Sunday, August 25, 2024

Geto Boys' Scarface Battling Undisclosed Illness in ICU

Scarface, (left) with Houston radio presenter J Mac.
Brad Jordan, better known by his stage name Scarface, was hospitalized in a cardiovascular intensive care unit on Saturday, according to a post shared on his Instagram account. The 53-year-old artist, celebrated for his contributions to the legendary Southern rap group Geto Boys, is currently receiving treatment for an unspecified ailment.

The Instagram post featured an image of Scarface from the nose down, showing electrode wires on his chest and a breathing tube in his nose. A medical worker, identified by a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit badge, was also visible in the photo. "Ouch...🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Grateful," Scarface captioned the post, offering no further details about his condition.


Scarface has been open about his past health struggles, which have included a kidney transplant and a protracted battle with COVID-19. In March 2020, he contracted the virus, which led to kidney failure. After months of searching for a kidney donor, his son, Chris Jordan, stepped forward and donated his kidney in a successful transplant surgery in September 2021.

The rapper’s hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians alike. "Prayers for a full recovery," wrote comedian Cedric the Entertainer in the comments section of Scarface’s post. Other well-wishers included hip-hop heavyweights DJ Premier, E-40, Mannie Fresh, Twista, and DJ Quik, who each sent messages of encouragement.

Scarface, a native of Houston’s South Acres neighborhood, has long been a pivotal figure in Southern hip-hop. He first gained prominence as a member of Geto Boys in the late 1980s, helping to put Southern rap on the map with tracks like "Mind Playing Tricks on Me." His solo career, which began in 1991, has been equally influential, with albums such as The Diary and The Fix earning critical acclaim.

In recent years, Scarface has taken a step back from music, announcing his retirement from rap in 2022. Despite this, he remains an active presence in the industry, occasionally performing and making public appearances. He also made a brief foray into politics in 2019, running for Houston City Council's District D seat, though he was ultimately unsuccessful in his bid.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

'Proud and Happy': Ashanti, Nelly Share Joy Over Newborn Son

Grammy-winning R&B singer Ashanti, 43, and her longtime partner, rapper Nelly, 49, have announced the birth of their first child together, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, born on July 18, 2024. The couple shared the news with fans via Instagram, marking a significant milestone in their renewed relationship.

Ashanti, in a heartfelt post, gave a candid glimpse into her postpartum experience, sharing intimate photos, including one in Frida Mom disposable shorts. "Funny how life’s plans aren’t… always on time… lol," Ashanti wrote. "I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now, but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!"

Their representative confirmed the news to PEOPLE, stating, “Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!”

In addition to the photos, Ashanti posted a video in which she expressed pride in her body’s resilience, saying, "Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do."

The couple's journey to parenthood has been a celebrated aspect of their renewed relationship. Their pregnancy announcement came earlier this year in a playful Instagram reveal, where Ashanti subtly hinted at the news in response to her mother’s question about performance preparations, leaving fans delighted.
In an interview with Essence, Ashanti not only confirmed the pregnancy but also shared her engagement to Nelly, describing the period as "a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation." The couple, who rekindled their romance in 2023 after years apart, have faced their share of challenges, yet their bond has only strengthened over time.

Nelly, already a father to two adult children and guardian to his niece and nephew, welcomed the expansion of his family with open arms. Reflecting on their reunion during an appearance on Boss Moves with Rasheeda, Nelly said, "It wasn’t anything that we planned. We both were pretty much doing what we do… But sometimes, being separate, you understand one another more."

The couple’s wedding, held on December 27, 2023, was a private affair, later revealed in reports by TMZ. Their appearance at the 11th Black and White Ball that same month fueled pregnancy speculation, with fans noting a tender moment on stage where they rested their hands on Ashanti's stomach, hinting at the news to come.

New ODB Documentary, Audiobook Unveil the Man Behind the Music

Photo Credit: A&E TV
The first authorized documentary on Ol' Dirty Bastard, titled "Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys," will premiere on A&E TV on Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern time. The two-hour film comes after two years of anticipation.

Co-directed by Sam Pollard and his son, Jason Pollard, the documentary examines the life and legacy of the Wu-Tang Clan co-founder. It includes exclusive, never-before-seen footage from ODB’s personal archive, filmed by his wife, Icelene Jones. The film features interviews with Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s son Bar-Sun Jones, his parents, and influential record executives.

“Our goal is to give viewers the full story of those who have left a profound mark on our culture,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for A&E.

Jones expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “I am so happy to have brought this documentary about my husband’s life to the screen. He was and is an inspiration to my family, children, and fans across the world.”

In addition, the newly released audiobook "Everybody Loves Dirty," published on August 13, provides personal insights from ODB’s mother, Cherry Jones; his manager, Jarred Weisfeld; and his bodyguard, Jerome Baldwin.

Reflecting on her son’s death in 2004, Jones said. “Of course, you never really are prepared for the death of somebody that you love. But when he died that day 19 years ago, I knew it was a relief for him. I felt it like a terrible weight lifting up off of him.”

The audiobook offers further context with stories from those closest to ODB.

The impact of ODB’s work endures, as evidenced by the new podcast "ODB: A Son Unique," hosted by filmmaker Khalik Allah. Allah describes ODB as a “brilliant star” who was “full of love.”

Born in Brooklyn in 1968, ODB was influenced by his musical family and the Five-Percent Nation. His unique style, blending street grit with soul influences, was evident from his breakout performance on Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" to his collaboration with Mariah Carey on "Fantasy."

Despite his groundbreaking career, ODB faced significant personal challenges, including addiction and legal troubles. His final years were marked by hardship, but his legacy as a pioneering artist remains impactful.

As the 20th anniversary of his passing approaches, ODB’s influence continues through his music and his fans. His story and legacy are expected to inspire future generations.

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