Rap News Rundown: Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Gucci Mane, Ja Rule
Photo via kendricklamar.com
Last week, Rap News Rundown regulars Chris Brown and Gucci Mane returned to the headlines with more bad news, Ja Rule denied rumors he was leaving his wife for a man, and Kendrick Lamar and others reacted to the passing of Nelson Mandela.
Rappers React to Nelson Mandela’s Death
Nelson Mandela passed away Dec. 5. The civil and human rights leader was a source of motivation for multitudes across races and cultures. He also inspired many musicians, including several rappers. Many took to social media to offer their condolences and express what the former president of South Africa meant to them.
Kendrick Lamar encouraged fans to learn more about Mandela’s life.
“Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela’s life. That’s how you pay your respect,” wrote the Cali rapper on Twitter.
MMG rapper Stalley dedicated the video of his latest single, “Raise Your Weapons,” to Mandela, and singer R. Kelly paid tribute to him during his performance on Arsenio Hall’s late night talk show.
Chris Brown Sued for $3 Million
Chris Brown has been hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit by singer Frank Ocean’s cousin, Sha’Keir Duarte, who was involved in the two singers’ January scuffle outside a West Hollywood recording studio. Duarte alleges that in the melee, he was beat up by one of Brown’s bodyguards, who was being egged on by Brown. According to TMZ, Duarte requests $1 million for pain and suffering, $1 million for emotional distress and another million for punitive damages, in addition to $60,000 for medical expenses.
Brown has also filed a suit against Durante, accusing him of causing the fight. He alleges that Ocean’s cousin kicked and punched him during the fight and made several threats against his life.
Gucci Mane Facing 20 Years in Prison
Gucci Mane was officially charged in federal court last week with two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon. The charges are a result of the southern rapper’s erratic behavior inside a mall in September and a newly revealed incident in which he reportedly pulled a weapon and threatened police before being arrested.
“We cannot tolerate convicted felons ignoring the law by carrying firearms and endangering our citizens,” said Atlanta Police Chief George Turner in a statement.
Gucci, whose real name is Radric Davis, is being held in custody until the trial. If convicted of both charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Ja Rule Denies Leaving Wife for Cellmate
Ja Rule has denied a rumor started by a gossip site claiming that he has left his wife, Aisha Atkins, to pursue a relationship with his prison cellmate. The site reported that the rapper’s wife revealed during the opening monologue on MTV show Married Life After Prison, that Ja was gay. There’s no proof the alleged MTV series even exists, suggesting that the report is probably a hoax.
He tweeted a picture of him and his wife kissing and tweeted, “Sorry to disappoint [you] guys who wanted so bad for the rumors to be true. Merry Xmas haters from Mickey and Malerie #naturalbornkillers.”
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Rap News Rundown: Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Gucci Mane, Ja Rule
Photo via kendricklamar.com
Last week, Rap News Rundown regulars Chris Brown and Gucci Mane returned to the headlines with more bad news, Ja Rule denied rumors he was leaving his wife for a man, and Kendrick Lamar and others reacted to the passing of Nelson Mandela.
Rappers React to Nelson Mandela’s Death
Nelson Mandela passed away Dec. 5. The civil and human rights leader was a source of motivation for multitudes across races and cultures. He also inspired many musicians, including several rappers. Many took to social media to offer their condolences and express what the former president of South Africa meant to them.
Kendrick Lamar encouraged fans to learn more about Mandela’s life.
“Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela’s life. That’s how you pay your respect,” wrote the Cali rapper on Twitter.
MMG rapper Stalley dedicated the video of his latest single, “Raise Your Weapons,” to Mandela, and singer R. Kelly paid tribute to him during his performance on Arsenio Hall’s late night talk show.
Chris Brown Sued for $3 Million
Chris Brown has been hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit by singer Frank Ocean’s cousin, Sha’Keir Duarte, who was involved in the two singers’ January scuffle outside a West Hollywood recording studio. Duarte alleges that in the melee, he was beat up by one of Brown’s bodyguards, who was being egged on by Brown. According to TMZ, Duarte requests $1 million for pain and suffering, $1 million for emotional distress and another million for punitive damages, in addition to $60,000 for medical expenses.
Brown has also filed a suit against Durante, accusing him of causing the fight. He alleges that Ocean’s cousin kicked and punched him during the fight and made several threats against his life.
Gucci Mane Facing 20 Years in Prison
Gucci Mane was officially charged in federal court last week with two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon. The charges are a result of the southern rapper’s erratic behavior inside a mall in September and a newly revealed incident in which he reportedly pulled a weapon and threatened police before being arrested.
“We cannot tolerate convicted felons ignoring the law by carrying firearms and endangering our citizens,” said Atlanta Police Chief George Turner in a statement.
Gucci, whose real name is Radric Davis, is being held in custody until the trial. If convicted of both charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Ja Rule Denies Leaving Wife for Cellmate
Ja Rule has denied a rumor started by a gossip site claiming that he has left his wife, Aisha Atkins, to pursue a relationship with his prison cellmate. The site reported that the rapper’s wife revealed during the opening monologue on MTV show Married Life After Prison, that Ja was gay. There’s no proof the alleged MTV series even exists, suggesting that the report is probably a hoax.
He tweeted a picture of him and his wife kissing and tweeted, “Sorry to disappoint [you] guys who wanted so bad for the rumors to be true. Merry Xmas haters from Mickey and Malerie #naturalbornkillers.”