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Big Gov- ‘Son of Southwest’

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Music
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(AllHipHop Music) Recording artist, producer and actor Big Gov has released his latest album, ‘Son of Southwest.’  

The highly-anticipated album holds 18 records combining impeccable word play and storytelling lyrical depth; ranging from self-produced bops like “On The Line” to heartfelt, message-oriented tracks such as “Blue Tears” (Long Live Ermias). 

Without question, this Southwest classic will become an essential keepsake for Hip Hop enthusiasts nationwide. 

The ‘Son Of Southwest’ album is sprinkled with a unmatched mixture of upbeat west coast style production and just the right amount of smooth vocals sang by Detroit’s own Pierre Anthony and more.

Guest producers on the project include Rohnnie ”Ghetti808” Price, Terrance Riley Schlenz, K.I.D.D. Tha Producer, Steve “Check” Varner, and last, but not least the one and only Royce da 5’9.

Take a listen to ‘Son of Southwest’ below!

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Snoop Dogg & Rosario Dawson Host Innovative New TV Show

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg and Rosario Dawson are teaming up as judges on a wild new talent competition series.

The stars will join country singer Jennifer Nettles and host Bert Kreischer for the “Go-Big Show,” which has begun production at the Macon Coliseum in Georgia under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.

The judges and talent show hopefuls are all isolating together for the duration of production.

“While the 7,000 seats within the arena will remain empty during tapings, the show’s lively indoor festivities will extend outdoors to TV’s first-ever, interactive drive-in audience,” a press release reads. “Spectators will cheer for their favorite competitors in real time during a socially-distanced tailgate party just outside the venue which follows Macon-Bibb County Commission’s Covid-safety mandates.”

“‘The Go-Big Show’ celebrates unique, untraditional and unforgettable American talent,” said Corie Henson, the head of unscripted programming for U.S. networks TBS, TNT and truTV. “Each contestant brings tremendous heart and swagger, which also perfectly describes Bert and our judges, a dream team of larger-than-life talent.”

The show promises monster trucks, alligator trainers, stunt archery and other “radical feats”, and celebrates daring acts.

The winner will receive a $100,000 prize.

The show will debut on TBS in 2021.

Wyclef Signs Battle Rapper Arsonal da Rebel To Management Deal

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) After selling close to 10 million albums in America alone, it is safe to say that Wyclef Jean has the Midas touch.

He knows a hit. He knows a winner.

He knows how to add just a little bit of sauce and make a song like “No, No, No” which was struggling to chart by a new group named Destiny’s Child, and turn it into a platinum hit within a few months thanks to a Jerry Wonda remix.

You can say that he participated in shifting the “destiny” of Black music culture as that song was also Beyoncé’s first platinum hit. And it came from the Haitian Fugees’ frontman.

But what has the Earl of Hip-Hop Royalty been up to lately?

His management company has been committed to investing in promising talent, checking for individuals so brilliant that it would be hard for the people to deny.

Such is the case for his new artist, Arsonal da Rebel.

On September 4th, Arsonal dropped his debut album with the Haitian notable, titled Underrated.

An astute fan might wonder, “Wait … but isn’t Arsonal a battle rapper … from New Jersey?”

That is correct. Arsonal made his name in battle rap by competing on Fight Klub, Lionz Den, Grind Time, The Ultimate Rap League, King of The Dot, Rare Breed Entertainment, and his own UDubb Network.

But for years, especially since touring with the likes of Fetty Wap and recording with Chris Brown, The Source’s battler of the decade, has proven that he is radio-ready and stream-steady.

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A fact that Clef concurs.

To debut the album, he enlisted help from some of his Jersey brothers, Tsu Surf and Shotgun Suge, on the lead single, “Proceed with Caution.”

Wyclef holds down the production and also appears in the video.

The video is cutting edge — taking obvious cues from the hit show on FX Networks, “Archer.”

Shwayze Reveals “Corona and Lime” Was Originally Intended For will.i.am

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Features
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Shwayze is a legend in his own right. When you think of viral hits “Buzzin’” and “Corona and Lime” released one decade ago, nostalgia instantly ensues.

This wasn’t just a moment in music history, but an era of our lives attached with nothing but priceless memories and good times. He just released his new album, “Surf Trap” which has us buzzin’ all over again.

Nicknamed the “King of Summer” by his loyal fanbase, Shwayze, real name Aaron Smith creates feel-good music for the summertime specifically, but a vibe for all year round. Coming up in Malibu and embodying the definition of beach vibes, Shwayze pushes positivity, living in the moment, and of course, his unwavering love for cannabis.

Most recently, the 35-year-old dropped his new project titled Surf Trap, mixing his roots in the beach and the melodies and drums of today’s trap wave that’s taken over the rap game. He also collaborated with Common Kings on a new anthem titled “California Day,” helping listeners get through quarantine.

AllHipHop caught up with Shwayze at the Kandypens house in Los Angeles, who revealed “Corona and Lime” was actually originally for will.i.am, also speaking on how cannabis improves his life and the dish on his latest album, which is currently on itunes and spotify.

AllHipHop: Do you think “Buzzin” or “Corona and Lime” was bigger?

Shwayze: No one’s ever asked me that question before. I think “Corona & Lime” was bigger, it got higher on the charts. “Buzzin’,” I liked more. That vibe was on some cool sh-t. “Corona & Lime” was actually a pitch that Cisco did to will.i.am for his album. Our album was done, I heard it and said “oh, we should use that for our sh-t.” He said “well let me see.” He sent it to will.i.am, he didn’t f-ck with it. Then I hopped on it and made it our album. It’s dope, it was a last minute song.

AllHipHop: That sounds like some industry sh-t, were you in the industry like that?

Shwayze: Cisco was, he was pitching stuff at the time. He’s pitching songs and working with other artists.

AllHipHop: It’s crazy to think what if will took it, and you didn’t make that song?

Shwayze: Yeah, I’m sure it woulda been big with bro.

AllHipHop: What memories do you remember from “Corona & Lime”?

Shwayze: Not many. [laughs] I drank, smoke weed, but I wasn’t crazy. That weed fog is real. It was cool man, two kids from Malibu making a name for ourselves.

AllHipHop: New album Surf Trap out now! How was working with producer Paul Couture?

Shwayze: Paul and I met years ago in Texas, set up by his manager at the time. I went in the studio, we made a song that night, and we went and performed it on stage. I had a tour two days later, I said “you’re dope as f-ck, come on tour with me.” He got his sh-t together and came on tour with me for a month. Since then, we’ve been homies. Almost 10 years. On this album, I wanted to come together with him and create something that’s really hip-hop. That’s what he specializes in, but with my touches and my beach vibe.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from Surf Trap?

Shwayze: For fans to see my versatility. My hardcore fans do know what’s up because they’ve seen all my side projects, but there are fans that only know “Buzzin’” and “Corona and Lime” still. No matter how many albums I come out with, which is cool but it makes me love those fans who rock with me much more. I love any fan, obviously “Buzzin’” and “Corona and Lime” will put you in a vibe so that’s awesome. On this, I want those people who don’t know my sh-t to be like “okay, he’s doing all kinds of sh-t. That beachy sh-t, that reggae sh-t, that hip-hop sh-t, that rock sh-t.”

AllHipHop: How much are you smoking in a day?

Shwayze: I actually don’t smoke that much. s##t, it depends. Smokers will think I don’t smoke that much, but people who don’t smoke will think I smoke too much. I smoke probably less than an eighth a day. I go through a few joints. I’ll wake up and hit a joint, get some work done. Work out, get another joint later. I smoke maybe 4 joints throughout the day. If I’m feeling really inspired, I might roll something crazy.

AllHipHop: Do you work out high?

Shwayze: Definitely, I love working out high. I love waking up and getting super stoney, that’s when I get in the zone. I’m zoned out, I put the headphones in. I’m not trying to talk to nobody at the gym. That’s the worst, when you have to “heyyy, what’s going down? Oh yeah, everything’s good.”

AllHipHop: The gyms aren’t open, so what are you doing?

Shwayze: I’ve been doing some HIIT workouts, high intensity. 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats. I try to do it all in 10 minutes, knock it out. I’ve only been doing it for a few days, I’m on day 2. [laughs] But I do work out. I’ve been slacking though, not going to lie.

AllHipHop: Indica or Sativa?

Shwayze: Sativa. Sometimes an Indica will surprise me though. I’ll hit an Indica, I’m like “damn, that sh-t’s on point.” Sometimes I’ll hit an Indica and it’ll give me energy, it depends. But mainly sativa.

AllHipHop: What can we expect from the “SWAY” visual?

Shwayze: I did a fan-compiled video, where all my fans sent in videos of them singing and dancing to the song, so that exists already. I want to make a mini-movie with all the Surf Trap songs, because they all tell a story and go together. I’m definitely doing that on my next project, but I might do it for this as well.

AllHipHop: How has shooting in quarantine been for you?

Shwayze: Shooting in quarantine has made us more resilient. I’m shooting with really small crews or shooting with my cell phone, still making it happen. A lot of things are happening online, sending sh-t back and forth to my editors. Work’s still getting done, just in a new way.

Download Shwayze’s Surf Trap album on Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple Music.

Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff Launch “Fresh Prince” Mansion On Airbnb

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Will Smith teamed up with his pal Jazzy Jeff to launch the mansion from his much-loved TV show “The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air” on Airbnb.

Smith, who starred in the 90s sitcom about a teenager from a rough neighborhood who is sent to live with his rich relatives, Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian, will return with the cast in a one-off HBO Max special to mark its 30th anniversary.

And, ahead of the special, the owners of the iconic TV home have listed it on Airbnb, making one wing of the mansion available to stay in for five nights at a bargain of $30 a night in October.

The actor and his former co-star got together to pose for a selfie outside the palatial home, which is actually in Brentwood, Los Angeles, to promote the offer to fans.

Will posted the selfie on his Instagram page, adding the caption: “YOOOO!! Y’all think we should rent out the @freshprince house?? We’re making it happen with the squad at @airbnb!! #FreshPrince30th.” The official Fresh Prince account replied: “Home sweet home!”

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

The Airbnb website describes it as “The Freshest Los Angeles Mansion Around” which is “hosted by Will.”

And he says in the home description: “It’s your crib for the night, so feel free to act like you own the place… My wing of the mansion includes my bedroom (great for naps), a full bathroom (great for spitting bars in the shower), pool area (great for dips), an outdoor lounge, and the dining room (great for eating obviously). And you gotta do it like my guy DJ Jazzy Jeff so don’t forget your sunglasses!”

Will recently reunited with his former “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” co-star Janet Hubert, who played the original Aunt Viv last Thursday, seemingly putting an end to their decades-long feud.

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Stormzy Uses UK Schools To Debut Video For “Superheroes”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Stormzy has debuted the new animated video for his song “Superheroes” in school classrooms.

The video for the track, the latest single to be taken from the British rapper’s 2019 album, Heavy Is the Head.

The “Vossi Bop” hitmaker chose to screen the clip first in the classrooms of U.K. schools.

Directed by British director Taz Tron Delix, the animated visual garners inspiration from children’s films, whilst also honoring many modern-day superheroes including black British musicians Dave, Little Simz, and Manchester United and England soccer star Marcus Rashford.

Produced by AoD and Jay Weathers, Stormzy’s lyrics also tip hats to the novel “Noughts and Crosses,” written by Malorie Blackman, and tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams.

The clip is dedicated to the memory of late Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman.

In a short pre-recorded speech, which accompanied the broadcast of the “Superheroes” video in schools, Stormzy said: “I wanted to show it to you guys first (because) being students at school, I think it’s important that you guys understand how powerful you are…

“Despite the color of your skin, despite where you come from, despite your religion, despite whatever it is that you feel may be holding you back: you are a superhero.

“So, I wanted to make this video to inspire you guys, to let you know that the sky is the limit. To let you know that all those things inside of you, make you incredible.”

Snoop Dogg Goes Off On Racist President Trump

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg has branded U.S. leader President Donald Trump a racist after accusing him of “disrespecting every color.”

The rapper slammed the Republican, accusing him of showing prejudices towards various cultures, women, veterans and members of the transgender community.

“So, me and my homeboys sittin’ up here talkin’ about all the people that President Trump disrespected,” he said in a video post. “Women, gays, transgenders, blacks, Mexicans, Asians, and now veterans.”

He adds, “Hmmm. Seems like he’s disrespecting every color in the world and everything that ain’t what he is, which is a racist.”

The “Gin & Juice” hitmaker also called out those who voted for the former host of “The Apprentice.”

“With that being said, the people that voted for him got exactly what they wanted,” he added. “They gave them what he said he was gon’ do.”

Snoop concluded his statement with a message for the next person to step into the Oval Office.

“So, the next motherf##ker, you better tell us what we gon’ get for your vote. You better show up and deliver, period. We just want some peace, love, equality, and tranquillity for everybody. All lives. Just basic conversation. Now carry on.”

Trump will fight to stay in office against Democrat Joe Biden in November.

Wale Enlists Fans To Help Get Adele Sample Cleared

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rapper Wale has recruited his Twitter fans to help bring a song sample request to Adele’s attention.

Wale reached out to his social media followers to make his request.

“Y’all think Adele would clear a sample for me?? Help me y’all,” he wrote.

Fans were quick to jump on the task, while others suggested Wale use his previous business connections to Jay-Z and his Roc Nation management label to convince Adele to sign off on the request.

“Tell her you know HOV (Jay-Z). That makes you Beyonce adjacent,” one Twitter user replied, referencing Adele’s love for the rap mogul’s superstar wife.

Wale hasn’t revealed which of the British soul sensation’s tracks he is hoping to revamp, but suggests it may be a daring ask, after indicating singer Gavin DeGraw nixed another sample plan.

“Aye I wanted to do a gogo version of Gavin Degraw ‘chariot’,” he tweeted. “Like I had a plan to try bounce beat and traditional… but sometimes your ideas sound wild to people.”

Adele has yet to publicly comment on the online appeal but the collaboration would no doubt be epic. 

Luh Kel Recruits Queen Naija For “Want You” Single

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Turran “Luh Kel” Coleman is set to drop his 14-track album L.O.V.E. (Loss Of Valuable Emotions) on October 23. A precursor to the project arrived in the form of “Want You.”

Luh Kel’s latest single features R&B songstress Queen Naija. The 18-year-old singer/songwriter previously scored Gold plaques for “Pull Up” and “BRB.” His 2019 breakout record “Wrong” earned Platinum status.

“Wrong” has already surpassed the 150 million streams mark on Spotify. Plus, the song’s official music video racked up over 100 million views on YouTube. The Cinematic Music Group recording artist managed to pull those stats without the backing of a major label.

“When I’m making music, it’s like a diary. It keeps me sane and keeps me on good levels and healthy mentally,” explains Lul Kel. “A lot of people like melodic rap, love songs… But they really don’t compare to the type of songs I make. That’s what attracts a lot of people.”

The St. Louis-bred teenager began singing at the age of two. He would later draw inspiration from Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Tank, PnB Rock, and more. The former ProjecX boy band member studied his predecessors with the hopes of one day being in the spotlight like them.

“For me, it’s always been my dream since I was a little kid. I just wanted to do it all my life,” says Luh Kel. “I used to look at artists and wanted to be in that position. I used to watch videos, performances, all of that.”

Luh Kel’s “Want You” was produced by Morgan Matthews. L.O.V.E. is expected to also contain production by Jonny Shipes and Scott Storch. Besides Queen Naija, the upcoming album will host collaborations with other featured guests as well.

Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” Listed As First No. 1 Song On Billboard Global 200 Chart

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion continue to make history with their smash record “WAP.” After hitting #1 in several countries, including the United States, the Ayo N Keyz-produced single has been named the most popular song on Earth at the moment.

This week saw the introduction of the inaugural Billboard Global 200 chart. “WAP” landed in the pole position on the American publication’s first worldwide musical hierarchy.

The verified Billboard Charts Twitter account tweeted:

For the first time, @billboard is launching two authoritative charts ranking the top songs globally. The new weekly charts, the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S., are based on worldwide streams and download sales. The Billboard Global 200 is inclusive of all songs worldwide, while the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. focuses on all territories outside the United States. Both charts collate sales and streaming data from more than 200 territories, with rankings based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of leading digital platforms, and downloads from key online music retailers.

Cardi B’s “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with a record-breaking 93 million first-week streams in the US. The track has also spent more than 30 days as the leader of Spotify’s Top 200 global daily chart with over 233 million total streams to date.

T.I. Pays Up Hefty Sum To SEC After Getting Swindled In Cryptocurrency Fraud

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rapper T.I. has recently gotten himself in trouble after he was caught up in a web of deception that got the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission,

Film producer Ryan Felton created a pair of unregistered and fraudulent, per the SEC, initial coin offerings (ICOs). Reports say, he then recruited rapper and actor Tip Harris and three others to promote the two ICOs. T.I. was accused of breaking the law and selling fraudulent cryptocurrency investments but has agreed to pay a $75,00 fee to settle the matter. The other individuals have agreed to settlements to resolve the charges against them. Felton has not. 

Alleged victims say that two companies, FLiK and CoinSpark, worked a “deception” that misled those individuals that invested in the cryptocurrency

The SEC contends that, in 2017, T.I. promoted and sold FLiK tokens on his social media platforms, leading his millions of followers to believe that he was a co-owner of the cryptocurrency company.

T.I.’s social media manager was the actual culprit, and that person allegedly offered and sold FLiK tokens on T.I.’s social media accounts. A pair of other men, Chance White and Owen Smith, pushed SPARK tokens but failed to disclose they were promised payment if they did. 

These tokens were sold as “investment contracts” and told that this would move like “Netflix on the blockchain,” a streaming platform where people could purchase products, services, and other commodities with the FLiK tokens.

His partner, Felton did not do that.

Instead, Felton purchased a Ferrari sports car, million-dollar him, diamonds, and other wares, the SEC claims. T.I. was apparently unaware and blind-sided by the deception. At 39, T.I. has amassed a weighty empire and, AllHipHop sources say he would not jeopardize his reputation ripping his fans off.

Since Felton has refused to cooperate or settle with the SEC, he will likely face a heavy legal battle in the future. 

Travis Scott Discusses People “Finally” Paying Attention To Racial Oppression

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Earlier this summer, Travis Scott spoke out about the social unrest taking place in the United States. An episode of Scott’s WAV Radio show on Apple Music included him discussing the global activism in the wake of George Floyd being killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25.

That embrace of the Black Lives Matter movement by Scott was a turn from his previous opinion on the 2014 police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. At the time, Scott blasted some Black people for acting like what he called “fake activists.” He also suggested Brown deserved to “pay for consequences he probably inflicted.” 

In July of this year, the 29-year-old hitmaker held himself accountable for his past comments by stating, “And just even for myself, whether I was young or might’ve said the wrong thing, or might’ve just been misinformed, or just might’ve just been so young, having other words on my mind, not even noticing that like, ‘Yo, man. It’s a one and two with this thing.'” 

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Scott once again shared his thoughts on the ongoing fight for equality in America. As part of a new cover story for The Face magazine, the JackBoys frontman offered to do more work to help end police violence and systemic racism.

“People are finally seeing the oppression that’s been happening and overlooked, and that we, as a culture, have been fighting through every day,” said Scott. “We got a voice to try to make change. Allow me to help in any way.”

The Face‘s Volume 4, Issue 4 featuring Travis Scott is part of the publication’s first full relaunch since 2004. Acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle shot the latest cover. Scott and LaChapelle previously worked together for the music superstar’s AstroWorld album imagery.

Watch G Herbo & Chance The Rapper’s Stripped-Down Live Performance Of “PTSD”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Herbert Randall Wright III is definitely on the radar of The Recording Academy. The organization that presents the annual Grammy Awards tapped the rapper better known as G Herbo for a special performance.

The Chicago-raised rhymer presented a live rendition of this Gold-certified single “PTSD” as part of the Academy’s “Press Play” series. Herbo was joined by a live band and fellow Chicagoan Chance The Rapper for the three-and-a-half-minute set.

“PTSD” lives on G Herbo’s 2020 studio album of the same name. The original version of the song also features Juice WRLD and Lil Uzi Vert. The “Press Play” video opens with a tribute to the late Juice WRLD (born Jarad Higgins) who passed away from a reported drug overdose in 2019.

Herbo dropped PTSD in February. The 14-track LP earned the 24-year-old entertainer his first entry on the Hot 100 chart and his first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 chart. He later let loose a deluxe edition with an additional 14 tracks.

After speaking out about dealing with his own mental health issues, G Herbo did more than just make a project about the topic. The Epic Records affiliate partnered with Audiomack to launch the Swervin’ Through Stress program which works to connect Black young adults with therapeutic resources.

Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez Addresses The Company’s Partnership With The NFL

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) The 2020 professional football season is underway. As the players return to the field, there are still some people that take issue with the fact that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation partnered with the NFL in 2019 despite former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick not being signed by a team.

“Why would I sell out? I’m already rich, don’t make no sense. Got more money than Goodell, a whole NFL bench. Did it one-handed like Odell, handcuffed to a jail. I would’ve stayed on the sideline if they could’ve tackled that sh*t themselves,” rapped Jay-Z on Jay Electronica’s “Flux Capacitor” song.

Alicia Keys, who is managed by Roc Nation, connected her personal brand to the NFL as well. The Grammy-winning singer teamed with the league to create a $1 billion endowment fund for Black businesses and communities. She also performed the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the Kansas City Chiefs versus Houston Texans game.

In addition, the NFL incorporated references to African-Americans that have been killed by law enforcement into its broadcast. The tributes to Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmed Arbery, Alton Sterling, Amadou Diallo, Michael Brown, Philando Castille, and others were part of the Inspire Change initiative.

“The Inspire Change program has been around for four years, and they’ve done a lot of work in Black communities and with criminal justice reform and social justice and different organizations that they’ve worked with, but I don’t know if they’ve been able to rise to the level of how we did it last night,” said Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez .”And I think that takes collaboration and cooperation from everyone to say, ‘This is how we’re going to move this forward.’”

Last year, Jay-Z was met with negative reactions when he stated, “I think we’ve moved past kneeling. I think it’s time for action.” Some critics took that message as a slight towards Kaepernick who was essentially barred from the chance to be an NFL quarterback after sparking the “Take A Knee” protests against racial injustice during the playing of the American national anthem.

In her interview with Billboard, Perez admitted the NFL can still do more in its efforts to dismantle systemic racism. She somewhat echoed Jay-Z’s comments from 2019 by mentioning the need for more action to ensure social justice for all United States citizens.

“I think in this war on racism, the first step is declaring your values,” said Perez. “And then the next step is taking action. And it has to be tangible. It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be an uncomfortable space. But once you’re in that space and you start to make change, it’s so gratifying. And I think we, Roc Nation, want to be part of that. That’s our biggest motivation in all of this.”

 

Akademiks Offers An Explanation For 6ix9ine’s Low Album Sales For ‘TattleTales’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Tekashi 6ix9ine claimed he is the biggest artist in the world and suggested he would move more first-week units than Lil Uzi Vert. It appears trolling your peers online and disrespecting deceased rappers does not lead to an A-list level of album sales. 

For the record, Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake launched in March with 288,000 units in its first week of release. 6ix9ine’s TattleTales opened with only 53,000 units, placing the controversial public figure at #4 on this week’s Billboard 200.

The projections for TattleTales fluctuated throughout the week. At first, forecasters had 6ix9ine coming in with over 100,000 units. That prediction quickly fell to 40,000-50,000 units then it slipped to 35,000-45,000 units before rising to 55,000-65,000 units in the final days.

Tattletales amassed 33 million on-demand streams in its first week of release. In comparison, Uzi’s Eternal Atake brought in 400 million first-week streams. Big Sean’s Detroit 2 took the #1 spot over Tattletales with 103,000 units and 94 million streams.

Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon (75,000 units, #2) and Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die (57,000 units, #3) followed Detroit 2 on the Billboard 200 rankings. Both Hip Hop artists passed away before their latest LPs were released.

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Akademiks, a frequent promotor of 6ix9ine, took to Twitter to address his friend’s lower than expected final sales. The Everyday Struggle host seemed to blame TattleTales flopping on the music industry turning on Tekashi for his constant insulting antics, snitching in open court, and fostering negativity in the culture.

“The sad state of affairs for 6ix9ine is that he’s effectively blackballed … something that most thought was impossible in the Internet era. He’s rubbed 99% of the [people] wit power in the culture the wrong way… sh*tted on those that [he] eventually would need and isolated hella fans,” tweeted Akademiks.

He added, “6ix9ine might as well go independent, being on a label means nothing if you’re blackballed. All the strings they could pull for you are out of reach and can’t happen regardless.. so why be on a label? These days a label is not only a bank but [your] access card to industry benefits.”

Big Sean Celebrates Scoring His Third No. 1 Album With ‘Detroit 2’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) The final numbers are in. Big Sean’s Detroit 2 brought in 103,000 first-week units which were enough sales for the emcee to land at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Detroit 2 gave Sean his third #1 album of his career. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam representative’s Dark Sky Paradise in 2015 and I Decided in 2017 also peaked in the top sport of the tally.

Sean wrote on Instagram:

Thank you! I sacrificed my privacy, I put so many emotions and lessons I learned the hard way into this music and gave a honest glimpse into my heart! it wasn’t easy, nights I thought of Offing myslef cause Life was too heavy, but the lock in was worth it! Had to remember if I’m still here and so many aren’t, it’s for reason. My goal was to inspire YOU to turn yourself up in all ways, Mind, Body, n Soul. Life isn’t promised as we can see, so HAVE FUN and thank you so much for the #1 album for a 3rd time in a row! Let’s KEEP GOING, Why Would I stop?! #Detroit2 ✊

For his latest project, Big Sean worked with Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Young Thug, Diddy, Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Kash Doll, and more. The late Nipsey Hussle appeared on the track “Deep Reverence.” Hit-Boy served as an executive producer for the LP.

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Watch Patti LaBelle Vs Gladys Knight ‘Verzuz’ Event

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) On Sunday evening, two iconic R&B/Soul vocalists came together at Philadelphia’s The Fillmore venue. Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle took part in the latest edition of Verzuz.

Labelle performed songs such as “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven),” “My Love, Sweet Love,” and “New Attitude.” Knight ran through records such as “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and “Love Overboard.”

Fellow R&B legend Dionne Warwick made a surprise appearance at the event. After streaming live on Instagram and Apple Music, Patti LaBelle vs Gladys Knight is now available on Revolt’s YouTube channel. 

Previously, the Swizz Beatz and Timbaland-curated Verzuz presented matchups like RZA vs DJ Premier, Teddy Riley vs Babyface, Erykah Badu vs Jill Scott, Bounty Killer vs Beenie Man, Alicia Keys vs John Legend, DMX vs Snoop Dogg, and Brandy vs Monica.

Amir Windom Reflects On His Experience In Music & Entertainment Industries

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Features
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Photo courtesy of Amir Windom

(AllHipHop Features) Grammy award-winning music, TV, film, and entertainment executive Amir Windom is certainly one of today’s prominent young leaders and creative minds.

From A&R to film music supervision, Windom has become a force to be reckoned with.

Hailing from Atlanta Georgia, Windom has been able to add value to every space and position he’s in. The young executive has continuously been a part of bodies of work that are timeless, quality, and culture-defining.

Amir’s distinguished career has provided him opportunities to creatively contribute to numerous Grammy Award-winning songs, albums and film soundtracks that have sold millions of records and won many awards.

He’s also had a hand in developing global marketing campaigns for major brands like The Coca-Cola Company, Kodak, ESPN, and more.

Amir has worked in all aspects of the music business working at historic record labels as a key piece in the careers of some of today’s biggest and brightest stars including Bruno Mars, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, and many more. 

Some of his latest successful ventures include the launch of the Black News Channel and the film ‘Canal Street.’

You have a pretty cool story about your entry into the music industry. Talk about how you got your start?

Amir Windom: But my big break was when I went to FAMU to play football and realized that I wasn’t pro material after my freshman year. My sister was working at Capitol Records and she was in charge of the Howard University Yardfest Concert. I went to shadow her and met Chris Sainsbury (Bad Boy) and Deidre Graham who was at Def Jam at the time. Got their info, stayed in touch and worked my way into a internship at Bad Boy. And while I was interning at Bad Boy, I was building a closer relationship with Deidre, who ultimately introduced me to Kevin Liles, who ultimately gave me my first official job in the music biz. 17 Years later, I’ve won Grammys, platinum plaques, worked with some greats and it was all because people like Kevin Liles, my sister, Deidre Graham, Chris Sainsbury and others gave me a shot.

Looking back, do you feel like you were destined to be in the music business especially coming from a musical family?

Amir Windom: I feel like when I came out my mom’s womb, the first thing I saw the doctor, my mom, my dad and the music biz was standing right there too. Ha. My dad was a known name in the jazz industry and also a drummer. He started the Atlanta Jazz Festival in 1978. It’s grown to become one of the largest and most popular jazz festivals in the USA. My brother was a DJ in Atlanta, played in the band, my mother was a singer and couldn’t clean the house without music and my sister was a dancer, played in the band and started working at various record labels. So, music was truly a family member that I couldn’t shake. I tried to. I was a pretty good athlete and thought my love for sports would take over… And here I am, 35 years later, with music in the family photos. Ha. 

How did you also break into film music supervision in addition to your A&R work? 

Amir Windom: Music supervision took a really long time to break into. I first got connected to Sue Naegle, who was the president of HBO Entertainment at the time. She then connected me to Scott Venor and Kier Lehman, who were music supervisors on the show Entourage at the time. I built a relationship with them over the years and eventually started assisting them. I had somewhat of an advantage, because while I was becoming a music supervisor, I was working as an A&R at Atlantic under Mike Caren (current Head of Worldwide A&R, Warner Music Group) and Aaron Bay Shuck (current President of Warner Bros Records). We were making all these records for artists and their albums, that we ultimately wouldn’t use. So, I had all these great records that were being created for Grammy Award winning artists, that weren’t being used. And it made me realize, a lot of great records go to waste. So, I started reaching out to artists, producers, writers and telling them to just send me records they’ve recorded and are unsure of what they’re going to do with it. And I started pitching them and working them into the movies and TV shows I was working on. So I was placing hit records in TV shows and movies, for a fraction of the normal licensing cost. This was the value I added to Kier especially. Kier really got me my music supervision start. He deserves the glory, although he definitely gets it because he’s music supervising damn near every popular show on TV right now like Insecure. I appreciate him for giving me a shot. I enjoy music supervision the most of anything I do, but it took me the longest to breakthrough.

What has been your most career-defining moment? 

Amir Windom: It has to be executive producing my own movie and the message behind the movie. ‘Canal Street’ was a timely movie. It was talking about racial injustice, police brutality and race relations before this new movement began in 2020. I committed back in 2012 that the content that I produce, whether music, tv or movies, etc; would add purposeful value to people’s souls. I felt like there was so much toxic content, that somebody had to do something different. Working on ‘Despicable Me 2’ and “Happy” with Pharrell was my idea of adding value to people’s soul and a career-defining moment. Working with Bruno, executive producing Reed Shannon’s debut album ‘Soul Play’ was big too. I really musically developed him from the very start. That was fun. Now he’s a prominent name in the entertainment world.

What do you look for in an artist when you are looking to sign new talent? 

Amir Windom: Global Potential. Can you touch the world. Will people faint when they touch your hand. Ha. I just think, I’ve been blessed to be a gatekeeper to the music industry and now even the TV and film world. It is my duty to set the expectation level as to what the standard for what high quality talent is. And I have to admit, I think we’ve created a perception that it doesn’t take much to get in anymore. Back in the 60s, 70s, to have Berry Gordy even consider signing you to Motown, you had to play an instrument, sing dance and play an instrument all at the same time! That’s for him to even look at you. Times have dramatically changed and I think pop culture has taken over and made God-given talent a secondary gift. The NBA doesn’t lower their standards when it comes to who they draft and allow in. The teams have to draft a certain caliber of player for the brand of their team and the NBA. I look at things the same way. I don’t want everyone thinking that being a superstar is easy and just requires an idea. You need God-given talent that doesn’t seem like it was evenly spread for me to sign someone.

You really care about the integrity of the music. Have you always felt this way or did this come about later in your career? 

Amir Windom: Going back to the household I grew up in, especially the Jazz influence my dad instilled in me, I grew up around instruments, which is the heartbeat of music. Everyone can’t play an instrument, so I realized early on having rhythm, playing instruments, being able to dance were unique gifts. But I saw how important they were to the creative process and those talents are what made creatives highly unique and successful. I realized this early on. So when I got in the music industry, I wanted to use instrumentals to create music, I wanted my artists to be dope dancers. Because I know being able to sing, dance and play instruments are the gifts that separate the extraordinary from the ordinary. So, the integrity came early and still governs me now when I’m creating music or anything creative and it’s actually become a niche of mine. I love when friends of mine hear songs, and didn’t even know I had anything to do with the song, but they call me and say… Did you write this song? It sounds like something you would do. I also just feel a personal responsibility to be the difference when it comes to the type of content. I think we can agree, there’s a lot of music that we wouldn’t want our 13-year-old kid listening to out in the world. I try to make a lot of music that’s universal and feels good no matter your age or race.

What is your definition of success?

Amir Windom: My definition of success is really a higher power than success. My definition of success striving to be significant. Significance is improving the quality of life around you and leaving a legacy. Success is the money, awards, cars, fame, etc. 

What drives you? What motivates you?

Amir Windom: I’m driven by my family no doubt. But I think I’m driven by them overall to be a great representative of my family when I’m out in the world. The thought of my son telling people that Amir Windom is his dad and people saying “Your dad is a really dope good dude” vs “Your dad is successful and rich”. That motivates me. I want my legacy to be more about how I made people feel, laugh, inspired them, etc. instead of it just being that dude won Grammys and did all that dope work stuff. I always tell people I want my personal life to be doper than my professional life. That’s what inspires me.

Who are your Top 5 rappers dead or alive?

Amir Windom: Damn. I haven’t been asked this in a while…. Hmmmmmm. This question gets harder and harder. Tupac, Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye, T.I., Andre 3000/Kendrick Lamar/Brandon Rossi bka Lxrd Rossi (Honorable Mention since I only got 5.)

What advice would you give to the future Amir Windom on the executive side, and what advice would you give to an up-and-coming music artist?

Amir Windom: What makes you great in this industry isn’t just your creativity levels. It’s how you treat people and govern yourself. So I would tell someone: Control your ego. Stay humble and be around things that humble you. Don’t let women and sex become your focus or your pursuit. Don’t get addicted to attention. Apologize to your parents for being a psychopath as a kid. Be internally confident instead of externally confident. Admit to things that make you uncomfortable. Be self-aware of who you are and who you are not. GIVE GOD THE GLORY even when things are going good. Stay connected to sites like AllHipHop.com so you won’t become disconnected and forget where you came from or what’s going on in your community. Drink water. Eat healthy. Manage your vices. AND MIND YOUR BUSINESS and CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS.

Tell us the story about how the much-needed Black News Channel came about?

Amir Windom: Bob Brilliante and JC Watts started the process of making Black News Channel over a decade ago. I was able to come in about 5 years ago and add value to getting us over the hump and launching. This network is much needed, especially with what’s going on in the world today. We saw a need for live news and programming that specifically addresses African Americans, no one was doing live news and programming, so we made it happen.

Congrats on Canal Street. What was it like working on the film and having some stars star in the project as well?

Amir Windom: It was a blessing. We shot that movie for $2 million. But that movie should have costed us $20 million to shoot. Rhyan LaMarr is a respected director in the film world and he’s developed this respect by just being a dope guy who loves God and does amazing business. So when we teamed up to make Canal Street along with our other executive team, in addition to the actors reading the script and seeing how this script was timely and was going to do more than just entertain people. It was actually going to add value to people’s soul even when they leave the theater and carry on with their lives; all the actors lessened their normal pay because they believed in what we were doing. So, the coolest part was seeing A-List actors’ soul trump their business.

What’s next for Amir? Are there any other endeavors you want to tap into?

Amir Windom: I’ve actually gotten use to not trying to predict what’s next. It’s actually more fun not knowing what’s next. However, I’m working on this project, and you should see it everywhere in 2021. It’ll add so much value to the world, especially the African American community. I’m also working on a few TV shows like “Terror Lake Drive,” a few movies, Bruno Mars’ album, Reed Shannon’s album, Black News Channel (we just launched on DirecTV, channel 342), my mother is writing her autobiography about coming into the world as orphan in Korea but ending up in Compton. Went from Korea to Compton to start her life. Music supervising and creating soundtracks for a lot of TV shows and movies and overall just trying to make sure my PERSONAL LIFE IS AS DOPE AS MY PROFESSIONAL LIFE. I’m also still waiting for Chuck Creekmur to finally tell me I can intern for him at AllHipHop.com. He’s a LEGEND! Thanks for having me on this legendary platform. Also check out Reed Shannon’s current album, ‘Soul Play.’

 

 

 

Big Sean’s “Detroit 2” Ends Up Taking #1 Spot; Tekashi 6ix9ine Falls To #5

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Big Sean is celebrating a G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam historical milestone.

His recent album, Detroit 2, just became his fifth consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard Rap Chart.

It is also his fourth consecutive #1 debut on the R&B/ Hip-Hop chart and third consecutive #1 debut on the popular trade magazine’s Top 200 Album Chart.

Somewhere Tekashi 6ix9ine is crying in his rainbow tresses and throwing darts at pictures of Gillie the King and Joe Budden.

Sean’s September 4th release upset many in the music world, as it bumped the troubled Brooklynite out of the top spot.

The Grammy Award-nominated star tapped the right mix of artists to entice fans to purchase his project. He teased them by doing a rollout that featured videos for “Deep Reverence” featuring Nipsey Hussle, “Don Life” featuring Lil Wayne, “Harder Than My Demons,” “Body Language” featuring Ty Dolla $ign & Jhené Aiko and “Everything That’s Missing.”

On the day of release, he premiered “Lithuania,” a song that featured Travis Scott.

The multi-platinum rapper now has five chart-topping albums: Finally Famous (2011), Hall Of Fame (2013), Dark Sky Paradise (2015), I Decided (2017), and Twenty88 with Jhené Aiko (2016).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFDMuZvJBeV

He took to Instagram to celebrate, saying: “Thank you! I sacrificed my privacy, I put so many emotions and lessons I learned the hard way into this music and gave an honest glimpse into my heart! it wasn’t easy, nights I thought of Offing myslef cause Life was too heavy, but the lock in was worth it! Had to remember if I’m still here and so many aren’t, it’s for reason. My goal was to inspire YOU to turn yourself up in all ways, Mind, Body, n Soul. Life isn’t promised as we can see, so HAVE FUN and thank you so much for the #1 album for a 3rd time in a row! Let’s KEEP GOING, Why Would I stop?! #Detroit2 ✊ ””

EXCLUSIVE: Warren G. Rolled Up On Biggie On His Block To Squash Tupac Beef

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: AllHipHopTV
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Additional reporting by Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur

(AllHipHop News) There have been movies and documentaries made on the infamous “beef” between Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.

Two of the greatest stars Hip-Hop has ever seen, their brotherhood was marred with street conflict and squad clashes, all allegedly manipulated as power plays by wicked people in the industry, gang members and some crooked cops

Many recall Pac and Big’s early comradery which became so volatile that it also birthed tragedy.

But it didn’t have to end like it did with both rapper’s unsolved murders — which also blasted a hole in the heart of the culture.

At least that is what Warren G believed.

One of the leading voices in West Coast Hip-Hop at the time, Warren knew that someone had to try to and squash what went on to become called the “East Coast/ West Coast” war.

Def Jam’s first male West Coast rapper flew out to New York and traveled to Brooklyn to have a difficult conversation with Biggie— one that he believed would lead to a peaceful resolution.

Warren G spoke exclusively to AllHipHop about his efforts to change the course of rap history as a peacemaker, long before the summits and conferences that happened after their unfortunate demises.

“I went over on Biggie’s street and got at him straight up,” Warren G told AllHipHop.com. “I said man what’s going on with you and Tupac?

“And he [B.I.G] was just like, ‘You know, it’s just he’s [Tupac] trippin.’ And you know he was telling me about the whole thing. He said ‘I didn’t have nothing to do it none of that s##t,'” Warren recalled referencing Tupac’s shooting at The Quad recording studios in times square on November 29th, 1994.

The “Regulator” went into big brother mode and vowed to talk to Tupac to cool things down.

“And I said well man, I’m gonna try to get at him and try to squash that s##t between y’all cause this s##t is some bulls##t.”

And, true to his word, Warren talked to Pac about it but by then it was too late.

“I couldn’t get the point across to Pac because he was moving a lot and just doing his thing,” Warren G. said.

“And then there was other things that happened to where it made it get even worse. But I was I was definitely trying to ease that s##t and change that s##t,” Warren G. shared.

“I used to tell Snoop, ‘man like they don’t show me nothing but love out this motherf##ker (New York).”

History reflects that most people on the East Coast, showed the Left Coast love.

However, Tupac Shakur died 24 years ago today, on September 13th, 1996.

While he spent much of the last part of his life spewing about being betrayed by Biggie, he was murdered in Las Vegas, Nevada, reportedly by enemies local to his beloved California.

Recently, singer Keyshia Cole said that she was with Tupac the day he was killed.

On Fat Joe’s Instagram Live show, Keyshia revealed that the “Hail Mary” rapper planned to leave Death Row and sign to Quincy Jones’ record label.

“I actually did know him (Tupac),” Cole said. ”He wanted to sign me to Quincy Jones when he was with Kidada, Quincy’s daughter, and he was gonna leave Death Row and go to sign with Quincy.”

Keyshia’s brother Nuttso is a member of Pac’s group, The Outlawz. She was also 16 years old at the time and Pac advised her to stay away from Death Row.

“He wanted me to go over there because he said that ‘Death Row was not the place for kids,’” Keyshia Cole said.