Kanye West has begun working on a sequel to his 2021 album Donda.
West, who now goes by the name of Ye, released his 10th studio album, which is named after his late mother, last year.
According to Steven Victor, the chief operating officer of the rapper’s G.O.O.D. Music label, the star is already making a direct follow-up – the first time he will have released a sequel to any of his records.
“Ye has started working on his new masterpiece, Donda 2,” Victor told Complex.
Details of the new project remain scarce but West was spotted in the studio with fellow hip-hop star Scarface last week.
The 44-year-old dropped Donda last August following a series of bizarre public listening events and delays.
But its surprise launch and controversies surrounding the inclusion of DaBaby and Marilyn Manson as guest artists didn’t harm its success, as it debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and topped the U.K. albums chart.
Donda also set a new record by reaching the top spot on Apple Music’s top albums chart in 152 countries in 24 hours.
In its first full day of release, the album was streamed over 60 million times in the U.S. alone.
Janet Jackson felt “guilty by association” after Michael Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse in the 1990s and 2000s.
In a trailer for the two-part documentary “Janet” released earlier this week, the singer/actress is asked about her relationship with her late brother, who died at 50 in 2009.
Reflecting on the accusations against her sibling, Janet Jackson comments, “Guilty by association. I guess that’s what they call it, right?”
The late “Billie Jean” hitmaker remains a controversial figure in the music industry.
Officials from the Jackson estate rejected the allegations.
Elsewhere in the trailer, Janet speaks about her parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, and the pressure she faced as a child.
“There’s a great deal of scrutiny that comes with having that last name,” the 55-year-old states. “My father was very strict, he was in charge of my life, my career.”
“Janet,” which was filmed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her first album, Janet Jackson, will air on January 28th and 29th.
The 2022 Grammy Awards will not take place on January 31 as originally planned.
Omicron variant-fueled surges in COVID-19 cases have led to the Grammy Awards being postponed indefinitely. The Recording Academy and CBS announced the postponement in a joint statement on Wednesday (January 5).
“After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th Annual Grammy Awards Show,” the statement read. “The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority.”
The Recording Academy and CBS added, “Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music’s Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon.”
This year’s event is the second Grammy Awards ceremony to be delayed due to the pandemic. Last year, the show was pushed back from January 31 to March 14, 2021 due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles.
The 2022 Grammy Awards were going to be held at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles. The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah is still expected to host the event when it’s rescheduled.
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson have reportedly jetted to the Bahamas for a holiday.
According to editors at MailOnline, the pair boarded a plane to the island destination earlier this week.
Photos obtained by the outlet show Kim and Pete at the airfield about to step onto a private jet, with the reality TV personality rocking a chic black outfit.
Representatives for the stars have not yet commented on the photos.
Kim and Pete were first romantically linked back in October when they were pictured holding hands on a date at Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California.
They have since been spotted on dates in New York City – where he grew up and films “Saturday Night Live” – but they are yet to confirm the relationship.
Officials in Louisville, Kentucky, have declared December 18th to be Jack Harlow Day. The 23-year-old rapper shared a photo of the signed proclamation from Mayor Greg Fischer via Instagram on Tuesday.
“For answering, once and for all, that what’s poppin’ is Louisville when it comes to talent that makes it bigger than big, but doesn’t forget the ‘home” in hometown or homegrown,'” the letter reads. “The rapper’s way with words and beats has earned him untold fans, chart-topping releases and an ability to give back in meaningful ways, and he does.”
The “Whats Poppin” artist partnered with KFC bosses to aid affected communities.
“Growing up I always dreamed of being the biggest artist to come from Kentucky. Now I’m teaming up with @KFC, the biggest brand to come out of Kentucky,” he shared on social media. “For the next year, we’re gonna do some big things together.”
Jack Harlow added that the two partnered to give $250,000 to the American Red Cross and encouraged fans to donate to relief efforts.
On Tuesday, Kanye West and rumored girlfriend Julia Fox attended “Slave Play” in New York City.
In photos obtained by People, the 44-year-old rapper and the actress, 31, can be seen posing with friends at the Tony Award-nominated Broadway production.
According to reports, the two spoke to the cast after the show, written by Jeremy O. Harris. Sources claimed the Donda rapper came on time and sat next to the “Uncut Gems” star.
“(Kanye) loved the show. He’s a fan of Jeremy, so he flew in to see the play and came with friends,” the insider told People, adding that the father-of-four seemed “very happy to be there.”
The source added that Fox was “was very supportive and hung out and seemed very happy to be with him.”
Kanye West is currently going through divorce proceedings with estranged wife Kim Kardashian, with whom he shares four children-North, eight, Saint, six, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two.
Julia Fox welcomed a son in February 2021 with Peter Artemiev, whom she married in 2018.
“The Magical Vibe From (OMF) Out My Feelings Came To Me (MASTER JUGG ) on A Diverse Vibe. I Told Myself It Was Time To Switch It Up Starsky Walked In And Was Like That’s it There! That’s how I knew we had one from the melodies that blame Swagg / Ys Trakkz Put In The Instrumental It Was Crazy. I Went In And Recorded The Song In 5 Min With Thank Aaron, my personal engineer”. Starsky Stated That It Has This Vibe That Makes You Motivated & We Voluntarily Agreed.
It appears new tunes by Baby Girl are on the way. Blackground Records 2.0 label owner Barry Hankerson officially announced an Aaliyah album titled Unstoppable.
Barry Hankerson appeared on The Geno Jones Show where he talked about the forthcoming posthumous studio LP. Aaliyah’s uncle also hinted at some star-studded features for the project.
“About five years ago, we realized we had quite a bit of music that we had never put out that was recorded by Aaliyah,” said Barry Hankerson. “The vocals were there, and we decided to try to remaster it and to ask other artists that were big fans of her if they would like to participate in being on various songs.”
Later in the interview, Hankerson added, “[Aaliyah] wanted all of her songs out. And we promised her. Whenever we didn’t put a song on the album, I would promise her, ‘Hey, don’t worry. That song is gonna come out eventually.’ So it’s the fulfillment of a promise I made to her.”
Last December, Blackground Records 2.0 presented the posthumous single “Poison” featuring The Weeknd. According to Barry Hankerson, Unstoppable will also include collaborations with acts such as Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Future, Drake, and Chris Brown.
Aaliyah and eight others passed away from a plane crash in August 2001. Before her death, the Detroit-raised singer dropped 1994’s Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, 1996’s One in a Million, and 2001’s Aaliyah. The I Care 4 U compilation arrived in 2002.
Blackground Records 2.0 finally offered Aaliyah’s full discography on streaming services last year. One In A Million entered the Billboard 200 chart’s Top 10 for the first time following its re-release on streamers in August. Unstoppable is set to hit DSPs this month.
Cardi B has a message for anyone that may have hatred towards the LGBTQ community. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper took to Twitter this week to blast anti-gay rhetoric.
“Every bad b#### [has] a gay best friend or gay best friend cousin… If [you’re] homophobic, you just ugly,” posted Cardi B on January 4. That tweet collected over 2,800 retweets and 117,000 likes.
It is not clear why the Bronx-bred rapstress decided to address the topic of homophobia on Tuesday morning. Previously, Cardi B revealed she identifies herself as a bisexual woman. Plus, she recently officiated a same-sex wedding for Facebook Messenger’s Cardi Tries series.
Every bad b#### have a gay best friend or gay best friend cousin ……If you homophobic you just ugly.
Cardi B also had to deal with accusations of being prejudiced against trans individuals. In 2019, she tweeted, “I’m not transphobic. Ya love dragging that. Have I said some remarks in the past that I apologized for [?] YES, I’m from a place that people have closed mindsets so we might not [know what] insults [others] or not. I never disrespected no trans nor nobody from [the] LGBT [community].”
Morgan Wallen was one of the biggest breakout mainstream musicians of 2021. However, the Country singer found himself in hot water after a video of him screaming “n#####” went viral online.
Despite the racially sensitive scandal, Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album earned 2x-Platinum status from the RIAA. The project also spent ten weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart last year.
Wallen was back in the news recently. His guest feature on Lil Durk’s “Broadway Girls” helped the single hit #1 on several Billboard rap rankings. Durk actually picked up his first Hot Rap Songs chart-topper thanks to the collaboration.
TMZ caught up with Lil Durk to ask him about his “Broadway Girls” partner Morgan Wallen. A cameraman questioned the Chicago-raised rap star on the “n#####” video controversy.
“Nah, he ain’t no racist,” responded Lil Durk. “That’s my boy. Also, we had a long talk. He had his public situation. We had it behind closed doors. I vouch for him and he’s good.”
The “Voice of the Heroes” rhymer also declared, “He ain’t canceled. I talked to him. When I say you ain’t canceled, you ain’t canceled.” Lil Durk went on to encourage Kendrick Lamar and other rappers to work with Morgan Wallen.
M·A·C Cosmetics tapped Hip Hop star Saweetie for Challenge Accepted. Pop culture icon Cher is also involved in the makeup brand’s campaign.
“Only M·A·C could bring Cher and Saweetie together,” says Drew Elliott, SVP, GlobalCreativeDirector, M·A·C Cosmetics. “When we were thinking about how to demonstrate our high performance, it was obvious that we needed an Icon and a Legend.”
Elliott continues, “M·A·C products are built for stars on stage or off, every day and all day. We could not be happier to have Cher and Saweetie put our formulas to the ultimate test, let’s see if you have what it takes.”
Both Saweetie and Cher appear in an ad for M·A·C’s Challenge Accepted. The 30-second spot features the “My Type” rapper and the “Believe” singer inviting their fans to put M·A·C makeup to the test.
“I have always wanted a matte lipstick that feels comfortable and doesn’t feather or fade,” states Chantel Miller, Director of Artistry and Digital Content, North America. “I spoke up for what I believed a lot of people and Pros would love… and then along came Powder Kiss Lipstick. Challenge accepted.”
Miller adds, “This formula is just groundbreaking. I get everything I want out of it and then some –with such a perfect selection of shades to match my mood, my makeup and whatever challenges my day (or night) has in store for me!”
Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo let his 2.2 million Twitter followers know he is no longer drinking lean. The creator of the purple drank-inspired “Wockesha” single has apparently put down the double cup.
Yesterday afternoon, Moneybagg Yo took to social media to make the announcement. His life-changing decision was met with over 2,300 likes on the platform.
“I [used] to think being sober would f### [with] my creative process, I see [that’s] just a mind thing [because] I been more active, skin glowing, and I been dropping nun but pressure. 🔥 #NomoWockesha.”
I use to think being sober would f### wit my creative process, I see dats just a mind thing cuz I been more active skin glowing and I been dropping nun but pressure 🔥 #NomoWockesha 📉
Last summer, fellow Memphis native NLE Choppa called on Moneybagg Yo to start drinking liquid Chlorophyll along with his lean. Choppa’s #ChlorophyllChallenge went unanswered by Moneybagg at the time.
“I Have A New Challenge For Rappers. For Every Pint of Lean, Or Even Alcohol, Drink A Pint Of Chlorophyll. I Wanna Start By Challenging @MoneyBaggYo. I’ll Bring This To You Personally Fam,” tweeted NLE Choppa on June 22.
U.K rapper Central Cee has been busy recently, releasing an end-of-year wrap-up vlog and a GRM Daily Duppy freestyle all within a couple of weeks.
Furthermore, it looks as though the West London hitmaker will release another collaboration with fellow UK rap star Fredo after a clip circulated of the pair recording music together in the studio. Represent Radio shared the nearly minute-long clip stating, “Central Cee and Fredo have another track on the way!”
The duo first appeared on a track together last summer on Stay Flee Get Lizzy’s “Meant To Be,” released in March.
While it is unclear when it was filmed, the clip is from Central Cee’s end of the year recap vlog. The Londoner shared the video on his YouTube channel Tuesday (Jan. 4), featuring his 2021 highlights, including behind-the-scenes footage from his “Wild West” campaign.
New Music On The Way
On Monday (Jan. 3), the rapper shared a video via TikTok and confirmed that his new single, “Retail Therapy,” would be released Thursday, January 6.
“told her that I’m a Gemini, now she on google checking the compatibility”
Central Cee is unstoppable. another song teased on TikTok before dropping anywhere else…y’all paying attention? pic.twitter.com/f8NfajmBnV
Meanwhile, Central Cee picked up the Best Newcomer and first-ever Best Drill Act awards at the U.K’s Mobo’s last month, capping off a successful year. Moreover, his GRM Daily Duppy Freestyle dropped on Christmas Day and has amassed nearly three million views on YouTube.
Additionally, he dropped a video with D Block Europe in December and has a new mixtape on the way, available to pre-order now.
Jason Derulo got into a scuffle at a Las Vegas nightclub on Tuesday morning (Jan. 4) after a man referred to him as R&B singer, Usher.
TMZ shared footage of the incident at the Aria hotel in Vegas. They received reports from eyewitnesses claiming Jason Derulo got into it with the men after they passed each other on the escalator. One of the men seemingly mocked Derulo yelling “Hey, Usher! F*** you, b####!!!” The singer responded by punching him in the face, leaving the man crashing to the floor.
The two-minute video obtained by TMZ shows part of the fight including Jason Derulo charging at the men. Security steps in at one point on the video to break up the scrum as chaos proceeds around them.
An additional video posted by the Neighborhood talk shows the altercation from another vantage point. Derulo can also be seen in handcuffs at the end of the clip being escorted out of the building. It is reported that he received a trespassing notice from ARIA, and was removed from the property.
Las Vegas police said in a statement that they received reports of an altercation at a nightclub at the Aria resort after 2 a.m. They say Jason Derulo “committed a battery against two individuals.” He was not arrested nor given a summons and no injuries were reported by police.
TMZ says the two victims declined to press charges but have a year in which they can change their minds and pursue a case. They could also proceed with a lawsuit against the singer.
After teasing the project for months, the “Blinding Lights” hitmaker finally revealed that the project would be coming to streaming platforms on January 7. Now, the Weeknd shared news of an exclusive Amazon Music live stream experience, “103.5 Dawn FM.”
Fans of The Weeknd can head over to Twitch or Amazon Music app from 9 pm PST on January 6. Alongside the album, exclusive merch for the event — including a limited-edition hoodie, t-shirt, and sweatshirt — will also be available via Amazon and in the Amazon Music app. The merch is available to purchase for 48 hours starting at 5 pm PST on January 6.
The Weekend declared, “The power of the 103.5 Dawn FM experience is that maximum fulfillment comes when all who hear it are tuned in at the same time.”
The flyer teases the show will be broadcast live from “somewhere in Los Angeles,” but few other details are known about the event. The Weeknd confirmed on Twitter, “tracklist and sneak peeks tomorrow at… well, you already know when.”
The project has several features, including Tyler, the Creator, Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones, and Abel’s friend and neighbor, Jim Carrey. The two bonded over their shared astronomy hobby after discovering they lived two buildings apart.
Carrey has already heard the album and is a fan. “I listened to Dawn FM with my good friend Abel @theweekndlast night,” he tweeted. “It was deep and elegant and it danced me around the room. I’m thrilled to play a part in his symphony. ;^•.”
In response, The Weeknd thanked the actor for his involvement in the project. He called it “kismit” and said it was a “full circle” moment.
Joey Badass has some words of advice for Tristan Thompson after he was determined to have fathered a child outside of his on-again, off-again relationship with Khloé Kardashian.
According to Badass, Tristan needs to be more honest with himself and the women in his life. He says the Sacramento Kings player should just admit that he needs to be with more than one woman.
“Tristian Thompson gotta stop being a sorry ass n####,” Joey Badass tweeted. “Tell Khloe you’re a f###### gyalist and you need more than one woman. Straight up. Whats so hard about being honest with our women fellas? F### this western b#######. Relationships should be expansive and beneficial for all.”
Furthermore, Joey Badass claims most people are in non-monogamous relationships, they’re unaware of it however because everybody is lying to each other! “Most of us have been in polyamorous relationships our whole lives,” he wrote. “The only difference is we weren’t honest about it. But if you’ve ever been sexually involved with someone non-exclusively, guess what, you’re polyamorous.”
Joey Badass then questioned what it means to love somebody without constraints. “Unconditional love means you love with no CONDITIONS. Most of our minds are way too conditioned to even love freely.”
Elsewhere, footage has emerged of Tristan Thompson shortly before he confessed to lying to Khloe and accepted the paternity test results. TMZ reported Tristan was spotted picking up daughter True from gymnastics class Monday (Jan. 3) just an hour before his Instagram Story confession. Sources tell TMZ Tristan also dropped off 100 roses for 3-year-old True.
The innumerable number of albums that are released every year is almost impossible to keep track of. It is equally difficult to quantify which albums are “the best,” taking into account personal preferences, charting data, regional biases, the hood vs the computers vs the critics vs the fans vs the industry, and then some. Here is our list of 2021’s best, but drop your faves in the comments.
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Little Simz gave us one of the absolute best album of 2021. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert presented Hip-Hop with everything it could be and perhaps should be. The British-Nigerian rapper burst through globally in 2021 with a true classic and an honest opus that presented lyrical prowess fused with the introspection of a wise, ol’ sage. She gave us 1998 Lauryn Hill vibes without sounding like her predecessor. She tumbles over issues like systemic racism, family beef, toxic relationships, violence, and her “daddy issues” without sounding preaching, overbearing or corny.
There’s a war inside, I hear battle cries Mothers burying sons, young boys playing with guns The devil’s a liar, fulfil your wildest desires Now I don’t wanna be the one to doctor this But if you can’t feel pain, then you can’t feel the opposite The fight between the Yin and Yang’s a fight you’ll never win I study humans, that makes me an anthropologist
– “Introvert”
Musically, Little Simz was one with the sonic landscape of Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, giving listeners a true gem and offering other rappers a portrait of an album as art. This 19-track trek with a young Black female was a journey worth riding shotgun. [Listen Here]
Lloyd Banks – Coti(The Course of the Inevitable)
Lloyd Banks did that ish. The former G-Unit rapper finally made a truimphant return with Coti, his fourth studio album. The album represents the “Comeback of the Decade” with over 10 years between studio albums. However, Banks came back with a vengeance by sharing his truth unapologetically (his daughter is featured on the album art) and rapping with the best of them (Benny The Butcher, Ransom, Freddie Gibbs, Styles P). Coti is chock-full of maturity, but the impact is not diminished with lessened punchlines. Some say the album was a bit too long, but after 10 years, he had plenty to get off his chest. With praise from Travis Scott, J. Cole, Busta Rhymes, and others, the future is bright. [Listen Here]
Boldy James – Bo Jackson
The Alchemist and Boldy James are quite a dynamic duo and Bo Jackson is the third full album from the pair. Bo Jackson is a continuation of their previous work. The Detroit emcee’s slow, cocky, menacing, and possibly sociopathic temperament is present, but he turns it up even more. The Alchemist also rises to the occasion opening up a portal to grander songs like “Fake Flowers”, “E.P.M.D.”, and “Steel Wool”. Earl Sweatshirt and Roc Marciano show up on “Photographic Memories,” offering a cornucopia of chill, a real treat. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but we’re here for it. [Listen Here]
Tyler The Creator – Call Me If You Get Lost
Tyler The Creator had something to prove and he proved it while rubbing it in the face of certain purists. He spun the block on those haters with Call Me If You Get Lost, his middle finger to convention…while embracing convention. But with Tyler, nothing is truly normal. The album, a partnership with DJ Drama has all of the ostentatiousness of a blockbuster, but also the tenderness of an acoustic soul singer that employs electronics from time to time. He has this cocky brashness that, coupled with his natural boyishness, that sounds like a kid that finally made it. Frank Ocean, 42 Dugg, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, Pharrell, and others. They all join in the adventure that is Tyler The Creator. [Listen Here]
Lil Durk – The Voice (Deluxe)
Lil Durk continued to be the street’s favorite and The Voice Deluxe helped keep him there at the top. The Voice is dedicated to King Von and he doubles down on the notion with the deluxe version. The album, a 28-track monster, serves up a posse of guests. Also, The Voice Deluxe presents a less inhibited Durk, freer to be himself in full, as the original stopped at 16 songs. One thing is for sure, the re-up is a bit more somber, painful,d and basks in paranoia. At this point, the Chicago staple deserves all the wins he gets. [Listen Here]
Nas – Magic
AllHipHop’s emcee of the year had one helluva year. Dropping Magic in the latest hour of December, he certified his year in stone. The QB King talked that talk the whole time on his second album in 2021. On “40-16 Building” he spews, “Take my quotes, I’m here to give hope/ Start a company from one of my phrases / We in the age of letting dumb sh#t kill your kingdom / Body bags for no reason, young sh#t, blunts lit, slurring off of the Seagram’s.” A terse 9-tracks, this album exemplifies why we love Nas so much. To paraphrase Mike Tyson, Nas’s style is impetuous, his songs are impregnable, and he’s just ferocious on the mic. Magic isn’t bogged down by guests, but A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier make appearances. And, of course, there is Hit-Boy, who is really an impressive complement to Nas. [Listen Here]
Mozzy – Untreated Trauma
Mozzy managed to do something that most don’t: capture the environment that cultivated him. Untreated Trauma gives us more than a look at life in Oak Park, Sacramento. The Cali rep paints a picture while presenting a delicate balance between blessings and tragedies, balling and falling. The results are reminiscent of a “Menace II Society” spin-off that delves sonically into the intimacies of the hood. However, Mozzy is not from South Central so the nuances are apparent here as well. Despite the red hue, denoting his hood tribe ties, the album is not as dark as it seems, nor is it truly addressing the trauma. But Mozzy is not dishonest and neither are EST Gee, Babyface Ray, Celly Ru, Kalan.FrFr, who ride shotgun. [Listen Here]
Nardo Wick – Who Is Nardo Wick?
Nardo Wick had everbody asking the question: Who Is Nardo Wick? By the end of the year, the intended audience new the answer. The Jacksonville, Florida native became reknown for his impactful song, “Who Want Smoke?” Charismatic and confident, Wick drops lyrics that are the sum total of his Southern influences. The 20-something employs violent imagery (See “Chop Chop” and “Blam Boom”) to hype folks up and yet this oft-terrifying concept only strengthens his position. Overall, Who Is Nardo Wick is nu trap, a multi-dimensional talent, laid-back and deadly. [Listen Here]
Young Thug – Punk
Young Thug’s Punk has nothing to do with the musical genre or the suggestion that he’s a coward. The album offers a portal for Thugger to become even more experimental than in the past. “Die Slow” opens Punk and sets the tone with a soft accoustic, drumless beat and a vocal backdrop. It is an interesting juxtaposition. The album is uncharacteristically soft unless somebody like J. Cole jumps in and adds some rougher texture. Thugger joins him there though and that is the beauty of this album. However, at 20 tracks, it does get a bit long. By the time, “Rich Ni##a Sh#t” comes Thugger and the late Juicewrld give a welcome change in tone. “Bubbly” with Drake and Travis Scott offers the same. Overall, this album offered enough for most listeners and pushed the boundaries. [Listen Here]
Key Glock – Yellow Tape 2
Key Glock’s Yellow Tape 2 offers no guest appearances and he pulls that off. In this era of over-collaboration and audience sharing, this is quite the feat. The 24-year-old South Memphis native continued to be uninterested in being carried. He rides a beat effortlessly though. Folks like Pyrex and Juicy J help tremendously and Key Glock obliges. Pop this tape in the whip and go for a ride. [Listen Here]
DMX – Exodus
We lost DMX in 2021. That sh#t hurt. However, before he departed the earth, he left us with Exodus. His 8th album was intended as a comeback album, so it is inundated with guest appearances. Jay-Z, Nas, Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Moneybagg Yo, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, and more. Truthfully, Exodus is not X’s best work (we’re talking about the Grand Champ here), but it allowed us to say goodbye properly. It also underscored the evolution of a man that had endured addiction, mental health woes, the streets, stress, and more. Moreover, we got to hear “A Letter To My Son,” an absolutely heart-breaking song full of insight. Every DMX album offers a prayer. Now we offer ours. [Listen Here]
Westside Gunn – Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B
Westside Gunn has steadfastly served the fiends with his special brand of dope. The A-Side of Hitler Wears Hermes 8 was an incredible feat, but he topped it a month later with Side B. Technically this double album is supposed to be played as one unit, but it is also technically two distinct albums. 20 songs. The project features Larry June, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Tyler The Creator, 2 Chainz, Jay Electronica, Mach-Hommy, and others. Hitler VIII finalizes the popular mixtape series with an exclamation point with more producers than the first album and also more. Gunn is an icon in business, music and also art curation. Respect to all the producers too. JR Swiftz, Nicholas Craven, Daringer, Jay Versace, Madlib, DJ Green Lantern, The Alchemist and numerous others hold it down. This is fine art redefined. Pure and uncut.
Young Dolph & The Paper Route Empire – PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi
PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi is technically a “mixtape” – Young Dolph’s words – but we have no choice but to include it in the list of great albums of 2021. It is also a compilation album of Dolph and his consortium of rappers that harken to the old days of Hip-Hop dynasties. So, Key Glock, Snupe Bandz, and Joddy jump headfirst into the fray and Gucci Mane joins for the win. The project clocks in at a whopping 78-minutes, but it never wears out its welcome. The crew keeps it interesting on songs that range from maniacal & menacing to straight storytelling. The sad reality is PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi was Dolph’s last project before he was brutally murdered in his hometown of Memphis. May he rest in peace. [Listen Here]
Nas – King’s Disease II
Nas has the distinction of being the only rapper with two albums in the year-end. Before Magic’s release in December, King’s Disease II was an incredible work for the 48-year old. And then came Magic, which was arguably better. Regardless, KD2 remains a powerful work that could garner the native New Yorker another Grammy like its predecessor. Eminem, Lauryn Hill, EPMD, A-Boogie, YG, Charlie Wilson and, of course, producer/rapper Hit-Boy. Nas is aging in reverse and if he continues in this fashion, with this level of quality, his kingship will be undisputed.[Listen Here]
Baby Keem – The Melodic Blue
Baby Keem’s The Melodic Blue felt like it came out of nowhere, but he was born into this creatively. The cousin of Kendrick Lamar, truly managed to define himself as a creative force. The Melodic Blue splashed the Billboard 200 chart with an estimated 53,000 total albums moved and he became a critics darling. “Trademark USA”, “Pink Panties”, “Range Brothers” (with K-Dot), and other songs from TMB made Keem a darling with critics and fans alike. [Listen Here]
Wreckage Manner (Style P and Havoc) – Wreckage Manner
There are artists that emulate the real and there’s the real. Both Havoc and Styles P are party to a pair of acts that shaped the hardcore horizon in New York City. The Mobb Deep and The Lox brethren come together as Wreckage Manner. The album of the same name gives a more introspective glimpse at a pair of gangsters that has – to quote Prodigy – “seen it all, been through it all.” The results are stellar. “Nightmares 2 Dreams”, “Hymn To Him”, “F#ck Around” and other songs gave fans of “real rap” fans all they needed in 2021. With Hav on the beats and both vets on the rhymes, this is an exceptionally good album. [Listen Here]
J. Cole – The Off-Season
J. Cole made his triumphant return to rap in 2021. He didn’t disrupt the order with The Off-Season but managed to shake things up nicely. The album presented the North Carolinian as his most musically diverse and his co-dees show up in a major way as well. 21 Savage, Lil’ Baby, Cam’ron, Bas, Morray, Lil’ Jon all show up in impressive, varied fashions. The star of the show is Cole, who dazzles lyrically at times. “Put an M right on your head – you Luigi’s brother now,” he drops. Cole has consistently captivated audiences and The Off-Season is not different. He covers a wide range with songs like “p u n c h i n ‘ . t h e . c l o c k” (emotive), “l e t . g o . m y . h a n d” (introspective/spiritual), “9 5 . s o u t h” (lyrical crunk), “a p p l y i n g . p r e s s u r e” (bars) and more. Salute, Cole. [Listen Here]
Benny the Butcher & Harry Fraud – The Plugs I Met 2
The original was immaculate as a brick of pure white and the sequel did not disappoint. On The Plugs I Met 2, The Butcher returns to the sordid conditions that made him what he is today. With the dirty production by Harry Fraud, the album comes close to being as good as the first installment. The “hood Bill Gates” really impresses on the one and manages to solidify himself as one of this era’s greats. Sure, the drug talk wears thin at times, but Benny makes it sound so good. Benny succeeds, in part by, standout performances from Fat Joe, Chinx, 2 Chainz, French Montana, Jim Jones, and breakout star Rick Hyde. [Listen Here]
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist – Haram
The Alchemist continues to be a fixture in the musical landscape of Hip-Hop, gently shaping the culture from behind the boards. Armand Hammer pushes the underground upward with Haram in a way that harkens to the Golden Era of subterranean rap. “You don’t gotta be here if you don’t wanna,” Armand yells on the brief track “Roaches Don’t Fly.” But song after song, we are drawn in like flies to feces. There’s quite a high level of mastery here – from both men as Earl Sweatshirt, Quelle Chris, Curly Castro, and others jump in the fray. That’s word to J-Live, Kool Keith, The Juggaknots, Company Flow, and others that paved a way for this to blow the manhole off. [Listen Here]
Drake – Certified Lover Boy
Drake cannot be ignored. He continued to bully the charts and set a standard for Hip-Hop to flourish in pop music. Certified Lover Boy was a triumphant return of sorts even though there were numerous delays. When it finally hit, the landscape shifted. CLB debuted at Billboard 200, pushing a massive 613,000 album-equivalent units In this day and age? Who does that? Drake! This was the largest opening week of any album in 2021. On top of that, it was Drizzy’s 10 number-one album. He also shattered Apple Music and Spotify records for the biggest opening-day streams on those platforms. Bruh. Fans enjoyed the album and Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Giveon, Jay-Z, Project Pat, Tems, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, Yebba, 21 Savage, and Kid Cudi jumped on to co-sign this as the commercial album of the year. [Listen Here]
Snoop Dogg presented Eli Manning with a special gift for the former New York Giants quarterback’s 41st birthday.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, Snoop Dogg offered a Death Row Records chain to the younger Manning brother. The West Coast legend said he’d give the chain to Eli Manning the next time they see each other in person.
“Eli, I would like to present to you this Death Row chain for being so Hip Hop and being so hip,” Snoop Dogg told the retired quarterback. “That’s yours, baby. When I see you, you got that. I’ma put that around your neck. Happy 41st birthday Eli.”
The gift seemed to take Eli Manning by surprise as he had a big smile on his face.
“Thank you,” he told Snoop Dogg. “I will look good in that.”
Peyton Manning quickly jumped in and called for Eli to wear the Death Row chain once the NFL Playoffs begin.
“Eli, I want you wearing that for the playoff game in two weeks,” Peyton Manning said. “That’s a must.”
Watch the clip of Snoop Dogg giving a Death Row chain to Eli Manning on the Monday Night Football broadcast below.
The veteran rapper announced his Dope Don’t Sell Itself LP will be released in January. 2 Chainz also told fans the project’s lead single will arrive later this week.
“Hey you how you been !?” he wrote via social media. “Its been a minute I know ,but im back with something new and exotic . You know I ain’t been around this long with out being a thinker and a constant student & teacher of the game my album ‘ DOPE DONT SELL ITSELF ‘ drops this month and single drops this week Sincerely Yours , Two Tone Toni.”
Last year, 2 Chainz declared Dope Don’t Sell Itself will be his last trap album. The upcoming project will be his first studio LP since 2020’s So Help Me God!
2 Chainz originally unveiled the title of Dope Don’t Sell Itself at the 2021 HARD Summer Music Festival. The multi-platinum selling artist revealed the name while performing at the event in San Bernardino, California.
Although 2 Chainz had a relatively quiet 2021, he closed out the year by collaborating with DJ Premier. The former Playaz Circle member linked up with the legendary producer for a single called “Mortgage Free,” which was released through Payday Records.
Kodak Black was arrested over the weekend at the housing development where he was raised for trespassing and violating a cease and desist order acquired by the complex.
His former neighbors were outraged, saying he was not doing anything.
According to NBC, the folk in Pompano Beach were upset that the superstar they witnessed growing up in the Golden Acres housing complex was detained by law enforcement.
Court documents show that the Broward Sheriff’s department was alerted by a “ShotSpotter,” which detected gunfire in the early morning hours of New Years Day.
According to the residents, Kodak was in the area giving out gifts — after being warned by the Pompano Beach Housing Authority that he should not come and distribute (under the rule of law), after giving out hundreds of air conditioning units residents in the development last summer.
The officials issued a statement saying that while they appreciated his gesture, the gifts did not meet the “standard safety guidelines,” and they were trying to avoid “risk or harm to residents.”
One resident named Pat Celange said, “He was doing nothing. He pulled up, gave his gifts, and they came around the corner.”
Clearly, Celange was not aware of the rule.
Kendra Johnson describe the scene saying, “The SWAT team just came and said, ‘you’re being arrested for trespassing.'”
Some are calling B.S. on this.
“It’s sad man, cause he does a lot for the community,” resident Junior Jean Baptiste stated. “He’s giving a lot of kids motivation. Kids are trying to make it out. That’s crazy”
His lawyer, Bradford Cohen, wrote on his Instagram his thoughts.
“Can you imagine the incompetence and ego that a police officer would actually put into a report that he ‘personally knew’ the housing authority had a ‘cease and desist letter’…not that it was a trespass notice, not that it was properly served, not that Bill knew of it, not that the officer saw the letter, not that the officer read the letter, not that the police previously warned him, not that the letter was actually valid, not that he was an invitee to the property, not that he was doing something he wasn’t allowed to do, not even a call to the housing authority to verify.”
He continued to write, “Someone actually trained this Deputy. I’m hoping it’s not a ranking Deputy that made this blunder and maybe a rookie that doesn’t understand the law.”
“By the way they also towed his legally parked vehicle so they could ‘inventory search’ it,” he concluded. “This young man has done nothing but support his community since being released, paid peoples credit card debt, sent first responders kids to college, paid for officers funerals and its never enough. Watch what happens where BSO will blame HA and HA will blame BSO.”
