(AllHipHop News) Known for his blunt delivery, Machine Gun Kelly rarely minces words. Today (Jan. 26), while the Bad Boy rapper was in Los Angeles, he spoke about his thoughts on Macklemore’s controversial track, “White Privilege II.” After being opined as one of the Top five greatest rappers, MGK offered, “I mean, I’m not just a great white rapper; I’m a great rapper period, muthaf**ka.”
Since being released “White Privilege II” has sparked many debates regarding its creative content and its social implications. The “Invincible” MC then declared, “Race is not an issue. Race is a issue for people like Macklemore and sh*t,” this according to TMZ. MGK soon reinforced his stance on Macklemore when he claimed, “Bruh, I’m comfortable in my own skin. Man, I can’t help other people be the same way.”
Is Hip-Hop more concerned with color or creativity?
Ghostface Killah recently let it be known that he was not too happy about pharmaceutical CEO-turned-villain Martin Shkreli’s purchase of Wu-Tang’s secret album ‘Once Upon A Time in Shaolin.’ Wu-Tang fans weren’t pleased about it either. When asked about Shkreli purchasing the album, Ghost said,
“Yeah, that sh*thead bought it; f*ck him…. You don’t take an A.I.D.S. pill that you have for – what, I guess $7 – and then like make it $800… I don’t care if you bought the Wu-Tang album.”
Ghostface’s biggest beef with Shkreli stems from him believing all of Shkreli’s actions are opportunistic. Like RZA, Ghostface believes the album should be made accessible to the public for public consumption. Shkreli had a clap back of his own as he tweeted,
“Ghost mad that Shaolin outsold his last five albums… dudes a non-profit rapper. Calls himself ironman, but sounds rusty AF @GhostfaceKillah.”
As you know, the Oscars have failed to include a host of Black actors and movies for this year’s Academy Awards. As such different members of the acting community are speaking out against the Feb 16th awards show demanding a boycott. This time Tyrese has some serious words for Chris Rock and The Oscars. Check it out, the man is kicking that knowledge!
“Lets talk about this. You ain’t got to agree, but I feel like its very easy to make this White people vs Black peopel. Thats not what the issue is. We are talking about blatant racism and discrimination that is happening and racism shows up in many forms,” Tyrese explained.
“There enough false prophets out here. You got 70-80 million followers on here and all you want to do is promote your s###. Get off your hands, stop running around here focused on you on a narcissistic level and lets talk about whats really going on out here. Because you probably not going to be known for you how many records you’ve sold, or how much you are worth and how many cars and chick you ran through. Are you going to use your God given stage of influence to affect change.”
We all know the boy Wiz loves that green leaf, so when Power 106’s The Cruz Show asked Wiz to freestyle to Adele’s “Hello,” it was fitting that he thought to change the words to a weed themed, bong laden freestyle he would eventually call “Hella O’s.” We just having fun here not a real song but you never know this day and age, The Taylors may take that one and make it a track!
Over the past few month Meyhem Lauren has been on a tear. With his buddy Action Bronson often at his side in their Coming to America jackets, Meyhem has been ripping through New York’s underground scene with freestyles and bars that few can match. Peep it here below!
(AllHipHop News) Young Thug continues to impact Hip-Hop. Yesterday (Jan. 25), the ATLien announced the upcoming release of his mixtape, Slime Season 3, this according to his personal Twitter account. As reported, the anticipated project will drop next month on Feb. 5.
Whether it’s through his creativity, his outlandish attire, or through his perceived sexuality, Thugger continues to captivate the masses. The whimsical rapper has gone from his peers attempting to ostracize him to being fully embraced by them. Just yesterday (Jan.25), it was touted that Thug may appear on Kanye West’s next album, SWISH.
Both outside and inside of the booth, the flamboyant entertainer’s actions continues to snatch headlines and people’s attention. Regardless of what the world thinks, YT’s work-ethic remains in grind mode. “Top Notch,” and “Serious,” are among Thug’s recently released tracks. With Slime Season 3 scheduled to drop next month, if things go as planned, this will earn him the distinction of having shared three tapes within a five month span.
Does Hip-Hop embrace Young Thug’s creative perspective and his character?
Stalley wants the world to know there is more to the Maybach Music Group brand than just Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Wale. The Massillon, Ohio representative is perhaps the most low-key artist on the label full of boisterous characters, but Stalley prefers to let his music be his voice to the people.
The man born Kyle Myricks has built a loyal fanbase through well received projects such as the Ohio album, the Honest Cowboy EP, and The Laughing Introvert mixtape. But his mission for his latest collection Saving Yusuf is to simultaneously take his core followers back to early efforts such as Lincoln Way Nights and Savage Journey To The American Dream while also stamping his name as one of the most talented emcees of the era.
Even with the pressure that comes from making such declarations, Stalley is not afraid to proclaim Saving Yusuf his best body of work to date. The usually reserved rapper also believes his pen game and songwriting ability is at an all time high. He is even ready to take on the tag of his favorite NFL quarterback by labeling himself the “Peyton Manning of Hip Hop.”
“I’m consistent. I’m great,” Stalley tells AllHipHop.com about the comparison to the future Hall Of Fame football player. “I might not have all the flashy things that the other artists have, but I’m a winner. And dudes can’t outrap me.”
The Saving Yusuf mixtape arrives just in time for Stalley’s 10-city “From Me To You” Tour starting today (January 26) in Kansas City, Missouri. Fans will get to experience the Blue Collar Gang leader perform new cuts such as “808z” and “Cut A Rug” in more personal settings.
Before Stalley dropped his new tape, he spoke with AllHipHop’s Yohance Kyles about the tour, staying out of the conflicts involving his MMG counterparts, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and more.
You’re about to head back out on tour. What can fans expect from this run?
A lot of energy and more intimacy. This time I selected smaller venues. It’s called the “From Me To You” Tour, and I really wanted to give back to the people who’ve been supporting me from day one.
I wanted to be in the smaller venues that fit anywhere between 400 to 600 people to be able to really touch, build, and connect with the fans. I want to give them something where we can all sweat together, feel each other’s energy, and really have a good time.
You typically drop a project about once a year. This is your second body of work in about five months.
I wanted to make sure that I not only got back with the fans, but I definitely wanted to provide music to give them a body of work to start the year off right. Usually it maybe two projects a year, but this year I plan to do a little bit more as far as music goes. It’s back to me creating the music the way I want to create it. Nobody’s involved. Nobody’s holding me back. I’m just focusing on me and my fans.
One of your recent verses was on Rick Ross’ “Staring Through My Rearview.” You mentioned Tamir Rice on the song. Being from Ohio, what was your reaction when you found out the cop [that killed him] was not being indicted?
Brokenhearted. Sad. It’s just one of those things that keeps happening over and over again to us as a community and as black people. It’s the same story – a cop killing another innocent kid. I try to put it in the music. Hopefully, that will reach our community of Hip Hop to help us be better and try to be a louder voice, so we can start getting some type of justice.
Also listening to your verse on that song, it seemed like you were making a statement about rappers and the imagery they promote in their music.
Yeah, it’s terrible. [laughs] Again, I wanted to open eyes and let people know there’s a lot of real stuff going on daily. Life is happening, and I feel like we get so drowned out with the music being promoted heavily with drugs, women, and flashy things. Importance seems to be placed on that more than it is these innocent kids, poverty, and all the issues that we have in our community.
Sometimes you hear artists say, “Well, I’m just telling the story that I know. This is the life that I’ve experienced.” How do you balance being authentic in your music but also not pushing it too far where it does just become promoting negative imagery?
Those people who say, “I’m just saying what I know or my lifestyle that I live” – I think they know more, but they choose to only give a certain part of it. I try to give all sides. I know the same things they know, and I’m also aware of the real things that’s going on. So I try to promote both. And I try to give it in my way and tell the story the way I know. That’s all I can really do.
I can’t speak for them. I can hopefully say things that encourage others to take a stand, maybe say something different, or step their bars up. I guess the ones that are the “media darlings” get the attention. They don’t promote what we really need to promote. That’s what I was really calling out.
It’s been a lot going on with MMG over the last year, but you’ve managed to stay out of the feuds involving Ross, Meek, and Wale. How did you manage to keep yourself apart from that?
I think everybody who’s seen me over the years with MMG – I’ve always been one who stays to myself. This is not a choice that I make. It’s just who I am. I’m still with the family. I’m still part of it, but I’ve always walked to the beat of my own drum. Hence, The Laughing Introvert.
A lot of people might say I don’t fit in or I’m the weirdo or I’m trying to be different – whatever they may say – but this is just who I am and who I will continue to be. Just because I don’t indulge or interact with those things doesn’t mean that I’m not aware or I’m not a part of it.
I’m not into those type of games. I don’t got no problems with nobody. I don’t try to make issues with anyone. I just stay to myself. I stay out the way and let them move how they move.
I even see that reflected in your music, because you don’t typically have a lot of features on your projects.
Exactly. For me with the features, I rock with people who rock with me. I want to make great music. I don’t want to put pieces together. I want the music to be natural and come across authentic.
Most of the people you see featured on the projects from the past, those are real friends, whether they’re big names, some of my homies, or up-and-coming artists. I just vibed with whoever vibes with me, and whoever I make good music with. That’s the goal for me. It’s not about being part of the popular crowd.
A lot of people just grab names like, “I gotta get this person. He’s hot right now.” That’s never been me. I feel like I can make a great song with my homeboy next door the same way I can make a great song with somebody the world considers to be popping right now.
You’ve been outspoken about social issues. You’ve also talked about your faith as a Muslim. How do you feel about Donald Trump saying he wants to ban all Muslims from coming into the country and some of the other rhetoric from this political season?
It’s sad. It just shows you where America’s at mentally. Years and decades of this, and it’s still going on. The racism; he judgement; the stereotyping; the name calling; the finger pointing, it’s out of hand.
For [Trump] to say that he wants to ban, kick out, or not allow Muslims into this country, it’s just blasphemy. Muslims have helped build this country. Some of the most powerful people have been American Muslims. It’s sad to have somebody that ignorant be a voice for people to actually rally behind what he’s saying and take his message serious.
It’s also sad that we do have ISIS and people that give a bad name to Muslims, because they want to call themselves Muslims or be part of the Islamic culture. But just as ISIS is a terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan is a Christian terrorist group, if that’s what you want to say. It’s the same thing, so we should get all white supremacists out of here too.
You posted a statement online where you were talking about your first shows overseas. When you reflect back on the journey of your career – going from having to sleep on a friend’s sofa to where you are now – what thoughts cross through your mind?
Just being blessed. I appreciate those moments where I did have to sleep on couches and floors. It was all worth it. To feel that type of struggle or to pay those dues, I’m blessed. That’s one word I can say. I’ve been truly blessed. God has always got his hand on me, and He keeps me persistent and consistent in what I’m doing. That’s the thing I can really sum it up with. Just blessed.
(AllHipHop News) Young Thug has gained a lot of attention from the media over the last few years, and the Atlanta-based rhymer achieved that presence without doing many interviews. But the Slime Season creator did sit down for a nearly 40 minute conversation with Sway In The Morning. The Q&A included Thugger talking about his fashion, being inspired by Lil Wayne, and his conflict with Plies.
There’s a lot of coke bottles [women] around me so it might be rubbing off… I always had a weird dress code since [I was] a kid. So it ain’t nothing that just happened.
On Lil Wayne inspiring him:
I really didn’t pay attention to nobody. I paid attention a lot to Wayne. But we’re still two different people. I don’t think that paid off neither.
When I first heard about it, I was like, “They’re finna swear it’s me.” That man’s my idol. I really wouldn’t beef with him, no matter what he says. He can say gay. He can do whatever he wants to do. I will not beef with this man…
Me and him never had a problem. Him and Birdman, that’s father and son. They ain’t gonna ever split. I’m “princed up,” but I’m still a street n*gga. I’m still from the street. Why would I jump into what they got going on? They’re gonna always be friends, but me and them ain’t gonna always be friends. So I wouldn’t ever get in their business anyway.
[The shooting] had nothing in the world to do with me. No sir.
I never had a problem with Plies putting it up, because he’s not the one that put it up. He’s not the one that started it, so I can’t have a problem with him putting it up. I only had a problem with him because he said “b*tch.” I understand where he comes from – Florida – that’s like a popular word. They’re used to saying it. But I don’t understand how you can call a little girl the b-word. I might slap the sh*t out the man when I see him. I swear to God.
Young Thug is scheduled to release his Slime Season 3 mixtape on February 5.
(AllHipHop News) Last October, Usher challenged viewers to face the victims of police brutality with his interactive video “Don’t Look Away” connected to his song “Chains.” The Grammy winning music star is set to release a second part to the groundbreaking visual experience.
On January 29, Usher, and Film the Future director Daniel Arsham will release a second visual centered on “Chains.” The video will be viewable exclusively for three days pre-paywall on the music and entertainment platform TIDAL.
In conjunction with the video release, Usher and Film the Future are also hosting a public viewing of “Chains” at Art for Amnesty’sArt for Social Justice exhibition on January 30 at the Urban Zen Center in New York City. TIDAL will also be hosting a contest for college students to win the chance to have Usher come speak at their school. Details will be available on TIDAL’s Facebook page.
(AllHipHop News) Meek Mill has been the butt of a lot of jokes over the last 8 months, and Otaku Gang is extending the Philadelphia rapper’s public humiliation by making him the focal point of a new video game called Meeky Mill. The point of the game is to help Meek earn more money before his rivals Drake and 50 Cent take him out with “L’s.”
The Meek Mill vs. Drake & 50 Cent beef has officially transformed into the video game realm. Your mission is simple: Help Meek get $1,000,000 before he takes too many losses from 50 Cent and Drake.
Otaku Gang is a creative collective made up of artist/producer duo Richie Branson & Solar Slim and graphic artist Plush Giant. Previously, the OG team worked with Def Jam, Adult Swim, and Marvel.
Gamers interested in assisting Meek avoid taking any more losses can find out more information about Meeky Millhere.
(AllHipHop News) Some people questioned if B.o.B’s recent Twitter posts about the Earth actually being flat was nothing more than the Atlanta area rapper trolling for attention or making light of the conspiracy theory. But the No Genre imprint leader doubled down on his claims the government is lying about the shape of the planet.
After catching heat from Twitter users and even getting a response from famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bobby Ray returned to the social media platform to address the backlash he received for his claims about the world not being round.
“They want me to be a ‘good little rapper’ and sing and dance and don’t question things,” wrote B.o.B. “I’m going up against the greatest liars in history… You’ve been tremendously deceived.”
The “Back and Forth” performer added, “No, I’m not crazy. Yes, I’m feeling fine. No, I’m not doing anything stronger than weed. Am I doing this to promote my music? No.”
Las Vegas rapper Dizzy Wright releases visual and first single for “Plotting” from his forthcoming Wisdom and Good Vibes EP. Reflecting on the ways in which he’s grown, Dizzy Wright explores his progression and maturity while poised to take 2016 by storm. Armed with a renewed focus, the release of his Wisdom and Good Vibes EP with a full album planned for later this year, and joining Logic’s Incredible World Tour that spans Canada and the U.S. through April, Dizzy Wright is working harder than ever while remaining calm and collected amid the recent turmoil. Following a split from his former record label, Funk Volume, Wisdom and Good Vibes marks Dizzy’s first release on his own and will be released on February 5th. Pre-order Wisdom and Good Vibes EP now iTunes!
(AlHipHop News) Many people around the country have been stepping up to help the citizens of Flint, Michigan. Government officials allowed the city’s water supply to be contaminated with lead which experts believe will have lasting negative effects on many of the children living in Flint.
Southern California-based water brand AQUAhydrate has now pledged one million bottles of water with a long-term commitment to support the people of Flint. The company plans to provide water to Flint citizens until the issue is resolved.
“The AQUAhydrate team is doing everything it can to help with this issue,” says Sean “Diddy” Combs. “Mark [Wahlberg] and I made an initial pledge to donate and are committed to the continued aid to Flint residents as long as they need it. We hope this commitment will inspire others to get involved as well.”
An initial donation of 5,000 cases is making its way to Flint and is expected to arrive by mid-week. The company is working closely with Michigan State Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Genesee County Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and local community leaders to integrate AQUAhydrate into ongoing water distribution and relief efforts.
AQUAhydrate is also urging high-profile friends to join them in their cause with donations and raising public awareness of the Flint water crisis. Detroit native Eminem and Hip Hop star Wiz Khalifa have already joined the effort. Together they have pledged to continue to deliver AQUAhydrate until this crisis is over.
“A crisis in Flint is an American emergency that we will meet head on,” said Hal Kravitz, CEO of AQUAhydrate. “Our first trucks are en route, and our long-lasting commitment to Flint’s residents will ensure AQUAhydrate will be on the ground through the length of this disaster.”
Right on time! BBOD has been getting hit hard with the social media slander from #BlackTwitter. But this week on Love And Hip Hop the viewers were able to see what Miss Moe And Lexxy was really made of. After Lexxy sold her sexy persona and flirty verse to French Montana and Miss Moe Money delivering a verse that impressed Yandy Smith, looks like the critics are starting to warm up to the Harlem rap duo.
BBOD has released new music every week since Love And Hip Hop season 6 premiered. This week is no different as they hit you with another single, teaming up with NY rapper Jaquae for “Nobody Was Talking Yo You” right on time to address the social media slander.
The follow-up to last summer’s The Laughing Introvert, Stalley kicks off his 2016 with new mixtape Saving Yusuf. Featuring 15 new tracks Saving Yusuf is a more polished project, finding Stalley not only at the next phase of his artistry, but also ready to express all facets of himself as a man and an artist through his work. Guest appearances include Ray Cash, Big K.R.I.T., Chuck Inglish, Goldie and STS.
Known for producing todays hottest rap artists from Jeezy to Rick Ross, production trio J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League surprises fans by releasing new compilation J.U.S.T.I.C.E. For All. The new album includes 13 unreleased tracks and features from Future, Drake, Chris Brown, Rick Ross and more! New album is available as $40 bundle with new J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League sound kit. Purchase here.
We all know that MGK is a straight up “Wild Boy” just like his song says, so when he ended up in the hospital this past week, it was kind of a shoulder shrug for most people. But it was actually REALLY serious and the homie almost lost his arm! SHEESH!
But while MGK’s injury was the talk of the blog world for a few days, many have inquired about the song playing in the background in the video that MGK is co-signing. Who is this new act that he’s jamming to. “Cleveland music too cold,” MGK wrote in the caption.
Well the new act is a kid by the name of Ripp Flamez and the song called “Payback” but from what we are hearing from the streets is that “Waves” is the jump off. Check them both out below:
(AllHipHop Music News) Young Thug has a lot in store for his fans this year, and it’s only just begun. After the release date for Slime Season 3 was announced, and the possible tag-team with Kanye on SWISH, Young Thug continues to let off some surprises.
Tonight he released a new track, Top Notch, with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Dro. The track, produced by Niko the Kid and Dun Deal, allowed Thugger to spit over an EDM style beat. The duo boast about the female body and all its assets all throughout the track.
(AllHipHop News) According to reports by Fox 5 Atlanta, one of Future’s bodyguards, 27-year-old Michael Tanner Phillips, was shot and killed in his home in Georgia. The suspect was spotted leaving the scene in a vehicle, however details of who he might be are unknown at the moment.
Phillips was at home with his wife at the time of the shooting. Sadly, Phillips will miss the birth of his newborn child who is expected to arrive soon.
“Some of the neighbors heard some arguing and some gunshots. We’re still interviewing some of them to try and piece together everything at this time,” said Lieutenant Frank Thomas of the Clayton County Police Department.
There is no word from the Future camp yet, but we will update when more details are available.
In this AllHipHop premiere, Prince AK drops that street ready record “Not Guilty.” As you can imagine the record has undertones of racial inequality and police brutality, while Amber Lashe mixes in some smooth vocals for the hook. The Brick City, New Jersey rapper is a self proclaimed grinder and reps 1/3rd of The 050Boyz. Check it out below!
