By virtue of its experience, Hip-Hop as an artform in political in nature. In the tradition of early art as old as the Gilgamesh tablets, the words communicate the experience that each emcee is manifesting in the moment. Rap music is a capsule of culture — predominately affording the voiceless a mic to yell out to the universe that they existed. The exclamation is more than just a statement saying that they existed, but that they had something substantial to say.
Chuck D called the rap song, the “CNN of the streets.” In celebration of the new regime in the White House and in acknowledgment that despite how happy we are that 45 is out that we have to hold them accountable (keeping our eyes on the Biden-Harris administration with the same hawk eyes), here are 50 socio-political songs that keep in context the needs of the community as expressed by the gatekeepers on the genre.
Willow Smith could see herself falling in love with a woman.
The 20-year-old actress and singer came out as bisexual in 2019 and has now admitted that whilst she’s never “been in love with a woman” before, she “feels like it could happen” in her future.
Willow made her comments during an episode of Facebook Watch series “Red Table Talk,” alongside her mother Jada Pinkett Smith and grandmother Adrienne Banfield-Norris, who both said they have tried to “connect romantically” to other women but were unable to.
“Of course you think about it, but I never had that attraction. I couldn’t get there, it just wasn’t for me,” Adrienne said, to which Jada replied: “It wasn’t for me either. I love being amongst women, but I never could connect to women romantically.
“It’s not to say that it couldn’t be, you just never know. I could see (Willow) falling in love with a woman one day.”
And Willow agreed, admitting she has had “very strong feelings for women” in the past.
“I don’t feel like I’ve been in love with a woman just yet, but I definitely feel like it could happen,” she mused. “Because I’ve had very strong feelings for women before.”
The trio then moved on to talk about “experimentation” in the bedroom, and Adrienne revealed she has always been interested in having a threesome, but was “raised with all that guilt and shame around sex” so has never dared to try it.
“I know I’ve thought about a threesome might be really enjoyable, but how I was raised with all that guilt and shame around sex…” she admitted.
“I definitely didn’t have that freedom to consider it as far as love is concerned. It just seems like, sexually, it would be extremely pleasurable.”
When asked by Willow if she would try it now she’s older, Adrienne, 67, added: “I’ve had conversations with my husband about it, but I think it’s too late in my life to be that experimental at this age.”
Verzuz was launched a year ago as a means of bringing music fans together during the COVID lockdown.
Online back catalog battles have brought DMX and Snoop Dogg, Monica and Brandy, and even Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle together, while upcoming face-offs will feature The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire, SWV and Brownstone, and Method Man and Redman.
Rapper and actor Ice Cube is suing executives at financial services company Robinhood for using his image for promotional purposes without permission.
He claims company bosses are using a photo of him in an ad featured in their news service, Robinhood Snacks.
He alleges they took an image of him from another project and put it into a newsletter update, which featured the line “Correct yourself, before you wreck yourself” – a lyric from his track “Check Yo Self.”
Cube insists the link suggests he endorses the company, which he doesn’t, and claims Robinhood marketing bosses have used images of Jay-Z and Nas to endorse products and services in the past.
VR is the Future and the future is now…Join us April 2, 2021 for a night of Hip-Hop and history as two legendary artists come together in Virtual Reality.
Boston emcee Edo. G and Carson, CA lyricist Ras Kass will be playing their first-ever show in Virtual Reality, in Microsoft’s AltSpaceVR .
The platform. which is designed for live shows, meetups, and more has already hosted people such as Faizon Love, Eric B., Rah Digga and Jennifer Hudson amongst others.
This unique experience puts the attendees inside of the actual venue while allowing them not only to engage with others at the event but also, talk and kick it with the performers in a way like no other.
To get the most out of this experience you will need a VR headset (like an Oculus Quest 2) and download the AltSpace app onto your headset.
You can also participate in 2D mode from your computer by creating an account at www.altvr.com.
If the chart predictors are correct, Lil Nas X is about to secure his second #1 single on Billboard‘s Hot 100. The 21-year-old musician’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” is on pace to take the top spot on next week’s chart.
“Montero” has been at the center of controversy since its release on March 26. The song’s official music video was widely criticized in politically conservatives circles for its blatant satanic imagery and sexual content.
#Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by @LilNasX is currently projected to debut at #1 on the Hot 100 with a strong lead, bowing at #1 in US digital sales (excl. D2C) and streaming. pic.twitter.com/Qr35uO0X1N
As of press time, “Montero” has amassed more than 63 million views on YouTube and more than 27 million plays on Spotify. The track also currently ranks in the Top 10 of Spotify’s daily Top 200 U.S. chart and Apple Music’s daily Top 100: USA chart.
If “Montero” does open at #1 on Billboard‘s weekly rankings of the most popular songs in America, Lil Nas X will add another chart-topper to his résumé. LNX’s 14x-Platinum-certified “Old Town Road” spent a record-breaking nineteen consecutive weeks atop the Hot 100 in 2019.
In 2018, Terrell “Ralo” Davis was charged with two federal counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The Atlanta-raised rapper is accused of running a nearly $2 million cross-country marijuana operation.
Mission Green is now pushing to get Ralo and other defendants in cannabis cases to be released. The Weldon Project initiative sent a letter to United States President Joe Biden advocating clemency for Davis.
Hip Hop artists such as Drake, Killer Mike, Meek Mill, T.I., Quavo, 2 Chainz, Freeway, Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, Gunna, and Waka Flocka Flame signed the Mission Green letter. NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders, NBA Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett, NBA All-Star John Wall, Atlanta Falcons player Julio Jones, and others are also signatories.
TODAY MY LEGAL TEAM DELIVERED DOCUMENTS DIRECTLY IN THE HANDS OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND HIS ADMINISTRATION, BEGGING FOR A PARDON FOR MYSELF. DRAKE NAME WAS #1 ON THAT LIST IN SUPPORT OF MY PARDON, ALONG WITH DOZENS OF OTHER HIGH RANKING PEOPLE WITHIN OUR COUNTRY & THE HIP HOP COMMUNITY . WE THANK HIM AND EVERYONE THATS PUTTING EFFORT INTO THIS CAUSE. @forbes AN OTHERS ARE USING MY CASE AS THE FACE FOR JUSTICE ON MARIJUANNA. WE CALLING FOR PUBLIC AN ALL INFLUENCERS SUPPORT. CLICK LINK IN MY BIO, VISIT FAMERICANEWS.COM OR WELDONAGLOSPROJECT.COM TO ASSIST US IN FREEING MYSELF AN THOUSANDS #PARDONRALO
Authorities allege Davis sold drugs from multiple apartment units he owned in the Atlanta area. Ralo and his purported Famerica gang affiliates were also implicated in a scheme to transport 964 pounds of marijuana from California to Georgia.
Ralo was initially taken into custody on April 15, 2018 at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. He faces up to 8 years in federal prison if convicted. The Famerican Gangster mixtape creator is still incarcerated in Alabama’s Clayton County Detention Center while awaiting trial.
Biden is on the record calling for the decriminalization of marijuana and the expunging of prior convictions. Just this week, New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana. The bill signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo also expunged the criminal records of tens of thousands of people convicted of cannabis-related crimes.
Quavo and Saweetie were the talk of the internet this week. The former Hip Hop celebrity couple became social media fodder after footage of the two rap stars tussling in an elevator was leaked.
According to TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department is now investigating the incident. The entertainment news website claims law enforcement officials want to interview both entertainers. Plus, the City Attorney could possibly file charges.
TMZ reports:
Our sources say the situation could be considered an instance of domestic violence, where both parties are in the wrong. Cops want to determine what happened before and after the elevator surveillance footage was captured.
Neither Saweetie nor Quavo has publicly addressed the video that is spreading across the internet. The “Best Friend” rapstress and the Migos member publicly acknowledged the end of their relationship last month. Going by their tweets at the time, it appeared the breakup was not amicable.
OJ Da Juiceman and Waka Flocka Flame were once two of the hottest new artists to emerge from Atlanta. Over a decade later, the two former Brick Squad representatives are currently beefing online.
Recently, OJ sat down with the Big Facts podcast. That conversation included the 39-year-old rapper discussing how he allegedly did not receive any compensation for his The Otha Side of the Trap album and some of his hit songs.
“These folks hit me with, to let you out this contract, for you can be free, you gotta let us have everything from The Otha Side of the Trap for your life and ten years after your life,” Da Juiceman told Big Bank, DJ Scream, and Baby Jade.
Deb Antney’s Mizay Entertainment was managing OJ Da Juiceman at the time. OJ implied that he parted ways with Mizay Entertainment because of stolen money. Antney is also Waka Flocka’s mother.
Those comments on Big Facts eventually led to Waka going on Instagram to tell OJ to “stop putting that on my mama.” The What The Flocka reality show star also called his “Candy Lady” collaborator “lame” for going on the show and insinuating Antney was crooked.
Da Juiceman fired back at Waka on his own IG page. The “Make tha Trap Say Aye” performer said, “Dick in the booty ass n####. You a whole hoe, p#### ass n####. You ain’t on no gangsta s###. N####, I ain’t never seen you do nothing gangsta, p#### ass n####. You a whole hoe, n####. F### you talking about, n####? You and your weak ass mama. F### both of y’all. You and that hoe.”
Jay Electronica is not the most active person on social media. However, the elusive emcee did hop on Twitter this week to shout out fellow Hip Hop artist Kanye West.
“@kanyewest from afar, seems like Almighty God is putting His final touches on His Mighty Sword (you). I would imagine the pain is intense. After this though, you unstoppable. Flame on King! And as for the rest of em, my mom would just say ‘well Son, fuckem,'” tweeted Electronica.
The A Written Testimony album creator also added, “@kanyewest I literally CAN’T WAIT so see your next Beautiful moves and offerings. Thank you for all of the Beautiful ones you’ve given us thus far.”
It is not clear exactly what inspired Jay Elect to post so positively about Ye. Both rappers are protégés of Jay-Z. Electronica is signed to Jay’s Roc Nation record label. West used to be managed by Roc Nation.
Republic Records artist Coi Leray now has her own digital series. The “No More Parties” rapper’s Coi Vs is streaming on Team Whistle’s YouTube channel which has over 2 million subscribers.
“Our audience is always looking for the next cool, relatable artist, athlete, or viral content and they come to our platform for shows with talent they won’t find anywhere else,” says Noah Weissman, SVP, Content at Team Whistle.
Weissman adds, “We’re excited to combine our creative concepts with Republic Records – the hottest label in the game – and their incredible roster to introduce fans to a new generation of emerging talent in the show formats they love best on social and digital.”
Coi Vs follows Leray as she competes in obstacle courses and pie-eating competitions against other celebrities. The first episode features an appearance by online basketball personality Famous Los.
In addition to the partnership with Coi Leray, Team Whistle and Republic Records are looking to work together in other capacities. Fans can expect to see more Republic artists presented in unexpected and relatable ways on the channel.
“We’re always on the lookout for new avenues to spotlight our talent, and Team Whistle’s built-in network and creativity presents a great opportunity for new fans to get to know our emerging artists,” said Chris Blackwell, SVP, Creative Content at Republic Records.
The multi-hyphenate influencer Romeo was born into Hip-Hop royalty and probably has rubbed elbows with some of the world’s most elite moneymakers and celebrities.
The son of Master P, he has by his relationship to his dad, been afforded a charmed life — far away from the day-to-day stress of the ghetto.
But despite that, the now The Mix talk show host shared that his money doesn’t exempt him from being racially profiled by police.
On the recent episode, he not only talks about the trauma of being pulled over — but revealed something that KRS-One told us a long time ago. Black cops are sometimes worse than white ones.
He shared a story with his co-hosts a story about the most recent time he was profiled at UCLA.
He said, “ At UCLA, If you’re late and you get pulled over, over there, you gotta have that camera recording. ‘Cause they don’t play no games.”
“The guy pulled me over at gunpoint, a Black cop,” he continued. “He was like ‘Is this a stolen vehicle?’ I’m like ‘Bro, relax. Just come check out my registration and get my driver license.’”
The former Growing Up Hip-Hop star says that the police officer asked him, “Is this a stolen vehicle?”
Noting that when he noticed that it was the celebrity, Romeo Miller, the cop he fell back.
Romeo shared that the cop then said, “Oh, Romeo Miller! You good. I thought she was just some random Black dude.”
While he was relieved because it could have gotten ugly, he also was furious because his brothers Hercy and Mercy, who are over 6 feet tall and are not as famous (yet), could have also been hemmed up by the cops.
He finished by saying that this has happened too many times, “It is sad that were looked at threat because of the color of our skin.”
The Mix is a millennial-based series that airs on Fox Soul and is produced by Tameka “Tiny” Harris.
“Godzilla vs Kong” is the latest film in the “Monsterverse” franchise that finally places these massively iconic characters against one another in a modern day, Heavyweight Showdown for the ages! This entry is the follow up to the three previous films in this franchise: 2014’s “Godzilla”, 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island” and 2019’s “Godzilla: King of Monsters”. While those films resulted in divided opinions overall, it feels like this particular entry takes the best attributes of each, combined those aspects with the advancements in VFX technology and delivered a satisfyingly fun & entertaining Monster showdown that delivers.
In terms of the plot, the film finds Kong being secured in a free-roaming dome on “Skull Island” by the Monarch organization and watched over by “Dr. Illene Andrews” (Rebecca Hall) & her adopted daughter “Jia” (Katie Hottle). Jia, who was adopted by Dr. Andrews, is deaf but has the ability to communicate via with Kong via sign language. As we witness Kong in this constructed habitat, we begin to see that he has been growing increasingly irate at being enclosed in despite the vast size of the dome created to protect & keep him safe.
Elsewhere in Florida, Godzilla suddenly appears after a long absence and engages in a seemingly unprovoked attack on the Apex Cybernetics Facility. This attack by Godzilla seems out of character by many who have now come to view him as a protector and not an enemy. From there, the character of “Madison Russell” (Millie Bobbie Brown) returns from the last film and joins forces with a friend named “Josh” (Julian Dennison) as well as a popular conspiracy theorist podcaster named “Bernie” (Brian Tyree Henry) to investigate the attack.
After the unexpected attack, the CEO of Apex Industries reaches out to a Monarch scientist named “Nathan Lind” (Alexander Skarsgard) to formulate a plan with Dr. Andrews in order to obtain a powerful and hidden energy source from the earth with the help of Kong. Once obtained, this untapped energy source will yield enough power to stop Godzilla before he potentially goes on another unprovoked attack. From there, additional plot elements ensue that I won’t spoil here but they ultimately lead these two Heavyweight Titans to engage in some violent but beautiful Monster vs. Monster action!
Director Adam Wingard, who has a background in directing Horror, does a fine job helming this big budget, CGI-Laden feature and clearly seems to be a fan of the material. Not only that, but in watching this film, it seems like Wingard and his crew are aware of the criticisms that were levied against the previous installments in regards to the story & visual aspects that didn’t work. With that, it appears they did their best to cut the fat so to speak to give these creatures more screen-time and eventually get to the throwdown(s) that everyone came to see. Clocking in at just under 2 hours, the movie moves at a fast pace and doesn’t waste a lot of time in getting these Monsters on screen together to deliver the goods as advertised.
While usually the weaker aspect of the films in this franchise, I would say the Human Element in “GvK” is at least decent if not overly engaging. The actors here serve the plot by essentially providing exposition & narration to the backgrounds, mythos and course of action taken by Godzilla and Kong. On the Kong side specifically, the film’s director utilizes the actors (particularly the character of “Jia”) to help humanize Kong in order to add an emotional element to the film. While the film’s human characters and overall plot feel a bit underdeveloped, I would say they are serviceable enough in moving us toward what we really came to see: The Action!
In terms of said action, “Godzilla vs. Kong” delivers in providing an entertaining spectacle feauturing sharp visual effects full of vibrant colors that is stunning to witness. The film stages thrilling scenes of Monster action on both land and sea as well as a surprise location that adds a brand new Sci-Fi element to this franchise. When Godzilla and Kong go to war in the film (more than once!), they are brawling in a rage, slugging it out with their various fighting styles, slashing into each other, and smashing each other into the nearest objects all while trying to obtain dominance as the last one standing.
Director Adam Wingard stages the action in creative & inventive ways and fortunately does so in a manner that us as viewers can clearly see what’s taking place. During certain sequences, there are even one take fight scenes with no cutaways so that we not only see the massive brawl ensuing, but also see the chaos and ruin they cause around them. Very Impressive! Although we get to see the strengths and weaknesses of each with both obtaining the upper hand at times, this showdown does end with a true, definitive winner. However, a lone winner and loser in this battle doesn’t quite conclude the movie as the film introduces one last element that is dangerous enough to call upon a unique form of synergy to address it.
“Godzilla vs. Kong” does its job and delivers on the promise of some awesome Monster action and epic throwdowns between these two as the title implies. The movie is well directed, contains the best VFX we’ve seen in the franchise thus far, has a great score by Junkie XL, and at under two hours, doesn’t overstay its welcome at all. This feels like a film that very self-aware in the sense that it knows exactly what it’s supposed to be and what it’s supposed to deliver. While the movie may have its share of nitpicks, uninteresting characters and contrived plot elements, these aspects honestly did nothing to take away from the overall entertainment value of this entry in the Monsterverse.
Ultimately, if you’ve been a fan of the previous films in the franchise, you should know what to expect here: The Monster action is worth the price of admission alone and we get to see it carried out using the best cutting edge VFX currently available to the Filmakers. At its core, “Godzilla vs Kong” doesn’t set out to be the smartest or most emotional Sci-Fi Film out there. However, it’s simply an entertaining, fun-filled action film that delivers on the promise of destruction and mayhem that you would expect in seeing these massive titans collide.
“Godzilla vs Kong” is now playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.
Cardi B has hit out at “one-sided” history lessons taught in U.S. schools.
The “WAP” star – who is the daughter of a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother – has taken to Twitter to educate Americans about the history of her ancestors.
One more thing I want to make clear to Americans.Colonization did not just happened in the USA .Actually the first diaspora boat and slaves arrive in The Dominican Republic.Our Haitian & DR brothers & sisters were put against each other by their colonizers Spain & France .
“One more thing I want to make clear to Americans,” she wrote. “Colonization did not just happened in the USA .Actually the first diaspora boat and slaves arrive in The Dominican Republic.Our Haitian & DR brothers & sisters were put against each other by their colonizers Spain & France.”
The hitmaker then bemoaned the U.S. education system, suggesting the population isn’t sufficiently well-informed about important historical events.
“I wish I can speak more about history and the one sided history these school be giving us,” she continues. “Besides this whole ‘Latin lesson’ that I’m giving ya there is soo much I have learn that if I speak on it I feel like the government will OFF me .I’ll just talk to myself about it tho. (sic)”
Cardi is no stranger to speaking her mind on social media, and previously insisted she will continue to do so.
Vanessa Bryant told her daughter Natalia that her late dad Kobe would be “so proud” of her as the 18-year-old celebrated getting accepted into the University Of Southern California on Tuesday (March 30th.)
In an Instagram video, Natalia is seen wearing a USC top as she jumps up and down, shouting: “I got in!”
Captioning the clip, Vanessa wrote on Instagram: “Tears of joy. I’m SO happy for you Nani! I know daddy is so PROUD OF YOU. I am so PROUD OF YOU!!
“Your hard work and dedication was so worth it. You pushed through the most excruciating pain imaginable and you succeeded. I wish Daddy and Gigi were physically here to celebrate but I know they’re here in spirit. We love you so much! #USC #Trojan #FightOn.”
When Vanessa feels overcome with her loss she thinks of her departed loved ones and her three children, Natalia, Bianka, four, and 20-month-old Capri, to give her strength.
“I guess the best way to describe it is that Kobe and Gigi motivate me to keep going,” she previously explained. “They inspire me to try harder and be better every day.
“Their love is unconditional and they motivate me in so many different ways.”
Lil Nas X has thanked FKA Twigs for informing him of the similarities between his video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and the visual for her track “Cellophane.”
Upon the release of Nas’s new video, fans were quick to point out the likenesses between the two videos, with some accusing him of ripping off Twigs’ concept.
However, the “Old Town Road” star insisted in a post on Instagram on Tuesday (March 30th) that he was “unaware” of the similarities between the two videos until he received a phone call from Twigs herself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEAOPCFaHb/
“i want to show love to @fkatwigs & (Cellophane video director) @andrewthomashuang ! the cellophane visual is a masterpiece. i was not aware that the visual would serve as a major inspiration for those who worked on the effects of my video
“i want to say thank u to twigs for calling me and informing me about the similarities between the two videos, as i was not aware they were so close. was only excited for the video to come out. i understand how hard you worked to bring this visual to life. you deserve so much more love and praise.”
Following his comment, Twigs was quick to praise him for his honesty about the situation, writing: “thank you @lilnasx for our gentle honest conversations and for acknowledging the inspiration cellophane gave you and your creative team in creating your iconic video!
“i think what you have done is amazing and i fully support your expression and bravery in pushing culture forward for the queer community. legend status.”
The casual pop culture cutey might assume that all the women love Drake but surprisingly that doesn’t seem to be true.
A woman popped up at the “God’s Plan” rapper’s Toronto mansion with a weapon, trying to break into the residence.
There are a lot of rumors and not a lot of biographical information about the woman, her actions, and her intention for “Drizzy.”
But what is known is that she assaulted one of Drake’s security guards with a pipe, and is currently in police custody.
Canadian law enforcement has released a statement saying, “A female adult that was carrying a knife has been arrested. She did not gain any kind of entry into the property, and there were no injuries.”
The cops responded to the report of this incident at 5 pm EST on March 30th. It is reported that the Young Money moneymaker was not at his $100 million estate when she tried to gain entry.
This is a little like Déjà vu. Almost four years ago, another woman tried to break into his home, that time the Los Angeles estate.
She actually got in and took the liberty of drinking from his private stash of beverages. She too was arrested and released on $100,000 bail.
Drake is hotter than fish grease right now.
A few weeks ago he had the top three songs on the Billboard charts and produced a successful battle rap event with the Ultimate Rap League and Caffeine.tv.
Nowadays more than ever, the Detroit hip-hop scene has been making its way into the music industry.
Detroit natives Payroll Giovanni, and famed producer CardoGotWings teamed up for their newest project titled Another Day Another Dollar. Clocking in at 10 tracks, the raw and uncut album serves as their 3rd project together, with features from Larry June, Tamara Jewel, and Smitty Soul.
Following their previous collaborative tapes, Big Bossin’ Vol. 1 and Big Bossin’ Vol. 2, it appears Payroll and Cardo are the dynamic duo. With Cardo producing Gold and Platinum singles such as Drake’s “God’s Plan,” Travis Scott’s “Goosebumps,” and ScHoolboy Q’s “That Part,” his ability to make beats specific to the artist is unmatched.
With Payroll not letting up in the slightest with his relentless bars, witty punchlines, and vivid storytelling, the new release has fans in a frenzy.
Read below as we discuss how Payroll Giovanni and CardoGotWings initially linked, their love for each other’s craft, the making of Another Day Another Dollar, their creative process, studio essentials, and more!
AllHipHop: How did you guys meet initially and when was it?
Payroll: Cardo reached out to me online, was it through email?
Cardo: Yeah it was email. Remember I got your number from Carbon, and you didn’t believe it was me.
AllHipHop: Why didn’t you believe it was him?
Payroll: I know dude works. I’m like “this ain’t Cardo, who is this?” I gave him my number to a phone I didn’t really care about, he ended up hitting me up. It was him. He sent me a beat pack, rest was history.
AllHipHop: Detroit has a nice little wave right now. Cardo, what did you like about Payroll that made you want to work with him?
Cardo: I like Payroll’s style. He’s unique with wordplay. His storytelling was vivid, you could see what he’s trying to present. It made me gravitate more towards his music and getting to know who he was. Man, I gotta work with this kid. Carbon put it together. He thought it was a random dude trying to hit him up with some s###, trying to scam him. [laughs] Fast forward to within 30 days, we’re in Atlanta working on me, him, YG, and Young Jeezy’s tape which was called Paid in Full, produced mostly entirely by me, DJ Quik, Dez.
Payroll: Warren G was on there.
Cardo: Warren G was on it! It was a groovy ass tape man. We’re so excited because it was different. Somebody lost the harddrive and the rest was history from then. We said “f### it, what we doing then?” A week after we left, he said “man, let’s keep it going.” Because we had found a bounce.
Payroll: We found our pocket with the music, it took a minute.
AllHipHop: Why did it take a minute?
Payroll: I’ll be honest, I was used to rapping off the Detroit beats. The fast, uptempo, gritty type beats. Cardo was really coming with that industry, polished sound. I didn’t feel natural on them type of beats but once we did the West Coast, G-funk type beats, we hit it off right there. G-funk and Detroit have similar sounds, a lot of sounds with Detroit and the Bay are real similar.
AllHipHop: What sets you apart from the other Detroit artists?
Payroll: I stick to myself. I stay true to myself, do what I know how to do. I stay in my lane. I don’t really jump on no waves or nothing. I really ain’t got a formula, it’s really however I feel.
AllHipHop: How long have you been grinding for? You’re independent, right?
Payroll: Yeah, independent. I’ve been messing with the music seriously since about 2010. I love it. If you stay true to yourself and do what you do, over time it’s going to catch on. It really took us a minute to even get noticed outside of Detroit. We didn’t start getting noticed until 4 or 5 years in the game. Thing is if you keep it going and do you, it’s gon’ work.
Cardo: Really us keeping the sound alive that we’ve been doing, that we’ve been presenting. Coming from me and him, people expect me to give him the usual stuff I give the Drake’s and Kendrick’s, because I give them specific beats to them specific artists. When I work with Payroll, I give him a specific sound I know that’s his sound, that he molded. We try to keep that sound going, but we elevate every time we put something together. It’s always something fly we do or something elegant. We try to reach them levels. This one of them projects that shows the elevation of the sound, where we’re going and the bounce of it. We keeping it alive, it’s a little bit more of a swing into it. Gio can tell you more than I can ’cause he’s the actual artist.
Payroll: For me, I be saying stuff on there that I want people to hear. I want us to see what’s going to be the reaction to this. I’m giving little gems here and there to change people’s mindset on certain things. I like to see the way they receive it, and the lines that stand out. That’s the benefit for me.
AllHipHop: Who came up with the title?
Payroll: We both did.
Cardo: We both did ’cause we had a song originally called “Another Day Another Dollar.” We’re plotting like “what could we call this next project?” We kept on going through titles back and forth. It’s what we usually do when we try to figure something out, like the concept of a project. He sent me the song, I’m like “that’s what we call it. We call it Another
Day Another Dollar.” He said “yeah!” It stuck from there.
Payroll: It was perfect.
AllHipHop: How was it creating? Was there any COVID restrictions?
Cardo: It was all done over the internet. From Big Bossin’, Vol. 1 to Vol. 2, we’ve done most of it basically via email. Me and Payroll been in the studio a lot before, but we be in there talking. We do a couple ideas. The end of Big Bossin’ Vol. 2, we ended up finishing together. Most of the project was done through the email. It’s something we know, we adjusted to. We already knew how to do it, how to move when the quarantine stuff hit. We already knew how to make it shake.
Payroll: We looked up and had 10 songs, a complete body of work. Oh, this is it right here!
Cardo: Yeah ’cause I was sending him beats, something I like that’s him. We like to put out good Spring, Summertime, even Fall — we always have the Fall stuff ready, but we felt like Spring and Summer was the most important part of presenting the sound. Especially with this music that me and Payroll do, you know, it motivates you to get up and hustle, get that car or whatever it is that you’re trying to accomplish. Whatever girl you trying to get.
Payroll: Need a good soundtrack to shine.
Cardo: You definitely do. Gotta get your shine on, word to Big Tymers.
AllHipHop: What’s the story behind “Always Hustling”?
Payroll: I had a banging hangover when I made that song. I did it and sent it to Cardo. I didn’t hear back from Cardo, I thought “oh it must be trash, I don’t even care about it.”
Cardo: Nah the way he goes in, it was so cold. Damn, made me want to throw on some silk. That sound we be trying to do, we be trying to make it feel like how we grew up listening to music, our favorite artists. The whole Sick Wid’ It to everything going on in the Detroit music scene, we try to blend all that in and make it all in one so we can feel the same we felt when we’re younger. That’s all it is: feel-good, hustling, motivation music. You can’t deny it, not at all.
That’s one of my favorite beats, my boy J Franks produced that one with me out in Mississippi. It’s one of them sounds. If people listen to Mr. Mike and the whole Suave House days, all the 8Ball and MJG, the new mix and all that, they’ll understand that sound. That sound was Mob sound, near to the Bay and Detroit. Same thing with “Mob $hit,” we had to get our good brother Larry June on there to do some numbers with us. That’s somebody we always been f###### with. We put out the Game Related project early last year.
Payroll: Larry sent that verse back immediately. Larry sent that back quick.
Cardo: Yeah ’cause it was necessary. Soon as you hear that s###: “ahhh, eh eh, eh.” [Larry June voice] It makes you feel good, makes you want to eat an orange and hustle. We want to provide feel-good music. That’s the beauty of it, it makes you feel some kind of way.
AllHipHop: Cardo, I know you do all of Larry June’s s###, I’m from the Bay!
Cardo: Yadidamean, I be thizzing out here. [laughs] Come on man, rest in peace Mac Dre.
AllHipHop: What songs mean the most to you guys and why?
Cardo: Me, I like “Forever Flow.” I love when Gio be talking his s###. I tell him “man you gotta talk yo s###. Rap yo s### man, do what you do. Do what Gio knows best, give them that hustle music.” He’ll go in, he’ll excelerate every time. Every time!
Payroll: “Forever Flow” for me too. That’s my favorite.
Cardo: I’m telling you, that s### heartfelt. You feel that s###: the beat, everything.
Payroll: My grandma out on there.
Cardo: That’s rare! Thanks Grandma.
AllHipHop: Cardo how’d you get your producer tag: “Cardo got Wannnggsss”?
Cardo: My boy Johnny Juliano, one of my closest friends and business partners, he used to do tags. I asked “yo, can you make me a tag?” He said “yeah.” He sent it right back to me: “Cardo got Wannnggsss.” Yup, that’s it. Ever since then, I started using it. I stopped using it, I’ll bring it back out then I’ll stop. I have my periods where I use my tags. Sometimes, I like to move mysteriously where people ask, “you produced that?!”
AllHipHop: How did “Laugh Now Cry Later” came about?
Cardo: Man, I was working with the boy for some time. Right around when quarantine started, we started working on his project, going back and forth with ideas. Around July, he sent me the idea first. He said “man, can we make this bounce?” Alright bet. Me and my cousin Yung Exclusive, we made it bounce. Did what we did, sent it back to him. Next two weeks, it came right out. Just like that, so quick. Damn, alright cool.” I get the message, that boy don’t stop. He don’t play. Shout out to the n*gga Drake man.
AllHipHop: 3 things you guys need in the studio at all times?
Payroll: I need water. I like for it to be me and the engineer, I don’t like a crowd of people. Clear it out, I don’t like people in and out of the studio. Water, clear space, I’m straight. [laughs]
Cardo: 100 %. Me, I need water, fruit…
Payroll: Good fruit. [laughs]
Cardo: Good fresh fruit. We talking about red, sparkling red. Them strawberries just grew today, they picked them m############ out today. Fresh fresh fruit. That and a good good choice of food, restaurants too. That’s a requirement. Runners, they’ll bring a menu for some wings s###. Man, that ain’t gonna do it for me. Other than that, I have to have Mary Jane. That’s it.
AllHipHop: When y’all come to LA, I got weed for you guys.
Cardo: We good. Gio don’t smoke. Gio doesn’t believe in smoking, he’s just “I just drink champagne!” Both: [laughs]
CardoGotWings
AllHipHop: How do you guys plan on Bossin’ Up in 2021?
Cardo: With Volume 3.
Payroll: Volume 3!
Cardo: I had to Gio, he thought I was bullshitting. The pressure’s on brother.
Payroll: Big Bossin’ Vol. 3. We bringing 3.
Cardo: Me and Gio, we’re inseparable. That’s my brother, I always try to keep him in the mix of things and keep him afloat. I know he’s a businessman. He’s a big time tycoon, entrepreneur out here doing his thing. I be honestly trying to bring back down to earth with his music. It’s a beautiful thing every time we do something music-wise alone. People feel the impact of what we present and that right there, we wouldn’t trade that the world. It’s lovely to see the fans react to the music we do. The testimonials and the hardships about everything, you feel that effect. Damn, my music’s really inspiring y’all to get it together, do this or do that.
I be telling Payroll everytime, they deadass serious. They really follow our music like it’s guidelines to this s###, to hustling. It really is. Payroll, he’s a motivational speaker. He ain’t no rapper, he’s a motivational speaker. He’ll tell you some s###, it’ll make you really think and get your s### together. This n#### taught me about willpower. My own homeboy teaching about willpower, I’ll learn the most about that from him. Once I learned that, everything got better. I stacked my bread up even more, started to get my priorities together ’cause I was listening to my brother. I listen to everything he gon say. Everything he preaches about, he practices all that s###. That’s real talk. To me, my own personal preference, he’s the Jay-Z of Detroit to me. He’s the voice out there. Shout out to everybody doing their thing: Ray, Dez, Kid, all them, the whole 26. Payroll’s my brother so I’m not saying it because I’m biased. For real, that’s what he is to Detroit. That’s my personal preference, that’s it.
Payroll: Appreciate it my brother.
Cardo: Come on man, you know I’m going to war about you.
AllHipHop: Payroll, what you got to say about Cardo?
Cardo: “Cardo man? This n*gga crazy.” [laughs]
Payroll: Cardo the GOAT man. I watched dude put in a hella work, It feels good to see it pay off. That s### was unreal. Grammy nominated with Drake! I was just in the raggedy-ass studio with him. Damn, we be in the small studio together.
Cardo: On God, just a year before that in a s##### ass studio. They did us dirty bro, but now we bossed up from that. That was a lesson lesson, we ain’t ever gonna go through that b####### no more. Came away with that, straight up.
Payroll: Cardo motivation man, he keeps me going. He’ll hit me up like “where you at? Let’s make some music, come on.”
Cardo: On God, I’ll bug his ass too.
Payroll: I get right back to it. Sometimes, I’ll be needing to hear that.
Cardo: Bro what’re you doing? I know you living life. N*gga be on the yacht, in the backyard sipping wine with all these wine testers. Man, I get it. You living life like it’s golden, like Jill Scott. I understand my man. Bruh, come on! Let’s make some music too bro. I know you like golfing, getting your feet in the sand, in the water. Come on bro, I ain’t stupid. I know.
Payroll: On God, this us every day though.
AllHipHop: Payroll, how’d it feel to have Nipsey Hussle shout you out on “Deep Reverence”?
Payroll: It was dope to hear him shout me out, it’s an honor to be one of the artists out of Detroit he rocked with. We had a smooth relationship. Whenever he hit Detroit, he’d hit me up and ask about different places to shop. I linked with him at a show he had in the city, we all popped Dom P and had an epic time. It’s one of my favorite moments.
Believe it or not, but it has been two years since Nipsey Hussle was murdered in front of his retail store, The Marathon.
His music has been nominated for GRAMMYs, his songs have become chart-toppers and now he is a household name, but the ache of his tragic death still reverberates throughout the world.
On this anniversary, many have paid their respects remembering his legacy. His big brother Snoop was one of the first to reflect, showing his love through a series of posts.
He even posted an interview about when he and Nip found out that they were no match for the DC hero, Superman.
Rihanna posted on Twitter a collage of flix from early in the slain rapper’s career, captioning it “Rip goat #NipseyHussle with blue hearts. Bay area rapper G-Eazy also shouted him out writing: “Nipsey Hussle. Forever Great.”
Rick Ross went live to give his regards and it was captured by 2Cool2Blog, while Swizz Beatz also took to Instagram with his message, “We miss you King @nipseyhussle.” Baller Isaiah Thomas weighed in too with a tribute to Nip.
But no one’s tribute was as heart-wrenching as his beloved, Lauren London.
“The Day Of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever. 2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey.
In Honor of His life and demonstration… May all of Heaven exalt Your name for all You did on Earth and beyond.
Brave and Beloved Soul, Ermias. You are missed deeply. You are loved immensely. You will forever be.
I love you eternally. Your Boogie💙,” Lauren London wrote.
NFTs are taking over the art world, but bet you didn’t know that the new collector’s medium is also one of the fasting rising merch items in sports.
And a brand called NBA Top Shot has some of the music iconic athletes in the history of humanity hopping on the wave.
Since launching last fall, Dapper Labs, the company behind creating the Flow blockchain NBA Top Shot non-fungible tokens, has been steadily tapping potential investors into this new company.
Folk like 2 Chainz, Will Smith, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant are just a few of the deep pockets that have invested a total of $305 million in their most recent funding round.
Through a press release, Durant shared about his involvement in the company, “NBA Top Shot is one of the best demonstrations we’ve seen of how quickly new technology can change the landscape for media and sports fans.”
“We’re excited to follow the progress with everything happening on Flow blockchain and use our platform with the Boardroom to connect with fans in a new way,” he continued.
NBA Top Shot is killing the game by accumulating 800,000 accounts in just six months. About 42% of them currently hold an NFT. What does that mean? Someone is caking as they have made over $500 million in sales.
The company, which is closely associated with the NBA Players’ Association, is reportedly valued at $2.6 billion, USA Today notes. And the association is receiving an undisclosed amount as a revenue share.
