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Kodak Black Says C.O.’s Are Preventing Him From Seeing A Rabbi & Reading The Torah

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Kodak Black is claiming that a Federal Detention Center in Kentucky is violating his First Amendment right to practice his religion by denying him time with a Rabbi.

In fact, according to his attorney Bradford Cohen, the controversial rapper is willing to compromise (after months of petitioning) to meet with any Rabbi.

Although he is not practicing Judaism, Kodak Black told his attorney that he identifies with many of the tenets of the faith. He also believes that God has a purpose for his life and wants to speak to a religious guide to help him navigate the new calling in life.

In addition to a meet up with his Rabbi, he would like a copy of the Torah according to TMZ.com.

Cohen stated that the prison’s chaplain maintains the reason that Kodak has not met with a spiritual leader due to the coronavirus, since face-to-face meetings have been barred.

The attorney says that the chaplain shared that if the “ ZEZE” singer wanted to phone his Rabbi, he could most likely make that happen without issue.

This is not the first time that Kodak or his family has claimed that the rapper is being treated unjustly while locked up.

Last year, he shared with fans that he believes that people (like the COs) are trying to kill him and he was being punished for violence in the jail that he did not start. 

Director Explains Why Kanye West Wanted Kim To Give Birth To Kylie In Video

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Kanye West surely thinks out of the box.

The rap star once made a video of his wife, Kim Kardashian, giving birth to her sister, Kylie Jenner.

Either he is brilliant or what he calls, “Yazy,” but whatever it lends to why Kanye West is now a billionaire.

Matshona Dhliwayo, an author and entrepreneur, believes that the only way that someone can rise to those upper echelons that gets you those big bags is to think out of the box

He says, “Thinking outside of the box allows you to get rewards outside of your reach.”

So when we see some of his unorthodox campaigns, business dealings, real estate, and architectural renderings and yes, his art — we should not be surprised — why?

Because Yeezy is a genius.

Consider this video for his 2016 song, “Feel Me,” that was leaked by the director Eli Russell Linnetz … dare say that it ain’t proof that he is beyond normality.

Linnetz posted it to his Instagram, “I directed this three years ago. No one’s ever seen it before.”

It has not been seen because after converting to Christianity and dedicating his life to his Lord, West “shelved” any projects that did not reflect his new beliefs.

The video is avantgarde.

It took over five months to make, and cost almost $1 million to produce.

“It features Kylie coming out of Kim’s v#####,” Linnetz clarified to E! News of what’s happening in the video’s conclusion.

“The metaphorical meaning being that there would be no Kylie without Kim,” Linnetz said.

During this time, Kanye did other experimental videos with Linnetz “Famous” and “Fade.” While Linnetz directed it, Kanye remains always at the creative helm of his work.

Phora’s Management Issues A Statement On Rapper’s Mental Health

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Four days ago, Hip-Hop was prepared to mourn another promising talent.

Rumors emerged saying that Phora, a 25-year-old-rapper from, had killed himself earlier this week.

Thankfully, Phora is alive, but the rumor did not come from just anywhere.

Phora himself posted a vague post that would seem to be a suicide note from the rap star alongside a blacked image box, that said “Can’t do this anymore. I give up.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEf707ap5_R

His Insta Stories created just as much alarm, as he posted prose saying, “I’m over everything. F### the album. F### music. F### Everything. Nothing Matters anymore and I’m okay with it.”

He continues, “To the fans, I’m sorry for letting you down. I did what the f### I could. But this music s### doesn’t matter when you’re dying inside as a person.”

“My Heart is in Pain and Everything I’ve been thru these last few months can’t deal with. I don’t want to feel. I don’t want to be here. I’m sorry mom. I’m sorry everyone. I’m done.”

He also went live and his behavior, as reported by fans, was also disturbing. He was drinking heavily and started a fight. His fans were very concerned.

https://twitter.com/emerymyers_/status/1299930214407995395https://twitter.com/knivesaogiri/status/1299979069728206849

Then his friends joined in posting that this is a serious situation.

Management contends that the artist has been dealing with severe depression and was not acting out to promote his new single, which came out days later. “Phora was not a publicity stunt for his album.”

He has had issues before, almost leaving him at death’s door. Phora was stabbed at 15 during an ambush on his way to school.

Then five years ago, almost to the date of this recent incident, he was driving his girlfriend home on the Pasadena freeway when someone pulled up alongside the couple in a car and blasted three bullets into the rapper’s neck, almost hitting his vertebrae.

There is real trauma that he has been working through.

Management said in a statement that they are working with his family to get him the support he needs.

His new song, “Promises” gives the illusion of a love-struck puppy and has potential. Hopefully, he gets the support he needs now. Hip-Hop does not need another casualty — particularly if we see the warning signs early enough to prevent something bad from happening.

Michael Rainey Jr. Thought 50 Cent Was Joking About “POWER BOOK II: GHOST”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Features
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While most of you may recognize Michael Rainey Jr. from his role as Ghost’s son, Tariq, on 50 Cent’s critically-acclaimed show Power on Starz, the 19-year-old has actually been acting for a long time prior to the show.

From the young age of 8-years-old, acting somehow randomly fell into Michael’s lap. A night out in the city with his mother, a lady from an agency for pre-teens at the time asked “is this your song?

Is he into acting or modeling?” The next day, he had a meeting with the entire staff at their office. That same week, he was auditioning for commercials for “Price Chopper” and “Sesame Street,” “Law & Order” and a music video he did for an Italian singer, which went crazy on MTV.

Italian director Silvio Muccino then scouted Michael, reaching out to his mother saying “this is my Charlie, I need him to be in a movie.” Next thing you know, he’s in Italy visiting, eventually even moving there for a year and some change.

Fast forward to 2020, he’s somehow lasted through 6 seasons of “Power” which is crazy as “nobody’s safe.” With that comes a genuine relationship with 50 Cent, who frequently posts Michael on his iconic Instagram page.

The new spinoff, “GHOST” picks up where “Power” left off, after Rainey (Tariq) kills off his own dad, Ghost.

AllHipHop caught up with Michael. Read below as we discuss the moment 50 asked him if he’s ready to lead his own show, and love for Max B.

AllHipHop: You were out in Italy at 9 years old acting, how was that?

Michael Rainey Jr.: I didn’t even know the movie was filmed in full Italian. I went to Italy for 10 days, visited, got to know everybody. I went back and ended up living there for a year and 2 months. I had to get used to the country and the language, because all of my lines were in Italian. I had to get acclimated to all that. That’s how everything got started. After that first movie, I did the movie Love with Common. From there, it just happened. [laughs]

AllHipHop: How was working with Common?

Michael Rainey Jr.: It was dope. It was amazing, my first movie in America. Super cool rapper, I always knew his music. Always knew who he was. When they told me he’s going to be on it, I’m like “damn, this is pretty cool.”

AllHipHop: How’s it feel to live through 6 seasons of Power?

Michael Rainey Jr.: It’s crazy because in the world of Power, nobody’s safe. Anybody can go at any time. Making it through 6 seasons and being the last one standing is a blessing. How I started on the show, I never would’ve thought I would end up in this position with a recurring role. It was more a hi and a bye type of character at first. Throughout Season 3, 4, 5, that’s when they really started writing my storyline and creating a story for Tariq himself. It’s insane going from how I started on the show to now. I don’t even know how it happened, it’s wild. [laughs] It’s crazy.

AllHipHop: What are you most excited for as the premiere arrives this Sunday?

Michael Rainey Jr.: For people to see the whole new energy in the world of Power because now, Tariq’s a kid. He’s in school, he’s around more people his age. People get to see Tariq be a kid and not just a villain in the show. They could see him being a kid and making decisions for his mother and family. It’s just a whole new energy to the world of Power. It’s still gritty, real, violent but it has another side that’s playful, joking around. More youthful energy.

AllHipHop: How does it feel to be the lead of such a hit show?

Michael Rainey Jr.: It’s unreal honestly. It’s crazy. They had told me when we were in the middle of filming Season 6. One day 50 Cent came on set, we’re chopping it up for a little bit. Out of nowhere, he says “yo, you’re going to have to get ready soon. You about to be the lead of your own show after this.” I’m like “yeah, whatever.” 50 Cent’s always joking around. A week or 2 after that, Courtney told me I was going to be taking over the lead role of the new show. Oh s##t, this is real.

I got a little nervous like, “how am I about to do this?” As it got closer for the time to start shooting, I calmed down. “I got this.” The first week was super dope because everyone I met, all the new faces on the cast super cool. Everyone has good chemistry. Even when we’re not filming on set, we’re all hanging out. Being on set was very comfortable. At first I thought “damn, I gotta make this transition to be the new lead role.” I still have a lot of responsibilities of course, but having even the old faces from the crew from the original come back made it a lot more easier and comfortable for me. Made my transition very easy, so I appreciate my crew and my cast.

AllHipHop: Did people hate you for the dumb stuff your character did?

Michael Rainey Jr.: Is that even a question?! Oh my God, the amount of hate messages, death threats, it’s crazy. It’s so funny to me. Damn, these people are really into the show. Really tuned in. I never really looked at it as a bad thing. Obviously sometimes, people go too far. The reaction I got from everybody, it’s pretty dope. This is what I do it for, for people to watch and react. The fact I got such a reaction out of so many people, what more could I ask for? I’m thankful for it honestly.

AllHipHop: The character Tariq has to balance family, school, and running a drug empire. How much can you relate in your real life, having grown up in the spotlight of a hit show?

Michael Rainey Jr.: It doesn’t really relate too much because I’m not running a drug empire, or killed my father. [laughs]. As far as the character Tariq, the hardships he went through with his family, I relate. Me and my father didn’t have a great relationship growing up. Now we’re super cool, but we had a lot of ups and downs. I use that as far as Tariq and Ghost, their relationship is rocky. I used the stuff I was going through in my life and put that towards work. I guess it worked. I’m pretty thankful for everything I went through in life, good or bad.

AllHipHop: Any teasers from POWER BOOK II: GHOST?

Michael Rainey Jr.: See, I don’t want Courtney Kemp calling my phone tomorrow like “what the hell did you say?” Mary J Blige is in it. Method Man is in it. It’s a new energy, going to be dope. Going to be huge. I’m excited. Since we started filming, I’m like “I can’t wait to see this.” My excitement is through the roof.

AllHipHop: What was the dynamic working with Mary?

Michael Rainey Jr.: Obviously Mary J Blige, that’s huge. Growing up, my mom would be cleaning the house on a Sunday listening to Mary and Alicia Keys, that type of music. Mary was always in my ears from when I was young. Even Method Man too, because my father listened to them. My father grew up with Method Man. Their neighborhoods were parallel, my dad lived in Stapleton and Method Man lived next door. They’re literally right next to each other so they have a history together. From that to working with him is dope. Been cool with each other, now me and him are on the same show. It’s dope, especially because we’re both from Staten Island. Staten Island is the forgotten borough of New York. Us being on the show, we’re representing two people from Staten Island. We’re working, I love it.

AllHipHop: Can we expect an appearance from 50 on the new show?

Michael Rainey Jr.: Oh, Who knows? You know Power, anything can happen at any time. In the last episode of last season, Kanan came out of nowhere and had that little talk with Tariq. It’s a big chance of it happening again. Y’all going to have to watch, I don’t even know. [laughs]

AllHipHop: What rapper makes you want to spit bars?

Michael Rainey Jr.: 50 Cent, of course. That’s my favorite rapper since I was 9, I’ve always looked up to him. I don’t really listen to too many rappers other than 50 Cent and Max B right now. Free the Wave!

AllHipHop: What do you like about Max?

Michael Rainey Jr.: Everything about Max, he’s just cool. His swag is yeah, I’m wavy baby (laughs).

AllHipHop: Anything else we can look forward to?

AllHipHop: I really want everyone to tune in, September 6th. Power Book II: Ghost. We airing, it’s lit.

Dr. Dre Accused Of Violence In All Out “War” With Estranged Wife

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Abuse allegations have emerged in the ongoing divorce saga between Dr. Dre and Nicole Young.

Dre’s ex-wife Nicole Young maintains that the Hip-Hop producer still has violent outbursts with women.

According to new legal documents filed by Young’s attorney, over the couple’s 24-year-marriage, Dre not only admitted to being physically violent towards women but inflicted emotional damage by yelling at his wife too.

She contends that the former N.W.A. rapper had “extreme coercive control over her” and demonstrated “domineering” behavior.

Nicole Young recalled that Dre threw her out of their Brentwood Mansion during one drunken rant.

“Andre, who was intoxicated, told me that he wanted me to leave our (Brentwood) residence. He started yelling at me, “F##k you. F##k you. Get the F##k out. Get the F##k out. Go to Malibu,” Nicole Young said.

The next day she claims that “Andre was still angry at me” and sent her text messages that said among many other things, “Do not spend one more cent…Period…You can’t be mean and disrespectful and spend my hard-earned money. F##k that!!!

“Andre told me that he committed to improving our marriage. He stated that he would attend couples therapy with me and stop drinking, something he had also promised on March 19, 2020. However, it was not long before he showed he could not keep these promises.”

Nicole Young filed for the divorce on April 1 and is asking for a judge to grant her part of Dre’s $800 million fortune.

Since then, Young claimed Dre has sent more threatening text messages, like “If you allow [your attorneys] to disrespect me, dig into my personal business, that means War!!! And there’s no coming back from that…”

The latest filing quoted her as saying, “While talented, Andre’s personal life was turbulent and violent and was marred by encounters with law enforcement, incarceration, and physical and emotional abuse against women.”

It is this type of abuse that was in play when he proposed the disputed prenuptial agreement.

Nicole Young said she signed the prenup “under extreme duress consistent with the pattern of coercive control in the relationship that existed before the wedding date.”

She likened this persuasion to feeling as having the same intimidating force as having “a gun to one’s head.”

Dr. Dre has had other allegations of abuse towards women.

Michel’le produced an entire made for TV movie about her life, which included a story about the time Dre broke her nose.

And he has confessed to throwing TV host/journalist Dee Barnes through a bathroom door and tossing her down a flight of step in 199x.

Over 25 years later, Dre seemed remorseful stating to the New York Times, “I apologize to the women I’ve hurt … I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives.”

Rapper Boosie Launches Campaign To Free Bill Cosby

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rapper Boosie is encouraging fans to join him as he launches a campaign to get Bill Cosby out of prison.

The disgraced comedian and TV star has served two years of a three to 10-year sentence after he was convicted in 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting Temple University staff member Andrea Constand in 2004, but he has his supporters, who believe Cosby should be a free man.

Boosie has taken to social media to make his feelings known, writing: “Free Bill Cosby Let’s Start A Petition.”

The tweet appears to come from nowhere, but Boosie also recently backed Kim Kardashian’s bid to get convicted killer C-Murder out of jail.

“If you free CMurder I Got You For Life…,” the rapper wrote to Kim on Twitter.

Australian Publisher Apologizes To Jay-Z Over Children’s Book

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) One of the most elite pens in Hip-Hop, Jay-Z, has just squash the high profile beef over a children’s book.

The Roc Nation boss signed a settlement with The Little Homie Pty Ltd., a small Australian publisher that released a book in 2019 entitled “AB to Jay-Z.”

The copyright action was launched as the company did not have permission to use the mogul’s image or lyrics for “AB to Jay-Z.”

The book co-opted the chorus from Jay’s#### “99 Problems,” a hit song that even former President Barack Obama quotes in 2013.

“If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one.”

Jigga’s team filed court documents in an Australian Federal Court at the end of last year stating that the book was a “deliberate and knowing attempt to trade off the reputation and goodwill.”

According to NCA NewsWire, Jay reached a company with the settlement who agreed to stop playing off of his name and image moving forward in a lengthy apology.

“The release of our first book, ‘A B to Jay-Z,’ was quickly followed by the realization that we had made some significant mistakes in our past. Our book, as are all the things created by the Little Homie, was inspired by our love for the music and the culture that it grew from. What we learned is that it is possible to love the product of culture and still hold some damaging beliefs and behaviors, at the same time.”

“Firstly, we would like to sincerely apologize for the offense caused by the content relating to this project. Our intentions were never to hurt anyone that is the last thing we wanted. This project came from a good place and it is unfortunate that we have tarnished it with our ignorance.”

The book is no longer available for purchase and the terms of the settlement are confidential.

Philly Native, Mike Knox Joins 50 Cents’ The Unit

By: Seleah Simone Updated Category: Features
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Philly rapper, Mike Knox debuts his new project, “The Motivation 2,” on The Unit label. Formerly known as G-Unit, the label was founded by rap mogul 50 Cent back in  2003. Today, The Unit welcomes its newest artist who encompasses their iconic well know street sound and swag. 

Knox chats exclusively with Allhiphop’s Seleah Simone, on his latest project, working with 50 and more. Check out the interview! 

Domino Unites With Snoop Dogg On “Baby So West Coast”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Music
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Long Beach California OG DOMINO has linked up with his neighborhood homeboy Snoop Dogg to celebrate and pay homage to women worldwide with West Coast characteristics in their hot new single “Baby So West Coast” via OG Music Group.

Fusing 90’s nostalgia with 2020 flow, “Baby So West Coast” teases what summer should’ve been had ‘rona not entered the chat. Basking in refreshingly confident sass, this record brims with an intoxicating flow coupled with a true assortment of sophisticated percussion and street swag, making it bound for playlist staple status.

Having an appreciation for women in every shade of color, every shape and walk of life, “Baby So West Coast” has been created to bring attention to not only women stationed on the West Coast, but for all women that possess the qualities of a West Coast woman — no matter if she’s corporate, hood, conscious in the way that she thinks and takes care of herself. 

A go-getter, down for her city, down for her people, resilient, full of ambition or the ones that simply know how and when to keep it real.

In the world of Hip-Hop, DOMINO is a name synonymous with a pillar of the community. 

Renowned for first pioneering the melodic style of hip-hop which earned him recognition as not only the first artist to simultaneously hold three #1 spots on the Billboard Charts using this style of rap on his smash hit single “Getto Jam,” but would also become the first West Coast Artist affiliated with Def Jam to reach #1. 

“All American” Star Da’Vinchi Releases New Single “Bet on You”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Sponsored Posts
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Haitian-American actor, rapper, and spoken word artist Da’Vinchi is a man of many talents. 

The “All American” and “grown-ish” star is now turning his energy to his passion for music with the release of his new single, “Bet on You,” featuring Jus.be.

Writing his first rap when he was just 10 years old, Da’Vinchi says music is one of the most meaningful ways in which he’s expressed himself throughout life. His inspirations include Tupac, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Dipset, Drake, and Bob Marley.

“I want to use music as a way to just tell my life’s story in a creative way,” says Da’Vinchi. “I want to be honest and transparent and connect with the people. Down the line, I’d love to reach a point where I can heal people with my lyrics.”

Tapping into his 1.1 million followers on TikTok, Da’Vinchi created a #Bet OnYou challenge timed to the release of the single. He hopes to lift people’s spirits and bring some joy while we’re all dealing with the life changes brought about by Coronavirus.

This song is intended to spark a movement, with hopes of reaching back to the younger generations to encourage them to bet on themselves and embrace their power.

“I wanted to create something to allow my fans to dance to and have fun,” says Da’Vinchi. “I also wanted it to create a song with a positive meaning behind it as well.”

Da’Vinchi is working on other music, including a single he describes as “having a little Spanish flavor to it.” Listen to “Bet On You” below!

 

Happy Birthday Beyonce! 4 Iconic Songs Beyonce Has Sampled Explained

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Features
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By Kobie Brown

(AllHipHop Features) A sample is the reuse of a portion of a sound recording (the actual record, CD, wav file or link) or a composition (replaying or re-singing) of a pre-existing record or song. The right sample and lyrics can launch a career. Sometimes, the same sample can launch, revitalize or further advance several artists or producers’ careers over any number of years. Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit” is my favorite example of that. The 1983 release helped introduce Notorious B.I.G. to the masses in 1994 and created hits for Keyshia Cole “Let It Go feat. Missy Elliot and Lil’ Kim” and Tamar Braxton among others in the 35 years that have passed. Not bad.

Here’s a look at a few of the samples that have provided part of the musical foundation for superstar Beyonce over the past two decades.

DESTINY’S CHILD “NO, NO, NO (PT2)” SAMPLING “STRANGE GAMES &THINGS” BY LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA

“As a producer my favorite thing was to study those who came before me and when it comes to the sexy grooves, Barry White had everybody beat. Then, my background, with not only the church choir, but as a music director at a young age, and someone who just loves music; Destiny’s Child just reminded me of the young Supremes at the time. That’s sexy like Barry, so I knew they could go from a dream to becoming the young Supremes “

– Wyclef Jean Producer and featured artist on “No, No, No (Part 2)”

Barry White was a man of many developments and inventions. Among those were his own career as a solo artist; the discovery of Tom Brock, whose only album yielded, “There’s Nothing In This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You”, which later provided the foundation for Jay-Z’s “Girls, Girls, Girls” ; and Love Unlimited, a female trio whose song “He’s All I Got” later became the bed of “My Boo” by Usher feat. Alicia Keys (originally Nelly).

When tasked with creating a remix for “No, No, No”, Destiny’s Child debut single, artist and producer Wyclef Jean and his production crew, which included Che Pope, called upon a sample of the Love Unlimited Orchestra, a 40-piece orchestra created by Barry White in the 70s, to provide the foundation of a track that helped further cement Destiny’s Child as a household name.

BEYONCE FEAT. JAY Z “CRAZY IN LOVE” SAMPLING “ARE YOU MY WOMAN? (TELL ME SO)” BY THE CHI-LITES

“I randomly came across the Chi-Lites song in a crate of records I borrowed from a friend who deejays. I’d been thru the album playlist once or twice in the months before creating the track for “Crazy in Love”, and it didn’t stand out to me at first. You can go thru that crate or thru that playlist multiple times, and you may not hear anything helpful or that resonates until a moment that shifts your emotions. The songs don’t change, you do.”

– Rich Harrison / Producer and co-writer of “Crazy in Love feat Jay Z”

People often forget about the rich musical legacy that comes from the city of Chicago. The place is literally the home of Curtis Mayfield whose countless hits have graced and shaped R&B and Popular music for generations. No Mayfield, no falsettos by Pharrell. Mayfield grew up in Chicago’s notorious Cabrini-Green projects (location of the tv series Good Times) with a friend and high school classmate named Major Lance. He eventually helped craft the hits “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” for Lance, the late father of Atlanta’s current mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Another important group out of Chicago was the Chi-Lites, who wanted to name themselves the Hi-Lites, but opted on an homage to their hometown, Chicago or the Chi, once they discovered that name was taken. Their more popular songs , “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh Girl” are played continuously on the radio and “Oh Girl” provides the perfect background in season 4 of The Sopranos when Tony goes emo-thug. When Rich Harrison found a not so popular song by the group with a conga rhythm and a cascading horn arrangement they reminded him of the sounds of Go Go from his native Washington, D.C.. Those sounds also became the sonic bed for the introduction to Beyoncé as a solo artist. The rest is history.

BEYONCE “FREEDOM” SAMPLING “LET ME TRY” BY KALEIDOSCOPE

“This sample convicted me to write something militant. A soundtrack for a revolution that was focused more on truth than mere entertainment.”

– Arrow Benjamin – co-writer/backing Vocals on Freedom by Beyonce.

This one was produced by Just Blaze, who really doesn’t get enough credit for introducing prog and psychedelic rock to hip hop and popular music. Both are sub-genres that celebrated abandoning popular and poppy music in exchange for a more rugged sound. On that level, it’s similar to Hip Hop. After doing the same with The Doors for Jay-Z’s “Take Over”, it’s no surprise he’d tap into a similar emotion that became a soundscape for an anthem about continued perseverance in the face of oppression. 

BEYONCE FEAT. NICKI MINAJ “FLAWLESS (REMIX)” SAMPLING “SPOTTIEOTTIEDOPALISCIOUS” BY OUTKAST

This one provides somewhat of a 360 moment when you consider how Destiny’s Child made their debut in 1998. 1998 was the same year the group Outkast released their third studio album, Aquemini. An album that featured the song “SpottieOttieDoaliscious”, which was masterfully produced. It contained live instruments during a time where sampling large sections of older records and crafting catchy choruses had become the norm. To the contrary, Big Boi and 3000 ditched the rhymes, and opt to provide a testimony of sorts about the trials and triumphs of coming of age, while Sleepy Brown provides a Curtis Mayfield -like falsetto ; 3000 pays homage to a popular refrain from a fictional Cabrini-Green’s Florida Evans, and all three are accompanied by one of the illest horn lines of our time. That’s where we found ourselves in 2014-15 when Beyonce and Nicki Minaj introduced a new generation to one of the illest horn lines of its time.

 AskKobie ™ – Kobie Brown is Senior Director, BA / Music Licensing at Sony Music and has extensive knowledge about the history of your favorite songwriters, samples, and songs.

Afro-Latina Activist “Jess LaBombera” Turns Out To Be A White Jew

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) In 2015, when Rachel Dolezal revolutionized the term “transracial,” people could not believe that white folk were out here playing Black in plain sight.

Years later, people are still wondering which one is more confusing: that she did it or no one clocked her?

In 2020, amid COVID-19 and the undergird of Black Lives Matter protests every which way, another white woman has emerged faking jacks and claiming to be of African descent.

New Yorker and popular social justice activist Jessica La Bombera has just confessed that she is not Afro-Latina as she claimed. She’s a white Jewish woman named Jessica A. Krug.

https://twitter.com/HariZiyad/status/1301538313141194752

In an open letter titled, “The Truth, and the Anti-Black Violence of My Lies,” she poured out the following:

“To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness. I have not only claimed these identities as my own when I had absolutely no right to do so — when doing so is the very epitome of violence, of thievery and appropriation, of the myriad ways in which non-Black people continue to use and abuse Black identities and cultures — but I have formed intimate relationships with loving, compassionate people who have trusted and cared for me when I have deserved neither trust nor caring,” Jessica A. Krug wrote.

“People have fought together with me and have fought for me, and my continued appropriation of a Black Caribbean identity is not only, in the starkest terms, wrong — unethical, immoral, anti-Black, colonial — but it means that every step I’ve taken has gaslighted those whom I love,” she continued.

While she did admit that she had no right to assume an existence of a person of color, there were other things that she (and we all agree) does fit her:

“I am not a culture vulture. I am a culture leech … I am a coward.”

She also wrapped it up (but not really because she kept going on over and over again) by saying:

“No white person, no non-Black person, has the right to claim proximity to or belonging in a Black community by virtue of abuse, trauma, non-acceptance, and non-belonging in a white community.”

Jacob Blake and The Consequence of “Other-Ism”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Opinion
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“There’s a war going on outside nobody safe from…” – Prodigy from Mobb Deep

By Hakim Green

The truth about racism in America is it’s predicated on conquering the “wild savages “so that intruders can replace the original inhabitants. Dark-skinned people represent that which is to be conquered and subdued, which is why Chief Justice Rodger Taney, on March 6th, 1857, declared in the Dred Scott Ruling that black people had “no rights which a white man was bound to respect.” The higher court decided that Mr. Scott could not sue the system because he and all slaves, their ancestors where considered property, and therefore, had no legal right to challenge their oppressors.

This nation was built on the theft of Indigenous American land and African labor. To allow us to share in “justice and equality” is to admit the theft. To not always frame us as the suspected, the threat, the guilty is to allow us the dignity to claim our fair share, which limits that which can be stolen, whether that be private property or your self.

When we consider the tragedy of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man who was shot seven times in the back, in front of his small children, highlights the disparity that Black American’s aren’t afforded the same equal rights as our white neighbors. Secured by the overturning of The Dred Scott decision by way of the 13th and 14th amendments. That there would be an initial Dred Scott decision proves this nation was founded on subjugation of “the others.”

The contrast highlighted when we witness parallel cases; we see “white suspects” given “the benefit of the doubt” or just allowed their rights in what is sure of two America’s.

It’s not about training. It never is and never was. In America, the police are here to protect white people and white ownership. It is about the legacy of policing born of the Deep South as the natural progression from slave catchers and the Irish “Paddy Rollers” from where we get the term “Paddy Wagon.”

When do we ask how this could have happened to Jacob Blake? After witnessing George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and in the aftermath of Breonna Taylor, how is there no change? I contend that it is the systematic programming of “other-ism.” It’s always the fault of “them” and “those people.” When that is the mentality of policing, equal justice under the law is an impossibility, and Jacob Blake can be any of us. 

Twitter, Facebook & Instagram: @hakimgreen

www.madizm.info

Lupe Fiasco Announces All Trap EP Produced By Soundtrakk

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Just seven weeks ago, Lupe Fiasco gifted his fans with the Kaelin Ellis-produced House EP. The veteran lyricist appears to be set to drop another extended play soon.

Lupe took to Twitter to inform his 1.2 million followers that he is working with his longtime 1st & 15th producer Soundtrakk for a new release. However, the upcoming body of work will consist entirely of Trap beats. 

“Well it’s all trap music… so you might wanna sit this one out if you don’t like trap Lupe & Soundtrakk… Cuz it’s trappy trappy… ,” responded Lupe to a fan that expressed their dislike for the southern-based musical style.

Plus, the Chicago native was asked about a potential, long-awaited Child Rebel Soldier project. The supergroup of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams was first teased back in 2007 with the release of the CRS song “Us Placers.”

“Honestly I think Ye and P have moved on… and it isn’t really interesting without all 3… and just [having] me [and] 2 random [fill-ins] is whatever… so I think a new trio of young mcs/producers should pick up where we left off and do it. CRS recasted. I’d support that ,” tweeted Lupe.

The Grammy winner later suggested he would choose Maryland’s Logic or Florida’s Denzel Curry to be the “Lupe Fiasco” of a “reboot” version of CRS. Lupe also gave an update on his Amy Winehouse-inspired project by telling a Twitter user that effort is on hold as he finalizes his Trap EP. 

Megan Thee Stallion Discusses The Success Of “WAP” & Collaborating With Cardi B

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) “WAP” is currently in contention for the title of Song Of The Summer for 2020. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s sex-positive single broke YouTube records, debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 chart, and took over TikTok with a viral dance challenge.

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A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

In addition, “WAP” has become a global smash. The record hit #1 on the official charts of the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. It also reached the Top 10 in numerous other nations. Vogue caught up with Megan to get her thoughts on the success of the Ayo N Keyz-produced track.

“The way ‘WAP’ has taken off has just been crazy, y’all. Cardi and I knew it was a hit and we were so happy with the video and the track itself, but I don’t think we could’ve ever predicted that it’d be breaking records and provoking so many different reactions,” stated Megan. “It’s such an upbeat and sexy track and I love that with so many things going on right now, we could bring something positive and fun into the mix that makes people just wanna dance, let loose, and enjoy themselves for a moment.”

The Houston-bred Hip Hop performer continued, “2020 has been a wild year for my career, and collaborating with Cardi was something I’ve always wanted to do. So to have come together on ‘WAP’ and for it to have been this successful, I just couldn’t be more grateful for where I’m at right now.”

Cordae Talks Dropping YBN Name & His Relationship With YBN Nahmir And YBN Almighty Jay

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Some followers of the YBN collective were shocked to find out that Cordae was no longer using the YBN prefix for his stage name. Immediately after the move was noticed, it was not clear why the Maryland emcee changed his moniker.

With YBN Nahmir seemingly bothered by someone supposedly leaving “YBN sh*t in the gutter,” observers began asking questions about Cordae’s status with the group. Comments from other YBN members also added to the confusion.

Cordae was finally asked publicly about dropping YBN from his personal brand. Tidal’s Elliott Wilson spoke to the 23-year-old wordsmith about his new “Gifted” single with Roddy Ricch, being inspired by Kobe Bryant, and the Young Boss N*ggas situation. 

“First and foremost, Nahmir and Jay – those always gonna be my brothers in real life. Those are my brothers. I think the world of them cats,” said Cordae. “Sometimes as friends, you grow apart and you have different visions for what you want to do. And that’s okay. It’s no love lost.” 

Chloe x Halle Tap Doja Cat, City Girls & Mulatto For “Do It (Remix)”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) This year has seen high-profile female rap collaborations. Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj scored a #1 record with “Say So (Remix).” Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion also topped the charts with “WAP.”

R&B duo Chloe x Halle recruited three of the most talked about rap acts for a new version of their “Do It” single. The Atlanta-born singers/actresses were joined by Doja Cat, City Girls, and Mulatto on the remix.

While some social media users were celebrating the female unity presented on the song, other people continued the Hip Hop tradition of comparing the verses. Yung Miami of City Girls found herself catching a lot of criticism.

“My verse was for the kids & tik tok period ‍♀️,” tweeted Yung Miami in defense of her “Do It (Remix)” bars. She later added, “Y’all eating me up and I’m living for it … That’s wrong y’all said I ruined the song omg… Maybe it gotta grow on y’all idk .” 

SZA’s Back With Self-Directed “Hit Different” Music Video Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) SZA fans have been patiently waiting for the songstress to come back with new music. The TDE representative garnered widespread acclaim for 2017’s Ctrl, and her supporters wanted to hear a follow-up album as soon as possible.

It appears SZA may be ready to offer another project in the near future. She returned on Friday with the music video for “Hit Different” featuring fellow R&B singer Ty Dolla $ign. The Neptunes produced the track, and SZA (under her birth name Solána) directed the MV.

After what seemed to be some friction with Top Dawg Entertainment over releasing her next body of work, SZA shouted out the label on Twitter. Specifically, she showed love to TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson.

“THANK YOU TO THE MAGICAL @jacobcollier and @tydollasign and @iamstillpunch and every single person on my team. I really [can’t] explain the support. Everybody having patience while winging it [with] me +encouraging me the entire time. I love and appreciate you beyond measure. ❤️#TDE,” posted SZA.

https://twitter.com/sza/status/1301743438635958273

Justin Bieber Stars In DJ Khaled & Drake’s “Popstar” Music Video

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) In July, DJ Khaled let loose two new tracks featuring Drake. Both “Greece” and “Popstar” debuted in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 chart.

“Me and Drake, that’s my brother for real. I’m sure you could see that, and we had these great inspiring conversations throughout the years, and when ‘Popstar’ was created, I went to Toronto, and my son was born,” said Khaled.

Two months later, Khaled finally released an official music video for “Popstar.” The Julien “Director X” Christian-directed visuals star Canadian singer Justin Bieber.

DJ Khaled has worked with Bieber on multiple occasions. Hits such as “I’m The One” and “No Brainer” included contributions from the YouTube sensation-turned-global superstar.