Category: Hip Hop

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 Sean Kingston and his mother found GUILTY 

Jamaican-American singer and rapper Sean Kingston alongside his mother, Janice Turner, have been convicted on four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Their charges stemmed from allegations that they had defrauded various businesses, including a jewelry company, a luxury bed manufacturer, a high-end car dealership and a luxury microLED TV company since October 2023. The defrauded amount is reportedly over $1 million USD. Following a raid of Kingston’s Florida home in May 2024, he was arrested. Evidence presented in court included fake wire transfer receipts the duo allegedly used as proof of payment. A damning piece of evidence was a text message Kingston sent to his mother stating: “I told you to make [a] fake receipt,” followed by: “so it [looks] like the transfer will be there in a couple of days.” In August, both had pleaded not guilty to organized fraud in a Florida court. 

From March 24 to 28, the two were on trial in a Broward County, Florida courthouse. After three and a half hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict, prompting an emotional reaction from Kingston, who reportedly clasped his hands and cried in court. Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was placed under house arrest until sentencing. Meanwhile his mother, 61 year-old Janice Turner, was immediately taken into custody, with the judge citing her criminal history and central role in the scheme as reasons for denying her release. Turner was described as the “operator, fixer, and accountant” behind the fraudulent activity. 

Kingston initially rose to fame in 2007 with Beautiful Girls, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. In February, he was celebrating his first-ever Grammy victory. He contributed as a songwriter to Sensational, a track from Chris Brown’s 11:11, which won the Grammy for Best R&B Album. Now facing up to 20 years in prison, sentencing is scheduled for July 11, with Turner’s hearing set for 9 a.m. and Kingston’s at 11 a.m. Beyond the federal case, both defendants are also facing similar state charges. 

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Voletta Wallace: The Mother Who Shaped the Notorious B.I.G.’s Legacy

Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary Brooklyn rapper the Notorious B.I.G., passed away at 78 on Friday at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Her death was confirmed by the Monroe County coroner, though no cause was immediately specified.

A dedicated mother and immigrant from Jamaica, Voletta Wallace was thrust into the limelight following the tragic death of her son, Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997 at the young age of 24. His death came just six months after the fatal shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur, igniting a rivalry that would forever mark the history of hip-hop. The murder of both artists, which remains unsolved to this day, continues to fuel investigations, documentaries, and books.

Voletta was a preschool teacher who not only had a strong influence on her son’s early musical tastes but also played a pivotal role in his posthumous success. After Biggie’s death, his second album, Life After Death, was released just two weeks later, and Voletta stood by his legacy, even accepting an MTV Video Music Award on his behalf. She famously told the crowd, “I know if my son was here tonight, the first thing he would’ve done is say big up to Brooklyn.” A few years later, she joined Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, at the MTV awards to promote unity and honor the legacies of both artists.

Beyond her involvement in her son’s career, Voletta Wallace also worked tirelessly with other mothers who had lost children to violence in the music industry. Through her foundation, the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, and its B.I.G. (Books Instead of Guns) Night Out initiative, she promoted literacy and positivity to counteract violence. “All I want to do is put a book into a child’s hand,” she stated in 2003. “Books do not kill. But weapons do.”

In 2002, Voletta, alongside her son’s widow, Faith Evans, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department, accusing them of mishandling the investigation into her son’s murder. Though the case eventually ended in a mistrial and was dismissed, it highlighted her unwavering quest for justice.

In addition to her work as an advocate for justice, Voletta also participated in the 2009 biopic Notorious, where she served as a producer and was portrayed by Angela Bassett. She even worked closely with Jamal Woolard, the actor who played her son, offering guidance to ensure an authentic portrayal.

Through her influence, Biggie’s legacy as one of hip-hop’s greatest icons has endured. Voletta often spoke of her early musical influence on him, sharing how they both enjoyed a mix of reggae, jazz, and country music in their Brooklyn home. Her own love for country music, particularly artists like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, was something that shaped the rapper’s musical tastes from a young age.

Born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, on February 3, 1953, Voletta was the daughter of a farmer and butcher and the mother of nine siblings. She moved to the United States as a young woman, where she later met George Latore, Biggie’s father. After her son’s birth, Voletta chose to focus on raising him, prioritizing his future over her own personal life.

Voletta Wallace leaves behind her two grandchildren, Christopher Jordan and T’yanna Wallace, continuing her son’s legacy through their lives.

Her dedication to her son’s memory, her involvement in social justice, and her contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture and beyond. Through Voletta’s tireless efforts, the Notorious B.I.G.’s influence lives on, reminding us all of the powerful bond between a mother and her child and the enduring legacy of a musical legend.

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Lauryn Hill Brings Doechii on Stage for Iconic “Doo Wop (That Thing)” Duet

Lauryn Hill

​At the recent Jazz in the Gardens festival in Miami, Ms. Lauryn Hill surprised the audience by inviting rising rapper Doechii to join her on stage for a performance of the classic hit “Doo Wop (That Thing).” ​instagram.com+5People+5Hypebeast+5

Doechii, a Florida native, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, referring to Hill as her hero and describing the duet as the greatest honor hip-hop could bestow upon her. ​youtube.com+4People+4Hypebeast+4

This collaboration holds particular significance as both artists have achieved notable milestones in their careers. Doechii recently won the Grammy for Best Rap Album with her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” making her only the third woman to receive this honor, following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. ​Teen Vogue+4Hypebeast+4apnews.com+4Hypebeast+3Teen Vogue+3apnews.com+3

The performance not only highlighted the mutual respect between the two artists but also underscored the enduring influence of Lauryn Hill on the next generation of hip-hop talent.

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Vybz Kartel’s Wireless Festival appearance: What fans can expect

Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will make a historic appearance at the 2025 Wireless Festival in London, joining rap superstar Drake on stage. The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held from July 11 to 13 at Finsbury Park.

Drake will headline all three nights, with Vybz Kartel performing on July 13. Other performers include Nigerian artist Burna Boy, R&B singer Summer Walker, and OVO Sound’s PARTYNEXTDOOR.

This marks Vybz Kartel’s return to the international stage after his release from prison in July 2024, following a 13-year sentence. Fans and the music community are excited about his performance.

Tickets for Wireless Festival 2025 will be available starting February 19. For more details and to buy tickets, visit the official Wireless Festival website (dancehallmag.com).