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GRAMMYs

Nipsey Hussle

Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

News
Nipsey Hussle Lived As A Patron To His Community nipsey-hussle-beloved-la-rapper-and-activist-lived-patron-his-community

Nipsey Hussle, Beloved L.A. Rapper And Activist, Lived As A Patron To His Community

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The GRAMMY-nominated rapper was fatally shot outside of his clothing store, the Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles, on Sunday
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Apr 1, 2019 - 12:06 pm

GRAMMY-nominated rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside of his clothing store, the Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 31), police confirmed. He was 33.

Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, highlighted life in South Los Angeles and the socio-economic struggles people in the community faced, from single mothers working to feed their families to his own rise from financial struggle, through his poignant lyrics. He released his much-awaited official debut album, Victory Lap, in February 2018 after years of releasing several mixtapes, including The Marathon mixtape. For Hussle, creating the album was a weaving of his experiences and represented a coming full circle on his own terms.

Remembering Nipsey Hussle

"We want to just hear great lyrics, great music, great flow and great storytelling and so I just wanted to really be intentional that that was the goal with the album," he told the Recording Academy. "You know, I even had a conversation with the label people and it was just like, you know, the heads of the label, but what do you all expect from me on this one? Because for me, but my goal, my big picture goal to move forward and to make a step toward what my goal is as an artist, I need to make something really authentic and really organic on this first one."

The debut album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards and was a project that Hussle made with fans in mind.

"When I went into recording this album I [had] a ton of mixed tapes ... So I just went back through all of my projects and I listened and I put myself in the mindset of a fan. And I was like what made me a fan in it, you know? And each project had two or three moments that people really held onto," he said. "Some have more than others and I wanted the album to be a collection of those moments. I didn't want to be nostalgic, but I wanted to be aware of why they're connected.

Hussle, a native of the Crenshaw district in South Los Angeles, was also an entrepreneur and activist who was heavily invested in his community. A day before the launch of his album, he opened a co-working STEM Center in the area called Vector90 Too Big To Fail. He owned a clothing store on Slauson called The Marathon Clothing.

Beyond being a businessman and an artist, Hussle was also a loving father of two. Fatherhood served as an inspiration for his music:

"Fatherhood has affected and inspired me deeply ... when I went about doing music, I was really in the studio, spending the night, you know, sacrificing my personal time. Just really putting all my energy and time into the studio and I thought that was the most effective way to do it, he said. "But then having a kid, my daughter years back and then my son recently, it made me understand a balance and you might even get more inspired leaving the studio some time, going out and living and just taking her, your daughter, your kids somewhere and you might come back and what you've been trying to do sitting in this room wasn't going to get done sitting in this room.You had to go out and breathe a little bit and come back in and you refresh and you ready to go. "

Hussle saw life as a metaphor for a marathon that included not only his resiliency, but also his community's. "Make sure that you stick to what you believe in," he said. "The story that I'm telling on this album made the moment that I'm in even more special and important because it shows you the distance and the ground we covered."

Hussle is survived by his girlfriend, actress Lauren London, and his two children.

One Take: Nipsey Hussle On L.A., Ice Cream, Kendrick Lamar & More

GRAMMYs

YG 

News
Watch: YG Releases New Video "Hard Bottoms & White watch-yg-releases-new-video-hard-bottoms-white-socks

Watch: YG Releases New Video "Hard Bottoms & White Socks"

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The video premiered at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, where the rapper also paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle along with DJ Khaled, John Legend and more
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jun 24, 2019 - 12:34 pm

Los Angeles rapper YG has released a video for "Hard Bottoms & White Socks," the first track off his recently released album 4REAL 4 REAL.  

The Hollywood Golden Age-inspired, black-and-white clip features cameos from Machine Gun Kelly, India Love, L.A. radio personality Big Boy and more. The video also honors the late GRAMMY-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle, who died earlier this year. 

The video premiered at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, where the rapper also paid tribute to Hussle with a performance alongside DJ Khaled, John Legend and more. 

"Hard Bottoms & White Socks" follows the release of "Go Loko," a Latino culture-inspired video featuring Tyga and Jon Z. Watch the brand-new video above. 

Nipsey Hussle Launches The Recording Academy's #NoCover

GRAMMYs

Chynna

Photo courtesy of @ASAPMOB

News
Philadelphia Rapper Chynna Dies At 25 philadelphia-rapper-chynna-dies-25

Philadelphia Rapper Chynna Dies At 25

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The late model and hip-hop artist reportedly passed away of an accidental drug overdose, according to the Philadelphia Department of Health
Onaje McDowelle
GRAMMYs
Apr 9, 2020 - 1:43 pm

West Philadelphia rapper and model Chynna Rogers, also known as Chynna, has officially passed away at the age of 25. It is reported that the artist suffered an accidental drug overdose at her home. The news was confirmed on Wednesday (April 8) by Rogers’ family and management.

In a statement to NBC News, her family wrote, "Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed."

Rogers was first introduced to the music industry based on her vested interest in becoming an A&R, which lead her to connect with and eventually befriend late hip-hop mentor and business mind A$AP Yams and the wider A$AP Mob Collective, whom she credits with encouraging her to pursue rapping. Her notable style and artistry became recognized for its potent lyricism, dark delivery and heavily gothic-influenced instrumentation.

In a 2018 interview with Pitchfork, the artist discussed overcoming her previous bouts with addiction and substance abuse saying, "I did end up talking about it, because there are a lot more people dealing with this sh*t than you think, and they should know that someone who looks like me or does this could have the same problem as the fiend on the corner."

She continued, saying, "It’s just more reason to work and get all this shit done," and that her music was "for angry people with too much pride to show how angry they are."

Last December, Chynna released her in case i die first EP, the follow up to her 2018 EP I’m Not Here. This Isn’t Happening. She had popularly gained traction online for her singles “Selfie” (2013), “Glen Cocoa,” (2014) and “The Conversation” (2016).

Friends, family and the wider music community galvanized to mourn the late artists’ death following the reports:

https://twitter.com/atrak/status/1248049705315008512

I can’t believe this 💔💔💔💔💔😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥 not chynna not my little sis

— Kibbutzy Collins (@atrak) April 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/Kehlani/status/1248048783797043200

ANGELS NEVER DIE

PHILLYS FINEST pic.twitter.com/rgueQxvI1k

— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 9, 2020



View this post on Instagram


Rest In Peace Chynna. Heartbroken. All the love to those she left behind . Goodbye angel.

A post shared by TRUE PANTHER SOUNDS (@truepanther) on Apr 8, 2020 at 6:37pm PDT



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I don’t like doing this when my people go but I think everybody needs to know that you were special. Too special for words. Stay outta trouble lil cuh.

A post shared by @ vincestaples on Apr 8, 2020 at 6:23pm PDT

i love u, Chynna
forever, my rap game Laura Croft pic.twitter.com/6RG0V7SRGj

— LOWKEY SUPERSTAR (@KARIFAUX) April 9, 2020

REST EASY CHYNNA. WE GON MISS U SIS. pic.twitter.com/xcFdnhs030

— A$AP MOB (@ASAPMOB) April 9, 2020

GRAMMYs

Michael Lang 

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Focus Features

News
Woodstock 50 Has Been Cancelled woodstock-50-officially-cancelled

Woodstock 50 Is Officially Cancelled

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The anniversary fest was meant to take place in two weeks at the Merriweather Post Pavilion around Baltimore
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Aug 1, 2019 - 11:40 am

It's official: Two weeks before scheduled to take place, organizers have announced that Woodstock 50, which originally had Miley Cyrus, The Raconteurs, Santana and more as headliners, is cancelled.

The festival that was to take place Aug.16–18 has faced issues ranging from financial troubles to issues with venues, since its inception. Co-founder of Woodstock and Woodstock 50 organizer Michael Lang cited artists backing down as one of the reasons the music event has decided to not go forward with the event this time, after having recently found a new venue, the Merriweather Post Pavilion around Baltimore, and starting a collaboration with HeadCount, a non-profit committed to getting people registed to vote. 

"We are saddened that a series of unforeseen setbacks has made it impossible to put on the Festival we imagined with the great line-up we had booked and the social engagement we were anticipating. When we lost the Glen and then Vernon Downs we looked for a way to do some good rather than just cancel," Lang said in a statement. "We formed a collaboration with HeadCount to do a smaller event at the Merriweather Pavilion to raise funds for them to get out the vote and for certain NGOs involved in fighting climate change. We released all the talent so any involvement on their part would be voluntary. Due to conflicting radius issues in the DC area many acts were unable to participate and others passed for their own reasons."

Lang enouraged artists who have been paid by the festival to donate to HeadCount: "I would like to encourage artists and agents, who all have been fully paid, to donate 10% of their fees to HeadCount or causes of their choice in the spirit of peace. Woodstock remains committed to social change and will continue to be active in support of HeadCount’s critical mission to get out the vote before the next election. We thank the artists, fans and partners who stood by us even in the face of adversity. My thoughts turn to Bethel and its celebration of our 50th Anniversary to reinforce the values of compassion, human dignity, and the beauty of our differences embraced by Woodstock.”

The festival had been struggling with several details throughout its planning. The festival struggled with venue permits, financial support, and having a clear lineup. In late April, it was announced that the festival was canceled to due to the backing out of their original funder, Dentsu Aegis Network.  

Woodstock 50 Music Festival Finally Finds Venue, Merriweather Post Pavilion

GRAMMYs

Michael Sticka 

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage via Getty Images 

News
Michael Sticka Named GRAMMY Museum President michael-sticka-named-grammy-museum-president

Michael Sticka Named GRAMMY Museum President

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Sticka, who first joined the organization in 2014 and formerly held the position of Executive Director at the GRAMMY Museum, will continue to lead the museum's growth and strategy
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jul 30, 2019 - 2:14 pm

The GRAMMY Museum has promoted Michael Sticka to President as the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy make the largest conributions to the museum in either organization's history.

Sticka, who first joined the organization in 2014 and formerly held the position of Executive Director at the GRAMMY Museum, will continue to lead the museum's growth and strategy. He will also "oversee all aspects of Museum operations, including curatorial, development, marketing, grants and awards, public and education programs, and more," a statement said. His contract will extend through 2022. 

https://twitter.com/GRAMMYMuseum/status/1154481519173525504

With a discography that has yielded twelve gold and platinum album awards, #BerlinOfficialBand will forever be recognized as the American progenitor of electro-pop artistry. The Los Angeles-based band joins us next week at the #GRAMMYMuseum! https://t.co/PaMhPw28zS pic.twitter.com/t8a2DZWbqc

— GRAMMY Museum (@GRAMMYMuseum) July 25, 2019

“As Executive Director, I’ve witnessed our team’s incredible passion, hard work, and dedication, which has strengthened our impact and presence in the Los Angeles music and education communities,” said Sticka. “I’m honored that the Board has entrusted me in the role as President, allowing me to continue leading this extraordinary team with the purpose of driving our social good within the community and uphold the Museum's mission to educate, inspire, cultivate creativity, and share the significance of music."

Sticka, who created the museum's Community Engagement Department as executive director, said the museum will continue to invest in its community engagement, curatorial mission and education program. Sticka said the museum's goal is to reach 100,000 over the next five years. 

The Recording Academy contributed $5 million for museum renovations and technology updates, while the Latin Recording Academy will donate more than half a million dollars in a three-year period to grow the Latin music exhibits, education programs and the hiring of a Latin music curator. Both presidents of each organization shared their excitement for Sticka's promotion and their investment in the museum's work. 

“Under Michael’s leadership and guidance, the GRAMMY Museum has not only secured substantial new investments from the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy, but has also seen a tremendous increase in visitors, revenue from attendance, merchandise and event sales, and more” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy and Chair of the Board of Directors of the GRAMMY Museum. “The Museum’s growth and path towards cementing its status as ‘the’ steward and place where Music Has A Home, as well as its future financial and business well-being is reflective of and a testament to Michael’s strategic vision, impressive operational skills, and exceptional leadership.”  

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with the GRAMMY Museum,” said The Latin Recording Academy President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. “The Latin Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum share the commitment of educating the public about the significant contributions Latin music has made in the world. I look forward to expanding our presence inside the GRAMMY Museum in an impactful way that guides the narrative and preserves the stories of Latin music and its creators."

GRAMMY Camp Inspires Dreams, Not Fantasies

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.