DJ Vlad Proclaims Himself "Hip-Hop Journalist Of The Decade" Following Keefe D Conviction

BY Alexander Cole
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DJ Mars Host's New Balance Event
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: Vlad and Luke Riggins attend the New Balance Event at MPE Penthouse on March 30, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
DJ Vlad's interviews with Keefe D were a huge part of the man's conviction as he was tried for the murder of Tupac.

DJ Vlad is a controversial figure in the world of hip-hop journalism. One just has to look at his current feud with N.O.R.E. to understand how some prominent figures feel about him.

Over the years, Vlad has been likened to a culture vulture. He has also been accused of working in tandem with federal authorities. His interviews are typically extremely revealing, and he has no qualms when it comes to asking about alleged crimes and indiscretions.

Recently, he found himself as a central figure in the Tupac Shakur murder trial. Duane "Keefe D" Davis was the first person to ever stand trial for Tupac's murder, and it took 30 years for it to happen. As it turns out, many of Vlad's interviews with Keefe D were extremely incriminating. So much so that they were used as evidence in court.

On Monday, Keefe D was officially convicted of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. Now, he faces life in prison. Meanwhile, DJ Vlad is taking his victory lap, stating, "Hip-Hop Journalist of the Decade."

DJ Vlad Gives Himself The Title

Whether or not he deserves such a title is up to the audience to decide. However, there is no denying that his platform played a pivotal role in garnering a conviction for a cold case that has haunted hip-hop for literal decades.

Keefe D has already demanded an appeal, although he will only be able to file for one once sentencing is complete. Davis will actually have to wait a while before then. His sentencing date has been slated for October 13.

This remains one of the biggest stories in hip-hop right now, even as Lil Durk faces a life sentence of his own amid a contentious murder-for-hire trial.

About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!

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