(AllHipHop News) Rihanna’s latest album Anti is looking to open at #27 on the album chart with about 16,000 SPS (Sales Plus Streaming) units, but those numbers do not tell the full story. The 16k total only includes one day of streaming since the album was released on a Thursday and weekly counts begin on Friday. After a full seven days of streaming and digital purchases, Rihanna is closing in on another #1 album.
HitsDailyDouble reports Anti is predicted to move about 95,000-105,000 albums sold and 120,000-130,000 SPS. This will put the Roc Nation songstress ahead of other new arrivals Islah by Kevin Gates (75-80k, 80-85k), This Is Acting bySia (70-75k, 80-85k) and Nine Track Mind by Charlie Puth (45-50k, 60-65k).
If Rihanna returns to the top spot on the album chart, it will be the second #1 of her career. 2012’s Unapologetic landed in the pole position with 238,000 copies sold in its first week.
Anti has already been certified platinum by the RIAA thanks to Samsung giving away one million free downloads of the album to fans. However, Billboard (which reports chart placement) refused to add the free downloads as part of its album chart calculations.
(AllHipHop News) Legendary Hip Hop group De La Soul has signed a multi-year global deal with Kobalt Label Services. The agreement is in support of the New York trio’s new album And The Anonymous Nobody, which will be independently released on their own AOI Records.
De La Soul’s new arrangement with Kobalt includes exclusive digital and physical distribution and synch representation on the masters. There will be worldwide representation and product management support through Kobalt Label Services in multiple territories.
“I’m highly anticipating this relationship with Kobalt. After doing so much research with our team I think this is the best situation for this project based on its history and enthusiasm to help us face all the challenges in today’s industry,” says Maseo.
De La Soul wanted to make another sample-based album like their classic 1989 LP 3 Feet High and Rising. The group spent several years recording more than 300 hours of live music. And The Anonymous Nobody will encompass everything from Hip Hop, Bossa Nova, Soul, Funk, Disco and Reggae.
The concept album was produced by De La Soul and Dave West. The group’s Kickstarter campaign garnered more than 11,000 backers and $600,000 in funding.
“De La Soul has established itself as one of the most widely acclaimed hip-hop groups of all time,” states Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt. “With three decades of recording history, they have deep-seeded roots in the music industry and a reputation for creating ambitious, eclectic music that has pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and popular music. Kobalt is excited to partner with them and make music history together.”
(AllHipHop News) The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has modernized its Gold & Platinum Program to reflect the changing marketplace of music consumption. The RIAA will include on-demand audio and video streams and a track sale equivalent in Gold & Platinum Album Awards. The program’s benchmarks – 500,000 (Gold), 1,000,000 (Platinum) and 2,000,000 plus (multi-Platinum) – will count both sales and streams for single and album certifications.
“For nearly six decades, whether it’s vinyl, CDs, downloads or now streams, the Gold & Platinum Program has adapted to recognize the benchmarks of success in an evolving music marketplace,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman and CEO, RIAA. “We know that music listening – for both for albums and songs – is skyrocketing, yet that trend has not been reflected in our album certifications. Modernizing our Album Award to include music streaming is the next logical step in the continued evolution of Gold & Platinum Awards, and doing so enables RIAA to fully reward the success of artists’ albums today.”
The new Album Award formula is 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video song streams equals 10 track sales which equals 1 album sale. The RIAA’s Digital Single Award ratio has been updated from 100 on-demand streams equals 1 download to 150 on-demand streams equals 1 download.
Under the new model several Hip Hop and R&B artists earned gold or platinum plaques. Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise are now certified platinum. Wale’s Ambition is now certified gold. The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness is 2X multi-platinum, and Michael Jackson’s classic album Thriller is 32X multi-platinum.
Billboard began counting streaming and track equivalent sales in its album charts in 2014. Every 1,500 streams equals 1 album sale, and every 10 downloads of individual tracks add up to one album.
(AllHipHop News) A new song from an Indigenous brother of Hip-Hop is taking Macklemore to task after writing the controversial song “White Privilege 2.”
Gyasi Ross, a Native of America, responds to the song, requesting that his fellow Seattle peer “pass the mic” and let others speak for themselves. He relayed his exact feelings on the song and offered up “White Privilege III” as a lyrical response to Macklemore’s “well-intentioned piece.”
White Privilege III is obviously a response to Macklemore’s well-intentioned piece, ‘White Privilege II.’ Yet, White Privilege III is much bigger than one song as Macklemore is simply the latest in a very long line of white liberals who chose to play the white savior role and speak for brown-skinned people instead of providing the platform for them to speak for themselves. He’s neither the first nor the greatest, only the latest. We must resist that tendency and push white people who wish to be allies to, instead of attempting to speak for us, passing the mic and leveraging their platforms to let us speak for ourselves. Specifically, if Macklemore indeed wished to limit the universe of parties affected by white privilege and ignore Muslims, Latinos, Natives, Asians, etc. as he did in this song, I suppose that’s his prerogative. Still, if he truly wishes to be an ally he should put marginalized voices to the forefront instead of simply consulting with them and keeping the glory for his white guilt epiphany for himself. The next step in the evolution of the ally is simply to utilize her/his platform and make the introduction, get off the stage and let the stakeholder speak for themselves; for the stakeholder to become the subject and not the object.
What better way is there to start off the month of February, Black History Month, than with a dedication to the first Black action hero Richard Roundtree aka Detective John Shaft? With all the talk about the Oscars and Black actors deserving recognition, let us remember and embrace one of the greatest to do it in Black acting. From working as a cab driver to making it to the big screen as an action star, Richard Roundtree’s path to becoming John Shaft was not easy by any stretch of the imagination.
Roundtree is still alive and still acting to this day playing in many roles since the movie Shaft, but few remain with us like the character of Detective John Shaft, especially in Hip-Hop.
Brandishing a thick horseshoe mustache, kicking villains left and right, this New Rochelle, New York bred actor is often synonymous with Blacksploitation (or Blaxsploitation) films like the Shaft series.
Roundtree’s protrayal of Detective John Shaft is often regarded as one of the most ground breaking roles for Black actors of all time for many reasons. It’s subsequent ripples through the acting world and Black communities alike are still seen to this day.
According to University of Virginia historian John Mason, Roundtree’s role in Shaft the movie almost single-handedly saved MGM from bankruptcy. At the time MGM was struggling to stay afloat and Shaft saved MGM in the box offices. No one had any idea, not the actor nor the directors that Shaft would be such a hit movie.
Says Roundtree, “This was my first feature film, I had done commercials, documentaries but to be cast in a major picture film, MGM? It was surreal.”
Most importantly, Roundtree introduced a new kind of character to the Black audience. Prior to his role as John Shaft, African-American actors were portrayed or “stereotyped as villains or criminals, as stupid or lazy and were often given roles that could be demeaning” Mason said.
Yea you had the Sidney Poitiers of the Black acting world that were polished and clean, they were held with great honor and adoration, but Richard Roundtree was one of the first real street savvy and cool characters on the big screen. Black audiences could really relate to him because he was smart, he was tough and he was cool all at the same time.
Then you had the soundtrack by Isaac Hayes. There was nothing like it in the streets and Issac Hayes was already legendary for his work on Stax and as a soloist. The combination was perfection and it opened the door for other films like the well known Super Fly which had the Curtis Mayfield scored soundtrack. Where would we be without that one?
While it may be hard for us to imagine now, Roundtree was one of the most stylish guys in Hollywood during the 70’s and had many of your uncles and grandpas trying to take his swag. Lets think about it, how could you play Shaft and NOT be the man? It’s pretty much impossible.
Richard Roundtree is the OG of all OGs in this entertainment game and it’s time we at AllHipHop pay him his respect. Truth be told he deserves more roles than a cameo as being Samuel L’s uncle in the Shaft remake. Take a look at a few clips below, maybe let us know some of your favorite Black actors as we remember the greats of Black History.
(Source: 2014 Virginia Film Festival interview with Richard Roundtree by University of Virginia historian John Mason)
Rumors have been swirling around that J.Cole and Drake may be gearing up for a summer tour together! Earlier today, Ebro, of Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning show, suggested that the pair could be hitting the road together. He didn’t give much detail on the possible blockbuster tour, however he did say an official announcement could be made this later on this week.
Cole has yet to disappoint with all his endeavors in the last few months. He recently released a live version of 2014 Forest Hills Drive and celebrated the success of his HBO special, which documented his homecoming concert in North Carolina. Cole has been linked with fellow rap superstar Kendrick Lamar, as the duo are rumored to be dropping a collaborative album in the near future. However, it seems like the fans would enjoy a Drake and Cole partnership just as much.
The pair have already shared the stage on Drake’s Club Paradise Tour in 2012, and Cole even brought Drake out on his homecoming 2014 Forest Hills Drive concert. By the time this new tour comes, Drake’s highly anticipated View’s From The 6 will already be out. So it seems like this tour could be a problem, in a good way. Let’s hope it really goes down.
Listen to the Ebro talk of the possible Drake and Cole tour below.
Waka Flocka and KSO give an ode to the homies that go further back than Day One in their new collab titled “Day Zero’s.” We’ve all got that friend that goes harder for you than your family, rides with you to the end and is there when you need them most. That, apparently, is a Day Zero homie.
“Day Zero’s” credits the west coast-ish production to DJ Baby Gold Jesus.
G.O.O.D Music’s Cyhi The Prynce gives his stamp of approval to hip hop newcomer, Tray Haggerty, with the premiere of their new collab “Pay Day.” The futuristic track appears on Haggerty’s upcoming mixtape, “Lifer” due on February 9th and hosted by Curren$y’s official DJ, DJ Duffey.
(AllHipHop Rumors) What’s going on? These guys are like two of the best groups from the New York 90s era – Mobb Deep and CNN. But, some stuff is being promoted suggesting there is friction. This may or may not be beef. Now, normally we don’t put out info that really puts people on blast but this is already on Instagram! This is how its done in 2016. Stuff does not stay in the dark for long.
And here is Nore already addressing it on “Da Radio.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBQIsDEqw5f/
I thought these dudes loved each other. I know for a fact that CNN says Mobb Deep is the best rap duo ever! Why would there be sour grapes now? C’mon Queens! We look up to you.
Prodigy of Mobb Deep announced a new cookbook back in December, and now we are getting new music. 2016 is off to a great start. Thanks to this week’s Mixtape Mondays installment from DJ Absolut, we get to hear “Originate.”
This new track doesn’t stray too far from Prodigy and Mobb Deep’s usual, gritty, New York sound. There’s no word as to whether this song will pop up on any projects in the near future, but it’s a great Monday treat nonetheless.
Uh. Kanye’s new album is less than two weeks out. And he has not picked a name yet. You know this is the digital era, jack. Dude, back in the day, it would be siting in a factory getting ready to be leaked. Anyway, in a Twitter poll, Kim Kardashian asked her followers what the title of her husbands new album should be. She included all of the album titles, past and present: So Help Me God, Waves and SWISH. So far So Help Me God was in the lead by a p#### hair! I am thinking dude is basically tired from the controversy or something. That Max B stuff has to annoy him as a creative. Then again, what do I know?
Do you care at this point? Then again…yeah…people care.
Who doesn’t love new T-Pain? With some help from Los Angeles based production duo De-Capo Music Group, T-Pain drops “Do Dat Sh*t.” This track is a strip club ready single that is a perfect suit for T-Pain. Do you think it’ll be enough to catapult Pain back to the top of the charts?
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (Feb. 1), it was announced that Kanye West’s pending project, Waves, will make a global theatrical début. Using his official Twitter page, Mr. West would share the informative tweet, “SEASON 3 / WAVES / MADISON SQUARE GARDEN / INTERNATIONAL CINEMA.”
Later this month on Feb. 11, NYC’s Madison Square Garden is scheduled to live stream the anticipated album. Thus far, the countries of Australia, Europe, and the United States have confirmed theaters that will showcase the live stream. In the past, Vanessa Beecroft, has worked extensively with Ye on his fashion shows.
The renowned contemporary artist is also set to perform.
Apparently Wiz Khalifa isn’t over his issues with Kanye West yet. A day after Wiz yelled out “F**k Kanye,” at his Argentina show, he also allegedly took some more shots at Ye at his Chile show. It has been stated that Wiz changed the lyrics to one of his songs to say,
“Kanye will get smashed out….We coming for you Kanye you better run n*gga.”
Kanye has vowed to no longer speak on people’s children. He is also trying to spread positivity before his ‘Waves’ album is released. How long will their beef continue? Will Amber Rose drop some more secrets?
Poor Meek Mill, the guy is still taking L’s even in the new year. 50 Cent killed Meek in what turned from a diss to an Instgram meme war; my how the game has changed. After Meek challenged 50 to donate water to those in Flint, Michigan, he also bowed out of the back and forth with 50. Clearly 50 isn’t done until he’s done. 50 recently had the crowd at his show at B.B. Kings diss Meek as well. It wasn’t long before 50 had the crowd screaming,
“F**k Meek Mill.”
He went on to say,
“From now on, no more competition with n— that didn’t sell over a million records.”
(AllHipHop News) If Drake isn’t in the booth dropping caustic sixteens he may be on the hardwood repping the Raptors. Yesterday (Jan. 31), the Canadian crooner joined Devlin and Leo Rautins as a guest commentator. Soon the “Jumpman” wordsmith would go on to joke that he could leave Rap.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Drizzy will be the Canadian coach for the 2016 All-Star Celebrity Game. He would elaborate on his scheduled All-Star activities. “My parties look like the Raptors’ win streak right now. I got 10 or 11 going on,” boasted Champagne Papi.
Although it appears that Drake is enjoying Hip-Hop’s spotlight, the “Back to Back” MC stated he would consider making a transition from the studio to the sideline. “I’m telling you I can get used to this man. Rap’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Don’t let it fool you,” said Drake.
Several Hip Hop & R&B artists expressed feeling snubbed by The Recording Academy in regards to Grammy nominations. With the Grammy’s being two weeks away, Chris Brown is still expressing his opinion on the award show. Breezy referred to The Grammys as the awards that used to mean something. Brown has been a Grammy award-winner and nominee in the past, but this year the singer is fed up. He took to his Twitter for a typical Chris Brown rant. Brown called out the industry for being “twisted.” According to Chris, Grammys are devalued to “memes and likes” nowadays. Chris also stated that if you turn on your radio, within a hour, you will hear his music or songs that he’s co-written. Should Chris have been nominated more?
Representing Cleveland the only way he knows how, Ray Jr has provided us with a slew of knocking singles over the last few months including the Christopher Wallace-inspired solo effort “Biggie,” the Young Dolph-assisted “Floatin’,” and most notably, the “Same Crew (Remix)” featuring Young Dolph, Dej Loaf, Troy Ave, and Machine Gun Kelly.
Still applying the pressure, Ray Jr has teamed up with DJ Scream for the release of Gold Packs. The previously mentioned singles all find a home on the 12-track mixtape, while additional collaborations with Bankroll Fresh, Sway, Kirko Bangz, and more make the cut as well. We also find Clockwork, Pyrexxz, and Earl St. Clair providing production on Gold Packs, just to name a few.
It looks like Rich Homie Quan may have finally decided to settle down. It appears that RHQ may have popped the question to his baby mama Amber Rella. In the past the two had issues with double standards in the relationship. Rich Homie once said,
“These h*es are for everybody. Just because you put a ring on a h*e finger don’t make her your’s dog. That h*e is getting d*ck put in her right now.”
His baby mama clapped back saying,
“You be the main one putting yours inside ALL of em. No breaks. You’re for everybody. It’s sick.”
Rich Homie had made it clear several times that he believed he could do what he wanted to, but he didn’t want his baby mama to be with anyone else. Well, it seems like they have worked it out and may be heading down the isle soon.
