Friday, October 18, 2024

Hip-Hop Icons Dre & Snoop Expand Empire with Ultra-Premium Gin

Photo Credit: Raven B. Varona
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, the legendary duo who have shared stages and studios for decades, are now sharing something else: the spotlight in the spirits industry. The two hip-hop icons have announced the launch of Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop — an ultra-premium gin now available nationwide — marking their latest collaboration, but this time in a bottle rather than on a beat.

Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop is the second product release from their award-winning beverage brand and their first foray into the pure spirits category following the success of their canned cocktail, Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop, which hit shelves last year. Much like the hit song "Gin and Juice" that inspired their previous release, this new product draws from the duo's iconic track "Still D.R.E." and aims to bring the same smooth, bold presence to the world of premium gin.
"This is not a liquor that we're just putting our name on," Dr. Dre said in a statement. "It's just like we did with Beats headphones. Everything is us from the ground up: the gin, the flavor, the packaging… Everything had to be perfect. Snoop said it best: we're better together — it's always magical. From the look to the taste, it's all there."

The gin, described as a clean, light, and highly mixable spirit, features notes of tangerine, jasmine, and coriander, designed to create a refined yet approachable profile. Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop is distilled through a traditional vapor distillation process in a copper pot, and the result is a spirit Dre and Snoop are proud to stand behind.

"Every day in the studio when Dre and I were trying to make the dopest music, we were drinking gin and just having fun," Snoop Dogg said. "We've been a part of the evolution of this gin — from the creation of the flavor, to the percentage of alcohol that's in it — and it's just so good! Dre's a perfectionist: he wants to make sure it's not just good, but great. Together, we ain't gonna do nothing regular!"
The new launch builds on the legacy the two have forged not just in music but in business. The duo first rose to prominence in the 1990s, with Dr. Dre producing Snoop Dogg's debut album, "Doggystyle," and their collaborations becoming synonymous with West Coast hip-hop. Decades later, Dre and Snoop's influence endures beyond the recording studio, from their halftime show performance at Super Bowl LVI to their ventures in fashion, film, and now the spirits industry.

The debut of Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop is also a nod to the pair's deep connection to their craft. Much like their music — thoughtful, layered, and intended to resonate — the gin reflects their attention to detail and dedication. It is bottled at 85 proof (42.5% ABV) and distributed nationally at a suggested retail price of $34.99. The bottle, with its distinctive honeycomb design, was crafted by designer Ini Archibong, who also worked on the branding for their previous Gin & Juice release.

"Dre and Snoop were involved in every step—from the bottle design down to getting the perfect harmony of botanical notes and smooth mouthfeel into each sip," said Chief Strategy Officer Andrew Gill. "Together, what we came up with was the gin we've always wanted to make."

Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop is distributed through Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, the largest beverage distributor in the United States, and is available at select retailers across the country. For more information and to locate a retailer, visit www.bydreandsnoop.com.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Kendrick Lamar Sweeps 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, Leaves Megan Thee Stallion Empty-Handed

  Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET
GloRilla performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 at Drai's Beachclub & Nightclub on October 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kendrick Lamar emerged as the undisputed champion of the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards (taped Oct. 8 and broadcast Tuesday), sweeping all eight categories in which he was nominated. Despite entering the night with 11 nominations, Lamar ultimately outshined Megan Thee Stallion, who led with 12 nominations but failed to secure a win.

Lamar's victories included top honors, such as Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Lyricist of the Year. He also won Video Director of the Year, shared with Dave Free for their work on the “Not Like Us” music video.




In contrast, Megan Thee Stallion, known for her chart-topping hits, was surprisingly absent from the winners' circle, a shock to many given her leading number of nominations.

Other notable wins included Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2,” which took home Hip Hop Album of the Year, reaffirming her lasting influence. Sexyy Red was crowned Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist, while 50 Cent earned the Hustler of the Year title for his business ventures.

Hosted by Fat Joe, the awards ceremony highlighted both veterans and emerging stars, showcasing hip-hop's lasting impact and global reach.

Key Winners

Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Hip Hop Album of the Year: “Pink Friday 2” – Nicki Minaj
Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist: Sexyy Red
Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
Best Collaboration: “Like That” – Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar (“Not Like Us”)

For the full list of winners, click here.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Diddy's Legal Battles Escalate: Demands Accuser Names in Sex-Trafficking Case, Faces New Graphic Lawsuit

Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently in jail awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, has requested the identities of his accusers, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

The music mogul's legal team argues that the overwhelming volume of allegations and the anonymity of the accusers necessitate disclosure to ensure a fair trial.

Combs, 54, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment alleges a pattern of abuse spanning decades, with Combs allegedly using his wealth and influence to coerce individuals into sexual acts.
Prosecutors claim that Combs organized and directed "freak-offs," gatherings characterized by explicit sexual activity, where drugs were frequently used to incapacitate victims and facilitate the assaults that form the basis of the sex trafficking charges.

His attorneys argue that the extensive media coverage surrounding the case has led to a "torrent of allegations," some of which they deem "outright absurd." They cite recent civil suits filed by six anonymous plaintiffs and claims from Attorney Tony Buzbee of representing 120 accusers as contributing to what they describe as a "hysterical media circus."

The defense asserts that without knowing the identities of the accusers, Combs cannot adequately prepare for his May 5th trial. They emphasize the need to differentiate between consensual relationships and alleged coercion, particularly given the expected volume of evidence related to Combs' sexual history.

Federal prosecutors oppose disclosing the accusers' names at this stage. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

New Lawsuit Adds to Mounting Allegations

In a separate development, a new lawsuit filed in California accuses Combs of sexual assault, battery, abuse, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. The plaintiff, Ashley Parham, alleges that Combs and his accomplices raped her in 2018 after she made a comment about Combs' alleged involvement in Tupac Shakur's death. Parham's lawsuit also names Kristina Khorram, a former associate of both Combs and Kanye West, as a co-defendant.
The lawsuit contains graphic details, including allegations that Combs used a remote control to sexually assault Parham during the attack. According to the filing, Parham was coerced into a room and then physically restrained while Combs and his associates assaulted her. Parham claims that Combs threatened her life during the ordeal, adding that she was too frightened to name him when she initially reported the incident to multiple police departments. She is now seeking $50 million in damages for the assault and the resulting emotional trauma.

Combs has consistently denied all allegations in both the criminal and civil cases against him. His legal team has not yet issued a public statement regarding the latest lawsuit. These allegations, along with the new lawsuit, could have profound implications for his career and legacy as one of hip-hop's most influential figures, especially if he is convicted and faces a lengthy prison sentence.

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