(AllHipHop News) One week after JAY-Z returned with his 13th studio album 4:44, the iconic emcee releases another visual connected to the project.
The 8-minute, 30-second video features random interviews, archival news footage, viral social media clips, concert shots of Beyonce & JAY performing “Drunk In Love,” candid moments of Blue Ivy Carter, and more.
Hov’s extremely personal song “4:44” plays as the imagery’s soundtrack.
(AllHipHop Features) It’s clear the Internet changed the music game forever in so many ways, specifically when it comes to creators gaining endless access to worldwide listeners.
Former music executive Jimmy Iovine recently discussed how entertainers now have more power in their hands while record companies have less leverage than in the past.
“I like this girl SZA. Top Dawg’s girl. Five years ago, she gets 15% or 12%. They own everything and got a 70/30 split the other way because they were able to build a buzz in technology on their own,” said Iovine while speaking with Pharrell Williams’ OTHERtone. “So the record industry is going to come up against that.”
The ex-head of Interscope Records added, “You have all these artists that are getting buzz, getting action on their music. Then what happens is all the labels bid.”
The ever-evolving nature of the record business has led observers to ponder why a new act that already has a significant fanbase would even feel the need to sign to a major label.
Parroting the independent approach of 3-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper seemed to be the productive blueprint for this era of creating music.
That’s why it came as a surprise to some people when emerging Atlanta rapper 21 Savage announced he joined the roster at Epic Records.
Especially since the ’16 XXL Freshman Class alum declared on his “No Heart” single, “Fast forward n-gga, 2016, and I’m screaming f-ck a deal.”
At the time of 21’s signing, Epic was run by established music biz insider L.A. Reid (he has since left his position as CEO/Chairman of the company after facing sexual harassment allegations by a female employee).
When asked about his decision to team with Reid, 21 Savage told the Rap Radar podcast in January, “Cause he’s black… He’s probably the last black CEO… He’s gonna understand me before anybody else understands me.”
Critics – i.e. Everyday Struggle host Joe Budden – questioned the move, suggesting Savage could have attained a level of success without accepting upfront money in exchange for sharing eventual profits.
So why would a rising star like 21 Savage sign on the dotted line with a major label in this “Age of DIY”?
A recent social media post from his manager, King Me Collective‘s Kei Henderson, could be the answer.
While responding to a DJ Booth article about SZA’s favorable deal with RCA Records, Henderson tweeted, “Similar to ours, but Savage owns his Masters. And is signed to Slaughter Gang.”
The idea of a newly signed artist reportedly owning his masters is an impressive triumph.
Similar to ours, but Savage owns his Masters. And is signed to Slaughter Gang. https://t.co/UrXcw0qX5d
Typically, the label has some ownership claim to those original recordings which allows the company to continuously acquire revenue from back catalog sales and music licensing.
Eagles member/Recording Artists’ Coalition co-founder Don Henley talked to Rolling Stone magazine in 2011 about the importance of retrieving his group’s master tapes.
“We still sell a lot of catalog. So it would mean a great deal to us and our heirs. I have four kids,” said the singer-songwriter.
Henley continued, “The future ain’t what it used to be, as somebody once said. For artists like the Eagles and others who have sold millions upon millions of records and made millions in profits for the record companies, those artists should get their creations back.”
Musical icon Prince fought with Warner Bros. Records for years over his art and likeness, a result of the deal he signed with the label as a new artist in the 1970’s.
Since his death in April 2016, Prince’s music is once again at the center of a copyright battle; this time the clash is between the late musician’s Estate and the JAY-Z-fronted Tidal streaming service.
All of the intricate details of 21 Savage’s entire record deal are not public, however, if he is truly in full possession of his masters, the 24-year-old neophyte puts himself in an economic position that many of his musical predecessors are still fighting to reach.
(AllHipHop Rumors) Issa groupie tale! I mean who doesn’t like a good groupie tale?!
Apparently a Migos groupie has come clean about a previous groupie encounter she had with Migos member Quavo. It seems like these rappers always pick the WRONG girls!
Apparently a Texas Southern University student had her eyes set on Quavo and was determined to make a rendezvous happen, and she did just that!
The woman stated that she met Quavo after Migos performed on campus. She said she strategically waited by the door that the group would be exiting out of for her chance to meet Quavo n dem.
The woman said Quavo ended up picking her up from campus and taking her back to their hotel, where Takeoff & Offset were.
The woman said she ended up getting high and paranoid, thinking that the crew may try to run a train on her, and she also didn’t want Quavo to think she was easy, and that he could run game on her.
Well he ended up running all of the game in the world on her because he ended up hitting it and dropping her off.
Welllllll a funny plot twist occurred. Check out what the woman told Baller Alert went down,
“He pulled my shorts & thong off. He was like hold on. He got out the bed & came back wit a condom. He unbutton his shirt and his belt. Then he slid his pants down. At this time I’m rethinking should I do this. He pulled his meat out thru the hole in his boxers & I’m like yep do it. He put that condom on and it was started. He knew just what to do too. When he was hitting from the back he was pulling my hair. Then I was riding it when offset and takeoff walked in. Quavo flipped us and threw the covers over us. Offset & takeoff laughing and was like ok ok we leaving and I hear the door open and close. We finished. I’m laying down falling asleep and quavo went took a shower. He wake me up when he got out and told me he was finna drop me off at home. While he was driving me home he asked was I hungry I said no. When we got to back on campus he told me text him as soon as I step in the door. Which I did. We stayed in contact. When he in Houston he hits my phone. When I heard he was talk to Chris Brown ex I asked him about it. He claimed it wasn’t like that. But when I asked was they f-ckin he asked what that had to do wit anything. So I told him if he f##### her put me on wit lucci and I guess that p##### him off and we don’t talk no more. Truth is I miss him tho,” said the woman.
The funniest part of it all is the girl boldly telling Quavo that if she is smashing Karrueche that he should be able to put her on Lucci. LMAO. Fair enough right?!
Man if you have any Hip Hop groupie stories or rumors, hit our email!
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(AllHipHop Rumors) Chuck D is NOT here for some of the criticism of Jay-Z’s ‘4:44’ album, and it seems apparent that he is clapping back at 50 Cent’s opinion of the project.
Remember, 50 Cent basically said the album felt like “smart rap” and [was] too intellectual for the kids who are high and only want to hear music that makes them feel good and want to have a good time.
“I just got back from the gym I listened to Jay sh-t. That 4:44. I thought the sh-t was aight. I liked the sh-t. But I’ma keep it 100 the sh-t was a little too smart. I felt like I was supposed to be wearing like glasses and sh-t, and tie a f-cking sweater around my waist. It was like Ivy League sh-t…. N-ggas is high out here, so they don’t want to hear that. They just want to have a good time. F-ck that, you can’t be the best rapper at 47 cause the new n-ggas is here. They coming with new sh-t going on. That’s why I was laughing with the Joe Budden n-gga and the Migos n-ggas because they up, they up next. N-ggas coming with Future and all this other sh-t. Leave them n-ggas alone. What’s the f-ck is a matter with you B. That sh-t look like golf course music,” said 50 Cent.
Now Chuck has seemingly replied to 50 by saying,
“So some people are saying @s_c_ album is too smart. What level does a 47 year old man supposed to spit at? Club sh-t? What kind of club? lol,” said Chuck D.
To be honest, all that 50 said wasn’t wrong, what’s wrong is the state of Hip Hop, and the mindset of the new artists, the game/the music industry and the lack of quality control from the gate keepers….sooooo Chuck D also isn’t wrong either.
What are your thoughts on 50 Cent and Chuck D’s comments?
So some people are saying @s_c_ album is too smart. What level does a 47 year old man supposed to spit at? Club sht? What kind of club? lol
Over the last several weeks, residents and tourists flocked to 2 Chainz’s “Trap House” on Howell Mill Road.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionreports Chainz’s lease is up on the property and the pink coloring made famous by the hometown rap star is being painted over.
George Rohrig, the founder of Cartel Properties management firm, is seeking new tenants for the residence.
Besides serving as an effective promotional tool for his Pretty Girls Like Trap Music album, Chainz also converted the space into a temporary art gallery, church, and HIV clinic.
The “Trap House” became a social media phenomenon as visitors posted photos of themselves in front of the home.
(AllHipHop Rumors) ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was such a great biopic that it has raised the bar for any forthcoming Hip Hop biopics. With this said, it’s to no one’s surprise that the Tupac biopic, ‘All Eyez On Me’, received so much criticism, especially with it following ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
Ice Cube has revealed that [surprisingly] he hasn’t seen the Pac biopic. He also revealed that the standard for ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was the Ray Charles biopic, ‘Ray’!
Cube didn’t really weigh in on the film or it’s criticism as he hasn’t seen it, but he did seem to be a little bit sympathetic and fair, as he stated that making biopics is extremely hard with folks trying to cram so many years and so many smaller stories into one film. This could also be him taking the fair, professional, and non-controversial route to responding.
It almost seems like Cube is in no rush to see ‘All Eyez In Me’ because no matter how busy he is, he seems like he would have been one of the first people to run and see it, and also one of the first to be able to see it months ago when artists were reviewing it before it’s theater release.
Ice Cube also shared that he’s always looking for new talent, another ‘Friday’ movie is coming, and he would love to work with the genius Jay-Z!
Do you feel like ‘All Eyez On Me’ missed the mark in comparison to ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
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While almost everyone has had a chance to listen to Jay-Z’s ‘4:44’ album, some have obtained it via alternative methods.
One artist in particular that has admitted to obtaining a bootleg version of the project is our dear Uncle Snoop Dogg. Hilarious!
“I want to shoot a shout out to JAY-Z. Just dropped another motherf-ckin’ hot album, 4:44. But you know what? I don’t got TIDAL, so a n-gga had to bootleg it to me. I’m on iTunes and sh-t, cuz. I don’t understand that. Y’all gotta explain that to me. I went to iTunes looking for his album and I couldn’t find it. But my homie sent it to me.
Shoutout to JAY-Z, my n-gga, he did it again. I ain’t no hater. I love the game for what it’s worth, the young n-ggas and the old n-ggas. Practice that. Practice showing love. Practice supporting other muthaf-ckas other than yourself. Yeah, do that,” said Snoop.
Even though Snoop “illegally” obtained a copy, at least he used his voice, platform, and celebrity to encourage others to go out and support Hov’s latest project.
Snoop is hilarious! Y’all have got to teach Hip Hop’s famous uncle how to use Tidal, Apple Music etc.
How are you feeling about Jay’s now platinum album?
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(AllHipHop News) Young Thug borrowed a technique from Kanye West.
Last year, Kanye tinkered with his “living album” The Life Of Pablo by adding songs to the streamable edition of the project after its initial release.
Thugger has now done the same by adding a new verse from Quavo to Beautiful Thugger Girls.
(AllHipHop Editorial) Jay-Z released his 13th studio album on June 30th and the innanets is all abuzz about its subject matter. Some people love it and some people are in their feelings because they feel that it shouldn’t take someone like Shawn Carter to tell black men that they should be better fathers, husbands, sons, hell better men. What the naysayers fail to realize is that common sense isn’t so common and there are a lot of people in this world who look at public figures as role models. Like it or not Mr. Carter is a role model. Even more so he is an influencer and whether right or wrong Jay-Z is the E.F. Hutton of our times. When he talks people listen.
It comes as no surprise that within minutes of its release lyrics from 4:44 were popping up as memes all over social media and rightfully so. For those of us who had grown weary of the glorification of making it rain in the strip club, Jay-Z saying having good credit was more important was a breath of fresh air. For those of us who had grown tired of seeing pictures of so called ballers on Instagram flashing Jewish bankrolls in their pictures as we scrolled through our feeds, Jay-Z saying holding a stack of money to your ear wasn’t considered real money was validation for what some of us have been saying all along-truly wealthy people do not advertise their wealth, nor do they brag about it in social settings.
But I digress. 4:44 which was entirely produced by hit maker extraordinaire No I.D., is an ode to a time when hip hop artists used their platform to edutain – a term made famous by the legendary KRS-One. For those of us who remember, when Raheim of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five rapped, “A child is born with no state of mind blind to the ways of mankind…” we were front and center in front of the radio belting the words out because they were talking about us and our experiences in the inner city. This album evokes the same feelings of acknowledgement. “The Story of O. J.,” the second track on the album is a sad but accurate depiction of how some people in America view black men. No I.D. sampled Nina Simone’s “Four Women” on this offering. Nina’s voice is heard floating over the instrumentals haunting the listener with reminders of a time when racism was less covert. The consensus being, it doesn’t matter how much wealth success or happiness you attain, in the eyes of some “You’re still a Ni–er”.
For women the title track is an acknowledgement of the pain that we go through trying to love a man who cannot or will not love us the way we deserve. For men it’s an acknowledgement of the fact that far too many of them didn’t grow up with examples of healthy, loving relationships which in turn left them void of the tools they need to sustain one.
Jay-Z touches on a few subjects that are usually swept under the rug in the Black community.
On “Smile” Jay-Z opens up about his relationships with his wife, Kanye, Solange (his sister-n-law who was caught on video assaulting Jay-Z in an elevator) , his mother’s sexuality and seeking therapy. His mom Gloria Carter evokes the spirit of Dr. Maya Angelou as she waxes poetic at the end of the song testifying that it is indeed okay to love who you love.
All in all listening to 4:44 is like listening to a musical version of your older uncle dropping jewels on the front porch of Big Mama’s house. The flow of the album, whether done intentionally or not, is punctuated by an Obamaesque mic drop after every song. There are no fade outs, no transitions, the songs just stop, letting you know that Jay-Z just said some ish worthy of a second listen.
When it’s all said and done, 4:44 will get the credit it deserves. After all, the production is tight and the lyrics are classic Jay-Z. For hardcore fans however, the album is so much more than that. For a person who has been hell bent on keeping his private life private, Jay-Z is very transparent about his personal life and that’s what makes this album so widely talked about and debated. For those of us who have followed Jay-Z’s career from the beginning, we see your growth Jay-Z and we like it. We like it very much.
(AllHipHop News) The man behind the boards for Tupac Shakur’s 1996 LP The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory is looking for financial backing from the late music icon’s fans.
Tommy “D” Daugherty worked as the chief engineer on the posthumous Pac project also known as The Makaveli Album.
Author Ben Leinen is teaming with Tommy D for a Kickstarter campaign to fund a book about his experiences creating with Shakurand the rest of the Death Row Records roster.
“In 2013, I met Tommy while he was visiting his late father in Cedar Rapids. I discovered who he was and he mentioned he wanted to do a book for a long time,” writes Leinen on the KS page.
According to Leinen, Tommy was never paid for his contribution to The Don Killuminati.
“He hasn’t been able to talk because he’s been #StrandedOnDeathRow. He worked for the record label giant until 2007 – the last original member,” Leinen states. “Tommy D was one of the last people to take care of Nate Dogg and built him a home studio before he died!!!”
The Makaveli Book will also include stories about other music acts such as Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Lady of Rage, Prince, Michael Jackson, and more.
Some of the pledge rewards for Kickstarter donors include signed copies of the books, a deleted chapter, an online personal thank you, a Death Row cassette, and a thank you in the book.
To contribute to Tommy D’s The Makaveli Book crowdfunding campaign visit kickstarter.com.
(AllHipHop News) A lot of top-rated Hip Hop albums were released over the last month, and the coverage of those projects dominated the culture’s media.
While JAY-Z, Vince Staples, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, and others have been making the most headlines this summer, Big Sean stopped by Good Morning America to remind the masses he delivered a well-received body of work this year too.
The Detroit spitter performed several tracks from his gold-certified album I Decided for the morning TV program’s Summer Concert Series.
GMA viewers were able to see Sean run through “Light,” “Jump Out The Window,” and his Top 10 hit “Bounce Back.”
(AllHipHop News) After spending one week as a Tidal exclusive, JAY-Z’s critically acclaimed 4:44 album has made its way to Apple owned platforms.
Apple Music subscribers can now stream 4:44, and the project is also available for download on iTunes.
However, Spotify users still do not have access to stream the Brooklyn-raised emcee’s latest musical output.
A physical version of 4:44 is expected to hit stores in the near future.
According to reports, physical copies will include three bonus tracks – “Blue’s Freestyle/We Family,” “Adnis,” and “ManyFacedGod” featuring James Blake.
Both “Adnis” and “ManyFacedGod” were previewed in short promotional clips before the album dropped.
(AllHipHop News) Today (July 7) saw the arrival of 21 Savage’s debut studio LP Issa Album.
The Atlanta rapper also launched an online lifestyle shop featuring three Issa inspired capsule collections.
Fans can now buy items from the Slaughter Gang “Flock together” collection, SAVAGE box collection, and theISSA Album collection designed by graphic designer/meme creator SomeHoodlum.
21’sSlaughter Gang street wear collection was influenced by the idea of birds of a feather flocking together.
The collections also drew inspiration from American outlaw biker gangs and the family culture of Savage’s crew.
To purchase attire from the ISSA lifestyle brand visit www.issa.shop.
Slaughter Gang “Flock together” Collection (7 items)
Flock Together Denim Jacket – $250 – Limited edition bleached Levi 500 Denim Jacket with full color Savage Eagle embroidery on back and “SAVAGE” embroidered on chest.
Flock Together Denim Dad Hat – $40 – Limited edition bleached denim dad hat with full color Savage Eagle embroidery on front.
Flock Together T-Shirt – $30
Flock Together Coach’s Jacket – $60 – Limited edition black nylon coach’s jacket with Gang Member printed on front chest and full color Savage Eagle printed on back.
Flock Together Black Dad Hat – $25
Savage Joggers – $40
Savage Hat – $30
ISSA Album Collection designed by SomeHoodlum (4 items)
Issa Lifestyle T-Shirt – $25
Issa Album White T-Shirt – $25
Issa Album Pink T-Shirt – $25
Issa Autographed Poster – $7.77
SAVAGE box Collection (***denotes new colorway) (9 products, 2 of which are women’s)
Savage Box Red on Black T- Shirt – $25
Savage Box Red on White T- Shirt – $25
Savage Box Black on Black T-Shirt – $25
Savage Box Blue on Black T- Shirt – $25***
Savage Box Blue on White T- Shirt – $25***
Savage Box Yellow on Black T-Shirt – $25***
Savage Box Yellow On Teal T-Shirt – $25***
Savage Box Red on White Cropped T-Shirt $25 (women’s)
Savage Box Pink on White Cropped T-Shirt $25 (women’s)
(AllHipHop News) This is a new flash. Jay-Z has gotten Blue Ivy in the studio and recorded a new freestyle for his 4:44 album.
The song has been released virally and is not yet available on Tidal yet.
In the rap, Beyonce and Jay’s first born can be heard dropping lyrics like “Never seen a ceiling in my whole life.” and “Boom Shaka Laka.” It has not been confirmed but it is presumed to be one of the new tracks to be released from Jay-Z’s most recent album.
4:44 is already certified platinum in a mere five days.
Social media has had a field day of fun over the “song,” crafting many witty posts.
“Never seen a ceiling in my whole life.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWO9IcBAJ0R/
NICKI WHO? REMY WHO? BLUE IVY CAME TO SLAY HOES. PRINCESS OF RAP IS COMING https://t.co/vbB7psEb6P
(AllHipHop News) Rap mogul Suge Knight made an appearance in court today, where he attempted to plead his case to a judge.
Suge has been locked up since January of 2015, after being accused of murder and assault.
The former head of legendary hip-hop label Death Row Records is accused of running down associates of Dr. Dre.
Cle “Bone” Sloan escaped with serious injuries, while another man named Terry Carter was killed during the altercation at a fast food restaurant in Compton.
The incident occurred during a taping of for a promotional video for the movie “Straight Outta Compton.”
Over the past year, Suge has repeatedly claimed that the restrictions are severely hampering his defense, since he’s not even allowed to see his own lawyer.
Today (July 6), was no different, when Suge Knight appeared in court sporting an orange prison jumpsuit, where he begged a judge to let him see his lawyers.
“The only person I’m allowed to call is him [his counsel], and sometimes his office doesn’t even take my call,” Suge complained about his counsel.
Suge said he wanted to be able to contact several lawyers and nodded to longtime associate and former Death Row lawyer, David Kenner, who was in the court, but not allowed to speak on Suge’s behalf.
“I don’t want to miss my trial date, I don’t want to slow my trial date down, I just want to be able to talk to counsel so I can be prepared,” Suge pleaded with an unsympathetic judge.
Suge seemed extremely frustrated in court today, claiming the superseding judge for the trial has continuously blocked his lawyer’s attempts to see him.
In addition to the restrictions, Suge has also suffered from health setbacks since he’s been locked down.
The mogul claims he’s legally blind in one eye, and he has been hospitalized several times due to complications from diabetes.
(AllHipHop News) A little over a month after claiming fans were “annoying” him with speculation of a new album, it turns out that Tyler the Creator is indeed, releasing new music.
Last week, Tyler released several new songs, including “Who Dat Boy” with A$AP Rocky and “911/Mr. Lonely,” with Steve Lacy and Frank Ocean.
Tyler has confirmed that the new music is the first batch of music from his forthcoming full-length album Flower Boy.
The album, which is due out July 21 the Columbia records will feature 14 songs, along with two different covers.
Tyler designed one album cover himself, while he commissioned artist Eric White to do the second cover for Flower Boy.
The news comes as Tyler prepared for the sixth annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnical, in addition to two forthcoming TV shows: “Nuts +Bolts,” on VICELAND and “The Jellies” on Adult Swim.
Check out the artwork for both covers of Flower Boy below:
(AllHipHop News) A new season of TV One’s critically acclaimed series “Unsung” will debut this weekend.
The 11th season of “Unsung” will be a double premiere, featuring rapper Wyclef Jean and R&B singers Jagged Edge.
Clef’s episode will delve into his life in Haiti, his membership as a member of multi-platinum group The Fugees, the group’s breakup, and the rapper/musician’s rise to fame as a solo artist and producer,
Jagged Edge’s episode will examine the R&B group’s rise to fame in the early 2000’sand their contentious split with Jermaine Dupri.
The double episode of “Unsung” will debut at 9:00 on TV One and Jagged Edge will release a new album called The Layover, to coincide with the premiere.
Other stars whose careers are examined in the new season of “Unsung” include Ice-T, The Dramatics, Switch, Marvin Sapp and Shanice.
(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rapper Rick Ross is facing a lawsuit, for allegedly backing out of a concert and refusing to return the money he was advanced.
According to a lawsuit filed by Washington County Family Entertainment, Rick Ross was hired for a concert at the Wild Things Park in Washington, Pennsylvania earlier this year.
The rapper, who was paid $150,000 upfront, had to back out of the concert over family and health issues.
(AllHipHop Rumors) ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was such a great biopic that it has raised the bar for any forthcoming Hip Hop biopics. With this said, it’s to no one’s surprise that the Tupac biopic, ‘All Eyez On Me’, received so much criticism, especially with it following ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
