The music industry has been rocked to its core by Cole Gordon’s new track. “Fantasy” has just been released. So far, it’s been great. In the eyes of fans, it looks like everyone is a fan of the song. “Fantasy” was written by Cole to meet the band’s musical needs. It appears that Cole was able to enter the thoughts of the listeners and select a tune that would meet their musical expectations. Music listening has become significantly more enjoyable as a result.
You can’t seem to get yourself to stop listening to the song again and over. In the music industry, Cole Gordon is most known for his work as a music artist. There are many companies and businesses Cole has worked with, and he understands their demands. He’s honed his senses to the point that he can pick up on someone’s wishes. In his music, he also uses this talent.
The music industry is one of the fastest-growing fields, with hundreds joining the space every day. This makes it brutally competitive, and without the right strategy, it’s easy to fail. However, this has not stopped KaJ Loud from penetrating the industry and building his name.
In a space where most artists tweak other people’s ideas to stay relevant, KaJ Loud’s authenticity in writing his songs has earned him a top spot. KaJ is using his music to tell his story and encourage other young dreamers, showing everyone that nothing is impossible.
According to KaJ Loud, pronounced as /Kay-Loud/, music is something that he has been drawn to for a long time. KaJ notes that from a young age, he loved and enjoyed listening to various rap, hip-hop, and RnB songs. However, he only started his journey into the music industry in early 2020.
Like most people, KaJ /Kay/ was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and he had to cut short his sports career. This pushed him to look for a different outlet, and KaJ decided to follow his passion for music. He explains that he is an overthinker, and he struggled with this for so long until he found music.
In his words, “Music became my second home.” KaJ Loud started writing his thoughts down, which helped him see the big picture, and rather than constantly beating himself up for being an over-thinker, KaJ turned this into one of his biggest blessings. It also fuelled him to pursue a career in the music industry, channeling his feelings into his songs.
His authenticity in expressing his emotions, smooth lyrical flow, and high energy performances have enabled KaJ to solidify his spot in the music industry, sharing stages with A-list celebrities. KaJ Loud has rubbed shoulders with the likes of E-40, 50 Cent, Slim Thug, King Lil G, and Baby Bash, to name a few.
He has also written and released four singles, all of which are doing incredibly well. KaJ’s most recent track, “Shrimp N Noodles,” has become a household tune gaining thousands of streams in a short time. KaJ says that his goal is to continue creating timeless music and using his platform to encourage other people.
“Some of the biggest challenges I have faced in my journey as an artist and entertainer came from my self-doubt and lack of confidence. Through my music, I want to encourage my listeners to be themselves and believe in their ideas. While it is okay to adjust, it is also extremely important that you never forget who you are and where you come from,” says KaJ.
As he makes his mark in the music industry, KaJ Loud is a source of inspiration to his fan and young people. He is showing everyone the importance of being true to oneself and that it is okay to have more than one passion. KaJ is a top model, entertainer, rapper, singer, and songwriter who has won several awards. His EP “1Up,” which was released mid-last year, is a trending sound with thousands of streams. He says his dream is to expand his brand, writing songs that are original and easy to relate to.
Grammy-winning producer No I.D. joined the newly-launched Golden State Entertainment to serve as its Creative and Strategic Adviser.
The label, which is an affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, announced the No I.D. hiring on Tuesday (May 10). The former Def Jam and Capitol Music Group executive will produce for GSE artists in addition to his work as an adviser.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Golden State Entertainment and its Chief Business Officer, my longtime friend David Kelly, on this exciting new venture,” No I.D. said in a press release. “We are on the cusp of something truly special and I look forward to discovering new ways to bridge the worlds of content, sports, entertainment and technology.”
GSE also added Rhymefest and J.U.I.C.E. to its roster. Both rappers agreed to multi-album deals with the label.
Although GSE is based in the Bay Area, it has deep ties to the Chicago Hip Hop scene. The label’s CBO David Kelly, Rhymefest, J.U.I.C.E. and No I.D. all hail from the Windy City.
Before Kelly became the Warriors’ Chief Legal Officer, he rapped under the name Capital D. He was a member of a group called All Natural.
GSE isn’t strictly veterans of the Chicago Hip Hop scene. Georgia Anne Muldrow and Oakland-based artist MAYZIN will be releasing music through the label.
Stream GSE’s first release, a MAYZIN and Bam Bam collaboration titled “Wheels Up,” below.
Elon Musk plans to end Twitter’s ban on Donald Trump.
The soon-to-be owner of Twitter discussed the social media platform’s ban on the former president in an interview with the Financial Times. Elon Musk confirmed he’d allow Donald Trump back on Twitter while discussing his aversion to bans.
“I would reverse the permaban,” he said. “I don’t own Twitter yet, so this is not like a thing that will definitely happen. Because what if I don’t own Twitter?”
Elon Musk claimed there were better ways to deal with Donald Trump’s incendiary behavior on social media. The Tesla CEO suggested timeouts or suspensions instead of a permanent ban.
“I think permabans fundamentally undermine trust in Twitter as a town square where everyone can voice their opinion,” he said. “I think it was a morally bad decision [to ban Trump] … If there are tweets that are wrong and bad, those should be either deleted or made invisible, and a temporary suspension is appropriate. But not a permanent ban.”
Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter in April. The multibillionaire agreed to purchase the social media platform for approximately $44 billion.
Donald Trump previously claimed he wouldn’t return to Twitter even if Elon Musk owned it. The twice-impeachment ex-president insisted he’ll stick with his Truth Social app.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis views the indictment of Young Thug as a win in her battle against gangs.
“As the district attorney of Fulton County, my No. 1 focus is targeting gangs,” Willis said on Tuesday (May 10), according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “And there’s a reason for that. They are committing, conservatively, 75 to 80% of all of the violent crime that we are seeing within our community.”
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested on racketeering charges on Monday (May 9). He was charged with participating in criminal street gang activity and conspiring to violate Georgia’s criminal racketeering law.
Prosecutors also accused Young Thug of renting a vehicle used in a 2015 shooting that killed a rival gang member.
Young Thug and Gunna are the most notable names caught up in the sweeping RICO case targeting alleged YSL gang members. The two were among the 28 people listed in a 56-count indictment.
“It does not matter what your notoriety is, what your fame is,” Willis said. “If you come to Fulton County, Georgia, and you commit crimes … you are going to become a target and a focus of this district attorney’s office.”
Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel denied the allegations against his client. Steel declared he’d fight to “his last drop of blood” to clear the multi-platinum selling artist’s name.”
“Mr. Williams has committed no violation of law, whatsoever,” Steel said in a statement. “We will fight this case ethically, legally and zealously. Mr. Williams will be cleared.”
DaniLeigh dissed her ex-boyfriend DaBaby on a new single titled “Dead To Me.”
The Def Jam singer released the track and an interview with Angie Martinez on Tuesday (May 10). DaniLeigh aired out DaBaby on the song, revealing her family dislikes the father of her child.
“Momma never liked your ass/Brother wanna fight your ass/Daddy hate your trifling ass,” she sings.
DaniLeigh also discussed her infamous argument with DaBaby in a conversation with Angie Martinez. The 27-year-old artist shared her side of the story regarding the November 2021 dispute, which ended up on Instagram Live and led to cops getting involved.
“I would say me and him were in a very bad place in our relationship,” she said. “I had left before that. There was a time when I left before that and then we tried to work things out, so I came back again. So, I was living there for three months, and my baby was born in Charlotte. It was just a bad time. Bad everything.”
DaniLeigh explained, “We were just really going through it. A lot of things were said. A lot of things came out that night … It was very triggering and very sad. I wish it didn’t happen because I don’t want my baby to see that later on in life. But she’ll grow to be her own person and to be able to take things in.”
According to DaniLeigh, she dated DaBaby for three years. Although she noted they had “really good times,” she described their relationship as “toxic.”
“We broke up a lot,” she said. “It was a lot of on and offs going on. But during that time [when the argument happened], I definitely wasn’t his side piece. And he knows that too. But I felt like when I spoke to him, he told me the night before I was doing the most when it comes to crying and all this stuff, how I felt. And I guess he said what he said out of anger and tried to make me look bad.”
Check out DaniLeigh’s entire interview with Angie Martinez below.
Music is a universal language that can be found anywhere. There’s something for everyone, no matter your taste and preference. From all the different genres of music, you will always find something that speaks to your heart. This is why music draws people together, whether they’re singing or dancing at a party. Despite the language, you can easily pick up and understand the words to your favorite albums. It is a complicated and powerful force that might make us feel happy and alive or make us feel melancholic. Music can also bring comfort in difficult or sad moments. It’s also fair to say that music can inspire, unite people, and create lasting memories.
William Diaz, aka vvill, is a talented artist leveraging the power of music to impact change in society. The gifted singer and DJ is known for his inspiring and uplifting music that speaks about hope, courage, and resilience. Almost all of vvill’s songs can be described as inspirational pieces that motivate people to follow their dreams.
An independent artist, vvill use blockchain technology and NFTs as his artwork. He sees so much potential in the technology and has become part of a new wave of musicians using the power of blockchain to fund projects such as albums and music shows. His goal is to connect with fans in a more meaningful way and bring them on as co-creators; they’ll have the chance to invest in art and earn alongside their contributions. But this can also be achieved thanks to the decentralized nature of the blockchain.
“I’m a young entrepreneur venturing into my creative side with electronic dance music. I have a variety of tracks coming out that I’m super excited to share with both the EDM and blockchain communities,” vvill explains.
Through music, vvill believes he can speak to others and help them overcome life challenges. He often shares his journey through challenges and how he’s overcome every hardship by being relentlessly persistent and working hard without giving up. “You must work in the dark for your light to shine.” — Russ.
“Surrounding myself with other like-minded individuals and consuming inspirational and biographical content is what helped me get through the most difficult days. Now that I’m entering the music industry, I’m sure I’ll encounter similar experiences, but it’s important to never give up,” vvill says.
vvill now wants others to know that failure, rejection, and glass ceilings are constants when trying to achieve your goals. You have to be extraordinarily resilient and optimistic because no one else will do that for you, not your family or friends. There’s the 10,000-hour rule that states that to be great, you have to put in the time. He believes this is the sacrifice needed to breakthrough in your career, so never give up.
vvil’s plans for the future entail releasing more music while also expanding his audience to reach as many people as possible. His top priority is to fulfill his dream of playing at music festivals across the world within the next few years.
Jake Strain drops his highly anticipated single called “Rap Money”, the normal music Jake spits punchline bars on a boombap instrumentals; something similar to old-school rap music that you would hear in the late 90’s – early 00’s. In the music industry, Jake would be classified as an emcee. This time around Jake spits a hard verse on a trap beat, which showcases Jake’s versatility on the new-age sound, just without the auto-tune.
Jake has been making music since he was around 13 years old, being a fully sufficient rapper, who established his own indie record label company “Swaggertown Records” in 2015 when he signed himself to the company. This year Jake has been helping upcoming artists and producers get heard, by assisting them with music tips and becoming their mentors, managing their careers. In 2021: last year Jake collaborated with industry acts; The Game (Shooting Stars), Jadakiss (Upstate Greats), Maino (Nasty), Mike Jones (Money Train), Cassidy (Take The Product), Jarren Benton (Flame Thrower), and Dizzy Wright (Hip-Notized).
The 10+ year veteran has pretty much figured out the rap game, in this latest official music video Jake talks about how he is getting “Rap Money”, from SoundCloud rapper to an indie artist who owns a multi million dollar record label he sure is one story to follow, not to mention he created his record label company Swaggertown Records, based on the fact that he grew up on a road called “Swaggertown Road”.
Amapiano is the distinctly South African sound that has dominated dancefloors and social media timelines worldwide. Emanating from the townships of South Africa and transmitted via influencer DJs, the infectious sound has exploded in popularity with artists like Diddy, Usher, Ludacris, and Alicia Keys vibing to the soulful house blend.
South African native Nqobilé is one of the dope new generations of South Africans embracing elements of their unique musical heritage and combining them with their own influences to create a universal sound.
As a professional dancer, Nqobilé spent years in the industry performing with some big names in Hip-Hop as part of CEO Dancers, touring with artists like Drake. One of the only authentic African dance troupes when Afroswing and Afrobeats had become the hottest new genres, the group was in high demand. They consciously blazed a trail for overlooked African artists, especially women, inspiring others to enter the industry with their proud representation of their culture.
Having achieved her goals as a dancer, natural-born performer Nqobilé knew it was time to explore her dreams as a musician. She decided to get back into the studio in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. With a string of high-energy bangers under her belt, Nqobilé has been getting dancefloors lit performing in the U.K.
NQOBILÉ Ft Nadia Rose & Dance God Lloyd – Look At Her
AllHipHop caught up with Nqobilé to hear more about her journey flying the flag for South African artists. She talks about Amapiano and its roots and what folks back home make of the explosion of their sound on the world stage. We get into her musical influences and discuss who she would like to collaborate with in the future – spoiler alert, they’re all dynamic, powerful women who embody a style and confidence of their own, just like Nqobilé herself. She tells us about her upcoming EP and her plans for the future. Check it out and get to know Nqobilé below.
Singer and songwriter nicky ros had always had a passion for music. Growing up in a multinational family the creative was exposed to a wide range of music growing up. nicky ros also spent time early in his childhood singing in the world-renowned Grace Cathedral Choir of Men & Boys, later beginning his journey as an award-winning saxophonist. While nicky ros learned valuable lessons playing instrumentals and singing in the choir, his true passion for music was ignited when he began writing his own songs. nicky ros solo career began when he started writing and recording his own Pop songs, arranging most of the music for a 14-piece band.
This propelled his career forward as he started studying songwriting at the Idyllwild Arts Academy where he pursued his first record and publishing deals. Following his time at the art academy, the songwriter attended the University of California – Berkeley where he rediscovered his love for Latin music. However, nicky ros’ biggest breakthrough came when he discovered his Cuban and Argentine heritage, diving deeper into the connections between Salsa, Island, and Reggaeton genres of music. These discoveries have heavily influenced the type of music nicky ros is making present day.
“In the new music I combine those influences with the developing 808 bass elements in American r&b and the “Hyphy Movement” from the Bay Area,” explained ros. nicky ros is on a mission to continue to bridge the gap between Latin and American cultures, creating a cross-over movement that infuses elements from both. Currently independent, nicky ros is searching for a team that will continue to push his passion forward. The creative recently began releasing his first singles from his upcoming EP ‘Til The Wheels Fall Off’. The artist believes the extended play is some of his best work yet. You can listen to nicky ros here:
Fans of the Milwaukee rapper 54 Baby Trey will be gifted with new music soon. The hip hop artist, signed to his hometown-based label Blackout Entertainment, recently announced a pair of singles he is preparing to drop. “Switching Whips” and “Rock my Teflon” will be the newest work for Trey following a recent string of releases that also included the hit “Grieving”.
Trey produces most of his own music but also works with a small network of producers such as Daeflywalker, Okie, and Emazon. His music not only holds an element of authenticity and realness, touching on the realities of growing up in the streets but also displays the rhythm and flow of an experienced artist. Trey related his gratefulness for the numbers he has seen on music platforms and YouTube and his love from his fanbase and the Blackout Entertainment label. It is what has pushed him forward in his career and drives him to keep making music people can connect with.
“It feels like a full-circle moment to be back with my COVERGIRL family,” the 52-year-old stated. “I’m excited to reconnect and collaborate with them once again to bring inclusivity to the forefront every step of the way, from product creation to ad development to product dissemination.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbEESw8NmOc
“I’m excited to be back and look forward to what we can create together!”
Queen Latifah has signed on to work with the team at COVERGIRL in a multi-year agreement. Further details of her upcoming collections are yet to be announced,” Queen Latifah continued.
“Bringing back Queen Latifah to the COVERGIRL family was a no-brainer for us. Latifah is one of the most powerful voices of our generation, and we are thrilled to join her in her endeavors to inspire and evoke change,” praised Stefano Curti, chief brands officer at Coty. “She has helped us evolve the brand to include products that help women and men of all ages and skin tones live their true selves with beauty that fit their needs. The future is big for COVERGIRL and Queen Latifah.”
COVERGIRL’s other current faces include Lili Reinhart, America Ferrera, and Maye Musk.
B-Real needs no introduction. Not only is he the lead vocalist of legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill, who just announced their upcoming VERZUZ against Onyx on May 14th, the West Coast spitter is a force to be reckoned with in the cannabis industry.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, B-Real has somehow bridged the gap between music and cannabis, creating his own empire and opening up multiple Dr. Greenthumb dispensaries throughout California.
Talk about full circle, B-Real named his dispensaries after Cypress Hill’s standout single from 1998, “Dr. Greenthumb,” which even had E-40 referencing the song in “Tell Me When To Go.” He also launched his own cannabis line called Insane OG, named after the group’s viral smash hit “Insane In The Brain.”
The long list of accomplishments Cypress Hill has obtained throughout their 3-decade long career comes as no surprise, from being the first Latino rap group to go Platinum to even having their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And to celebrate his successes, B-Real hosts his own podcast called The Dr. Greenthumb Show every day from Monday through Friday, 2pm to 4pm PST.
AllHipHop: So crazy, I first met you when I brought you Dizzy Wright on Smokebox!
B-Real: Thank you for that, that’s a solid dude. Not only as a rapper is he f###### dope as f###, but he’s a dope person. I’ve been able to collaborate with him on a number of things. On one of my solo albums, he did a song called “Dabs With Me.” We did a video and built a friendship and a relationship from that. I got on some of his recent stuff, which we’re going to do a video for pretty soon.
And not for nothing, he’s on that f###### Back in Black Cypress Hill album. Let no one say that Cypress Hill doesn’t embrace the generations coming up, because realistically, no one expected a collab with us and Dizzy. He f###### killed that song! “Bye Bye,” he f###### murdered it. He made the theme to the Smokebox on that one album. He got a song called “Let Me Welcome You to the Smokebox,” based on his experience in our Smokebox. That was due to your hookup, so thank you.
AllHipHop: I interviewed you for Flaunt Magazine and you told me that holding the smoke in your lungs more doesn’t get you higher. That had me shook!
B-Real: No, it’s the same. The only difference that happens is you hold that s### in longer and you’re withholding oxygen to your head. It makes you feel a little bit different in that way because you’re holding your f###### breath. Realistically, in out preserves your lungs more. You don’t get all that build up in your lungs from holding that s### in too long.
An older m########### told me that when I was very young, I was 18 or 19 and he was 65. He was a long-time smoker, smoking since he was 13. The same as me, but at that time. He saw me doing the big hit, holding it in and coughing it all out all crazy, he’s like “f### you doing? Inhale exhale, easy. You ain’t gotta do none of that s### man.” Ever since then, I preserve my lungs. I get high as f###, no matter if I hold it in or not. I got mad breath control. I could hold it in longer than most, but why do that? Let it ride the f### out.
AllHipHop: I really be dying when I take bong rips though.
B-Real: Inhale exhale, just like dabs. That’s why people get bent off the dabs, because they’re trying to hold that s### in. Inhale exhale: let that come in, go right the f### out. You’re going to get lit no matter what, it’s going to be easy on your lungs.
AllHipHop: You went to a vocal coach to give fans a better show, how was that experience? You were saying earlier you couldn’t stand hearing your voice.
B-Real: I had a totally different voice than the one I’d make records with, and that’s the voice I could not f### with. [laughs] It sounded crazy to me in recordings. As I got older then I flipped the voice, I could bear it more. In developing that voice, I developed it for recording but not necessarily for doing live shows. That was tough in the beginning, doing that high-pitched voice live and letting my adrenaline, excitement, and energy take over. Now, I’m yelling the lyrics instead of being controlled and sounding like I do on the record.
When you’re smoking blunts and drinking Jack Daniels every f###### night, I was blowing out my voice. A lot of the tour, I’d be rapping like this [hoarse voice], and it’s not supposed to sound like that. I was blowing my voice out for the first couple of years midway through the tour, but we’d still carry on because that’s not going to stop us from doing the shows. I’m just not going to sound that great. I got tired of sounding like s###, to be quite frank. I’d hear the recordings of some of our shows like “Damn, that s### sounds f##### up.” I don’t sound like I sound on the record. I’m overcompensating and yelling the verses, as opposed to saying them the way they’re on record.
Someone referred me to this vocal coach who was an opera singer, she’d train opera singers and regular singers. She taught me how to breathe differently and how to come from down here instead of up here to preserve my voice, then the breathing technique so I’m not struggling to push the line out. To get control and not scream the f###### words, but say them.
AllHipHop: What a life-changing moment.
B-Real: Oh yeah, it saved me for every tour after that. I never blew my voice out after that, but one time. That was a f###### freak accident.
AllHipHop: Have you ever forgotten your lyrics?
B-Real: Oh yeah, I’ve forgotten lyrics. It happens to the best of us. For me, it’s if I drink too much before a show, which I don’t do but I have. Maybe 3 times in my career, I had one too many drinks before the show and I forgot one word. It blanks out the rest of the s###. If one of the guys doesn’t bring you back, you’re standing there in silence. Until you look at the DJ like “yo…” But we’re from the show where you keep going. I learned that if that happens, I’ll freestyle until I get back on track and people will think I did something special there. But we as a group will know “oh, you f##### up.” We give each other the s### when that happens.
AllHipHop: A huge part of this show is mental health. How are you doing?
B-Real: I’m doing great. I’m always doing great. I have a positive outlook, I’m blessed. Tell yourself everyday: you’re enough! It’s what you tell yourself everyday that can set your path everyday or a negative. Plant that seed of positivity over everything else.
AllHipHop: In the aftermath of a shooting, a person may experience a number of symptoms that would be considered part of an acute stress disorder response or if they persist beyond one month of PTSD response. You were shot at 17 years old. Was there any type of trauma?
Yeah, there’s PTSD behind that in terms of the sound of the shots. But I was gangbanging at the time so I was on both ends of the gun. There were times where I was on the end giving it, and obviously on the end of taking it. When it’s an everyday thing, it’s not PTSD. You’re living it. You’re going through it, it’s second nature. When you get away from it, which I did with the music, with Cypress Hill — as I was leaving it, the sound of any pop would definitely put me on guard like “oh s###.” That kept around for about a year and a half.
With enough time on the road and focusing on the work, the shows, the responsibility of doing the promo, the interviews, the f###### videos, it took me out of that frame of mind whenever I heard something like that. It didn’t bother me so much anymore, but that first year and a half: any time I heard a pop, we gotta be on guard. And not for nothing: what people didn’t know at the time is we were all heavy carrying firearms on us. When we’d roll somewhere, we’d roll 15, 20 people deep and everybody had a f###### pistol on them. We’re like cowboys because we come from this certain culture and we know how s### is. Sometimes when you start doing good, your enemies don’t feel good for you. They’re not celebrating you. They’re looking at you like “we really want to get this m########### now.” We were always on guard. We’re packing heaters all the time back then, to stay safe.
AllHipHop: Has anyone outsmoked you?
B-Real: I’m not from this world. Nah, not yet.
AllHipHop: What are those Snoop Dogg sessions like?
B-Real: Thick smoke, but the thickest smoking sessions I ever have are with Berner. Deadass, straight up. We smoke out a studio. Because unlike any other person that I’ve been in the studio with, both of us will come with crazy jars and bags of weed. We’re constantly introducing each other to these different flavors. Whoever’s in the studio with us is like “oh s###, this is awesome.” Because we’re sharing with everybody, not just me and him smoking it up. We’re letting anyone that’s in there break up and roll up with us, so they can experience it as well. I gotta tell you the sessions with Berner, even over some of our Cypress Hill sessions, have been some of the smokiest f###### sessions I’ve ever been. Real talk.
AllHipHop: Berner’s a fire rapper too!
B-Real: Realistically, he’s a dope rapper too, and the beats that he picks are f###### slamming. The dude could have been an A&R at any record company. They should have swooped him up and put him in a position because the dude knows good music. Definitely knows good smoke too, that’s for sure.
AllHipHop: Speaking of legendary, we manifested the Cypress Hill vs. Onyx VERZUZ. Shout out to Fredro Starr.
B-Real: I knew it was going to happen the minute he said it. When someone like Fredro says that, it’s significant. Because that’s Onyx, come on we know that. He felt that’d be a good one for the people, and they’re going to get a good one I promise you that. There are similar things within our getdown. They’re all about energy, pumps, getting the crowd marching and stagediving like we do. They think that’d be a great matchup because of those aspects and those vibes. When I did the math, the minute I heard what he said, I’m like “this is happening.” It wasn’t a surprise to me. Alright, now let’s be ready to put that show on.
AllHipHop: Have you guys picked the songs yet?
B-Real: Our thoughts are in the game for sure, because we ain’t never in it to take #2 spot. [laughs] We’re crafting it. You got to, you got to give those dudes their respect. They got a strong getdown. You can’t underestimate anybody, especially from the 90’s golden era of hip hop who had hit songs that toured the world. They have music to stretches, you can’t ever underestimate that. What we are going to do is put on a good show for the m############ watching and the people watching the stream, because that’s what we do.
AllHipHop: How does it feel coming from where you came from, to now be owning multiple dispensaries?
B-Real: To be honest, when we were advocating and doing the music, we never thought about having a brand in cannabis. We just thought it should be legal. We’re going to talk about it because we believe that and we were living that, the advocacy of it. Getting educated on the freedom fighters, the people that’d talk about legalization. Jack Herer, Ed Rosenthal and many of the dudes that went to jail for a very long time because of the cannabis industry and what it was before. It is what it is now.
That gave us a little charge in the music. Coming into this industry, it gave us a little head start on game there. We knew it was possible for something like this to happen because we’ve seen what was happening in Amsterdam and thought “oh f###, if they’re doing it here, we could do this back home.” Sure enough, we’re proving and living in that right now. California is the place where all the best cannabis is, that’s hands down. From Northern California to Southern, from the indoor to the outdoor, we got the best cannabis in the f###### world. And we can lean on that.
AllHipHop: How bad are the taxes though?
B-Real: But our taxes are s###. Look, here’s what it is. The industry right now, before the corporations get involved, we should be creating a lobby group to bring those taxes down before those people create their lobby group to go bring the taxes down. Because if they do it, a lot of mom and pop businesses are going to get flushed out. The independent business with not the big financial backing, they’re going to get flushed out when that comes.
Once they get flushed out, those lobbyists are going to make it favorable to those corporations because that’s what they’re there for. Hey, go get these taxes down in our name, we’ll do this and that. They go and try to push this agenda. If our industry does it before them, they can control that part of it. But if they don’t and they let some other group do that, you’re going to be subject to whatever the regulations are that flush you out. That’s game right there. People can do what they want, but that’s what should happen before we allow them to do that.
AllHipHop: Who’s on your smoke bucket list?
B-Real: It was Willie Nelson, but I don’t know if he smokes anymore. I think he does edibles. I always heard that Rihanna smokes. I would like to have her in a Smokebox. I remember there was a picture of her out there one time breaking up some weed on her security’s head. I looked at that like s###, Rihanna gotta be in the Smokebox. That’s a wish list thing, she’s busy. She’s a busy person, so we’ll see.
AllHipHop: And she’s about to be a mama!
B-Real: And she’s about to be a mom, but I know she’s going to want to smoke one after all that. [laughs] I’ll give her the bag of flavors. We all know Dr. Greenthumb got the prescriptions all day. Miley Cyrus too, I’d have her in the Smokebox too. We used to call her Miley Cypress because we knew she smoked.
AllHipHop: Cypress Hill just went #1 on hip-hop charts. How does that feel?
B-Real: I didn’t expect it. I don’t think any of us expected it because we don’t expect s### like that. It just happens, because we’ve been sitting on this album for a while. Putting out the last one, we already had this one ready. We were tweaking it from that time to now. It feels good though. S###, 30 years later. We celebrated our 30 year anniversary as a group this year. From our first album, last year was the 30 year anniversary. We’re on 31. We were celebrating that so the following year, we were just putting out this f###### album. We weren’t expecting any charting because we know how this game works. This industry is a young man’s game, and our group’s been around 31 years now.
I’m 52 so the way it’s built is they put hip hop and rap in this young man’s game because they only know how to market and promote to young folks. People that grow with that group throughout the years, they get older and all of a sudden their lives change. They still like the music, but they don’t connect to it as quickly as they used to because no one knows how to market and promote to them. They only know how to promote to young folks. Radio, they follow suit to that s### too. Groups in my era, we rarely get the radio slots so you don’t expect to see that.
When our s### charted on Apple Music or iTunes hip hop chart, the first time I saw it it was at #3. I thought “oh s###, #3. Cool.” But I didn’t even expect that, then it popped to #1 and it held there for a while. It’s still holding up now. That goes to show you what these labels and radio stations have perpetuated as a young man’s game for this long, that’s b#######. Because even without their support, people made that #1 hip hop album over a lot of records that came out on that day. Salute to the people out there, because y’all did that. We just put out the record, but you all really did that.
AllHipHop: Last question, Cypress Hill recently got their Hollywood Walk of Fame. That must have been a surreal moment.
B-Real: It’s another thing we did not expect. Again as an artist, you don’t have any expectations of what they’re going to reward you with or any kind of accolades like that. You’re just making music and that represents you in the time you’re making that specific music. Your biggest thing is you wish that people accept it, or have the confidence that they will and that they’ll get it. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, but that’s the gamble of putting out music. Don’t worry about all the other s###, the only thing you worry about is if it connects. Because if it doesn’t connect, it’s back to the drawing board and starting over. But if it connects, you build off of that. We’ve managed to do that many times throughout our career and we’re going to continue to do that s###.
We know Gunna is not facing nothing, but the lawyer makes it seem that way. No crime. His only infraction is being in the crew that happened to be killing, robbing and other criminal activities, according to the laws. What does this mean?
There seems to be a way out for Gunna. And that is cooperation, in my opinion. I am thinking that there will be others presented with the option. Over 20 people were arrested so that means there are numerous people that could start singing. For some reason, I think law enforcement wants to make an example of Young Thug and Gunna. They have the most visibility and are the sort of perps cops dream of busting.
Hit with the RICO. Basically, this is saying these guys were a part of a criminal enterprise. This law was created for the mob. I guess what they rap about, they be about. Allegedly, of course.
According to the streets, Thugger may be going down because he ordered a hit on YFN Lucci. One report I saw said that the homies wanted him to green-light another and another hit. They really wanted to get ride of ol’ boy, according to the cops. That’s wild.
According to 56 count indictment, Thug is looking at charges of participation in street gang activity and conspiring to violate the RICO Act. Gunna really cannot “go home” if he snitches. Then again…
“Practically saying that I’m lazy, and that I was giving hints that I was going to the Grammys,” Cardi B ranted. “B####, how the f### was I giving hints that I’m going to the Grammys when I literally lasering and bleaching my p#### on my Insta story?”
Some people started talking about Cardi’s kids and dragging her for not releasing any music. The rap star eventually disabled her Twitter and Instagram account a few weeks later.
“I will never leave music, no, I was talking about (leaving) the internet,” she said in a brief interview. “I would never leave music, that’s my bread and butter. Who gonna stop eating bread and butter?”
Elsewhere in the conversation, Cardi B has insisted Rihanna won’t need any advice about motherhood because her instinct will take over once her baby arrives.
When the rapper was asked if she had any words of advice for Rihanna before the “Work” singer gives birth to her first child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky.
Cardi replied by insisting that Rihanna doesn’t need any advice because motherhood “comes naturally.”
“It really comes naturally. So many people give you advice. Once (the baby is) in there, that mother instinct comes out,” she stated.
The “Bodak Yellow” star shares two children – three-year-old daughter Kulture and eight-month-old son Wave – with her husband Offset.
Rihanna announced her pregnancy in late January and is widely expected to give birth later this month.
Footage of Jesse Williams appearing nude during a scene for the Broadway play “Take Me Out” has leaked online.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” actor stars as Darren Lemming in the revival of the show, which follows a gay baseball player coming out to his teammates and the press.
Williams has landed a Tony Award nomination for his performance.
Despite audience members being required to keep devices in sealed cases throughout the duration of the play staged at the Hayes Theater, a video of a completely nude Williams has started circulating on the Internet.
Neither the actor nor the show organizers commented on the footage. However, the leaked video has caused the Williams to trend on Twitter and also sparked an interest in ticket sales.
“I haven’t been to a Broadway show in years. I guess now is a good time to start back up,” one fan commented, while another wrote, “Currently securing tix to see Jesse Williams on Broadway. Yes I live in LA, so what?!”
Last month, Williams admitted he was initially “terrified” of “Take Me Out’s” nude scenes.
“I asked to be terrified. I asked to do something that was scary and challenging and made me earn it and made me feel alive and not comfortable,” he commented to Page Six.
The 40-year-old is also currently promoting his upcoming film “Secret Headquarters.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has his sights on the R&B music business with the launch of a brand new record label.
Today (May 10th), Diddy announced the launch of LOVE RECORDS, his new label dedicated to releasing nothing but R&B projects.
According to reps for Diddy, LOVE RECORDS will specialize in releasing R&B, singles, and collaborative projects, with various artists, producers, and songwriters.
Diddy’s forthcoming album will be the first release from LOVE RECORDS. The album is due in stores this summer through a one-off partnership with Motown Records.
“Music has always been my first love. LOVE RECORDS is the next chapter [and] is about getting back to the love and making the best music of my life,” Diddy explained. “For the label, I’m focused on creating timeless R&B music with the next generation of artists and producers. Motown is the perfect partner for my album, and I’m excited to add to its legacy.”
Diddy will still run his legendary Bad Boy Entertainment label as well.
The news comes on the heels of Diddy’s announcement that he is serving as the host and executive producer of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards.
T-Pain is looking to assist up-and-coming recording artists. The self-described “Rappa Ternt Sanga” born Faheem Najm teamed up with Tidal to answer questions from rising musicians.
The 1-833-4-TIPSONTIDAL hotline launches on May 12. T-Pain is taking part in the Q&A experience in conjunction with the release of his “That’s Just Tips” single.
“I always get people asking me, ‘How do I get into the music industry? How do I break my music? How do I stand out?'” says T-Pain in a promo video posted to social media on Monday.
The 37-year-old Florida native continued, “Well, guess what? I’m going to be answering those questions with Tidal on May 12th. All you gotta do is tweet out #TipsFromTPain, tag me, and tag Tidal. Or DM me or DM Tidal.”
Calling all RISING artists: @TIDAL and @TPAIN are joining forces to answer all your questions on navigating the music industry and best practices for promoting music.
T-Pain released numerous successful songs throughout his career, including the Top 10 hit “I’m Sprung” off the Rappa Ternt Sanga album. “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” featuring Yung Joc climbed to #1 in 2007.
That same year, T-Pain scored another Number One as a feature on “Low” by Flo Rida. “Low” remained at #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart for ten weeks. T-Pain has fifteen total Top 20 entries.
In addition to 2005’s Rappa Ternt Sanga, T-Pain’s catalog also includes the chart-topping 2007 album Epiphany. 2008’s Three Ringz hosts “Can’t Believe It” featuring Lil Wayne and “Chopped ‘n’ Skrewed” featuring Ludacris.
This has been a big week for T-Pain in another way. The two-time Grammy winner recently revealed he now owns a food-serving business. On May 8, Pain tweeted, “I’m officially a restaurant owner. Got my keys today and I’m scared as s###. BUT! I can no longer ignore the paths God has set for me just because I don’t understand or I’m scared.”
I DID IT BOIS!!!! Im officially a restaurant owner. Got my keys today and I’m scared as s###. BUT! I can no longer ignore the paths God has set for me just because I don’t understand or I’m scared. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/wQQCNTpfbe
The Harlem Film House presents the 7th annual Hip Hop Film Festival which takes place from August 11 through August 20 in Brooklyn, New York.
47films.tv, the Harlem Film House VR Metaverse, and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will host block parties, rap battles, Master Cyphers, and more. For the first time since 2019, the HHFF is holding four days of in-person screenings as well.
“Alamo Drafthouse is known for showing the largest variety of films and diverse genres than any other cinema every year in support of both emerging and established filmmakers,” says Shelli Taylor, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. “We are honored to continue this tradition with CR Capers and the Hip Hop Film Festival.”
Black Filmmakers Foundation founder Warrington Hudlin will receive the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) Award at the 2022 HHFF. Along with his brother, Reginald Hudlin, Warrington produced movies such as 1990’s House Party, 1992’s Bebe’s Kids, and 1998’s Ride.
Winning films have the chance to secure prizes that include acquisition and licensing meetings. Additionally, the ACT UP! Screenwriter’s competition winner will earn an all-inclusive, 3-week trip to the Nostos Screenwriting Retreat in Tuscany, Italy. The ACT UP! winner also gains direct entry into Final Draft’s BIG Break competition.
The Hip Hop Film Festival will also premiere the first-ever Meta-based television show titled Becoming The Moettes. Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival founder/CEO CR Capers directed the program.
“I truly believe in the power of immersive content,” says CR Capers. “It allows the audience to experience narratives in a new way. I am very excited to share what we have been working on, and to show the industry what a little imagination can produce in the MetaVerse.”
Jack Harlow will hit the road this fall. The Kentucky-raised rapper announced the “Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour”presented by Live Nation.
The North American trek kicks off in Nashville on September 6. Harlow will also stop in other cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Miami, and Atlanta.
City Girls of Quality Control will appear as a supporting act on Jack Harlow’s “Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour.” A pre-sale for the tour begins on May 11 at 10 am local time and general on-sale tickets go on sale starting on May 13 at 10 am local time.
Jack Harlow recently released his sophomore studio album, Come Home the Kids Miss You, on May 6. Industry forecasters project the LP will debut with 110,000-135,000 first-week units. Harlow previously dropped Thats What They All Say in 2020.
Come Home the Kids Miss You hosts the single “First Class” which peaked at #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 weekly chart. The album contains guest features by Pharrell Williams, Drake, Justin Timberlake, and Lil Wayne.
