SIGT HIP HOP STOP W/RON GRANT: Emcees Pay Respect to Muhammad Ali, Future Goes Platinum, BET Tribute to Prince, Jay Z Launches Roc Nation Latino, ATCQ Honored By ASCAP, Donald Glover’s New FX Show

by Ron Grant • June 10, 2016

It was another eventful week for Hip Hop news, to say the least. Summer is in full swing and more new music and content is well on the way from some of your favorite artists. Check out this week’s biggest stories below!

HIP HOP REACTS TO DEATH OF MUHAMMAD ALI

Unquestionably one of greatest athletes, activists and humanitarians of all time, Muhammad Ali finally succumbed this week to his years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Artists from all over Hip Hop have paid respects to Ali, from Jay Z calling Ali’s bravery and selflessness an inspiration, to Eminem calling him a constant source of inspiration and P. Diddy commenting that he was never afraid to speak his mind. Ali’s funeral will take place today.

FUTURE GOES PLATINUM WITH DIRTY SPRITE 2

Released last July, Dirty Sprite 2 sold over 100,000 in its first week in 2015. This is the first time Future has gone platinum. It’s also in addition to his joint project with Drake, What A Time To Be Alive, going platinum. Maybe he’ll name his next project should be called, What A Time To Be Future.

BET TO FEATURE A STAR-STUDDED TRIBUTE TO PRINCE

Some folks are still upset over Madonna’s tribute to Prince on the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. But never fear: it’s BET to the rescue! Featuring long time collaborator Sheila E., D’Angelo, The Roots and Janelle Monae, BET’s tribute to the Purple One should be something truly fitting to His Royal Badness.

JAY Z LAUNCHES ROC NATION LATIN WITH A NEW CEO

Hova has chosen international Bachata music star, Romeo Santos, as CEO for this new arm of the Roc Nation family. “Romeo has had tremendous success as a composer and producer and can spot true talent. This is a tremendous step for Roc Nation,” said Jay in a statement.

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST TO BE HONORED BY ASCAP, WITH QUEENS MURAL

Not only will ATCQ receive the Golden Note Award from ASCAP, and honor previously bestowed upon Dr. Dre, Jay Z, Puff Daddy, Lauryn Hill and LL Cool J…they are also to be honored with a mural on the side on Linden Blvd. in Jamaica, Queens by muralist Vince Ballentine. The ASCAP ceremony will also include a tribute to the late Phife Dawg.

DONALD GLOVER TO STAR IN NEW FX SHOW ATLANTA

Set to premiere on FX this fall, Atlanta is a conceptual show by Glover. It will highlight people “trying to make something from nothing,” according to Glover. He calls his hometown “the most American place.” Glover previously starred on the NBC show Community and has made appearances on hit TV shows like HBO’s Girls.