Master P urged graduates at Grambling State University on Saturday (December 14) to embrace change and pursue their dreams with courage and determination as he delivered the keynote address during the fall 2024 commencement ceremony.

Master P stood before 365 graduates at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, emphasizing education as a powerful tool for transformation.

“Education is so important, and I love that we can change, we can grow,” Master P said. “Today is about change. Today is about being all you can be. I’ve been through everything you could think of. I’ve seen it. I’ve been there. And when I look into your eyes, I realize why we’re about to be on time.”

Celebrating the graduates’ dedication, Master P drew a stark contrast between their accomplishments and life’s alternative paths.

“A lot of people have given four or five years to incarceration; y’all gave it to education,” he said. “A lot of people ask why people celebrate when they get out of being incarcerated. We’re going to celebrate the ones that graduate college. This is what I love to see.”

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As a Hip-Hop icon whose career evolved into a multifaceted business empire, Master P used reflective wisdom to connect with the graduates, acknowledging the hardships they overcame to reach this milestone while commending their tenacity.

“There have been trials and tribulations, ups and downs, early mornings and late nights studying to take a test or complete an assignment, and it all led up to this moment. So y’all give yourselves a round of applause. I want y’all to know today is a blessing, and now it’s time to go out and show the world that all of your hard work was worth it.”

Master P encouraged the graduates to lead with purpose and integrity as they chart their futures. Invoking Proverbs 4:6-7, he reminded them to treasure wisdom as a protective and guiding force.

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you,” Master P read, adding, “Wisdom is supreme. When you look into the mirror, just know you are your only competition. Whatever you can dream of, you can make it come true—just have a plan and a purpose. Do what you love, operate with integrity, and hold yourself accountable. Never abandon your dream, and always be brave.”

Master P closed his remarks with, “The future is yours. It’s in your hands. Now go show the world what Grambling State greatness looks like.”

Article source: https://allhiphop.com/news/master-p-addresses-grambling-state-graduates-with-powerful-keynote-speech/

Outlawz rapper Young Noble recently sat down with the Art of Dialogue for his first interview in more than seven years. Naturally, his Outlawz brethren/Hip-Hop icon 2Pac was a heavy topic of discussion.

At one point during the conversation, Young Noble looked back on the 1997 shooting of The Notorious B.I.G., which took place mere months after 2Pac was gunned down in Las Vegas.

“It was crazy,” he said. “Biggie dying affected us, too […] I was almost questioning like, ‘Damn man, maybe I should have stayed in school and figured something else out.’ Like, ‘I don’t know if I made the right decision getting in the car with [Hussein] Fatal and Yaki [Kadafi] that day. This doesn’t feel good.’

“I left the hood to come to California. I was tired of death and all this b#######. Two of my friends just died back to back. It was horrible. Horrible for Hip-Hop.”

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Young Noble then questioned if anyone learned anything from the deaths of 2Pac and Biggie considering the shocking number of murders in the rap community still happening.

“That’s why I haven’t done an interview in seven years,” he admitted. “2Pac said it best, I’m gonna save my f#####’ breath, spend time with my family, go on vacation.” He concluded, “It was horrible when Biggie died just all around the board.”

From there, Young Noble started reflecting on seeing 2Pac at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where he ultimately died, and the numerous conspiracy theories that suggest he’s still alive.

“No, he really died,” he said. “He was really in the hospital. I saw him with tubes in his body. I saw his body full of fluid. He was real big. He wasn’t skinny with the six-pack. Body was full. He really f###### died on us.”

Despite 2Pac’s grim condition, Young Noble believes he could’ve survived, but his mother Afeni Shakur decided to take a more compassionate route for her son.

“He probably could have lived,” he added. “His mama said, ‘Nah.’ F### all that.’ I think he lost his finger. I think he was gonna lose a lung, trying to do all these surgeries. You know how strong your mama gotta be to say, ‘Damn, he probably could make it. I don’t want my son to endure no more pain in this world. Y’all tear him down.’

“That s### is devastating. She let her son go. ‘Pac ain’t die. Afeni said, ‘Let my son fly.’ That’s it. Bruh, can you imagine that? A guy as amazing as him. The world in his f###### palms. His mama like, ‘F### that. Let him go. Let him fly. Y’all don’t even f#####’ deserve him. He been gone since I was 18. I’m 46. All muthafuckas want to do is get on camera and dissect his f###### life. N#### was amazing.”

He ended with, “That n#### was everything. Died at 25” before walking off the set with tears in his eyes.

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The Outlawz (also known as Outlaw Immortalz) were founded by 2Pac in 1995 and became widely known for their collaborations with him, especially on his later works. ‘Pac wanted the group to embody rebellion and resistance.
Members were chosen from his close friends and associates, many of whom he knew from his youth or through the music scene.

The group contributed significantly to 2Pac’s albums, including All Eyez on Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. Their most famous feature was on the song “Hit ‘Em Up,” a vicious diss track targeting Biggie Smalls and Bad Boy Records. After 2Pac’s death, the group continued to release music but never achieved the same level of success as they had under their mentor’s guidance.

Article source: https://allhiphop.com/news/outlawzs-young-noble-insists-2pac-couldve-survived-shooting-afeni-let-her-son-go/

Drake fans are out here doing the absolute most! Over the weekend, a bunch of superfans decided to throw a Drake look-alike party. No, this wasn’t for Hanukkah or any special occasion—this was just a random day where all the various Drizzy doppelgängers gathered in one spot to party the night away.

I have to admit, this is taking fandom to uncharted heights. Over the years, we’ve seen megastars like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna inspire this kind of devotion. But now? Drake is officially stepping into that rarefied air! Please do not kill me for saying it. I have to give credit where it’s due.

Even more impressive? Drake actually love the party! He rewarded the winner of the look-alike contest with $10,000. That’s right, folks—ten stacks! Membership in the Drake fan club clearly has its privileges.

From a cultural standpoint, what do y’all think of this? Honestly, I can’t see this happening for any other rapper. Certainly not JAY-Z or Kendrick Lamar. Maybe MF DOOM could inspire this level of weird fandom, but even that’s a stretch. Either way, Drake throwing money at his fans is cool. I would consider dressing like him for 10k! I’m sure whoever won needed it, just like me.

One thing that had me dying laughing, though, was the dude who came dressed as Adonis. That cracked me up! It was diabolical in the best way, and it honestly made me wonder if a Kendrick Lamar or Pusha T fan snuck into the party trolling. There’s no way that didn’t get noticed, but apparently, it was all love. For a second, when I saw the costume, I thought it was Ice Spice, not Drake’s son! Ha!

Anyway, what do y’all think? We are about to replace Stans with Drakes.

Article source: https://allhiphop.com/rumors/you-wont-believe-what-drake-and-his-fans-did/

Jamie Foxx tackled online conspiracy theories and shed light on his near-death experience in his new Netflix comedy special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was….

The actor, known for his roles in Django Unchained and Ray, addressed baseless rumors claiming Sean “Diddy” Combs was behind his medical emergency earlier this year, which he confirmed was a brain bleed and stroke.

“The internet said Puffy tried to kill me. That’s what the internet was saying,” Jamie Foxx remarked during his routine, referencing Combs by his well-known nickname.

He humorously added, “I know what you’re thinking, ‘Did he?’ Hell no, I left them parties early. I was out by 9. Something don’t look right. It’s slippery in here!”

Foxx’s jab alluded to Combs’ lavish—and now infamous—parties, which have come under scrutiny following his arrest in September.

Combs is currently awaiting trial on multiple felony charges, including sex trafficking, after police raided his home earlier this year and reportedly confiscated items ranging from AR-15 rifles to drugs and “more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.”

More than 120 individuals, including 25 minors, have reportedly come forward accusing Combs of sexual assault and other offenses. The rapper and entrepreneur, who has denied all allegations, faces a federal trial beginning May 5.

If convicted, he could serve a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. This isn’t the first time Foxx has openly commented on Combs’ behavior.

In a 2018 interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Foxx described Combs as having a “dangerous” edge.

“Puff was always sort of dangerous,” he said at the time, recounting an incident where Combs showed up to one of Foxx’s parties flanked by FBI agents.

Article source: https://allhiphop.com/news/jamie-foxx-says-he-always-left-diddy-parties-early/

Legends of Hip-Hop will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film Beat Street in grand style with a celebration at the Bethesda Theater.

On Saturday (December 28), The National Hip-Hop Museum (NHHM) will host the Hip-Hop Holiday Honors event from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the historic Maryland theater.

“This is the culmination of five years of intense work to preserve and establish Hip-Hop as America’s most important cultural export,” NHHM Founder Jeremy Beaver said. “I can’t think of a better place to hold our largest induction ceremony to date.”

Bethesda Theater owner Earl Ciccel. added, “This collaboration is a celebration of Hip-Hop’s rich legacy, and we’re honored to spotlight the artists and culture that have inspired generations. We look forward to an unforgettable evening of music, recognition, and community.”

The evening will pay tribute to some of Hip-Hop’s most influential figures, inducting Kool Moe Dee, John  “RAMO” Chartier, Robert “Lee” Taylor, Mr. Wave and The Treacherous Three. All of them were featured in Beat Street. Other celebrities will be present as well, including Marley Marl, Lords of the Underground, Soul Sonic Force, DJ Jazzy Jay and The Fearless Four, all of which will be inducted into the NHHM Hall of Fame.

Guests will get the chance to watch a screening of Beat Street and watch Kool Moe Dee reenact the film’s legendary Christmas rap scene.

Honorees will receive custom trophies, Hall of Fame jackets, commemorative medallions and more. Master Gee, the event’s master of ceremonies, will host a live podcast.

The event will conclude with a concert featuring the Soul Sonic Force, The Fearless Four, Lords of the Underground, Kool Moe Dee and The Treacherous Three.

Tickets and information are available now at nationalhiphopmuseum.org.

Article source: https://allhiphop.com/news/national-hip-hop-museum-honors-beat-street-anniversary-with-induction-concert-event/