THE PLAYGROUND: INDUSTRY NEWS WRAP-UP (April 16, 2021)
Tap in with The Playground for all the latest updates from New York and from around the industry - where we go over everything that went down this week that you need to know about
1) Yonkers native & Hip-Hop Icon , rapper DMX ‘passed away at the age of 50.
One of the most popular and successful rappers in hip hop history, DMX, died on Friday, April 9th. He was 50 years old. His family released the following statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” his family said in a statement. “Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
DMX was hospitalized on April 3rd after suffering a heart attack, which led him into a coma shortly after.
2) Due to the recent rise of Asian hate and xenophobia, Rihanna and her assistant, took part in a #Stopasianhate rally in NYC.
Rihanna giving her Instagram handle to protesters at the #StopAsianHate march in NYC. pic.twitter.com/3g4uG7PPs3
— Rihanna News (@TeamOfRihanna) April 5, 2021
3) Philadelphia rapper, AR-Ab sentenced to 45 years
AR-Ab (real name Abdul West) appeared in a Philadelphia courtroom on Thursday to receive his sentencing - where a federal judge threw the book at him. The Inquirer, reported that the 38-year-old Philly rapper was sentenced to a alarming 45 years in prison for turning his Original Block Hustlaz (OBH) label into a drug trafficking ring connected to at least one murder.
4) Former Bad Boy records rapper Black Rob revealed that he is homeless and in bad health
Former Bad Boy records rapper Black Rob revealed that he is homeless and has suffered from at least four strokes since his health decline. The 51-year-old “Whoa” rapper, revealed the information following a previous video demonstrating pain over the passing of rapper DMX. Fans have started a GoFundMe where supporters can donate to help Black Rob.
#BlackRob has been released from the hospital. He details his struggles with health and housing. Keep your head up Black Rob!🙏 pic.twitter.com/HSyYOXaqKR
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 11, 2021
5) Cardi B did not hold back in calling out Republicans for their silence
Ya been real quit .Twitter Blue check Republicans are a fuckin joke .I don’t ever want to see yaa ranting on celebrities,athletes until yall address what’s REALLY WRONG IN AMERICA ! pic.twitter.com/z3Lyf1GGZb
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) April 14, 2021
Cardi B did not hold back in calling out Republicans for their silence regarding the police killing of Daunte Wright - and Caron Nazario’s almost fatal encounter with police in West Virginia. The “Wap’’ lyricist spoke out about the GOP reactions – or lack thereof – to the atrocious events that have rocked America in recent days. “This past week we have seen an American lieutenant that served this country get treated like a f---ing dog by cops. Got maced, got thrown to the floor,” she said in reference to Nazario, who was pulled over after police, who approached him with guns drawn and claimed he was driving without license plates.
6) Domincan-born Tokischa signs distribution deal with Roc Nation’s EQ
Tokischa, the Dominican born fearless, , sex-positive rapper and dembow star, together with her record label Paulus Music, have signed a distribution deal with Equity Distribution, Roc Nation’s indie distribution company. Dominican radio host and producer Alofoke, linked Tokischa with Roc Nation. He has been pushing her as the next big thing out of the Dominican Republic and worked hard to make the connection with Equity and Roc Nation as he felt it would be the best place to internationalize Tokischa’s career.
That’s the weekly Wrap-Up until next week!