Rumor has it that companies such as Samsung, Google, and Spotify are looking to buy out Jay Z’s streaming service, Tidal. The NY Post, reports that Samsung has been in talks to acquire the streaming service for a while. Samsung and Jay reportedly have a longstanding business relationship, and the company has been heavily involved in some of Jay Z and other Tidal owners’ musical releases. Sources say Spotify and Google are interested in minority ownership opportunities in the company. Tidal has exclusively released Kanye West’s ‘The Life Of Pablo’ and Rihanna’s highly anticipated ‘Anti’ albums, and the company has been said to have reached millions of subscribers. Do you think Tidal can withstand the test of time in regards to how music is consumed?
It’s still hard to believe the phenomenal film, ‘Straight Outta Compoton’, was ignored at this year’s Academy Awards. Ice Cube has expressed that he isn’t surprised nor does he ever plan to kiss a** or “play the game”. Ice Cube does plan to take action though as he wants to open up his own move studio in Hollywood. Ice Cube is ready to green light movies now! Hollywood has rules and procedures for opening up movie studios, so he may face a few speed bumps, and he may have to fight with his money to get into the business completely. However, we believe Cube will make it happen very soon!.
Let me start this off by saying: you are the homie. You have opened a part of your home to me, I saw the monkey and the dope Louie V carpet and all that. I am actually proud of you. Seriously. You came from selling DVD’s to one of the biggest stars in the rap game. That is to be commended on many levels. You may have sexed two of the Kardashian sisters (iKid). Diddy is your man. You got a lifetime supply of Ciroc. Hell, you even give back to the Bronx community that raised you for greatness (a cool million to kids!).
The opening of your new Max B-assisted mixtape Wave Gods you asked, “Why isn’t street rap selling like Kendrick?” and then you expounded on Power 105.
“Because they position him, like they did at the Grammys, as the new music. It’s not that it’s not the right thing to do, but you see like the whole thing was like Kendrick night. That album don’t sound like nothing that’s out – the whole hip-hop game don’t sound like that… They put him on that platform so they can shift music towards that direction.”
I got multiple texts from some heavies in the music industry who shall remain unnamed. They don’t want to say anything, but they vehemently take exception to this notion, French. Let me explain briefly in this list.
So called-street rap has been poppin’ for the last few decades.
Like it or not, Kendrick is street rap. He’s from Compton, CA.
There were no issues with his last album. Why is there with this one?
“That direction” goes to a place of empowerment, pride, creativity, boldness, depth and substance that most “street rap” fails to go.
There is nothing wrong with “street rap,” but when that’s all there is, we need more balance.
Lets have fun, but, be clear, Self-Hate rap is what people have the big issue with. If you are equating “street rap” to the rap that continues to f**k with the minds of kids and infantile adults then…you will keep having issues. Its not “they.” Its “we.”
I’m sure you are in the streets. They have these uprisings. So called Street People aka Black people aka regular people. Police are shooting and brutalizing people at an alarming rate. Hip-Hop is reflecting this reality now when before it was minimized.
Who is “They,” because most people consider “they” as the people that have supposedly, presumably and assumptively (not a real word but it sounds good) directed Hip-Hop music to a place largely regarded as ignorant, formulaic and apathetic.
Historically, street rap reflects what is going on in these days. This is more reasonably why K-Dot is so hot.
The Grammys only put “hot” acts on that stage.
“Street rap” shouldn’t get upset at Kendrick. He wins, we win.
Build with “conscious rappers.” Public Enemy and Ice Cube did. Jay Z and dead prez. Kendrick and Dr. Dre. Nas and everybody.
I didn’t want to write this, but I just couldn’t hold it in, bro. Because Kendrick is what’s good doesn’t mean that the rest of the Rap Nation can’t prosper. “Street rappers” had no complaints about the couple decades they were on the frontlines of rap. By the way, I hate the term street rappers. On the other side, I and others have been clamoring for somebody like Kendrick for years. So, this “they” doesn’t exist in this capacity. The people have spoken. They have appointed Kendrick KING.
Last year, love it or hate it, he created one of the illest albums in Hip-Hop history. No, it was not for everybody. No, it was not a sequel to good kid, m.A.A.d city. No, it was not an easily digestible project. It wasn’t simple. However, it was much more, I would submit to the court of Hip-Hop. He did something far more revolutionary. He challenged “they” and hopefully created a paradigm shift that gives rise to more voices in Hip-Hop. Not less.
“They” have been suppressing revolutionary voices since the dawning of this country. And guess what happens? The people rise up and speak for themselves. That’s the Hip-Hop way since the beginning. “They” don’t want us to have this voice, which is why it was co-opted. The old way is gone. The systems and barriers to bumrush are eroding to dust. They cannot stop a Kendrick Lamar so they embrace him. They have no choice. We are awake and we will #staywoke.
I say this all in the name of peace, growth and Hip-Hop’s undying rebel spirit. Peace, Brother French Montana. #SALUTE
In an unusual turn of events, DJ Khaled’s Snapchat has seemingly got him signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Whats more is that Jay-Z is reportedly going to manage Khaled himself. As a way to celebrate the transition to new management, Hova gave Khaled his last Roc-A-Fella chain. Supposedly Jay-Z doesn’t have anymore of these, but he does have some new music on the way which you get to hear in the video. Check it out below.
The magic continues. Recently, one of Game’s introspective Instagram posts mysteriously vanished. With social media, the Los Angeles lyricist shared a few of his thoughts. Seemingly listed in their order of importance, an array of influential individuals from the worlds of politics, sports, and music were ranked.
Among others, the outspoken MC shared his fleeting beliefs on Donald Trump, Stephen Curry, and Kendrick Lamar. Landing atop the controversial list was his perspective on the Golden Era icon, Nas. “KENDRICK IS THE NEW NAS,” asserted the posted screenshot.
There’s nothing like paying homage to a legend, but in today’s Hip-Hop has the respect for originality become extinct?
YG and his momma Shonee dropped by Real 92.3 for an interview with Big Boy about their mission to feed the streets via their organization 4hundredwaze.org. Currently they have a campaign called
“If God is blessing us, we are supposed to be blessing others,” Shonee explained to Big Boy from the Real 92.3.
“It may not be much but something is better than nothing. Just to but the time in, I’m one that’s hands on, I like to be in the community, not just giving people jobs. They will see me out there in the community doing this.”
The mission of the 4hundredwaze Organization is to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth who are a part of the Foster Care/Group Home system by providing growth and development in the areas of science, technology, education and math (STEM). Working alongside the Department of Children and Family Services professionals, the organization provides activities that will expose our youth to all of the above listed resources.
Outside of his foundations, YG is working on putting out his Still Krazy album and has a single with 50 Cent and Nipsey coming soon, “I Want A Benz.”
Tech N9ne is the personification of a true MC. His entrenched ability to captivate a crowd resonates with a global audience. Recently, with a hubris-filled Instagram post, the K.C. native administered a challenge to Hip-Hop.
The Killer lyricist touted his ability to appear at historically Metal festivals like Aftershock Fest and Knotfest. Taking the stage after the legendary, Rob Zombie, Nina still commanded the crowd. Bolstered by his actions, “The Noose” narrator continues to asphyxiate his competition.
With a contentious comment he Ethered today’s phony Rap stars. He admonished, “Those rappers can’t say they’re ROCK STARS and it be a REAL statement!”
Thus far, 2016 has seemed to be a cathartic year for Kanye West. After exorcising his professional and profession demons Mr. West’s creativity continues to thrive. The hectic hoopla surrounding The Life of Pablo eventual release has subsided and interest is building for his next project, Turbo Grafx 16.
From orchestrating catwalks, to punishing sixteens, Kanye is harnessing his artistic insight. Earlier today (Feb. 29), viaIbn Jasper’s Instagram page, Yeezy is shown working in a studio. Presumably, the creative savant is investing his musical inspiration into the new project.
Along with Ye’s personal barber, Ibn, a spirited atmosphere is demonstrated by the photo. Mike Dean and Plain Pat are two beatsmiths who are mentioned in the hashtag. Kid Cudi also made the cut as his name is included among the aforementioned creators.
(AllHipHop Features) “Soul music is cultural, and it should forever be enshrined as one of the world’s greatest forms of music. It is a people, a nation, and it is the rhythm of our lives and loves and losses and wins, our hopes and dreams and passions on parade,” declared the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in her autobiography From These Roots.
Franklin – along with other dignitaries like the Godfather of Soul James Brown and the King of Soul Sam Cooke – helped lay the groundwork for which future generations of performers would stand. It is from that musical tradition of combining R&B, Gospel, and Jazz comes a South Side Chicago native born Bryan James Sledge, now better known as BJ The Chicago Kid.
Growing up in a house led by church choir directors, BJ was ingrained with melodies and rhythms from an early age. He eventually pursued making music professionally which led to the singer-songwriter working with Mary Mary, Stevie Wonder, and Kanye West.
BJ later became a go-to vocalist for the early work of Top Dawg Entertainment artists Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. His appearance on Schoolboy’s 2014 Top 40 hit “Studio” introduced The Chicago Kid to a mainstream audience and earned him a Grammy nomination for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”
Last year, Dr. Dre recruited Sledge for “It’s All On Me” off the Compton album, but 2016 saw the arrival of BJ’s own Motown debut LP In My Mind. The critically acclaimed project is 62 minutes of personal reflections on faith, devotion, and intimacy. Kendrick, Chance The Rapper, Big K.R.I.T., and others effortlessly join the candid conversations presented on the 15-track soulful effort.
I connected with BJ The Chicago Kid to go deeper into his thoughts. Besides speaking on In My Mind, the man assuming the mantle for Soul music also addresses what’s happening in his hometown, his relationship with TDE, and whether more records with the Good Doctor will ever see the light of day.
In My Mind presents this interesting duality to me. You have songs where you cover spirituality, and you also have songs where you’re talking about sex, love, and relationships. As a songwriter, what is the process like creating an album that touches on both your relationship with God and making love?
God created love, and love was made to be made. I get it. I can’t fight something I ain’t make. [laughs] I understand God perceives how it should happen, but I also understand when the preacher goes out with his wife, he’s not going to play some Kirk Franklin. That’s the balance. I do want to be married at some point in my life, but right now I’m focused on the album. You got to have a cow before you can get some milk. [laughs]
Was it a calculated decision to start with “Church” as a single? That song kind of represents what you just said.
Honestly, it wasn’t calculated. We all just felt like the music should always speak and will always tell us what to do with it. That was the first thing the music was saying, that we should rock with “Church” first.
Obviously, you really represent Chicago. You even put it in your name. The song “Home” is about your love for your hometown. Chicago has been in the news a lot. How can you change what’s happening in the city? And how can you change the perception of the way the world looks at Chicago?
First, if they buy the BJ The Chicago kid album that will help change the perception of Chicago. I am the positive light of Chicago. You’re talking to a young man that does not have a police record, never been in jail. When speaking my name – knowing my history or not knowing my history – you’re speaking positivity. So somebody has to know about BJ The Chicago Kid from the South Side – no suburbanite. No offense to them, but I just feel like me being from the core helps me shine more.
There are a lot of artists putting on for Chicago. Obviously, you have Kanye and that generation, but some of the younger guys like Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper too. What are your thoughts on what’s happening in the city as far as music?
It’s pretty dope how the youth is really involved in the radicalism of what needs to happen in Chicago. Chance and Vic are both doing major things for the city. I think it’s super dope.
I have my own nonprofit, the Chicago Kids Foundation, where I will be doing more as well. I want to take light from the album to put light on that. That was the whole plan from the gate. Otherwise, without having the music or something for the people to pay attention to, they wouldn’t know where I wanted them to come with me next.
So I wanted them to understand what the plan is and how it’s going to go. I’m very grateful that In My Mind is out. Not just for the foundation’s sake, but for the people to have something to touch, hear, see, and know we’re better than what’s known. We’re going to keep releasing more things, so people can further their understanding of what we’re doing.
Your song “Woman’s World” felt like an homage to James Brown’s classic “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” I’m sure the ladies love the song, but what did your guy friends say when they heard the record?
I felt like men gotta love it too. Guys, we always gotta like what the ladies like. That’s why you find guys at the Bryson Tiller shows. We gotta like what the ladies like, because we like the ladies. [laughs]. It’s a woman’s world. We follow them.
Do you know many guys that pay the bills at their house? Or do they give the money to the wife, girlfriend, or baby momma [to pay the bills]? If she wanted to get him financially, she could get him. It’s a woman’s world for real. [laughs] We need them.
You dropped a double video with “Woman’s World” and “Oh My God” featuring Jay Rock. Why wasn’t “Oh My God” on the album?
It was supposed to be on the album, but because of a lot of clearance purposes and other things we chose to give it to you guys in a dope viral video before going to the next level of what we’re about to do.
Is that a hint something else is coming?
For sure.
Have you had the chance to speak to Jay Rock since his accident?
Absolutely, I spoke with Jay Rock the day before yesterday. He’s doing well and can’t wait to get back out to continue doing Jay Rock. He’s just taking his time. The good energy and prayers sent up are definitely helping the brother. He’s definitely appreciative.
HiiiPoWeR: TDE + BJ
You have a longtime relationship with the whole TDE camp. My first time actually really taking notice to you as an artist was on Kendrick’s “Kush & Corinthians” off Section.80. What do you think about what Kendrick has been able to accomplish in his career?
Kendrick told y’all what was about to happen a long time ago when he called himself King Kendrick. You have to respect that man’s grind. I knew it a long time ago. I’m honored I’ve been able to grow with him, watch his growth even more, and learn from his growth so I can learn how to penetrate in my basketball game. We’re running point guard and trying to get the ball to the center for that alley-oop.
I understand it a little bit more, because I got loved ones that have been through it that can help me through it. The same thing with my gift. Kendrick isn’t just helping me, I’m helping him with what we do together. There’s a lot of phone calls between the homies that the world definitely doesn’t know about. That’s my brother.
You seem to have a real appreciation for R&B/Soul singers that came before you. I liked the Jodeci reference on “Resume,” and I like how you showed love to D’Angelo with your cover EP. Have you heard from them about your take on their work?
D’Angelo retweeted it, but I haven’t reached out to anyone. I just wanted to give them their flowers in an anonymous way as possible. I didn’t want any attention from it. I didn’t really do it for media attention. I just wanted D’Angelo to understand what his music means to us and how much it inspired us.
Have you thought about the fact that you’re influencing the next generation? There’s some kid right now listening to BJ The Chicago Kid, and they’re being inspired by what you’re creating.
That’s crazy. That’s pretty amazing. The world is round, and we do get older. I’m honored to have a seat on the panel of inspiration for somebody, somewhere.
Not too long ago some people were saying R&B/Soul is a dying genre. But then you look and there’s this new crop of talented singers like yourself, Anderson .Paak, Leon Bridges, and Andra Day that are really embracing Soul music and helping to keep it alive. What do you think about where Soul music is right now?
I think Soul music is always in a great place. When you got Kanye making songs like “The Joy,” it’s always welcoming us. All roads lead back to Soul music. That’s why you have Drake trying to sing. Fetty Wap is a singer. Ty Dolla Sign is a singer. If all these guys don’t make soulful music, they still do it soulfully. All roads lead back to Soul music.
So you embrace the guys that are combining rap and R&B like Drake, Bryson Tiller, and Tory Lanez?
Yep, very much so.
You did an interview where you were talking about your relationship with Anderson .Paak. How did you guys first meet?
I met Anderson through an old business partner that I had. He linked me with his friend which was Anderson’s business partner. So I met Anderson before the Dr. Dre thing.
You’ve said you and Dre have other tracks together that weren’t released yet. Are you just holding them in the vault or can we possibly hear one of those songs in the near future?
I don’t know. I don’t have a key to that vault. My key won’t even fit that vault. I would love to hear the Doc’s remedy on that one.
(AllHipHop News) Two of New York City’s finest emcees nearly appeared together on a potentially classic track, but a late night weed session may have prevented that magical moment from happening. Nas sat down with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Radio show for a lengthy discussion. Esco talked about almost recording a verse for The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Gimme The Loot.”
“He wanted to get me on Ready To Die, and by the time I finished my first joint that was already out. He was trying to get me on Ready To Die, and it never happened. So he wanted to do the ‘Gimme The Loot’ remix,” said Nas. “He put up the beat, and I started writing. But he started smoking.”
Esco continued, “He had some of that chocolate. He lit some of that up, and it was late. We’re lit. I’m like, ‘I ain’t got nothing. This is over today.'” The Illmatic album creator went on to talk about how he was amazed by the fact Biggie would write his lyrics in his head.
As far as Nas’ next solo album, the Queens native revealed he is recording new music. However, fans probably should not expect the follow-up to 2012’s Life Is Good in the near future.
“[I’m] just trying to feel the inspiration, just trying to get the vibe. One month I know what I’m doing. The next month I’m starting all over again,” explained Nas. “So it’s a lot of that back-and-forth, just grabbing the inspiration. That’s what’s holding the whole thing.”
Without a doubt, Future is one of the big homies of the present era. But there is already somebody trying to steal is spot! Desiigner – he’s talking about you, buddy! Desiigner is a kid from Brooklyn, but he sounds like he is Future’s brother.
#future “there’s only 1 Future around this m#### f*cka”
(AllHipHop News) With the #OscarsSoWhite controversy hanging over this year’s Academy Awards, many people were waiting to see how the show would handle the issue of diversity in Hollywood. Host Chris Rock tackled some of the concerns in his opening monologue, but the broadcast also featured a couple of comedic bits about Black History Month.
Actress and Fox News contributor Stacey Dash recently found herself in her own media firestorm after the Clueless star called for the end of the BET Awards and Black History Month. Dash was brought out at the Oscars as part of a joke making fun of the Academy’s lack of African-American members.
“I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month,” declared Dash after Rock announced her as the new director of the Academy’s minority outreach program.
In a separate sketch, acclaimed actress Angela Bassett was tapped to present the “Black History Month Minute.” Bassett then began discussing an actor, producer, comedian, and musician that starred in Enemy Of The State and Shark Tales. While it seemed she was honoring Will Smith (who chose not to attend the ceremony because only white actors and actresses received nominations), it turned out to be a celebration of white entertainer Jack Black.
(AllHipHop News) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis returned last week with their sophomore album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made. According to HitsDailyDouble, the project is unlikely to push enough units to open at #1 on the album chart.
The music industry website reports the Seattle duo is looking to have first weeks sales between 45,000 – 55,000 (50,000 – 60,000 SPS). The 1975’s I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It is competing with Adele’s 25 for the top spot. The British band’s latest LP is predicted to move between 90,000 – 100,000 albums (95,000 – 105,000 SPS).
This Unruly Mess I’ve Made included features from legendary Hip Hop representatives Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and KRS-One as well as top modern talent YG, Chance The Rapper, and Ed Sheeran. But none of the album’s singles were able to reach the chart topping success of songs like “Can’t Hold Us” or “Thrift Shop” off their previous album The Heist.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’The Heist sold 78,000 copies in its first week. The 2012 collection went on to sell over 1.4 million copies. It also won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2014.
(AllHipHop News) Last week T.I. became the latest performer to sign on as an artist-owner for Tidal. The self-proclaimed “King of the South” also announced a new distribution deal with Roc Nation. Tip sat down with DJ Drama to discuss his new ventures.
“[I signed with] Roc Nation because they, to me, are self-contained. They understand what record labels were here for in the first place. Lastly, it’s a distribution deal,” explained Tip. “I’m not going anywhere and sign an artist deal. I think the terms spoke for itself.”
When it came to joining Tidal, the Da’ Nic EP creator added, “Tidal is trying to put the power, the ownership, and the equity of the art back into the hands of the people who cultivate the artistry. I think that is what’s important. It’s the only black owned streaming service.”
Tip also pointed out that artists are making more revenue from streams on Tidal than other services such as Spotify and Apple Music. He also acknowledged the recent string of successes for the platform with releases by Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kanye West.
Later in the interview T.I.’s frequent musical partner Young Thug stopped by to join the conversation. The “F Cancer” rhymer recalled his mentor speaking to him about his feud with The Game.
“He said, ‘Thug, listen. You’re grown I can’t tell you what to do. I can’t tell you how to do it,'” said Thugger. “He said, ‘You can go down that route. But that one. Nah, that one bites back. That ain’t no little boy route.”
Right know Detroit is on the rise so this post is must for the homie Icewear Vezzo who’s been putting down some music for all the drank heads out there. For this tape Vezzo features Paul Wall, Kiki Alexandria, rising trapped out group Bandgang, Baby Face Ray and more. The project also includes production from TM88, Zaytoven, The Olympicks, RJ lamont, and more.
(AllHipHop News) Bobby Shmurda is planning to take on a new mission once his legal situation is settled. The currently incarcerated rapper wants to get more involved in social and political issues.
“When I get home, I ain’t even gonna lie, I’ve been thinking about getting into politics and everything because this thing gotta stop. I’m ready to get into social injustice and start protesting,” Shmurda told Revolt. “I’m about to really be getting in tune with [this] because it’s crazy what the system is doing and how it’s not even following its own laws.”
The Brooklyn rhymer has been very outspoken about his treatment since his arrest in December 2014. Shmurda has complained that his constitutional rights are being violated, because the New York District Attorney continues to fight against him getting released on bail.
Shmurda’s bail request was denied for the seventh time in January. The 21-year-old “Hot N*gga” spitter is facing charges for drugs, weapons possession, and conspiracy. He has not been convicted of any crimes but remains locked up at a Westchester County jail. Shmurda has been behind bars for over 430 days.
(AllHipHop News) Chris Rock found himself in the middle of the controversy involving this year’s Academy Awards. Some people called on the comedian to step down as host of the show after no non-white actors or actresses received Oscar nominations for the second year in a row.
The star of CB4 and Top Five decided to keep his position as master of ceremonies for what he called the “White People’s Choice Awards.” Instead, Rock used the moment to address the #OscarsSoWhite critics and racism in Hollywood.
“How come it’s only unemployed people that tell you to quit something?” Rock asked the audience. He then also questioned why a boycott was called for this particular Oscars, “I’m sure there were no black nominees for some of those years. Say ’62 – ’63, and black people did not protest. Why? Because we had real things to protest at the time.”
Two of the most outspoken critics of the Oscars this year were Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband Will Smith. The actress released a video announcing she would not be attending the awards show. Rock had words for Ms. Smith.
“Jada said she’s not coming, protesting. Don’t she have a TV show?” said Rock. “Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited.”
Rock also took aim at police brutality and sexism during his monologue. However, some of his most biting jokes were aimed at racism in Hollywood.
“Is it burning cross racist? No. Is it fetch me some lemonade racist? Nah. It’s a different type of racist,” stated Rock. He continued, “Is Hollywood racist? You damn right Hollywood’s racist. It ain’t like the racist you’ve grown accustomed to. Hollywood is sorority racist. It’s like, ‘We like you Rhonda, but you’re not a Kappa.”
It’s been a while since Juicy J has released some official music. The co-founder of Three 6 Mafia has taken a backseat these past couple of years to help produce work with A$AP Rocky or Wiz Khalifa. However, the rapper has finally premiered some new music. According to HYPETRAK, Juicy J teased a new song featuring Travi$ Scott during his performance in Los Angeles. As of now, the titled for the song is “No English.”
Over the weekend, Killer Mike offered a fiery, yet loving speech. The fire was for Hillary Clinton and the love was for Bernie Sanders. He compared and contrasted how each of them dealt with protesters at rallies or fund raising events.
This recently released underground Hip-Hop cut is generating quite a buzz. For as much as politics seemingly interfered with Non Phixion getting a shot with the majors, it thankfully never stopped its members from releasing solo material that really resonated with rap purists. So without further ado, check out Gore Elohim’s (formerly known as Goretex) latest visual, “Goretorium.”
Dear French Montana,
