Latest news with #YoungMoney
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"He is the ultimate underdog" - Lil Wayne saw it early when he praised Stephen Curry back in 2008
Back in late 2008, long before Stephen Curry was a household name in the basketball world, rapper Lil Wayne noticed something special. In an ESPN column, the hip-hop star — who's a huge basketball fan — gave high praise to the then-Davidson College point guard, capturing the essence of Curry's rise well before the hype exploded. Winning Lil Wayne's respect At the time, rapper Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as Lil Wayne, was writing a column for ESPN about American sports. He made two things clear: he was a serious college basketball fan, and during the 2008-09 NCAA season, one player caught his full attention — Stephen Curry. Advertisement At the time, Curry was a junior at Davidson, quietly changing what an undersized point guard could do on the court. Lil Wayne even paused his writing to give a rare, heartfelt shoutout, stating, "Steph Curry, you are amazing." What stood out most was a gritty performance against the West Virginia Mountaineers. "West Virginia was posting him up every chance they got, but he (Curry) still fought his way through it," recalled the founder of Young Money Entertainment Furthermore, Lil Wayne mentioned a game where the 6'2" player was doubled every minute on the floor — as if he were the then top NFL receiver Terrell Owens — yet even without their key player prominent on the stat sheet, Davidson still won by 30. Advertisement "It just shows you what kind of man Steph is because even though he didn't score a point his expression never changed. He never got frustrated. That just shows you who he is," wrote Wayne. Curry's rise Wayne's excitement likely came from a simple fact: like many others back then, Curry just hadn't been on his radar. Coming out of Charlotte Christian High School, Dell Curry's son was mostly overlooked. Why? His slim build made ACC programs think he'd get pushed around, so they passed on him. But instead of letting doubt hold him back, Steph took on the challenge and proved everyone wrong — something Wayne clearly admired. Advertisement "Now he is the ultimate underdog running circles around everybody, and I love him so much for that," he wrote. Along with the praise, the hip-hop legend also offered some honest advice. "I think he needs to stay another year to work on his body, but he's going to be fine in the NBA because he actually has a shot, and that's really all you need," explained Carter Jr. Looking back, Curry — now widely regarded as the best shooter the game has ever seen — didn't take that advice. Just a few months later, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors. Advertisement On the big stage, the Ohio native turned out to be much more than just "fine." Despite some tough early years, "Chef Curry" became one of the most iconic and successful players in league history. His four NBA titles, two MVPs, multiple All-Star nods, and two scoring titles speak for themselves — but even more telling is how he managed to dominate the game without the physical tools that others usually rely on. Related: "He look like the dad of the YMCA player" - Lil Wayne admits he doesn't like Nikola Jokic
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nicki Minaj Details the ‘Proud Period' That Inspired Her 2025 Met Gala Look
Nicki Minaj walked the carpet at the Met Gala on Monday night (May 5), which is the Queens legend's eighth appearance at the prestigious May fashion event. Minaj stopped on the blue carpet for an interview with Entertainment Tonight, where she explained the inspiration behind her Thom Browne navy pinstripe dress to match the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme of the night. More from Billboard Met Gala 2025: Best Photos From the Red Carpet Beats Headphones Deals: Save 51% Off the Musician-Loved Brand's Bestselling Models A$AP Rocky Says 'It Was Time' to Reveal Rihanna's Pregnancy at 2025 Met Gala 'Thinking about the tailoring of everything. First of all, Thom Browne is known for his craftsmanship. To me, it represents a proud period of African-Americans,' she said. 'That's what I got out of it when I saw the photos of what it would be about.' Minaj — in her mermaid gown accessorized with a floral bouquet and a gold headband — continued: 'It reminded me of putting on your Sunday's best and being iconic in your own world.' Minaj had another hilarious moment on the blue carpet when interacting with a reporter who shouted, 'Nicki, why are you excited about this one?' The Young Money rapper clapped back with a cheeky response captured by AP: 'Who said I was excited?' Monday was yet another star-studded affair on a rainy night in NYC at the Met Gala, which saw stars such as Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Cardi B, Kim Kardashian, Sydney Sweeney, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell, Pusha T, Alicia Keys, Ciara, Doechii, Madonna and many more in attendance. Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour served as the co-chairs for the 2025 Met Gala. Minaj has laid low for much of 2025 as the rapper is yet to drop a single this year. The Queen came in at the No. 1 spot on our Best Female Rappers of All-Time list in April. Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Drake announces return of OVO Fest: 'See you this summer'
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Drake at Forbes Arena Atlanta in October 2022. Getty After a three-year layaway, Toronto's worst sports bettor Drake has announced the return of OVO Fest in Toronto this summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The rapper made the news official during a surprise appearance at Central Cee's concert at Toronto's History nightclub on Saturday. 'I'll see you this summer, by the way' Drake said from the venue's balcony in fan-shot video that was posted to social media. 'OVO Fest will be back this year.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The return of OVO Fest will be Drake's first local show following last summer's headline-making feud with Kendrick Lamar, which led to him suing his record label Universal Music Group. The most recent edition of his star-studded music extravaganza took place in 2022 and saw Drizzy reuniting with his Young Money labelmates Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Notable Canadian artists Kardinal Offishall and Nelly Furtado also performed that weekend. At that show, Complex said Drake credited Young Money label founder Wayne for helping him get his career start. 'You gave me $30,000 that I was able to bring home to my mother, and that changed the next. like, six months for us. Never forget. That's the most important amount of money I've made in my life to date,' Drake said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You're the most important man to each and every one of us. You are truly the most selfless man on planet earth, to find all these people from across the motherf—ing world, bring us all together, give us all a shot … I would go to the ends of the earth for this man,' he continued. 'You changed my f—ing life and you changed the city forever.' Drake kicked off the summertime event at Molson Amphitheatre (now known as Budweiser Stage) in 2010 and the concerts have featured guest performances from Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder and The Weeknd, among others, over the years. After a hiatus in 2018, the five-time Grammy winner brought out a gigantic version of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to celebrate the Toronto Raptors' NBA title at the 2019 edition of OVO Fest. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. During 2017's OVO Fest, the rhymer performed on a replica of the CN Tower. 'I called 19 companies to build me a CN Tower and they all said no, and then I called the 20th!' Drake said. Drake floats across the stage in front of his mock CN Tower at the OVO Fest held at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto on Aug. 7, 2017. Photo by Jack Boland / Postmedia Network The night ended with a fireworks show that lasted for close to 15 minutes, which he dedicated to his friend Krispy, who recently passed. Drake's homecoming in Toronto will mark his first time playing in the city since his 2023 It's All a Blur Tour. Throughout that trek he kept up his streak of generosity going by offering to pay tuition for seven people in the crowd and pledging to cover one fan's medical expenses as she battles multiple sclerosis . This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'There's a couple of things I want to do tonight,' the music superstar told the cheering crowd. 'I don't know if you've been watching these shows, but everywhere I go, I try and spread love and I try and help people the way I can. So tonight I want to do a bunch of things. First and foremost, I saw somebody that had a sign that said they paid for their ticket with OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) money. Somebody else had a sign that said, 'Pay for my tuition' … This is what I'm going to do. We're paying for your tuition tonight and we're paying for your tuition tonight. And we're going to find five more people who need their tuition paid. I'm taking care of everything.' Later, he singled out a fan with a sign that said, 'I just found out I have MS.' Drake offered to connect her with his longtime musical collaborator Noah '40' Shebib, who also struggles with the illness, and then said he would help the concertgoer get treatment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I'm going to pay whatever it takes to get you the best help in the world, I promise you that. You got my word. And, you can come back tomorrow night.' Another attendee scored a $10,000 shopping spree at Yorkdale Mall, with Billboard's Artist of the Decade also pledging to help someone who helps their local community retire. Elsewhere on that tour, the Hotline Bling hitmaker handed out a Birkin Bag ('Drake ain't cheap!' he declared, as he scoured the crowd to find one lucky recipient), a Chanel handbag and stacks of cash. When he noticed one fan at a show in Las Vegas with a sign saying they had spent their furniture money on tickets to the concert, Drake offered to help get them back on track. 'My man, your furniture money, I'm gonna give you 50 bands tonight cause' I love you,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Explaining his penchant for being generous with his fans in 2018, Drake said in a now-deleted Instagram post that sharing his wealth was something that brought him immense satisfaction. 'There's nothing like seeing people experience a joyful moment when you can tell they need it the most,' he said. mdaniell@ Read More Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances! Ontario Music Sunshine Girls Money News World
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake Announces ‘OVO Fest Will Be Back This Summer' at Central Cee Concert in Toronto
OVO Fest will be back in summer 2025. Drake made the announcement while making a surprise guest appearance at Central Cee's concert in Toronto Saturday (May 24) at History. More from Billboard Sophie Turner Shows Support for Ex-Husband Joe Jonas' New Album D'Angelo Cancels 2025 Roots Picnic Performance Due to 'Unforeseen' Medical Issue Sacha Jenkins, Influential Hip-Hop Journalist and Filmmaker, Dies at 54 'I'll see you this summer, by the way' Drake said to the crowd, while congratulating the British rapper on his success. 'OVO Fest will be back this year.' He then pointed back at Central Cee and said 'we'll need you there for that.' Drake hasn't hosted his star-studded hometown festival since 2022. At that edition, he reunited with Young Money pals Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj and presented a Canadian extravaganza featuring Kardinal Offishall, Shawn Desman, Nelly Furtado and more. The 2025 edition of OVO Fest would be his first since his high-profile beef with Kendrick Lamar and his ongoing lawsuit with his label Universal Music Group. No other details have been announced yet, but it sounds like Central Cee would be an obvious first guest. Drake praised the rapper before making his announcement, calling 'Day In The LIfe' his favourite song. 'I can go word for word on that,' he said. OVO Fest typically takes place in August, around the same time as the Caribbean Carnival (a.k.a. Caribana). Drake's announcement came from up on the VIP balcony of History, where he also performed his newest hit 'Nokia' from 2025's collaborative album with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. Drake has a stake in the venue, along with Live Nation. Drake has a history of making surprise announcements at other rappers' shows in Toronto. He initially announced $ome $exy $ongs 4 U in a surprise set with PartyNextDoor at Budweiser Stage last summer. Drake's love of surprises is what makes OVO Fest so special in the first place, and this year should be no different. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Nottoway Plantation fire destroyed the South's largest antebellum mansion — and sparked an online firestorm in the process
Key takeaways: Trending Fever vs. Sky: Angel Reese responds to Caitlin Clark's foul while the WNBA opens investigation into fan racism 'Swagga Like Us': Looking at the creation of T.I., JAY-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne's ambitious collaboration 12 best Young Money posse cuts from Wayne, Drake, Nicki, and more The Nottoway Plantation fire reignited national debate over how slavery-era landmarks are remembered. Reactions were split, with the Black community calling the destruction a form of payback. The fire has sparked renewed calls to rethink plantation tourism and confront historical erasure. On May 15, 2025, a fire tore through the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the American South. The 53,000-square-foot Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana, was reduced to ashes, and footage of the destruction was projected through a wealth of news outlets. Built in 1859 by sugar baron John Hampden Randolph with the forced labor of slaves, the property stood as both a historic landmark and a lightning rod for controversy. While fire officials believe the blaze was electrical and not suspicious, the emotional sparks it ignited were anything but neutral. Firefighters raced to the scene, but crews were powerless to contain the inferno. The top floors collapsed first, with flames covering the massive home's white pillars and verandas — once symbols of wealth and 'Southern charm.' No injuries were reported in the aftermath. Reactions online were split, often along racial and historical lines. 'Some call it a tragedy, but for many Black folks, it feels like a small act of justice,' wrote Neo of The Black Wall Street Times on X. 'That house was built by enslaved hands and later turned into a wedding venue that profited off our pain... Sometimes, ashes feel like freedom.' That sentiment wasn't isolated. As footage of the blaze circulated, some mourned the architectural loss, while others viewed the destruction as poetic — an end to a symbol of exploitation. Much of the frustration centered on how Nottoway, later marketed as a luxury resort, routinely downplayed its brutal origins. Historian Dr. Andrea Livesey, who visited the site in 2019, was alarmed that its museum contained only one placard on slavery, noting it described enslaved people as being 'treated well for the time.' The plantation's website currently makes no mention of the enslaved people who built and maintained it (as of this article, it hasn't acknowledged the fire, either). Its current owner, William Daniel Dyess, who recently purchased the estate after the previous owner's death in a car crash, expressed plans to rebuild. 'We believe in equal opportunity rights for everyone,' he told The New York Post, distancing himself from the plantation's legacy. 'We are trying to make this a better place... We are not going to dwell on past racial injustice.' But for many, rebuilding isn't the solution — taking a new approach is. Nearby, the Whitney Plantation offers an alternative model. Now a nonprofit museum, it openly educates visitors on the horrific realities of slavery. Instead of dodging the truth or romanticizing the past, it's become a space designed for reflection, not celebration. So, what do we do with the physical remnants of a shameful history? Do we preserve them, raze them or repurpose them with transparency? 'While [Nottoway's] early history is undeniably tied to a time of great injustice, over the last several decades it evolved into a place of reflection, education, and dialogue,' wrote Chris Daigle, the president of Iberville Parish, where the plantation was located. Whether that happens in ashes or architecture is the next chapter yet to be written. You Might Also Like See times when Beyoncé, T.I., and more brought their kids on stage Notable rappers who represent the spirit of Haitian Flag Day
