After releasing The Documentary 2 last year, The Game prepares a collector’s edition of the album adding 4 bonus tracks. Today we get a listen of his Trey Songz collaboration “Do It To You” produced by Cool & Dre. The Documentary 2 Collectors Edition drops January 22nd.
NBA Countdown has developed a reputation for it’s music selection —and it only added to it by picking PRhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9”) to deliver its new theme “Rocking With The Best.” The track ran for the first time on Friday night (January 8th) and included a shout out from Jalen Rose to Preemo and Royce.
“The title describes us (PRhyme) and it describes the competition that goes along with basketball. It’s the attitude that you need, so we wanted this track to carry that vision” Premier relayed to ESPN. Royce also chimed in, lamenting that having a PRhyme track serve as the backdrop for NBA Countdown is a big deal “Being recognized for our talents and having the opportunity to work with ESPN and the NBA is next level. You forget the magnitude of your work until your father calls you and says he just heard you on ESPN—that’s when it really hits you.”
Stemming from the DJ Holiday hosted tape called, “Cut the Check,” Mr. VIP unleashes a clean clean video for his track “Andalay.” The visual is high class to the max with fast whips, scandily clad women and that champagne life. While you might still be getting familiar with the Carolina talent, his video has generated over 75,000 views in just under a week. Not bad for an indie talent that’s dropping a tape with Holiday.
This year, Nicki Minaj made headlines for a variety of reasons. She has never been one to mince words. Yesterday (Jan 10), the Queens wordsmith used her “Twitter fingers” to address her issues Farrah Abraham. Apparently, the “Truffle Butter” MC was appalled by Abraham’s actions that she witness on an episode of MTV’s Teen Mom OG.
Before the twitter tirade, last Wed. (Jan 6), Minaj sat down with HITS Daily Double to discuss her Grammy nominations and her working with Lil Wayne and Drake. “Winning a Grammy would inspire women to continue to rap and write and to never give up. I’ve put so many years into this culture that I often feel is overlooked,” she said.
The reflective lyricist then added, “Prior to my three albums, I put out three mixtapes, which also changed the game for women in rap. I would literally sit in a room for days and write, and my sole purpose was to be better than the boys and to prove that women are just as smart, creative, witty, business-savvy, etc. I never really felt that male rappers saw us as their equals. I was determined to change that.”
Soon the student of sixteens would open up about what she’s learned from Lil Wayne and Drake. She claimed that Weezy’s work-ethic motivated her to work more effectively. “In the studio, he’d stress the importance of me writing my verses quicker than I’d become accustomed to. So it made me better and more confident,” conveyed Minaj.
If Wayne challenged Nicki to become “better and more confident,” then Drizzy should be credited for showing her the importance of beat selection. The Pinkprint rapper then shared about Drake’s meticulous attention to detail. “With Drake, he spent a lot of time narrowing down the actual beat he wanted to rap on. It was great for a young artist to pay attention to that.
Revisiting his “Coke Zoo” mixtape with Fetty Wap, French Montana shares new visual for “Last Of The Real Ones” featuring Coke Boys member Zack. Directed by Picture Perfect.
Meek Mill got hit with what felt like a hundred memes last summer after Drake dropped his “Back To Back” diss track. It looks like Meek has fired back at Drake with his own meme today.
The MMG rapper posted a message on Instagram that read, “THE CROWN AIN’T WORTH SH%T IF THE PERSON WEARING IT IS A FRAUD.”
Of course, Meek called out Drake for “ghostwriting,” and a lot of people have crowned the OVO leader as the current rap king. Plus, don’t forget this tweet from last July at the height of the beef:
If you gone tell it all….. Just keep it real and never fraud!
Yesterday (Jan. 10) unfortunate news was revealed that acclaimed rocker, David Bowie, succumbed to his prolonged battle with cancer. After a tremendous 18-month fight with the disease, the illustrious entertainer passed away . His family has since asked for privacy during this grieving period.
Given Bowie’s impact on the realms of both music and fashion, many MCs and rappers have taken to Twitter to demonstrate their respect to the iconic Idol. “David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace,” read a post from Pharrell’s Twitter account. A passionate Kanye West shared his thoughts and declared, “David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.” Also adding his commentary to conversation Kendrick Lamar added, “What a honor, what a soul. David Bowie, Spirit of Gold. RIP.”
Juicy J, The Weeknd, and Lupe Fiasco, are among a host of MCs who have shared their thoughts on the legendary artist.
Fresh off the release of his “300 Days 300 Nights” mixtape, Lil Durk reveals the music video for standout track “My Beyoncé”featuring Dej Loaf.The video, directed by Robert Styles and shot at USC late last year, finds Lil Durk and Def Loaf replicating the high school romance story line from the sports-enthused film, “Love & Basketball”.
“Video this; he put a gun to my head,” William Cunningham is heard yelling. The interaction which was captured by a cell phone’s camera. It shows officer Jenchesky Santiago, a former Maryland Prince George County Police officer admitting, “You’re right,” before he is seen shoving Mr. Cunningham and chiding him to “get back in the car now.”
That harrowing incident transpired back in May of 2014. The victim, who was being dropped off at his home in Bowie, MD, was accused of parking a parking violation. Prosecutors have since deemed those accusation were unfounded. The overzealous Santiago has been convicted of two counts of misconduct in office, first and second degree assault, and the use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, this reported by Fox 32 Chicago.
During the life-threatening incident the loaded weapon was seen pointed at the victim’s head and mouth. Fortunately, the victim escaped any physical injury. On Friday (Jan. 8) the disgraced Santiago was sentenced to five years in prison.
Every other day there is a rumor that Fetty Wap got a new woman pregnant. While his baby mama Lezhae Zeona has been Twitter beefing with his latest baby mama Love & Hip Hop’s Masika, rumor has it that Fetty Wap could be the father of a 3-month-old boy by a woman named Shaniqua, and he has another baby on the way by another woman named Elaynna, who he recently spent time with in Las Vegas. Remember Fetty is also in a relationship with Alexis Skyy. Apparently Fetty Wap doesn’t believe in using condoms.
Fetty denied being involved with the mother of the 3-month-old. Shaniqua claims everything was cool between her and Fetty until she revealed she was pregnant. She says at that point Fetty suggested that she get an abortion. She claims there was no contact between the two until she revealed to Fetty that she was having a boy. Shaniqua suggested that Fetty take a paternity test, but allegedly he declined. She also claims that Fetty Wap’s baby mama Lezhae showed up at her home trying to fight her. If Fetty doesn’t start wrapping it up, a disease/diseases and child support could catch up to him.
Last year A$AP Rocky did an interview where the New York City native made a general statement about how most Atlanta rappers pretty much sound the same. If music listeners just went by the popular tunes played on the radio or the headlines that get the most hits on the blog sites, Rocky’s statement could be seen as accurate.
However, I’ve had the chance to speak with several up-and-coming performers from Georgia’s capital city over the last six months, and AllHipHop’s #ATLRiseUp series has proven the new generation of Atlanta artists is a diverse group presenting voices beyond the mainstream representation of what’s happening in the southern music Mecca.
From reflective street rap to soul infused songs to genre-erasing expressions, these 20 emerging acts prove all Atlanta artists DON’T sound the same.
Chilly Chills Is Bridging The Gap Between Ignorance And Sophistication
Chilly Chills comes straight out of Mechanicsville – the neighborhood made famous in the movie ATL, but the poet that has caught the attention of OutKast is looking to raise his fans across the social spectrum to a higher level of understanding.
“I’m tricking the mainstream market into knowledge. I’m tricking my people into going back to values,” explains Chills. “Not saying we lost them. We just don’t flex them. We’ll flex that Lamborghini. Ain’t nothing wrong with flexing that Lamborghini, but let the folks know you got off MARTA before you got in that motherf*cker.”
Daye Jack Is Inserting The Soul Back Into Southern Based Hip Hop
Daye Jack’s music proudly represents the everyman archetype, and the 19-year-old Nigerian-born performer uses his videos to take viewers inside an inventive mind that’s not afraid to push boundaries.
“When I’m 25, some of my goals could be different from right now. But right now when I look at it, it’s like you have to have a reason to make this music. If you want to be remembered, you have to know what you want to be remembered for. You have to know what you’re chasing,” says Jack.
EarthGang Is Crafting Authentic Music & Refreshing Atlanta’s Hip Hop Sound
Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot met at Benjamin E. Mays High School in 9th grade, and from there the two Hip Hop representatives built a buzz by dropping content heavy songs and hitting the road with Mac Miller, Ab-Soul, and Fashawn.
“What n*ggas don’t realize, Hip Hop is West African transformational storytelling that we brought over here. We don’t get a chance to tell our stories in the media,” says Venus. “When we do our storytelling – when we say what we say – it’s our authentic experience. It’s all the experiences of Black people.”
Genius Is Blurring The Line Between Being A DJ And An Artist
The deejay was once at the forefront of Hip Hop culture before the emcee eventually took the lead, and now K Camp’s longtime partner DJ Genius is helping to shine the spotlight back on the person behind the turntables with his own club-ready records.
“It’s a thin line between being a DJ and an artist in today’s society. Everything in today’s society is covered by how you market things,” conveys Genius. “I realize to take it to the next level as a DJ you have to be marketed as an artist. Your social media, your videos – whatever you’re doing, you have to do so much more as a DJ now.”
ILLClinton Is Atlanta’s Hip Hop Offspring Of The Civil Rights Movement
Emcee/producer Brennan and producer Blake were born into a family with direct connections to the Civil Rights movement, and the blood brothers decided to embed that spirit of social activism into many of their tracks.
“I’ve been to marches, but it doesn’t seem to change anything,” conveys Brennan. “I feel like we all need to come together to figure out how to make a positive change in the community. Right now, I’m trying to put out music with that type of message, because it’s needed in the culture.”
Issa Is Looking To Use His “Trap Conscious” Movement To Be The Voice Of The Youth
Young people often look to their favorite celebrities as role models, so Issa is making an effort to use his catalog of “Trap Conscious” tunes to positively inspire his followers like his own idol Bob Marley.
“There’s so much stuff our youth needs to hear from somebody like me. J. Cole and Kendrick are giving it to you, but I’m talking about someone coming out of Atlanta and speaking to the youth. It’s a new voice,” declares Issa.
Jarren Benton Is Turning Up The Volume On The Other Side Of Atlanta’s Sound
No, he’s not really signing to Master P’s No Limit Records, but as Atlanta’s rep on the indie label Funk Volume, Jarren Benton is working to change the perception of rap music coming from his hometown through personal lyrics and a unique perspective.
“People think they gotta chase someone else’s success. Let’s say Soulja Boy comes out with a song called ‘Do The Soulja Boy’ and it becomes big. All of a sudden you got a bunch of people whose only advice is ‘Let’s do that. Let’s copy the exact same thing he did,’” conveys Benton. “Everybody [on Funk Volume] has a vision. Everybody believes in that vision. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay consistent with your vision. It’s gonna happen. It’s gonna build. It’s gonna grow.”
Jonah Cruzz Is A 90’s Kid Not Afraid To Stand On The Shoulders Of Hip Hop Giants
1990’s Hip Hop is held in high regard among many fans of the culture which is partly why Jonah Cruzz has embraced the era, but the 22-year-old rapper still focuses on remaining relatable to his fans by adopting the “Ordinary N*gga” brand and not selling an über-exceptional persona.
“It was time to really express who I am as a person. I didn’t want to lie to the people. I didn’t want to say I’m whipping this, I’m wearing that, and I’m doing all these extraordinary things. I don’t do none of that and don’t relate to none of that. So I wanted to tell people the truth of who I am and tell my whole story,” explained Cruzz.
Key! Is Atlanta’s Indie Rap King Making An Impact On A Major Level
Key! may not be a household name around the country yet, but the co-founder of the Two-9 collective has been gaining attention within Atlanta for years – so much so the Eastside native believes he fathered a lot of other high-profile rappers’ current styles.
“I’ve been out too long. I guess everybody’s like, ‘He ain’t gonna pop, so his swags for free,’” states Key. “I hear it from a majority of the music from young, up-and-coming artists. These artists that just became major who were underground artists last year.”
Malachiae Warren’s “Ghetto Smooth” Sound Is Merging Atlanta’s Hip Hop & R&B Traditions
Before Atlanta became one of the go-to locales for rap music, the city was an R&B capital, and it’s from that tradition that Motown recording artist Malachiae Warren birthed the “Ghetto Smooth” sound by referencing Hip Hop stars like 2Pac and T.I. in his soul-laced cuts.
“Every song that I do I have creative control,” says Malachiae. “I like to make music that comes from what I go through and experience. It wouldn’t be fair not to play a part in writing my music or producing it, because it has to come from me. I feel like that’s the music that people listen to longevity wise.”
Miloh Smith’s R&B/Rap Blend Represents The Artistic Unity Emerging From Atlanta
Drawing inspiration from Lauryn Hill and TLC, Miloh Smith is known to provide Rhythm & Blues vibrations as well as drop bars when she feels the need, and the Marietta vocalist routinely teams up with other talent in Atlanta such as Two-9, OG Maco, and Wavy Wallace.
“I feel like I could be any one of five people, depending on the day. I grew up with a lot of different influences,” says Smith. “From hanging out with a bunch of kids from Cobb County listening to indie bands to my own parents who come from the Disco and Rhythm & Blues era to my older brother who didn’t listen to anything outside of Gucci Mane for what might have been three years – it’s hard to pinpoint, but I would say my style is more so R&B because of the artists I grew up listening to.”
Money Makin Nique Is Bringing Introspection & Musicality Back To Street Rap
Money Makin Nique doesn’t hide the fact he represents the street side of Atlanta’s rap scene, but the well-read rhymer is ready to give Trap listeners the opportunity to appreciate his words as well as vibe to the production.
“I want to put the musical element back into street music. Remember when sht actually used to feel good. Regardless of what it was about, it felt good. That’s what we’re trying to do. It doesn’t have anything to do with trying to sht on nobody. I’m just trying to change things, so you can go there for that and you can come here for this,” says Nique.
Nebu Kiniza Is Building An Artistic Empire From The Ground Up
Nebu Kiniza used his family’s move from Queens, New York to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 10 as the catalyst to his transition into becoming a Hip Hop artist, and the self-described aspiring Hippy has since collected co-signs from ILoveMakonnen and Sonny Digital.
“I love everything about Atlanta. I love everything about the South period. I feel like the South has that flavor, that soul that music needs,” says Kiniza. “The whole culture put a little bit of flavor in me. If I had stayed in New York, I know I’d be doing music, but I don’t feel like it would be the same.”
Nick Grant Is A Student Of The Game That’s Earning His Way To The Head Of The Class
Veteran Hip Hop journalist Sway Calloway giving his stamp of approval indicates there’s likely a vital new voice in the industry, and Nick Grant earned that influential acknowledgment by spitting a crazy freestyle on Sway’s radio show which caused co-host Heather B. to compare him to Nas.
“I feel like you have to study those that came before you. In order to be great, you have to know what to do and what not to do. You have to study,” asserts Grant. “I came up on Big Daddy Kane, Jay Z, OutKast, Scarface – these are the people that I studied. So of course, I’m going to be a reflection of that in some way.”
OG Maco Is Ready To Change His Name & Possibly Change The Game
Whether you call him OG Maco or Maco Mattox, the man made famous from the viral hit “U Guessed It” wants you to know 1- his music is much broader than the 2014 turn up anthem and 2- he’s willing to use his celebrity to address social issues such as police brutality.
“I was never going to be the ‘U Guessed It’ rapper,” maintains Maco. “My music before ‘U Guessed It’ was expansive and lyrical. My music after ‘U Guessed It’ was expansive, but it’s like they don’t want to see that. People just don’t want to accept more than what got you to a certain place.”
Raury’s Artistic Vision Is Championing A Self-Discovery Renaissance
Last fall singer-rapper Raury released his debut album All We Need which featured appearances by Big K.R.I.T, RZA, Key!, and Tom Morello, but prior to the LP dropping the LoveRenaissance envoy put on for his city by hosting the star-studded annual RaurFest event.
“Do everything with goodness in your heart. Before you do anything – put a song out, post a tweet, post a picture – pay attention to how you feel when you’re doing it. And trust that feeling, and know that you are right,” advises Raury. “I could be wrong. Whoever is giving you advice could be completely wrong. You have the answers more than anybody.”
Follow Raury on Twitter @Raury and Instagram @raury.
Scotty ATL Is Ready To Usher In A New Era Of Atlanta Hip Hop
By putting his hometown in his name, Scotty ATL makes it clear he has love for the A, and the city loves the member of B.o.B’s No Genre label right back, proven by the fact his laid back, cool style of music is widely accepted by ATLiens in the age of Trap’s dominance.
“The only option I had was to create music that I felt was going to be better than everybody else’s, put together better, packaged better, the videos would be better,” declares Scotty. “I always saw myself competing with bigger artists like a Jay Z, J. Cole, or Kendrick Lamar. In my mind, that was my competition. That’s been the way I did it from the beginning.”
Speakerfoxxx Upholds Atlanta’s Hip Hop Past & Foresees A New Awakening In The City’s Future
Speakerfoxxx earned her stripes in Southern rap circles by serving as the tour DJ for Yelawolf, Three 6 Mafia, and Gangsta Boo, but she has also deejayed at A-Town’s hottest nightspots, performed at nationwide festivals, released mixtapes, and participated in The Aphilliates: Streetz Iz Watchin radio program with DJ Drama, Don Cannon, and Trendsetter Sense.
“You’ll have a movement for 10, 20, or 100 years. It’s like the Dark Ages for example,” suggests Speakerfoxxx. “But after the Dark Ages, then what happened? The Renaissance era arrived which celebrated beauty, light, and art. This is just a period within a cycle, and each period is instrumental, beautiful, and important.”
Sy Ari Da Kid’s Versatility Is Making Him The Man In Atlanta
Sy Ari Da Kid is capable of hitting listeners with social commentary, diverse flows, and even passionate love inspired odes, and it’s that skill that allows the SlumLords affiliate to extend his reach beyond “The Nawfside” section of metro Atlanta he calls home.
“People ask me what separates me from other artists. I don’t know too many other artists right now that are single fathers and the mother is not around. If they are, they’re not promoting it,” states Sy. “That’s my story. That’s my lane. I represent for the single fathers.”
Tracy T Is On A Mission To Get His Hustle Up In More Ways Than Just Music
In 2013, Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group imprint expanded its rap empire to include Atlanta by signing Tracy T, and the Decatur spitter parlayed the MMG association into an opening to command other elements of the entertainment and business worlds.
“I look at music as the first platform, and everything else comes after that. It’s all part of the beginning stages. I start with the music, and then it branches off to acting, endorsements, and other things,” conveys Tracy. “I don’t look at myself as being just a rapper. I’m trying to spread my wings and fly. I gotta be an eagle out here.”
Will fans ever see a long awaited collaboration between Beyonce & Rihanna? It would’ve happened already we would think. A TMZ cameraman caught Rihanna in the airport and commented on the fact that L.A. Reid recently revealed that Beyonce called Rihanna a beast, and this statement and belief helped Rihanna when she was getting signed. The cameraman asked Rihanna would she ever do a song with Beyonce. Rihanna shrugged seeming to say she didn’t know. There have been rumors for years that the two didn’t care for each other. Maybe Bey never got over the rumors about Jay Z cheating with Rihanna. Last year, a publicist that was once hired to promote a Rihanna track admitted that he made up the whole cheating rumor and scandal out of desperation to get publicity for Rihanna’s song “Pon De Replay.” The fact that the two haven’t collaborated does make you scratch your head. Never say never; it could happen one day. Is this what the people really want? Do you see it happening in the near future?
When speaking about his recent detainment by the Atlanta Police Department, an incredulous Blac Youngsta recalled, “They couldn’t believe that I was young, black — handsome as hell — and I was getting $200,ooo out.” Last Friday (Jan. 8), following a transaction at a Wells Fargo bank at Peachtree Road NE., the CMG artist was confused for a perpetrator who had recently passed a “bogus” check.
“They come bum-rushing me at the car, put me on the ground, putting guns to my head, so I’m like ‘What I’d do,’” is what the Memphis musician told 11 Alive. The self-professed “millionaire” rapper went on to explain that the all cash withdrawal was in preparation to buy a new Mercedes.
The highly publicized arrest has since elicited an official statement. Through an emailed communication, Sgt. Warren Pickard, explained the situation. After getting a 911 call from the bank, a description that was “limited and conflicting,” was passed on to officers who arrived at the scene, he told Atlanta Journal Constitution. “It was quickly discovered that the person providing the description to police had provided the wrong description of the suspect,” he offered before adding, “It was determined that the occupants of the vehicle were not involved. They were immediately released.”
Although Blac Youngsta was “briefly” detained for the “misunderstanding” an apology was given to the emerging entertainer. “This incident did not directly involved Blac Youngsta, nor was he accused of committing a crime,” said Pickard.
There have been several rumors suggesting that Tyga has cheated on Kylie Jenner throughout their relationship. Another comes on the heels of a 14-year-old girl claiming Tyga’s messages to her made her uncomfortable. Now a 23-year-old Brazilian model by the name of Annalu Cardoso is claiming the rapper slept with her while Kylie was out of the country. Allegedly Tyga was very careful and waited until Kylie left the country to connect with Cardoso. A source claims he would text her with casual conversation then switch gears, asking her to send pics and to meet up. Rumor has is the two did hook up on a few occasions, but they mostly got together to hang out. Tyga definitely knows Cardoso as she appeared in his MTV2 Show, “Kingin’ With Tyga.’ Apparently the alleged affair has since ended. Supposedly, Tyga feared the affair had gone “public.”
(AllHipHop News) The Hip Hop airwaves have just added another noteworthy team. Former Yo! MTV Raps host Ed Lover and “It’s A Shame (My Sister)” rapper Monie Love were tapped to lead Radio One’s new syndicated morning show based out of Atlanta’s Boom 97.5/102.9.
Boom is one of the growing throwback Hip Hop formatted channels sprouting up across the country. The station originally broadcast on 102.9, but it improved its signal by upgrading to 97.5. Both call signs will be available for Atlanta listeners.
In order to separate itself from rival Atlanta classic Hip Hop station OG 97.9, Boom has added on-air talent. OG 97.9 runs songs without DJs.
“It is perfect timing,” said Tim Davies, Vice President and General Manager of Radio One Atlanta in a statement. “A year ago we launched Boom and our audience told us we needed to expand our coverage. We found that almost all of our listeners of MAJIC 107.5/97.5 were only listening on 107.5 since we upgraded our signal three years ago.”
Davies continued, “So now with The Ed Lover Show live from Atlanta in the mornings along with DJ Nabs in the afternoons, it is a one-two punch of Classic Hip Hop….with two signals booming all over the city of Atlanta!”
Lover and Love took over the 6-10 morning slot at Boom today (January 11). The Ed Lover Show will broadcast in several markets including Boom 107.9 in Philadelphia and Boom 94.5 in Dallas.
Besides competing against Atlanta’s other urban stations – OG 97.9, V-103, Hot 107.9, and Streetz 94.5 – Boom is set to take on popular national morning programs (broadcast & stream) such as Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, Ebro In The Morning, Sway In The Morning, and The Russ Parr Morning Show.
Ed Lover posted a message on Instagram about his new gig. He wrote, “So dope to walk into your newly syndicated morning show and see these posted on the walls and on the microphones! Makes a guy feel welcome! [Monie Love] and I are on deck!”
Despite the fact that The Game’s manager @Wack100 knocked out Stitches, the two seem to have settled their differences as Wack announced that Stitches is under new management and, apparently, he will be managed by him. It makes you wonder is this a publicity stunt? Was the whole situation with Stitches and Game a publicity stunt? Have we been trolled. Apparently that punch was just a lover’s quarrel. If you can’t beat them, join them…. uh yeah so….
(AllHipHop News) The South has been a dominant force in Hip Hop for over two decades. From the Geto Boys and OutKast breaking out in the 1990’s to Future and Rick Ross representing for modern-day Southerners, rap stars from below the Mason–Dixon line have long been a major part of the musical landscape.
Radio personality Ebro Darden believes the South’s run is close to coming to an end. The Hot 97 and Beats 1 host addressed a Twitter user’s question about southern-based music by writing, “What a day when the tables will turn… They always do.. South running out of steam… Future all they got left.”
What a day when the tables will turn… They always do..
South running out of steam…
Future all they got left https://t.co/Uw1EREWX53
Ebro then began responding to other tweets from users that took issue with his comments. In particular, fans pointed out that North Carolina’s J. Cole is one of the biggest rappers in the game at the moment.
According to Ebro, Cole’s success should be credited to his move to New York City. He even mentioned Kendrick Lamar claiming to be the “King Of New York” on his infamous “Control” verse as evidence NYC is still the center of the Hip Hop universe.
(AllHipHop News) Taraji P. Henson may have missed out on winning the Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy in September, but last night she took home a Golden Globe Award for her role in Empire. The 45-year-old Washington, DC native beat out Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder), Eva Green (Penny Dreadful), and Robin Wright (House Of Cards).
This was Henson’s third major award for her role as Cookie Lyon on the series about a music industry family. She previously won a BET Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.
Empire was nominated for Best TV Series – Drama at the Golden Globes, but lost to Mr Robot. Other winners at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association hosted event included Christian Slater for Mr. Robot, Jon Hamm for Mad Men, Lady Gaga for American Horror Story: Hotel, Jennifer Lawrence for Joy, Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant, and Sylvester Stallone for Creed.
The second half of Empire season 2 is set to return on March 30. To see a full list of Golden Globe 2016 winners visit here.
(AllHipHop News) Wiz Khalifa’s single “See You Again” off the Furious 7 soundtrack was one of the biggest hits of 2015. The song, which featured singer Charlie Puth, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for twelve non-consecutive weeks and received three Grammy nominations.
It appears Wiz was not the first rap star approached about recording the track. According to reports, 50 Cent told the Boomer & Carton radio show last fall that he and his musical mentor Eminem were asked to tackle “See You Again,” but Em’s involvement with another film soundtrack blocked the action.
“At the time [Eminem and I] had to make a decision between doing that and the song for Fast & Furious,” said 50. “And that [‘See You Again’] was a huge success for Wiz Khalifa and them. [Eminem] decided to do Southpaw because he was invested in the project.”
Eminem contributed to several songs on the Southpaw soundtrack including “Kings Never Die” with Gwen Stefani and the lead single “Phenomenal.” 50 Cent’s “Drama Never Ends” was also included on the project.
(AllHipHop News) Grammy winning singer-songwriter The-Dream recently screened his exclusive art film experience Genesis during Art Basel at the Versace Mansion. The R&B star spoke with Tidal about the 10 song/visual compilation.
“This visual art project was created to give fans a glimpse of my daily thoughts. I along with my fans are lovers of music and art, but to me those two worlds are one and the same,” says The-Dream. “I can never fully explain what I see and what I hear separately, it must be fused into one.”
Genesis is now available for streaming on Tidal. According to The-Dream, he had plans to use the video medium in this way for over a decade.
“It was a part of my approach. In 2005, I predicted that music would have to be coupled with visuals on a regular basis in the near future,” added the North Carolina native. “To hear music is to feel it, and a feeling no matter what is always true, but as they say seeing is believing.”
The-Dream is also embarking on a 7-date tour next month. Check out the tour schedule and the Genesis trailer below.
Feb 10 – The Loft @ Centerstage – Atlanta GA
Feb 12 – Howard Theater – Washington DC
Feb 13 – The Foundry – Philadelphia PA
Feb 14 – Bowery Ballroom – New York City NY
Feb 16 – Neumo’s – Seattle WA
Feb 19 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles CA
Feb 20 – Social Hall – San Francisco CA
