Coolio‘s family worked with a special headstone designer to make a custom marker for their loved one that includes photos and an homage to his biggest record, “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

According to TMZ, Coolio’s girlfriend Mimi enlisted the help of a man by the name of Cemetery Tim, as he’s also done headstones for the late Nate Dogg, Eazy-E and Anthony Johnson. Though Coolio was cremated, his family wanted a physical place to go pay their respects, and the piece was delivered to them just before the new year.

It’s since been set at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles.

Last Tuesday (December 27), Coolio’s manager filed a probate case to begin the process of appraising the late rapper’s estate. Of his 10 children, seven are adults and are listed as his next of kin and probable beneficiaries – as he passed with no will in place.

The value of Coolio’s estate is currently estimated at over $300,000, including “personal property and demand deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies and royalties.” The exact value has yet to be determined, however.

Coolio unexpectedly passed at the age of 59 on September 28. According to his longtime manager Jarez, the Los Angeles native was visiting a friend’s house at the time and went to the bathroom, but never came back. His friend went to check on him and eventually discovered the Grammy-winner laying on the bathroom floor. Paramedics were called to the house, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Before his untimely passing, Coolio was on the verge of finalizing a deal for a Las Vegas residency. The run would have been for 10 shows at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort Casino, starting in late October and going through mid-November.

He was also preparing to bring his “Kwanzaa-bot” character back to Futurama for the cartoon’s forthcoming revival on Hulu. With his lines and a few bars already recorded, the show will move forward with the character’s return and will dedicate the episode to Coolio’s memory.

Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/coolios-family-gets-headstone

Mannie Fresh linked up with Juvenile and Mia X to encourage people to get vaccinated in 2021 with a “Back That Azz Up” remake named “Vax That Thang Up” – but he had no idea of the backlash that would come with it.

In a new interview with AllHipHop published on Sunday (January 1), the famed producer reflected on the pro-vaccination record and how baffling the polarizing reaction to it was.

“When we did the ‘Vax That Thang Up’ song or whatever, it wasn’t a song—it was just a parody telling people to get vaccinated,” Fresh said. “But it was something that I believed in and I was saying to folks, ‘If you don’t, it’s okay. You don’t have to go and do this. It’s not that serious.’

“But there were people saying, ‘You destroyed the song and this song was the greatest song!’” he continued. “And I’m like, ‘Do you know the title of the song?’ It’s called ‘Back That Azz Up.’ I’m like, ‘Did you listen to the lyrics of this song?’”

“Vax That Thang Up” was made in collaboration with dating app BLK, and much like the title suggested, it encouraged Americans to get vaccinated to get back to doing the things they enjoy in a safe manner.

“Girl you look good once you vax that thang up,” Juve raps on the reworked hook. “You a handsome young brother once you vax that thang up/Dating in real life, you need to vax that thang up/Feeling freaky all night, you need to vax that thang up.”

The song wasn’t the only record Mannie Fresh got backlash for as of late.

Last summer, he collaborated with Amber Rose for her debut rap single “Get Your Hoe On,” which was a provocative remake of the Big Tymers’ 2000 hit “Get Your Roll On.” In addition to appearing in the video, Mannie also reworked the beat for Amber – and social media wasn’t pleased.

“Ban Amber Rose from all recording studios,” one Twitter user wrote, while another added, “Who the fuck let amber rose bean head ass in the studio and remake Getcha Roll On?.”

“Amber Rose is now rapping…Got Mannie Fresh on the Beat…I guess he said shit she paying lol,” another wrote. “But on a serious note…Hip Hop has become a joke… Some of these songs I wouldn’t have wasted the damn studio time on!”

Check out more reactions to the record here.

Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/mannie-fresh-vax-that-thang-up-backlash

Fans of Eminem‘s 8 Mile film with Mekhi Phifer likely weren’t holding their breath for a sequel as it’s now been 20 years since its release – but in the event they were, Mekhi has some unfortunate news.

TMZ caught up with the esteemed actor while he was out in Los Angeles on Monday (January 2), and asked if there’d ever be a follow-up to the 2002 film. Without mincing any words, Mekhi made it clear there never would be.

“Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make it a classic, no reason to fool around with it,” he said, while also confirming that there was never even a discussion about a second film.

When the interviewer noted how interesting it would be to see Eminem’s character evolve in a sequel, Mekhi agreed – but still kept himself and Em out of the conversation.

“It could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either,” he said.

Coincidentally, Mekhi  almost wasn’t even in the first one, revealing in a 2014 interview that he considered passing on the role because the movie seemed cheesy.

“It was interesting because when it first came up I was like, it sounded cheesy,” he told The Breakfast Club. “I was like, ‘Nah.’ And I was due to start ER actually right before the movie started. And I was like, ‘Nah, I’m just gonna start the show, man.’”

But after reading the script and meeting Eminem in Detroit, Phifer was in. He would ultimately go on to star in 8 Mile as Future – a character loosely based off of Eminem’s best friend, Proof.

“I wasn’t stressing it, but what I did was I read the script. And the script was real slick,” Phifer said. “And then they flew me to Detroit. And then me and Em just got together and just started building. You know what I mean? And I was like ‘Yo, I like this cat.’ You know? And then Curtis Hanson, dope ass director. It just all came together. You know what I mean? And we kinda wanted to be true to—Cause it was loosely based on Em’s career and Em’s life and Proof…And I felt honored—especially R.I.P to Proof. Being able to show him in that light. Cause I thought the movie was real slick. And I had fun portraying him.”

Mekhi Phifer also starred in the 2002 cult classic Paid In Full with Cam’Ron, and unlike 8 Mile, there were talks of a sequel in 2020. Cam confirmed on Instagram that conversations were being had at the time, but earlier this year, Dame Dash said not to expect any of the original cast in Paid In Full 2.

“They’re too old,” Dame, who produced the film, said on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast in March. “They’re all 50 now. We’re going to make Cocoon: Paid In Full? It’ll be what? Paid In Full: Nursing Home? They’re too old to play young characters.”

He still plans to film a sequel, however, this time telling the story of Harlem’s relationship with hustling in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/8-mile-star-mekhi-phifer-says-there-will-never-be-a-sequel

Lyfe Jennings has announced that he is considering retiring from live performances after having his confidence shaken by recent online commentary.

The RB singer shared the news with his fans on Friday (December 30) via an Instagram Story post, which he later reposted to his main feed. In it, he revealed that he had just taken the stage for the first time since a clip of one of his previous performances went viral two weeks ago.

A fan shared video clips from an appearance by the singer on December 17, making it clear that he did not have the experience he was expecting. The snippet of the performance was shared by several gossip blogs, leading to widespread criticism of Lyfe’s vocal abilities.

“Just did my first show since all this shit and um seriously considering not doing shows nomore [sic],” he wrote. “I be to much in my head now. Everytime [sic] I see a phone pointed at me I just be thrown.. fee like I don’t love this nomore [sic].”

 

 

A post shared by Chester Jennings (@lyfejennings)

While he didn’t include a caption with the post, Lyfe Jennings shared an additional message by accompanying the post with a snippet of his song “Till You Gone,” which hears him singing, “They’ll never love you till you gone/ So don’t waste ya time tryna please no n-gga,” with the final word of the line cut off.

Supporters including Bobby V took to the post’s comments to offer words of encouragement. “Naaa brodieee ! U one of the best 2 do it ! Keep goin!!,” he wrote.

Others took the tough love approach. “What’s wrong with you.???” one fan wrote. “You letting this new generation intimidate you?!?! What would you say to your kids if they wanted to quit because people told them they can’t do something they know they can do. If you don’t pick your damn head up…

“Your footprint is already marked out here in the music world so get out your head and stop letting keyboard fingers punk you,” the fan continued. “Make a quick call to Ginuwine, he capitalized of the laughs and jokes and like some said look at the increase in impression and followers you gained from it. Now incorporate that and make it a part of your show too??”

The criticism that followed Lyfe Jennings’ last performance wasn’t limited to fans and strangers online.

Once the clip made it to Instagram via The Neighborhood Talk, he hopped into the the comments section of the IG post to defend himself. “Better put some respect on my sh*t,” he wrote. “Ima whole legend out here Pronto. 80 shows this year alone 80% of em sold out. Go check my new video ’till you gone’ it’ll explain this gas lighting wit cheap gas ass blog.”

Lyfe Jennings eventually spotted a comment by Mario, who had responded to the footage with a facepalm emoji, prompting the “Must Be Nice” singer to react. “That’s why I fuck wit the rappers,” Lyfe replied. “R and b n-ggas be fake AF. So much I could say but my number speak for themselves and my rep do too.”

The singer then took the conversation to his own IG account, sharing a clip of the movie Paid In Full. “So Lyfe a meme now?!!,” he captioned the video. “Fuck all yaw Christmas cancelled!!!! ‘Till you gone’ video on youtube and streaming everywhere.”

Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/lyfe-jennings-considers-quitting-live-shows

Cardi B, Killer Mike, Ludacris and more are set to make appearances during Shaquille O’Neal’s immersive virtual reality New Year’s Eve stream.

On Saturday (December 31), the former Los Angeles Laker center will host The Shaq’tacular Spectacular: A New Year’s Eve VR Concert Experience, which begins at 6:30 pm ET/3:30 pm PT and will also feature cameos from four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Camille Kostek.

Additionally, along with performances from Cardi, Killer Mike and Luda, The New Year’s Eve countdown show will also feature Lil Yachty and a special DJ set from Shaq, aka DJ DIESEL.

The virtual reality stream can be accessed in each time zone with a Meta Quest 2 headset, or online via social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram.

Cardi B posted footage of the exclusive stream to her Instagram Story on December 31, revealing a sneak peek of Lil Yachty, Ludacris and Rob Gronkowski’s performances.

The clip Cardi shared also features glimpses of DJ DIESEL holding it down behind the turntable and turning up with a full marching band drumline and cheerleaders.

Cardi B, Killer Mike, Ludacris more to perform at Shaquille O’Neal’s VR NYE Party 🎉https://t.co/52WCdDsvQr pic.twitter.com/1Tvuqc0uOG

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) December 31, 2022

In 2021, Shaq as DJ DIESEL, Lil Wayne and E-40 were a part of a similar New Year’s Eve celebration as a result of their headlining performances for the Day One 22 concert event put on by Coachella Crossroads and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

This won’t be the first time this year that Shaq shifted into his DJ DIESEL alter ego in order to team up with superstar artists for a high-profile event.

During Super Bowl LVI weekend in Los Angeles this past February, the NBA legend turned DJ brought out artists such as Lil Wayne, Diplo and more to his massive Shaq’s Fun House event at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Hall.

According to reports, VIP tables for the event were being sold for up to $60,000 while prices for suites were hovering aroung $150,000. There was also a $1 million package, which featured private jet travel and other lavish amenities.

Also, in 2020, the 4x-NBA champion joined forces with 3x-Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski and with General Insurance for Shaq’s Fun House Vs. Gronk Beach “virtual party,” which doubled as an event intended to raise money for organizations fighting for social justice.

The live-streamed “party with a purpose” featured performances from DaBaby, Diplo, Snopp Dogg, Carnage, Steve Aoki and others.

Fans eager to join The Shaq’tacular Spectacular VR experience can find more information on the stream on the official Oculus website.

Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/cardi-b-killer-mike-ludacris-shaquille-oneal-nye-party