Jun 19

JAY-Z Becomes Puma’s President Of Basketball Operations As Top NBA Draft Prospects Sign On

New York, NY – JAY-Z’s business poker face is a mean one.

Just mere days after springing his Beyonce-duet album EVERYTHING IS LOVE onto the world without prior warning, the Roc Nation mogul is now the Puma’s President Of Basketball Operations, Complex has learned.

And the brand has already beefed up their roster by signing on top NBA prospects Duke’s Marvin Bagley III, Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith and Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton, the latter who is pretty much a shoe-in to be picked second in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.

“We’ve been working with Roc Nation for quite some time. They’ve been great partners to us for several years. We’ve done many different deals with many different ambassadors,” Adam Petrick, Puma’s global director of brand and marketing, relayed to Complex. When Puma approached him about this opportunity, JAY-Z felt it “was something he wanted to be a part of,” according to Petrick.

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Jigga — who was a minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets up unto 2013 — will reportedly handle selecting more top talent in Puma’s basketball division, artistic vision and brand direction.

“What’s important to him on a day like today is that it’s clear we’re making a serious push with players like Bagley and Ayton and Smith,” Petrick continued. “We’re making a serious statement about the entry of the category, that we want to be a performance brand, but then also very culturally focused. It’s clear that we’re looking at basketball through the lens of culture, and thinking about the fashion of basketball, the music of basketball, all the aspects of culture around basketball as much as the on court presence that we will have.”

Check out the latest hardware from Puma down below, which includes the re-release of Walt Clyde Frazier sneakers.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47325/title.jay-z-becomes-pumas-president-of-basketball-operations-as-top-nba-draft-prospects-sign-on

Jun 19

Amber Rose & KandyPens Team Up For New Vaporizer Line

SPONSORED – Amber Rose has announced her new line with KandyPens, the appropriately titled Amber Rose Collection.

“I want it to feel like a celebration when they inhale,” Rose said about the massive endorsement deal in a press release. “I want the pen to not only represent my fans, but to be inclusive, so that anyone coming across my pen will resonate with it.”

Rose, a former cigarette smoker and current anti-smoking advocate, decided to partner with KandyPens because she says the vaporizers are “a much cleaner alternative and they are the best in the business.”

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Each Amber Rose Collection pen is handmade and features four temperature modes. They are available in two gold-flecked colorways — champagne/gold and champagne/white.

Get the Amber Rose x @kandypens Collection NOW!!! ???? #kandypens #amberrosecollection link in my bio

A post shared by Amber Rose (@amberrose) on Jun 15, 2018 at 8:22am PDT

The rollout of the Amber Rose Collection includes two giant billboards in Los Angeles, which Rose posted to her Instagram account on Thursday (June 14).

@kandypens x Amber Rose Dropping Soon! ?

A post shared by Amber Rose (@amberrose) on Jun 14, 2018 at 3:05pm PDT

Rose joins the ever-evolving roster of high-profile artists who co-sign KandyPens, including DJ Khaled, 21 Savage, Fat Joe, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, French Montana, Nas, Kanye West, Young Thug, Tyga, Jadakiss, K-Camp, Kid Ink, and Fetty Wap.

Last September, the popular vape company released a limited edition line with A$AP Rocky, the Flacko Jodye Collection, which only deepened their connection to Hip Hop culture.

KandyPens was named one of the best vape pens of 2017 by High Times, who called the PRISM+ “the best coilless wax vaporizer in its price range.”

The Amber Rose collection is available for purchase on the KandyPens website and each pen is priced at $148.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47317/title.amber-rose-kandypens-team-up-for-new-vaporizer-line

Jun 19

GoFundMe For DJ Spinna Passes Goal Following Emergency Surgery

A GoFundMe campaign set-up by Choimatic, a New York-based DJ, for his close friend Vincent Williams — aka the world-renowned DJ Spinna — has exceeded its goal of $60,000 after just two days. “We are extremely grateful for everyone rallying around for DJ Spinna’s road to recovery,” Choimatic wrote to fans via an update on the campaign.

June 11, Spinna was unexpectedly hospitalized after needing emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. News of the campaign spread with help from the likes of DJ Premier, Alchemist, and DJ J. Period, who were quick to share it via social media.

“What this man has done for music and DJ Culture is priceless,” Just Blaze wrote on Twitter. “Every bit helps.”

Legendary DJ Stretch Armstrong also tweeted his support. “Whenever self-employed creatives get temporarily knocked out of commission, those bills start to stack … please help.”

“I am very familiar with this surgery and the recovery process, as I went through it as a teenager,” Choimatic explained on the campaign page. “The recovery process for this procedure is long and difficult … as a result of this surgical procedure DJ Spinna will be unable to fulfill prior bookings as well future DJ gigs.”

“This will prevent him from earning any income during this extended recovery stage,” Choimatic wrote. “It will be tough for him to support his family as well as cover towering medical expenses he’s incurred from this unforeseen circumstance.”

The campaign is still active for anyone that wants to help DJ Spinna and his family. The funds will be withdrawn by Spinna’s wife and used to cover lost wages and to pay for medical expenses.

A post shared by DJ Spinna (@djspinna) on Jun 13, 2018 at 5:06pm PDT

DX wishes Spinna a rapid recovery.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47326/title.gofundme-for-dj-spinna-passes-goal-following-emergency-surgery

Jun 19

XXXTENTACION Pronounced Dead Following Florida Shooting

Florida – XXXTENTACION has reportedly passed away after being shot in Florida on Monday (June 18), according to a tweet from the Broward County Sheriff Department.

“The adult male victim has been confirmed as 20 year old Jahseh Onfroy aka rapper #XXXTentacion,” the tweet read.

Born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, X had been battling several legal issues stemming from a 2016 domestic violence case but had found success with his rap career.

His latest album, ?, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in March 2018.

X was only 20 years old.

Shortly before he was shot, X shared an eerie message with his Instagram followers.

“Worst thing comes to worst, I fucking die a tragic death or some shit, and I’m not able to see out my dreams, I least want to know that the kids perceived my message.”

[This article has been updated. The original version was published on June 18, 2018 at 1:40 p.m. PDT.]

XXXTENTACION was reportedly shot in Florida. According to TMZ, eyewitnesses said he was unresponsive and appeared to have no pulse.

The controversial rapper was reportedly shopping for motorcycles when he was fired on while in his car. TMZ has reported it was a possible drive-by and that the suspected shooter fled in a black Dodge Journey. Shortly after the alleged incident, video started to surface online of X unconscious in the front seat of his car.

(WARNING: The following clip is graphic.)

TMZ reports the Broward Co. Fire Dept. took X to a local hospital where he’s a Level 1 trauma patient. Dispatchers reportedly described him as “comatose.”

The Broward County, Florida native’s latest post on his Instagram Story indicated he was planning a charity event in Florida.

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X is embroiled in numerous legal battles stemming from a 2016 domestic violence case. The 20-year-old rap star was on house arrest but a judge recently allowed him to travel for work.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office told HipHopDX, “We are currently working on that and will release an update soon.”

Several notable artists, including Juicy J, Tekashi 6ix9ine, Denzel Curry, OG Maco and Blink-182’s Travis Barker, have started sending their prayers on social media.

This can’t be true.. was just on the phone ??‍♂️

A post shared by TATI OUT NOW LINK IN BIO (@6ix9ine_) on Jun 18, 2018 at 1:44pm PDT

This is a developing story.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47319/title.xxxtentacion-pronounced-dead-in-florida

Jun 19

Kanye West, J. Cole & More Mourn XXXTENTACION’s Death

Hip Hop is reeling from another tragic death.

XXXTENTACION was killed in a shooting on Monday afternoon (June 18) in Broward County, Florida. He was found in his vehicle with no pulse following the shooting and rushed to a hospital. Soon after, the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced his death.

The controversial figure was beloved by some and despised by others, developing a devoted fanbase and scoring major commercial success despite his legal woes. He was one of the central figures in the emergent “SoundCloud Rap” scene and garnered praise from major figures, such as Kendrick Lamar.

But amid his rise to fame, he was heavily scrutinized due to an unresolved domestic abuse case in which he was accused of beating his pregnant girlfriend.

Reactions to X’s death have been pouring in since it was announced.

HipHopDX has collected some of the notable reactions from the Hip Hop community below.

I Love You , I’m Sorry For Everything , Forever Jahseh Fucking Forever

A post shared by Stokeley (@theslumpgod) on Jun 18, 2018 at 3:04pm PDT

Daaaamn Lil bro. Da homie @ghazi was telling me such great things about you My son @the_next_king10 loved your sh*t…he actually turned me on to you and made me listen to it. I hate to hear this happened to this young man. I felt that he was evolving out of his former self and into a new light. All my prayers for his soul and my sincere condolences to his family. RIP youngsta… may peace and blessings follow you off to the next phase of existence king ?!!!! We’ll continue to rock ya sh*t like you never left. ?? #RIPXXX

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jun 18, 2018 at 5:13pm PDT

I take life for granted.. forgive me if I offended anyone…

A post shared by TATI OUT NOW LINK IN BIO (@6ix9ine_) on Jun 18, 2018 at 4:03pm PDT

This a shame! We going to every level to stay alive … we at war with the streets and the system …. I be feeling bad for the young rappers! ??

A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Jun 18, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT

The shooter got his LV bag with maybe a few dollars in it and left a family mourning over their 20 yr old son smh. We have to worry about cops killing us plus our own people, this was a senseless death and whoever did it will have to answer to God. RIP lil man you did nothing wrong but made a name for yourself thru your music and made some money so some lazy untalented jealous modafucka decided to end your life because he ain’t have one. May God be with you.

A post shared by Michael Blackson (@michaelblackson) on Jun 18, 2018 at 3:36pm PDT

?RIP @xxxtentacion My brother you live forever in my HEART! ? #LEGENDSNEVERDIE

A post shared by Rio Santana (@riosantanaofficial) on Jun 18, 2018 at 3:59pm PDT

Wow… you were such a positive individual. You loved to laugh.. and your one of the most talented musicians i know. everybody makes mistakes in life. nobody deserves an early death. You will live forever through your music. May you Rest In Peace X.

A post shared by Resurrection (@lilyachty) on Jun 18, 2018 at 2:58pm PDT

Shot and killed a man and took a bag in his own city, were not safe anywhere world… wether it was a robbery or not I just don’t understand the thought process behind some of these scumbag humans out here taking ppl’s lives. I’m really at a loss for words. Can’t keep it real for the streets cuz the streets don’t love nobody!!! Fu%^ a street code and all that there’s no respect in it. The same anger y’all have in police shooting should be voiced in black on black crime! They’re gonna find who did this too! I know there were cameras around! My condolences to this kids family. We can hope and pray for change but will it ever really happen?! Smh .. So sad

A post shared by Safaree ?? StuntMan (@iamsafaree) on Jun 18, 2018 at 3:25pm PDT

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47322/title.kanye-west-j-cole-more-mourn-xxxtentacions-death