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The Ballad and The Bullet: Drill Music and The Black Millennial (2016)

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In 2012, the sub-genre of Drill Music was shockingly different from anything that the Hip-Hop community was used to experiencing from a Chicago artist. For years, the Rap world has been fed an image of Chicago Rappers as being sophisticated lyricists. Artists like Kanye West, Common and Lupe Fiasco come to mind. This, however, is a one-sided image of the duality that the city of Chicago processes.

Yes, it’s true that Chicago is a beautifully intelligent place full of art and sophistication. However, it is also well known that the city has a harsher, more unforgiving side. Since prohibition Chicago has branded itself as the birthplace of “Gangs/Gangsters.” True to this moniker, the city is home to some of the United States’ oldest and most violent street gangs. Yet despite this, few Chicago rappers have chosen to openly accept this side of their culture. In fact, one of the city’s more popular Rappers, Common, went as far to ignore his gang connection until conveniently alluding to The Four Corner Hustlers during a brief Rap beef with everyone’s favorite barber, Ice Cube.

Drill Music, however, changed this.

With the introduction of Drill Music, the often over looked side of Chicago was revealed to the Rap world. From these surprisingly young artist, audiences could witness what it was like for the youth of this city. For the first time, many listeners got a chance to hear about the severity of Chicago’s gang culture, while being amazed by the passion the young creatives possessed.

Yet, the creation of Drill Music did more than entertain the masses.

The astonishment at the artists’ ages paired with their music’s violent subject matter resulted in older audiences beginning to inquire about the youth of this marginalized city. They started to wonder why these children (most of which could barely drive) were so accustomed to death and violent crime. The question of “why/how do they do this?” began to be asked more frequently. This exposure, prompted seasoned consumers to call for a change in the lives of Chicago’s young citizens. That put immense pressure on the city’s government. And due to their marginalized status, Drill artist became the perfect valve for the local and national government to release the heat that they were generating. Chicago officials used the lyrics of the music in combination with their major legal issues, namely the murder conviction of Drill Rapper, Rondo Numba Nine, to convince the public that Drill Music is the cause of the city’s violence. They implemented strict laws that Permited Drill artists from performing. Even going as far as banning Chief Keef’s image within city limits.

While government officials have been taking an extreme approach in hopes to silence Drill artists, they are doing little to change the world that these musicians rap about. Even with the continued restriction of Drill Music, Chicago has still seen more than 700 murders this year, including the 30 people who have died since the beginning of November. The general public notices this. The blatant denial of the youth only adds to the genre’s popularity.

Even though entertainers such as G Herbo, Katie Got Bands, Chief Keef, and Lil Bibby see themselves as just telling the world their story, many young Rap fans view them as prophetic prodigies. The honest subject matter that is present in Drill Music speaks to the common struggles that Black Millennials in America share. Because of this connection, Drill has become one of the most copied styles in Rap. Acts such as DC artist, Fat Trel, and Atlanta sensation, 21 Savage, have homes hundreds of miles away from Chicago. Young MA’s career soared after she created a “Chiraq” remix titled “Brooklyn.” Yet, all have flows and cadences the derive from this sub-genre. In a short amount of time, Drill artists have successfully changed the landscape of Rap by providing a much needed outlet for many adolescents in the United States.

These martyrs, however, have not been so fortunate. Yes, Rap has allowed these young creatives to actualize their potential and secure a successful future for themselves. However, the ignorance of their struggles by the people who could effectively enact change, force them to encounter issues similar to the ones they hoped to evade. For example: in December of 2015, Drill artist, King Louie, was shot in the head while visiting family in Chicago. Louie is one of the more successful Drill Rappers. He has numerous writing credits on multiple albums, including Kanye’s Yeezus. Despite this, he still fell victim to a violent crime. Fortunately, King Louie survived. But, the harsh reality of the situation remains the same.

In an interview with AllHipHop, 21-year-old, G Herbo, explains why violence is so habitual in Chicago.

“We had just landed, I ain’t gonna lie, (my friend) was just saying that 17 people were dead this weekend in Chicago, 41 injured,” the rapper recounted in regards to one of the deadliest weekends in the city’s history.
He then went on to decode Chicago’s actual issue. “But the real problem with Chicago is there is no leadership,” Herbo described. “There’s a lot of potential leaders, but no ‘leadership.” There’s no one who wants to be hands on and not stop the violence, because that’s impossible, but impact a violent person and change they mind.”

This lack of care, at not only the communal, but governing levels of Chicago is the root of the plight that is present in Drill. Yet, as witnessed by the continual violence, these stories are being ignored. Chicago’s consistent violence is a direct result of misrepresentation and the lack of true leadership that G Herbo describes.

Similar to journalism, Rap is a discipline that documents often overlooked events and presents them for the world to see. True to this, Drill Music tells an unearthed story about the city of Chicago. However, Chicago is just an emphasized microcosm of what the Black youth of America experience every day.

This is why Drill Music is so popular.

It is often said that the art that is consumed is a direct reflection of the consumer and his/her community. Well, throughout the country Black Millennials are becoming desensitize to violence and violent crimes. This is not because our media “glorifies” it. It is actually a byproduct of being forced live among it. In pure Hip-Hop fashion, Drill Rappers documented this truth and effectively conveyed it with a voice that not many possess. Their aggressively harsh lyrics are received by the youth because we know that they are synonymous with the cries for help that we all have wept. Yet, the ones in power cannot seem to comprehend this. Instead of trying to decipher the message they, in turn, blame the delivery.

But, the delivery isn’t the issue.

Drill artists have given the world a concrete story. They presented not only a complete description of their culture, but also backed their claims with facts. As journalists, they have done their job. It is now up to us, as the fans of the music, to translate these cries into a plea that the masses can understand. If we do this. If we open the ears of the powerful to our plight. Then, change will undoubtedly be enacted in the life of the marginalized Millennial. This change will allow us, as a culture, to progress leading to us being able to finally appreciate Drill Music.

‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ Featuring The Roots, Nas & More Opens At #1 On Album Chart

(AllHipHop News) The Broadway play Hamilton: An American Musical has been a cultural phenomenon.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creation won a Grammy Award, a Pulitzer Prize, and 11 Tony Awards.

The success of the Hip Hop musical led to several artists contributing to the compilation The Hamilton Mixtape.

According to Billboard, The Hamilton Mixtape earned 187,000 equivalent album units (169,000 traditional albums) in its first week of sales.

That total is enough to put the project in the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

Among the acts to add their talents to the mixtape include The Roots, Nas, Chance The Rapper, Wiz Khalifa, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Ashanti, and Ja Rule.

The original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton also spent time on the album chart and peaked at #3.

The cast album has sold 876,000 copies, making it is currently the fifth-biggest-selling album of 2016.

Stream The Hamilton Mixtape below.

Did Meek And Nicki Minaj Break Up? Meek’s Instagram Goes POOF!

Publicity stunt or real break up? Meek Mill’s entire reality show disappeared! I mean, his INSTAGRAM got deleted. And then Nicki Minaj said the following on HER account.

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A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

This has fueled rumors that the pair have broken up again. At least, it seems like it. They are a rambunctious couple, but its not looking too good. There doesn’t seem to be any album on deck like with Safari. It seems like this is IT. But just the other day, he was calling Nicki is queen and wishing her happy birthday and lovely stuff.

meek nicki

Well, 2016 may have claimed another victim. What a brutal trip around the sun.
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Charlamagne Tha God Disses The Kardashians and Kayne West Too

Charlamagne Tha God snapped on a TMZ photographer, after he asked him a serious question about Donald Trump, followed by another about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

Charlamagne also throws some shade at Kanye West by saying his new blonde hairdo makes him look like social media celebrity, A-Town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjGu0kP_kic

G Herbo Discusses Common’s Impact On The City of Chicago

(AllHipHop News) It’s been a brutal year for the city of Chicago.

The city has seen over 600 homicides in 2016 and is on pace to have the most homicides in two decades. So any positive role models that can help end some of the bloodshed had been welcomed in the city, and Common has taken a very hands on approach to his activism in the city.

Just this summer, the rapper’s Common Ground Foundation hosts the annual AAHH! FEST Community Showcase, fundraisers, educational camps, workshops and ACT/SAT preparation services.

Even though the violence is at an all-time high, some local rappers are watching Common’s moves in the movie industry in big films and TV shows like “Suicide Squad,” “Selma,” “American” Gangster,” “Smokin’ Aces” and others.

G Herbo, who just released his new mixtape “Strictly 4 My Fans,” discussed Common’s influence on the city in a recent sit down with AllHipHop.com.

“Common’s doing a lot for our city. He still comes and touch the youth, and still go do stuff in his neighborhood,” G Herbo explained.

Seeing the Oscar-Award winning rapper/actor come back home and still want to help the city is inspiring a new crop of rappers coming up like Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Lil Bibby and G Herbo, to name a few.

“I feel like Common is a positive role model in the city,” G Herbo told AllHipHopcom. “I look at Common as a big brother. You know, Common did a lot for me, myself personally. You know I got a song with Common.”

G Herbo said that in addition to Common’s work in the Chicago community, the 44-year-old rapper is very hands on with local rappers too.

The rapper’s presence in the streets of Chicago could go along way towards curbing some of the violence that has been plaguing the city.

“I feel like anything that he could do positively to help he will, but like I was saying earlier, as far as making a difference, they have to feel like you are a part of their struggle too,” G-Herbo reasoned.

Wu-Tang Affiliate Solomon Childs Shot In The Neck

(AllHipHop News) Wu-Tang Clan associate Solomon Childs was shot and wounded over the weekend according to police.

The rapper, who is the younger brother of Cappadonna, was struck by gunfire on Saturday (December 10) on Forest Avenue.

Sources said the 40-year-old rapper was hit with gunshot wounds to the neck and back.

Police are seeking a green 1997 Nissan Maxima and other clues in a search for a suspect in the shooting.

Local cops are still trying to figure out if the shooting is tied to a string of armed robberies that have taken place in the area over the past several months.

Solomon Child is being treated at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

Luckily, the wounds Solomon Childs sustained in the shooting are not life-threatening.

21 Savage Calls Out 22 Savage, And This Dude Says He’s 23 Savage!

(AllHipHop News ) This is trolling to the next level and it looks like 21 Savage is taking the bait. I don’t know what 22 Savage did, but the original is cussing him out on social media for being copy cat. That is just cray. At least “no biting” is still a rule in hip-hop – people just don’t seem to mind breaking it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN0d7TPhZa3

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN0em3VBcfW

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN0fATghOP3

Uhm… 22 Savage has a friend. And his name is Geaux Yella.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN0EOZljMK6

Uhm. He said he’s gonna be 23 Savage and nobody’s going to do anything.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN0hqafD8MF

LIVE STREAM: JA RULE AND FRIENDS (ASHANTI, SEAN KINGSTON, ALISON HINDS, FARMER NAPPY)

LIVE STREAM STARTS AT 8pm EST!

(AllHipHop News) The Caribbean and the United States collide for a great cause in the Bahamas this weekend as, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Sean Kingston, Alison Hinds, Peter Ram, and other convene in Nassau.

Ja Rule & Friends Bahamas Hurricane Relief Concert goes down on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the National Sports Centre and will give proceeds to help those devastated by Hurricane Matthew earlier this year.

Yesterday, Nassau’s More 94 helped with the efforts in a day of giving where people brought canned goods and other resources to the More FM office between. These donations will be distributed to people as well.

#FreshAidWeekend will include a bevy of artists and a pair of big surprises that have yet to be announced. Go to FreshEntBah.com to make a pledge of support and, tomorrow, log on  AllHipHop.com for live coverage of the show.

AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and Gisselle The Wassi One will host the affair that also features Farmer Nappy, Judah The Lion and Marvay.

Tickets are on sale now at Airbrush Junkies in the Mall at Marathon (Nassau, Bahamas).

The whole affair is presented by Fyre Media, Fresh Entertainment Bahamas and BTC (Bahamas).

All proceeds go toward relief efforts in the western settlements of Grand Bahama and Andros. The project is sanctioned by NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency).

Get your tickets via FreshEntBah.com

#FyreHurricaneRelief #FreshAidweekend

Mysonne Calls Out Young Thug Over Airline Antics: “We Just Accept Anything”

(AllHipHop News) Bronx, New York rapper Mysonne has a major problem with Young Thug. Thugger hit the headlines earlier this week, when footage of the Atlanta berating airline employees went viral, and sparked some outrage on the Internet.

Young Thug was p##### at the airline employees and decided to film himself offering one of the female agents, as they attempted to duck out of the camera’s view.

Young Thug also slammed the staff members as “peasants” and “ants” and then pulled out $15,000 and offered the cash to the women to quit their jobs.

While it’s not clear what exactly sparked the argument, Young Thug was unable to board his flight and, as a result, had to cancel his Seattle performance, which has since been rescheduled for Monday.

Mysonne, who has become known for his activism within Hip-Hop over the past decade, in addition to checking rappers, blasted Young Thug in a post on Instagram, and questioned Young Thug’s place in Hip-Hop and his membership in the Bloods.

“You know what I think what’s happening now is we move so far from consciousness as black men that we don’t even have a standard,” Mysonne said. “You know, we just accept anything. People get a little celebrity status, they can say and do anything and we just make excuses for them or they’re young and you got to understand and like you don’t know, you don’t got to understand. Because I was young before and I done some dumb s##t, but there’s a certain level of stupidity that’s not even acceptable.”

Mysonne was not amused with Young Thug’s antics, and slammed the Atlanta rapper for his respose to belittling the women, who were simply trying to do their job.

“If a ni##a put a b##ch in place for playing games, y’all try to bash ’em. Y’all be the same motherf##kers to upload 15 black girls around this motherf##ker fighting and trying to kill each other with knives and bats and s##t.”

Mysonne wasn’t amused, nor impressed and he urged the Hip-Hop community to hold the artists to higher standards.

“The sh##t that Young Thug did, it’s just like, what, that could have been somebody’s mother, what if that was my mother that was working in that airport? You know what I would’ve wanted to do to that man?.”

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A post shared by Mysonne Linen (@mysonnenygeneral)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mysonne Linen (@mysonnenygeneral)

Producer Amadeus Explains What It’s Like Making Hits With Diddy

Bronx, New York producer Amadeus has landed hit records for a lot of big acts. Artists like 50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez, Young Jeezy, Chris Brown, Fabolous and T.I. have turned to the producer’s Platinum Boy production company for hit records.

In addition to his own hard work and enterprising spirit, the producer, born Antwan Thompson, credited Hip-Hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs for teaching him valuable lessons, as a member of the legendary production team, The Hitmen.

AllHipHop.com: One of the first bosses is your man, Diddy. I’ve got to ask you, I’ve got to ask you … How is it working with that man?

Amadeus: It’s very inspiring. It was very inspiring. It was very motivating. You know, I’m one of the newest hit men. I was a baby when they were working on Big and Faith and 112 and that’s when I was really inspired to become a producer. Just to even be able to be a part of that legacy was just like, wow. I’m hitting it, man. You know what I’m saying? We were talking about it earlier, I came in with Sherry Dennis and Danity Kane and Day 26 and when he was doing … “Making The Band” and that era. Just being around and watching him put together records for Press Play.

I watched him put together records for the Dirty Money album, Last Train to Paris and just seeing this dude work is like … It’s everything that you think it is. The endless hours and coming from the offices and I’m sure having meetings all day and just then transforming into … From CEO to artist mode and really pushing the creative envelope.

Sean "Diddy" CombsOne thing about him it’s like he knows what he wants and he knows how to explain it. It’s just about you understanding what it is and delivering. I would be challenged, man. I would be making beats and making beats and making beats and he’d be like, “I like that … almost.”

It’s like just when you think you got it, it’s like, “Nah, go back.” That’s dope because it challenges you as a record producer. Imagine if we always … We nailed it on the first shot. How dope are we really? You know, is it really dope or are you settling? So he’s always someone that’s challenging to work with. Like I said, very inspiring, very motivating.

When you see him now … This is years later. I’m sure he’s about to reach 50 pretty soon and it’s like man, are you still going? And he’s like, “Yeah,” and he’s on top. So that’s like, wow. He’s dope. He’s just hands down, dope and if you’re not inspired by him then I don’t know what to tell you. Even not working with him. Even not being a part of the team, just watching him on Instagram and seeing him move and having his DeLeon tour and the Ciroc tour and doing this and doing that. It’s like man, you still going? Revolt … and you’re like, man.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah I look at him on Instagram and he’s getting his hair cut and he’s just popping off. You’re just like, “Yo, Diddy’s popping off.” Sometimes he says something about Barak, I’ll be like, “Yo, Diddy.” But you know, that’s power.

Amadeus: People are listening and if you’re in that position to have that power to influence the masses, why not? At the end of the day, it’s his feelings, it’s his thoughts, it’s his emotions. There’s no right and wrong to it, it’s just how you feel.

AllHipHop.com: Has he ever cussed you out?

Amadeus: Nah. No cuss outs, man.

AllHipHop.com: No cuss outs? Okay.

Amadeus: No cuss outs. But we’ve … Of course I respect him as a mogul, as a king, as a man, as a label owner, as a CEO and a producer and musician. But I’ve earned that respect as well as an individual, as a dude that works hard. He respects me, he respects my family and respects me as a God fearing man and we’ve connected on that level as well, besides the musician and the musicianship. So that’s dope to be able to have that type of place with him. There’s so many people that’s surrounding him and so many people that surround, so to be able to be respected in that light is definitely a blessing.

You know, I ran into him … I think we were doing [a] festival in Vegas and I [hadn’t] seen him in maybe about a year. I ran into him in the dressing room. Me, him and Tre [Songs] and Kevin Liles and he didn’t know it was me.

I’m like, “Yo,” and he turned around and he’s like, “Yo,” and gave me the illest hug and just for that to come from someone like him, it’s just like, wow. I don’t take that lightly. We’ve known each other and you’ve seen me grow as a person, as a musician, as a producer. You’ve been supportive of me from the start. I’m honored to sit here, still being a part of the game, still being relevant. Even to wear this, man. Everybody can’t wear this.

When I go through the airports or I walk, people always stop me and show love and it’s funny how like … I guess I look like a producer because people always nail it. They’re like, “Oh man, are you part of Bad Boy?” I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, no doubt.” “Producer,” and I’m like, “How do you know?” I guess I just carry that musicianship and that producer look.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, that’s that energy.

Amadeus: But I wear it with honor and I wear it with respect. It’s a huge legacy. You know, 20 years, so to be a part of that 20 years it’s like, man.

Troy Ave Speaks To High School Students In New York: “It Was Fight For My Life Or My Freedom”

(AllHipHop News) Troy Ave might be facing attempted murder charges, but that hasn’t stopped the rapper from offering up some inspiring words to a group of high school students earlier this week in New York.

Troy was a guest of professor Christopher Emdin at Teachers College at Columbia University and served as a motivational speaker to 20 high school students.

Troy, born Roland Collins, is still facing serious charges for his role in a deadly shooting during T.I.’s concert at Irving Plaza.

The May 2016 shooting left Troy’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter dead, and wounded three other people, including Troy.

According to The New York Daily News, Troy Ave was not shy about his current situation when speaking to the teenagers.

He even showed the students his ankle bracelet, which monitors his whereabout as he remains free on $500,000 bail. “This comes from choices, choices I had to make at the time,” Troy Ave told the students. “It was either fight for my life or fight for my freedom. Now I gotta fight to clear my name.”

Professor Edmin said that Troy represented a powerful story of redemption to his students, some who are at risk, and have already been suspended, or kicked out of school altogether.

“It’s always more powerful to show a story of redemption than the story of a hero,” Emdin told The New York Daily News.

Troy Ave has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges and maintains he was acting in self-defense during the deadly backstage altercation.

Soulja Boy Offers Truce To Shia LaBeouf In Return For A Movie Deal

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Soulja Boy is offering to end a feud with Shia LaBeouf, if the actor/rapper can help him get into movies or television.

Soulja made the plea on his Instagram about a week after he “banned” Shia from Atlanta, over lines he dropped on a freestyle submitted to Charlamagne tha God.

“Only way that I give Shia LaBeouf a pass, he got to put me in the next Transformers movie. Put me in the movie,” Soulja Boy snapped in a social media post. “Put me in something. Put me in a TV show, and you can come to Atlanta, and I’d do a song with you and we squash the beef.”

Shia’s latest freestyle also name checked Drake, Lil Yachty and Peter Rosenberg.

While Drizzy will probably never reply, Peter Rosenberg replied with some bars of his own.
Now Soulja said he’s also thinking about releasing some new music aimed at Shia LaBeouf, since it’s the second time he’s name checked the “Crank That” hitmaker.

Shia also threw shade at Soulja during a freestyle on “Sway in The Morning.”

“He keep making songs. He keep dissing me, he keep dissing me. You know what? I’m going to go to the studio, and I’m going to drop my diss song,” Soulja Boy said.