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JU Delivers “New Levels, New Devils” Mixtape Featuring King Los, Eearz, Tef Poe & More

St. Louis hip-hop artist, JU delivers his much anticipated mixtape “New Levels, New Devils,” which includes features from King Los, Eearz, Tef Poe, and more; and production credits by Ear Drummer Ducko McFli, Chop Squad DJ, Fr!zz, ICU and Jackpot to name a few.

He describes the project as an open book look at his and his brothers’ lives and being on top, and how you should always persevere through the highs and lows through life.

JU is also planning to release another mixtape soon entitled “The Revival” and will include guest appearances from Jadakiss, Nispey Hussle, 2Chainz, Aye Verb and more.

Check out “New Levels, New Devils” below.

Prodigy To Appear On A Special Episode Of Viceland’s ‘The Therapist’ (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Nearly three weeks after his passing on June 20, Prodigy will appear in a pre-taped episode of the Viceland series The Therapist.

A trailer for the late Mobb Deep member’s sit down with Dr. Siri Sat Nam Singh has been uploaded to YouTube.

The show will feature Prodigy discussing living with Sickle Cell Anemia and receiving messages from supernatural spirits.

“My friends would tell me, ‘Somebody was walking around the whole hood looking for you. A white dude, look like Jesus Christ – I need to find Prodigy, I need to talk to Prodigy. I got a message for him,'” the Hegelian Dialectic album creator can be heard saying in the clip.

The 42-year-old native New Yorker continued, “It was just to let me know that what I’m doing is right with the music and who I am. Letting me know: You’re doing the right thing, and if you keep doing that, you’re not going to get sick anymore and you’re going to be able to do your job which is your purpose here on this Earth.”

At the time of his death, Prodigy was reportedly working on a musical about people’s obsession with the connection between Hip Hop culture and the Illuminati.

Previously, The Therapist featured other rap acts Freddie Gibbs, Waka Flocka Flame, Young M.A, O.T. Genasis, D.R.A.M., and Joey Bada$$.

The special Prodigy episode is scheduled to air on Monday, July 10 at 10:30 pm.

Beatnick & K-Salaaam Give Love And Health

(AllHipHop Music) From Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest to the most recent shock of losing Mobb Deep’s Prodigy black men have been succumbing to health issues at an alarming rate. Seems like the time for music with a message has arrived and who better to provide it than the dynamic duo of Beatnick & K-Salaaam. Introducing Babylon Food, a colorful & melodic, but hard-hitting, bass-heavy Roots & Culture track and lyrics that speak on the injustices of the corporate food industry and its devastating effect on poor communities. With the legendary Junior Reid and the up-&-coming Jesse Royal on the verses, Babylon Food it’s surprising that this is the first record from a major Reggae artist that addresses this issue, especially since so many of our icons, even in the Hip-Hop community have fallen victim to the GMO-based food peddled by global conglomerates like Monsanto. Hopefully, it wont be the last. 

Twitter – Beatnick & K-Salaam

YouTube – Beatnick & K-Salaam
Website – Beatnick & K-Salaam
Facebook – Beatnick & K-Salaam

JAY-Z’s ‘4:44’ Album Earns Platinum Certification In Less Than A Week

(AllHipHop News) While JAY-Z did not pull off the feat of earning a plaque on the day of the album’s release like he did with 2013’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, the legendary emcee’s 4:44 still crossed 1 million units faster than most projects.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, 4:44 is already officially certified platinum.

“4:44 Goes Platinum – JAY-Z’s 13 Platinum (or higher) solo studio Album Awards are more than any other hip hop artist,” tweeted the RIAA.

JAY’s latest LP was only released via Tidal and Sprint five days ago.

The project is not even available on other streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify yet.

Consumers were not able to buy physical copies of 4:44 on the June 30th release date either.

On Friday, iHeartRadio listeners were able to hear the album in its entirety when the company’s nationwide stations played the 35-minute collection periodically over a 24-hour span.

Roc Nation posted about the label owner’s 1 million units accomplishment on Instagram and Twitter.

“Congrats to #JAYZ, ‘4:44’ is Certified Platinum by the [RIAA]. TIDAL.com #RIAAPlatinum #444,” reads the IG caption.

UPDATE:

HitsDailyDouble reports JAY-Z’s 4:44 album was certified platinum in part due to a Sprint promotion which allowed new subscribers to get a free download of the album.

Bulk digital album purchases by businesses still count toward Recording Industry Association of America Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Award certifications.

That RIAA method was also used when Samsung took part in download campaigns for JAY-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail and Rihanna’s Anti.

Congrats to #JAYZ, ‘4:44’ is Certified Platinum by the @RIAA_Awards. TIDAL.com #RIAAPlatinum #444

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Lil Wayne’s “Magnolia Remix” Will Reportedly Be Included On Upcoming ‘Dedication 6’ Mixtape (SNIPPET)

(AllHipHop News) Is Lil Wayne ready to let loose his long-delayed, DJ Drama-hosted Dedication 6 mixtape?

The internet has been full of talk the New Orleans raised rapper’s next project is near release.

Lil Wayne HQ – the fairly reliable Weezy fansite – published an article about Drama hinting that D6 is on the way.

The Gangsta Grillz creator posted an Instagram Story photo of a “D6” airport sign with a caption that stated, “New Orleans it was only right!!!! Soon…..”

Over the last few days, LWHQ also tweeted about Dedication 6.

“Lil Wayne’s freestyle over [Playboi Carti’s] ‘Magnolia’ will be released soon! #Dedication6,” read a Tuesday night tweet from the website’s account.

Then this morning the account added, “Hear a snippet of [Lil Wayne’s] freestyle over [Playboi Carti’s] ‘Magnolia’  beat that was produced by [Pierre Bourne].”

The tweet included a link to a 15-second preview of Tunechi’s version of the hit record.

“In New York like Biggie, ROC. Plants in my sock, she running from the c###. And when I shoot I… Yeah, tell that thot her number blocked,” raps the Young Money leader.

More snippets reportedly from Dedication 6 made their way to YouTube as well.

Lil Wayne spoke about a potential D6 in an April 2016 interview with DJ Drama’s Streetz Is Watchin’ radio show.

“I’ve also been working on some crazy sh-t for a mixtape. We just didn’t have a good name for it yet, so it might as well just be a Dedication,said Weezy.

Following four previous tapes, starting with 2005’s The Dedication, Wayne’s Dedication 5 was released in 2013.

UPDATE:

Lil Wayne did drop a freestyle of “Magnolia” today (July 5).

The song came as part the four-track package In Tune We Trust which also included “Fireworks” featuring Young Jeezy, “Loyalty” featuring Gudda Gudda & HoodyBaby, and “Mula Gang” featuring Jay Jones, HoodyBaby & Euro.

In addition, Wayne mentions his Carter 5 album and again suggests he is now representing JAY-Z’s Roc Nation on the “Magnolia” song.

 

Joey Bada$$ Has A Theory About JAY-Z’s ‘4:44’ Album

(AllHipHop News) It hasn’t even been a full week since JAY-Z made his musical comeback with 4:44, and fans continue to offer their insights on the album.

Even celebrities commented about the themes and lyrics presented on the Roc Nation founder’s 13th solo studio LP.

While some rappers like Boosie Badazz and Future apparently chose not to follow the lead of Hov’s takedown of posting “money call” photos on Instagram, Joey Bada$$ believes he may have cracked the true code of 4:44.

“I think I figured it out… 4:44 is the 4th Blueprint,” tweeted Joey.

Of course, the Pro Era frontman is referring to JAY’s three Blueprint albums.

The original The Blueprint came out in 2001 and is regularly considered one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time.

The double-disc The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse dropped the following year.

Seven years later saw the arrival of The Blueprint 3 which contained JAY’s first #1 single as a lead artist – “Empire State of Mind” featuring Alicia Keys.

In many ways, each BP album served as JAY’s outline of where he believes Hip Hop culture should head next.

Besides calling out flashy IG posts, 4:44 does include the rapper-turned-businessman promoting listeners to embrace black entrepreneurship, end generational strife, fight for their marriage, and more.

Joey Bada$$ was not the first person to mention the idea of The Blueprint 4, but most of that early speculation was based on the mysterious ads presented before the album was released, not the actual music.

So does Joey’s theory about 4:44 being part 4 in the Blueprint series hold any weight?

JAY-Z has not publicly confirmed whether he intended for the Tidal/Sprint exclusive to be a sequel to his previous BP albums.

However, he did speak about the inspiration for the project’s title track with iHeartRadio.

“‘4:44’ is a song that I wrote, and it’s the crux of the album, just right in the middle of the album. And I woke up, literally, at 4:44 in the morning, 4:44 AM, to write this song,” said the Songwriters Hall Of Fame member. “So it became the title of the album and everything. It’s the title track because it’s such a powerful song, and I just believe one of the best songs I’ve ever written.”

When addressing the 4:44 track “Moonlight” he added, “It’s really a commentary on the culture and where we’re going.”

Chance The Rapper Covers Stevie Wonder For NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) NPR’s Tiny Desk is a highly regarded concert series that has featured performances by Gucci Mane, Run The Jewels, D.R.A.M., Rapsody, Anderson .Paak, Little Simz, T-Pain, and more.

Grammy winner Chance The Rapper joined the list of artists to take part in the mini-shows at the media organization’s Washington, D.C. offices.

His set included him running through the Coloring Book track “Juke Jam” as well as debuting a poem titled “The Other Side.”

Chance also did his own rendition of Stevie Wonder’s soulful song “They Won’t Go When I Go.”

Previously, the Chicago native covered “Hey Ya!” by OutKast at the Bonnaroo Superjam 2017.

Nas Pays Tribute To Prodigy By Performing “Shook Ones” At WOO HAH! Festival (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Nas took time during his set at the WOO HAH! Festival to pay tribute to fellow Queens representative Prodigy.

The Netherlands event featured Nas performing Mobb Deep’s classic “Shook Ones (Part II)”.

He also led the crowd in a chant of “R.I.P. Prodigy.”

“Thank you. We love you Prodigy,” said Nas before going into his Stillmatic cut “You’re Da Man.”

Albert “Prodigy” Johnson passed away on June 20 at the age of 42.

Cardi B Responds To Her Social Media Accounts Getting Hacked (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) According to Cardi B, she was the victim of an online hack.

The Bronx rapper’s Twitter account sent out a message that blasted Nicki Minaj.

“Hi [Nicki Minaj] you ain’t sh-t compared to me… pull up lil n-gga”,” read the tweet.

Cardi’s Twitter feed also included posts claiming the “Bodak Yellow” performer engaged in sex with Lil Durk and 21 Savage.

Last night, Cardi let her 572,000 Twitter followers know what was happening with her social media.

“Sorry guys … I’ve been hacked… trying to get control of my accounts now,” she wrote.

The Love & Hip Hop: New York alum also posted a video slamming the alleged hacker.

“Whoever hacked my Instagram and my Twitter, suck my d-ck, you nerdy, geeky, virgin, b-tch,” said Cardi in the vid.

 

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Are ALL Of These About To Be Hip-Hop Biopics?

(AllHipHop Rumors) As you already know, there have have been a number of rap themed biopics. “Straight Outta Compton” being the best and “All Eyez On Me” being the most recent. Well, according to a number of reports there are a number of Hip-Hop biopics on the way. At first, I thought this was all BS, but then I did some research and most of them have some actual merits behind them. Some have been slightly weird to me though, like the prospective Dogg Pound movie with came out of the success of “Straight Outta Compton.”

Now Check out these and tell me what interests you?

Nas
Roxanne Shante
Master P
Tha Dog Pound
Bone Thugs N Harmony
Salt-N-Pepa
Ol Dirty Bastard
Cash Money
Dj Screw
2 Live Crew

Too bad there is no Wu Tang whole movie, which would be impossible. But Run DMC and the Geto Boys would be dope. Hell, lets get a Chief Keef movie! LOL! Just joking! Oh yea, Russell Simmons has another biopic not named “Krush Groove.”

Jay-Z Planning To Add More Songs To 4:44

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop star Jay-Z is planning to add to the tracklist of his new album 4:44 after hitting the recording studio with singer/songwriter James Blake.

The “99 Problems” star, real name Shawn Carter, worked exclusively with producer No I.D. for his latest release, and debuted the 10-track project on his streaming service Tidal on Friday.

The highly personal album, on which Jay-Z delves into his private life and marriage troubles with superstar wife Beyonce, has been well-received by fans and critics alike, but No I.D. reveals there are even more revealing tunes still to come, which feature contributions from British musician Blake.

“There’s three more songs that are coming out as bonuses,” the beatmaker tells Rolling Stone. “James Blake came in and joined into (sic) the process. There’s more coming shortly that’s equally as revealing.”

In addition to the Blake collaborations, the physical release of 4:44 will also include Adnis, a track seemingly about Jay-Z’s late father, which was teased in trailers for the album.

After fans noticed Adnis was not featured on the original project, the rap icon’s longtime engineer, Young Guru, took to Twitter to clear up the confusion.

“Guys calm down Adnis will be on the physical copies (sic),” he wrote. “If you guys act right I may slip a couple other songs on there.. shhh don’t tell jay.”

A release date for the physical issue of 4:44 has yet to be announced.

Blake is no stranger to the Carter household – he previously worked with Beyonce on her 2016 album Lemonade.

Will Smith and Chris Rock Talk Racism On New Film For Jay-Z Song

(AllHipHop News) Will Smith and Chris Rock have recalled their experience of racism for a film accompanying Jay-Z’s’s new track “The Story of O.J.”

The eight minute documentary, titled “Footnotes for ‘The Story of O.J.” expands on the themes Jay’s song, which addresses why African-Americans are victims of inequality and prejudice.

It also features the actor Mahershala Ali, Kendrick Lamar, “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, and Christopher Darden, a prosecuting lawyer in the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.

In the film Will says, “I knew really young that if I thought of myself as somehow less than somebody else I was going to build a life that was less.”

Chris tells a harrowing story about how as a young girl living in South Carolina his mother was forced to go to a vet for dental treatment.

“They wouldn’t let black people go to the dentist,” he explains. “So all the black people in town got their teeth taken out by the vet.

In the film Jay discusses the need for black celebrities to stay true to their roots, as wealth will not always insulate them.

Citing the cases of O.J. Simpson and Tiger Woods as stars accepted by white American society then brought low by legal trouble he says, “We tend to, as black people, cause we never had anything, which is understandable, we get to a place, and we just thing we separate ourselves from the culture.

“Like O.J. would get to a space where he’s like, ‘I’m not black, I’m O.J. Like Tiger Woods would get to a space and think I’m above the culture. And that same person when he’s playing golf, and playing great, you’re protected. When you’re not, they’re gonna put pictures of you drunk driving and like embarrass you. That world will eat you up and spit you out.”

“The Story of O.J.” appears on Jay’s new album 4:44, which debuted on his Tidal streaming service on Friday.

The film is also exclusively available to users of the service.

The album has already drawn headlines due to apparent references to troubles in the rapper’s relationship with his wife, fellow artist Beyonce.

Kanye and 2 Chainz Show Off Hoop Skills at UCLA

(AllHipHop News) Kanye West and 2 Chainz showed off their hoop skills with the basketball stars of the future by joining the UCLA men’s team for a summer workout on Monday (July 3).

The rappers stunned the students by turning up for a practice session at the Los Angeles university’s Wooden Center gym.

The stars were already out on the court finishing off a game when the UCLA players arrived, and they stayed to chat with the athletes and pose for pictures.

UCLA coach Steve Alford also got in on the act by posing with a smiling Kanye.

The rappers’ basketball session came the day after West hosted 2 Chainz and his family for dinner at his home in California.

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The Internet Drags Future & Young Buck For Coming At Jay-Z

(AllHipHop Rumors) Some folks aren’t able to win against Jay-Z.

It’s obvious that Hov has a lot of rappers in their feelings for taking shots at them on his new ‘4:44’ album!

Jay even took a jab at Future by hitting below the belt as he rapped about the sensitive [to Future] topic of Russell Wilson’s active role of being a stepfather to Future’s son with Ciara.

“In the future, other n-ggas playin’ football with your son/You had lost it, 13 bottles of Ace of S#### what it did to Boston,” rapped Jay Z.

It looks like Future decided to actually respond to another lyric that’s had those flossing on the ‘gram with money, tight!

On “The Story Of O.J.” Jay raps,

“Y’all on the ‘gram holdin’ money to your ear/ There’s a disconnect, we don’t call that money over here.”

Future replied by saying,

“U ain’t got the juice like dat. MOOD.”

People wasted no time roasting Future in his comments. Some people told him that he has the juice of Bow Wow, and that he’s going to come up missing because he’s messing with the wrong one. Beyonce’s Beyhive even dropped some emojis in Future’s comments, and some fans even taunted that Wilson would get full custody of Future’s son.

Future wasn’t the only person getting roasted. They got in Young Buck’s azz too!

“I got a quick message for Jay Z. Next time you see me dropping an album get out my way dude…….let a young n-gga get his a-s in Jay. I get up turn up the got damn radio Jay Z album playing way in Cashville. N-gga I dropped too n-gga. Get out my MF way Jay. Salute n-gga. But got damn let a young n-gga eat,” said Young Buck.

Apparently Buck didn’t get the message that he couldn’t and shouldn’t go up against Hov as far as a release date. Folks wasted no time letting Buck know that “no one” is checking for his new project. Awwww man there are probably a few day ones who were excited though.

Although Buck’s tone seemed serious, everyone should be able to tell he was joking, so people didn’t have to drag him like that. LOL.

In interesting news, Young Buck also claims that he was considered for the Tupac role in ‘All Eyez On Me’. Carry on.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV-MlAzho7W/
https://instagram.com/p/BWG3tSKBcIm/
https://instagram.com/p/BWG880mB9hM/

Join the rumor community! Do you have a rumor tip that you would like to share? If you hear or see something, send us a tip to [email protected].

Peep What Rapper Wanted To Marry Kanye West!

(AllHipHop Rumors) We all know that Azealia Banks‘ elevator doesn’t go to the top floor, and she’s a couple sandwiches short of a picnic, but she’s always revealing something!

If you can remember, she recently made an attempt to extend an olive branch to Iggy Azalea, and now she’s not only apologetic for some more of her antics, but she also wants folks to know what rapper she once wanted to marry.

Banks has been banned from many social media platforms, so she has quite a few alternate accounts floating around also. She recently took to Twitter to get a couple things off of her chest.

“I only wrote “liquorice” because I was angry at hip-hop for being so adamant about dark girls being ugly. It was rebellious to me. And I wanted to hurt hip-hop’s feelings by writing fetching white men in songs and also celebrating myself. Seventeen year old azealia thought she was going to come in this game- marry Kanye west and be the coolest girl in the world. I remember when I met him I asked if he liked dark skinned women and he skated around the question. I felt soon ugly just standing there,” said Banks.

Omg Azealia and Kanye definitely aren’t compatible. Could you imagine how crazy and messed up that relationship would be if Kanye and Azealia were to ever get married?

Someone check on both and make sure they had their meds today.

https://twitter.com/XoCheapy/status/881380434969493505
https://twitter.com/XoCheapy/status/881380629203615744
https://twitter.com/XoCheapy/status/880756270147538944

Join the rumor community! Do you have a rumor tip that you would like to share? If you hear or see something, send us a tip to [email protected].

Al Sharpton Has A Message For Jay Z!

(AllHipHop Rumors) While Jay-Z was talking that good shhhhh on his new album, ‘4:44’, he ruffled a lot of feathers in the process.

Jay even addressed Rev. Al Sharpton’s viral selfies.

“Al Sharpton in the mirror taking selfies. How is him and Pill Cosby spose to help me,” rapped Jay-Z on “Family Feud”.

Al Sharpton already told y’all that if we could have a terrible president that tweets every second of the day, he doesn’t plan on stopping his selfies, especially when he’s out making change.

He also took to the ‘gram to clap back at Jay.

“Tell #JayZ, we still taking selfies…but I’m taking care of business down here too. With @yazzthegreatest in New Orleans in between sessions at #EssenceFest2017,” said Sharpton.

Al and these selfies are hilarious. Although Jay’s lyrics seem to be a bit mocking, Jay and Al really need to come together and do some good! Carry on.

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The Mid-Year Report: Best Albums Of 2017…So Far!

(AllHipHop Features) The first half of 2017 is officially over, and what a six months it’s been. We saw albums from nearly every top artist in the game including a few legends (shout out to Raekwon and Kool G Rap). Every time it felt like the last dope album had been announced for a while, somebody hit us with another release date to be excited about.

But when you have this much great music, the best album debates are inevitable. So as the first half of the year winds down, let’s take this moment to reflect on all the dope music we’ve heard so far and honor the projects that have stood head and shoulders above the competition.
Image result for jay z 4:44 gif

1 – Jay-Z // 4:44

K. Dot is in the process of taking the torch from past greats, but Jay-Z clearly isn’t ready to surrender his crown yet. After mysterious “4:44” ads began popping up in Times Square and across the internet, the speculation began. Just a few short weeks later and Jay-Z has given us the clear-cut best album of the year so far. This is a more personal, relatable side of Jay that we’ve seen from time to time—just not to this extent. 4:44 is a 10-track masterpiece laced with No I.D. production and introspective bars from the GOAT. With this album, Hov did to the rap game what he did to Kanye on the Diamonds (remix).

2 – Kendrick Lamar // DAMN.

Kendrick

As great as 4:44 was, DAMN. was right up there with it. This album was a really nice change of pace after two heavily conceptual studio albums. Whether you’re here for the vicious bars and dope production found on “Element” or the pure storytelling of “Duckworth,” it’s hard to find much to complain about with DAMN. I wasn’t even mad at the U2 feature on “XXX,” and the Rihanna-assisted “Loyalty” was was one of my favorites musically. Another notch in the belt for King Kendrick.

ALSO READ: The First Quarter: The Best Albums of 2017… So Far!

3 – Rick Ross // Rather You Than Me

Image result for rick ross rather gif

I remember when I first heard “Hustlin’.” The first thing that came to my mind? “Not another one of these rappers…” I never could have imagined the growth we’d see throughout Rozay’s career. The Miami native is now nine albums deep and seems to have hit his stride with his last few projects. The production on Rather You Than Me is absolutely incredible—especially the Bink-produced “Santorini Greece”—but to me, what really set this album apart from Ross’s previous work is the fact that he dug deeper and gave us a new side of him.

4 – Big Sean // I Decided

With every verse, Sean proves he’s one of the most talented spitters in the rap game today. But that’s not even my favorite part about the Detroit emcee. At a time where many rappers are walking cliches, Big Sean is the exact opposite for the most part. Almost all of his music is laced with thoughtful introspection, motivation, and bits of advice on getting what you want out of life. I Decided is the type of album that’s equally satisfying when you’re up working at 3 AM or getting a little too drunk, and it’s packed with some of rap’s best bars for good measure.

5 – DJ Khaled // Grateful

Be honest: at some point, you hated DJ Khaled. You said he “wasn’t even a DJ,” or that he “doesn’t rap or produce.” So did I. But with a major (no pun intended) re-branding and two absolutely phenomenal albums in the past few years, Khaled has earned a spot in our hearts and libraries. This album is exactly what you’d expect—a slew of hitmakers matched with seemingly ill-fitting, rugged lyricists for what somehow results in some of the dopest sounds we’ll hear all year.

6 – Drake // More Life

Image result for drake more life gif

Every Drake album is a success, but there’s something special about More Life that Views didn’t have. Maybe it was the fact that Drake decided to give his old fans a few tracks, or maybe it was the inclusion of musical influences from all around the world, but this album felt like Drake was trying something different and enjoying himself, a rare combination from a top artist who’s been a bit pigeonholed by fans who expect nothing but radio hits and club records.

7 – Vince Staples // Big Fish Theory

 At just 24 years of age, Long Beach’s own Vince Staples is well on his way to solidifying his spot in rap’s history books. Everything about this guy is refreshing—his personality, his subject matter, his production—everything. His latest project, Big Fish Theory, is a medley of sounds you won’t hear from any other rapper. The production is handled by a few different people, but it’s clear that Vince had a vision, and it wasn’t to make a cookie-cutter rap album for the radio.

8 – Future // Future

Love him or hate him, Future created his own wave and continues to ride it. His volatile pitch and gravelly voice have become his signature sound, and this album is chock full of both. The ear-grabbing melody of “Mask Off” took the internet by storm with the #MaskOffChallenge, while tracks like “Rent Money” and “Zoom” give fans a taste of the gritty sound that Future has moved away from more in recent times. But as good as this album is, there’s just been too much competition.

9 – Wale // SHiNE

Wale has had an interesting relationship with fans and critics. Many fans have been in search of the Wale they know and love from his mixtapes, growing increasingly disinterested with each album. With his 2017 album SHiNE, the DMV rapper took a moment to dismiss his haters and appreciate life. And now that he’s got a daughter to keep him grounded and a different outlook musically, hopefully Wale can put past criticism behind him and continue to make dope music.

10 – Nick Grant // Return of the Cool

The masses may not have Nick Grant on the tip their tongue. However, if you call yourself a fan of bars and you don’t know who Nick Grant is, you’re playing yourself. The South Carolina spitter is equipped with a sharp mind and a fresh perspective which combine to create a somewhat-conscious sound with dope bars that doesn’t feel overly preachy. While Return of the Cool had its shortcomings, the solid production and flurry of punchlines definitely give it a spot in the top 10 for the first half of 2017.

***(Honorable Mentions):

Russ – There’s Really A Wolf

Brother Ali – All the Beauty in This Whole Life

Your Old Droog – Packs

Did Wack 100 Admit To Getting Paid For Tupac Controversy?

(AllHipHop Rumors) Before the Tupac biopic hit theaters, everyone was wondering why Wack 100 had made so many disrespectful comments about the late rap legend.

Rumors began to swirl that Wack was on the payroll of those involved with the film, and that he was being paid to create chaos and controversy around Tupac’s name and legacy in an effort to make people run out and see the film in even bigger numbers.

People like G Principle even spoke out saying that Wack had to be getting paid, or that there had to be some kind of agenda in place.

Many still believe that if Tupac was still alive that Wack wouldn’t be talking all of that shhhh, and even if he chose to, he would surely get knocked out.

It looks like Wack has admitted to getting paid for his Tupac controversy antics on the ‘gram!

“All you dumb ass IG clowns stop hitting me about this 2 Pac sh-t the movie has come and gone all money bags have been collected by those that had em coming…. You n-ggas was just the ones that was used to created the bags…now IG that sh-t #West,” posted Wack.

He went on to say,

“Find something else to talk about this is old news bags secured #NEXT.”

What a time….. issa mess.

As you know the film has had mixed reviews with more negative ones than positive ones. The film did numbers, however, it’s looking like it ended up being a quick cash and first week record for those involved as the box office numbers dropped significantly on the second week.

It’s crazy how Wack 100 has no shame in being involved in a publicity stunt that threw dirt on Pac’s name though!

What are your thoughts?

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Madonna’s Manager Says Jay Z Is Not An Anti-Semite

(AllHipHop News) Madonna’s manager, Israeli-born Guy Oseary, has defended Jay-Z from accusations his lyrics are anti-Semitic.

The rapper sparked criticism from some in the Jewish community for lyrics from “The Story of O.J.,” a song on his new album 4:44.

On the track he raps, “You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America? This how they did it/Financial freedom my only hope.”

The lyrics have drawn criticism for deploying the stereotype that Jewish people are always wealthy, but Israeli-American talent manager Oseary says that although on its own the remark may be offensive, the way Jay uses it in the song is not.

“If you read the lyrics out of context I can understand why people are jumping to that conclusion,” he tells Variety. “But if you listen to the song in its entirety you will hear that the whole of the song is based on exaggerated stereotypes to make a point.”

The music impresario, who also manages U2, also notes that Jay uses African-American stereotypes in the song, which admonishes people within his own community for making poor financial decisions.

Oseary adds, “Yes, the ‘rich Jew,’ the ‘business Jew,’ the ‘Jew that owns the world’ is a stereotype which has been repeatedly used with the wrong sentiment. Meant only to harm the Jewish people.”

But he contends that Jay was “attempting to use the Jewish people in an exaggerated way to showcase a community of people that are thought to have made wise business decisions. As an example of what is possible and achievable.”

Oseary concludes, “I’m not offended by these lyrics. I hear them the way he intended them to be heard.”

Jay has previously spoken out against anti-Semitism, joining Russell Simmons in a 2007 public service announcement condemning prejudice towards Jews.

4:44 has hit the headlines since its release on Friday, with lyrical references to Jay’s relationship with his wife Beyonce on several confessional tracks apparently confirming rumors he was unfaithful to her.

Judge Says Chief Keef Is The Father

(AllHipHop News) Troubled rapper Chief Keef has been named as the father of a fourth child after failing to respond to a new paternity case.

Former p### actress Aareon ‘Slim Danger’ Clark gave birth to a son named Zinc in July, 2016, and filed court papers in the U.S. claiming the boy was fathered by Chief Keef, real name Keith Cozart.

The 21-year-old didn’t respond to the suit, prompting the judge to take the unusual action of declaring him the dad, even though Keef has yet to take a DNA test, reports TMZ.com.

The “Love Sosa” star already has three other children with various women.

In 2013, he was ordered to pay child support to two women he had fathered children with, while another former lover, Lauren Woods, took him to court in Kentucky in 2015 to establish paternity of her young son.

It’s the MC’s latest legal wrangle – he was recently released from jail in South Dakota following an arrest for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently released on bond.

He was also arrested in Miami, Florida in April for driving under the influence (DUI), his second in three years following a previous bust in 2014 in his native Chicago, Illinois.