The crew discussed some great examples of success trending in the news! It's probably too much to talk about. You MUST check out our Podcast...click the link!! Here though are some teasers. Did you know, Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ was named Most Profitable Film Of 2017 so far? According to Box Office Mojo, the horror movie has mad over $252 million worldwide. After pulling off a major win with Get Out, Jordan Peele is now producing a television adaptation of Matt Ruff's novel Lovecraft Country for HBO. Keep it up Jordan!!! On the music front, the 'Notorious B.I.G.' gets his own basketball court in Brooklyn. It’s the second Brooklyn tribute Biggie has received this year – in March, his mentor Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs helped to retire a Brooklyn Nets basketball jersey bearing the number “72” the year of his birth, at their home arena, the Barclays Center. R.I.P. Bigg!!! Disney just keep getting bigger. We also had in studio, "Edible Bongs" @ediblebongs EVERYWHERE! If you are about that life, it would be in your best interest to check this brother out!! You don't have to wait long, we'll be back.

We have all noticed how society has drastically changed, in some cases not for the best. This one is a perfect example for all you conspiracy theorists! A Wisconsin company is implanting microchips into the hands of its employees, and over half the workers have volunteered. From having your privacy violated, to having Russian hackers tap into your body, the struggle could be endless. Is that worth the convenience of not having to break out an ID card...what are your thoughts? By our show being based out of Washington, DC, this really hit home. Legendary Washington News Anchor Jim Vance Dies At 75. Vance was one of the first Black anchors at a major media network. During his career, which lasted for 48 years, he delivered news stories surrounding pivotal moments in American history. Vance’s on-air work embedded him into the fabric of the Washington community. Before he died a mural of his likeness was added to the famed Ben’s Chili Bowl in the District of Columbia - R.I.P.! For you ladies in the culture, this may strike a nerve. Does it bother you when white women wear braids, because CoCo is going REALLY hard about hers! The crew had some choice words about this one. One of the fastest growing new cosmetic procedures among African Americans- is the new “dimple” surgery. It first got popular in Asia, but now folks in the United States are loving it. All of these new "trends" are becoming more and more of a distraction and concern in some cases. On a bright note, we had in studio, "Brain Rapp." Check him out everywhere @brainrapp. Stay up and stay tuned until we meet again!

The news was thick this week with many some can say, 'conspiracy theories' with some of your favorite, most popular talents. Prime example, R&B singer R. Kelly is once again in the news for troubling accusations, this time, running a 'sex cult' in his Chicago and Atlanta homes. whose name is once again attached to troubling accusations. The "Bump N' Grind" performer has faced numerous allegations of engaging in sex with underage girls, but the women said to be involved in this so-called "cult" are all above the legal age in the respective states - WOW...listen for more tea! Rapper DMX is in big trouble with the Internal Revenue Service for concealing his income for year, racking up a 1.7 million debt. He's facing possibly over 40 years in prison, he can't bark at that...find out more! R&B singer, Usher has paid out $1.1 million to settle a lawsuit with a stylist who claimed the pop star infected her with herpes. The law is clear in California: It is illegal to knowingly or recklessly transmit an STD. Usher allegedly did just that when he told the victim he had tested negative for the virus, despite a “greenish discharge” from his penis, the court papers say. This won't be going away anytime soon, unfortunately. Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian are both set to join the cast of, "Dancing with the Stars"...this is crazy! Chyna will reportedly be paid between $250,000 and $1 Million depending on how long she lasts. We’re also told that Rob Kardashian is CLOSE to signing. These two must really love/care for each other because there always in some shit. On a brighter note, we had in studio Glam Goddess, Bri Hall! Check out her interview and ALL that she has happening on Instagram & Twitter: @brihallofficial. Don't worry...we'll be back; stay tuned!

This week, there were a lot of trending topics where folks had positioned themselves to take things on head-on. For instance, We’ve been hearing for weeks now that Nicki Minaj was working on getting pregnant. The 34-year-old rapper has no children – and has been having “baby fever” for the past year. Well yesterday, Nicki CONFIRMED the rumors – she tweeted out a baby Emoji. So who’s the father? Well according to our Nicki Minaj snitch – there is ONLY ONE man that could have fathered the child – rapper NAS. Stay tuned for this one! Keeping with this same theme, actress Maia Campbell – who was shown on drugs and missing teeth in a viral video released earlier this week – is now being treated at a mental health facility. Maia Campbell caught social media's attention when a video surfaced of the former In the House actress looking unkempt while being patronized by a man at what appeared to be a gas station. The clip, which quickly went viral, seemingly showed the actress in a state of relapse. Let's all hope for the best for her, she was FINE back in the day and still is beautiful! People on social media are in an up rage – they believe that the new PLANET OF THE APES movie intentionally made one of the Apes “dress” like Black Live Matter leader DeRay Mckesson – who wears a signature BLUE PUFFY VEST. This is buffoonery at it's height, sad. Taking about marching to your own beat, Rapper, Blac Youngsta put himself on a cross, and now he's actually getting $10,000 offers ... to delete the damn photo. The rapper/master s**t stirrer posted the pic Monday of himself fully mocking the crucifixion with Tupac's lyrics, "HAIL MARY COME WITH ME." He also said "R.I.P. TUPAC." It appears he was shooting a music video, and not necessarily pulling one of his usual attention-grabbing stunts. Making matters worse, Jesse Williams Lashes out over divorce stories on Jay-Z's ‘4:44’ release. Jesse had 25 seconds on Jay-Z's 11-minute newest release, "Footnotes from 4:44" ... talking about the ongoing divorce and custody dispute with estranged wife, Aryn Drake-Lee. You have to listen to hear about this one! We also had a special returning guest call in, Reginald "Bruh Man" Ballard from the hit TV show "Martin." He and Illastr8's own Chris "The Mayor" Thomas will be performing this week in the DMV. Check him out @bruhman_5flo! Next Wednesday, 9-10pm...be there!

There were some new things and/or different situations that happen for this weeks show. For instance, the marketing around 2 Chainz new album, Pretty Gils Like Trap Music has been absolutely phenomenal. The former dope-dealing MC has found creative ways to push plenty of product in the past, but nothing even remotely close to the pink "Trap House" that sits near midtown Atlanta. The former dope-dealing MC has found creative ways to push plenty of product in the past, but nothing even remotely close to the pink “Trap House” that sits near midtown Atlanta...find out more. This may new news to most...Gloria Carter, Jay-Z’s mom, comes out as a Lesbian in new duet on rapper's '4:44' album. The song, "smile," features both Jay-Z and his mother discussing her sexuality. It is the first time that either of them has publicly addressed her sexual identity. You do learn something new everyday! Venus & Serena 2.0? Not only has Compton produced Dre, Kendrick, Issa, Venus and Serena, soon there may be two more luminaries to hail from its notorious talent-producing streets. Sisters, Layla Phillips, 6 and her Roxy, 4 are set to take over golf...we've got the details. Fans everywhere have all thumbs down for Master P's No Limit Reunion at Essence Fest. It wasn't what it was set up to be, find out more from the crew. Another reunion; are you here for a B2K reunion tour?? We also touched on some other trending news, i.e. Amber Rose and 21 Savage, Rob and Blac Chyna. You know we always have it right here every Wednesday 9-10 pm!

The pressures of society and life in general has ups and downs. In this weeks news, the crew discussed some of these pressures the results of them...good and bad. In unfortunate news, Prodigy of Hip-Hop Iconic group, "Mobb Deep" passed away at 42. Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis. As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth. The exact causes of death have yet to be determined. Prodigy, born Albert Johnson, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when he was three-months old - RIP! O.J. Simpson may be one step closer to becoming a free man. Simpson will have a July 20 hearing before the Nevada Board of Parole to decide whether he will be released from prison. The parole board will weigh several factors in deciding whether to release Simpson. According to Nevada defense attorney Dan Hill, Simpson fits the profile of an inmate who would receive parole at the first opportunity. GOOD LUCK O.J., your going to need it! Barbie underwent a massive makeover in 2016, but this year is Ken's time to shine. On Tuesday, Mattel (MAT) unveiled a collection of diverse Ken dolls. Barbie's iconic boyfriend is now available in three body types -- slim, broad and original -- and seven different skin tones. You can also choose from eight different hair colors, nine hair styles -- including a man bun -- and various eye colors. Fashion styles range from athletic wear to business attire. Damn, times REALLY have changed I see!! In some good news to say the least, Beyoncé and JAY-Z welcomed twins "Bea" and "Shawn"; congrats to them! From sublime to ridiculous, Kim Kardashian slammed over 'Blackface' in "KKW Beauty" promo pics. The makeup community is dealing with yet another divisive blackface controversy. Social media has exploded with people accusing the company of portraying the star in blackface in its photos. Pictures posted on both Kardashian's personal accounts and the KKW Beauty pages depict her looking visibly darker than usual - thoughts?? Jay Z teases his 4:44 album with "Adnis". The project—widely presumed to be a visual album—debuts June 30 via Sprint and TIDAL. It is rated NC-17. JAY-Z proves that literally, age ain't nothin but a number. Also, in studio as a special guest host, we had singer/songer writer/rapper/director, Chris Scholar! Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Chris Scholar is an artist well-versed in both classic and modern hip-hop. Having opened for legends such as Salt N Pepa and collaborated with the likes of Fetty Wap and Ty Dolla $ign, he’s definitely someone to watch. Check him out at www.whoischrisscholar.com and on social media @chrischolar! Don't change anything! Before you know it we'll be back...

What is Fame? This week, we talked about some trending news that placed this on a pedestal. Ice Cube gets a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame! The rapper/actor was presented with the 2,614th star, well deserved - congrats! 2 Live Crew will finally have their story told on the big screen. Lionsgate films just green-lighted a biopic detailing the group's controversial rise to recording infamy. 2 Live Crew will finally have their story told on the big screen. Lionsgate films has just green-lighted a biopic detailing the group’s controversial rise to recording infamy. You here for 2 Live Crew?? The Golden State Warriors might need to change their name to the Golden Woke Warriors, this after it came out that the team unanimously decided to skip the White House visit tradition according to several reports. Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr have also made public statements about President Trump’s policies, so this looked to be an expected turn of events. It’s fair to note that Golden State visited the White House in 2015 when President Barack Obama was still in office, so it’s clear where the line is being drawn. Kanye West is going to be dropping some Adidas slides, maybe. The blue and white adilette is the OG, college student rocking slipper of choice (there are already a gang of versions). Yeezy’s take is basically an off white looking version. Also in studio this week, we had rapper, Noochie @noochiemusic. DMV born and raised, check him out to see where he'll be as he has some great stuff coming up! Next Wednesday is right around the corner, don't miss out!!

Comedic icon and Illastr8's own, Chris "The Mayor" Thomas held down the show this week with some special guests to ask the question, do Black people have the right to use the “N-word”? This has been a hot button topic for decades! In the United States, "nigger" was first regarded as pejorative in the early nineteenth century. In the era of enslavement, the words "nigger" or "black" were inserted in front of a common American first name (e.g., John), given to a slave to distinguish the slave from any local white person with the same name. While usage of the word in African American culture is complex in that it can be used affectionately, politically, or pejoratively, the epithet is considered an abusive slur when used by white people. The word has gained more acceptance in recent years in youth culture through song lyrics and stand-up comedy. Some claim that the word can be defused through reclaiming it. However, most adults continue to view the word as offensive and harmful. With this in mind, Real Time host Bill Maher and Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) were at first talking about Maher visiting the senator’s home state. Sasse quipped, “We’d love to have you work in the fields with us.” Maher then made his move, saying, “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n*****.” Do you feel that this is derogatory? We also had comedian, Honest John call in to give us his perspective as a Caucasian comedian with a predominately African-American audience. Special guest host rapper/artist, Kalenga. also joined the conversation about what it's like to be in the entertainment industry dealing with this and how it impacts music. Check him out @kalengasvibes. You MUST check this show out! We'll be back though...see what I'm sayin!

Setting trends is a way of life these days, good and bad. Not only socially, but also in politics. For instance, our President has something planned that could set a negative trend for those with student debts. More than 400,000 people have planned their careers and financial futures around the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. With the promise of debt forgiveness after 10 years of payments, the government program has allowed some people to return to school and pursue their dream jobs. President Trump's proposed budget, released Tuesday, calls for eliminating the already-troubled program for new borrowers. The cut, which requires an act of Congress, would save $27.5 billion over 10 years if enacted. Passed by a Democrat-controlled Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007, the program promised loan forgiveness for government and nonprofit workers after they made 120 months of on-time payments. This October marks it's 10th year and the first time anyone will have made enough payments to get their debt wiped away. Explosions at an Ariana Grande concert causes numerous casualties. Witnesses said a large explosion took place towards the end of her set, just after an encore performance. The Manchester police have confirmed there were at least 22 casualties, who were killed by a suspected suicide bomber. This story sets a tone and new trend. Drake broke singer, Adele's five-year-old Billboard Music Awards record. The Canadian artist took home 13 trophies-the most wins in one night-at the 2017 edition of the ceremony, congrats! Catherine Zeta-Jones is set to play Colombian drug queen Griselda Blanco in an upcoming biopic for American network Lifetime. The film will begin shooting later this year and will premiere in 2018. Blanco was killed in Columbia in 2012. The Rihanna and Lupita Nyong'o heist movie that the internet dreamed up is really happening! The world basically fell in love with the idea of Rihanna and Lupita Nyong'o starring in a heist movie together after the fierce females were photographed sitting next to each other at a Miu Miu fashion show in 2014. A movie based on a meme? Stranger things have happened in Hollywood! We also had special guest, Hip-Hop artist "Genesis Renji" talk to us about his latest projects and his upcoming tour. Check him out everywhere @genesisrenji and at www.houseofrenji.com. Until we meet again...

This week, we discussed some trending topics that revolved around turning dreams into reality. Big Boi talks wanting 'Empire' creator Lee Daniels. Could OutKast be the next music act to get the biopic treatment? In saying so, a biopic about R&B group, 'Xscape' is in the works with the orginal members. Kandi Burruss-Tucker, Tameka 'Tiny' Harris, and sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott are working on the project with "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" producer Mona Scott-Young. Are you ready for more biopics? Rapper 50 Cent is heading to late night TV to host a show on American network BET. "50 Central" is a platform that allows us to get all those hidden talents out in the open. The show will be executive produced the rapper, real name Curtis Jackson, under his G-Unit Film & Television company. Baltimore rapper, 'YBS Skola' just inked a major record deal to Meek Mill's 'Dream Chasers' label. Meek Mill just signed this buzzing new Baltimore rapper 'YBS' Skola' to his "Dream Chasers" Label. Kanye West has gone to the mountaintop to make a new album, literally. Kanye West is making a new album, and he's holed up in a Wyoming retreat at the top of a mountain to find his inspiration. We also had special caller, Jasmin Brown. Jasmin Brown, also known as Jazzy or Jazz, rapidly became an online sensation. Known for her “in-car” rants and original characters, such as Toya Turnup, Termite and Reggie, Jasmin managed to build a whole new audience by simply being herself. Check her out @watchjazzy. Before you realize it, we'll be back - stay tuned!