Chapter 98: December Shockwave - The Uncrowned King
Date: December 1st, 2002
The hip-hop world was still reeling from the news of Holmes's unprecedented ascent to the top of both the Forbes lists and the all-time best-selling rappers list. The fact that he had accomplished so much in such a short span of time—less than three years—was a major point of discussion.
- Industry Buzz: The topic was inescapable, dominating radio shows, music magazines, and street corners.
Initial Shock and Disbelief:
Many in the industry were initially shocked and in disbelief at the news.
- MC Hammer (speaking on a radio show): "Yo, I gotta give it up to the kid, Holmes is a force. But to come in and surpass legends in just a few years? That's crazy, man. It's almost like a glitch in the Matrix!"
Comparison to Tupac Shakur:
Some began drawing comparisons between Holmes and the late Tupac Shakur, citing his raw talent, lyrical prowess, and rebellious spirit.
- Snoop Dogg (in an interview with The Source magazine): "Holmes got that fire, man. He reminds me of Pac, always speaking his mind, always pushing boundaries. He's a true artist."
Jay-Z's Perspective:
Even Jay-Z, who had always been known for his competitive spirit, offered Holmes his respect and admiration.
- Jay-Z (in an interview with MTV News): "Holmes is a phenomenon. He's got that rare combination of talent, charisma, and hustle. He's gonna be around for a long time. He's the true artist."
Holmes is a smart guy"
Cruise's Congratulations:
Even Tom Cruise, who had become a close friend of Holmes, offered his congratulations.
- Tom Cruise (in an interview with Rolling Stone): "Holmes is an incredible talent and an even better person. I'm so proud of everything he's accomplished."
Benefits of the News:
The news of Holmes's success had a number of positive benefits for him.
- Increased Popularity: His music sales soared, and his fan base expanded exponentially.
- Brand Recognition: His endorsement deals became even more lucrative.
- Influence: He became an even more influential figure in the hip-hop world.
The Downside:
Not everyone was happy about Holmes's success.
- Jealousy: Some of his rivals viewed him with envy and resentment.
- Backlash: Others criticized him for selling out and compromising his artistic integrity.
the next day
Date: December 2nd, 2002
The initial shock of Holmes's meteoric rise had given way to a full-blown firestorm of controversy. While the established A-listers like Diddy, Snoop, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Tom Cruise, and Nas remained supportive, a chorus of disgruntled voices grew louder, fueled by jealousy and suspicion.
- Unfounded Allegations: The situation was becoming a breeding ground for outlandish accusations and recycled rumors.
Ja Rule's Continued Criticism:
Ja Rule remained a vocal critic, amplifying his earlier comments.
- Ja Rule (on Hot 97 radio): "I'm just saying, nobody blows up that fast without cuttin' corners. Holmes ain't keepin' it real, period."
Benzino's Suspicions:
Benzino, known for his outspoken nature and co-ownership of The Source magazine, took things a step further.
- Benzino (in The Source editorial): "Is it just talent that propelled Holmes to the top? Or are there other, less savory factors at play? Some say he sold his soul to the devil for fame and fortune. Some suggest he's more than just a rapper—a shadow kingpin pulling the strings from behind the scenes."
Lord Jamar's Conspiracy Theories:
Lord Jamar, known for his purist views and Five-Percent Nation beliefs, added fuel to the fire with conspiracy theories.
- Lord Jamar (on a podcast): "Yo, where did this kid come from? Outta nowhere, he's a billionaire. I'm sayin', something ain't right. Some powerful forces are behind this."
Reviving the Grimm Incident:
The most damaging accusation came from anonymous sources on the internet, reviving the old beef between Holmes and Grimm.
- Anonymous Posts: "Grimm wasn't the only one who died. His brother, Jimmy, and his whole crew disappeared too. Holmes was never arrested, but everyone knows he was involved. He's a murderer!"
Holmes's Reaction:
The accusations, especially the ones linking him to Grimm's death, sent Holmes into a rage.
Realistic Conversation:
- Holmes: "What the hell is this bullshit?! They're trying to ruin me! They're dragging up shit from years ago!"
- He paced around the room, his face flushed with anger.
Serene's Intervention:
Serene, seeing Holmes's distress, stepped in to calm him down.
Realistic Conversation:
- Serene: "Holmes, baby, calm down. Don't let them get to you. They're just jealous and scared. They're trying to tear you down because they can't reach your level."
- She took his hands in hers, looking him in the eye.
- Serene: "You can't let this consume you, my dear. Focus on the positive, the music, and our happiness."
Addressing the Controversy:
His first instinct was to lash out, to defend himself against the accusations.
Realistic Conversation:
- Holmes: "I'm gonna set the record straight, and clear my name."