Lil Mama Reflects On Stage Crashing Jay-Z & Alicia Keys VMAs Performance: “I Was Depressed”

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards is one of the most memorable award shows of all time. Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech and Lil Mama jumping on stage during Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” performance featuring Alicia Keys became iconic television moments.

Lil Mama’s infamous stage crash at the 2009 VMAs ceremony has followed the “Lip Gloss” rapper for the past fifteen years. The 35-year-old New Yorker reflected on that low point of her career during an interview with The Jay Hill Podcast.

“I had to deal with propaganda which is basically journalists from like the Wendy Williams to the radio stations, The Breakfast Club, or even at the time, Ed Lover was up there,” Mama stated. “It was giving gossip. It wasn’t giving leadership, it wasn’t giving fellowship.”

The former America’s Best Dance Crew judge also said, “I was hurt, I was depressed. I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ You got everybody telling you you’re doing bad. People pointing at you like, ‘What did you do?’”

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Jay-Z has spoken about the Lil Mama incident. In 2021, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer said, “Of course [we forgive her]. C’mon. Don’t do that. That’s our sister. Man, we love her. I wouldn’t recommend people just jumping on other artists’ stage, but we don’t wish her no harm.”

Lil Mama responded to Jay’s comments. She wrote, “I appreciate hearing this portion of last [night’s] conversation. This has always been my stance, Love. Love for both my big brother, big sister, and my city. It brings clarity to all of us as a community to actually hear these words from our legendary leaders.”

After the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Lil Mama earned favorable reviews for her portrayal of the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in VH1’s 2013 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. The VYP (Voice of the Young People) album creator also starred in reality shows like Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta.






Alicia Keys And Pharrell Williams Dragged To Hell Over Saudi Arabia Performance

Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams are facing severe backlash for their decision to perform at the Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Amidst swirling criticisms, human rights campaigner and former politician Peter Tatchell has specifically criticized the artists for lending their star power to an event in a country known for its harsh stance against human rights.

The critique centers around Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women, LGBT communities, and various minority groups.

Saudi Arabia, a nation often in the spotlight for its human rights issues, including the imprisonment of women under strict laws and the heinous killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has attracted negative attention with the involvement of global music icons in its Grand Prix event.

Tatchell’s condemnation extends to Alicia Keys’ role in hosting Jeddah’s Women To Women, an event pegged to International Women’s Day, labeling it as “total hypocrisy” given the country’s oppressive regime against women advocating for equality.

“I’m shocked that Alicia Keys is colluding with this whitewashing of Saudi misogyny,” Tatchell expressed, outlining a broader disdain for any celebrity engagements with the Kingdom without a clear stance against its human rights abuses.

The call to action from Tatchell suggests that artists should either decline performances in Saudi Arabia or utilize their platforms to advocate for significant changes, including demanding the freedom of women and the release of all political prisoners.

As the story unfolds, both Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams have yet to respond to the criticisms of their participation in the Saudi Grand Prix, leaving many to ponder the implications of international figures participating in events sponsored by regimes with questionable human rights records.

In spotlighting the intersection of entertainment, politics, and human rights, the controversy raises important questions about the responsibilities of celebrities in acknowledging or challenging the socio-political contexts of their engagements.





43 Photos of Impressively Unique Mansions Rappers Own

Some rappers own posh homes fit for the likes of MTV Cribs. But other rappers have palatial estates that would have been given prime placement on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. There’s levels. While being a successful hip-hop artist can afford one to live in the lap of luxury, some rappers have gone the extra mile when it comes to picking the unique mega-mansion where they lay their heads.

Pharrell‘s massive Beverly Hills, Calif. estate has been jokingly dubbed a “community college” online, due to the front of the $16 million home’s mostly glass facade. The 17,000 square-foot residence also features a picturesque statue in front and long interior stairways, lending to jokes about it being a place for higher learning.

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys‘s Cali compound is a marvel of modern architecture. Called “Dreamland” by Swizz but originally named The Razor House, the Bronx, N.Y. beat maker’s eye-popping chateau is positioned on a mountainside in La Jolla, Calif. Built in 2007, Swizz’s pad, which he moved into in 2019, is rumored to be the inspiration for Tony Stark’s house in the Iron Man movies.

Drake‘s $100 million Toronto mansion in Bridal Path is another sight to behold. According to Architectural Digest, the design for Drizzy’s swank Toronto digs takes “cues from traditional Beaux Arts architecture, distilled and slightly abstracted to imbue the classic idiom with a more contemporary spirit.” In other words, the thing is massive. Featured is Drake’s “Toosie Slide” video, “The Embassy,” as Drake calls it, was designed by Canadian architectural and interior designer Ferris Rafauli and clocks in at a massive 50,000 square feet, which is about the same size as The White House.

Check out photos of some impressively unique homes owned by rappers below.

See 43 Photos of Impressively Unique Mansions Rappers Own

Pharrell Angrily Storms Off Stage After Fans Start Throwing Items

Pharrell Williams allegedly stormed off stage in Saudi Arabia after fans began throwing things on stage.

Pharrell Williams Rips Into Crowd for “Dangerous Behavior” Before Ending Show Early

On Saturday (March 9), Pharrell was set to perform alongside Alicia Keys and Electronic DJ Martin Garrix at the Formula 1 post-race concert. While Pharrell reportedly did take the stage to perform his hits “Get Lucky” and “Happy,” The Neptunes producer stopped the show to ask attendees to stop throwing their electronic wristbands at the stage, as reported by The Daily Mail.

“This is the liveliest city right now on the planet but we have also got to be the safest,” Pharrell allegedly said. “I know you guys are excited and I know you are wanting to throw your wrist gadgets and lights and all that, but you can’t as the girls are dancing. And me? I love women, how about you?”

The crowd cheered before Pharrell continued.

“We must protect our women so if you want to throw them lights you have to throw them the other way, not at the stage,” he called out. “Who understands what I’m saying?”

As the wristbands continued to soar to the stage, Pharrell apparently decided enough was enough and walked off the stage 15 minutes early. “OK, I am going to let you all finish,” he said before departing. As of writing, there is no video of this event.

The tense moment came after Pharrell and Alicia Keys were already under fire by humanitarian organizations for even agreeing to perform in Saudi Arabia, which has been accused for years of persecuting women.

Read More: Looks Like Kanye West is Recording His New Album in Saudia Arabia

Pharrell Links With Miley Cyrus For “Doctor (Work It Out)”

The performance comes after Pharrell linked with Miley Cyrus for her new song “Doctor (Work It Out), which dropped on March 1. In an interview with Apple Music, Pharrell explained why he’s been in Miley’s corner for a while.

“I’ll never forget just meeting her at a time where people had pegged her to be one thing particularly,” he said. “She was Hannah Montana at the time, and she was growing up and really wanting to experience life no matter how far the precipice was, that was her … I just remember her just being in a place where no one really understood what she was, and I got it.”

The pair had previously worked together on Miley’s controversial 2013 album Bangerz.

Read More: Best Hip-Hop Halftime Performances 

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Nelly Believes His Era Of Hip-Hop Was The “Toughest”

Nelly is shedding light on the challenges and fierce competition he faced during what he believes to be the “toughest era in hip-hop ever.” In a recent appearance on the season 7 premiere of The Shop, Nelly opened up about his music career, his Grammy snub, and the intense rivalry among hip-hop heavyweights during his heyday. In a promo clip shared on Instagram, Nelly reflected on his absence from the list of nominees for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards. Despite the monumental success of his debut album Country Grammar, which sold over 5 million copies, Nelly found himself overlooked for the prestigious accolade. His disappointment was clear. He expressed his belief that his album’s release date in 2000 prevented him from being considered for the award in 2001.

Instead, he acknowledged Alicia Keys‘ victory as well-deserved, emphasizing her undeniable talent. However, it wasn’t just Grammy snubs that defined Nelly’s era in hip-hop. The rapper went on to assert that the competition during his time in the industry was unparalleled. He listed off a formidable lineup of fellow artists he had to contend with, including DMX, Jay-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Ludacris. Each of these hip-hop heavyweights competed for the spotlight, making it an arduous task for Nelly to secure his place in the limelight.

Read More: Ja Rule Isn’t Surprised By Nelly & Ashanti’s Reunion

Nelly Says The Competition Was Fierce

From the late ’90s through the early 2000s, Nelly’s assertion that his era was the toughest in hip-hop carries weight. The saturated landscape, in addition to the industry being at its peak in terms of creativity and innovation. Each artist brought their unique style and perspective to the table, creating an environment where only the best could thrive. Despite the challenges, Nelly managed to carve out his own niche in the hip-hop scene, leaving his own mark with hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma.”

Furthermore, his resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of music. In conclusion, Nelly’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the cutthroat nature of the music industry during his era. While he may have faced setbacks and snubs, his impact on hip-hop remains undeniable, solidifying his status as a true pioneer in the genre. Do you feel like Nelly made a valid point?

Read More: Ashanti & Nelly Fuel Pregnancy Rumors With Miami Performance, Fans Suspect Baby Bump

Usher Gets Backlash for Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali

Usher is getting some serious backlash for visiting Russell Simmons in Bali after the music mogul’s past rape allegations.

Usher Gets Backlash for Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali After Music Mogul’s Past Rape Allegations

On Sunday (March 3), Russell Simmons shared a video on his Instagram Story that showed Usher partaking in a yoga class alongside the Def Jam cofounder. The R&B star was reportedly vacationing in Bali with his new wife Jennifer Goicoechea, and decided to visit Simmons for a yoga retreat.

“Morning flow with a bunch of really happy Bali friends the generosity of spirit exuded by my friend @usher was amazing,” Simmons captioned his post. “Fyi people were / are always so happy to be in his presence …so when i / they practice with him its a honor and privilege but the presence and attention he gives to each person is a gift. its tough to be present with so many of us ‘ fans’ each one of us demanding presence and focus its rare that a person can give so much w/ out it draining his energy …”

Simmons added that Usher’s visit served as divine timing for him, as he recounted being at the “lowest point” in his life.

Simmons wrote alongside another video of Usher: “When i was at the lowest point in my life i woke up and this man was sitting by my bed .. i had known usher since he was a kid but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing Gods conciousness in ourselves …People remember to remember this ..a friend walks in when others walk out … i will never forget the generosity of spirit i witnessed in this man God bless you baby bro @usher [prayer hands emoji love you !!!!”

Despite all this loving energy, fans were infuriated that the R&B singer would pay a visit to Simmons, who has faced years of sexual assault accusations from various women. Simmons has apologized numerous times for being insensitive, but has claimed he was never violent towards women.

Read More: Social Media Personality Andrew Tate Asks If Diddy Was Having Sex With Meek Mill and Usher Following Allegations in New Lawsuit

Fans React to Usher Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali

Fans flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, with their disapproval of Usher’s recent visit to Bali. A lot of fans recalled Usher’s longtime relationship with record executive L.A. Reid, who has been accused of sexual assault as recent as November of 2023. Other fans were just confused why Usher would risk a PR nightmare of this nature after arguably one of the biggest years in his career. The singer capped off a historic Las Vegas Residency in December of 2023, and performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in February.

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Goes on Rant About Usher Putting His “Nut Sack” on Alicia Keys During Super Bowl Halftime Show

Watch the video of Usher visiting Russell Simmons in Bail, and check out some of the fans’ reactions below.

Watch Usher Visit Russell Simmons in Bali

See Fans Reactions to Usher Visiting Russell Simmons in Bali

Boosie BadAzz and NBA YoungBoy Don’t Speak About Each Other

Boosie BadAzz says that he and YoungBoy Never Broke Again have a mutual agreement to not speak about each other.

Boosie BadAzz Says He and YoungBoy Never Broke Again Have a Mutual Understanding Not to Talk About Each Other

On Monday (Feb. 26), Boosie stopped by Cam Capone News for a quick interview and was asked to share his thoughts on Joe Budden calling YB’s music trash. Boosie took a minute to think about his response but then decided to pass on the question.

“I don’t really wanna comment on that s**t,” Boosie said. “I don’t really wanna comment on that s**t. Me and YB got an understanding on some s**t right now. I ain’t speaking on him he ain’t speaking on me. We ain’t really talkin’ or nothin’. I don’t wanna talk about him he don’t wanna talk about me. Keep it like that.”

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Rants About Usher Putting “Nut Sack” On Alicia Keys

Boosie BadAzz Says He Dissed YoungBoy Never Broke Again in a Song to Avoid Killing Him

Boosie BadAzz and YB’s relationship has been fairly contentious in recent years. Back in 2022, Boosie told VladTV that his song “I Don’t Call Phones I Call Shots” was meant as a diss to YoungBoy. When asked why he responded to YB, who had targeted Boosie on his inflammatory diss track “I Hate YoungBoy,” Boosie said, “Cause I didn’t want to kill him.”

Boosie BadAzz clarified that his issue was with YoungBoy not clearing any of his songs.

“That’s one thing I can speak on you know, you clearing all of these other n***a songs, but [you’re] supposed to be my dawg, you ain’t clearing my s**t,” he said. “I didn’t like that s**t.”

When asked if he’d communicate with YoungBoy, Boosie said the Top rapper had hurt his feelings and that he didn’t wanna talk.

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Claims People Are Mad He Doesn’t Rock a Purse

Watch Boosie BadAzz speak about the mutual understanding he has with YoungBoy Never Broke Again below.

Watch Boosie BadAzz Speak About Mutual Understanding with YoungBoy Never Broke Again

See Hip-Hop Albums That Didn’t Live Up to the Hype

Which album do you think received the most criticism?

Boosie Thinks Trans Women Shouldn’t Participate in Women’s Sports

Boosie BadAzz is adamant that trans women should not be participating in women’s sports.

Boosie Weighs In on Trans Women in Sports Topic

On Thursday (Feb. 22), Boosie shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, that features a news report about a trans high school basketball player injuring her opponent.

“THE FEMALE RODMAN ‘IS HURTING ALL THE GIRLS ON THE BASKETBALL COURT N MASSACHUSETTS,'” Boosie captioned the video, which can be seen below. “2 MONTHS AGO A TRANS KNOCKS A GIRL TEETH OUT HER MOUTH ;LIKE WTF’ PARENTS NEED TO STOP LETTING THEY KIDS PLAY AGAINST MEN (FEMALE RODMANS)SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY NEED TO FORFEIT EVERY GAME.”

Boosie continued: “THIS IS NOT FAIR TO OUR KIDS N THIS NATION.THIS IS SICK THEY SAY HE HAS A FULL BEARD OMG PARENTS WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR OUR KIDS DREAMS N RIGHTS KNOCKING OUR DAUGHTERS TEETH OUT PARENTS WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SIMPLE IS THAT ITS UNFAIR THEY NEED THEIR OWN LEAGUE.”

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Goes on Rant About Usher Putting His “Nut Sack” on Alicia Keys During Super Bowl Halftime Show

Boosie’s Thoughts on LGBTQ Community

Boosie has never been shy about giving his thoughts about the LGBTQ community. Back in January, he revealed he walked out of a screening of the new The Color Purple film due to the lesbian storyline. He is also one of openly gay rapper Lil Nas X’s biggest detractors.

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Insists People Don’t Listen to Eminem in the Trenches

Check out Boosie BadAzz opining about trans women playing women’s sports below.

See Boosie BadAzz’s Post About Trans Women in Sports

See Rappers’ Most Wildest Insults They’ve Said During Beefs

Boosie BadAzz Insists People Don’t Listen to Eminem in the Trench

Boosie BadAzz insists people in the trenches don’t listen to Eminem‘s music.

Boosie Says People Don’t Listen to Eminem Where He’s From

On Tuesday (Feb. 20), YouTube channel Cam Capone News released a clip of their full-length interview with Boosie where the Louisiana rapper opines on Dr. Umar saying Eminem can’t be the G.O.A.T. of hip-hop because he’s White during an interview on The Joe Budden Podcast last December.

“Where I’m from, we don’t listen to Eminem. I’m from the trenches,” Boosie says in the interview below. “I never heard nobody come in my projects playing Eminem. I’ma keep it real. When I hear him, I say, ‘He can rap.’ I always say that…But where I’m from, I never heard Eminem not one time in the speakers in my projects. I gotta be honest. None of my friends ever said, ‘Put Eminem on.'”

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Goes on Rant About Usher Putting His ‘Nut Sack’ on Alicia Keys During Super Bowl Halftime Show

Boosie Names His Top Five Rappers

The new interview comes on the heels of Boosie naming his top five rappers during a recent interview with sports analyst Bryant McFadden. Needless to say, he did not pick Eminem.

“Me, Tupac, DMX,” Boosie revealed. “I always say Juvenile ’cause he raised me. I say the people who raised me…I got a few more greats. Scarface. He’s so underrated.”

Read More: Food Critic Mr. ChimeTime Reviews Eminem’s Mom’s Spaghetti and Calls It the Worst Restaurant in Detroit

See Boosie BadAzz insist people from the trenches don’t listen to Eminem below.

Watch Boosie BadAzz on Cam Capone News

See 50 Facts About Eminem

Boosie BadAzz Names His Top Five Rappers

Boosie BadAzz names his top five rappers of all-time.

Boosie Reveals Favorite Five MCs

On Feb. 16, retired NFL player turned sports analyst Bryant McFadden shared a clip of his recent interview with Boosie that took place around the 2024 Super Bowl. During the sit-down, which can be seen below, Boosie is asked to name his top four rappers.

“Me, Tupac, DMX,” Boosie began. “I always say Juvenile ’cause he raised me. I say the people who raised me…I got a few more greats. Scarface. He’s so underrated.”

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Has a Lot to Say About Everything, Even If It Makes Him an Outcast

Boosie Blasts Usher for Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance With Alicia Keys

Boosie has recently been making headlines for his thoughts on Usher’s performance with Alicia Keys at the 2024 Super Bowl, during which the Louisiana rapper thinks Usher got too close to Swizz Beatz’s wife while they were performing their duet “My Boo.” Boosie initially said he believes Usher should apologize to Swizz.

“@USHER ENOUGH IS ENOUGH BRO U NEED TO APOLOGIZE TO SWISS SHE MARRIED MY N***A I KNOW THAT WASNT PLANNED,” Boosie captioned a post on social media.

He later went on another rant about the incident.

Read More: 22 Older Rappers’ Complaints About Hip-Hop and Where It’s Headed

See video of Boosie speaking with Bryant McFadden about his favorite rappers below.

Watch Boosie BadAzz Name His Top Rappers of All-Time

See Rappers Name Their Top Five Favorite Rappers of All Time

Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and more.