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[WATCH] New Book “Trap History” Explores Gentrification, Drug Addiction And Mass Incarceration

A.R. Shaw’s new book Trap History delves into the past, present, and future of Trap music and the Trap and will be released on Halloween, Saturday, October 31.
In a new video interview, Shaw explains his motivation for penning the book that has been covered by REVOLT, The Source, The Hype Magazine, Day 1 Radio, and CashColorCannabis Podcast.
“I’m an Atlanta native, born and raised in Atlanta,” he says. “I saw the beginnings and rise of Trap music. I remember when Trap was just a slang term in Atlanta. It eventually became a music genre. I remember Techwood Homes. I remember the Miami Boys, and now I see gentrification. I witnessed all this stuff happening, and I wanted to be the one telling this story from an insider’s point of view. It goes deeper than just the glorification of just drug dealing, the glorification of getting money. There are real-life people who were affected by Trap. Real-life people who were affected by things that happened in the community. So I really wanted to highlight all this in the book and podcast form.”
The 230-page book and audio documentary feature Shaw’s curated interviews with dozens of history makers, including pioneering Atlanta artists, producers, music executives, and experts who witnessed first-hand the origins and rise of Trap music. The book also explores social issues such as gentrification, drug addiction, and mass incarceration in communities that inspired Trap music.
Rapper Kilo Ali recalls penning “Cocaine (American Has A Problem)” at the age of 16 in 1990 while serving time in the Fulton County Juvenile Detention Center. DJ Toomp recounts touring as the deejay for the 2 Live Crew in the late 1980s and producing early hits for Atlanta rappers Raheem The Dream and MC Shy D. Former Fulton County Assistant District Attorney John Turner explains how the Miami Boys drug gang began infiltrating the Techwood Homes housing projects in 1986, and Magic City strip club founder Michael Barney describes how the gentlemen’s club provided a viable platform for emerging rappers to promote their music. Shaw additionally interviews the likes of OutKast’s Big Boi, T.I., Khujo of Goodie Mob, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, Migos, Shawty Lo, Killer Mike, Zaytoven, Future, and 21 Savage as well as veteran Atlanta music executives Antonio “LA” Reid, Kawan “KP” Prather and Shanti Das.
The post [WATCH] New Book “Trap History” Explores Gentrification, Drug Addiction And Mass Incarceration appeared first on The Source.
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Mo’Nique’s Dating Advice Echoes Loud After Rape Allegations Surface

You can always count on Mo’Nique to keep it real, funny, fierce, and flat-out real with no chaser, and this time around, she’s taking the mic and training it on Shannon Sharpe with a little retroactive guidance. Mo’Nique made a nightclub a laughing matter out of the Sharpe situation at a recent stand-up set, which is under a lawsuit for alleged rape with Gabriella Zuniga. Mo’Nique’s warning to Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay podcast in February 2024 has a different sting now. The viral clip making the rounds again features a woman who most definitely saw the warning signs and tried to steer him away from them.
“Shannon need him an old fat gal,” she quipped in a moment that was both hilarious and devastating cultural commentary. “One that can bake, rub feet, sip cognac and bring peace, not problems.” Mo’Nique’s comments were infused with genuine unease about the way that older men treat much younger women in the complicated dating world of today. Mo’Nique assumed the role of the no-nonsense auntie Sharpe, so obviously needed. Her delivery was typically hilarious, but the sentiment was pure wisdom. This week’s developments have put that lighthearted podcast moment in a new context. Mo’Nique’s remarks were about emotional and social maturity, especially on the part of men who held power.
Check out this article: Shannon Sharpe’s Former Stylist Hints At Past Cover-Ups Amid Assault Allegations
And today, with public opinion in an uproar over Sharpe and his behavior, Mo’Nique’s words are like a warning bell that went ignored. And she knows it. That stand-up set was anger disguised as a joke. It was a woman with a mirror saying, “I tried to tell you.” At a time when cancellations are swift and forgiveness even swifter to wash over and cover up, Mo’Nique’s mix of comedy and caution feels like a powerful, if not novel, force. Whether Sharpe will take her advice or not, however, remains to be seen, but Mo’Nique did tell him so.
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G Herbo Opens Up About Ari Fletcher’s “Terrible Dad” Remark

In his deep thoughts on a recent episode of BET’s For The Fellas, G Herbo reflects on an emotional scene from the reality series The Impact ATL in this heartwarming talk. The rapper was responding to an inflammatory comment from his ex, Ari Fletcher, who accused Famous Dex of being a “terrible dad” during a heated exchange on the show. The comment came after Fletcher vented about Herbo leaving their son Yosohn’s birthday party early and being absent at the boy’s graduation. While the words cut deep, G Herbo hasn’t shied away from expressing his feelings about the situation. He was open in his admission of his faults and that he wasn’t perfect.
He added that Fletcher’s words also included emotional reactions and stupidity at the moment, which is common to feel in the heat of the moment. In a recent clip from The Impact ATL, Ari Fletcher slowed things down while talking about how she and the rapper work together as coparents. She added that despite their disagreements, she does not actually think that Herbo is a bad parent. Acknowledging his consistent commitment and love for their child, Fletcher apologized for letting her emotions cloud her words and said her “terrible dad” remark had been in the heat of the moment rather than a mean dig at his fathering. G Herbo also shared these same thoughts during his turn on For The Fellas, noting that while he didn’t take the “bad dad” line to heart, he knew where Ari was coming from.
Check out this article: Taina Williams Teases Ari Fletcher Over Sweet Bond with Her Son
He said he knew that co-parenting is not always easy, particularly between two high-strung people. Despite their ups and downs, Herbo, 24, stressed that there will always be love between the pair, especially when it comes to their joint commitment to Yosohn’s well-being. This heart to heart between the former lovers is a sign of their maturing coparenting relationship. Their history with each other might be rocky, but there is a mutual respect and understanding between G Herbo and Ari Fletcher now. More complex though their journey has been, that their love for their son is stronger than any misunderstanding is a positive when so much of the world is confusing.
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