Welcoming in 2018, the crew touched on some topics that still had old ways of thinking. However, there are some positives as well that kicked off the New Year. Something funny that happened, Coolio wants white people to remember one rule of thumb when it comes to hip-hop -- the "E-R" will always get you in trouble ... as a "Jeopardy!" contestant learned the hard way. The rapper dropped his grammar lesson while reacting to a contestant mispronouncing "Gangsta's Paradise" on Monday night's episode. Nick Spicher said "gangster" instead of "gangsta," and it cost him $3,200...damn homie! If you check Google, Lavar Ball founded the NBA. No, LaVar Ball did NOT found the NBA -- despite some Google search results -- and now the company admits they "dropped the ball" when creating an online bio for the Big Baller. It was fun while it lasted :). 2 Chainz says he's still on the fence over taking Walmart to court for allegedly ripping off his Dabbin' Santa sweaters ... but sounds like he's leaning toward a phone call to his lawyers. Apparently, he may sue Walmart for selling sweaters that look almost identical to his OG concept from 2015; I would! In unfortunate news, curious to know how many people killed by the police in 2017...listen in to find out more! HOORAY for Cali! The passage of Proposition 64—the Adult Use of Marijuana Act—made recreational marijuana legal in the state on Jan. 1. Unfortunately for a lot of smokers, they will still have to rely on medical recommendations for the foreseeable future as cities sort out who can and who cannot sell marijuana legally in the state. We also had a special interview/guest, Dex Diamond (VP of Marketing & Promotions) of the new wave of music and digital distribution, "ADD Ventures Music." Check them out everywhere @addventuresmusic and www.addventuresmusic.com and SIGN UP TODAY! As always, well be back with more fun, trending topics and overall entertainment!

As the Christmas holiday leaves and the New Year approaches, we look back on what the previous years activities. In lieu of this, the crew discussed some holiday topics along with New Year resolutions, some good and bad. For instance, Snoop Dogg is planning on getting into the "spirit" next year. According to the Long Beach native, he is planning a full-fledged gospel album in 2018. According to Snoop, the project was inspired by his mother, who gave her stamp of approval for the album. Good for him! Kanye West might've just gotten Kim Kardashian the best Christmas gifts ever ... even more ways to be filthy rich in the future. Kim revealed what her hubby got her for Xmas on her IG story Tuesday, and thank the Lord for the twist here -- 'cause his first batch of goodies came off as pretty lame ... a Mickey doll, Adidas socks, a Netflix gift card, an Amazon gift card and Apple headphones. But wait, there's more! Kim shows off a 2nd box from Kanye that had the good stuff -- stocks from those same companies. It's clear to see on the Disney certificate, Kanye purchased $100k of stock ... and bought the same amount for EACH company. Must be nice. In unfortunate news, Christmas isn’t always a holiday where everything goes right, and for Jim Jones, this was that year. The Harlem rapper posted a video on Instagram of the aftermath of his mother, Mama Jones,’ Englewood, NJ, home burning down. Fortunately, everyone was safe. Keep ya' head up Jimmy!! Cardi B and Offset laugh off naked video leaks with a fake ''live sex'' tape. Days after nude images were leaked by hackers, Cardi B and and fiancé Offset got the best of a bad situation when they posted a fake "live sex'' tape on Instagram Stories on Christmas. While many got their panties in a bunch over the graphic-seeming post, the twist was that both music stars actually had their clothes on for the not-actually-scandalous video. Jokes on y'all! The gang also talked individually about 2018 Predictions that are definitely interesting, lol. The Illastr8 Radio Show wishes everyone a very happy, healthy, and safe New Year! We'll be back in 2018 with MORE awesome entertainment and new surprises...SEE WHAT I'M SAYIN!!!

Christmas is around the corner and the crew talked about some about the best of the best in Christmas music and movies. There was also some interesting trending topics on some powerful folks that took charge on what's important or maybe not so. For instance, Colin Kaepernick is now throwing his hat in the ring to be the next owner of the Carolina Panthers! Colin Kaepernick is now throwing his hat in the ring to be the next owner of the Carolina Panthers! Diddy has been on a media blitz -- explaining why he'd make the perfect NFL owner. He also said he wants to sign Colin. Some experts believe the team could sell for more than $2 BILLION. Hope you guys saved up! Kobe is finally an icon in history. The LA Lakers hang No. 8, No. 24 in Staples Center rafters. Bryant led the Lakers to five championships, three while wearing No. 8 and two while wearing No. 24, during his 20-season career. He's the franchise leader in several categories, including points (33,643), games played (1,346), 3-pointers made (1,827) and steals (1,944). There are two words that, when combined, President Krampus seems to hate more than any others in the English language. "Happy holidays." He vowed during his presidential campaign to rid America of the generic holiday greeting, which he considers a form of political correctness gone awry, and replace it with his preferred "Merry Christmas." The promise was central to his fight against the so-called war on Christmas. But what is it about "Happy holidays" that is so offensive to some people to begin with; find out more on what the crew had to say! Is 'Jingle Bells' Racist? Boston University Professor Uncovers Origins of Christmas Carol...this I a good one that you HAVE to hear about!! LIVE in studio, we also had the beautiful and talented, Hope Alexandria. We reported on her a couple of weeks ago as the youngest Black female owner (25) of a marijuana dispensary! Check her interview out and everything on her and her show, "WAGS ATL" on the "E Chanel" and on social media @iamhopesodope for all her updates! Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night - See What I'm Sayin!

The crew had a great "round-table" discussion about some trending issues in society, social media, and entertainment. Check out what was said and let us know your thoughts! Additionally, we had special guest and the DMV's own, Boogiie Byrd, new artist signed to the iconic Murder, Inc Records. Murder, Inc. has had huge successes with world renown acts such as rapper Ja Rule and singer Ashanti. Check him out on everything @boogiiebryd. Until next time...

Trends are something that fluctuate over a period of time. Sometimes good and bad. This week, the crew discussed some great upward trends in the news. Remy Ma is capping off a successful year with the opening of her own clothing store. The new outlet is named after Remy's 2005 hit single "Conceited (There's Something About Remy)." Just under a month shy of his 50th birthday, veteran rapper and actor LL Cool J became the first Hip-Hop artist to receive the Kennedy Center Honor over the weekend. Joining this milestone, Gloria Estefan becomes the first Cuban-American star this honor as well. Along with the two musicians, singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, dancer-actress Carmen de Lavallade and TV creator Norman Lear were all honored with the coveted award at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. You may have seen trailers for E‘s upcoming spin-off, Wags Atlanta. It’s a show centered around the “wives and girlfriends” of prominent sports persons, hence the acronym. But as these types of shows go, there are always some exceptions to that rule. Hope Wiseman is one of them. She is one of the single women in the Wags Atlanta crew, but that’s not what makes her a true exception. At 25, Wiseman is set to become the youngest Black female owner of a marijuana dispensary in this country. Back in October, #Applebees gooped everybody with a $1 margarita special and starting tomorrow, they’re gifting us with another L.I.T. deal! Starting tomorrow, the restaurant chain is gonna be getting us right for the holiday season by selling $1 Long Island Iced Teas or L.I.T.s as they call them! The deal will last for the entire month of December, so make sure y’all take advantage!! How do men and women handle breakups? Is their a specific way that men should approach women if interested? These were all questions the crew discuss for our segment topic; what do you think?? The party don't stop...STAY TUNED!

Some things in life and business are to be expected. In this weeks news, there was a little bit of both involved - good and not so good. This "expectation" is in order for congratulations. Singer and reality TV regular Ray J is set to become a first-time father. Ray J and Princess Love wed in August, 2016. An additional congrats, goes to rapper Rick Ross as he has scored a high-profile deal with luxury rap watchmaker Hublot to named the official brand ambassador the company, which was established in 1976. Meek Mill and his legal issues seemed to be gaining some positive progress with names such as Jay-Z and Rev. Al Sharpton lending time to his probation violation case via their platforms. Unexpectedly, he hit yet another roadblock to freedom after a legal motion aimed at hopefully gaining freedom was denied. Keep hope alive for Meek! Donald Trump’s actions will forever keep him in a sunken place. Native Americans have confirmed that he uses the word Pocahontas as an offensive term used towards Senator Elizabeth Warren. “You were here long before any of us were here, although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas,” he joked. This guy has a lot of nerve! Prince Harry is engaged to Meghan Markle. We’re only reporting on this for cultural purposes because the actress is a Black woman, lol. Congrats to them though! The 60th Annual Grammy nominations are in and we have to admit they are pretty lit. Cardi B has been nominated for two Grammys in the categories of Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and SZA has racked up a total of five nominations making her the most nominated woman for next year’s awards. The “Ctrl” singer is up for Best New Artist, Best Rap/Sung Performance, Best R&B Song, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best R&B Performance. We hope this dream will come true for them both at the 2018 award show taking place January 28...fingers crossed! How Does Your Upbringing Influence Your Behavior In Your Relationships? The crew had something interesting things to say on this one, lol. Get caught up with this and more next Wednesday, 9-10pm!

Forbes Magazine has compiled the biggest earners in entertainment in 2017 and Beyoncé tops the list for ladies in music. The business publication estimates Bey raked in a cool $105 million dollars gross this calendar year. Congrats to Bey but I'm sure non of us expected anything else. More female dominance. New Orleans has made history as the 300th anniversary of the city’s founding approaches. LaToya Cantrell has been elected as the city’s mayor and is the city’s first female mayor. Turning the tide and the emotions as we lost some major iconic figures. Della Reese dead at 86, Earle Hyman, actor who played Bill Cosby's dad, dead at 91, David Cassidy dead at 67, and Charles Manson, leader of murderous '60s cult, dead at 83. Your boy, Philly rapper, Cassidy was just chillin' in a parked van outside his house when cops busted him. The Philly MC was busted Sunday afternoon in Jersey City when police say they spotted him in the vehicle, and noticed a strong marijuana odor. You may think you’re all mature adults and that you and your friend can handle sleeping together. No matter how “chill” you are, you can’t escape the problems that come with sleeping with a friend. Nobody can. The crew had a VERY in-depth conversation about this one that you MUST check out, lol!! Happy Thanksgiving and make sure to come back next Wednesday, 9-10 pm!

We had LOTS to discuss for this weeks show. There's certainly a 'new day' as some of your favorite celebrities and situations in general are making moves! Atlanta rap star Future has released images of his new "Furykaze" sneaker with Reebok. The new sneaker is a combination of the 'Instapump Fury' and 'Kamikaze II.' The Furykaze goes on sale November 11th and will retail for $250...here for it?? In related news, iconic rap group, A Tribe Called Quest may have retired from recording music and performing, but the surviving group members are keeping the brand's legacy alive. Tribe announced a new sneaker collaboration with Vans. The new "Bonita" sneaker is slated to hit stores in 2018. Everyone is doing a shoe these days. Migos apparently want in on The Lion King remake. One member of the group reached out to Disney via Twitter to suggest the "Bad and Boujee" rhymers take on roles in the forthcoming movie. "3 Hyenas Lions King call us [Disney]," tweeted Quavo. Unfortunately for Quavo, the parts of the three hyenas have already been filled, nice try though, lol. In unfortunate news, rapper, Meek Mill has recently been hit with a probation violation that has landed the Philadelphia star a possible two to four years in jail sentence. What's crazy is, is that the judge Genece Brinkley, has some manner of weird obsession with the MMG rapper and allegedly asked him to drop his management contract with Roc Nation to join the camp of the judge’s associate. Find out more from the crew on this one! Move over Gucci. Balenciaga is now ranked as the most popular fashion company in the world. What's your favorite designer? After the stellar job they did with the New Edition Story, it only makes sense that BET would be entrusted to share the life of the group’s most notorious member, Bobby Brown. The story will highlight what happened in Brown’s life once he left the group, including his success, his romance with Janet Jackson, and his marriage to Whitney Houston. While Woody McClain will come back on board, casting for the roles of other central figures in Brown’s story, including Houston, Bobbi Kristina, Jackson, Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid, Babyface and others are still underway...can't wait! Is blocking your ex on social media after a breakup...is this petty? We had a crazy conversation about this segment topic; how do you feel?? Don't go far because the party continues next Wednesday, 9-10 pm!!

This weeks show displayed a variety of circumstances that in some cases created situational issues. Fortunately though, Chris Brown wasn't one of them...this week. Chris Brown dropped his latest album on Tuesday morning, but if you have plans to listen to it in full, you better grab a seat. That's because the 45-track album is nearly three hours long. This is Brown's first album since 2015's "Royalty." In very surprising news, actor Kevin Spacey said that he has "loved and had romantic encounters with men" and that he chooses "now to live as a gay man," after being accused of a sexual advance on a 14-year-old. "Star Trek: Discovery” star Anthony Rapp is now 46, accused Spacey of trying to seduce him while attending a party back in 1986. WOW, let us know how you feel about this one! Cardi B signes Nicki Minaj's ex Safaree to be her new ghost writer...and now...she sounds just like Nicki! Did do you think she'll steal Nicki's flow?? In related news, Nicki Minaj's brother, Jelani Maraj is currently on trial for raping an 11-year-old girl – his stepdaughter. According to Jelani, he’s being “framed” by the child’s mother – for money. But the little girl gave open court testimony yesterday, and it was HEART WRENCHING. Check out what was said and what the crew said about this one!! Even in death, Michael Jackson is still the undisputed King of Pop. Forbes released its annual list of top-earning deceased celebrities, and MJ reigns over all other famous personalities that are no longer with us for the fifth straight year. Wendy Williams had a very scary moment on live TV this morning. In the midst of conducting her “How You Booin’?” Halloween segment on air, the talk show host lost consciousness and collapsed LIVE on air! She has since recovered but that still a very scary moment to see. Same time, same station...DON'T MISS OUT.

We had LOTS of good stuff to talk about during this weeks show! Check us out and let us know what you think? We'll be back next week for more of what you like!