(AllHipHop News) According to a Federal judge, Kanye West will not appear on the West Virginia presidential ballot in November.
After losing his lawsuit against the state secretary Mac Warner who originally disqualified the rapper in August, it is official that his name will not appear next to Democratic nominee Joe Biden and President Donald Trump at the polls in Mountain State.
Add this latest defeat to a growing list of campaign disappointments.
Kanye West’s road to 1600 Pennsylvania is getting more cumbersome and facetious. Still, he is focused and will not drop out.
The “Jesus Walks” emcee announced that he would officially be entering into the race this July via Twitter but probably did not realize how difficult this would be.
The first obstacle Ye faced in West Virginia was to meet the state’s legislative requirement to gather signatures from at least 1% of the voters from WV’s last general election.
For the last election, which was the 2020 gubernatorial race, the magic number was 7,144. West submitted 15,000 signatures and more than half of them were tossed out because they were illegible or not associated with registered voters.
In a statement, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger said Yeezy “submitted all of his signatures on the absolute deadline for filing,” leaving him “without adequate time to remedy invalidation and submit additional signatures to cure the deficit.”
This seems to be a strategy that Kanye’s campaign has unsuccessfully pushed, considering all of the states that have received his signatures within minutes of the deadline.
Houston recording artist Sean Kiez drops his highly-anticipated single titled “BOTTOM BIHH.”
The animated music video is illustrated by Compton native Marcus D. Newsom, showcasing the importance of having a ride-or-die. The catchy yet soulful track underscores the powerful message of the single, honoring the power of your soulmate to stand strong against all that life throws at you.
The “Bottom Bihh” visual symbolizes life as a maze. Kiez states, “We all go through so many different hurdles and we never know what life will give you. I wanted to show the unity and bond in a relationship. By working together, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”
Comic book artist Newsom took his retro futuristic animation style to capture the “Bottom Bihh” visual, drawing out a unique storyline reflecting the ups and down rollercoaster that comes with this thing called life.
Acknowledging the good and the bad — whether that’s coming up on a real opportunity or struggling with debt, law enforcement, addiction, etc. — Kiez’s single displays the importance in having a partner who can support you and go through it with you to the very end.
While cartoon Kiez becomes his own superhero in the video, there’s also animated cameos of his inspirations including the legendary Master P, Amber Rose, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Snoop and more.
(AllHipHop News) Cardi B has split from Offset, her man of many years. She has also filed for divorce.
“I’ve been trying to work things out with my baby’s father for a hot minute now,” Cardi in a video on Instagram. “We’re really good friends and we’re really good business partners … we’ve got a lot of love for each other but things just having been working out between us for a long time. And it’s nobody’s fault, I guess we just grew out of love, but we’re not together anymore.”
Fabian Secon is your new favorite artist out of London. The UK singer-songwriter is a breath of fresh air in the music industry, producing and writing all his own music. Some people may call it “sad boy music,” but he prefers to coin his own genre. “His own art,” to be exact.
With his American father from New York in the States and his Bajan mother from Barbados, the 23-year-old grew up to the likes of Eminem and 50 Cent — which he admits is weird given the softer side he showcases through singing in his music. Most recently, he celebrates his 2018 standout single “What Do I Live For” hitting 2 million streams on Spotify — completely independent with no major backing.
Focused on creating timeless records, he returns with his new single and visual for “9 Deep Breaths,” reminding the masses of the healing power in music. The lyrics are a true reminder that we’re all going through real-life struggles such as anxiety and negative thoughts swarming your mind, but we have the strength to overcome it.
AllHipHop caught up with Fabian Secon to discuss how he got his start in music, “What Do I Live For” being the perfect song, “9 Deep Breaths” being inspired by anxiety, his favorite artists, and more!
AllHipHop: Talk about being influenced by real MCs coming up.
Obviously I sing so when people hear my music, they probably can’t even hear those influences in it. That’s what makes it cool, because a lot of stuff I listened to growing up weren’t singers. Eminem, 50 Cent, Nelly, some English rappers. Ed Sheeren and Coldplay are the singers I listened to, but more so a lot of rap.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize you wanted to do music as a career?
Fabian Secon: I was always around music because my dad’s a producer and songwriter. I was always around the studio when I was little. I remember he used to take me to sessions. I used to play football, I was into sports. I always did music for fun as a little hobby. When I got to 18, I thought “s##t okay.” Football wasn’t working out so okay, so might as well do music seriously. I was always good at it so age 18 is when I really started taking it seriously.
AllHipHop: Fabian is your real name, did you ever consider another name?
Fabian Secon: At first, I used to call myself little nicknames when I was doing music for fun. Actually when I first started doing music for fun, I was more rapping. I used to have little street names but when I started singing, it’s always cool to have your own name. All the singers I like, Chris Martin (Coldplay) or whoever, they have their own names. I figured it was cool.
AllHipHop: How’s it feel to have “What Do I Live For” hit 2 million streams on Spotify alone?
Fabian Secon: That was real cool. It’s obviously one of my favorite songs personally, which is cool because it’s one of the biggest songs I have. It’s sick. When I first put it out, I was nervous because it’s quite a deep song. Just by the title, people are quite taken aback by it sometimes. Especially when you listen to it, it’s quite a deep song. I remember the night I put it out, I’m like “oh s##t.” It’s an uncomfortable feeling at first when you put out something like that, that you’re going to get judged on and people might not understand fully. That’s why I’m so happy with it because it was worth the risk.
AllHipHop: You just released your single “9 Deep Breaths,” what were you going through when you recorded this one?
Fabian Secon: It was a weird time when we had lockdown. I haven’t really made anything in awhile, sometimes I’ll go for a period where I don’t make music. I need to find some inspiration, music’s the furthest thing from my mind. It was random. One day, “you know what let me make something.” I’d use past experiences. Whether it’s something I’m going through at the time or in the past, I always like to take real things and put it in the music. The anxiety symptoms I go through, I always wanted to touch on it but I wasn’t ever sure how to describe it. “9 Deep Breaths” was a cool title because it’s describing a physical system, but then a bit of a mysterious title because you don’t know what it means until you really dive into the song.
AllHipHop: How does music help your anxiety?
Fabian Secon: Being in the music industry and having to deal with everything that goes with it probably increased my anxiety. It’s a stressful business to be in. Everyone’s business is difficult, but obviously music is very stressful. On one hand, it made it worse at times. But by actually writing about it and getting everything out, helped. It gives you that release. Some things that are harder to speak about, are easier to write and sing about. It’s a weird one, it’s 50/50. When people talk about making sad songs or songs about their feelings, yeah it’s a great release but at the same time, doing music is also stressful too. It goes both ways.
AllHipHop: Do you produce all your own stuff?
Fabian Secon: Yeah, nowadays not everything. If I went through my entire catalog of music that’s up, I’d say 90%. It’s always me now. In the past, I worked with a producer for a song called “Everything” I did recently, and a song called “Grateful” with the same producer. In general, it’s always me. If it’s not me, then with one other person. I like to make my own stuff. Only 2 or 3 producers I’ve worked with have really zoned in on what I’m really about.
For me to make my own beats, I’m the person who knows myself the best, so it makes sense I make my own stuff. My dad bought me equipment for my 18th birthday. I’ll experiment with different types of music but the last couple of years, I’ve really been able to make my own style with the beats. I know how to make the Fabian beat if that makes sense.
AllHipHop: What’s a Fabian kind of beat?
Fabian Secon: I’ve had 2 sides for a while. One was more aggressive with songs like “Girl Named Stacy.” I got a song called “Annihilation” which is a bit more the darker, metal side, then I have the piano ballads like “What Do I Live For,” “9 Deep Breaths” or “Defeated.”
I was picking between the harder beats and the piano but right now, I’m slowed down with the harder beats. Really and truly, the piano ballads and all the slower songs do better for me, they hit a bit harder. You can call it sad pianos, very simple. I don’t like to have too many things going on with the beat because I want my voice to be the extra instrument, rather than having so many things going on and it be confusing.
AllHipHop: What’s your favorite sad song of yours?
Fabian Secon: It has to “What Do I Live For” it has to be. To me, that’s the perfect song. If there’s a perfect song of mine, that’s the perfect song. I always say I don’t think I’ll ever be able to beat it, which I always want to beat it. Every song I do, I want to be as good as possible. If I’m making a track, I can’t put it out unless I really think “this is the best I could’ve done.”
I’d rather wait and keep going till I get something I’m happy with. I’d never want to put out a song where I thought I could do better, it doesn’t really sit well with my spirit. When I first made “9 Deep Breaths,” I said this is my favorite. But “What Do I Live For” has something extra special about it. By the title and the atmosphere, that’s the best one.
Fabian Secon: I’m a weird one because for me, I prefer one off songs. It’s probably a reflection of how the music industry is, most people don’t release great projects in general. Obviously there are artists who release great albums but the whole landscape of music right now isn’t “let me make a great album.” It’s very single-lead, singles singles singles.
I can say artists in the past if I have to pick in the last couple years, probably XXXTentacion. That’s someone who I really liked his music. Juice WRLD was really good as well. I like Kodak Black, a few UK rappers. I like these guys called D-Block Europe, Young Adz and Dirtbike LB are cool. If I hear a song, then I like it. That’s how I am now. I don’t zone in on artists as much, which is sad. When I was younger, I was really heavily into artists.
AllHipHop: What can we expect next?
Fabian Secon: Next, did a couple collabs in the pipeline. I’ve hardly done any in my career or any that’s out. I’ve been so picky in general. When I first started, I was trying to collab with more like rappers, get my name around that sense but that’s a long time ago. Now since I got my own stuff together, I’ve been really picky.
I really want the artist to be in a similar pocket to me so it can make sense. A couple of collabs I’m working on that should definitely push my music in different places it hasn’t been before. Carrying on, making the best music I can. Everything needs to develop, keep on trying to create more and more really.
(AllHipHop News) The man accused of pulling the trigger and killing Jam Master Jay inside of his Hollis, Queens studio has launched a petition to clear his name.
Jay’s nephew Boe Scaggz was also present on the scene, but he maintains he came into the studio during the aftermath of the deadly shooting, which took Jay’s life at the age of 37.
Witnesses to the shooting said two assailants were buzzed into the studio, as Jay sat on a couch playing video games with Rincon.
A “look out” and another gunman open fire killing Jay and wounding Rincon, who was shot in the leg by a stray bullet resulting in a minor injury.
“For all those that believe in me and my innocence, I sincerely and humbly thank you,” Karl “Lil D” Jordan said. “I wish I could express to the world that I did not do this. For all those that think I did it, please be realistic. Again, thanks and continue to share and support.”
So far, over 1,500 people have signed the Change.org petition.
One person who is not in support of the petition was Jam Master Jay’s associate Teddy Allen who is the brother of Jay’s business partner, Randy Allen.
While Teddy was not present in the studio, sources say he was on the scene shortly after hearing about Jay’s murder.
Teddy Allen insisted that Tinard Washington had already admitted to multiple people that Yadi was the triggerman who accompanied him to the studio the night Jam Master Jay was killed.
And while many vouched for Yadi’s character, few mentioned he alleged ties to a street gang and the Federal charges for supposedly dealing multiple-kilos of cocaine.
And, a source told AllHipHop.com Yadi may have been involved in an altercation which resulted in the shooting of Jay’s nephew Boe Scaggz in May of 2003.
But these allegations against Yadi do not fully explain the reactions of those present in Jay’s studio or their lack of cooperation in the aftermath and over the last 18 years.
For instance, no one has yet to explain why the surveillance tapes of the studio were mysteriously erased, or re-recorded over.
In October of 2013, Detective Vincent Santangelo, the NYPD’s lead detective on the case, deemed the surveillance tapes “useless.”
“When we went to go and take that tape and view it, it was an old tape,” Detective Santangelo told PIX11. “It looked like springtime.”
Jay’s nephew Boe, who was one of those present, confirmed the studio used the cameras strictly to monitor who was buzzed in and out.
And the Feds also believe Washington was involved in the murder of Tupac’s former associate, Randy “Stretch” Walker.
So far, only two suspects have been charged, but the Feds may have more charges coming according to the indictment, which reads:
“Karl Jordan Jr., also known as ‘Little D’ and ‘Noid,’ and Ronald Washington, also known as ‘Tinard’… together with others, with malice aforethought, did unlawfully kill Jason Mizell, also known as ‘Jam Master Jay.'”
(AllHipHop News) Cardi B’s “Wap” and Maluma’s Hawai have topped Billboard’s inaugural Global charts.
The new countdown ranks songs based on streaming and sales data from more than 200 territories.
“WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, is the first number one on the Billboard Global 200 while Maluma’s#### tops the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
The former is inclusive of worldwide songs, while the latter includes all territories except the U.S.
BTS’ “Dynamite” ranks at two on the Billboard Global 200, while 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” Maluma’s “Hawai,” and Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” featuring Lil Durk complete the first Top Five.
Meanwhile, Cardi B’s “Wap” has returned to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 as The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” ties a Top Five record.
(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop has taken some heavy losses this year as 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory. DJ Lord Yoda X, a member of the Universal Zulu Nation and legendary Crash Crew, has passed away.
DJ Lord Yoda X was a legend with few peer that hailed from Harlem, NY. In 1977, he joined the Crash Crew as a DJ in the collective of Hip-Hop aficionados.
Lord Yoda X, nee Kenny Smith, was beloved by all that knew him and that showed in the condolences that poured in social media.
MC Debbie Dee, a Hip-Hop pioneer, said, “This morning I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our hip hop (Zulu) brother, Yoda! I know he was passionately working on several projects and I hope they still come to pass! Prayers and condolences to his natural family and all those that worked with and knew him for decades in the hip hop family! RIP Yoda.”
Photographer and Hip-Hop historian Ernie Paniccioli made remarks as well, giving context to the vast contributions of DJ Lord Yoda X.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our brother Lord Yorda X of the Mighty Zulu Nation. He has been part of the hip hop scene with many of the Pioneers including the Mighty Crash Crew. I was just with him and Pow Wow of Soul Sonic Force as part of the people’s campaign to feed the community and the Zulu Reunion and was to meet with him at the Peoples Church with the Young lords in East Harlem but I wasn’t feeling well. Brother Reggie Mitchell was there Friday with him and called me to deliver the news. I was just making a comment on a friend’s page being grateful because I knew someone nadid not wake today among the living but in the land of the Ancestors and little did I know it would be Lord Yorda may he rest in power.
In an interview, he described his style of DJing. “I was reckless, I was the type of cat that wanted to do the old wild back spinning and other crazy stuff,” he told thafoundation.com. He said he would later temper that style, guidance from a fellow member of The Crash Crew.
Later in his career, Yoda would manage rap legends Rob Base and E Z Rock as well as start his own indie label.
DJ Lord Yoda X will be missed and AllHipHop offers sincere condolences.
(AllHipHop News) Rap music used to be everything to young emcees that had microphone fiend dreams.
That was until a Queens hustler named Russell Simmons showed the world that being a Hip-Hop mogul is possible and lucrative, opening the door for artists like 50 Cent to be more than rappers — but businessmen too.
The G-Unit head and “Power” co-creator took to social media to announce that he would be working on two new series with STARZ: a drama based on Nicole Lynn’s life and an anthology based out of rap culture.
Nicole Lynn is a Black professional sports agent — a woman in a world seeping with toxic masculinity. Lynn will serve as an executive producer on the show that will tell a fictionalized version of her life, according to Deadline.
As an agent, she represents NFL players, softball players, music acts, and has her certification for the NBA.
Lynn is also the first Black woman to represent a top NFL draft pick. The series will also have “Snowfall’s” Tash Grey as an exec producer.
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West called himself “the new Moses” as he went on a Twitter rant on Monday night, telling fans he won’t release any new music until he’s released from his record label contract.
The 43-year-old rapper, who is also running for U.S. president in the upcoming November election, started his storm of tweets as he began:
“I’m not putting no more music out till I’m done with my contract with Sony and Universal … On God … in Jesus name … come and get me.”
He continued: “I’m not industry bro … I don’t care… I’m in service to Christ … we need world healing … I miss my brothers… I refuse to argue with black men on labels we don’t own… even twitter.
“I have the utmost respect for all brothers … we need to link and respect each other… no more dissing each other on labels we don’t own. Let’s stop killing each other … let’s show God that we are Gods people … my ego gets the best of me too… God doesn’t measure us by money in his kingdom … let’s love each other… I love my brothers and I miss my friends … real talk.”
Kanye also tweeted, “I’m the 2nd richest black man in America … I need all my people with me for us to get free”, but decided to delete that post as he added: “I deleted that tweet about riches… the wealth is in our love of family and our brothers and our service to God … let’s rise up… let’s communicate.”
He went on: “I need to see everybody’s contracts at Universal and Sony. I’m not gonna watch my people be enslaved. I’m putting my life on the line for my people. The music industry and the NBA are modern day slave ships. I’m the new Moses.”
Concluding his rant, the “Stronger” star told fans that they need to “evolve” and “use government money” to “buy land” and property, before adding: “My kids gonna own my masters.”
(AllHipHop Rumors) It looks like we now know the reason why Tory Lanez has yet to be charged in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. It seems like Megan Thee Stallion has opted not to testify against the man that shot her twice! I think social media has gotten to Megan and she does not want to be perceived as a snitch! Those rat emojis worked! Maybe there is some money settlement in the works?
I personally believe that this is ALL malarkey! We are a society that has to change the rules within the community. The man shot a woman. That is unacceptable in any civilized culture, including Hip-Hop. I believe Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion. Why? Because Megan Thee Stallion got on Instagram live and said Tory Lanez shot her! Now that is not in a court of law but isn’t that evidence? Doesn’t that mean something?
Maybe not! There’s more to this as well. Recently Tory Lanez’s bodyguard went on record by saying that his client is not violent towards women but he did not speak specifically about the Megan Thee Stallion situation. So I don’t think that’s anything really. Part of what may have caused this issue is the fact that allegedly (you like how I used allegedly there – LOL) Tory Lanez was sleeping with Megan Thee Stallion’s best friend. Nobody really knows what this means but it just seems to add more smoke to the fire. The question is: Will Tory Lanez be charged in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion? Despite the internets rat emoji’s, I think we need to see some justice in this because it’s set a dangerous precedent in violence against women. And we can’t have that!
(AllHipHop Rumors) If I didn’t know better I would think Roy Jones, Jr. was scared to fight Iron Mike Tyson! The reality is their highly-touted exhibition boxing bout has been postponed, and Roy is exhibiting all the signs of fear. In a recent interview, the former champ says that he may have made a mistake agreeing to fight with Mike Tyson. They were originally supposed to fight this month but in an effort to get a larger audience promoters pushed back the bout. Supposedly.
With the November 28 fight looming, the 51-year-old former heavyweight champ is expressing his concerns. Now, I know some of you are not boxing fans but if you look back you will see that Roy Jones has consistently called out Mike Tyson, 54, for a fight. That time was quite a while ago, but he did want to fight. Now that they are getting older I think Rory understands that speed is the first thing that goes with boxers. Roy is known for his speed and Mike is known for his power! This is an exhibition match so I don’t think we should be expecting to see something like Ivan Drago and Apollo Creed in Rocky 4! But the videos we have seen on social media suggest that this is a real fight. And, Mike Tyson has suggested that he wants to inflict pain on his opponent. With Roy Jones being that opponent I think it is enough to make Roy frightened. What can Roy do? Be a man and go out on his shield!
Most people like myself would never get into the ring with a Mike Tyson no matter what. Now, granted I would get in there if I could for say $3 million but that’s about it. Mike is known to want to push nose bones into brain tissue and that’s a bit much for me. I know Roy Jones is scared but I think they will continue to reinforce that this is an exhibition and not a real fight. On the flip side, this could be a tactic to lull Tyson into a false sense of confidence and then BOOM….upset for Roy. Either way, I am pretty sure that these guys are so competitive that it will turn into some kind of exciting bout for fans!
(AllHipHop News) Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj’s new hubby, will get a five-month delay in his upcoming criminal trial.
Petty is being hauled into court after moving to California and failed to register as a sex offender.
In 1995, Petty was convicted for felony attempted rape in Queens, NY.
According to the United States Department of Justice, “Sex offender registration and notification programs are important for public safety purposes. Sex offender registration is a system for monitoring and tracking sex offenders following their release into the community.”
Petty appealed for mercy from the court and asked for more time so his lawyers can prepare his case to defend him according to the New York Daily News.
Once granted, Petty stated, “I voluntarily agree with the continuance of the trial date and give up my right to be brought to trial earlier than February 23, 2021.”
This also allows him to spend time with Nicki who is pregnant with their first child.
The prosecution did not oppose the continuance. The new date for Kenneth Petty’s trial is February 23, 2021.
(AllHipHop News) Congratulations go out to Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones. The Quality Control Music representative’s sophomore studio LP My Turn is now certified 2x-Platinum in the United States.
My Turn became the first album to be recognized by the RIAA for selling 2 million units in 2020. In celebration of reaching that milestone, Lil Baby released the music video for “Forget That” featuring his 4PF label artist Rylo Rodriguez.
The Atlanta-raised rhymer also garnered widespread praise for his charity single “The Bigger Picture” which focused on the Black Lives Matter movement against systemic racism. By peaking at #3, “The Bigger Picture” is currently Lil Baby’s highest-charting single on the Hot 100 for his career.
(AllHipHop Features) Where would modern-day rap music be without production teams such as The Bomb Squad, The Hitmen, Organized Noize, Beats by the Pound, The Neptunes, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, DJ Paul and Juicy J, The Heatmakerz, Cool & Dre, and other factions laying the foundation for future generations of beatmakers to build their own empire?
Austin “Ayo The Producer” Owens and James “KEYZBABY” Foye III worked their way into the conversation about producers who have grabbed the torch from their predecessors and are now marching alongside them as they help shape the sound of contemporary Hip Hop. On August 7 of this year, Ayo N Keyz marked their names in music history forever.
That was the date Cardi B released her international hit “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Ayo N Keyz were the minds behind the soundscape used for the sex-positive anthem which had viral-hopeful TikTok users doing splits and puritanical political figures clutching their pearls.
“WAP” also hit the top spot in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Greece. Plus, the song has led Spotify’s Top 200 global daily chart for more than 30 days by collecting 240 million total streams on the platform in just five weeks. Ayo N Keyz also saw their names at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Producers chart as a result of “WAP” becoming the most popular song in America.
Owens and Foye’s Frank Ski-sampling track is a certified triumph, but the two musicians are not ready to extinguish their blazing torch just yet. Even before producing Cardi B’s “Bickenhead” in 2018 and Chris Brown’s “Proof” in 2015, Ayo N Keyz established the UpperClassmen Music Group which is giving them the opportunity to develop future stars.
I recently spoke to Ayo The Producer by phone to talk about UpperClassmen Music Group, the internet-breaking commotion surrounding “WAP,” what’s coming next from the songwriter/engineer, and more.
AllHipHop: Can you just talk about the early stages in your career and how you got into the business?
Ayo: Music first started for me… well, I was really born into it. My dad used to play in a band. He also played in church. My mom was a singer in church. One year, rather than buying me a drumset they couldn’t afford, they bought me drumsticks. From there, I ended up joining the band in middle school and high school. Then in high school, my oldest brother used to produce, but I didn’t know what it was. I just knew he had a real passion for it. I was like, “Whatever he’s doing, I want to do that.” Sometime before that, somebody in the church told me that I would make my family millions through music. So that just confirmed everything. From there, I started producing. Me and Keyz started our company in 2012. We’ve just been working ever since.
AllHipHop: So you and Keyz started working together around 2012?
Ayo: I went to Atlanta with a mutual friend who was going to school down there. At the time, we stayed at Keyz’s house. We didn’t even know who he was. We hit it off and built such a vibe from having similar backgrounds and, of course, a similar passion. The music we were making back then was dope. Or, at least, dope to us. We were like, “We might as well start our own team. Let’s be partners.” That was how it all got started.
AllHipHop: Were there any producers, engineers, or anybody in the industry you looked to as a model or inspiration?
Ayo: Absolutely. It was a lot of duos like The Runners, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Pop & Oak. Other producers as well like Bryan-Michael Cox and Timbaland. It’s crazy. These are the producers that we looked up to, and now we’re able to build with them in music and outside of it. So it’s just been crazy how everything works.
AllHipHop: What would you say was the song that broke you and exposed you to the greater industry?
Ayo: Our very first placement together is a song called “Let’s Talk.” It was by Omarion featuring Rick Ross. That was the song where we felt like we’re doing this for real. We watched and mimicked the habits of these other producers. Now that we’re doing it ourselves, it was like, “We got it. This is it. Let’s keep it going.” Like they say, you never forget your first.
AllHipHop: You guys went on to work with Beyoncé [on “Bow Down/I Been On”]. Can you talk about how that happened?
Ayo: The Beyoncé play was from Keyz’s side before we really put it all together. That was with one of his mentors, this producer named Polo da Don, who also co-produced with Sonny Digital, a super-dope producer in Atlanta as well.
AllHipHop: You also got to work with Cardi [on “WAP”]. Can you just talk about that experience? I know you worked with her before on “Bickenhead.”
Ayo: The first time we met Cardi B was right during her Love & Hip Hop days. She hosted a club down here. I just started doing music. I introduced myself back then. Of course, she don’t remember it or remembers me. [laughs] It’s perceived or looks like it was overnight for her, but once you get to that level, it’s hard to keep in touch with anybody. People are changing their numbers once, twice a year. With this particular Cardi situation, we had a mutual friend. I was like, “Yo, we’ve been working on some music that I really think will be dope for Cardi.” He showed her. From there, we ended up getting a call from the Chairman at Atlantic Records, like, “Hey, we’re thinking about making a single. Can you make a few variations for her to choose from?” Honestly, like moments later, the song was out.
AllHipHop: Before “WAP” came out, Cardi mentioned that she had some controversial things coming. She kept giving hints about what her next era was going to be, then when the song came out there was a lot of controversy around it. Overwhelmingly, there was a lot of positive energy behind the song. But what were your thoughts when you saw people like Ben Shapiro and other conservatives being so bothered by the song?
Ayo: Of course, at first, I was worried about what was about to happen. But then, again, that verified the influence those two women have. We’re talking about releasing music, and you got conservative politicians reaching out, speaking out like, “Cardi B supports Joe Biden, and this is the music she’s making. Is this who you want to represent your company?” It’s just like, “Y’all are really going to reach that far?” They know that Cardi B has impact. That’s what they’re really worried about. It’s just dope to be behind something like that. Especially, during these times when we know voting is so important.
AllHipHop: How did you guys pick that sample [of Frank Ski’s 1993 single “W##### in This House”]? That’s such a classic club song. It fits perfectly with the theme of “WAP.” How did you guys come up with the concept?
Ayo: I feel like at every club or party there’s going to be this moment where you’re going to hear the Frank Ski song, you’re going to hear [69 Boyz’s] “Tootsee Roll,” you’re going to hear Ying Yang Twins. That’s like the evolution of Twerk music. That’s what it was. Me and Keyz like to go out and have our fun. But when we’re in a club, we’re listening to what people react to. Even the first song we did with Cardi B – “Bickenhead” – where we flipped [Project Pat’s] “Chickenhead,” it’s these classic moments in Hip Hop. It was like, “Okay, how can we take that and make it a 2020 moment.” That’s what this song was for us.
AllHipHop: Have you done any other songs with her?
Ayo: We probably have… [laughs]
AllHipHop: Can you talk about anything else you’ve been working on outside of Cardi?
Ayo: There is one really big project that will be released in the next month or so. I just did this project called A Born Winner. It’s an album featuring nothing but professional athletes. It was something I put together with a great group of people. We really wanted to help give some of these athletes a voice and also change the perspective that, as a person, you’re not just confined to a title. I feel like a lot of times athletes like LeBron James get this concentration that’s like, “Just shut up and bounce the ball.” Nah, these people are humans just like us. If they have other things that fulfill a purpose or something that they want to express, we want to help be that platform and also help them express it on a major level. I’m super excited about that. And of course, we have our own company, UpperClassmen Music Group. We’re developing our own talent. We signed a dope artist by the name of Asia Graves. We’re helping to cultivate and mold the next generation of producers and songwriters.
AllHipHop: Have you thought about putting out your own project?
Ayo: Yeah, I wanted to do that. I feel like this athlete’s project is my way of doing it. I produced the whole thing. I’ve just been really treating this like my baby. We’ve been working on it for almost two years now.
AllHipHop: How did you select which athletes were going to be part of the project?
Ayo: I think it’s just been watching and observing which ones have been passionate about it over the years. It’s also going back. For instance, you’re the first person to hear this, but we got a feature from Shaq. We know he was killing it before. He went Gold and Platinum as an athlete and artist. We had to reach out and just have him bless this project. It’s crazy, man.
AllHipHop: Finally, I just want to know your thoughts on the success of “WAP.” What’s your reaction to the impact the song has had?
Ayo: The first initial reaction was anxiety, just trying to process something like this on this level for the first time. But also, processing it in a way but still being prepared and understanding like, “Hey, this isn’t it.” [I can’t think,] “I got what I needed, that’s it. I can sit back.” Nah, there’s still more work to be done. The first Number One is special, but I think the second one is the one that really matters. Like, “We really do these. It wasn’t just a stroke of luck.”
(AllHipHop News) DJ Khaled is teaming with ESPN. The long-running cable sports network announced a new association with the Grammy-winning producer for Monday Night Football.
Khaled will curate music that will play in Monday Night Football promotional spots, live telecasts, and pre-game shows. The tracks are said to reflect the “energy, intensity, and storylines” of select MNF games on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
“I’m excited to collaborate with the NFL and ESPN again as we celebrate the return of the 2020 season,” said DJ Khaled in a statement. “Last year was a movie, kicking off the Super Bowl in Miami and now I am providing the vibes for fans everywhere as a music curator for Monday Night Football. From working with ESPN in their creative campaign ‘READY FOR FOOTBALL’ to providing the soundtrack for the NFL season – this is going to be epic.”
Welcome @espn and @ESPNDeportes to the WE THE BEST family! 🙌🏽 All season long I’m bringing the hottest music to the world during Monday Night Football. 🔥🔥 TAP IN pic.twitter.com/a2rviuiEaq
The DJ Khaled/ESPN collaboration kicks off with the Chiefs-Ravens matchup on September 28. DJ Khaled will also select a song specifically celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for the Chargers-Saints game on October 12.
“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with DJ Khaled to curate music for Monday Night Football throughout the season,” said Emeka Ofodile, Vice President of Sports Marketing, ESPN. “Music is one of the greatest tools we have to connect with fans, and the NFL on ESPN brand is a place to work with some of the best DJs and producers in the industry.”
Ofodile continued, “This curatorial role really resonated with audiences when we first introduced it with Diplo last year, and this year, we’re tapping into DJ Khaled’s talent and influence at the intersection of sports and music to provide this season’s soundtrack.”
(AllHipHop News) In August, news broke that Chicago-raised entertainer Chance The Rapper was partnering with Ralph Lauren and Snapchat to create a digital Bitmoji collection. The deal also included Lil Chano giving a special online performance from the Ralph Lauren Chicago Flagship Store.
That pre-recorded presentation was broadcast last night (August 14). “Ralph Lauren x Chance The Rapper” streamed on the artist’s and the fashion company’s various social media channels. The 28-minute set features the Grammy winner performing tracks from Acid Rap, Coloring Book, and The Big Day.
Chance has a history of uniting his professional brand with Ralph Lauren. He wore an RRL shirt on the cover of his 2016 mixtape Coloring Book and at Ralph Lauren’s 50th Anniversary Fashion Show in 2018.
“Music and fashion to me have always been interlinked. Ralph Lauren has always been one of my favorite designers, right by my side for some of my favorite moments in my career and personal life. This intimate virtual concert ties together all the greatest events of my life and allows me to sing about them the way I always wanted to,” stated Chance prior to the show.
(AllHipHop News) One celebrity couple seems to be ready to call it quits.After four years of marriage, William Ray Norwood Jr. wants to officially separate from Princess Love.
Reports claim the “Let It Go” singer filed for dissolution of marriage in Los Angeles County Court on September 14. Ray J’s filing came two months after Love requested to dismiss her own divorce filing which gave the appearance the couple had reconciled.
The Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood reality show stars have two children together. Apparently, Ray J is seeking joint custody of their 9-month-old son Epik Ray and two-year-old daughter Melody Love.
Four weeks ago, Ray J presented a personal message for Princess on his Instagram page. He wrote, “Happy Birthday my love! I’m so happy and blessed to spend today with you and our family. God is the greatest! Everybody [please] wish my wife @princesslove #HAPPYBIRTHDAY.”
The Raytroniks founder’s most recent Instagram content has included promotional posts for his show The Conversation on the Zeus Network. Norwood is credited as an executive producer for the series.
Ray J even shouted out Princess Love in a recent IG post connected to The Conversation. The first three episodes of the program covered Ray and Princess’s tumultuous relationship. Part 1 of The Conversation: Masika & Hazel E premiered on September 6. The second part is now available on the platform too.
(AllHipHop News) Megan Thee Stallion is currently dealing with two different scandals reportedly involving former male companions. Firstly, the Hot Girl Coach responded to gossip that she use to abuse her ex-boyfriend and that behavior was somehow connected to her 2015 arrest in Austin, Texas.
Karim York’s name hit the internet this week after blogs ran stories claiming he wrote a message accusing Megan Pete of attacking him while they were in a relationship. Meg took to Instagram to dispel the rumors.
“So, I just saw some bullsh*t talking about – and I know who it is and they really they antagonize me every day online. They pick with me every g###### day. They’re always making up stories about me. And now I really feel like I’m gonna have to start doing something about it because you b*tches are really crazy,” said Meg in an IG Live video.
The “WAP” hitmaker also played a recorded conversation between herself and York where he seems to admit his statement was not about Megan. She later added, “Stop lying on me. That n*gga’s not talking about me. Stop putting n*ggas on me. Stop making stories up. F*ck y’all, because I’m gonna hit you with the facts every time you tell a lie.”
In addition,Heavy is out with a new article claiming to have more information about the violent incident involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. Last month, Megan publicly named Lanez as the person that shot her in the foot on July 12 in Hollywood Hills, California.
A “source close to the situation” reportedly told the outlet that the argument was actually between Megan and her close friend Kelsey Nicole, who was also in the car at the time of the shooting. The unnamed individual alleged the gunfire directed at Megan was an accident, not intentional.
“It wasn’t Tory and Megan arguing in the car, it was Megan and Kelsey arguing because they found out that night that they were both sleeping with Tory when Megan got jealous over Kylie [Jenner]. That’s why they are no longer friends and had the big falling out. They almost came to blows in the car because everyone was drunk. It was a big mess,” the source supposedly explained to Heavy.
This new defense for Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) comes after alleged text messages between he and Megan were released. The Canadian singer/rapper blamed his actions the night of the shooting on being too drunk. The supposed texts did not include Lanez admitting to firing a gun at Megan but they did include him offering the 25-year-old woman an apology.
Tory Lanez was arrested at the scene for possession of a concealed weapon. Local authorities later released him on $35,000 bail. Megan is said to be reluctant to assist the Los Angeles Police Department in possibly pursuing a felony assault charge against her attacker. As of press time, Lanez has not publicly addressed the matter.
(AllHipHop News) “WAP” is once again the most popular song in America. Cardi B’s controversial sex-positive song featuring Megan Thee Stallion jumped back to #1 on the Hot 100 chart this week.
With 48.2 million streams and 16,000 downloads in the United States, “WAP” lept over BTS’s “Dynamite” to reclaim the Hot 100 crown. The K-Pop group’s latest single led the rankings for the prior two weeks.
“WAP” has now spent 3 total weeks at the peak of the Hot 100. Cardi continues to extend her record for most all-time weeks at #1 for a female rapper (14 weeks). She also holds the record for most all-time Number Ones for a female rapper (4).
Besides having the top record in America, Cardi and Megan can also claim to have the biggest song in the world right now. Billboard recently announced “WAP” as the first #1 on its new Global 200 chart.
So far, “WAP” has peaked at #1 on the official charts of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Greece. It broke into the Top 10 of numerous other countries as well. Plus, the track has dominated Spotify and Apple Music’s respective global charts for the last month.
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West is back to his old ways. The self-described Christian took to Twitter to share his views on various topics, including some thoughts about two of his Hip Hop peers.
“I need a [public] apology from J. Cole and Drake to start with immediately… I’m Nat Turner… I’m fighting for us,” wrote West in a now-deleted tweet. The G.O.O.D. Music founder did not specifically explain exactly why the Platinum-selling rappers should apologize to him.
While demanding an apology, West also called for unity among Black artists. In his series of tweets, he blasted the music industry and the NBA by calling them “modern-day slaves ships.” West even called himself the “new Moses” in one tweet.
“I’m not industry bro … I don’t care… I’m in service to Christ … we need world healing … I miss my brothers… I refuse to argue with Black men on labels we don’t own… even Twitter,” wrote West. “I have the utmost respect for all brothers … we need to link and respect each other… no more dissing each other on labels we don’t own.”
The 43-year-old billionaire added, “Let’s stop killing each other … let’s show God that we are [God’s] people … my ego gets the best of me too… God doesn’t measure us by money in his kingdom … let’s love each other… I love my brothers and I miss my friends … real talk.”
Kanye West’s five-hour tweetfest also included him posting messages about Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Steve Stoute, Travis Scott, McDonald’s, Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, and more. Some of the tweets have since been deleted.
