B-Rock and The Bizz Rapper Paul Costict Passes Away at 57

Courtesy Photo 

Paul Costict, a hip-hop pioneer and member of the '90s rap collective B-Rock and The Bizz, has passed away suddenly at the age of 57, leaving the music community in mourning.

The news of Costict's unexpected demise was confirmed by an unidentified family member who spoke to TMZ. According to reports, he died at his residence in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday. As of now, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.

Costict rose to prominence as a member of B-Rock and The Bizz, a group known for their 1997 hit single "My Baby Daddy." The song achieved remarkable success, securing a place in the top ten on the Billboard charts and earning gold certification. While the group is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, their musical legacy endures in the hip-hop community.

In 2022, their influence reached a new generation when global superstar Rihanna was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "dat's just my baby daddy" during her pregnancy, paying tribute to B-Rock and The Bizz.

Thaddeus T-Bird Maye, a former bandmate of Costict, paid an emotional tribute to the late musician. "This one really hit home. I got tears in my eyes as I post this. PAUL COSTICT was a very funny and Kool brother. We go way back to Blount High School," said Maye. "He was so funny. Love you, brother. Rest in peace. Please keep me and his family in your PRAYERS."

B-Rock and The Bizz, consisting of Costict, Baron "B-Rock" Agee, Leevirt Agee, and Maye, emerged from Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, making history as the first rap group from the city. Their signature hit, "My Baby Daddy," propelled them into the national spotlight, earning gold certification and securing a place in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

'Shaft' Icon Richard Roundtree, Who Showcased Musical Talents, Passes at 81 After Cancer Battle

Richard Roundtree, the legendary actor celebrated for his groundbreaking portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft," passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

The confirmation of Roundtree's passing was provided by his manager, Patrick McMinn, who had been managing his career since 1987. McMinn, in a statement, reflected on Roundtree's profound impact on the film industry. He stated, "Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

Roundtree's remarkable journey began with a modeling career, but at the age of 28, he secured the role of John Shaft in the iconic "Shaft" film. The action-packed movie, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, achieved tremendous success, grossing $12 million against a meager budget of $500,000 and helping rescue the studio from financial woes. It set the stage for an era of prolific Blaxploitation filmmaking and underlined the historical oversight of Black talent by Hollywood.

Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply… pic.twitter.com/1N8fHVDsA6

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023

However, Roundtree's influence extended far beyond the silver screen. In 1972, he ventured into the world of music with the release of his debut album, "The Man from Shaft." This musical project marked a distinct departure from his tough-guy image as a private investigator and showcased his versatility as an artist.

"The Man from Shaft" was a unique creation, with Roundtree's singing debut produced by the accomplished musician Gene McDaniels. McDaniels, known as a singer, songwriter, and producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sound. Roundtree's vocals were complemented by a talented ensemble of musicians, including jazz luminaries such as Hubert Laws, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Sonny Fortune and Billy Harper. This collaboration resulted in a musical fusion that combined elements of jazz and funk, creating a distinctive and memorable sound.

Rest in Peace Richard Roundtree. The one and only Shaft.

pic.twitter.com/kSOPhzjs0a

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) October 25, 2023

The lead track of the album, "Gets Hard Sometimes," exemplified the fusion of genres, incorporating a funky groove that bore the hallmark of McDaniels's musical style. While "The Man from Shaft" did not achieve widespread commercial success, it represented a significant and memorable project in Roundtree's artistic journey, highlighting his willingness to explore different creative avenues beyond acting.

Roundtree's groundbreaking role in "Shaft" led to two rapid sequels, "Shaft's Big Score" and "Shaft in Africa," as well as a short-lived 1973 "Shaft" television series on CBS, which he viewed as a less favorable chapter in his illustrious career.

As the years went by, Roundtree's career continued to flourish, extending beyond his initial stardom. He featured in films such as "Earthquake," "Man Friday" alongside Peter O'Toole and Larry Cohen's monster comedy "Q — The Winged Serpent." In addition to his film work, he made notable guest appearances on television, including roles in "Roots," "Magnum P.I." and "The Love Boat."

When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being. pic.twitter.com/1ZiIdj4d0o

— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) October 25, 2023

In 2000, Roundtree revisited the world of "Shaft" in John Singleton's revival of the franchise, co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson, who played a character related to Roundtree's original private eye. This collaboration continued in 2019 with Tim Story's comedic take on the series.

Born on July 9, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Roundtree briefly attended Southern Illinois University before embarking on his modeling career. In the late '60s, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, which initiated his involvement in New York stage productions.

Roundtree's remarkable career spanned over five decades, and his portrayal of Shaft, his contributions to genre filmmaking, and his captivating screen presence added vibrancy to films like "Se7en," "Brick" and "Speed Racer." His recent work included a role in "Moving On," a comedy featuring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was later released in theaters.

He was married twice, first to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973, and later to Karen M. Cierna from 1980 to 1998. He is survived by his four daughters, Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree, as well as his son, James.

Puma Taps A$AP Rocky for F1 Creative Leadership

A$AP Rocky named PUMA x F1 Creative Director. Photo Credit: Ryo Sato

Move over Kanye, there's a new hip-hop shoe-fluencer in town.

Global sports brand Puma and A$AP Rocky have unveiled an exciting long-term creative partnership. Their collaboration centers on the world of motorsports, with A$AP Rocky taking on the role of Creative Director for the Puma x F1 category, emphasizing the fusion of sport and streetwear.

"Working with brands as iconic as Puma, and as innovative as F1, has been truly inspiring," noted A$AP Rocky in a release announcing the alliance. "When the world sees what we're doing, I believe a shift will happen with how brands approach taking risks and working with diverse creatives."

Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, A$AP Rocky has transcended the realm of music to become a fashion icon and cultural influencer. He embarked on his musical journey as a member of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, a pivotal chapter in shaping his artistic identity and earning him his moniker.

A$AP Rocky's meteoric rise began in 2011 with the release of his single "Peso," which quickly garnered widespread attention and radio airplay. In 2013, his debut studio album, "Long. Live. A$AP," skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved double platinum certification.

The collaboration kicks off with an innovative "in the lab" incubator approach, enabling A$AP Rocky to creatively explore the potential of the category. During the initial phase, he will contribute to visual and video content for the brand, providing a window into the intersection of car culture and streetwear fashion.

Later this year, Puma, in partnership with A$AP Rocky, will unveil an exclusive Puma x F1 collection. This limited-edition offering will serve as a preview of the forthcoming capsule collections scheduled for 2024, focused on high-visibility F1 races.

Come 2024, A$AP Rocky's creative vision will take center stage during multiple Grand Prix races, commencing with the Miami event. His involvement will extend to designing and curating collections, organizing race-day activations and overseeing marketing efforts.

By 2025, A$AP Rocky will engage in shaping the entire range of Puma x F1 products, encompassing racewear, fanwear and high-fashion pieces. His ongoing contributions to product design and marketing strategies aim to challenge the traditional boundaries separating sports, culture and fashion.

Maria Valdes, Puma's Chief Product Officer, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: "We couldn't be more excited to collaborate with A$AP Rocky. He's incredibly talented, deeply thoughtful and invested in our brand. He will showcase his vision with elevated F1 race capsules on a global scale, attracting new audiences and undoubtedly shaking up the track. In the future, he will influence the broader Puma x F1 range, continuing to drive progress at the intersection of sports and culture."