Before her unfortunate demise, Gangsta Boo dropped a verse on her brother Drumma Boy’s new track, “Imma Mack.” The song also featured Crunchy Black and La Chat, two of her Three 6 Mafia group members.
In the video, she pops in around halfway through the song and spits she is a “mack,” “playa,” “gangsta” and a “pimp.”
Boo never dropped has slick talk, saying, “Getting my p##syhole liked/ Mane you h##s ain’t stuntin/ Talking all that s##t but in real life, you ain’t got nuttin. Cloudy #ss jewelry you be rocking, Thunderstorm mane, goofy #ss h##, I’m trying to see something.”
TMZ reports they have a behind-the-scenes clip of the music video, where she is looking at the edits with a bottle of Patrón
“Imma Mack” is a song off of Drumma Boy’s “Welcome to My City Vol. 4” album, featuring artists from Memphis.
One of the first queens to rock the mic on a major level from the South, she leaves a legacy of trash-talking and pimping that will go unmatched. She also was, on account of everyone that knew her, an amazing person.
In their first five (in no order), they have Shooney da Rapper, Jaz the Rapper, Ms. Hustle, C3, and O’fficial. The AllHipHop.com list has four of the same femcees (all but the New Orleans puncher) in our Top 5. Seems like the fans might know a little something. O’fficial does make the Top 15 on our superlatives.
In their second set of five (also in no order), they have Bonnie Godiva, Viixen the Assasin, Yoshi G, Pristavia, and Casey Jay. When looking at our Top 10, AllHipHop.com has all of this team. The only difference is that we have Kausion, an exclusion that Fonz noticed. He also noticed Chetta was missing also, but she is on our list.
In their third and final set of five (again, in no order), Lady Caution, First Lady Flamez, 40 B.A.R.R.S., Phara Funeral, and Ms. Miami. 40 B.A.R.R.S. and Phara Funeral both made our Top 15. While Lady Caution and First Lady Flamez make our overall list (Top 20), they are not in our Top 15. Ms. Miami, though she is fantastic, did not make our list.
The obvious girls missing from the list (other than Fendi and Kausion) are C-Bri the Lyricist, Aeon, and E Hart.
We will compare where these fellows fell in our list.
In their first five (in no order), they have Shotgun Suge, Swamp, Tay Roc, Rum Nitty, and Danny Meyers. The AllHipHop.com list has four of the same emcees (all but the Bar G-d) in our Top 5. Again, battle rap fans might kinda are on point. While Eazy the Block is in our Top 5, he shows up in the second team.
In their second set of five (also in no order), they have Fonz, Bill Collector, Eazy the Block Captain, JC, and Calicoe. When looking at our Top 15, AllHipHop.com has many of this team. The only difference is ETBC is in our Top 5, Bill Collector is ranked 11 (third set of 5), and Calicoe is 13 (third set of 5).
In their third and final set of five (again, in no order), Kitchen Qleen, Snake Eyez, Geechi Gotti, Aye Verb, and Rosenberg Raw. Kitchen Qleen, Snake Eyez, Aye Verb, and Rosenberg Raw do not make our Top 15. Snake Eyez does make our honorable mention. Instead, we have names like A. Ward, Kyd Slade*, and Sheed Happens.
In our Top 20, we also mention Real Sikh, D.I. Da Hennyman, Saflare Sole, Marv Won, Charlie Clips and Th3 Saga and DNA, Bad Newz, Stumbles, and True Foe making honorable mentions also for getting crazy all year.
Check out their Rookie List.
Black Compass Presents OUR ALL ROOKIE TEAMS! These artist had a hell of a 2022!!! Salute
Seems like names like Footz, Saflare Sole, Aeon, Kausion, Eaze, Hansel, Rocq Lee, Hope Trilly, and more, graced both lists.
One thing they did that we didn’t was chart people who just got better over the year. Check out their Most Improved List and let us know if you would be interested in this category being added next year!
Congrats to Black Compass Media, consisting of Tony Bro, Polo, Posey, Drizzy, and Cola, for a stellar breakdown of the year. We aren’t shocked though … they did make #6 on the AllHipHop.com Best Battle Rap Media list of the year.
When many think of Matt Barnes, they think of the hot-headed, street-savvy guy that has been called the bad boy of the NBA.
However, his new docu-series, “(R)Evolution,” shows how he is far more than that and has evolved over the years into a powerhouse businessman and all-around dope person.
Matt Barnes and his producer sit with AllHipHop.com to build on NBA, reality shows, growth, and perspective. Of course, Barnes talks Hip-Hop and the many rappers that get him on a personal vibe.
AllHipHop: How was it working on a docu-series with someone as explosive, and controversial sometimes as Matt Barnes, and then, how do you kinda look at this project and make him so endearing because I saw the screener. Matt you’re so endearing!
Matt Barnes: That’s all Joslyn, right there.
Joslyn Rose Lyons: You know, I think it’s a great question, and I don’t know that I necessarily have the answer. I think the camera doesn’t lie, and I think that depending on what you’ve framed is what you’re gonna see, so my goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories from an authentic lens and honest lens and unbiased lens, and I really wanted Matt’s story to be told. I feel like a lot of history has been left untold and unseen, and so, shining a light on a part of his story that was left in the dark is kind of what motivated this revolution.
AllHipHop: So Matt, ‘cause you’re a public/private person which is kinda weird to say. You’ve been in the public, and there are a lot of things that people don’t know about you. I think that it has been deliberate. How difficult was it for you to open up to the cameras that follow you in this way versus a reality show or something?
Matt Barnes: First of all, we made the mistake of doing a reality show which I’m not proud of, but it was a learning experience. But I just think…
AllHipHop: I know, but this is different than that.
Matt Barnes: That’s what I’m saying. We made that mistake but to me, this is different because I think there’s a misconception of who I was as a person. You saw me on a crazy reality show, you would see me on NBA on any given night, you could see me cuss, slap somebody, get kicked out, get into a skirmish.
I felt like obviously, that’s kinda all certain people got of me so they would draw conclusions of “oh this dude is crazy,” this dude is this, that, and this.” and you know sometimes, even though it wasn’t true, we were at a point in media back then, in the 2010s where athletes didn’t get a chance to say like “no, it really didn’t happen like that.” or “That’s a complete lie.”
What they painted is what they saw, I was kinda labeled as a villain, a bad guy, a thug, you name it. What better way to tell the people that kinda still follow me whether they love me or hate me, why I am the way I am. You know people think, because I’m light skinned and I have good hair, like, he must be soft, he must be this, he must be that. Nah, I really came up in it.
I’ve seen people get stabbed, people die, you know, abused, drugs, moving from house to house, food stamps. I came up in that lifestyle.
Joslyn and I started this project 5 years ago, and it has just been a culmination of figuring out exactly what it is. We’re…showing you a large part of my life that, for the most part of my life, has been untold, and that’s been the goal with it.
Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams is presently in legal purgatory as he awaits his RICO trial in Georgia. Meanwhile, Grand Hustle Records co-founder Tip “T.I.” Harris shows appreciation for the incarcerated rapper in a new interview.
The N.O.R.E.-hosted Drink Champs podcast teased a new episode featuring T.I. that will premiere on Revolt on Thursday. During the conversation, the self-proclaimed King of the South spoke about Young Thug.
T.I. reflected on a conversation he had with Thugger. The two Atlanta natives worked together on the 2014 single “About The Money” which lives on Tip’s Paperwork album. The song earned a Gold plaque from the RIAA.
“[Young Thug was] like, ‘Bro, you were the first major artist to rock with me, to believe in me,'” said T.I. on Drink Champs. “‘About The Money’ – that was a major look for him. At least, according to him. He just always expressed his gratitude. That’s more than I received from a lot of my own artists on my label that I had a hand in their career.”
Grand Hustle has signed acts such as Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Young Dro, B.o.B, Trae tha Truth, Killer Mike, Iggy Azalea, Yung L.A., P$C, and Doe B. The record company has released dozens of music projects over the last twenty years.
“He’s a real good dude,” added T.I. about Young Thug. “Everything that’s going around bruh, I think it’s a test. It’s a test, and it’s gonna become his testimony. All he gotta do is continue to stand tall and stay solid, and I believe God’s gonna work everything out.”
Jerrod Carmichael debuted on HBO in 2014 with the stand-up special Jerrod Carmichael: Love at the Store. The product of Winston-Salem, North Carolina is headed back to HBO for a new comedy documentary series.
The forthcoming program centers around Jerrod Carmichael’s personal life. Viewers will get to follow the comedian through his encounters with friends, family, and strangers as he searches for love, sex, and connection.
“We’ve loved working with Jerrod over the past 10 years, and to watch him discover new layers of both himself and his comedy,” states Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President, Programming for HBO.
The premium cable channel also showcased Jerrod Carmichael’s Rothaniel. That Primetime Emmy Award-winning comedy special made headlines because it featured Carmichael coming out as a homosexual man.
HBO also presented 2017’s one-hour stand-up special Jerrod Carmichael: 8. In addition, the two-part video diary Home Videos and Sermon On The Mount also premiered on the network in 2019. Rothanial debuted last year.
The upcoming HBO docuseries is executive produced by Jerrod Carmichael, Ari Katcher, and Eli Despres. Plus, executive producer credits go to Susie Fox for Range Media Partners as well as Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg for Edgeline Films. Katcher will also serve as director for the show.
Lil Yachty shocked some listeners with his latest album titled Let’s Start Here. The 14-track effort earned the Georgia native praise from online fans, music critics, and even Hip Hop superstar Drake.
Let’s Start Here is a departure from the sound of Yachty’s previous bodies of work. The Quality Control Music recording artist leaned more on Psychedelic Rock than Trap for his new project.
However, the outlet now foresees Yachty’s fifth studio LP launching with 35,000 units. That latest sales projection should be enough for Let’s Start Here to crack the Top 10 on next week’s Billboard 200.
If Lil Yachty’s Let’s Start Here does manage to make it among the ten most popular albums in America, the 25-year-old rhymer will score his third Top 10 entry. It would be his first Top 10 project since 2018’s Lil Boat 2.
Yachty’s Teenage Emotions debuted at No. 5 in 2017. Lil Boat 2 peaked at No. 2 the following year. 2018’s Nuthin’ 2 Prove (No. 12) and 2020’s Lil Boat 3 (No. 14) missed the Top 10. The Michigan Boy Boat mixtape only reached No. 39 in 2021.
Let’s Start Here did garner critical acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone, but Pitchfork scored the album as 6/10. Lil Yachty took issue with the latter publication’s mixed review of his work. He tweeted, “Lol Pitchfork is so washed up.”
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden (aka YoungBoy Never Broke Again) is one of the most commercially successful music acts of the last five years. NBA Youngboy has earned thirteen Top 10 projects since 2018.
Surprisingly, YoungBoy Never Broke Again managed to rack up digital streams and RIAA plaques without sitting down for many media appearances. However, he did recently speak with Billboard magazine for a new cover story.
The interview with the publucation featured YoungBoy Never Broke Again sharing more of his self-described introverted personality. At one point, the 23-year-old Baton Rouge native seemingly admitted having battles with social anxiety.
“I’m terrified of people. I am very scared of people. On my kids, I am terrified of people and I am very shy,” confessed NBA YoungBoy. “I never knew why once I walked on the stage, I could get it done and leave. But I am terrified of people. People are cruel.”
Other Kids Bullied YoungBoy Never Broke Again
YoungBoy Never Broke Again spent time living in a group home as a child following the death of his grandmother. According to the “Outside Today” performer, his experience in that facility included constant mental and physical abuse.
“The other boys would put their hands on me, and I would look up like, ‘Why are you hitting me, bro? What’d I do?’ It made me discover another side of me that I never glorified or liked,” NBA YoungBoy told Billboard.
The father of ten children continued, “I found out how to be the person that you don’t want to do that with. [Before then], I never understood all the evilness or wrong because I was showered by so much love from this one person.”
YoungBoy Never Broke Again currently has four #1 albums in his discography. AI YoungBoy 2, 38 Baby 2, Top, and Sincerely, Kentrell each reached the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart. He also has 97 career entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kirsnick “Takeoff” Ball passed away on November 1, 2022, at the age of 28. One of the surviving members of the Migos, Quavious “Quavo” Marshall, will honor Takeoff at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
Quavo will be at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to honor his late groupmate/nephew on Grammy night. The Maverick City Music choir will join Quavo to perform “Without You” for the In Memoriam segment.
Prior to Takeoff’s death, Migos dropped numerous projects, including the chart-topping Culture and Culture II studio LPs. Quavo and Takeoff also teamed up as a duo for 2022’s Only Built for Infinity Links collaborative album.
2018 saw Takeoff let loose his only official solo album, The Last Rocket. That Quality Control Music/Motown Records/Capitol Records release debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart with 49,000 first-week units.
In addition to Quavo’s appearance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy also announced Cardi B will serve as a presenter for the ceremony. The “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker is married to Migos member Offset.
Former The Daily Show host Trevor Noah will take on the hosting duties for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5. The show airs live on CBS at 8 pm ET. R&B/Pop superstar Beyoncé earned the most nominations this year with 9 nods.
Over the years Apple has grown exponentially, acquiring brands and companies to add to its portfolio and expand its reach. Their greatest acquisition to date is still Beats Electronics. Back in 2014, Apple made a whopping deal of $3.0 billion for the Beats brand, and it’s stood the test of time.
Beats started back in 2006, from a belief people weren’t “hearing all the music.” Like every early start-up business, it took a passion for something, and a team focused on making that passion a reality. Dre took the same road any start-up investor does, to get begin a game-changing tech and shock the established market. Beats introduced something new that could challenge the way things were done. It took commitment, persistence, and laser focus, but Beats’ acquisition is still one of the biggest deals in Hip Hop history.
Who’s doing the same thing right now?
WiGL is a start-up company looking to change the way we power or recharge mobile devices. Eliminating wires and focusing on touchless Wireless Power Transfer (tWPT) to recharge devices like Beats headphones and Bluetooth speakers. Imagine never having to worry about dead batteries ever again. As seen in the past, investments from the Hip Hop culture can help skyrocket a product and shake up an industry. WiGL is looking to do just that.
Start-ups are easy to invest in, don’t take much money, and can change lives. At the end of the day, start-ups can also be sold just like Beats for a large profit. Making early investors very happy people.
Nas’ start-up investment portfolio is diverse; including over 100 companies and is still growing. Technology companies and start-ups have become one of the growing focuses of the hip-hop star’s investment decisions. Nas has realized the importance of getting in early with companies able to disrupt industries. Some startups’ business models blend into other business ventures. Some can have ties back to multiple industries or have the potential to change the world.
Start-ups are no different than other business ventures, and when artists like Nas, who has so many investments,… they can make your head spin finding value in them. A key is to take note of a clear path to exit (merger, acquisition, going public, etc).
A start-up looking to make a splash for instance is WiGL. Pronounced “wiggle,” this start-up looks to make life easier by eliminating cords and wires for our battery-powered devices. Imagine in the future not having to worry about cellphones, some detectors, headphones, or speaker battery life. Simply stream wireless power to wirelessly recharge your favorite devices on the go or in your home. These are the kind of groundbreaking and innovative start-ups that are out there and something that anyone, not just Hip Hop moguls, can take advantage of.
Nas and other stars are on the cutting edge of early-stage investment when it comes to blending tech and everyday needs. It’s easy to say…” well they can invest because they have the money to invest”,…but if you take the time to search out smaller companies like WiGL, maybe you can be early-stage investments for less than the cost of a new outfit.
While fans are going crazy waiting for J Hus to finally drop his highly anticipated third studio album, the East London rapper announced he’s now working on a movie script.
The “Did You See Me” hitmaker had fans hungry for the follow-up to his U.K. No. 1 album, Big Conspiracy, after teasing the project for tears.
Although he promised a summer release last month, J Hus surprised his fans Wednesday (Feb. 1), announcing he will spend the next 12 months working on a movie.
“I wrote a mad movie script,” J Hus wrote on his Instagram Story. He didn’t mention his upcoming offering but said he plans to take over the U.K. film industry.
“I’m gonna spend another year putting it together,” he added. “Watch the way I take over the uk with this one.”
J Hus took to social media last month to tell fans to expect the long-awaited third LP this summer, thanks to the women around him.
“The women in my life remove the confusion,” he wrote on the second day of the year. “They tell me f### the p#### s### & let them have it. Go Insane on dem. KDA. Album out mid year & visuals. I’M BACK!!!”
However, J Hus has teased the arrival of the project for some time. “I’m back in the studio on March 1,” he wrote in 2021, before adding that he’s hopeful the record will be ready “by August.”
In January last year, British-Gambian rapper’s longtime collaborator JAE5 announced a release date, folding to pressure from fans begging for new music.
“U know what f### it. Hus album dropping on the 15th of Jan. now u guys know u can free me !!!” he tweeted on Jan. 11.
U know what f### it. Hus album dropping on the 15th of Jan. now u guys know u can free me !!! https://t.co/ynbcVQDezy
While Cam’ron was “cool” with Drake wearing his iconic pink fur coat while performing alongside Dipset at legendary Harlem venue The Apollo last month, it still belongs to Cam, and he recently revealed he once turned down a $300,000 offer to buy it.
The Harlem native became an instant fashion icon after debuting the baby pink fur in 2022 during New York Fashion Week. His head-to-toe pink fit, including a matching pink fur headband, spawned countless replicas, and many tried to get their hands on the original item. However, Cam’ron insists he won’t sell it to just anybody, not even for $300,000.
“The people who offered it to me, I didn’t feel they deserved it,” Cam said during an appearance on Kevin Durant’s Boardroom platform. “It was more of a stat to them like, ‘I bought Cam’s jacket.’ It wasn’t really like they appreciated where that jacket came from.”
However, Cam’ron would consider selling to somebody that values the jacket’s history.
“If it makes sense to sell it to somebody who would appreciate it or put it where it’s gonna be seen and be stored that people know it’s my jacket, cool.
He added: “You got rich suburban kids who be like, ‘Hey Cam, my girlfriend really loves your pink jacket. I don’t really know too much about it but I’ll buy it for her. How much do you want for it?’ That type s###.
“These are booster babies. Their parents come from generational money to where they probably don’t know much about Hip Hop at all anyway, but they dealing with people who do.”
Cam’Ron Says The Pink Fur Is A Museum Piece
Cam’ron explained that he rarely wears the jacket and has only done so “maybe three” times. He “put it away” after all the attention it received when he debuted the fur at Fashion Week.
“The coat got its own personality — people wanna put it in museums,” he added. “So, the fur comes out once in a while if it make sense. But you know, for the Drake show being at the Apollo, I thought it would be cool to bring out.”
The Canadian superstar paid tribute to Dipset during his show, recognizing the Harlem rapper’s impact on him in the 1990s.
“These guys right here from Harlem made us dress different, talk different, walk different, rap different — all the way in Canada,” Drake said after performing with the group.
Dr. Dre is celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Chronic with a re-release of his pioneering gangsta rap album.
The West Coast icon’s highly acclaimed debut studio album reached the three-decade milestone last month. On Wednesday, The Chronic will return to streaming services after its removal last year.
In a statement, Dr. Dre said he’s “thrilled to bring the Chronic home to its original distribution partner, Interscope Records.” The music industry mogul added, “Working alongside my longtime colleagues, Steve Berman and John Janick, to re-release the album and make it available to fans all over the world is a full circle moment for me.”
Snoop Dogg pulled The Chronic from streamers last year, alongside most of the label’s catalog, after he acquired Death Row Records. He made it his first act as owner, stating “those platforms don’t pay,” and announced the music would “live in the metaverse.”
Steve Berman, vice chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M called Dr. Dre one of the most groundbreaking artists in the modern era. He also credited The Chronic as “one of the most celebrated recordings of all time.”
The triple-platinum certified iconic album became a classic, spawning several hits, including “Let Me Ride,” which earned Dr. Dre his first Grammy in 1994. In 2019, the Library of Congress deemed The Chronic as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” selecting the release for preservation in the National Recording Registry.
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg Have A New Album Coming
Meanwhile, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg reunited last year to work on a project to mark the 30th anniversary of Doggystyle. In October, the Doggfather revealed the ionic duo had been in the lab for two months. He said they expected to finish recording in November.
“It’s produced by Dr. Dre.” Snoop declared during an appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s Know Mercy podcast. “It’s our 30th anniversary to ‘Doggystyle.’ And the name of the album is ‘Missionary’.”
Last month, as reported by AllHipHop.com, sources close to Dr. Dre confirmed he is selling the rights to some of his music. The master recordings for The Chronic are included in the sale, comprising two deals pitched for $250 million.
Missy Elliott continues to blaze a trail for women rappers, becoming the first-ever female Hip-Hop artist to be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility.
On Tuesday (Feb. 2), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced that the Hip-Hop icon is one of fourteen potential inductees for the Class of 2023. Missy Elliot took to Twitter to share her gratitude while urging her fans to vote for her to win.
“I’ve cried my eyes out😭” the pioneering rapper/songwriter/producer wrote. “I’ve always dreamed big but to be nominated for this is bigger than I dreamed & I am so Humbly Grateful to @rockhall& to all my fans who helped me get here to please vote https://vote.rockhall.com/en/“
I’ve cried my eyes out😭 I’ve always dreamed big but to be nominated for this is bigger than I dreamed & I am so Humbly Grateful to @rockhall & to all my fans who helped me get here to please vote https://t.co/xmHt8iCIuUpic.twitter.com/jawsGKENhZ
She also acknowledged her role in making history and wants “to open the door” for the women coming up behind her.
“This is so important for us women in Hiphop because there’s never been a female rapper nominated,” Missy added. “Hopefully this nomination will open the door🙏🏾💜”
Missy Elliott Celebrates Hall Of Fame Nod With Stunning Photo Shoot
Shortly after news of the nomination broke, Missy Eliott shared a new video shoot to celebrate, showing fans she’s more “SUPADUPAFLY💋” than ever. The four-time Grammy winner stunned in a series of figure-hugging outfits, concluding with a jaw-dropping look. After flaunting her curves in two monochrome jumpsuits, Missy dazzled in a floor-length sequin gown. Check out the post below.
Missy called the nomination “an incredible honor,” in a statement celebrating the news. “I’m so humbled and grateful to be counted amongst all the incredible honorees.”
I’ve spent my career making the kind of music I love,” she added. “It means so much to know that I have touched others as well.”
The Virginia native aslo reacted to learning she’s the first female Hip-Hop artist to be nominated. Wow!! This one hits extra different as I hope it opens doors for other female emcees to be recognized!”
Drake continues to make history, achieving another Spotify milestone.
The Her Loss creator has become the first artist in history to generate 50 billion total streams on the platform, according to a tweet from Chart Data. Furthermore, Drake is reportedly the first-ever artist to achieve this feat.
.@Drake has now surpassed 75 billion streams on Spotify across all credits. He is the first artist in history to hit this milestone.
Drake took to his Instagram Story to share the accomplishment with his 130 million IG followers. He also suggested that the streaming platform pay artists a bonus for hitting milestones instead of sending them plaques.
“We should get bonuses like athletes to motivate the future artists to be consistent and competitive,” Drake wrote. “So feel free to send me a LeBron sized check [sic],” he wrote before adding, “I have enough dinner plates.”
The latest accolade is the most recent in a long line of records Drake has cracked on the streaming platform.
His 2016 single “One Dance” was the first song to earn 1 billion plays on Spotify. The Toronto-born megastar achieved the record the same year he was their most streamed male artist. Drake was also the first to hit 10 billion plays on Spotify, setting another record in 2017.
Champagne Papi was named the king of the 2010s when Spotify released their “A Decade Wrapped” lists in 2019. Drake sat atop the Most-Streamed Artists of the Decade (Global) rankings with more than 28 billion streams, beating Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Eminem to the title.
In addition, Drizzy was the first artist to break the 50 billion streams barrier on the streamer. Spotify announced Drake hit the milestone in January 2021. In the two years since, he has racked up another 25 billion, according to the latest report.
How did artists such as Brent Faiyaz and Pink Sweat$ explode onto the music scene with catastrophic numbers? Look no further than Human Re Sources. The black-owned company was founded by J. Erving in 2017, and has since been recognized as an independent powerhouse for talent development.
Built at the intersection of culture and technology, Human Re Sources provides digital-distribution for a star-studded roster of artists, including YBN Nahmir, YBN Cordae, Baby Rose, Bren Joy, Damian Lillard, and now, RAYE.
At 25 years old, the British singer-songwriter recently released her single “Escapism” feat. 070 Shake, which has skyrocketed to the #1 most added song on TikTok, #7 on the global charts and #23 on Hot 100 in the United States.
And who better to speak to her success than music publishing mogul, entrepreneur and investor Julius Erving III?
AllHipHop spoke with J Erving about the success of “Escapism,” importance in black leadership, and new talent he’s excited about.
AllHipHop: What’s the latest with Human Resources?
J Erving: We’ve been having an absolute blast working on RAYE’s record “Escapism”. The record has been having an incredible moment across TikTok, the global pop charts, streaming platforms and radio – bringing many firsts for both Human Re Sources and RAYE.
AllHipHop: Talk about the strategy on driving culture and elevating young artists?
J Erving: Driving culture is the main goal of our business and is the essential element of breaking a young artist. The first step with all of that is finding and identifying artists who are making great music, without that substance you can’t drive culture. From there, creating sticky content around that music is where you can begin to see movement. In the age of short form content and all the outlets and noise out there, you have to create things that will resonate.
As an artist in 2023, you need to have a team in place who can work records from many different lenses of tastes in music, subcultures and backgrounds. You never know where a song can take off from. Having the perspectives of young executives on my team allows me to see the world and culture through their lenses and deploy resources to places that might be overlooked.
AllHipHop: How did you find RAYE & what did you see in her?
J Erving: Before we even had a chance to meet, we heard the music and immediately felt she had one of the most prolific pens of this generation. Once I had the opportunity to sit down with her, I was blown away with her drive and her brilliance as a songwriter. She had identified a north star of where she wanted her career to go and it just felt like no one could stop her from getting there. The determination I saw was something of someone who was not going to lose. Our approach at Human Re Sources complimented that north star, the smartest thing we could do was get out of her way and just be there to amplify her vision.
AllHipHop: What did you do for the “escapism” record?
J Erving: We didn’t dictate the vision of how this record would be brought to life. We stayed true to RAYE’s vision and made sure we could support her where she needed support. We worked with RAYE to get the music out in a way that was interactive with fans and made sure we had an infrastructure around the single for when this thing started running and gaining momentum.
AllHipHop: What does Black History Month mean to you?
J Erving: Black History Month is a moment to be reflective. I’ve been blessed to live and breathe black music, it consumes me daily, and doesn’t just come and go in a month for me. I like to take this time to pay homage to the black artists who have led the way and specifically to the black artists in Philadelphia, where I was raised. Being from Philadelphia and being able to see what Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle and The Roots were able to do was something special. Earlier in my career working with artists like Floetry in the Philadelphia music scene it allowed me to really be surrounded by some very special black talent. The black music lineage is rich and this month is a reminder to always celebrate those that have led the way.
AllHipHop: Why is it important to celebrate black leaders? How can we build black leaders?
J Erving: We build the black leaders of tomorrow by giving them the chances and opportunities to succeed. My team at Human Re Sources is 100 percent people of color. I don’t think all talent needs to have that prestigious internship or college degree, the next superstars of tomorrow just need to have drive, passion and guidance. I don’t look at resumes when I am hiring talent, I want to meet them and see if they are in and of the culture and have the passion to bring 100 percent each day. As a senior black executive, I believe it is a duty to support and build up the people coming up under us.
AllHipHop: What are the big picture trends you see in hip-hop + R&B?
J Erving: The most obvious is the tools that these young artists have at their disposal to build their profile and create music. These artists now have the chance to learn how to make, write and distribute music all from their cellphones. The access to technology has been huge for young folks – no longer do they need to rely on these old way gatekeepers. We are getting way more music and content as a result of this and that is a win for music fans, the industry and these artists.
AllHipHop: How do you view music distribution nowadays?
J Erving: The fact that these young people have these tools is awesome, because it provides a great opportunity to offer distribution WITH services. Having a distribution based deal and partners who have additional power to market, create and get the music out there.
Not too long ago, It was always about getting a record deal first as the way to get their music out there. With that came some downsides and the inability to own their music. Nowadays, young people are thinking more about independence and ownership and how they can maintain that – we are entirely supportive of that and empower the artists we work with to own their work. That has been a big reason why artists like Brent Faiyaz, Pink Sweat$ and RAYE have wanted to work with us.
AllHipHop: What are you most excited for next?
J Erving: Breaking more artists – Kelz from Brooklyn is one in the R&B space that we are very excited about. We also are seeing a lot of great rap music in Atlanta – Rico Cash just released a fantastic new record and has the Atlanta scene on lock – this has us really looking forward to all the new music we will be distributing that is based out of that city.
DJ Mustard agreed to pay $18,342 per month in temporary child support to his ex-wife Chanel Thierry.
According to Radar Online, the former couple mutually decided to delay a hearing regarding child support. DJ Mustard’s ex-wife was seeking $82,628 per month.
DJ Mustard and Thierry will attempt to sort out their financial dispute in a voluntary settlement conference. The two agreed to joint custody of their three children.
Earlier this year, Thierry called on her ex-husband to “true up his support payments from June 1, 2022 to present” based on the terms of their prenup. DJ Mustard, who filed for divorce in May 2022, allegedly owed her $35,000 per month in spousal support.
DJ Mustard accused Thierry of lying about him on social media. He claimed he never “starved her out financially.”
“From the time Chanel and I separated in May 2022, I continued to uphold my obligation to support her and the children,” he contended. “I continued to pay all of Chanel’s living expenses, including all of her credit card bills. I also continued paying Chanel’s housing costs and the children’s expenses including private school tuition.”
DJ Mustard added, “Along with the voluntary child support, I also have continued paying for 100% of our children’s educational, medical and extra-curricular expenses. Finally, I have also paid 100% of our agreed-upon spousal support buy-out of $315,000 in accordance with the terms of the Premarital Agreement.”
The producer married Thierry in 2020. He cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce.
Yung Bleu announced a sequel to his Love Scars: The 5 Stages of Emotions EP on Wednesday (February 1).
The Alabama-bred rapper/singer will drop Love Scars 2 on April 14. The project serves as the follow-up to his 2022 album TANTRA.
“Love Scars is a story, a rollercoaster,” Yung Bleu told AllHipHop. “One of my most popular EP series that I’ve worked on. Fans love R&B Bleu!”
Yung Bleu released the original Love Scars EP in 2020. The project featured the hit single “You’re Mines Still,” which Drake remixed.
The Drake-assisted version of “You’re Mines Still” spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. The track peaked at No. 18 in 2021.
Last year, Yung Bleu faced backlash for sampling DMX’s single “How It’s Goin’ Down” on a song titled “What Type of Games.” The 28-year-old artist defended his track, which appeared on his TANTRA album.
“I understand that’s such a great song and it will never be duplicated no Matter what by any artist!” he wrote via Twitter. “Classic! I’m paying homage! and mainly bringing more income to his estate at that! that’s what matter to me long Live x we talked on the phone 2 weeks before his passing.”
A funeral service was held for Tyre Nichols at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis on Wednesday (February 1).
Memphis police officers brutalized Tyre Nichols on January 7. The 29-year-old Black man died from his injuries on January 10.
Vice President Kamala Harris and the Rev. Al Sharpton attended Nichols’ funeral. Nichols’ mother RowVaughn Wells was among the family members who spoke at the service.
“Tyre was a beautiful person,” Wells said. “And for this to happen to him was just unimaginable. I promise you the only thing that’s keeping me going is the fact that I really truly believe my son was sent here on an assignment from God.”
Wells called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The bill aims to address racial bias and the use of excessive force.
“We need to get that bill passed because if we don’t, that blood—that next child that dies, that blood is going to be on their hands,” Wells said.
Nichols’ stepfather Rodney Wells also urged legislators to take action to combat police brutality. He looked forward to getting justice for Nichols and other victims.
“This is a continuous fight that we have to fight for,” he said. “We have to fight for justice. We cannot continue to let these people brutalize our kids.”
Five cops were fired and charged with second-degree murder for their roles in Nichols’ death. Two other officers were suspended.
The Memphis Fire Department fired three people for their response to the police beating Nichols. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office put two deputies on leave for their conduct.
NBA YoungBoy found religion during his time in Utah.
The Motown Records rapper revealed how he got involved with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a Billboard interview. NBA YoungBoy recalled letting Mormon missionaries into his house after initially rejecting their door-to-door visit.
“I wanted help very badly,” he said. “I needed a friend. And it hit me.”
NBA YoungBoy enjoyed his conversations with the Mormon missionaries. He continued welcoming them into his home to discuss the Book of Mormon and a potential baptism.
“It was just cool to see someone with a different mindset that had nothing to do with business or money — just these wonderful souls,” he explained.
NBA YoungBoy intends to get baptized after his house arrest ends. He noted the Mormon missionaries are making sure his “heart is in the right space” before he officially joins the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Baton Rouge native’s religious turn coincided with a change in his music. He recently made a conscious effort to reduce the gunplay in his lyrics.
“I will not be provoked, I will not be broken and I’m not going back to who I used to be,” he said. “Accept it or not — I ain’t going back.”
NBA YoungBoy dropped a new project titled I Rest My Case on January 6. The project was his first release for Motown. It debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.
