Connect with us

Entertainment Gists

Larry Hoover: Kanye West And Drake Set Aside Feud For Prisoner Concert

Published

on

Ye
Ye has supported Larry Hoover’s release for years

The sight of Ye (who recently changed his name from Kanye West) and Drake on stage together is not something fans would ever expect to see, because of their long-running feud.

For the past few years we’ve seen the former friends locked in a war of words, lyrics and even emojis.

But they’ve put that to one side for a concert to raise awareness for a man they both want to be freed from jail.

The show took place in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

Larry Hoover, 71, is in one of the most secure prisons in the US.

He’s been behind bars for more than five decades for his involvement in crimes such as gang-affiliated murder.

Ye’s show at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was his first headline performance in five years, the organisers said.

He performed various hits including some of Drake’s, such as Find Your Love. Drake could be seen singing along off stage.

Later, Drake joined Ye and they performed several tracks together.

One person on Twitter said seeing them perform together was “an iconic moment for hip hop culture” while another said it was “the greatest concert known to man”.

Who is Larry Hoover?

Larry Hoover
Larry Hoover is currently in a high security prison in Colorado

Court documents from July say Hoover was one of the leaders of a Chicago gang called Gangster Disciples between 1970 and 1995.

Under Hoover’s direction, the gang sold “great quantities of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs in Chicago”.

In 1973 he was convicted for ordering the killing of a 19-year-old neighbourhood drug dealer and sentenced to 150-200 years.

In 1997 he was given six life sentences after being found guilty of federal drug conspiracy, extortion and continuing to engage in a criminal enterprise.

Failed appeal

His supporters say while in prison Hoover has told followers of the Gangster Disciples group that he denounced violence, wanted all members to get an education in school and has shown rehabilitation.

Larry Hoover has unsuccessfully appealed to be freed, or to be put in a lower security prison, under the First Step Act – which is a way to challenge extremely long sentences for federal drug offences.

In the appeal case the court was told Hoover had been under “severe isolation” in jail, including being in solitary confinement for up to 24 hours a day.

According to the Hoover Project – which campaigns for his release – keeping him longer than the time he’s served “serves no practical purpose”.

But in a 19-page order released in July, Judge Harry Leinenweber rejected Hoover’s appeal, referring to him as “one of the most notorious criminals in Illinois history”.

And despite writing that Hoover’s sentence at the maximum security prison was “particularly grim,” the judge said he was concerned about “an active risk of harm” if Hoover were freed.

“Hoover is renowned and celebrated to this day by the Gangster Disciples,” the judge wrote.

“To the extent that any one person can deter another to commit crimes, Hoover’s life imprisonment symbolically demonstrates that the rule of law reaches even those in power who seem untouchable.”

How is Kanye involved?

Raised in Chicago, Ye has supported Larry Hoover for a while and has been trying to get him out of prison.

He brought up the case when he met former President Donald Trump in 2018 and asked for Hoover to be pardoned (which didn’t happen).

Ye also has a song on his new album Donda called Free My Father, which features Larry’s son, Larry Jr speaking.

Presentational white space

Speaking ahead of the concert in Los Angeles, Larry Hoover Jr said the event would help to take his dad’s “plea for redemption worldwide and show that we are truly stronger together on behalf of any and everyone with a loved one wrongly or unjustly incarcerated”.

Hoover’s lawyer Justin Moore told Newsbeat there will be future efforts to free him using the First Step Act.

“We are cautiously optimistic that Larry, who is now in the twilight of his years, can show that he can re-enter society and adjust to life as a fully rehabilitated citizen.”

Entertainment Gists

RUAN-Badkid.96: The Unfiltered Voice Recommitting African Sound to Truth

Published

on

RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.

Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.

Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.

For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.

Continue Reading

Entertainment Gists

Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype

Published

on

If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.

Continue Reading

Entertainment Gists

Uncle Wisdom The Mind Behind The Motion – Talent Manager/A&R

Published

on

MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.

CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.

In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.

PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.

Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.

INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others

LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.

CONTACT & SOCIALS

Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt

TikTok: @unclewisdom7

Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com

Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2013 - 2020, 47vibez Media.