What we may not know about Dennis Graham is that he is the reason Drake is a music artist, because it was him who aspired to be one first.

Dennis is an OG who came up in Memphis, Tennessee, playing drums and singing the blues. In an interview with a local Memphis paper, Drake’s Pops revealed the one thing James Brown once did for him- when he was just a broke, hungry kid, with a musical dream- that he will never forget. He gave him his first set of drums. Dennis explains below:

Via Memphis Flyer: [Dennis] Graham has emerged from the shadows before — as a young boy playing music on the streets of Memphis. His cousin played the cardboard box. He played an overturned metal tub. Girls would dress up in their majorette uniforms and parade down the street with them, ribbons and everything.

One day they were playing on Union Avenue, downtown.[…] Graham and his cousin sat on the street, beating on a cardboard box and a metal tub like they always did. But Graham stopped banging his drumstick — a broken mop handle — when he heard someone yell at him from above. “Hey!” the voice beckoned. “Come here.” It came from a man on a hotel balcony across the street. Graham walked over. It was James Brown. The famous soul singer called his drummer out to the balcony and made him give young Dennis his four-piece drum set. It was Graham’s first set of drums. Graham went on to play drums professionally for Jerry Lee Lewis’ band. He also became a regular at Royal Studios, where Al Green recorded in the 1970s.

Dennis never had the type of success he’d dreamed of, like his son has now, but he’s extremely proud of Drake’s accomplishments. Although they had a rocky past when Drake was a kid and Dennis was chasing his music dreams, spending time away from his family, Dennis finally got to pay Drake the $5 that he owed him:

Via Memphis Flyer: When Drake was a little boy, he bet $5 he’d do more television and more music than his daddy ever did. He was right, and when he came to Memphis for a show, a proud father gave his millionaire son $5.

Nowadays, Dennis is still a jazz/blues artist. He may be an ‘Old school playa from the Himalayas’ — like “Jeromey-Rome” used to say — however, his young fans can’t get enough of him as an Instagram celebrity, who hangs out with cats of all ages…including his son. Even young groupies flock to Dennis for some chill-time Drake’s daddy.’

Sidenote: Dennis is in a committed relationship now though, so he’s toned down with the groupies on social media lately. But overall, life is good for the Memphis, TN brotha, with the Canadian-bred superstar son.

The post Drake’s Dad Revealed What James Brown Did For Him As A Kid That He’ll Never Forget appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

What we may not know about Dennis Graham is that he is the reason Drake is a music artist, because it was him who aspired to be one first.

Dennis is an OG who came up in Memphis, Tennessee, playing drums and singing the blues. In an interview with a local Memphis paper, Drake’s Pops revealed the one thing James Brown once did for him- when he was just a broke, hungry kid, with a musical dream- that he will never forget. He gave him his first set of drums. Dennis explains below:

Via Memphis Flyer: [Dennis] Graham has emerged from the shadows before — as a young boy playing music on the streets of Memphis. His cousin played the cardboard box. He played an overturned metal tub. Girls would dress up in their majorette uniforms and parade down the street with them, ribbons and everything.

One day they were playing on Union Avenue, downtown.[…] Graham and his cousin sat on the street, beating on a cardboard box and a metal tub like they always did. But Graham stopped banging his drumstick — a broken mop handle — when he heard someone yell at him from above. “Hey!” the voice beckoned. “Come here.” It came from a man on a hotel balcony across the street. Graham walked over. It was James Brown. The famous soul singer called his drummer out to the balcony and made him give young Dennis his four-piece drum set. It was Graham’s first set of drums. Graham went on to play drums professionally for Jerry Lee Lewis’ band. He also became a regular at Royal Studios, where Al Green recorded in the 1970s.

Dennis never had the type of success he’d dreamed of, like his son has now, but he’s extremely proud of Drake’s accomplishments. Although they had a rocky past when Drake was a kid and Dennis was chasing his music dreams, spending time away from his family, Dennis finally got to pay Drake the $5 that he owed him:

Via Memphis Flyer: When Drake was a little boy, he bet $5 he’d do more television and more music than his daddy ever did. He was right, and when he came to Memphis for a show, a proud father gave his millionaire son $5.

Nowadays Dennis is still a jazz/blues artist. He may be an ‘Old school playa from the Himalayas’…like “Jeromey-Rome” used to say. However, his young fans can’t get enough of him as an Instagram celebrity, who hangs out with cats of all ages, including his son. Even young groupies flock to Dennis for a piece of Drake’s daddy. Sidenote: Dennis is in a committed relationship now though, so he’s toned down with the groupies on social media lately. But overall, life is good for the Memphis, TN brotha, with the Canadian bred superstar son.

The post Drake’s Dad Revealed What James Brown Did For Him As A Kid That He’ll Never Forget appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

In case y’all haven’t heard by now, Drake released a song which included Michael Jackson’s unreleased music on it. The song is called, “Don’t Matter To Me,” on Drake’s album, “Scorpion,” which released on June 29, 2018. Everybody and their mommas were talking about it, because it samples a never before heard song from MJ, that he recorded prior to “Thriller.” Although Drake received a lotta love for the joint, not everyone in MJ’s family was happy about it.

Rebbie Jackson’s son, Austin Brown (35), most definitely wasn’t feelin’ Drake’s usage of his Uncle Mike’s song and he explained why to paparazzi, as TMZ reported. In the video, while walking down a Hollywood street with his big sister, Yashi Brown, Austin was asked if all of the Jackson family was “okay” with Drake using Michael’s unreleased (and unfinished) music for his 2018 album. Austin made it clear that while some of the Jacksons may be “okay” with that decision, he is absolutely against it. Check out what he said to TMZ below:

“I’M not okay with it. … I just feel like…I feel like if he didn’t finish it, you shouldn’t use it. … He’s a artist… [I] respect the artist, but I just don’t feel like it’s okay to use someone’s vocals and make a beat up and change them. …That’s just me.”

Although Austin ain’t happy about what Drake did to MJ’s song, he still said he thinks Drake is “talented.”

Speaking of music, Rebbie’s son is out here making some of his own.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Austin Brown (@austinbrown)

In a prior interview with US Weekly, Austin talked about his mother’s influence and how she tried hard to raise them as ‘normal’ people, instead of a ‘Jackson celeb.’ Check out some of the interview excerpts:

US Weekly: Tell me about growing up in your family. Was there pressure to go into the business or was it the opposite?

Austin Brown: No, not at all. My mother in particular is such a wonderful loving woman and always made it a point to let me know that I am no different than anybody else. I had a normal upbringing — I went to school, had my friends, I played sports, she put me in my piano lessons, I was in band. There wasn’t really any pressure. The only difference was people saw my family do their job, but I loved my upbringing.
US: Did you grow up listening to “Centipede?”

Austin Brown: (Laughs) Of course! You grow up watching your mom do what she does and lovin’ the song, and I was a proud kid.

US: What was your uncle Michael Jackson really like?

AB: My uncle was always big on teaching my cousins and me about song structure. He would like to break down songs — he would always start with the base line, and then start humming a melody. He wanted to teach me how things came together, how to portray my voice and where music came from. The main thing with my uncle was just the love he showed all of us and how caring and giving he was to other people as well. The most important lesson that he showed us was charity and giving back. All of this meant nothing if you weren’t giving anything back.

Rebbie Jackson has three children with her late, husband Nathaniel Brown- daughters Yashi and Stacee; and son, Austin. At 70 years young, the “Centipede” songstress couldn’t be more proud of her kids today.

The post Son Of Rebbie Jackson Once Slammed Drake For What He ‘Did To His Uncle Michael’s Legacy’ appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Ever since Nicole Murphy divorced Eddie Murphy 13 years ago (in 2006), many men have been trying to get with her. It’s no secret that Eddie’s ex-wife (and mother of 5 of his kids) is fine as she ever was at 51- nope that is not a typo…Nicole turned 51 this year. As y’all can see, she looks damn near the same as she did when she said “I do” to Eddie in 1993.

As she was making her promotional rounds for her new skin care line, Softt Beauty Skin Care, her jewelry line, FLP: Friends, Love, and Peace; and her new fitness app, she stopped by the ‘Sway in the Morning’ radio show. Even though her businesses are her main focus, it was only natural that she get asked about the many rumors swirlin’ around about her love life. Thankfully, Nicole’s a pretty down to earth, so she was able to answer the hot topics with ease. She addressed several things, including dating younger men; Eddie skipping her lavish 50th b-day party in 2018;  her ex fiancee, Michael Strahan and more. She also addressed those persistent allegations that she dated Drake (32) and Nick Cannon (38)- both of whom have a history of crushin’ on older women.

Nicole Murphy on the stereotype that it’s okay for older men to date young women, but not the other way around:

“Oh I can’t stand that, I don’t like that. I don’t think that’s fair. Why do we have to be stuck with some old fart?!! LOL. Right? WHY? Why do I have to have something…broke down. Why can’t I have some nice young thang?” -via ‘Sway in the Morning’

Whether or not she’d date a non-wealthy man:

“I’d consider it, as long as he’s a good person, got a great personality, he has to make me laugh. […] It’s really on the person though…I wouldn’t shut him down just because he may not be financially on my level.” -via Sway in the Morning

On The Wendy Williams Show, Nicole also indirectly addressed rumors that she’s been kickin’ it with either Nick Cannon or Drake. When asked about Drake attending her private 50th birthday party, Nicole hit us with the politically correct response:

“I was surprised! Trust me! I gave him [Drake] a big hug we took pictures, and I went off and we were dancing.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdnQdXThm6u/

When she was asked if Eddie Murphy attended the party:

“No, unfortunately. He was invited, though – apparently.” Did Eddie at least get her a gift? “No!” said Nicole.

On her relationship with The Voice judge/Spice Girl, Mel B., Eddie’s daughter’s mother:

“Great. I have no issues with her; that was all after the fact.”

Nicoled admitted that she and Mariah Carey’s ex, Nick Cannon, are cool, but here’s what she said when asked about dating him:

No! Nick Cannon and I were only friends. Don’t believe those guys.

Embed from Getty Images

On keeping her engagement ring from retired NFL’er/GMA host, Michael Strahan:

“We were together for 8 years. We got engaged 2 years in. But guess what, I kept the ring. Yes I did! I deserved that ring!”

Embed from Getty Images

Although Nicole Murphy is currently single, she made it clear, during her interview on ‘Sway in the Morning,’ that her definition of “single” means she does not have a ring on her finger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6urT0H7oDDw

At that time, she’d also admitted that she would love to be married again, especially after witnessing Meaghan Markle’s and Prince Harry’s wedding.

The post Eddie’s Ex Nicole Murphy Confirmed If She Dated Drake, Nick Cannon..Admits She Doesn’t Like Older Men appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Drake is one of those celebrities who seems to be showing up in our timelines every day. Recently, he’s been partying with the Toronto Raptors, since they clinched their first championship title. However, Drake’s time for celebrating may be coming to a halt very soon…if one accuser has her way.

Guess Who’s Back?

All right y’all, there’s a lot going on here, so let’s unpack it together. In 2017, Instagram model, Layla Lace (born Laquana Morris), alleged that Drake impregnated her after they hooked up, following his concert in Manchester, UK. She also claimed that when she attempted to reach out to him, after telling him she was expecting, Drake stopped all communication with her.

After hiring a lawyer, Lace then alleged that during their one-night stand, Drake had instead raped her. Drake countered her ‘suit with one of his own- suing Lace for civil extortion, fraud, emotional distress, abuse of process and defamation. He admitted the two of them had unprotected sex, but it was consensual.  He also furnished text messages that painted Lace as an obsessed fan.

Things further fell apart when Lace refused to submit to a paternity test. Eventually, it was allegedly discovered that Lace wasn’t even pregnant! Once the smoke had cleared around the entire situation, both Drake and Lace settled their lawsuits privately. At the time, Drake’s lawyer told TMZ (via Rolling Stone):

“The filing made by Drake against Layla Lace has been resolved, with Layla avoiding going to trial by agreeing to a stipulated judgment which prohibits her from repeating past statements she made against Drake.”

The tale doesn’t end here. Lace is back once again, with a new claim about the night in Manchester. And she goes all the way in with the freaky details.

Next Page: Layla Lace Gets Graphic

The post Drake’s Alleged Assault Victim Reveals His Reportedly Odd Fetish In New Lawsuit appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Hard To Watch

Embed from Getty Images

Durant and the Warriors were cooking the Raptors for the better part of the first half and though they eventually went on to win the game they lost Durant for the rest of the series when he re-injured his right leg during the second quarter.

Ahh no, KD went down https://t.co/thJCbDomrI

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) June 11, 2019

As Durant was escorted off the court (remember, they were in Toronto for Game 5) the fans actually began cheering his injury. Drake, who has been trolling each team his beloved Raptors faces, took a softer tone appearing concerned for Durant since the two of them are friends outside of the game.

Drake consoled Kevin Durant as he walked off in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/05ZpHdL49l

— ESPN (@espn) June 11, 2019

Although it appears Drake is genuinely concerned for his friend’s well being Twitter has been ruthless with their response. And ironically, Drake ain’t here for any of the trolling.

Next Page: Call And Response

The post Twitter Is Letting Drake Have It After His Response To Kevin Durant’s Season Ending Injury appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

“Supporting home grown businesses has always been a top priority of mine, so when an opportunity came up to get involved with a great Canadian company I was honored to do so,” Drake, a longtime Cargojet champion, said.

Billboards’ most awarded artist of all-time ranked 4th ($47 million) on Forbes’ list of Hip-Hop Cash Kings in  2018, trailing only Kendrick Lamar, Diddy and Jay-Z respectively.

The exterior of the plane is painted pale blue and bears the rapper’s OVO owl logo and prayer hands logo, as well as the words “Air Drake.” Inside, plush couches and chairs, tables, a giant flat-screen TV and custom striped carpeting are shown. Also seen in the clip, Ajay Virmani, president & CEO of Cargojet Airways, who Drake credits with making the deal happen.

While the craft itself seemingly marks a fresh build, the general “Air Drake” concept has its roots in a 2010 Virgin America stunt of the same name. Per an ancient Billboard report at the time, Virgin temporarily turned an Airbus A320 into an “Air Drake” party co-hosted by Richard Branson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Drake Tour of the plane next>>>

The post Air Drake: Drake Unveils New Jumbo Jet, “No Rental, No Timeshare” and Details on Air Line Partnership appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

What Phylicia Rashad & Drake Are Up To

In a highly anticipated video for Drake’s latest single, “In My Feelings.” Well…it’s highly anticipated for young folks, but some of our fellow Old Schoolers are probably reading this and saying, ‘Who the hell is this song in popular demand?’ That’s an understandable question, given the fact that Drake’s new single targets the generation that was born years after “Claire’s” daughter, “Denise,” made her son, “Theo,” that jacked up yellow button down ‘Gordon Gutrell’ shirt.

Anywho, the song, “In My Feelings,” has been in hot demand for a couple reasons: (1) Because it’s supposedly about a real life anonymous love of Drake’s, whom his fans have started a viral search to find on their own. (2) Because a viral, yet possibly dangerous #InMyFeelingsChallenge was started by popular Instagrammer, Shiggy. The challenge is for people to jump outta their cars, in the middle of the street, highway, etc. to dance and rap the lyrics to “In My Feelings.”

The “Cosby Show”-star-turned-“Empire”-actress accepted Drake’s invitation to star as “Keke’s” mother in the video and “Power” actress, Lala Anthony, will be playing “Keke.”

Part of the video is shot at a home in New Orleans, LA.. In the comical video clip below, Phylicia is seen snappin’ at Drake, when he rolled up to the house unannounced, to beg for “Keke.” She tells him, “Carry your a$$ on home now,” among other things. Check out the clip here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmBv3WZn_tk/

As y’all can see, Lala is beyond grateful to have been able to star alongside the legendary Ms. Rashad, which she expressed in her caption:

“@lala Can we all just take a moment and take in the magic that is Ms. Phylicia Rashad @phyliciaayersallen_rashadfp “and don’t forget to go when u leave ” “this is NOT a Taye Diggs movie sir” THIS WAS A DREAM. SHE IS A LEGEND????I kept telling her this video is gonna be BIG..LOVE U Ms Phylicia ?? & @champagnepapi ”u blind as a bat” laughs for days!! link in my bio ? @karenaevans #inmyfeelings #inmyfeelingschallenge #nola”

Full video:

In addition to Lala’s and Phylicia’s features, Drake also included Shiggy in the video and New Orleans transgender bounce legend, Big Freedia. The latter move was a good one for Drake, because he caught a ton of flack for excluding Big Freedia from his prior “Nice For What” video, even though he sampled Freedia’s vocals in that song.

Debbie Allen Gives Props To Her Big Sis’

As soon as the news went public about Phylicia appearing in the highly anticipated video, her lil’ sister/infamous director, actress, and choreography, Debbie Allen, took to social media to praise her:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl__n_6F8JK/

“@therealdebbieallen That’s my big sister #PhyliciaRashad in Drake’s “In My Feelings” video!!! Let em have it Lish!?????? #inmyfeelings @champagnepapi @lala”

Props to Phylicia Rashad for still breathing life into her many memorable roles. Also, big ups to Drake for respecting the Old School legends and introducing many of his younger fans to the greatness of Ms. Rashad.

The post Debbie Allen Praises Big Sis’ Phylicia Rashad’s Surprising New Move With Drake appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

In case y’all haven’t heard by now, Drake released a new song with Michael Jackson’s unreleased music on it. The song is called, “Don’t Matter To Me,” on Drake’s album, “Scorpion,” which released on June 29, 2018. Everybody and their mommas have been talking about it because it samples a never before heard song from MJ, that he recorded prior to “Thriller.” Although Drake is getting a lotta love for the joint, not everyone in MJ’s family is happy about it.

Rebbie Jackson’s son, Austin Brown (32), most definitely isn’t feelin’ Drake’s usage of his Uncle Mike’s song and he explained why to paparazzi. In the video below, while walking down a Hollywood street with his big sister, Yashi Brown, Austin was asked if all of the Jackson family was “okay” with Drake using Michael’s unreleased (and unfinished) music for his latest album. Austin made it clear that while some of the Jacksons may be “okay” with that decision, he is absolutely against it. Check out what he said below:

“I’M not okay with it. … I just feel like…I feel like if he didn’t finish it, you shouldn’t use it. … He’s a artist… [I] respect the artist, but I just don’t feel like it’s okay to use someone’s vocals and make a beat up and change them. …That’s just me.”

Although Austin ain’t happy about what Drake did to MJ’s song, he still said he thinks Drake is “talented.” Watch the video clip below…

Speaking of music, Rebbie’s son is out here making some of his own. Austin is following in the footsteps of his mother and musical family. He isn’t making soul music though, his musical creations are more-so an eclectic blend of pop, R&B, and even country. He’s worked with several music heavyweights, such as Pharrell Williams, Cory Rooney, The Underdogs, and others.

In 2011, he made his musical debut with his album, “All I Need.” To date, he’s now released 5 albums total and get this, he’s also part of a country group called, Home Free.

In a prior interview with US Weekly, Austin talked about his mother’s influence and how she tried hard to raise them as ‘normal’ people, instead of a ‘Jackson celeb.’ Check out some of the interview excerpts:

US Weekly: Tell me about growing up in your family. Was there pressure to go into the business or was it the opposite?

Austin Brown: No, not at all. My mother in particular is such a wonderful loving woman and always made it a point to let me know that I am no different than anybody else. I had a normal upbringing — I went to school, had my friends, I played sports, she put me in my piano lessons, I was in band. There wasn’t really any pressure. The only difference was people saw my family do their job, but I loved my upbringing.
US: Did you grow up listening to “Centipede?”

Austin Brown: (Laughs) Of course! You grow up watching your mom do what she does and lovin’ the song, and I was a proud kid.

US: What was your uncle Michael Jackson really like?

AB: My uncle was always big on teaching my cousins and me about song structure. He would like to break down songs — he would always start with the base line, and then start humming a melody. He wanted to teach me how things came together, how to portray my voice and where music came from. The main thing with my uncle was just the love he showed all of us and how caring and giving he was to other people as well. The most important lesson that he showed us was charity and giving back. All of this meant nothing if you weren’t giving anything back.

Rebbie Jackson has three children with her late, husband Nathaniel Brown- daughters Yashi and Stacee; and son, Austin. At 68 years young, the “Centipede” songstress couldn’t be more proud of her kids today.

The post Son Of Rebbie Jackson Speaks Against What Drake Just Did To His Uncle Michael’s Legacy appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Ever since Nicole Murphy divorced Eddie Murphy 12 years ago (in 2006), many men have been trying to get with her. It’s no secret that Eddie’s ex-wife (and mother of 5 of his kids) is fine as she ever was at 50- nope that is not a typo…Nicole turned 50 this year. As y’all can see, she looks damn near the same as she did when she said “I do” to Eddie in 1993.

She’s recently been making her promotional rounds for her new skin care line, Softt Beauty Skin Care, her jewelry line, FLP: Friends, Love, and Peace; and her new fitness app. Even though her businesses are her main focus, it was only natural that she get asked about the many rumors swirlin’ around about her love life. Thankfully, Nicole’s a pretty down to earth, so she was able to answer the hot topics with ease. She addressed several things, including dating younger men, Eddie skipping her 50th b-day party, her ex fiancee, Michael Strahan. She also addressed those persistent allegations that she dated Drake (31) and Nick Cannon (37)- both of whom have a history of crushin’ on older women.

Nicole Murphy on the stereotype that it’s okay for older men to date young women, but not the other way around:

“Oh I can’t stand that, I don’t like that. I don’t think that’s fair. Why do we have to be stuck with some old fart?!! LOL. Right? WHY? Why do I have to have something…broke down. Why can’t I have some nice young thang?” -via ‘Sway in the Morning’

Whether or not she’d date a non-wealthy man:

“I’d consider it, as long as he’s a good person, got a great personality, he has to make me laugh. […] It’s really on the person though…I wouldn’t shut him down just because he may not be financially on my level.” -via Sway in the Morning

On The Wendy Williams Show, Nicole also indirectly addressed rumors that she’s been kickin’ it with either Nick Cannon or Drake. When asked about Drake attending her private 50th birthday party, Nicole hit us with the politically correct response:

“I was surprised! Trust me! I gave him [Drake] a big hug we took pictures, and I went off and we were dancing.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdnQdXThm6u/

When she was asked if Eddie Murphy attended the party:

“No, unfortunately. He was invited, though – apparently.” Did Eddie at least get her a gift? “No!” said Nicole.

On her relationship with The Voice judge/Spice Girl, Mel B., Eddie’s daughter’s mother:

“Great. I have no issues with her; that was all after the fact.”

Nicoled admitted that she and Mariah Carey’s ex, Nick Cannon, are cool, but here’s what she said when asked about dating him:

No! Nick Cannon and I were only friends. Don’t believe those guys.

Embed from Getty Images

On keeping her engagement ring from retired NFL’er/GMA host, Michael Strahan:

“We were together for 8 years. We got engaged 2 years in. But guess what, I kept the ring. Yes I did! I deserved that ring!”

Embed from Getty Images

Although Nicole Murphy is currently single, she made it clear during her interview on ;’Sway in the Morning,’ that her definition of “single,” means she does not have a ring on her finger. However, she is dating someone, whom she doesn’t want to disclose, until things are official between them…as in engaged.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6urT0H7oDDw

She also admitted that she’d love to be married again, especially after witnessing Meaghan Markle’s and Prince Harry’s recent wedding.

The post Eddie’s Ex Nicole Murphy (50) Confirms If She Dated Drake, Nick Cannon..Admits She Doesn’t Like Older Men appeared first on I Love Old School Music.