What's On Today - Thursday

The Universal Zulu Nation founder is credited with being one of the originators of hip hop, but his legacy was complicated by abuse allegations over the last decade.

Hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has died at age 67.

The Bronx-born rapper, DJ, and founder of the Universal Zulu Nation died of complications from cancer in Pennsylvania today, according to TMZ, which first reported the news.

Born Lance Taylor, Bambaataa is credited as one of the originators of hip hop, with some even contesting that he began throwing his famous block parties before DJ Kool Herc, the “Father of Hip Hop.”… Read more

Authorities confirm non-life-threatening injuries as an investigation continues and suspects are detained.

Rapper Offset is recovering in a Florida hospital after being shot in Hollywood on Monday evening, according to his representatives and local authorities.

A spokesperson confirmed to Variety that the 34-year-old artist, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, is in stable condition and under close medical supervision. “He is stable and being closely monitored,” the statement said, adding that he is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound.… Read more

On her relationship with Ray J, Brandy said that taking time apart is “best for me and my peace.”

Brandy says that in order to protect her peace, she’s had to put some “distance” between herself and Ray J.

The singer, known to many R&B fans as the “Vocal Bible,” has been more candid about her personal life than ever with the release of her memoir, “Phases,” where she details her rise to fame at a young age and everything that came with it: from reflecting on her relationship with Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris when she was a teenager and he was an adult, to becoming a mother at 23, to her final words to Whitney Houston before the legendary singer died in 2012.… Read more

The Miami rapper performed at a conference for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, but his show was shut down in the middle of the set.

Should the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. have booked Trick Daddy for their conference in Atlanta? Should Trick Daddy have sung his raunchiest lyrics for the sexagenarians in the crowd and told them to put their hands up if they wanted their [censored] ate? Does anyone have footage of the contract meetings that took place between the “Nann” artist and the Pretty Girls?… Read more

The rapper’s previous antisemitic comments and music have prompted backlash from top political leaders in the UK.

Pepsi has dropped its sponsorship of Wireless Festival as event organizers are facing backlash for choosing Ye, formerly Kanye West, as the headliner.

Pepsi has been a main sponsor of the UK festival for more than a decade, now issuing a short statement to British media: “Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival.” The company’s decision comes after political leaders in London took a stance against Wireless Festival for bringing West on, given his history of antisemitic comments and use of Nazi symbolism in his art.… Read more