Charlie Walk Exits Republic Records Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

A statement from Republic Records has revealed Charlie Walk and the longtime label “have mutually agreed to part ways,” according to Variety.

The announcement, which was made on Wednesday (March 28), comes after the now-former label president was accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by a number of former employees at both Republic (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group) and Sony Music, where he previously worked for nearly two decades.

Life Lab founder Tristan Coopersmith — the first woman to accuse Walk of sexual harassment back in January — said his exit from Republic Records is a welcomed move.

“I applaud all the women who shared their truth and I am gratified that Universal created a safe process for them to do so,” she said in a statement to Variety. “This behavior in the workplace will only stop when we band together, unafraid. TimesUp.”

About last night. @postmalone @thisiswatt @haileesteinfeld @amas @republicrecords #amas #republicrecords #artists

A post shared by Charlie Walk (@charliewalk) on Nov 20, 2017 at 11:31pm PST

Republic Records placed Walk on leave shortly after the allegations first came to light.

At the time, Walk released a statement denying all accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct made against him.

“It is very upsetting to learn of this untrue allegation made by someone who worked with me 15 years ago, without incident,” he said. “There has never been a single HR claim against me at any time during my 25+ year career, spanning three major companies.”

He continued, “I have consistently been a supporter of the women’s movement and this is the first time I have ever heard of this or any other allegation — and it is false.”

Walk was also one of the original four judges on FOX’s talent show The Four but was removed after only a handful of episodes.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46364/title.charlie-walk-exits-republic-records-following-sexual-harassment-allegations

Apple Denies Report It’s Shutting Down iTunes Music Downloads In 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The internet got hit with a whiff of fake news Thursday (March 29) after reports circulated that Apple was preparing to cease digital downloads for its famed iTunes music application come 2019.

HipHopDX reached out to Apple PR who told us “it’s simply not true.”

The rumors stem from a recent interview Apple executive Jimmy Iovine did with BBC where he predicted it would be “inevitable” for iTunes to phase out the downloading feature due to streaming’s immense popularity, but didn’t explicitly say it was actually happening.

Apple has been denying similar rumors since almost two years ago.

Embed from Getty Images

“If I’m honest, it’s when people stop buying. It’s very simple,” Iovine was quoted saying about a possible timeline.

The erroneous reports of iTunes stopping downloads come on the heels of a factual report courtesy of the Record Industry Association of America that highlights how vinyl records and CDs outsold digital downloads for the first time since 2011.

According to the RIAA, digital downloads fell to 1.3 billion in 2017, down 25 percent from the previous year.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46365/title.apple-denies-report-its-shutting-down-itunes-music-downloads-in-2019

DJ Scratch Says Diddy Didn’t Know About Craig Mack’s Memorial Service

Hempstead, NY – DJ Scratch has provided more information about the services for the late Craig Mack, noting that Diddy was actually unaware of the recent memorial. The veteran DJ raised some eyebrows when he noted he was the “only famous person” to attend.

According to Scratch, the service was put together by a childhood friend of Mack because his friends and colleagues weren’t allowed to attend the actual funeral. In fact, Diddy offered to pay for the funeral but was turned down by Mack’s fellow church members.

“When I left Craig’s memorial service I called @Diddy to thank him for giving Craig the platform for the world to know Craig Mack’s music,” Scratch wrote. “I told him I just left the service, he said “They buried Craig already, what service are you talking about?!?”. He didn’t know about the memorial service. @diddy offered to pay for Craig Mack’s funeral, but the religious community Craig was in declined. None of his Friends or colleagues were allowed to attend his funeral. Diddy respected their wishes. Craig was immediately buried on the property where he lived. Yesterday’s service was a memorial for Craig’s friends in NY for fans to attend thrown by Craig’s childhood friend Alvin Toney.”

When I left Craig’s memorial service I called @Diddy to thank him for giving Craig the platform for the world to know Craig Mack’s music. I told him I just left the service, he said “They buried Craig already, what service are you talking about?!?”. He didn’t know about the memorial service. @diddy offered to pay for Craig Mack’s funeral, but the religious community Craig was in declined. None of his Friends or colleagues were allowed to attend his funeral. Diddy respected their wishes. Craig was immediately buried on the property where he lived. Yesterday’s service was a memorial for Craig’s friends in NY for fans to attend thrown by Craig’s childhood friend Alvin Toney. When I speak of Craig Mack, I speak of him BEFORE Bad Boy. When I spoke at his service yesterday I mentioned that when I met Craig he’s was being bullied by his friends. So I kept him close to me because I didn’t like the way EPMD’s entourage treated him. Craig was the first Hit Squad member, he was on tour with EPMD, he was around while 4 Albums were recorded. Strictly Business, Unfinished Business, Business As Usual Business Never Personal were all recorded while Craig was there but Craig never got one verse. When I found out he was sleeping in cars while we were away on tour I suggested he come on tour with us be my assistant. Because the people he grew up with weren’t helping him. I didn’t understand that. Then EPMD broke up everybody careers were in jeopardy BUT they all had record deals. Craig didn’t have a deal so he was assed out. After the breakup Alvin Toney took Craig to Puff shit took off. I was happy for Craig because he finally made it!!! Then Puff hired me to do scratches on Bad Boy Albums, like 112’s “Dance For Me” read the credits. Diddy knew my group broke up he made me his DJ, provided opportunity for me when no one would as well as Craig. If you look at my post the day Craig passed I praised @Diddy for signing Craig because I saw what he went through. I said no famous people showed up to Craig’s memorial service was weird because I saw so much love online, but I didn’t see a line outside. If @Diddy didn’t say yes, there be no Flava in our ears. Salute Diddy!!!

A post shared by Turntable Whisperer (@djscratch) on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:51pm PDT

Much of the post details Scratch’s history with Mack, but it’s mainly a clarification of his previous remarks. His original comments prompted some criticism of Diddy.

“If you look at my post the day Craig passed I praised @Diddy for signing Craig because I saw what he went through,” he continued. “I said no famous people showed up to Craig’s memorial service was weird because I saw so much love online, but I didn’t see a line outside. If @Diddy didn’t say yes, there be no Flava in our ears. Salute Diddy!!!”

(The original version of this article was published on March 29, 2018 at 8:50 a.m. PST and can be found below.)

DJ Scratch hit Instagram late last night to reveal that he was “the only famous person to show up” at Craig Mack’s memorial service at the Faith Baptist Church in Hempstead, New York on Wednesday (March 28).

Scratch — who was one of the first to post about Mack’s passing earlier this month — shared an image of the late rapper’s order of service along with a startling caption.

“I’ve never been to a service for someone famous I was the only famous person to show up. Very weird day today, but what puts a smile on my face is that Lil Bro was at peace way before he passed away. That’s what matters most to me,” he wrote.

I’ve never been to a service for someone famous I was the only famous person to show up. Very weird day today, but what puts a smile on my face is that Lil Bro was at peace way before he passed away. That’s what matters most to me. ?? Craig Mack.

A post shared by Turntable Whisperer (@djscratch) on Mar 28, 2018 at 3:59pm PDT

He later shouted out memorial organizer Alvin Toney.

I want to Salute my Bro Alvin Toney. Alvin is the Man that put together Craig Mack’s NY Memorial service. I’ll give you a little history on Alvin Toney. Alvin was EPMD’s friend bodyguard from Wyndanch Long Island. Alvin was knocking n#ggas out for EP, I seent it lol. He was there from the beginning of EPMD’s career until the group broke up in 1992. A few years after the breakup, Alvin took Craig Mack to Puff got him a deal on Bad Boy, the rest was history. Alvin was putting together a documentary for Craig right before he passed. He recorded 2 hours of footage with Craig talking about his life. Craig knew he wasn’t going to be here too long so he wanted to tell his story. ?? Craig

A post shared by Turntable Whisperer (@djscratch) on Mar 29, 2018 at 2:11am PDT

R.A. the Rugged Man and well-known Hip Hop journalist Shaheem Reid both posted clips from the service to social media. Reid also reported that the memorial was attended by Mack’s friends and industry associates International Special, former Bad Boy executive June Balloon, and DJ Curt Flirt.

Memorial service for #CraigMack today in Hemstead Long Island.

A post shared by shaheemreid (@shaheemreid) on Mar 28, 2018 at 11:54am PDT

Mack passed away on March 12 at the age of 47. It was later reported that the “Flava In Ya Ear” rapper died from heart failure at a hospital near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Many Hip Hop stars, including Bad Boy Records founder Sean “Diddy” Combs, turned to social media to pay tributes and share their memories of Mack following his passing.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46361/title.dj-scratch-says-he-was-only-famous-person-at-craig-macks-memorial

Judge Listened To DMX’s "Slippin’" Before Sentencing Him To One Year In Prison

Manhattan, NY – A humble DMX was sentenced to one year in prison for tax evasion on Wednesday (March 28). According to TMZ, X told the judge he knew he was “too old” to be behaving the way he is and admitted he “hasn’t been acting right.”

During the hearing, which was held in a New York City courtroom, X’s attorney Murray Richman played the New York native’s video for “Slippin” to demonstrate his difficult path.

“I’ve been through mad different phases like mazes, to find my way,” he raps in the song. “And now I know that happy days are not far away/ If I’m strong enough I’ll live long enough to see my kids/ Doing something more constructive with their time than bids/ I know because I been there.”

But, as The Hollywood Reporter states, the judge called X’s fraud a “brazen and blatant” crime and he would be forced to face the consequences. In addition to the 12-month sentence, the judge ordered three years of supervised release.

It could have turned out much worse for X. He was originally facing 14 counts of felony tax evasion and up to 40 years in prison before he copped a plea deal last November. He agreed to plead guilty to one count in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Earlier this month, prosecutors were pushing for the maximum five-year sentence, claiming he’s been “on a one-man crime spree for the past 30 years.”

Substance abuse issues has plagued the 47-year-old Hip Hop vet for much of his career. As part of his bail conditions, he was required to go to drug rehab but got arrested again in January after failing a drug test.

(The latest update on this article was published on March 23, 2018 and can be found below.)

DMX could reportedly get five years in prison if federal prosecutors on his tax evasion case get their way. According to TMZ, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office wants the judge to “send a message” that “star power doesn’t entitle someone to a free pass.”

Prosecutors also reportedly said he’s been “on a one-man crime spree for the past 30 years.”

The veteran New York MC was facing up to 40 years in prison but he struck a deal by entering a guilty plea to just one count of tax evasion. He was originally charged with 14 counts.

The 47-year-old, who has wrestled with substance abuse issues for years, went to drug rehab as a part of his bail conditions but was arrested in January after failing a drug test.

X faces sentencing next week.

(The original version of this article was published on January 30, 2018 and can be found below.)

DMX was taken into custody at a Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday morning (January 30) for violating his probation, according to TMZ.

The East Coast rap vet, who has consistently struggled with substance abuse over the years, was arrested for failing a drug test. He reportedly tested positive for opiates, cocaine and oxycodone, and the judge deemed him a flight risk.

The “X’ Gon Give It To Ya” mastermind was out on bail for his tax evasion case and ordered to complete drug rehab as part of his bail conditions. After short stint at a New England facility, he was back out and had gained 40 lbs.

Footage of X in an airport bar that circulated last week raised a few eyebrows. In the clip, X is seen drinking and buying shots for people as he preached the word of God. 

X was arrested on 14 felony counts of tax evasion last July and posted $500,000 bail before pleading guilty last November. X’s attorney Murray Richman expressed his disappointment on this most recent arrest.

“I’m saddened and disappointed,” Richman told TMZ. “We’ll have to deal with it accordingly.”

Richman added he’d like to get X back into a rehab program before he’s sentenced in March. If convicted, he faces up to 44 years in prison.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45824/title.dmx-heading-back-to-jail-after-failing-drug-test

Curren$y Releases "Parking Lot Music"

Curren$y put his foot back on the gas for some new music. After slowing down from the monthly release schedule he maintained during 2016 and the beginning of 2017, Spitta resumes the pace with a new project titled Parking Lot Music.

The nine-track effort arrives a month after Curren$y’s The Spring Collection mixtape, which featured Joey Bada$$ and Roddy. His latest work is produced entirely by 808 Mafia’s Purps, who previously teamed up with the Jet Life founder for 2016’s Bourbon Street Secrets. E-40, Ty Dolla $ign and Casey Veggies make guest appearances on the new tape.

Check out the stream, cover art and tracklist for Parking Lot Music below.

Curren$y Drops Parking Lot MusicCurren$y Drops Parking Lot Music

1. Only Concern
2. Slide f. E-40 Ty Dolla $ign
3. Chances
4. Drive
5. Worth Living
6. Right Here f. Casey Veggies
7. Drone Footage
8. Had to Make a Way
9. Fill Another Safe

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46355/title.currensy-releases-parking-lot-music