Last year, Amazon and Meek Mill announced an upcoming six-part docuseries called Free Meek executive produced by Jay-Z, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, and Paul and Isaac Solotaroff. Back In March, a preview was released and now the official trailer is here. The docuseries gives an in-depth look at justice reform and the Philadelphia rapper’s much-publicized battle with the criminal justice system

Free Meek debuts on Amazon Prime Video on August 9th.

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XXL returns with their 12th annual Freshman Class. This year’s lineup is lead by YSL star Gunna and “Thotiana” hitmaker Blueface. Rising artists like DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack also made the final cut. YBN Cordae, Rico Nasty, Roddy Rich, Lil Mosey, YK Osiris, and Comethazine round out the cover, this year’s ‘Made For This’ cover.

All artists are set to perform at the XXL Freshman show at New York City’s PlayStation Theater on July 22. The L.A. XXL Freshman show takes place three days later on July 25 at The Novo. The Freshman issue of XXL magazine will hit stands everywhere on July 16.

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Forbes returns with the first of many lists revolved around the earnings and wealth of entertainment’s biggest stars. On Thursday (Jun. 13), Forbes revealed the richest rappers list of 2019. Leading the way is JAY-Z, the newly crowned billionaire, becoming the first Hip-Hop entertainer to hit billionaire status according to the publication. Following the Roc Nation mogul are familiar names Dr. Dre ($800 million) and Diddy ($740 million). Kanye West makes his debut on the list, with his successful adidas partnership and YEEZY line ($240 million). Drake rounds out the top five ($150 million), with his real estate investments, Virginia Black whiskey, touring and his new residency at the XS Nightclub in Las Vegas contributing to that amount.

Forbes‘ Zack O’Malley Greenburg appeared on The Breakfast Club to break down the list. Greenburg, the man behind this list and the popular Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, explains how the earnings are calculated and the process to obtaining such information. Watch it all below.

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JAY-Z is officially a billionaire. Forbes reports that the entertainer/mogul fortune has now totalled the one billion mark, becoming for first Hip-Hop figure to accomplish this feat. The 49-year-old’s empire was built thanks to his music catalogue, business ventures in liquor (Armand de Brignac and D’Ussé), his art collection, real estate, TIDAL, Roc Nation music and sports company, and cash investments like Uber.

“It’s bigger than hip-hop… it’s the blueprint for our culture,” Swizz Beatz tells Forbes, speaking about his close friend and long-time collaborator. “A guy that looks like us, sounds like us, loves us, made it to something that we always felt that was above us. If he’s a billionaire now, imagine what he’s about to be. Because he’s only just starting.”

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Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers, aka the titanic supergroup known as Beast Coast, have a collaborative album on the way. After releasing records like “Left Hand” and “Coast/Clear”, it was confirmed earlier this week by Pro Era head honcho Joey Bada$$ that joint project is finished.

In the nostalgic mood, Beast Coast brings back BET’s famed Rap City for a classic cypher. Backed by DJ Powers Pleasant, watch Big Tigger, Zombie Juice, Issa Gold, Meechy Darko, Joey Bada$$, AK, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly, Erick Arc Elliott and Nyck Caution go off on a handful of beats below. The session ends with Tigger announcing Beast Coast’s album arrives on May 24th, entitled Escape From New York.

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JAY-Z delivered a night to remember on Friday (Apr. 26), returning with his sequel ‘B-Sides’ concert. Taking place at the newly renovated Webster Hall, JAY-Z re-opened the popular Manhattan venue with a two-hour performance of deep album cuts from his extensive discography. Backed by a full band and DJs Young Guru and Just Blaze, the rap icon gave the intimate crowd a 39-song set that includes records like “The Prelude,” “People Talkin,” “Allure,” “D’Evils,” “Dear Summer,” and his most recent stellar guest appearance on Meek Mill’s “What’s Free.”

Along with two ‘B-Side 2’ freestyles, one dedicated to the late Nipsey Hussle, JAY-Z brought out a few major surprise guests. First up was Nas, who joined his fellow NY heavyweight for “Success,” before performing a medley of “The World Is Yours” and “NY State of Mind.” Soon after a shocking moment took place as long-time foe, Cam’ron appeared in a suit joining JAY-Z to perform their 2002 collaboration “Welcome to New York City” for the first-time ever. Dipset’s Jim Jones would later join the pair, backing Cam’ron for their rap classic “I Really Mean It.” Watch some fan captured highlights below.

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As if his impact isn’t already felt in his neighborhood, Nipsey Hussle’s name will forever live on in Los Angeles. Yesterday, South Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced that the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue will be renamed Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom Square, in honor of the late rapper and entrepreneur.

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J. Cole headlined the inaugural Dreamville Fest on Saturday (Apr. 6), featuring additional performances by SZA, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, Nelly, 6LACK, Dreamville Records and more. Closing out the night in front of 40,000 people, Cole World took a moment to pay respect to the late Nipsey Hussle. “And this moment right now, I gotta take time on stage and acknowledge someone who had a huge effect on the fu**ing world…on the community, on the neighborhood,” said the Roc Nation MC. Seated on a stool and as various images and moments of Nipsey Hussle were project behind him, J. Cole dedicated the song “Love Yourz” to his fallen compatriot.

Watch below.

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In the wake of his tragic death on Sunday (Mar. 31), tributes have been pouring in far and wide for Nipsey Hussle — from fellow artists, celebrities, athletes and politicians to residents of his beloved neighborhood. Nipsey was loved and respected across the board, not just for his motivational music (including last year’s GRAMMY-nominated Victory Lap), but for the very important work he did to uplift and inspire his local community.

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Meek Mill is one step closer to securing the criminal justice reform he’s been fighting for. Yesterday, Meek appeared outside the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building to unveil new legislation aimed at reforming Pennsylvania’s probation and parole system.

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