn’t stop there! As Young Thug navigates his new life post-prison, Williams Sr.

also expressed outrage at the probation conditions restricting his son from Atlanta—their home.

Exciting news has just dropped! Drake is making headlines for allegedly gifting Young Thug a whopping $1 million just hours after his release from jail! According to Akademiks, the juicy rumor surfaced during a livestream where he teased fans about the generous gesture, stating that Drake’s kindness is like a hug for the hip-hop community. The chatter comes amidst Young Thug’s controversial return, including speculation about his probation conditions and social media tension with Gunna.

Exciting news hit the hip-hop scene as Fredro Starr from Onyx revealed they are cashing in on Travis Scott's mega hit "SICKO MODE"! In a recent interview, Fredro explained that the track samples their classic 1992 song "Throw Ya Gunz," which itself was sampled by Biggie in "Gimme The Loot." Thanks to Jam Master Jay, they hit the jackpot—earning a share from this astronomical hit! Since its release, "SICKO MODE" has taken the world by storm, surpassing a billion views on YouTube and dominating the charts.

It even peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned diamond certification! Fredro described receiving a slice of such a massive success as thrilling, saying, "a little percent of something astronomical is not bad.

Drake surprised fans at Latto’s Toronto show on November 7, delivering an unforgettable performance right from the audience! As Latto’s Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour took over the popular venue History, the spotlight swung to a balcony box where none other than Drake took the mic to perform their collaborative hit, “Housekeeping Knows.” This thrilling moment, part of Drake's multimedia project ‘100 Gigs,’ had the crowd buzzing with excitement! Just days before, Latto had wowed attendees in Brooklyn, featuring special guests A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Lil Kim.

Meanwhile, Drake is gearing up for a highly-anticipated joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, sparking even more excitement for fans eagerly awaiting fresh music.

Get ready for some exciting news from the hip-hop world! Boosie Badazz is making headlines as he reaches out to President-elect Donald Trump, asking for a pardon on his federal gun charge! Just hours after Trump's projected victory, Boosie is determined to fight for his freedom, claiming he’s a non-violent felon in a challenging legal battle that’s already seen a judge dismiss his case.

Elon Musk Calls Out J. Lo: Where Was Her Warning About Diddy?

In a fiery new interview with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk didn't hold back while critiquing Jennifer Lopez over her past relationship with Diddy! Musk called out Lopez for warning people about political issues while remaining silent on her ex-boyfriend's controversial history, particularly amidst allegations of abuse and a federal sex trafficking case against Diddy. “How many people did she warn about Diddy? Oh, zero!” he exclaimed, pushing for accountability in the music industry.

The tension around Diddy continues to swirl, and J. Lo's lack of comment on recent allegations just adds fuel to the fire! Musk's bold statements have sparked chatter across social media, making waves in the entertainment world.

In a hilarious moment captured on video, Cardi B was playfully hit on by a fan during a casual grocery shopping trip! The fan, armed with a camera, boldly asked her for some love for his video while complimenting her good looks. Cardi, always gracious, waved and thanked him as she continued shopping with a friend.

This lighthearted encounter comes on the heels of Cardi’s public struggles with dating post-split from Offset, as she recently expressed her frustrations about the dating scene, declaring, “the dating pool got piss in it.

Get ready for some juicy drama! 50 Cent is at it again, this time reacting to Ray J’s wild comments about Diddy on NewsNation! After a chaotic Halloween encounter with Diddy’s sons, Ray J spilled some outrageous thoughts on how Diddy's legal troubles are shaking up his everyday life, even his church visits! Describing the situation humorously, he jokingly worried about “butt cheeks” instead of turning the other cheek.

Kodak Black has candidly shared his unfiltered thoughts on marriage, and it’s raising eyebrows! In a recent video from a luxury watch store, the rapper boldly declared, “I don't think I could ever get married, bro. I don't think I love p***y that much.

” With so many children and relationships under his belt, fans are left wondering what he truly means! Amidst swirling allegations about his role as a father from his baby mama, Daijanae Ward, Kodak continues to be a polarizing figure. He even clapped back at critics about his lifestyle choices during a recent Instagram Live, saying, “Y’all be so f***ing butt-hurt,” while urging people to embrace his authentic self.

Celebrating Heavy D: The Overweight Lover's Legacy Lives On 13 Years Later!

On November 8, 2024, The Source Magazine celebrated the legacy of the iconic Heavy D, who left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture! Remembering the life of "The Overweight Lover," born Dwight Errington Myers, fans reflect on how he rose to fame with Heavy D & The Boyz back in the mid-80s. With hits like “Big Tyme” and “Peaceful Journey,” he became a pop sensation, dazzling audiences with collaborations alongside legends like Janet and Michael Jackson! Beyond his musical prowess, Heavy D made history as the first rapper to run his own record label, spearheading the careers of rising stars like Jodeci.

Today marks a bittersweet milestone in hip hop history—20 years since we lost the legendary Ol’ Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan! Russell Jones, famously known as ODB, was a true original, captivating fans with his unique flair and unforgettable antics, like crashing the Grammys and declaring, "The Blackman is God!" His groundbreaking debut, Return to the 36th Chamber, set the stage for a life filled with bold artistry and charisma. This Friday, his family honors what would have been his 56th birthday with a special screening of the A&E documentary, A Tale Of Two Dirty’s, in Brooklyn, featuring a poignant panel discussion on mental health.