Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years.

Einar, 19, whose real name was Nils Gronberg, was killed in the upmarket Stockholm suburb of Hammarby Sjostad, and no arrests had been made so far. In a previous incident last year, Einar was abducted and assaulted by rival rappers.

"A young life has been extinguished, and I understand that he meant a lot to many young people. It is tragic," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told TT.

Gronberg, who made his debut at 16, issued four albums, had tens of millions of streams on music platforms and won several Swedish Grammys and other awards.

Last year, he was kidnapped and beaten up by rival rappers with ties to a Stockholm crime gang. Several people, including Yasin Byn, another of Sweden's most successful rappers, were given prison terms for their role in the kidnapping.

Johan Forsell, law and order spokesperson for the main Moderates opposition party, said it was time to put an end to gang violence in Sweden.

"The limits of what can be accepted in a civilized country have been passed a very long time ago," he wrote on Twitter. "We need action not words to turn the tide and get Sweden in order."

Sweden has suffered gang-violence for years and gone from having one of the lowest rates of gun crime in Europe to having one of the highest over the past two decades.

Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years.

Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years. Einar, 19, whose real name was Nils Gronberg, was killed in the upmarket Stockholm suburb of Hammarby Sjostad, and no arrests had been made so far. In a previous incident last year, Einar was abducted and assaulted by rival rappers. "A young life has been extinguished, and I understand that he meant a lot to many young people. It is tragic," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told TT. Gronberg, who made his debut at 16, issued four albums, had tens of millions of streams on music platforms and won several Swedish Grammys and other awards. Last year, he was kidnapped and beaten up by rival rappers with ties to a Stockholm crime gang. Several people, including Yasin Byn, another of Sweden's most successful rappers, were given prison terms for their role in the kidnapping. Johan Forsell, law and order spokesperson for the main Moderates opposition party, said it was time to put an end to gang violence in Sweden. "The limits of what can be accepted in a civilized country have been passed a very long time ago," he wrote on Twitter. "We need action not words to turn the tide and get Sweden in order." Sweden has suffered gang-violence for years and gone from having one of the lowest rates of gun crime in Europe to having one of the highest over the past two decades.

Swedish rapper shot dead, stoking outrage over gang violence

The vast fields of Warsaw’s Bemowo airport have hosted concerts by some of the world’s biggest stars. Michael Jackson played there. So did Madonna. Metallica, too.

 
But Oct. 2, more than 30,000 people — many young teenagers, with their parents acting as chaperones — crowded together next to the runway waiting for a new star to get onstage: Michal Matczak, a 21-year-old rapper with bleached-blond hair and a constant grin, better known as Mata.

 
“He’s like the representative of our generation,” said Joseph Altass, 20, a student who traveled from Gdynia, more than 200 miles north of Warsaw, for the concert.

 
Zuzia Waskiewicz, 19, sharing a bottle of flavored vodka with a friend, agreed: “He’s the first person talking about real things about us.”

 
When Mata appeared at 8 p.m., it was clear he was speaking to the younger generation in the audience: One of the night’s first tracks, “Blok,” was about moving out from his parents’ home and annoying his new neighbors by partying. Then Mata played an ode to marijuana, followed by a tune about drinking on the concrete steps that line the Vistula River in Warsaw. The crowd rapped along to every word.

 
Mata’s impact in Poland has been inescapable. Earlier this year, one of his tracks, “Kiss Cam,” was streamed so frequently, it appeared on one of Billboard’s global charts — a first for a Polish act. When last Friday he released “Mlody Matczak” (“Young Matczak”), his second album focused on his early adulthood, it instantly topped the country’s Spotify chart. Several of his songs have over 50 million views on YouTube.

 
But one specific track marked Mata’s explosive entrance into Polish cultural life two years ago: “Patointeligencja” (an amalgam of the Polish words for pathology, and intelligentsia). Over spare production, Mata paints a picture of life as a student at Batory, an elite high school in Warsaw where many students are expected to push for admission to the world’s best universities. In his telling, few of the students are quietly studying for their final exams. Instead, they’re using drugs, alcohol and sex to deal with the pressure. “My friend wanted to spend his father’s whole salary on drugs,” Mata raps, “but his old man was making so much he would have killed himself trying.”

 
“Patointeligencja” was a sensation almost as soon as it appeared on YouTube in December 2019. Cyryl Rozwadowski, an editor at Newonce, a popular Polish-language culture website, said “it was such a groundbreaking event, I hardly think of it as a song anymore.”

 
Newspapers and TV shows started using the track to debate both the pressures on Polish youth and issues of privilege, like whether an apparently rich kid like Mata should be rapping at all. Their takes often reflected political divides in the country. Poland has for years been in a culture war, with liberals on one side and the ruling populist Law and Justice Party and its conservative supporters on the other, facing off over issues like gay rights, abortion and even the rule of law.

 
Some conservative sections of the media, including the country’s main government-run TV station, presented Mata’s track as showing the dysfunctions of the liberal elite. They regularly pointed out that Mata’s father is Marcin Matczak, a lawyer and academic known for his fierce opposition to the ruling party’s policies.

 
On his new album, Mata has a tribute to him called “Papuga,” or “Parrot,” slang for lawyer in Poland. His father has welcomed the association, this year releasing a book called “How to Raise a Rapper.”

 
A few hours before the airport concert, Mata said in an interview at his record label’s plush office that he liked causing scandal. “I’m a bit addicted to adrenaline,” he said, adding that as an only child he craved attention. Sometimes, he feels “like an internet troll more than a rapper,” he said.

 
But he insisted he hadn’t written “Patointeligencja” when he was 18 to cause a stir. He typed it on his phone during his final year at Batory when he’d “just had a big breakdown.” A three-year relationship had ended, he said, and he was overwhelmed with stress about exams and his teachers saying he was heading for failure.

 
One day, he skipped class and went to a Caffe Nero, where he poured alcohol into a coffee while searching for a beat on YouTube. When he found the music for “Patointeligencja,” the lyrics angrily spilled out of him. “It was just stream of consciousness, all these bad emotions coming out of me,” he said. “Even now, I’m excited when I think about that moment. I felt alive.”

 
When his father picked him up later, Mata rapped the tune to him. He said the song was like “the cure” for his breakdown. Soon he was writing his debut album, “100 Dni Do Matury” (“100 Days to Finals”), which reviewers later called a farewell to his childhood. He managed to graduate.

 
“Mlody Matczak” — released last Friday — is mainly about his new life as an adult, he said, but it also includes a track cursing Polish political figures who’d criticized him and his father. There’s a song about his grandfathers, who both died this year, one of complications from COVID-19. At one of their funerals, Mata got up to sing, and the piano player asked for his autograph, he said.

 
Critics in Poland are talking about his new album as being far more than scandal mongering. Bart Strowski, the co-author of a series of books on Polish rap, said he liked Mata’s duality. On one hand, he “is an angry young rapper filled with booze and weed.” On the other, Strowski said, he’s “a soulful and sensitive kid” writing unusual songs filled with “incredible sociological detail.”

 
Mata said he was enjoying fame in Poland but hoped to find success outside the country, too. He has been thinking about whether to try rapping in English, he said, but if he did, would keep a “hard Polish accent” to stand out.

 
At the concert, Mata’s ambition was clear, with the show staged with the help of a theater director. During one song, he was joined by about 20 dancers in Polish folk costumes and red balaclavas. For another about submissive sex, he stood in the middle of a huge block of lights while a group of dancers took his top off and sprayed him with cream.

 
After almost two hours, it seemed there was little spectacle left, and the only hit left to play was “Patointeligencja.” But instead of performing the song, Mata ran offstage, jumped into a blue helicopter and flew away. The crowd waited around for 10 minutes, asking whether he’d really gone, but Mata had left to find his next controversy.

The vast fields of Warsaw’s Bemowo airport have hosted concerts by some of the world’s biggest stars. Michael Jackson played there. So did Madonna. Metallica, too.

The vast fields of Warsaw’s Bemowo airport have hosted concerts by some of the world’s biggest stars. Michael Jackson played there. So did Madonna. Metallica, too. But Oct. 2, more than 30,000 people — many young teenagers, with their parents acting as chaperones — crowded together next to the runway waiting for a new star to get onstage: Michal Matczak, a 21-year-old rapper with bleached-blond hair and a constant grin, better known as Mata. “He’s like the representative of our generation,” said Joseph Altass, 20, a student who traveled from Gdynia, more than 200 miles north of Warsaw, for the concert. Zuzia Waskiewicz, 19, sharing a bottle of flavored vodka with a friend, agreed: “He’s the first person talking about real things about us.” When Mata appeared at 8 p.m., it was clear he was speaking to the younger generation in the audience: One of the night’s first tracks, “Blok,” was about moving out from his parents’ home and annoying his new neighbors by partying. Then Mata played an ode to marijuana, followed by a tune about drinking on the concrete steps that line the Vistula River in Warsaw. The crowd rapped along to every word. Mata’s impact in Poland has been inescapable. Earlier this year, one of his tracks, “Kiss Cam,” was streamed so frequently, it appeared on one of Billboard’s global charts — a first for a Polish act. When last Friday he released “Mlody Matczak” (“Young Matczak”), his second album focused on his early adulthood, it instantly topped the country’s Spotify chart. Several of his songs have over 50 million views on YouTube. But one specific track marked Mata’s explosive entrance into Polish cultural life two years ago: “Patointeligencja” (an amalgam of the Polish words for pathology, and intelligentsia). Over spare production, Mata paints a picture of life as a student at Batory, an elite high school in Warsaw where many students are expected to push for admission to the world’s best universities. In his telling, few of the students are quietly studying for their final exams. Instead, they’re using drugs, alcohol and sex to deal with the pressure. “My friend wanted to spend his father’s whole salary on drugs,” Mata raps, “but his old man was making so much he would have killed himself trying.” “Patointeligencja” was a sensation almost as soon as it appeared on YouTube in December 2019. Cyryl Rozwadowski, an editor at Newonce, a popular Polish-language culture website, said “it was such a groundbreaking event, I hardly think of it as a song anymore.” Newspapers and TV shows started using the track to debate both the pressures on Polish youth and issues of privilege, like whether an apparently rich kid like Mata should be rapping at all. Their takes often reflected political divides in the country. Poland has for years been in a culture war, with liberals on one side and the ruling populist Law and Justice Party and its conservative supporters on the other, facing off over issues like gay rights, abortion and even the rule of law. Some conservative sections of the media, including the country’s main government-run TV station, presented Mata’s track as showing the dysfunctions of the liberal elite. They regularly pointed out that Mata’s father is Marcin Matczak, a lawyer and academic known for his fierce opposition to the ruling party’s policies. On his new album, Mata has a tribute to him called “Papuga,” or “Parrot,” slang for lawyer in Poland. His father has welcomed the association, this year releasing a book called “How to Raise a Rapper.” A few hours before the airport concert, Mata said in an interview at his record label’s plush office that he liked causing scandal. “I’m a bit addicted to adrenaline,” he said, adding that as an only child he craved attention. Sometimes, he feels “like an internet troll more than a rapper,” he said. But he insisted he hadn’t written “Patointeligencja” when he was 18 to cause a stir. He typed it on his phone during his final year at Batory when he’d “just had a big breakdown.” A three-year relationship had ended, he said, and he was overwhelmed with stress about exams and his teachers saying he was heading for failure. One day, he skipped class and went to a Caffe Nero, where he poured alcohol into a coffee while searching for a beat on YouTube. When he found the music for “Patointeligencja,” the lyrics angrily spilled out of him. “It was just stream of consciousness, all these bad emotions coming out of me,” he said. “Even now, I’m excited when I think about that moment. I felt alive.” When his father picked him up later, Mata rapped the tune to him. He said the song was like “the cure” for his breakdown. Soon he was writing his debut album, “100 Dni Do Matury” (“100 Days to Finals”), which reviewers later called a farewell to his childhood. He managed to graduate. “Mlody Matczak” — released last Friday — is mainly about his new life as an adult, he said, but it also includes a track cursing Polish political figures who’d criticized him and his father. There’s a song about his grandfathers, who both died this year, one of complications from COVID-19. At one of their funerals, Mata got up to sing, and the piano player asked for his autograph, he said. Critics in Poland are talking about his new album as being far more than scandal mongering. Bart Strowski, the co-author of a series of books on Polish rap, said he liked Mata’s duality. On one hand, he “is an angry young rapper filled with booze and weed.” On the other, Strowski said, he’s “a soulful and sensitive kid” writing unusual songs filled with “incredible sociological detail.” Mata said he was enjoying fame in Poland but hoped to find success outside the country, too. He has been thinking about whether to try rapping in English, he said, but if he did, would keep a “hard Polish accent” to stand out. At the concert, Mata’s ambition was clear, with the show staged with the help of a theater director. During one song, he was joined by about 20 dancers in Polish folk costumes and red balaclavas. For another about submissive sex, he stood in the middle of a huge block of lights while a group of dancers took his top off and sprayed him with cream. After almost two hours, it seemed there was little spectacle left, and the only hit left to play was “Patointeligencja.” But instead of performing the song, Mata ran offstage, jumped into a blue helicopter and flew away. The crowd waited around for 10 minutes, asking whether he’d really gone, but Mata had left to find his next controversy.

A Polish rapper goes from scandal to superstar

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.&nbsp;

Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz.

Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery.

The reason?

He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair.

The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style.

What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level. Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz. Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery. The reason? He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair. The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style. What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?

Rapper replaces his hair with gold chains through surgery

Popular Indian-American R&amp;B/pop collective, THEMXXNLIGHT are gearing up for the global premier of their second independent release of 2021 which will release on 30th July across all major streaming platforms in association with THEMXXNLIGHT Entertainment Corporation. On this record, the Bay area natives team up with frequent collaborators from the revered Taylor Gang camp - producer Sledgren and rapper Wiz Khalifa.&nbsp;

 
Assuming the monikers of Luv (Krish Chandani) and Kush (Akash Chandani), THEMXXNLIGHT have been a key component on Khalifa’s earlier releases, but this track marks the duo’s maiden feature with the American rapper on their independent release, making them the first artists of Indian descent to collaborate with the rap royalty. &nbsp; 
The duo shines once again in this luxuriant new drop by intertwining their upscale R&amp;B style together with chill production to form an unapologetic club-ready anthem layered with honeyed hooks, sultry bass-line and slick lyrics. The record’s central theme revolves around a classic teenage love saga, with both the twins taking turns crooning about raging emotions and mixed signals centered around a love interest. The accompanying cinematic video projects an ominously sexy vibe, blurring the lines between illusion and reality. &nbsp;

 
Elaborating on how Wiz Khalifa was roped in on the project Akash Chandani (aka Kush) states, “We had actually completed the song without Wiz Khalifa’s verse a few years ago when we started working with Sledgren. At that time, we had no idea that we would collaborate with a legend like Wiz Khalifa. We were just making the best possible music that we could out of our college dorm room. After our feature on Wiz Khalifa’s Rolling Papers 2, we met multiple major labels to discuss our career and to show them our unreleased music. ‘Naughty Or Nice’ was a standout track amongst all the label reviews! Since it was just THEMXXNLIGHT vocals at the time, they recommended that we hold off the release till we had a good enough global feature since they believed it was already a smash hit. After tons of studio sessions with Wiz Khalifa and after our performance at Sunburn India with him, we felt we had built up our relationship to the next level. One day, we randomly decided to play the song for him in the studio to get his initial feedback. He immediately stood up and started dancing and asked, “Ya’ll want a feature on this? Man, your vocals sound insane. I’ll hop on it right now.” About 30 minutes later, he completed his verse, and the engineer arranged the song. We must have played it back around 20 times! The vibes were amazing, and we just felt super proud of ourselves in that moment. Sledgren was also in the room as well, which made the moment even greater!”&nbsp;

 
Speaking about how the song came about Krish Chandani (aka Luv) states, “In our early college years, one of us had met a girl from “The Westside”, meaning the West Coast (since our college was on the East Coast of the US). Sometimes she would be really sweet and fun to be around, but most of the time, she would play games and never commit to the relationship. One night around 2am, after a college party, we both went back to our dorm room and talked about how confused we were about this girl’s intentions. This situation inspired the creation of “Naughty or Nice” and we recorded the song on the spot. No studio. No big set up. Just us two, the mic, and a computer. &nbsp;This is the most anticipated song of our entire career thus far! We’re just proud of how far we have come and to be representing the Indian community around the world. This is a big moment! Words can’t describe the way I feel! Just very grateful for all the support thus far and for the love that Wiz Khalifa has shown towards us over the years. From our features on his Rolling Papers 2 and Fly Times albums, to our performance with him in front of 50,000 Indian fans during the Sunburn festival, to the release of “Naughty or Nice”, it truly is a dream come true.”&nbsp;

 
Wiz Khalifa expands further, “THEMXXNLIGHT are young legends and the future of R&amp;B. This is a hit, and I can’t wait for ya’ll to hear it, my brothers THEMXXNLIGHT killed it, their vocals sound insane and I’m just happy to be a part of their journey. Just doing my bit to support these future stars.”&nbsp;

Popular Indian-American R&B/pop collective, THEMXXNLIGHT are gearing up for the global premier of their second independent release of 2021 which will release on 30th July across all major streaming platforms in association with THEMXXNLIGHT Entertainment Corporation.

Popular Indian-American R&B/pop collective, THEMXXNLIGHT are gearing up for the global premier of their second independent release of 2021 which will release on 30th July across all major streaming platforms in association with THEMXXNLIGHT Entertainment Corporation. On this record, the Bay area natives team up with frequent collaborators from the revered Taylor Gang camp - producer Sledgren and rapper Wiz Khalifa. Assuming the monikers of Luv (Krish Chandani) and Kush (Akash Chandani), THEMXXNLIGHT have been a key component on Khalifa’s earlier releases, but this track marks the duo’s maiden feature with the American rapper on their independent release, making them the first artists of Indian descent to collaborate with the rap royalty. The duo shines once again in this luxuriant new drop by intertwining their upscale R&B style together with chill production to form an unapologetic club-ready anthem layered with honeyed hooks, sultry bass-line and slick lyrics. The record’s central theme revolves around a classic teenage love saga, with both the twins taking turns crooning about raging emotions and mixed signals centered around a love interest. The accompanying cinematic video projects an ominously sexy vibe, blurring the lines between illusion and reality. Elaborating on how Wiz Khalifa was roped in on the project Akash Chandani (aka Kush) states, “We had actually completed the song without Wiz Khalifa’s verse a few years ago when we started working with Sledgren. At that time, we had no idea that we would collaborate with a legend like Wiz Khalifa. We were just making the best possible music that we could out of our college dorm room. After our feature on Wiz Khalifa’s Rolling Papers 2, we met multiple major labels to discuss our career and to show them our unreleased music. ‘Naughty Or Nice’ was a standout track amongst all the label reviews! Since it was just THEMXXNLIGHT vocals at the time, they recommended that we hold off the release till we had a good enough global feature since they believed it was already a smash hit. After tons of studio sessions with Wiz Khalifa and after our performance at Sunburn India with him, we felt we had built up our relationship to the next level. One day, we randomly decided to play the song for him in the studio to get his initial feedback. He immediately stood up and started dancing and asked, “Ya’ll want a feature on this? Man, your vocals sound insane. I’ll hop on it right now.” About 30 minutes later, he completed his verse, and the engineer arranged the song. We must have played it back around 20 times! The vibes were amazing, and we just felt super proud of ourselves in that moment. Sledgren was also in the room as well, which made the moment even greater!” Speaking about how the song came about Krish Chandani (aka Luv) states, “In our early college years, one of us had met a girl from “The Westside”, meaning the West Coast (since our college was on the East Coast of the US). Sometimes she would be really sweet and fun to be around, but most of the time, she would play games and never commit to the relationship. One night around 2am, after a college party, we both went back to our dorm room and talked about how confused we were about this girl’s intentions. This situation inspired the creation of “Naughty or Nice” and we recorded the song on the spot. No studio. No big set up. Just us two, the mic, and a computer. This is the most anticipated song of our entire career thus far! We’re just proud of how far we have come and to be representing the Indian community around the world. This is a big moment! Words can’t describe the way I feel! Just very grateful for all the support thus far and for the love that Wiz Khalifa has shown towards us over the years. From our features on his Rolling Papers 2 and Fly Times albums, to our performance with him in front of 50,000 Indian fans during the Sunburn festival, to the release of “Naughty or Nice”, it truly is a dream come true.” Wiz Khalifa expands further, “THEMXXNLIGHT are young legends and the future of R&B. This is a hit, and I can’t wait for ya’ll to hear it, my brothers THEMXXNLIGHT killed it, their vocals sound insane and I’m just happy to be a part of their journey. Just doing my bit to support these future stars.”

Rapper Wiz Khalifa to collaborate with Indian-American R&B duo THEMXXNLIGHT

Rapper Polo G has been arrested on charges of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence and criminal mischief.&nbsp;

Polo G whose original name is Taurus Bartlett, was booked into jail on five charges. He was released on bond hours later.&nbsp;

Police documents reveal that the rapper showed aggression and resisted arrest in downtown Miami. One of the officers said he had ordered him and all the passengers in the car he was traveling in to get out of the vehicle to pat them down for firearms, saying he suspected they carried weapons because they heard a passenger claim the vehicle was bulletproof.

Meanwhile, the Chicago-based artist had just released his newest album Hall of Fame on Friday. His single ‘Rapstar’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. His mother and manager said on Instagram that Polo G and his younger brother were riding in a car with security after an album release party.

Rapper Polo G has been arrested on charges of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence and criminal mischief. Polo G whose original name is Taurus Bartlett, was booked into jail on five charges.

Rapper Polo G has been arrested on charges of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence and criminal mischief. Polo G whose original name is Taurus Bartlett, was booked into jail on five charges. He was released on bond hours later. Police documents reveal that the rapper showed aggression and resisted arrest in downtown Miami. One of the officers said he had ordered him and all the passengers in the car he was traveling in to get out of the vehicle to pat them down for firearms, saying he suspected they carried weapons because they heard a passenger claim the vehicle was bulletproof. Meanwhile, the Chicago-based artist had just released his newest album Hall of Fame on Friday. His single ‘Rapstar’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. His mother and manager said on Instagram that Polo G and his younger brother were riding in a car with security after an album release party.

Rapper Polo G arrested in Miami after album release party

Rap superstar Snoop Dogg is joining the legendary hip hop label Def Jam Recordings as executive creative and strategic consultant, the U.S. company said on Monday. 
 
Def Jam, owned by Universal Music, has been home to some of hip-hop’s most pioneering artists, from Public Enemy to LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. Its current roster includes Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Kanye West. 
 
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, professionally known as Snoop Dogg, will be based in Los Angeles and report to Universal Music Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sir Lucian Grainge and Def Jam interim Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston. 
 
As an award-winning artist, Snoop Dogg has released 19 studio albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. 
 
Snoop would not be the first rapper to take on an executive role at Def Jam. In 2004, Jay-Z was named president and CEO of the label, but left after three years. 
&nbsp;

Rap superstar Snoop Dogg is joining the legendary hip hop label Def Jam Recordings as executive creative and strategic consultant, the U.S. company said on Monday.

Rap superstar Snoop Dogg is joining the legendary hip hop label Def Jam Recordings as executive creative and strategic consultant, the U.S. company said on Monday. Def Jam, owned by Universal Music, has been home to some of hip-hop’s most pioneering artists, from Public Enemy to LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. Its current roster includes Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Kanye West. Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, professionally known as Snoop Dogg, will be based in Los Angeles and report to Universal Music Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sir Lucian Grainge and Def Jam interim Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston. As an award-winning artist, Snoop Dogg has released 19 studio albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Snoop would not be the first rapper to take on an executive role at Def Jam. In 2004, Jay-Z was named president and CEO of the label, but left after three years.

Rapper Snoop Dogg takes executive role at Universal Music-owned hip hop label Def Jam

Ten people were arrested in Barcelona on Saturday for assaulting police officers in fresh unrest over the jailing of a rapper for glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty in his songs.

Spain: Ten arrested in Barcelona as protests over jailed rapper turn violent

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive.

Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty.

Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f598151-01b8-497e-9285-1de2b1e2e66f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/spain%20protests%20%283%29.jpg" />

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights.

"Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech."

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95393d3c-b0bc-49a7-a5a9-f71142725714" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Spain%20protests%20%282%29.jpg" />

During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities.

As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics.

Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets.

"Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters.

(With Reuters inputs)

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police.

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive. Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty. Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights. "Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech." During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities. As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics. Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets. "Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters. (With Reuters inputs)

Spain: Violent protests over rapper's jailing continue for fourth night 

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday. Hasel was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid jail in a highly contentious free speech case. Dozens of people have been arrested since Tuesday night.

The violence has thrust the hard-left Podemos party -- the junior partner in Spain's leftwing coalition which has opposed Hasel's jailing and publicly supported the protesters -- into the firing line.&nbsp;

Police reported six arrests in Barcelona on Thursday after protesters set up barricades, prompting police to fire tear gas.

Burning rubbish bins and furniture was seen in the centre of the Catalan capital.

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Newsroom of the newspaper El Periodico de Cataluna was attacked. Images of clashes in Valencia were shown on TVE television.

Hundreds of people gathered in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square calling for Hasel's release. The people hurled bottles at police who charged at them. The clashes lasted several hours as per AFP.

Police arrested 19 people, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers.&nbsp;

In Barcelona and three other Catalan cities, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze on Wednesday, with police charging the protesters and in some places firing foam rounds. Some 50 people were arrested across the country. &nbsp;

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The director of Catalonia's regional police force, Pere Ferrer, said officers faced a "highly complex scenario" because of the "high volume of public disorder" which included looting.

The force has opened an investigation after a young woman lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona as a result of a foam projectile used by police to dispel the protesters, he added.

'Absolute red line'

Hasel, known for his hard-left views, was arrested after failing to turn himself in on Friday to start a nine-month sentence over tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants.

A court in his hometown of Lerida on February 12 sentenced the rapper to another jail term of two and a half years for threatening to kill a man at a bar, according to a ruling published Thursday.

Hundreds of artists have rallied to Hasel's cause, including filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and Hollywood actor Javier Bardem. Amnesty International said jailing him for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate" while campaigners say prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday.

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday. Hasel was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid jail in a highly contentious free speech case. Dozens of people have been arrested since Tuesday night. The violence has thrust the hard-left Podemos party -- the junior partner in Spain's leftwing coalition which has opposed Hasel's jailing and publicly supported the protesters -- into the firing line. Police reported six arrests in Barcelona on Thursday after protesters set up barricades, prompting police to fire tear gas. Burning rubbish bins and furniture was seen in the centre of the Catalan capital. Newsroom of the newspaper El Periodico de Cataluna was attacked. Images of clashes in Valencia were shown on TVE television. Hundreds of people gathered in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square calling for Hasel's release. The people hurled bottles at police who charged at them. The clashes lasted several hours as per AFP. Police arrested 19 people, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers. In Barcelona and three other Catalan cities, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze on Wednesday, with police charging the protesters and in some places firing foam rounds. Some 50 people were arrested across the country. The director of Catalonia's regional police force, Pere Ferrer, said officers faced a "highly complex scenario" because of the "high volume of public disorder" which included looting. The force has opened an investigation after a young woman lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona as a result of a foam projectile used by police to dispel the protesters, he added. 'Absolute red line' Hasel, known for his hard-left views, was arrested after failing to turn himself in on Friday to start a nine-month sentence over tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants. A court in his hometown of Lerida on February 12 sentenced the rapper to another jail term of two and a half years for threatening to kill a man at a bar, according to a ruling published Thursday. Hundreds of artists have rallied to Hasel's cause, including filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and Hollywood actor Javier Bardem. Amnesty International said jailing him for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate" while campaigners say prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech. (With AFP inputs)

Spain: Hundreds protest for third night after rapper's jailing

Spanish police arrested some 50 people overnight following a second night of clashes over the jailing of a rapper for a string of tweets insulting police and the monarchy.

Angry demonstrations first erupted on Tuesday night in Catalonia after police detained Pablo Hasel, 32, who was holed up in a university in that region to avoid going to jail in a controversial free speech case.

And the protests swelled on Wednesday with hundreds gathering under a heavy police presence in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square and calling for his release, later hurling bottles at police, who charged at them in clashes lasting several hours, AFP journalists said.

Police said at least 15 people were arrested, but were due to issue an update on Thursday morning, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers.&nbsp;

In Barcelona, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze, with police firing foam rounds and charging at the protesters. &nbsp;

Across Catalonia, the Mossos d'Esquadra regional police said 31 people were arrested, including 10 in Barcelona, 14 in Lerida, where Hasel was arrested, five in the northern city of Girona and 2 in Tarragona.&nbsp;

Medics said eight people were slightly injured.&nbsp;

At least 15 people had been arrested on Tuesday night in protests in several Catalan cities in which more than 30 people were injured, among them 19 police officers, officials said.&nbsp;

Hasel missed a Friday deadline to turn himself in and begin serving a nine-month jail term handed down in 2018.&nbsp;

At issue is a series of tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants.

Hasel is known for his hard-left views, but his case has become a cause celebre among campaigners, who say that prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech.&nbsp;

His sentence caused outrage in Spain, with stars, including the film-maker Pedro Almodovar and the Hollywood actor Javier Bardem, expressing support for his cause.

Amnesty International denounced the move saying jailing the rapper for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate".

Spanish police arrested some 50 people overnight following a second night of clashes over the jailing of a rapper for a string of tweets insulting police and the monarchy.

Spanish police arrested some 50 people overnight following a second night of clashes over the jailing of a rapper for a string of tweets insulting police and the monarchy. Angry demonstrations first erupted on Tuesday night in Catalonia after police detained Pablo Hasel, 32, who was holed up in a university in that region to avoid going to jail in a controversial free speech case. And the protests swelled on Wednesday with hundreds gathering under a heavy police presence in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square and calling for his release, later hurling bottles at police, who charged at them in clashes lasting several hours, AFP journalists said. Police said at least 15 people were arrested, but were due to issue an update on Thursday morning, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers. In Barcelona, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze, with police firing foam rounds and charging at the protesters. Across Catalonia, the Mossos d'Esquadra regional police said 31 people were arrested, including 10 in Barcelona, 14 in Lerida, where Hasel was arrested, five in the northern city of Girona and 2 in Tarragona. Medics said eight people were slightly injured. At least 15 people had been arrested on Tuesday night in protests in several Catalan cities in which more than 30 people were injured, among them 19 police officers, officials said. Hasel missed a Friday deadline to turn himself in and begin serving a nine-month jail term handed down in 2018. At issue is a series of tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants. Hasel is known for his hard-left views, but his case has become a cause celebre among campaigners, who say that prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech. His sentence caused outrage in Spain, with stars, including the film-maker Pedro Almodovar and the Hollywood actor Javier Bardem, expressing support for his cause. Amnesty International denounced the move saying jailing the rapper for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate".

Police arrest dozens in second night of Spain rapper protests

After rapper Bow Wow performed at a packed nightclub in Houston amid the coronavirus pandemic, he woke up on Saturday (local time) to dozens of angry comments from fans. 
 
According to Fox News, the 33-year-old artist documented his Friday night on his Instagram Story, showing off an extremely crowded nightclub featuring dozens of fans standing and dancing closely without masks."So wait, people risking their life in a packed club to see BOW WOW??? BOW WOW?" one user tweeted."Ppl really risking it all for Bow wow in the year 2021?!!" another quipped."I would NEVER risk my life for Lil Bow Wow..... Also, do we have NO COVID restrictions in H-Town? This club needs to be shut down. There are some awful ways to die, but death by Bow Wow has to be up there. Do better people," another wrote.

As reported by Fox News, others tweeted directly at the musician, whose real name is Shad Moss, to accuse him of having zero regards for the crowd`s safety as well as his own."At what point do you as an artist stop and say `This is irresponsible?` Do you not have a conversation with the promoters about social distancing? People are DYING because of Covid-19, especially people of color! But you got paid, right?!" one person tweeted to Bow Wow.

As other fans mocked Moss for being a "super spreader," he claimed he was not in the wrong and had attended similar parties in 2020."Man i been hosting parties all last year. I wore my mask in the club. I cant host with that thing on," he responded to one critic.In another tweet, Moss claimed, `IT WASNT MY PARTY. But of course ima get the blame."

As reported by Fox News, the performer added that he wore his mask, "up until i got on the mic. That simple. Keep hand sanitizer on me at all times."In another tweet, the rapper said he "dont want folks thinking i dont care ya know..."&nbsp;

After rapper Bow Wow performed at a packed nightclub in Houston amid the coronavirus pandemic, he woke up on Saturday (local time) to dozens of angry comments from fans.

After rapper Bow Wow performed at a packed nightclub in Houston amid the coronavirus pandemic, he woke up on Saturday (local time) to dozens of angry comments from fans. According to Fox News, the 33-year-old artist documented his Friday night on his Instagram Story, showing off an extremely crowded nightclub featuring dozens of fans standing and dancing closely without masks."So wait, people risking their life in a packed club to see BOW WOW??? BOW WOW?" one user tweeted."Ppl really risking it all for Bow wow in the year 2021?!!" another quipped."I would NEVER risk my life for Lil Bow Wow..... Also, do we have NO COVID restrictions in H-Town? This club needs to be shut down. There are some awful ways to die, but death by Bow Wow has to be up there. Do better people," another wrote. As reported by Fox News, others tweeted directly at the musician, whose real name is Shad Moss, to accuse him of having zero regards for the crowd`s safety as well as his own."At what point do you as an artist stop and say `This is irresponsible?` Do you not have a conversation with the promoters about social distancing? People are DYING because of Covid-19, especially people of color! But you got paid, right?!" one person tweeted to Bow Wow. As other fans mocked Moss for being a "super spreader," he claimed he was not in the wrong and had attended similar parties in 2020."Man i been hosting parties all last year. I wore my mask in the club. I cant host with that thing on," he responded to one critic.In another tweet, Moss claimed, `IT WASNT MY PARTY. But of course ima get the blame." As reported by Fox News, the performer added that he wore his mask, "up until i got on the mic. That simple. Keep hand sanitizer on me at all times."In another tweet, the rapper said he "dont want folks thinking i dont care ya know..."

Rapper Bow Wow defends himself against criticism for packed club performance amid coronavirus pandemic

Veteran rapper and record producer Dr Dre said on Tuesday he was being treated by medics in hospital, after a media report said he had suffered a brain aneurysm and was in intensive care.

Celebrity news website TMZ said Dre suffered the aneurysm - a bulge in a weakened blood vessel - on Monday and was taken by ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

“Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes. I’m doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team”, Dre said in a post on Instagram.

“I will be out of hospital and back home soon.”

TMZ said doctors were carrying out tests on the 55-year-old music mogul, who was stable and lucid.

Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, has won six Grammys.

He broke out on the music scene as a co-founding member of Compton rap collective N.W.A., the subject of Universal Pictures’ box office hit “Straight Outta Compton”. He has also produced hits for Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Eminem, among others.

Fans, as well as music artists and athletes, including Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and LeBron James, offered prayers for his recovery on social media.

Veteran rapper and record producer Dr Dre said on Tuesday he was being treated by medics in hospital, after a media report said he had suffered a brain aneurysm and was in intensive care.

Veteran rapper and record producer Dr Dre said on Tuesday he was being treated by medics in hospital, after a media report said he had suffered a brain aneurysm and was in intensive care. Celebrity news website TMZ said Dre suffered the aneurysm - a bulge in a weakened blood vessel - on Monday and was taken by ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes. I’m doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team”, Dre said in a post on Instagram. “I will be out of hospital and back home soon.” TMZ said doctors were carrying out tests on the 55-year-old music mogul, who was stable and lucid. Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, has won six Grammys. He broke out on the music scene as a co-founding member of Compton rap collective N.W.A., the subject of Universal Pictures’ box office hit “Straight Outta Compton”. He has also produced hits for Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Eminem, among others. Fans, as well as music artists and athletes, including Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and LeBron James, offered prayers for his recovery on social media.

Rapper Dr Dre says he's 'doing great' in hospital after reported aneurysm

Rapper and legendary producer Dr Dre was in the hospital Tuesday receiving treatment for a possible brain aneurysm, the Los Angeles Times reported citing sources familiar with his condition.

The music mogul was stable, the paper said, reporting echoed by entertainment outlet TMZ, which broke the news. Dre's representatives did not immediately respond to an AFP query. The 55-year-old rapper born Andre Young is considered among hip hop's most influential figures, having risen to commercial fame with the ground-breaking gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. before crafting the quintessentially West Coast G-Funk sound.

The master behind the careers of greats including Snoop Dogg and Eminem became a self-proclaimed billionaire after co-founding Beats Electronics, an audio products company purchased by Apple in 2014.

News of Dre's hospitalization triggered an outpouring of well-wishes on social media including from fellow rappers, with N.W.A. co-founder Ice Cube, tweeting: "Send your love and prayers to the homie Dr. Dre."

"Get well Dr Dre we need you cause," wrote Snoop Dogg on Instagram.e point was in intensive care.

His trip to the hospital comes amid a mushrooming Covid-19 crisis in the Los Angeles area as well as Dre's high-profile divorce proceedings with his longtime partner Nicole Young.

LL Cool J, a rapper who came up in the same era as Dre, tweeted that the music magnate was "recovering nicely."

Rapper and legendary producer Dr Dre was in the hospital Tuesday receiving treatment for a possible brain aneurysm, the Los Angeles Times reported citing sources familiar with his condition.

Rapper and legendary producer Dr Dre was in the hospital Tuesday receiving treatment for a possible brain aneurysm, the Los Angeles Times reported citing sources familiar with his condition. The music mogul was stable, the paper said, reporting echoed by entertainment outlet TMZ, which broke the news. Dre's representatives did not immediately respond to an AFP query. The 55-year-old rapper born Andre Young is considered among hip hop's most influential figures, having risen to commercial fame with the ground-breaking gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. before crafting the quintessentially West Coast G-Funk sound. The master behind the careers of greats including Snoop Dogg and Eminem became a self-proclaimed billionaire after co-founding Beats Electronics, an audio products company purchased by Apple in 2014. News of Dre's hospitalization triggered an outpouring of well-wishes on social media including from fellow rappers, with N.W.A. co-founder Ice Cube, tweeting: "Send your love and prayers to the homie Dr. Dre." "Get well Dr Dre we need you cause," wrote Snoop Dogg on Instagram.e point was in intensive care. His trip to the hospital comes amid a mushrooming Covid-19 crisis in the Los Angeles area as well as Dre's high-profile divorce proceedings with his longtime partner Nicole Young. LL Cool J, a rapper who came up in the same era as Dre, tweeted that the music magnate was "recovering nicely."

Rapper Dr Dre hospitalized post suffering brain aneurysm: Report

He looks every bit the traditional Lesotho sheep herder, wrapped in a blanket to ward off the mountain kingdom`s cold and swinging an ornate walking stick while he sings in the local Sesotho language. 
 
But since establishing himself in 2015, singer and rapper Teboho Mochaoa has gone beyond his home country's folk 'Famo' music - with its trademark accordion and single drum - to produce an eclectic sound mixing electronic dance music, dub reggae and rap. 
 
That has enabled him to captivate audiences outside his native Lesotho, including in venues in Paris, Oslo, and Cape Town. He has just been signed to record an EP (extended play record) by a South African label. 
"Performing on world stages, playing big festivals in France, in London, and other places - it's really interesting to see that whole concoction materialising," Mochaoa told Reuters in an interview. 
 
His stage character, Morena Leraba, is an enigmatic shepherd meant to serve, he said, as a representation of Mochaoa`s village roots growing up herding sheep in Lesotho, a tiny, high-altitude country tucked inside a South African mountain range. 
 
The character often narrates traditional stories, but his use of thumping, syncopated dance beats and electro sounds, and his coarse rapping voice, give them a cosmopolitan edge. 
 
"I think that`s exactly what we're longing for," concert-goer Joel Makata said, after watching a performance in Maseru.&nbsp;"What Morena Leraba does is plug into space where Basotho culture sort of meets ... a more modern sound."

He looks every bit the traditional Lesotho sheep herder, wrapped in a blanket to ward off the mountain kingdom`s cold and swinging an ornate walking stick while he sings in the local Sesotho language.

He looks every bit the traditional Lesotho sheep herder, wrapped in a blanket to ward off the mountain kingdom`s cold and swinging an ornate walking stick while he sings in the local Sesotho language. But since establishing himself in 2015, singer and rapper Teboho Mochaoa has gone beyond his home country's folk 'Famo' music - with its trademark accordion and single drum - to produce an eclectic sound mixing electronic dance music, dub reggae and rap. That has enabled him to captivate audiences outside his native Lesotho, including in venues in Paris, Oslo, and Cape Town. He has just been signed to record an EP (extended play record) by a South African label. "Performing on world stages, playing big festivals in France, in London, and other places - it's really interesting to see that whole concoction materialising," Mochaoa told Reuters in an interview. His stage character, Morena Leraba, is an enigmatic shepherd meant to serve, he said, as a representation of Mochaoa`s village roots growing up herding sheep in Lesotho, a tiny, high-altitude country tucked inside a South African mountain range. The character often narrates traditional stories, but his use of thumping, syncopated dance beats and electro sounds, and his coarse rapping voice, give them a cosmopolitan edge. "I think that`s exactly what we're longing for," concert-goer Joel Makata said, after watching a performance in Maseru. "What Morena Leraba does is plug into space where Basotho culture sort of meets ... a more modern sound."

Shepherd-turned-singer Teboho Mochaoa mixes Lesotho folk music with techno, rap

Gaza-based, 11-year-old rapper, Abdel-Rahman Al-Shantti, hopes to become the Palestinian 'Eminem', rising from the impoverished streets of the sealed-off enclave to global stardom.

Eleven-year-old rapper wants to be Gaza's Eminem

U.S. rapper and actress Queen Latifah celebrates her 50th birthday on Wednesday (March 18).

U.S. rapper and actress Queen Latifah turns 50

He used the street cred of being in a gang to rocket to rap stardom, but then cooperated with federal prosecutors and testified against his former associates.

American rapper Tekashi69, or Tekashi 6ix9ine -- real name, Daniel Hernandez -- was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison on racketeering, firearms and drug trafficking charges.

Hernandez, 23, got a relatively lenient sentence after agreeing to a plea deal that required him to take the stand against other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

It is nevertheless a stark reversal of fortune after he soared to fame following the release of his debut single 'Gunmo'&nbsp;in late 2017.

In the video, he raps and dances in front of a building in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood with members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, wearing trademark red bandanas.

Ever since West Coast rappers started using gang imagery in their videos in the 1990s, any association with street gangs has often boosted the credibility of a rising artist.

According to his attorney Lance Lazzaro, Hernandez -- who was born in Brooklyn, and left school at age 15 -- wanted to develop a "gangster persona in an effort to sell more music."

'Gunmo'&nbsp;quickly surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, and the single landed in the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.&nbsp;

Tekashi69 was a bona fide star, and his popularity was fueled by his unique look -- long, multicoloured hair sometimes in braids, coloured grills in his mouth, and hundreds of tattoos, including on his face.

But prosecutors said he did far more than cultivate a gangster image, and Hernandez was convicted on multiple counts of racketeering, weapons violations and drug trafficking.

"You were a central figure in a vicious and brutal gang," federal judge Paul Engelmayer said to the rapper during the sentencing hearing.

Hernandez used the gang -- its name is inspired by its founding in 1993 at New York's infamous Rikers Island prison complex -- to attack or rob those he perceived as rivals in the rap world.

But the gang also used him, tapping its new member for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Hernandez was indicted in November 2018 along with other gang members.

Feeling he had been manipulated by the Nine Treys, the rapper decided to cooperate with federal prosecutors -- a collaboration that helped him avoid what could have been a life sentence.

Having already spent a year in prison, during which his videos have racked up several billion views on YouTube, Hernandez will likely be free sometime in 2020, and then serve out his probation.

"He's a target," Lazzaro told the court, expressing concerns that the young rapper could face reprisal attacks from the Nine Treys or another gang.

Tekashi69 doesn't seem all that worried -- he just signed a new record deal with the music label 10K Projects.

He used the street cred of being in a gang to rocket to rap stardom, but then cooperated with federal prosecutors and testified against his former associates. American rapper Tekashi69, or Tekashi 6ix9ine -- real name, Daniel Hernandez -- was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison on racketeering, firearms and drug trafficking charges.

He used the street cred of being in a gang to rocket to rap stardom, but then cooperated with federal prosecutors and testified against his former associates. American rapper Tekashi69, or Tekashi 6ix9ine -- real name, Daniel Hernandez -- was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison on racketeering, firearms and drug trafficking charges. Hernandez, 23, got a relatively lenient sentence after agreeing to a plea deal that required him to take the stand against other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. It is nevertheless a stark reversal of fortune after he soared to fame following the release of his debut single 'Gunmo' in late 2017. In the video, he raps and dances in front of a building in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood with members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, wearing trademark red bandanas. Ever since West Coast rappers started using gang imagery in their videos in the 1990s, any association with street gangs has often boosted the credibility of a rising artist. According to his attorney Lance Lazzaro, Hernandez -- who was born in Brooklyn, and left school at age 15 -- wanted to develop a "gangster persona in an effort to sell more music." 'Gunmo' quickly surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, and the single landed in the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tekashi69 was a bona fide star, and his popularity was fueled by his unique look -- long, multicoloured hair sometimes in braids, coloured grills in his mouth, and hundreds of tattoos, including on his face. But prosecutors said he did far more than cultivate a gangster image, and Hernandez was convicted on multiple counts of racketeering, weapons violations and drug trafficking. "You were a central figure in a vicious and brutal gang," federal judge Paul Engelmayer said to the rapper during the sentencing hearing. Hernandez used the gang -- its name is inspired by its founding in 1993 at New York's infamous Rikers Island prison complex -- to attack or rob those he perceived as rivals in the rap world. But the gang also used him, tapping its new member for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hernandez was indicted in November 2018 along with other gang members. Feeling he had been manipulated by the Nine Treys, the rapper decided to cooperate with federal prosecutors -- a collaboration that helped him avoid what could have been a life sentence. Having already spent a year in prison, during which his videos have racked up several billion views on YouTube, Hernandez will likely be free sometime in 2020, and then serve out his probation. "He's a target," Lazzaro told the court, expressing concerns that the young rapper could face reprisal attacks from the Nine Treys or another gang. Tekashi69 doesn't seem all that worried -- he just signed a new record deal with the music label 10K Projects.

US Rapper Tekashi69 gets two-year sentence after helping feds

Rap queen Nicki Minaj on Thursday shocked fans by announcing her retirement from music, saying she was going to focus on family.

The provocative 36-year-old known for hits like "Super Bass" is engaged to music executive Kenneth Petty, and she recently said a wedding is in the cards in the coming months. 
 
"I've decided to retire &amp; have my family," tweeted the wildly successful rapper raised in the New York borough of Queens.&nbsp; 
 
"I know you guys are happy now," she continued. "To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, X in the box - cuz ain't nobody checkin me.&nbsp;Love you for LIFE."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’ve decided to retire &amp; have my family. I know you guys are happy now. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, ❌ in the box- cuz ain’t nobody checkin me. ✅ Love you for LIFE 😘♥️🦄
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1169676721865412608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The surprising news fueled pregnancy rumors that had already been swirling since June after she appeared on a late-night television show and opted against drinking. 
 
She went Instagram-official with her partner Petty in December 2018, after rebooting the relationship decades after they were involved as teenagers.&nbsp; 
 
The rekindled romance raised eyebrows considering Petty's criminal past: he is a registered sex offender in New York and was convicted in 1995 of attempted rape. 
 
Minaj dismissed criticism of her new relationship, saying "He was 15, she was 16 ... in a relationship. But go awf Internet. Y'all can’t run my life. Y'all can't even run y'all own life. Thank you boo." 
 
- 'Walking exaggeration'&nbsp;&nbsp;- 
 
Minaj's profanity-laced lyrics, skin-baring music videos and unique, animated flow first catapulted her to fame in 2010. 
 
Known for her bold sartorial style that includes neon costumes and wigs, Minaj -- whose hits include "Starships," "Bang Bang" and "Anaconda" -- is considered one of rap's most influential female artists. 
 
The Grammy-nominated artist born in Trinidad and Tobago cites Foxy Brown and Jay-Z as major inspirations, and has crafted a lightning-speed sound distinctive for her use of alter egos and accents, especially British cockney. 
 
She's "a sparkling rapper with a gift for comic accents and unexpected turns of phrase," wrote a New York Times critic in 2018. "She's a walking exaggeration, outsize in sound, personality and look." 
 
"And she's a rapid evolver, discarding old modes as easily as adopting new ones." 
 
Her brash personality and penchant for controversy also made Minaj a tabloid regular, especially for a feud at a Fashion Week 2018 after-party that saw rap rival Cardi B throw a shoe and allegedly attempt to fight Minaj. 
 
Cardi B later said Minaj had dissed her aptitude as a mother. 
 
The rap queen's retirement announcement was a particularly surprising turn of events as Minaj has been quite active in music this summer. 
 
Last month, she appeared in rising star Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer." 
 
In June 2019, she released a single entitled "Megatron" and said she had a new studio album in the works, which would be her fifth. 
But Minaj is no stranger to spectacle, and some fans wondered on social media whether her retirement announcement was but a marketing strategy ahead of an album drop.&nbsp; 
 
"Nicki minaj is deadass lying watch her drop a whole new album featuring Rihanna," tweeted one user.

Rap queen Nicki Minaj on Thursday shocked fans by announcing her retirement from music, saying she was going to focus on family. The provocative 36-year-old known for hits like "Super Bass" is engaged to music executive Kenneth Petty, and she recently said a wedding is in the cards in the coming months.

Rap queen Nicki Minaj on Thursday shocked fans by announcing her retirement from music, saying she was going to focus on family. The provocative 36-year-old known for hits like "Super Bass" is engaged to music executive Kenneth Petty, and she recently said a wedding is in the cards in the coming months. "I've decided to retire & have my family," tweeted the wildly successful rapper raised in the New York borough of Queens. "I know you guys are happy now," she continued. "To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, X in the box - cuz ain't nobody checkin me. Love you for LIFE." I’ve decided to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy now. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, ❌ in the box- cuz ain’t nobody checkin me. ✅ Love you for LIFE 😘♥️🦄 — Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) September 5, 2019 × The surprising news fueled pregnancy rumors that had already been swirling since June after she appeared on a late-night television show and opted against drinking. She went Instagram-official with her partner Petty in December 2018, after rebooting the relationship decades after they were involved as teenagers. The rekindled romance raised eyebrows considering Petty's criminal past: he is a registered sex offender in New York and was convicted in 1995 of attempted rape. Minaj dismissed criticism of her new relationship, saying "He was 15, she was 16 ... in a relationship. But go awf Internet. Y'all can’t run my life. Y'all can't even run y'all own life. Thank you boo." - 'Walking exaggeration' - Minaj's profanity-laced lyrics, skin-baring music videos and unique, animated flow first catapulted her to fame in 2010. Known for her bold sartorial style that includes neon costumes and wigs, Minaj -- whose hits include "Starships," "Bang Bang" and "Anaconda" -- is considered one of rap's most influential female artists. The Grammy-nominated artist born in Trinidad and Tobago cites Foxy Brown and Jay-Z as major inspirations, and has crafted a lightning-speed sound distinctive for her use of alter egos and accents, especially British cockney. She's "a sparkling rapper with a gift for comic accents and unexpected turns of phrase," wrote a New York Times critic in 2018. "She's a walking exaggeration, outsize in sound, personality and look." "And she's a rapid evolver, discarding old modes as easily as adopting new ones." Her brash personality and penchant for controversy also made Minaj a tabloid regular, especially for a feud at a Fashion Week 2018 after-party that saw rap rival Cardi B throw a shoe and allegedly attempt to fight Minaj. Cardi B later said Minaj had dissed her aptitude as a mother. The rap queen's retirement announcement was a particularly surprising turn of events as Minaj has been quite active in music this summer. Last month, she appeared in rising star Megan Thee Stallion's song "Hot Girl Summer." In June 2019, she released a single entitled "Megatron" and said she had a new studio album in the works, which would be her fifth. But Minaj is no stranger to spectacle, and some fans wondered on social media whether her retirement announcement was but a marketing strategy ahead of an album drop. "Nicki minaj is deadass lying watch her drop a whole new album featuring Rihanna," tweeted one user.

Rapper Nicki Minaj announces retirement

U.S. rapper A$AP Rocky, who got a suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm, will not appeal against his assault conviction, his lawyer said on Wednesday. 
 
A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, and two of his entourage, were convicted on Aug14 of kicking and beating a 19-year-old man after an argument. They had told the court they acted in self defence. 
 
Given the headache and the stress this process has meant he has decided he doesn`t have the strength to do this one more time," Slobodan Jovicic told TT news agency. 
The prosecutor said last week he would not launch an appeal to push for a tougher sentence. 
 
The three men were allowed to fly home last month without serving a jail sentence - an outcome cheered by U.S. President Donald Trump who had asked Sweden`s prime minister to intervene in the case.&nbsp;

U.S. rapper A$AP Rocky, who got a suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm, will not appeal against his assault conviction, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

U.S. rapper A$AP Rocky, who got a suspended sentence for his role in a brawl in Stockholm, will not appeal against his assault conviction, his lawyer said on Wednesday. A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, and two of his entourage, were convicted on Aug14 of kicking and beating a 19-year-old man after an argument. They had told the court they acted in self defence. Given the headache and the stress this process has meant he has decided he doesn`t have the strength to do this one more time," Slobodan Jovicic told TT news agency. The prosecutor said last week he would not launch an appeal to push for a tougher sentence. The three men were allowed to fly home last month without serving a jail sentence - an outcome cheered by U.S. President Donald Trump who had asked Sweden`s prime minister to intervene in the case.

US rapper A$AP Rocky will not challenge his assault conviction-lawyer

Post Malone has finally unveiled the guestlist for his forthcoming album `Hollywood`s Bleeding.` The rapper has tapped in Halsey, Travis Scott, Meek Mill and Ozzy Osbourne. 
 
The album will also feature Future, SZA, Swae Lee, Young Thug, Lil Baby and Da Baby, Page Six reported. 
 
Malone recently shared `Circles` from the album, the follow-up to his 2018 number one charting `Beerbongs &amp; Bentleys. 
 
In December, Malone dropped his `Wow` single, which will also serve as the closing track on the 17-song new album. The album is set to release on September 6. 
 
Malone will also embark on his Runaway Tour with Swae Lee. The tour will begin on September 14 in Tacoma, Washington and runs through the fall, ending on November 21 at The Forum in Los Angeles.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Post Malone has finally unveiled the guestlist for his forthcoming album `Hollywood`s Bleeding.` The rapper has tapped in Halsey, Travis Scott, Meek Mill and Ozzy Osbourne.

Post Malone has finally unveiled the guestlist for his forthcoming album `Hollywood`s Bleeding.` The rapper has tapped in Halsey, Travis Scott, Meek Mill and Ozzy Osbourne. The album will also feature Future, SZA, Swae Lee, Young Thug, Lil Baby and Da Baby, Page Six reported. Malone recently shared `Circles` from the album, the follow-up to his 2018 number one charting `Beerbongs & Bentleys. In December, Malone dropped his `Wow` single, which will also serve as the closing track on the 17-song new album. The album is set to release on September 6. Malone will also embark on his Runaway Tour with Swae Lee. The tour will begin on September 14 in Tacoma, Washington and runs through the fall, ending on November 21 at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Post Malone's forthcoming album 'Hollywood's Bleeding' to feature SZA, Swae Lee, Young Thug

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election.

According to the unsealed indictment, between June 2012 and November 2012, Low directed the transfer of approximately $21.6 million from foreign entities and accounts to Michel to be funnelled into the US election while disguising it as legitimate campaign contributions.

Under federal election law it is a crime for foreign nationals to make political contributions in U.S. federal, state or local elections.

Jho Low, who remains at large, faces separate criminal charges in the United States in connection with a multi-billion-dollar scandal at Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Jho Low has been identified by Malaysian and US investigators as a central figure in the alleged theft of about $4.5 billion from 1MDB.

In the election funding case, Michel appeared in a federal court in Washington, DC, for his arraignment.&nbsp;

CNN reported that Michel pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to return to his homes in Florida and California as he awaits his trial.

Pras and Jho Low were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government and for making foreign and conduit campaign contributions.

Pras also was charged with one count of a scheme to conceal material facts and two counts of making a false entry in a record in connection with the conspiracy.&nbsp;

The indictment did not reveal the identity of the presidential candidate.

However, Michel was an avid supporter of former Democratic President Barack Obama, and federal election records show he contributed money to political committees that supported Obama`s 2012 re-election campaign and other Democratic committees.

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election.

The US Justice Department announced on Friday it had charged former Fugees rapper Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel and wealthy Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as 'Jho Low,' for conspiring to steer illegal foreign campaign funds into the 2012 presidential election. According to the unsealed indictment, between June 2012 and November 2012, Low directed the transfer of approximately $21.6 million from foreign entities and accounts to Michel to be funnelled into the US election while disguising it as legitimate campaign contributions. Under federal election law it is a crime for foreign nationals to make political contributions in U.S. federal, state or local elections. Jho Low, who remains at large, faces separate criminal charges in the United States in connection with a multi-billion-dollar scandal at Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Jho Low has been identified by Malaysian and US investigators as a central figure in the alleged theft of about $4.5 billion from 1MDB. In the election funding case, Michel appeared in a federal court in Washington, DC, for his arraignment. CNN reported that Michel pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to return to his homes in Florida and California as he awaits his trial. Pras and Jho Low were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government and for making foreign and conduit campaign contributions. Pras also was charged with one count of a scheme to conceal material facts and two counts of making a false entry in a record in connection with the conspiracy. The indictment did not reveal the identity of the presidential candidate. However, Michel was an avid supporter of former Democratic President Barack Obama, and federal election records show he contributed money to political committees that supported Obama`s 2012 re-election campaign and other Democratic committees.

US charges rapper Pras, Malaysian businessman Jho Low over funding in 2012 election

Police in northern California is conducting a probe following outrage over the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old rapper who was found sleeping in his car outside a Taco Bell.

According to the Vallejo Police Department, the February 6 shooting took place after employees at the fast-food outlet late that evening called to report a Mercedes parked in the drive-thru line with a man slumped over in the driver's seat.

In a statement, police said officers responded to the call and as they approached the locked vehicle, they noticed that the driver was unresponsive and had a gun on his lap. They added that the car's transmission was in drive.

As police assessed the situation and tried to prevent the vehicle from moving forward, the statement said, things turned deadly.

"The driver ... Suddenly began to move," the police report said. "The officers told the driver to keep his hands visible, however, the driver quickly reached for the handgun on his lap.

"In fear for their own safety, the officers discharged their weapons at the driver." It was unclear how many bullets were fired.

McCoy was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has challenged the police version of events, describing the shooting as an "execution" and a clear case of racial profiling.

"There was no attempt to try to work out a peaceful solution," Marc McCoy, Willie's older brother, told the Guardian.

"The police's job is to arrest people who are breaking the law — not take the law into your own hands. You're not judge, jury and executioner ... We're never going to get over this."

McCoy's shooting follows a string of similar incidents of alleged police brutality in the US in recent years.

And this is not the first time the Vallejo Police Department has come under scrutiny following complaints of excessive force.

In 2017, a video of an officer straddling a man on the ground and punching him in the face several times prompted an uproar. Another video last year showed a Vallejo police officer repeatedly hitting a man with his flashlight as he was being restrained and handcuffed by another officer.

Vallejo police did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the McCoy case and McCoy's family could not be immediately reached.

Police in northern California is conducting a probe following outrage over the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old rapper who was found sleeping in his car outside a Taco Bell.

Police in northern California is conducting a probe following outrage over the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old rapper who was found sleeping in his car outside a Taco Bell. According to the Vallejo Police Department, the February 6 shooting took place after employees at the fast-food outlet late that evening called to report a Mercedes parked in the drive-thru line with a man slumped over in the driver's seat. In a statement, police said officers responded to the call and as they approached the locked vehicle, they noticed that the driver was unresponsive and had a gun on his lap. They added that the car's transmission was in drive. As police assessed the situation and tried to prevent the vehicle from moving forward, the statement said, things turned deadly. "The driver ... Suddenly began to move," the police report said. "The officers told the driver to keep his hands visible, however, the driver quickly reached for the handgun on his lap. "In fear for their own safety, the officers discharged their weapons at the driver." It was unclear how many bullets were fired. McCoy was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has challenged the police version of events, describing the shooting as an "execution" and a clear case of racial profiling. "There was no attempt to try to work out a peaceful solution," Marc McCoy, Willie's older brother, told the Guardian. "The police's job is to arrest people who are breaking the law — not take the law into your own hands. You're not judge, jury and executioner ... We're never going to get over this." McCoy's shooting follows a string of similar incidents of alleged police brutality in the US in recent years. And this is not the first time the Vallejo Police Department has come under scrutiny following complaints of excessive force. In 2017, a video of an officer straddling a man on the ground and punching him in the face several times prompted an uproar. Another video last year showed a Vallejo police officer repeatedly hitting a man with his flashlight as he was being restrained and handcuffed by another officer. Vallejo police did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the McCoy case and McCoy's family could not be immediately reached.

US police under scrutiny after rapper shot dead in car

Actor Ranveer Singh, who is seen as a street rapper in his upcoming film 'Gully Boy', says he was born to do the coming-of-age musical film.

Ranveer spoke at the trailer launch of&nbsp;'Gully Boy' along with his co-star Alia Bhatt, the film's director Zoya Akhtar and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani in Mumbai on Wednesday.

In the film, the actor plays the role of a street rapper who dreams big.

In real life, Ranveer Singh has had a brush with rapping himself. He did a bit of rapping in the title track of his second film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'.

"When somebody told me about the script of 'Gully Boy', I told them that it is my film. If any other actor would have been a part of this film instead of me then I would have got burnt with jealousy. I was born to do `Gully Boy` and I knew only I can pull off this character."

Ranveer said the movie is special for him for many reasons. "It's a coming together of too many things that are very dear to me. It has rap, hip-hop music which I loved since I was a kid and it is set in my motherland Mumbai."

While sharing his experience of working with the film's cast and crew, Ranveer said: "Working with Zoya (Akhtar) was an amazing experience. She is really more than a director to me. She is my friend and confidante. She is so special to me in my life as a person more than a director. This film's producer Ritesh is like family to me. We go way back and our parents go way back. Farhan (Akhtar) is a creative force of nature who I have tremendous admiration for. I have been fielding for him to direct me since eight years now. Hopefully, he will consider me someday. I really don't know what to say about Alia (Bhatt). I don't know how she happened to us. We are lucky that we have an actor like Alia Bhatt as a part of our cinema."

When Zoya was asked how she managed to work with Ranveer in the film, she said: "He is a method actor. If he has to rap for a day, then he will rap for the whole day.''

"When I was editing `Dil Dhadkne Do` in 2014, that time my editor Anand Subaya actually showed me a video of an artiste called Naezy who was like 21 years of age and he had put a song called `Aafat`. That`s the first time I saw a real and authentic rap what now is called as Gully Rap. It`s just stuck in my head and from that moment, till now, it`s just took me on a journey to make this film," says Zoya.

'Gully Boy' also features Vijay Raaz, Amruta Subhash and Siddhant Chaturvedi in key roles.

Produced by Tiger Baby Productions and Excel Entertainment, the movie is slated to release on February 14.

Actor Ranveer Singh, who is seen as a street rapper in his upcoming film 'Gully Boy', says he was born to do the coming-of-age musical film. Ranveer spoke at the trailer launch of 'Gully Boy' along with his co-star Alia Bhatt, the film's director Zoya Akhtar and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Actor Ranveer Singh, who is seen as a street rapper in his upcoming film 'Gully Boy', says he was born to do the coming-of-age musical film. Ranveer spoke at the trailer launch of 'Gully Boy' along with his co-star Alia Bhatt, the film's director Zoya Akhtar and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani in Mumbai on Wednesday. In the film, the actor plays the role of a street rapper who dreams big. In real life, Ranveer Singh has had a brush with rapping himself. He did a bit of rapping in the title track of his second film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'. "When somebody told me about the script of 'Gully Boy', I told them that it is my film. If any other actor would have been a part of this film instead of me then I would have got burnt with jealousy. I was born to do `Gully Boy` and I knew only I can pull off this character." Ranveer said the movie is special for him for many reasons. "It's a coming together of too many things that are very dear to me. It has rap, hip-hop music which I loved since I was a kid and it is set in my motherland Mumbai." While sharing his experience of working with the film's cast and crew, Ranveer said: "Working with Zoya (Akhtar) was an amazing experience. She is really more than a director to me. She is my friend and confidante. She is so special to me in my life as a person more than a director. This film's producer Ritesh is like family to me. We go way back and our parents go way back. Farhan (Akhtar) is a creative force of nature who I have tremendous admiration for. I have been fielding for him to direct me since eight years now. Hopefully, he will consider me someday. I really don't know what to say about Alia (Bhatt). I don't know how she happened to us. We are lucky that we have an actor like Alia Bhatt as a part of our cinema." When Zoya was asked how she managed to work with Ranveer in the film, she said: "He is a method actor. If he has to rap for a day, then he will rap for the whole day.'' "When I was editing `Dil Dhadkne Do` in 2014, that time my editor Anand Subaya actually showed me a video of an artiste called Naezy who was like 21 years of age and he had put a song called `Aafat`. That`s the first time I saw a real and authentic rap what now is called as Gully Rap. It`s just stuck in my head and from that moment, till now, it`s just took me on a journey to make this film," says Zoya. 'Gully Boy' also features Vijay Raaz, Amruta Subhash and Siddhant Chaturvedi in key roles. Produced by Tiger Baby Productions and Excel Entertainment, the movie is slated to release on February 14.

I am born to do Gully Boy: Ranveer Singh

Drake is under fire after an old video resurfaced on social media in which he could be seen touching and kissing a 17-year-old girl.

The clip, which was shared on Twitter on January 3, shows the rapper flirting and dancing with the fan on stage.

According to Spin magazine, the video is from 2010, when Drake was 24.

In the 94 second-long video, the rapper is visible standing behind the girl and asks her, "I told you I like your hair, right? What is it, like herbal essences? Smells fresh."&nbsp;

He then goes on to kiss her neck and wrap his arms around her chest as the amused audience roared with laughter.&nbsp;

After taking a moment, Drake addressed the crowd on the mic, "Y'all know I get carried away again, I get in trouble for s**t."&nbsp;

The rapper next asked the girl her age and she replied she was 17.

In the video, an exasperated Drake can be seen flinging his hands as the crowd laughed and booed him off simultaneously.

Drake said, "I can't go to jail yet, man! 17? Why you look like that? You thick."

"I don't know if I should feel guilty or not but I had fun. I like the way your breasts feel against my chest," he added.

The "Signs" hitmaker then kissed the girl on her hand, both cheeks and forehead before giving her a peck on the lips.

The video was posted the same day "Surviving R Kelly", a controversial six-part documentary about Drake's alleged decades of sexual abuse with under-aged women, started airing.

A representative for the rapper did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Drake is under fire after an old video resurfaced on social media in which he could be seen touching and kissing a 17-year-old girl. The clip, which was shared on Twitter on January 3, shows the rapper flirting and dancing with the fan on stage.

Drake is under fire after an old video resurfaced on social media in which he could be seen touching and kissing a 17-year-old girl. The clip, which was shared on Twitter on January 3, shows the rapper flirting and dancing with the fan on stage. According to Spin magazine, the video is from 2010, when Drake was 24. In the 94 second-long video, the rapper is visible standing behind the girl and asks her, "I told you I like your hair, right? What is it, like herbal essences? Smells fresh." He then goes on to kiss her neck and wrap his arms around her chest as the amused audience roared with laughter. After taking a moment, Drake addressed the crowd on the mic, "Y'all know I get carried away again, I get in trouble for s**t." The rapper next asked the girl her age and she replied she was 17. In the video, an exasperated Drake can be seen flinging his hands as the crowd laughed and booed him off simultaneously. Drake said, "I can't go to jail yet, man! 17? Why you look like that? You thick." "I don't know if I should feel guilty or not but I had fun. I like the way your breasts feel against my chest," he added. The "Signs" hitmaker then kissed the girl on her hand, both cheeks and forehead before giving her a peck on the lips. The video was posted the same day "Surviving R Kelly", a controversial six-part documentary about Drake's alleged decades of sexual abuse with under-aged women, started airing. A representative for the rapper did not respond to a request for comment.

In old video, Drake seen touching, kissing minor

A 34-year-old Canadian rapper Jon James McMurray, popular for carrying out extreme stunts died while filming a video on a plane.

McMurray passed away after he fell from the wing of a flying plane on which he was walking for the video shoot.

A report cited McMurray's manager as saying that the rapper was trained "intensively" for the stunt. McMurray also held the wing of the plane for a considerable time. He, however, could not get enough time&nbsp;to open the parachute.

McMurry fell and died as he lost the grip of the plane.&nbsp;

A statement released from his management team read, "Jon held onto the wing.. By the time he let go, he didn't have time to pull his parachute".

&nbsp;

A 34-year-old Canadian rapper Jon James McMurray, popular for carrying out extreme stunts died while filming a video on a plane. McMurray passed away after he fell from the wing of a flying plane on which he was walking for the video shoot.

A 34-year-old Canadian rapper Jon James McMurray, popular for carrying out extreme stunts died while filming a video on a plane. McMurray passed away after he fell from the wing of a flying plane on which he was walking for the video shoot. A report cited McMurray's manager as saying that the rapper was trained "intensively" for the stunt. McMurray also held the wing of the plane for a considerable time. He, however, could not get enough time to open the parachute. McMurry fell and died as he lost the grip of the plane. A statement released from his management team read, "Jon held onto the wing.. By the time he let go, he didn't have time to pull his parachute".

Canadian rapper dies after falling off plane's wing during video shoot

Reality star Kim Kardashian West wished husband Kanye West as he turned 41 today.

The star posted a picture of the rapper on Instagram a sitting in a plane.

The message read, "Happy Birthday babe!!!!! It`s been a wild year but we`re here & life is good! So proud of you dropping back to back albums & fulfilling your dreams. You inspire me to make the impossible always become a reality. Love you."Last month, the famous duo celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary and the reality-star-turned-makeup-mogul shared a few thoughts about her marriage to the `Ye` rapper.

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Kim and Kanye are parents of three children, North, Saint, and Chicago.

The star posted a picture of the rapper on Instagram a sitting in a plane

Reality star Kim Kardashian West wished husband Kanye West as he turned 41 today. The star posted a picture of the rapper on Instagram a sitting in a plane. The message read, "Happy Birthday babe!!!!! It`s been a wild year but we`re here & life is good! So proud of you dropping back to back albums & fulfilling your dreams. You inspire me to make the impossible always become a reality. Love you."Last month, the famous duo celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary and the reality-star-turned-makeup-mogul shared a few thoughts about her marriage to the `Ye` rapper. Happy Birthday babe!!!!! It’s been a wild year but we’re here & life is good! So proud of you dropping back to back albums & fulfilling your dreams. You inspire me to make the impossible always become a reality. Love you ? A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 8, 2018 at 7:03am PDT × Kim and Kanye are parents of three children, North, Saint, and Chicago.

Kim Kardashian wishes Kanye on 41st birthday

An Angolan court today ordered the conditional release of 17 young activists, including a well-known rapper, three months after they were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. 
 
Most of group were arrested during a book club meeting in June last year where one of the books on the line-up was about non-violent resistance to repressive regimes. 
 
The activists maintained throughout their trial they were peaceful campaigners for the departure of dos Santos, who has been in power since September, 1979 and rules the oil-rich country with an iron fist. 
 
&quot;Release warrants under house arrest were issued on behalf of 17 applicants to be executed from the present day,&quot; the Supreme Court in Luanda said in a statement. 
 
The ruling overturns sentences ranging from two to eight years in prison, which were handed down at the end of a lengthy trial in March amid complaints about political repression. 
 
One of the accused, rapper Luaty Beirao, went on hunger strike for over a month last year to protest against his detention. 
 
Defence lawyer Francisco Miguel Michel said today that he was &quot;very happy&quot;. 
 
&quot;Any court concerned with the application of justice would have ruled the same,&quot; he said, insisting his clients &quot;committed no crime&quot;. 
Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told AFP the ruling was &quot;long overdue&quot;. 
 
&quot;The order should have been given immediately after the verdict in March... I am satisfied that the Supreme Court is upholding the law of the country,&quot; she said. 
 
(AFP)

The activists were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has been in power since 1979

An Angolan court today ordered the conditional release of 17 young activists, including a well-known rapper, three months after they were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Most of group were arrested during a book club meeting in June last year where one of the books on the line-up was about non-violent resistance to repressive regimes. The activists maintained throughout their trial they were peaceful campaigners for the departure of dos Santos, who has been in power since September, 1979 and rules the oil-rich country with an iron fist. "Release warrants under house arrest were issued on behalf of 17 applicants to be executed from the present day," the Supreme Court in Luanda said in a statement. The ruling overturns sentences ranging from two to eight years in prison, which were handed down at the end of a lengthy trial in March amid complaints about political repression. One of the accused, rapper Luaty Beirao, went on hunger strike for over a month last year to protest against his detention. Defence lawyer Francisco Miguel Michel said today that he was "very happy". "Any court concerned with the application of justice would have ruled the same," he said, insisting his clients "committed no crime". Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told AFP the ruling was "long overdue". "The order should have been given immediately after the verdict in March... I am satisfied that the Supreme Court is upholding the law of the country," she said. (AFP)

Angolan court frees 17 jailed activists

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