While Hip-Hop is typically a genre made for the rough and rugged, rappers do fall in love (or deep like at the very least). AllHipHop.com teamed up with Atlanta’s own DJ MARS to come up with some of the best Hip-Hop love songs ever recorded. There were so many dope songs that could fall into this category, we have to create two lists.
This first list overlaps four different decades and envelops not only songs about falling for that special someone but looks at basic attraction and heartbreaks.
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele have never been afraid to use their television series to put a comical spotlight on serious social issues. Following in the tradition of Saturday Night Live, In Living Color, and Chappelle’s Show, Comedy Central’s Key & Peele often plays like a live action political cartoon disguised as a sketch comedy show. It’s an exploration of the human condition wrapped in humor.
For four seasons the two MADtv alumni have challenged viewers to question their views on often contentious topics like race, homophobia, and politics. The upcoming season finale continues the program’s tendency to blend comedy and social commentary.
Key and Peele open the finale with a Crossfire-esque sketch that points out the über-partisan lunacy often displayed on cable news channels. Other spoofs in the episode titled “Terrorist Meeting” include amusing takedowns of ISIS, gang culture, sibling rivalry, and movie dates.
The future for Key and Peele is set to feature a reboot of the 1980’s movie Police Academy. Before the Peabody Award winners jump into forthcoming motion picture endeavors, AllHipHop.com wanted to get Key and Peele’s thoughts on their past inspirations.
Every comedic genius stands on the shoulders of legendary performers that previously broke down doors in TV, film, and stand-up, so discover which funny men make Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele’s respective lists of comedians that left a memorable mark on them.
Statik Selektah will forever go down in history as one of the most legendary producers to grace the rap game. Looking back on his 25-year long music career, the Boston, Massachusetts native and Roc Nation signee gives us hope that real hip-hop will always stand the test of time. From his teenage days DJing high school functions to professionally touring the world and working with all the top MCs, Statik is an inspiration to all those who aspire to turn their dreams into a reality.
Now, Statik returns with his highly-anticipated ninth studio album titled The Balancing Act, speaking volumes to his own responsibilities as an artist, a producer, a DJ, and most importantly, a father. Similar to his previous projects, the 16-track project is STACKED with features including Nas, 2 Chainz, Killer Mike, Jack Harlow, Method Man, Dave East, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Black Thought, Joey Bada$$, Bun B, Paul Wall, and more.
AllHipHop caught up with Statik, who was cooking pasta with his adorable 5-year-old daughter in his home in Brooklyn. He states, “shout out to Johnny Cupcakes, he made his own logo pasta. I got the Premium Pete tomato sauce, all my friends are making pasta now.”
AllHipHop: How are you holding up with everything happening?
Statik Selektah: I’m just relieved the album’s out. It was a challenge to get it finished up in these crazy times, but a lot of moments on the album happened because of what we’re going through. Getting people in the studio, most of this album was done via email. I don’t really like doing it like that, but no choice.
AllHipHop: What moments happened because of COVID?
Statik Selektah: The Jack Harlow record, what he’s talking about on there. That’s a big one. The Nas, Joey record came out different than we intended. They were going to be in the studio together originally, but it didn’t happen. Joey came to me, then we sent Nas the open parts and he did it.
AllHipHop: How’d that collaboration come together?
Statik Selektah: We met up back in January Grammy weekend, I was with Nas and Peter from Mass Appeal. I texted Joey like “yo we over here, come talk about this situation.” Because Nas and Joey been talking about doing a record for a while, but I don’t think Nas ever met Joey until that night. This was January 24th. He came through, we chopped it up. I had to be so clear I needed this as my single. I know each one of them probably wanted to do something for the album. I said “nah, I need this as my first single on Mass Appeal.” It’s full circle for me having Joey who’s my little brother and Nas my big brother. When we had the meeting, man COVID turned the world upside down and the record didn’t get done for months. But it got done and I love it, so it’s all good.
AllHipHop: What does a song like “Keep It Moving” mean during these times?
Statik Selektah: The only way to get through this year is keep it moving. I’ma keep it a buck, we replayed the sample and this girl Tina G who sings on the song came up with that part and sang it. You know what, I’m going to name the song that.
AllHipHop: How was playing it for Dave Chappelle?
Statik Selektah: I went out to Ohio a couple of times in the summer for Camp Chappelle. It was a real dope escape man, what Dave was doing out there for comedy, for music, everything. People already know how great he is, but he saved my year. Very therapeutic going out there, I was going through some personal things at the time. It was everything. First time I went out there, I saw a picture of Nas and Gary Clark Jr. on the wall in his shack. The last night, I told Dave about the record and he said “man I can’t wait to hear it.”
I left the next day and didn’t even know I was going to go back out there, but I got the opportunity another week later. First thing I said when I got out there was “yo I brought the record.” We’re back at his garage, he throws parties at the shack. It’s 2am, he said “can we play it?” There’s already a no phone rule anyways, so yeah why not? He interrupted the party, I think Questlove was DJing. We played it and the whole room — Chris Rock’s there, Louis C.K., everybody’s going crazy to the record. It was the illest way in the world to premiere a record.
AllHipHop: What was it like seeing everyone react to it?
Statik Selektah: It was a moment, it was really dope. She’s putting altoids into salt, what are you doing baby? [talks to daughter]
AllHipHop: She’s so cute! How do you deal with the cuteness?
Statik Selektah: She’s one of one, that’s my best friend right there. Right Harley? You’re my best friend. She’s wearing the Michael Jackson jacket, she loves Michael Jackson. [laughs]
AllHipHop: She playing “Thriller” a lot?
Statik Selektah: 20 times a day. [laughs] She’s on the album. She’s on the last song as Harley Harl.
AllHipHop: Is she usually in the studio with you when you’re cooking up?
Statik Selektah: Nah, she goes there occasionally. She knows her way around the studio.
AllHipHop: Ninth studio album, how are you feeling?
Statik Selektah: I feel good, this album has a certain connection to people. Everybody had a balancing act of a year, it came out at the right time. Timing’s everything, I really appreciate all the love.
AllHipHop: You got legends, you got the current hot artists. Everyone from Nas to Jack Harlow to Bun B, how do you choose who to include?
Statik Selektah: It’s all really the homies. Everybody I got on my album, I consider a friend. I’m obviously a fan of all of them. I didn’t want to force nothing, didn’t want to chase nobody around. It was a very organic album.
AllHipHop: Talk about the cover art and all the layers that it embodies. You’re holding your daughter, I see New York, I see dice.
Statik Selektah: It’s all the different elements, because life is definitely about balance. I live a crazy life. Obviously this year has been more calm because I haven’t toured as much but even before this I’d be with Harley until 8:30pm, then go to the studio and the club. Repeat the next day. On one hand is the dice, the DJ equipment, the city, the bright lights, but at the end of the day, this one‘s the priority. It’s the balance, all parents can relate to that. Especially this year with the homeschooling, which is brutal.
AllHipHop: Besides “Keep It Moving,” What songs mean the most to you and why?
Statik Selektah: Jack Harlow hit a certain note with “Time” definitely, especially when he talks about Mac Miller. “Way Up” is a really personal record because it’s about Pimp C and Prodigy, Havoc hasn’t really touched on that since Prodigy died. When I sent it to Havoc, he got chills. He hit me back like “I needed this.”
AllHipHop: How’s it feel to have a mural in New York?
Statik Selektah: There’s a couple, it’s great. Shout out to Monster Energy and Mass Appeal for making it happen. They got over 700 wheatpastes in the city, it’s everywhere. A billboard went up today in Bushwick, it’s cool.
AllHipHop: Do you miss Boston?
Statik Selektah: I miss certain things. Obviously I miss my family up there, the food. I love the food in Boston, but I’m much more of a New York lifestyle speed. It’s a lot faster here, been here for 16 years.
AllHipHop: You say the album reminds us of how powerful hip hop is. What was the moment you fell in love with hip-hop?
Statik Selektah: Absolutely, A Tribe Called Quest “Scenario” video. I must’ve been 9 years old, whatever that is I want in. I’d heard hip hop before that, but that’s the moment I got sucked into the game. I decided I want to be a DJ when I was 13. Originally, I was buying KRS-One and Tribe Called Quest. As a kid I had the MC Hammer’s, but my favorite was Tribe. To this day, the fact that I’ve got to tour with Q-Tip around the world. When Busta’s part comes on in “Scenario,” I do the verse which is hilarious.
AllHipHop: You’re rapping it?
Statik Selektah: Yeah. That’s part of Tip’s rules, whoever’s DJing has to do the verse when it comes on in “Scenario.” It’s really been me and Scratch, besides Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
AllHipHop: Do you use any analog gear anymore?
Statik Selektah: I’m not good at it, but besides that, not really. Everything’s digital. Vinyl, I sample off records obviously.
AllHipHop: How much do you miss deejaying live?
Statik Selektah: I still DJ every week. I DJed a festival last month, it was really bizarre upstate New York. It was a cult of hippies, mad weird but it was fun. I DJ on my own a lot. Obviously my radio show, I’ve been on Shade 45 for 15 years now.
AllHipHop: I’ve been wanting to show you this! I have a tattoo, it says “Love Is Only A Feeling.”
Statik Selektah: You do? It’s crazy because I thought it was such a sleeper. I looked at the Spotify numbers, that song has 60 million on Spotify. I couldn’t believe that.
AllHipHop: I love that song, can you bring us back to when you made that record?
Statik Selektah: It’s actually a really cool story. We’re in Canada on tour, the driver’s bringing us in an artist van to the show: me, Joey, Kirk Knight. The song’s on the radio, everybody looked at each other like “yo this is fire. What is this?” We Shazamed it, nothing came up and the song ended before we could try to Shazam it again. Oh no! I asked “what radio station is this?” The guy told me. I Googled the radio station, called the station, asked the DJ. It’s a college radio station, the DJ told me what it was. I went home, chopped it up.
While we’re on tour, we rented out Tree Sound in Atlanta. A very young and unheard of at that point, Westside Gunn drove us in the studio from the show, Joey didn’t know who he was. We went in there and did the song, put it out as part of a 3-pack. Everybody loves “500 Benz,” but we really thought “Too Lit” and “500 Benz” were the ones. “Love Is Only A Feeling” performed a lot better. It’s a great song though, shout out to the original group Homeshake too.
AllHipHop: How has your relationship with Joey evolved over the years?
Statik Selektah: I’m so proud of that kid. He’s an old soul. He’s 13 years younger than me but at times, I’ve learned from him. I don’t usually learn from younger cats like that. Joey’s a great dad, he’s an amazing actor. He’s killing it, I’m proud of him. I’m excited for people to hear the new album.
AllHipHop: When’s that coming?
Statik Selektah: It’s like Detox, there’s 40 versions of it. It’s coming. We had a blast making it, we went out to the Bahamas on this top secret trip. We’re riding around with golf carts in this private community. It was shut down because it was hurricane season, the place was deserted. We’re there for 8 days working on the album, incredible experience.
AllHipHop: Someone asked how did you Dreamlife for the first time? Both of them are his biggest inspiration.
Statik Selektah: I met Dreamlife through CJ Fly, he saved a lot of my music. There’s been situations with either Joey, Wiz Khalifa, The Lox, different people and we couldn’t clear a certain sample. Every time he replays it and does something incredible. A lot of this album came out with Vintage Vxndals which is Dreamlife’s crew, original samples so I didn’t have to worry about clearing the samples because it was all original.
AllHipHop: Goals you have for yourself at this point?
Statik Selektah: I got a couple I can’t talk about, the ball’s rolling on them. Definitely more movies and TV stuff as far as scoring and video games. Definitely this 2 Chainz album finally wrapping up, we’ve been working on it for so long. Everybody that hears it goes crazy. I produced 2 Chainz whole album, I’m happy about that. He’s an independent artist now too. Me and Black Thought got something coming.
AllHipHop: I know he’s on the intro track to your album!
Statik Selektah: Yeah, I had to beef with him about that. He wanted to use it for something else and I said “bro, it’s the perfect intro.” I had to send him the last couple of seconds of the song going into the next song, I said “look how perfect it is!” He’s like “since you got it all figured out already…”
AllHipHop: When are we going to see Statik Selektah on Broadway?
Statik Selektah: [laughs] That ain’t my scene. Shout out to Hamilton, I did a remix for one of the songs. I don’t think it got used, but I got to work over there. Shout out to Riggs who put all that together.
AllHipHop: What’s one thing you want fans to get from the project?
Statik Selektah: I want it to be timeless to the point where people hear it and remember what we’re going through now and be appreciative of everything. This year, a new value of life was acknowledged by people. Life is fragile. Hopefully when people go back and listen to these songs years from now, they’re like “oh wow, what a time that was.” It really timestamps 2020.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
Statik Selektah: Appreciate all the love. Keep streaming it. Keep buying it. It’s all love. I really appreciate everybody. The love has been crazy with this album.
Through hustle, resolve and a magnetic persona, Dubbo has transcended Texas’ competitive ranks to command the New York-based label’s attention. The burgeoning rapper has cultivated a strong regional reputation by maximizing his immediate resources and surroundings to manifest his artistic vision. Dubbo’s online music presence is formidable, anchored by boisterous singles, spirited local concerts, and a collection of provocative videos co-starring his close friends and collaborators.
As a part of his deal with Babygrande, Dubbo has struck a joint venture label deal for his Texas-based imprint, Double O Records, which will be helmed by indie executives Donnie Cash and Cady Falkner.
In tandem with Double O Records, Babygrande has also signed producer Zack Ingraham (PKA “Bird”), and his production and studio footprint, The Bird House. Not only is Bird Dubbo’s lead sonic architect, his The Bird House operation is a multifaceted music hub that will supplement Double O Records’ potential through its studio capabilities, artist development arm, content prowess, and more. Under the The Bird House banner, Bird will also be producing a series of producer albums for Babygrande.
Double O Records and The Bird House are two movements that impart a palpable synergy, evidenced by Bird and Dubbo’s extensive collaborative catalogue. The Babygrande expansion comes at an auspicious time for the company, as 2021 will mark the independent label’s 20th anniversary.
“Dubbo is an extraordinary talent and businessman. He built a true machine at The Bird House with his producer Bird and Donnie Cash. It feels great to empower like-minded entrepreneurs that have already demonstrated that they know what it takes to be successful. Babygrande’s role is to nurture and enhance what has already been built. Our network and history in Texas, in Austin and at SXSW dates back decades. This is a great fit for all involved,” says Babygrande CEO, Chuck Wilson.
Commemorating the robust signing, Babygrande Records has released Dubbo’s premiere single and video with the label, “Ben10.”
The raucous Bird-produced record is an apt microcosm for Dubbo’s aesthetic: it’s menacing, ominous, assertive — and it’s incredibly infectious. On “Ben10,” Dubbo personifies the eerie, booming instrumental by delivering a barrage of haunting bars that take the listener down the precarious path of his everyday life. The bubbling rapper’s belligerent flow and cadence vividly depict his reality. Dubbo is well-versed in the trappings of the trenches.
After earning his stripes in Austin, Dubbo is poised to claim his place atop Texas’ iceberg of talent. He’s clawed his way up the ladder, and has a singular mission in mind: to make his Texas Double O movement a worldwide phenomenon. By the sound and vision of his premiere Babygrande Records offering, coupled with his seat at the head of Double O Records’ table and ongoing working relationship with The Bird House, Dubbo’s goals are within sight.
Watch the official “Ben10” video now
Stream / Download “Ben10” – https://babygrande.fanlink.to/ben10
Zeus Rebels Waters leads his new album Long Way From Home with the blazing new single LUV. This powerful new song has speaker moving production along with lyrics that the “real” will “LUV”. Be sure to check out the LUV video on YouTube and streaming everywhere!
Zeus Rebel Waters is an American hip hop artist/songwriter, entrepreneur, single-dad,
community leader and philanthropist. The St. Louis native brings a distinct sound and style to
hip hop known simply as Gumbo – a gritty blend of all genres mixed with melodic cadence and eclectic rhymes.
The indie rapper brings a raw energy to the stage and unleashes it to all his fellow Rebels making his live show an experience of high-intensity, positive vibes. His breakout record “Like This” from the album Escaped Off The Chains received placement in TV commercials, NFL games, the Rogue Pictures film Waist Deep, and hit drama series The Sopranos.
From humble beginnings, Waters has become a major player throughout the bi-state region. Now, the deity rapper is setting his sights on the global market. With business ventures in fashion, film, and community development, Zeus’ imprint goes far beyond bars and tracks. Make no mistake, Zeus Rebel Waters is here!
Contact:
@zeusrebelwaters
@fireehousecreativefactory
Tayla Parx is far more than just a songwriter, she’s a recording artist in her own right. Having lent her strong pen game to Ariana Grande’s“7 Rings” and “thank u, next,” along with
Panic! At The Disco’s double-Platinum “High Hopes,” the Dallas, Texas native knows a thing or two about hit records — and she’s applying it to her own artistry.
Most recently, Tayla unveiled the official music video to her new single titled “Ain’t A Lonely Christmas Song,” in perfect timing for the holidays. AllHipHop was present for the watch party sponsored by Jack Daniels.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the record, Tayla states, “This is one of the first times that I’m spending a Christmas with somebody that really, really means a lot to me — outside of my family, of course. But in a relationship sense, this is our second Christmas together now. I’m like, “Okay! This is awesome. Here we go again’.”
When asked about her favorite iconic Christmas song from one of the greats, she answers with Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” She explains, “I grew up singing that record, it was one of the records I remember hearing every single holiday in my home.”
Watch above and get ready for Christmas!
Chancelor “Chance The Rapper” Bennett has partnered with Facebook’s Oculus Venues for a special concert experience. The three-time Grammy winner will present the 1-hour Chi-Town Christmas film in virtual reality.
Chi-Town Christmas will also be available for streaming on YouTube and Instagram. Chance’s ode to the holiday season and his hometown follows the release of the joint album, Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama: The Gift That Keeps on Giving, with R&B singer Jeremih.
The concert film will include visuals and live vocal performances from Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama: The Gift That Keeps on Giving. Filmed entirely in Chicago, Chi-Town Christmas was written and directed by Chance. Keith Walker is credited as the cinematographer.
Chi-Town Christmas: A virtual concert film by Chance the Rapper also serves as a celebration of Jeremih’s recent recovery from a serious medical battle with COVID-19. The event is scheduled to premiere Friday, December 18 at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT/6 pm PT.
What started as playful banter on social media could actually lead to a biographical television series. Soul legend Dionne Warwick has been using her Twitter account to entertain her followers by interacting with modern-day musicians like Chance The Rapper and The Weeknd.
Teyana Taylor was also one of the contemporary stars that got the Twitter-finger co-sign when Warwick acknowledged the two vocalists closely resemble each other. The 80-year-old superstar then took it a step further by directly tagging Netflix in a tweet about wanting Taylor to portray her in a potential biopic.
“This is a case for @netflix. Please don’t ask who I would cast to play me as it would obviously be @TEYANATAYLOR,” tweeted Warwick along with a video of her asking her fans if they would actually watch a scripted program covering her life and career. The verified Netflix Twitter account replied to Warwick by writing, “taking notes.”
Teyana Taylor, who starred in TV shows such as The Breaks and Hit the Floor as well as Netflix’s The After Party movie, seemed open to the idea of portraying the “I Say a Little Prayer” singer. Taylor simply posted ten raising hands emoji as a quote-tweet reply to Warwick’s video. She also tweeted a clapper board emoji in response to Netflix.
taking ✍️ notes ✍️
— Netflix (@netflix) December 16, 2020
I’ll call ya! ☎️ https://t.co/jIifZt95qw
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) December 16, 2020
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/kvMbriSaPJ
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) December 16, 2020
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) December 17, 2020
The E-40 and Too Short Verzuz matchup is set to take place this Saturday, November 19. Before fans get to experience the two Bay Area icons present their respective music catalogs, both rappers joined forces to release a bundled album on December 18.
Too $hort will be releasing his 22nd solo studio album, Ain’t Gone Do It, via Trunk Productions. E-40 will be releasing his 27th solo studio album, Terms and Conditions, via Heavy on The Grind Entertainment. Both efforts are dropping as one packaged 20-track project.
Ain’t Gone Do It will feature E-40, G-Eazy, Mistah F.A.B., Guapdad 4000, and more. Terms and Conditions will feature Too $hort, Freddie Gibbs, G-Eazy, Brent Faiyaz, and more. The AGDIT/TAC bundle follows E-40 and Too $hort’s collaborative History double album from 2012.
The next Verzuz event is scheduled to begin streaming on Instagram and Apple Music at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. To promote the forthcoming friendly faceoff, $hort and E-40 also filmed video spots with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard.
Too $hort’s Ain’t Gone Do It Tracklist:
E-40’s Terms and Conditions Tracklist:
2020 was a breakout year for Roddy Ricch. He won a Grammy award for his contribution to Nipsey Hussle’s “Racks in the Middle,” spent 18 total weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 chart, and his Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial project moved 1.7 million units.
Ricch was also recognized twice at the Second Annual Apple Music Awards. He won the streaming service’s Top Song of the Year for “The Box” and Top Album of the Year for Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial.
2x Platinum NO DELUXE !! pic.twitter.com/dzZU3Tveii
— Roddy Ricch (@RoddyRicch) November 11, 2020
In celebration of his Apple Music wins, Ricch performed a 16-minute set of his biggest hits. The Compton-raised emcee ran through “War Baby,” “Start Wit Me,” “Rockstar,” “The Box,” “High Fashion,” and “Ballin’.”
“My first phone was the iPhone. It’s crazy making music could get me to the point where a platform like Apple could honor me or put me on a pedestal. I just appreciate Apple Music to the farthest extent,” said Ricch.
The 22-year-old Atlantic recording artist continued, “Winning this award motivates me to work even harder. This is confirmation that I am on the right track and doing what I gotta do to be the greatest in my own right.”
Big Sean appears to enjoy drawing inspiration from 1990s entertainment. Previously, the Detroit native used the Martin television show as a blueprint for his “Play No Games” music video, and he is now paying tribute to classic Black cinema from that era.
The new visuals for the “Body Language” single featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Jhené Aiko is another homage to the Nineties. Sean, Jhené, and TD$ recreate memorable moments from the motion pictures Love Jones, Poetic Justice, Waiting to Exhale, and The Best Man.
Throughout the video, Sean switches back-and-forth between Larenz Tate’s Darius character in Love Jones and Tupac Shakur’s Lucky character in Poetic Justice. Aiko plays Nia Long’s Nina from Love Jones, Janet Jackson’s Justice from Poetic Justice, and Angela Bassett’s Bernadine from Waiting to Exhale.
“Body Language” lives on Big Sean’s fifth studio LP, Detroit 2, which arrived on September 4. The album also features Nipsey Hussle, Post Malone, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, Kash Doll, Dom Kennedy, and more.
After George Floyd’s death on May 25 while in police custody, Lil Baby released his protest song “The Bigger Picture.” The Atlanta rapper has gone beyond just music when it comes to uplifting the Floyd family this year.
According to reports, Baby partnered with former NBA player Stephen Jackson, to help throw a surprise birthday party for Floyd’s 7-year-old daughter, Gianna. They both worked with Restaurant Ten and Rosie’s Café owners, Ericka and William Platt, to plan the celebration.
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was also in attendance. Photos from the party inside Atlanta’s Pink Hotel were posted on Gianna Floyd’s official Instagram page. One of the posts’ caption reads, “Thank you so much @lilbaby_1 for coming and help me celebrate my 7th Birthday.”
46-year-old George Floyd was killed when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes. Jackson, a longtime friend of Floyd, led Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality over the summer.
Chauvin was eventually charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers involved in the situation – Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kuen – were charged with aiding and abetting murder. All four defendants are tentatively set to go to trial on March 8, 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CI4S1UAL8fg/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CI4W-MzrTx0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CI4XGJsLb9Y/
Bosses at America’s HBO Max have bowed to comedian Dave Chappelle’s request to have his old sketch show removed from the streaming service.
“Chappelle’s Show” will be taken off the platform at the end of 2020, weeks after Netflix officials pulled the program from their online offerings out of respect for the funnyman.
During an appearance on Variety’s Virtual FYCFest on Tuesday (December 15th), Casey Bloys, the chief content officer of HBO and HBO Max, explained, “We had a conversation with Dave. I won’t get into it, but it’s very clear that it’s a very unique and specific and emotional issue he’s got.
“So, at the end of the year, December 31st, we’re going to honor his request and take the show down.”
“Chappelle’s Show” originally aired on U.S. cable network Comedy Central from 2003 to 2006, and reruns have proved popular ever since.
However, in late November, Chappelle revealed he had personally reached out to chiefs at Netflix – where he recently premiered a trio of stand-up specials – to drop Chappelle’s Show from their library.
The comedian said he is still annoyed by the deal he signed as a naive young man, granting Comedy Central producers and bosses at its parent company, Viacom, the rights and royalties to his show.
Jada Pinkett Smith wishes she had “held off” on putting her children in the spotlight.
The 49-year-old actress shares Jaden, 22, and Willow, 20, with her husband Will Smith, and has said whilst she’s proud of the things her brood have achieved at young ages – including Jaden’s success as a child actor, and Willow’s#### single “Whip My Hair,” which was released when she was 10 – part of her also regrets how much her kids were “allowed to be in the spotlight”.
Speaking to Willow and her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, on their Facebook Watch show Red Table Talk, Jada said: “Life is unfolding, you know? It really is. We wish we could know everything at once and have all the information that we need, especially when it comes to parenting, right? Fortunately and unfortunately, you just have to go into things to recognize or realize what works and what doesn’t.
“I knew that my children were creatives from day one, OK? I knew that they were not conventional children and that was just going to be a part of their reality because their parents are not conventional at all. You know, Will and I have never really lived conventional lives or had conventional ideas about life. But I would have held off a bit in regards to how much they were allowed to be in the spotlight.”
Despite their early rise to fame, Jada insisted both of her children were prepared for life in the spotlight thanks to the advice their famous parents were able to give them.
“I was very lucky of the combination of the fact that Willow and Jaden had themselves early and they had a certain fortitude to be able to have controversy, to have criticism,” she added. “And so when they came onto social media, they definitely have a different relationship than even I have to social media. They’ve actually taught me a lot in regards to what to pay attention to, what not to pay attention to. And they’ve really helped me navigate my relationship with social media.”
And although the family has faced scrutiny, Adrienne believes it has made them stronger together.
“It makes you stronger because you know what the truth is,” she smiled. “And it’s unfortunate. You have to kind of sit in it and accept it and deal with it. But it seems very unfair. But the world isn’t fair … I think you just learn over time that this is part of it, you know?”
Grammy Award-winning rapper Cardi B. is still at war with a popular blogger who she claims cannot keep the Bronx rapper’s name out of her mouth.
Cardi has been at war with Tasha K., over some salacious comments she made on her YouTube channel unWinewithTashaK in videos accusing Cardi B of being a prostitute and having herpes.
In Cardi’s original lawsuit, which was filed in April of 2019, the rapper claims Tasha K. posted over a dozen videos defaming her with the unfounded allegations.
Tasha K. responded in kind with her own $1 million lawsuit, claiming Cardi B’s fans came at her with gang-related threats, which caused anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression.
Their legal war continues a few weeks ago, as Cardi filed an amended complaint claiming Tasha K. is still spreading lies to ruin her reputation.
The rapper says that on September 18th, 2020 Tasha K. posted comments reiterating her belief that Cardi was nothing but a prostitute who was sleeping around on her husband Offset, and worse, that she had HPV.
In another video titled “Cardi BABY girl. I MEAN baby Bird!” published on September 21st, 2020, Tasha K. supposedly admitted her stories about Cardi were false but she published them anyway.
“You know what’s funny, I make up stories out of thin air, Tasha just makes up stories,” Tasha K. admitted according to the lawsuit. “I knew the s### was fake….I knew they was m############ fake…I still made that s### go m############ okay.”
Cardi B’s lawyer Lisa Moore said Tasha K.’s “defamatory statements have caused embarrassment, humiliation, mental anguish, and emotional distress” and have damaged her profession and industry, including but not limited to among her fans and with prospective business relations.”
Cardi B is asking for at least $75,000 in damages for slander, libel, invasion of privacy (no pun intended), and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Cardi also wants all of Tasha’s profits from the videos, and an order preventing Tasha K. from publishing any statements claiming the rapper has or had herpes or HPV, uses or has used cocaine; that she was engaged in a “debasing act with a beer bottle;” that she has been unfaithful to Offset, or that she was or is a prostitute.
Cardi is also asking the judge to make Tasha K. pay for her attorney fees and a full retraction of her comments.
Lizzo is “still trying to mend” her relationship with food.
The 32-year-old star had to deal with social media backlash this week after sharing a recap of her detox process on Instagram, despite already insisting she wasn’t “doing it for a dramatic weight loss”.
“Your body is perfectly yours, even if it ain’t perfect to anybody else. If you only knew the complexities your body possesses you would be so proud of it…” she said.
“I’m so proud of you. For making it this far in a society that gives us a head start into self-loathing, that hands us a dysmorphic mirror and leaves us desperate to catch up with who we think we should be,” Lizzo said.
“I’ve spent so much time in this body and I am no different than you — still struggling to find balance, still trying to mend my relationship with food, my anxiety, my back fat. It gets easier. I’ve spent my hardest days trying to love me,” the rapper continued.
In another post, the “Truth Hurts” hitmaker noted she “did not starve” herself, and encouraged her followers to “do what you want with your body.”
She wrote: “I detoxed my body and I’m still fat. I love my body and I’m still fat. I’m beautiful and I’m still fat. These things are not mutually exclusive. To the people who look to me, please do not starve yourselves. I did not starve myself.
“I fed myself greens and water and fruit and protein and sunlight. You don’t have to do that to be beautiful or healthy. That was my way. You can do life your way. Remember, despite anything anyone says or does DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR BODY.”
Bay Swag’s newest single “Loyalty & Love” asks the ultimate question: loyalty or love? In weighing out the pros and cons of both, the rising rapper is already onto the next one. He states “I can’t wait until you hear the new s### man, I’ve been working working. It’s about to be crazy.”
Exploding onto the scene in 2018 with his critically-acclaimed single “Saucin,” the New York native showcases his ability to make a banger, while wearing his heart on his sleeve. A raw and vulnerable record dedicated to his father who was sentenced to 85 years in prison, Bay Swag turns his pain into fuel and drive to become the best he can be in both music and his everyday life.
Having toured with the likes of Smooky Margiela and Comethazie, Bay Swag has been staying out the way locked in the studio perfecting his craft, getting better and better with each passing day. Currently signed to Tha Lights Global, the 21-year-old returns to close out the year with a bang — teasing forthcoming records with 2 of the hottest artists in the rap game: Young Thug and Lil Baby.
AllHipHop: How is it in New York?
Bay Swag: It’s real cold, I’m bouta get outta here. It’s too cold for me. I don’t even got a jacket on either, I get sick real quick. It’s 40 degrees.
AllHipHop: “Saucin” was a big record for you, what are your fondest memories from those days?
Bay Swag: It was a vibe. It was so lit around that time. I was young, I’m getting older. Not going to lie my live performances and touring, I’m only getting better and better. Sh-t about to be crazy. Got some new music, some crazy sh-t about to drop.
AllHipHop: “Loyalty & Love” out now, what were you going through recording this? I really felt you.
Bay Swag: Thank you, I appreciate it. When I recorded that, a lot of things happened to me in life. Just life, ups and downs. Whenever I’m going through things, I go in the studio and let it all out. I was going through a lot, my dad got locked up for 85 years. I be dealing with a lot, so I go in the booth.
AllHipHop: Has your dad heard the record? How’s he doing?
Bay Swag: Yeah, he heard it. He likes it a lot. I sent him the video in there. You know they can’t watch it, so I got to send him everything. He’s good. He’s going to be home real soon, God-willing. Everything good, though.
AllHipHop: How important is loyalty and love to you?
Bay Swag: I’ve got a question for you. What would you rather: loyalty or love? That’s what I’m saying. I’d rather loyalty because love isn’t forever. You could say you love somebody, but you won’t love them forever. I feel when you’re loyal to somebody… loyalty is forever. It’s a crazy question. I’d rather loyalty, personally. When you’re loyal to me, you’re one hunnit with me forever.
AllHipHop: How tight is your circle now?
Bay Swag: Real tight. [laughs] Real tight, only day ones. That’s it.
AllHipHop: How many day ones you got?
Bay Swag: It’s about 15 of us, that’s it. These my real brothers from the mud. A lot of things going on out here right now, you’ve got to be on game. Rest in peace King Von, Pop Smoke, all those who died. It’s crazy out here right now, you got to move right.
AllHipHop: Do you ever get sick of your songs that blow up?
Bay Swag: I always do. Even songs I ain’t drop yet, I listen to them so much I don’t want to hear them anymore. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What’s one thing you want fans to get from “Loyalty & Love”?
Bay Swag: Watch your circle, watch the people you’re around. Watch who you bring around, watch who you share your information with because people be hating on the low. They be jealous, they be envious. You’ve got to be careful.
AllHipHop: How did you celebrate your 21st birthday?
Bay Swag: I was with the fam. My birthday landed on Thanksgiving this year so I was chillin’, catching up with the family. I’m lying! I went to Puerto Rico after that. Puerto Rico was super lit. It was a vibe, definitely fun. A lot of things were shut down at an early time but it was cool, I had fun.
AllHipHop: Talk about recording “Tarzana.”
Bay Swag: I made that in Tarzana, in that area. When I was making the song, I was thinking you know, Tarzana’s where all the rich people at. It’s a lot of motivation over there. You see all the nice cars, the big houses. That’s somewhere I want to move my family to one day. Facts.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the shoot?
Bay Swag: Definitely shot in Tarzana. It was crazy, I was on the top of the truck. They’re doing 60mph, but I was on the top of the truck wildin’. [laughs] I was a lil bit [scared], I was holding onto the safety bars.
AllHipHop: Who’s in your Top 5 currently?
Bay Swag: Young Thug, Future, Meek, of course me, and Gunna.
AllHipHop: What’s your favorite Thugger song?
Bay Swag: The new sh-t that we’re about to drop.
AllHipHop: You got a song with Thugger? When’s that coming?
Bay Swag: Yessirskiii, it’s coming real soon. I don’t want to give out no dates, but it’s coming real soon. We did it in LA, it’s about a year old. So crazy, we did that a year ago. It’s ready to get out the stash, I’m ready.
AllHipHop: What was the energy like in the studio?
Bay Swag: It was a vibe, I learned so much from Thug. He’s different, he’s really a GOAT. He teaches me so much about life, about everything. In the studio, he records himself. I watched him record himself, it’s so many things I learned from him. Shout out to Thug, that’s my big brother. We’ve got some sh-t we’re about to drop, about to be crazy.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Bay Swag: I need fruit snacks, my brothers, and my engineer. That’s it, the only things I need. My engineer is going to make sure we get some hits. My brothers are going to give me the vibe, that’s all I need. I don’t like drinking liquor or smoking, none of that. I’m good, I just need my brothers with me.
AllHipHop: Best encounter you had with a fan?
Bay Swag: A girl cried when she saw me before. I was shopping at Rodeo, it’s on Youtube. She caught me, I was with YK Osiris and Lil Tjay. She saw us, it was crazy. She started singing my songs.
AllHipHop: Goals for yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
Bay Swag: After I drop my next couple songs, I’m getting plaques. That’s what I want. I want plaques on the wall, make everybody proud.
AllHipHop: Are we getting a project anytime soon?
Bay Swag: For sure, I’ma drop two more singles. I’m about to drop the Thug song, and I’ve got this song with Lil Baby I’m about to drop too. I’m about to come heavy on em, I’ve got some sh-t.
AllHipHop: Was that song with Lil Baby done in person?
Bay Swag: Nah, I did a verse then we sent it over to him. Shout out to Mally Mall, he put that play together. I’m bouta let all that go though. Top of the new year, I’m coming strong!
AllHipHop: What’s the Lil Baby song called?
Bay Swag: It’s called “All Night Long.” It’s for the girls, for the females. I switched it up a lil bit.
AllHipHop: What’s one thing fans may not know about you?
Bay Swag: I’m real smart. I’m into different things. I’m weird but in a good, smart way. Got to be street smart where I’m from, you’ve got to be.
AllHipHop: Anything else you’d like to let us know?
Bay Swag: Stay tuned. I’m about to come real strong, I’ve got all this music dropping. Don’t forget I told you 2021, it’s my turn. I’ve been chillin’, I’m back though. I’m back.
Moneybagg Yo will be the latest artist Hip-Hop fans will be able to find on the shelves of Walmart and Kroger.
The Memphis rap star is the latest artist to land a deal with popular brand Rap Snacks.
Moneybagg Yo’s is launching a hot onion rings line for Rap Snacks, which he hopes will be seared into fans’ memory.
“Shout out to Rap Snacks. When you see this s### in the store, the bag with a n####’s face on it, aye cop my s###, don’t be hating. Cop my s###, I come from nothing, let’s go,” Moneybagg Yo said, as he munched on his new hot onion rings.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CI1tB3djQ-D/
Rap Snacks is a popular line of potato chips, onion rings, and pork grinds owned by Philadelphia entrepreneur James “Fly” Lindsay and rap mogul Percy “Master P” Miller.
The brand already has almost a dozen Hip-Hop superstars with branded lines of the flavorful potato chips.
Romeo Miller has Bar-B-Quin with My Honey; Migos faces are on Sour Cream With a Dab of Ranch and Fetty Wap’s supporters can enjoy his Honey Jalapeno chips.
Other artists who have personalized brands of chips include Boosie, Trina, Migos, The Notorious B.I.G., and Lil Yachty.
Rap Snacks is also expanding into healthy snacks, through a partnership with Slutty Vegan to produce a vegan chip option for the health buffs.
Rap Snacks was founded by James “Fly” Lindsay in 1994. The company relaunched in 2017, with the backing of Master P.
Currently, Rap Snacks are available in over 4,200 Walmarts around the country, and as previously mentioned Kroger, through a brand new partnership.
“Rap Snacks is so important to us because it’s for the culture. This is something that James visualized years ago that nobody believed, and was able to bring this to life,” Master P said. “This is for our culture, this is about building an empire. This is building entrepreneurship. Most important, giving back to the community. Educating our people on ownership.”
December is almost over, leaving battle rap fans to reflect on the last year of events.
An unprecedented spin-around-the-sun, the culture was sent in a whirlwind trying to find footing during a season of mandated social-distancing rules. No battles meant for some a disconnect to that which gave them meaning. Since battle rap has gained momentum over the last decade, it has become a religion for some, fueled by rap mega-sized congregations yielding millions of views.
In the Ultimate Rap League’s case, this Hip-Hop church is lead by Smack White as the officiant. The host of emcees show up as the liturgical players and the pew is occupied by the fans, the audience, those that used to pay hundreds of dollars to stand for hours to see the “lyrical choir” perform. Just like any other house of worship, you might find on the corner of any urban city block, leagues had to adjust. The owners, who produce these competitions, had to shift their model to virtual, returning to small rooms that were void of the celebratory thunder of crowds.
After a year of figuring out how to make their huge marquee events work in a small setting, URL has brought out the latest edition of their actual small room franchise card, VOLUME 6. And like the politics of any good church, there were some elders on the card determined to keep their position in the front as the artists closest to battle rap glory.
New Jersey’s Arsonal da Rebel and the Bronx’s Goodz da Animal are elders in this culture’s church, reaching as far back as the mid-2000s.
Both have served fans top-level performances throughout their careers, but is it time for them to deliver their battle rap benediction and call it quits?
If fans are basing the decision to retire the two pioneers off of the December 12th card, then the resounding answer has to be “HELL, NO!”
The outstanding performances from Ars and Goodz, men that have dedicated their lives to elite-level competitive emceeing in two different decades, should set the record straight: age actually adds to the whole of what true emcees offer context-wise. Their last matchups proved that lyricism is not merely a contest only for the younguns’, but for grown men that understand the craft.
Ars’ foray against Jerry Wess stands as evidence that the culture still needs him.
Jerry Wess proved to be formidable. The Brooklyn scammer came ready to spar with the big dawg, but with punchlines that landed flat or not hitting as hard as envisioned, his extraordinary effort was no match for the poise and little man-ing that the U Dubb owner was able to demonstrate. *Eff the poise, *Wess was no match for Ars’ performance, witty wordplay, and aggression. While he did not kill homie from ‘We Go Hard,’ he reminded him why he is arguably one of the top ten (maybe five) best battle rappers to ever walk this earth.
VOLUME 6 also afforded the fans an opportunity to see Goodz do communion and baptize his opponent Geechi Gotti in his sacred swag. While this battle was closer than Ars and Wess, it still showed the staying power of slick talk god.
Geechi Gotti, arguably the top battler of the last three years, approached this battle with brilliantly constructed rounds. He continued to demonstrate why he is a fan favorite, carries the West Coast on his back, and was worthy enough to stand in front of a burning bush and not flinch. With a cup of Hennessy in hand, Goodz sipped in remembrance of the other battle rap god (the boul from Philly) that died in his presence and steadily stirred the display towards a Gentlemen’s 30 or a debatable 2-1.
The senior statesmen of the industry were not the only ones showing off.
If it can be said that the pioneers like Ars and Goodz built the House of Smack, then it is also possible to say that their Lionz Den brother K-Shine was right there building walls, hanging drapes, and keeping the lights on.
The “Hurkin’ and Lurkin’” star was set to battle the Great Canadian in an epic David and Goliath contest. Pat Stay has a legendary style. Most of his peers fancy him an anomaly, as he has bars, humor, and crowd control like someone hardly anyone else.
After a year in the making, flubbed up by the 2020 coronavirus, he stood before the NWA founder —ill-prepared to handle the barracuda standing before him. He literally was, as he pointed out in the battle, another “six-foot-w**ger with a death wish.” K-Shine killed Pat Stay with five lyrical stones that basically ended it for him. He literally looked like the Kyle Baker rendering of the old testament story.
Two other junior classmen, who’ve been around long enough to be vets but not yet old enough that people ask why they are still there, were Ill Will and Danny Myers. Ridiculously pegged to be the first battle of the night, these two gave the battle of the night. Seasoned enough by win after win, Ill Will just cannot be stopped. He just is a champion. How he moves, how he engages with others, the charm that follows him during interviews, and even in battle … point to why he just is unbeatable as a contender. After all, he was the UFF champion. Danny was not bowled over. He stood toe-to-toe and tried almost everything in his might to establish his presence in the battle. But Ill Will’s elite pen, performance, and predatory-style of delivery just were not letting up. This is why he and K-Shine are probably the best contenders for Champion’s COTY.
Speaking of COTY, the names B-Dot and Chilla Jones have been at the forefront of the conversation. But after this weekend’s verbal warfare, that honor was sifted from B-Dot, the battler that has been killing it all year. This win for Chilla keeps him in the conversation for the title but was not dynamic enough for him to surpass the work of K-Shine and accolades of Ill Will. What it should do for the Boston King Pen is push him higher up with the collection plate. Let’s get Chilla, the former KOTD champion, a substantial battle on a card where he can move his stock toward the levels of others in his battle rap class.
VOLUME 6, the greatest small room battle event in the culture, rounds off the year on a high note and reminds all of those watching that age ain’t nothing but a number — and with it comes wisdom, work ethic, and drive. Those Lionz Den muthas are proof of that. Let the church say “AMEN!” The card premiered on Caffeine.tv and is now airing as VOD exclusively on the URL.tv app.
Celebrity Couple T.I. and Tiny are officially grandparents.
T.I.’s daughter stepdaughter Zonnique Pullins gave birth to a healthy baby girl last night (December 15th.)
The rapper’s wife/reality show star Tamika “Tiny” Cottle revealed the news on her Instagram along with a sweet message.
“My Gbaby is so fat & cute!! Just as I dreamed she would be!! I told y’all Today was a very Blessed day straight frm God!,” Tiny wrote.
In August of 2020, Zonnique revealed she was expecting the baby with her boyfriend, Baltimore rapper Israel “Bandhunta Izzy” James. The celebrity couple learned Zonnique was expecting a child on her talk show “The Mix.”
During an interview with AllHipHop, T.I. revealed he was very proud of Zonnique and how she has grown into an independent woman over the years.
“She’s a woman, she’s an adult, she works and takes care of herself and has her own business,” T.I. said.
There is no doubt T.I. is happy to be a grandfather, however, he cautions people against using the term, since he is only 40-years-old. He opted for a different title instead.
“Ain’t nobody gonna call me no damn, ‘Granddad,’ ain’t gonna be no ‘Grandpa.’ I’m too young, too fly to be a Granddad. I can’t do that…I can be a ‘Big Dawg’ though,” T.I. joked to AllHipHop.com.
