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Jay Z’s Tidal Reveals Wave of Subscribers From Kanye’s ‘Life Of Pablo’ In First Year

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News)  After a year of big press firings, hirings, controversy and varying reports on the numbers, Tidal has officially released it’s first year tallies for it’s subscribers.

As the Jay Z fronted company glides into its sophomore year of existence, tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the famed New York City launch that pictured a host of entertainers as they signed up to be partial owners of Tidal.

Since then the streaming service has pulled in over 2.5 million subscribers in the U.S. alone.

With over a half million subscribers abroad, Tidal’s total of subscribers now surpasses over 3 million users.

To date Tidal has a few tiers for subscribers ranging from $9.99/month to $19.99/month for hi-fidelity lossless content.

Recently it was reported that Samsung wasn’t interested in buying Tidal, despite rumors that circulated after Jay-Z released his project Magna Carta Holy Grail and Rihanna’s LP ANTI via the tech giant.

The Jay Z spearheaded streaming service also made headlines earlier this month when news broke that both the COO and CFO had been fired.

Apple (11 million) and Spotify (30 million) trump Tidal by the numbers, grossing as many as 3 to 10 times as many subscribers respectively.

In April last year Tidal fell out of the top tier of apps, dropping out of the top 750 apps on Apple’s App Store, but by September Jay Z was touting 1 million subscribers. 

But despite the ups and downs, stars like Beyoncé, Madonna, Kanye West, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, and J. Cole have remain as part owners of Tidal also benefitting from the revenue earned.

According to Billboard, Kanye’s streams for his project The Life of Pablo exceeded 250,000,000 streams in the first 10 days of its release.

After the project released, reports surfaced that Kanye had doubled the subscribers of Tidal.

“I believe in Tidal and what the team is doing to affect the change the music industry needs,” said interim chief executive Peter Tonstad in a statement last April amid falling numbers. “We’re streamlining the company and refocusing our resources to ensure the platform continues to grow, and listeners can make a connection to their favorite artists. No one else is doing this.”

Of the 3 million subscribers around 1.35 million signed up for the hi-fidelity, lossless audio/video tier ($19.99), which allows users to access about 40 million songs and 130,000 videos and live streams.

 

 

 

Over 100 Burning Questions Of “Batman vs Superman”

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Features
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After watching Batman Vs. Superman for a second time, I found it infinitely more enjoyable. Honesty, I didn’t care for it the first time and gave it about a 7/10. However, the second viewing also sparked about 100 questions. Also, during this other “screening,” I was siting between in between two kids that also had an seemingly infinite number of questions. So, while I watched, I jotted the questions as the movie went on.

While BvS has utterly killed at the box office there has been an endless conversation about the merits of the movie. Does it really suck? Are the critics just “a-hatin’” on an incredible work by Zack Snyder? Or are comic stans really stanning so hard that they refuse to see a big budget poo-fest when they see it? Anyway, there are spoiler galore in this so if you have not seen the movie, stop reading now!

Where EXACTLY is Gotham in relationship to Metropolis?

Cancer – wouldn’t Bruce eventually get cancer running into all that building dust? Why would he run into that anyway? He didn’t even cough.

Who was the old man “dad” Bruce kept talking to that worked for Wayne Enterprises?

When the Wayne building drops, the little girl Bruce saves is downstairs but her mom is “upstairs”? How?

So, there’s a Wayne building in Metropolis now?

Al the good Supes does, why does Batman blame Superman!? It was an alien attack!

Random divers find Kryptonite?!?

Why does Lois Lane have such a dangerous job? Shouldn’t she be chillin’ or does she have to constantly put Superman (her boyfriend) in messed up positions?

How exactly does Superman get blamed for a shootout gone wrong in Africa?

Batman…torture? Really? Violence is one thing, but torture is another.

Why is Batman hunting Lex’s Russian merc?

Is Lex Luthor, Jr. a fake Joker, or JokerLite? He is a junior, right?

Kryptonite for all “meta humans”? Lex has all the info.

Crushed Legs Wallace is p##### at Bruce and Superman!? Why? Was he just stewing over not getting a check? Wouldn’t he call and get it right, instead of living in poverty? And wouldn’t he be able to reason that Superman was fighting other aliens for the benefit of humankind?

And the Wallace dude hated Bruce Wayne, even though the billionaire pulled his ungrateful ass out from the fallen building and presumably was sending him money.

After making headlines, wouldn’t Wayne Enterprises check why Wallace dude wasn’t getting paid?

Don’t they know Lex’s dad (the original Lex Luthor) is PURE EVIL? Why would the government, Batman or Superman deal with the child of a criminal mastermind, clearly up to something. Dude was off his rocker, even when he made the speech.

How can Lex just activate alien technology? Full access? Fingerprints. And how magical is his blood to create Doomsday like that?

Batman in random fight club? Looking for…a connect to Superman? Or Lex?

Why didn’t Lois tell her man about the bullet in Africa? Why withhold it from the man that just saved her existence?

Where does Bruce live? He randomly gets invited to Lex’s house like they in the same city. How, Sway?

And then he runs into Wonder Woman at the same party with Clark. They all live in Metropolis? They are all in the same social circle with a Lex-degree of separation?

Bruce straight got caught in the computer room B. Why didn’t Lex’s lady ring the alarm? Why would that room be next to the kitchen and not in a secure location?

Clarke and Bruce know each other’s secrets? They sure acted like it at Lex’s social.

So half the Justice League end up in Lex’s basement?

Superman is literally a false god for real. Why is this disputed, debated and why do people get upset when folks say this?

Superman didn’t save one Black person. They recreated Katrina in New Orleans, but with White people. Super racist!

Why wouldn’t Batman be HOT NEWS, Perry White!???? He crazy? Clark keeps bringing the story of a vigilante that dresses up like a Bat that tortures criminals and the editor-in-chief of the paper acts like its something stupid from the 1930’s? Really?

Why did Wonder Woman give back the drive to Bruce after “borrowing” it? Everybody’s secrets were on there. She didn’t even know that he was Batman at that point. She needed her secrets off the drive.

Batman’s futuristic freaky vision/dream makes him a hater of Superman in real life?

Why didn’t Clark Kent get fired? He was crazy MIA from his job.

How did Batman get from the top of the crane to the Bat Mobile so easily? How the hell did he get to the top of the crane in the first place? Just to shoot a tracker he didn’t really need?

How did Batman drive the Bat Mobile “home”? Superman tore it out the frame.

Why didn’t Superman just bust Batman up and take him to the cops. It would have taken two minutes tops. Why “warn” him if he was already out torturing and stuff?

Why didn’t Superman confiscate that Kryptonite? Certainly he “heard” what was going on with Batman and Lex’s terror group. Why did he step to Batman anyway? Bats was fighting terrorists!

Why did they have to blow up Soledad O’Brien. I love her!

Why does Superman “hover” so much? For a dude not trying to seem like a god, he was perpetrating a big fraud!

Why didn’t Superman wear a suit to court? Would they finally realize he look just like a certain reporter that no longer acts like a bumbling idiot as a disguise?

What is Superman’s suit made of? It sure is nice and can survive a direct hit from a nuclear missile.

So Lex’s genius let’s him man wholly alien technology?!! I mean, he just goes in and knows exactly what to do? I know I said this, but c’mon!

Batman buffs up to fight Superman lifting weights? Pull ups?

Why did the encryption have logos and names to the Meta Humans? So, Lex knows their superhero names and logos..before the Justice League even exists? They did not refer to her as Wonder Woman once in the movie so she has not been anointed yet.

Is it me or does Aquaman look more like King Neptune?

Again why’d she essentially give Bruce her secret!?! And others?

Is Wonder Woman a Meta Human?

How can Supes get depressed and leave while he has a job as Clark Kent? This guy is like Jimmy Fallon! He’s a symbol of Hope and happiness!

His dead Dad really gives him a lecture at the fortress of solitude? My father passd and he shows up in my dreams but never like that! I wish!

Wait, was that the Fortress of Solitude or Antarctica?

Why do Superman and Batman have so many visions, dreams, nightmares and agonizing thoughts about their parents anyway? Can they remember anything good? Are they on ’shrooms?

Why are Bruce’s parents’ graves so decrepit!??? Doesn’t he have a person to cut the grass?

What happened to Morgan Freeman’s character? Wasn’t he Batman’s munitions guy that made Batman so dope? Wasn’t Alfred a confidant and a butler? Can a brother or sister get any love?

Why does Martha (Superman’s mother) work in a dive diner still? Why does she looks so broke?

Why doesn’t Superman protect his Mom or Lois before they are kidnapped and assaulted? He that depressed!?

Why doesn’t Supes kill Lex? Kal-El?

Lex absorbed all that alien info in his human brain DNA?

How dark will Supes suit get? This thing is almost black, people!

Wouldn’t Superman kill Lex on sight seeing his mom like that? He’s got that rage now.

Batman and Supe fight over notes and extortion from Lex? A miscommunication?

Bruce just gives Wonder Woman her all the data…after she gives it back to him. Wouldn’t he think something could be awry or do they just innately have trust like that?

What is U.S. UUVA ALPHA 2?

Does Lois tell Perry White Superman is her Man? Sure looked like it!

Why didn’t Batman make Kryponite bullets? Why a spear?

Why doesn’t he make it a dagger that he keeps on him? Why a spear?

And, if Superman inhaled Krytonite dust, wouldn’t he be weakened for a very long time since it would be in his system – not just around him?

Before being defeated by Batman, Superman says, ”Save Martha” – not mommy? He calls his mother by her first name?

Batman had “dream” upon hearing the word “Martha”? Why all the flashbacking! Is Flash doing this?

Wouldn’t Lex’s Super Terrorist murder Martha instantly when he heard all that commotion in the other room?

Where was Superman all this time, while Batman was putting in work saving his precious Martha?

Just getting to Lex, Supes? Faster than a speeding bullet? Oh really?

Why did Lois throw the deadly Kryptonite spear in the water? Why leave it for some Gotham fisherman to find again??

What exactly the hell is Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman doing this entire movie? She is literally just at “things” here and there. At a party. At a museum. At a plane. WTF is she actually doing before she saves Superman and Batman.

Now they “care” about Superman, but not enough not to nuke him? Wouldn’t a nuke rain nuclear material on both Gotham and nearby Metropolis?

So this random uninhabited island is in the middle of Gotham and Metropolis? And Doomsday lands on it. OK.

You do realize Superman took no less than three deadly L’s in this movie, right?

How is Batman surviving all this radioactive exposure from Doomsday?

How does Superman hear Lois underwater punching concrete in all that battle with Doomsday, totally leaving WW and useless Batman alone?

Isn’t it all Lois’ fault? Isn’t she really just in the way?

Why did they cut Lex’s hair off anyway?

How Superman and Clark die and nobody question anything? Clark “died on the job” or was he just missing from work for weeks?

Are Superman and Clark Irish?

How is Bruce suddenly the optimistic one at the end? Wouldn’t Superman’s death make him infinitely more darker and depraved? Will Batman ever consider fighting petty crimes now that he’s in Superman and Wonder Woman’s super-powered league?

How are the “others” like Diana? They have no similarities like mutants, right?

Why didn’t Batman brand Lex? He punched the wall. Brand him so he can be somebody’s bish.

How did a “criminal” like Batman even get in a super-duper max jail like that and get out? Wouldn’t he be arrests as a vigilant?

Why did the dirt float? Just wondering?

The dirt floated. Why?

Royce Da 5’9” Drops Ill New EP “Trust The Shooter”

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Music
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(AllHipHop News) After 15 years, Royce Da 5”9’ has to be creeping into your top 5 DOA, as the Detroit emcee has been putting in extreme work. He’s gone from albums with DJ Premier to albums bar for bar with Eminem to solo opuses.

Now, he’s released Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter.

The “mixtape,” which is a hefty 12 tracks long, is a prelude to the album Loyalty.

Trust The Shooter features guest appearances from Smoke DZA, Styles P, Tiara, Westside Gunn with production by DJ Premier, Jahlil Beats, Araabmuzik, Nottz, Jake One, and Mr. Porter.

Check it out below in all of its lyrical glory.

Loyalty drops on April 15.

EXCLUSIVE: Choppa Zoe Talks ‘Zoe Of Zoe’s’ Mixtape, Teaming With Tidal & Starring On ‘Money & Violence’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Features
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(AllHipHop Features) “Call me Choppa,” has become a catchphrase for the villainous gangster on Money & Violence. Some viewers of the popular street drama may not realize the man that portrays Rafe’s archenemy is actually a rapper that goes by the name Choppa Zoe offscreen.

The Palm Beach bred, New York City based entertainer is a proud descendant of Haiti. With season 2 of Money & Violence currently premiering on Tidal, Choppa has teamed with the streaming platform to debut his single “Ok Ok” off the forthcoming Haitian fueled Zoe of Zoe’s mixtape. In addition, he is also a participant in the Tidal Discovery program which highlights up-and-coming unsigned acts.

Choppa Zoe talks with AllHipHop.com about his burgeoning music career. The exclusive interview features the Bronx resident discussing his connection to Tidal and his noteworthy turn in Money & Violence as well.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Money & Violence’ Creator Moe Verneau Talks Season 2, Teaming With Tidal & Getting Advice From Jay Z]

You’re from West Palm Beach. How did you end up in the Bronx?

Well I moved from West Palm back in ‘07. I’ve lived all over the city – Staten Island, Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The Bronx is my second home though for real. I moved to NY back then to do what I am doing now – chasing my dreams!

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music since I was 12. I used to rap over all my mama’s old Haitian cassettes, then I’d get my ass beat for doing so. [laughs]

What’s the status of your relationship with Wyclef Jean?

Me and Clef are cool, that’s the homie! That was such a dope experience. I learned a lot from Clef. You can’t pay for the experience or the wisdom you gain from being around such an all-around artist like Clef.

Who are some of the producers/features on Zoe of Zoe’s?

Well, a lot of the producers on this project are my home team like Severe Noise. He did about four songs on the mixtape. I also have an in-house producer name Ranser [Elrey]. He’s a beast too! He did the single that’s out right now, “Ok Ok.” Oh, I can’t forget about Vinny Idol. He produced a crazy song called “Take a Risk!” A lot of variety on the mixtape.

Can you explain the meaning of the title?

Zoe of Zoe’s means I am next. I’ve been grinding for a long time, so I’m gonna take it. It also brings the proper representation and light of the culture and what the word “zoe” really stands for. Today you have a lot of misrepresentation of the word and the culture as a whole. So on Zoe of Zoe’s you can expect my story and just some real zoe sh*t. Shout out to all the other zoes grinding heavy – Zoey Dollaz, Kodak Black, Lil Zoe, everybody! 18zoe4

How did you get connected with Tidal Discovery?

My homegirl Sharri actually brought me through the office to meet Emory Jones. We sat in his office for about 20 minutes just talking and building. I told Emory my story, and we all know his story – sh*t, if you don’t, learn it. So I think it goes back to the old saying “real recognize real.” He respects the grind overall. Then he introduced me to Jason from Tidal. Jason loved the music, and we’ve been cooking ever since. Shout out to my girl Sharri too.

Why did you decide to release your single on Tidal?

I feel like Tidal is a great platform for independent artists like myself to drop a brand new single. Being that Money & Violence is now on Tidal, it makes even more sense for me to release music there… Plus the hood is finally talking about Tidal, so it’s all the way lit! [laughs]

Your character on Money & Violence is sort of a villain on the series? What has been the response from the public for your character?

You know what is crazy about the fact that I’m a villain, you would think people dislike me, but I actually get a lot of love in the streets. When people see me, they laugh, they scream, “call me Choppa.” They ask for pictures, so the response is great. I also have the fans that see me and say, “I don’t like you on the show. Why’d you shoot Rafe?!” I had a woman last year scream at me in the store for Choppa shooting Rafe. [laughs] I had to explain to everyone in the store that she’s talking about a show and not real life. They were all looking at me like I was a mad man. That was crazy. [laughs]

How has season 2 of the show moving to Tidal impacted the series?

I think it’s a big deal. I think it helped the series a whole lot. We were able to step everything up without losing the show’s authenticity.

There has been a conversation in Hip Hop about the lack of attention placed on street rap in the mainstream. Do you agree with French Montana’s belief that the industry is trying to push Hip Hop away from street-centered rap?

I have to say yes and no. I do feel like the gangster rap/street rap is being pushed out in a sense, but at the same time I just feel you have to make hot sh*t whether it’s commercial or street. There’s a lot of street records in rap history that are hit records, big hit records even. Today I think it’s all about a balance. You have to be able to do both, but in a certain way.

What’s next for your career?

Well, I just want to continue to push my music, continue to let the world know who I am, and just grow daily. You know when the time comes for the first album, we’ll get there. But for now, I want to continue to build my brand.

“Call Me Choppa” [From ‘Money & Violence’]
“Call Me Choppa” [From ‘Money & Violence’]

[ALSO READ: T.I. Announces Roc Nation Partnership & Tidal Ownership During Atlanta Show]

Stream Choppa Zoe’s music on Tidal here.

Follow Choppa Zoe on Twitter @choppazoeradio and Instagram @choppazoe.

PREMIERE: The DMV’s Bobby Hagens Gets “Blessed Up” In New Music Video

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Fresh out of the DMV comes 26-year-old rapper/songwriter Bobby Hagens. After stamping his name as one of Maryland’s emcees on the rise with the single “Lost Wild” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, Hagens is letting the world know he stays prayed up in his new video for “Blessed Up.”

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Jay IDK Talks ‘SubTrap’ Album, His Musical Influences & DMV Hip Hop]

The black-and-white clip displays director A1 Vision’s magnetic cinematography. “Blessed Up” also provides Bobby with the opportunity to showcase his diverse flow and willingness to voice his personal thoughts.

“Being able to change someone’s life by just talking about mine,” states Hagens about what his musical style represents. “Also the excitement I get whenever I hear a new beat I love or a new song I love. Most of all being able to share these moments with the people that mean the most to me.”

[ALSO READ: PREMIERE: Nick Grant Releases Cinematic Visuals For “The Plan” (VIDEO)]

A full body of work from Bobby Hagens is expected later this year. In the meantime, check out AllHipHop.com’s premiere of the “Blessed Up” music video below.

Two New Drake Songs “These Days” & “Controlla” Leak Online

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Music
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While we wait for Drake’s highly-anticipated fourth studio album, “Views From The 6” which arrives April 16th, today we get two new Drizzy songs to hold us over. The first song is titled “These Days,” the second being “Controlla” featuring Popcaan.

Stream both songs below.

R&B Singer Kehlani Hospitalized After Suicide Attempt

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Yesterday Kehlani’s name was a top trending topic on Twitter as users bashed the 20-year-old R&B singer-songwriter. The social media attention was the result of rumors Kehlani cheated on her boyfriend Cleveland Cavalier player Kyrie Irving with ex-boyfriend PartyNextDoor of OVO Sound.

[ALSO READ: PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Kehlani’s Freestyle”]

It appears all of the negativity was too much for Kehlani. The “Down For You” vocalist posted a photo to Instagram from a hospital bed. The pic’s caption revealed she attempted to commit suicide. The California native then deleted the post and her entire Instagram page.

Kehlani-IG
Deleted Photo From Kehlani’s IG Page

Kehlani wrote:

I wanted to leave this earth. Being completely selfish for once. Never thought I’d get to such a low point. But.. Don’t believe the blogs you read .. No one was cheated on and I’m not a bad person… Everyone is hurt and everyone is in a place of misunderstanding.. But as of today, I had no single wish to see tomorrow.. But God saved me for a reason, and for that… I must be grateful.. Cuz I’m not in heaven right now for a reason… On that note.. Bye Instagram.

The online drama began when PartyNextDoor posted a picture to IG of himself with Kehlani. He added, “After all the shenanigans, still got the R&B singer back in my bed.”

The photo shocked many observers because it was believed that Kehlani was still in a relationship with Irving at the time. Social media users then began blasting Kehlani for allegedly cheating on the NBA star.

[ALSO READ: Kehlani – “You Should Be Here” (Album Stream)]

Lil Kim: Drake Is In My Top 5 Right Now

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Despite calling out Drake on her Nicki Minaj diss track “Black Friday,” Lil Kim is still a big fan of the Toronto rhymer. In a new interview with Billboard, the Queen Bee discussed why she decided to release a remix of Drizzy’s “Summer Sixteen.”

[ALSO READ: Here Are 10 Artists That Have Had Issues With Drake]

“When it comes to music, he really can’t do no wrong to me. That song was one of my favorites. I liked that a lot,” said Kim. “Drake is in my top five right now, that’s who I listen to all the time. I love ‘Back 2 Back.'”

The Brooklyn rapstress just dropped a new mixtape titled Lil Kim Season. The 10-track project features “Summer Sixteen (Beemix)” as well as appearances by Maino and Kevin Gates.

“It’s funny, because a lot of times, the people around me will say, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s like it’s Lil’ Kim season.’ It always seems like it’s a time every year when everyone’s either playing my music or paying homage with some of my most iconic looks,” explained Kim.

She added, “It sometimes just feels like Lil Kim season, and this mixtape is going to be an advertisement [for that]. We’re painting everything up right now.”

Lil Kim Season follows the previous mixtapes Black Friday and Hard Core 2k14. Kim is currently working on Lil’ Kim Season 2. The former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member has not released a studio album since 2005’s The Naked Truth.

[ALSO READ: Lil Kim Announces New Album To Be Released In 2016 (VIDEO)]

Stream/download Lil Kim’s Lil Kim Season below.

Lil Wayne Files Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Over Cash Money Deal

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Lil Wayne is still pursuing his legal fight to get compensated from music companies. According to TMZ, the New Orleans native is now suing Universal Music Group, the distributor for Cash Money Records.

[ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar Refers To Lil Wayne As “The Greatest”]

The website reports Wayne filed a federal lawsuit against Universal, claiming a portion of the $100 million UMG paid out to Cash Money is rightfully his. He asserts most of the revenue earned by CMR came from acts like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga. All three performers are signed to Wayne’s Young Money imprint.

Wayne previously filed a separate lawsuit against Cash Money for unpaid royalties and album advances. He also alleged CMR still owed money to Drake and Tyga as well as several producers that worked on Young Money projects.

Published legal documents showed the parties supposedly agreed to a 51%-49% split between Wayne and Cash Money for revenues from Young Money. In addition, the papers claim YM was to receive one-third of the net profits from the sale of Drake’s solo recordings.

Cash Money entered into an unprecedented partnership with Universal Music Group in 1998. The label signed a $30 million distribution deal which reportedly included CMR receiving a $2 million advance every year, 85% of its royalties, and ownership of all masters.

[ALSO READ: Industry Insider Wendy Day Says Birdman Was Forced To Apologize To Her At Gunpoint]

EXCLUSIVE: Noreaga Talks Inspirations For ‘Drunk Uncle’, Diversity In Hip Hop & Donald Trump (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) N.O.R.E. returned last week with his latest musical project Drunk Uncle. One half of the veteran Hip Hop group Capone-N-Noreaga sat down with AllHipHop.com to talk about his new release.

[ALSO READ: N.O.R.E. Offers Proof Michael Jordan Is Telling A Lie]

Noreaga revealed Drunk Uncle was inspired by Busta Rhymes’ The Return Of The Dragon: The Abstract Went On Vacation, Puff Daddy’s MMM, and Pusha T’s King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. The Queens native also spoke about how a legendary producer influenced him to accept his various personas.  

“I remember Pharrell used to tell me this all the time. He’d be like, ‘You have three different characters. When you start to embrace these characters watch how the people flock to you more,’” explained Noreaga. “So this is just one of the characters.”

The conversation also included N.O.R.E. sharing his thoughts on diversity in Hip Hop. The New Yorker wants to see more ethnicities shine at the top of rap music.

“Big up to white rappers. It’s time for an Asian Eminem. It’s time for a Mexican Nas. I feel like Hip Hop has transcended,” says Noreaga. “Hip Hop is black, soul music first, but if you ever look at some of the best soul food restaurants there’s always white people in there.”

In N.O.R.E.’s view, his appreciation for all races and cultures is at odds with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s positions. Trump has called for a temporary ban of all Muslims entering the United States, and he has suggested many Mexican immigrants are rapists and criminals.

“I judge you on you, so that’s why what Donald Trump is doing sucks. He’s categorizing four Muslims or five Mexicans, and saying they all got to go,” expressed the “Moments” rhymer. “How could you ban a religion? That doesn’t make sense.”

N.O.R.E.’s Drunk Uncle is available for purchase on iTunes.

[ALSO READ: Mac Miller Calls Donald Trump A “Racist Son Of A B*tch” (VIDEO)]

Watch Noreaga’s interview below.

EXCLUSIVE: Royce Da 5’9” Addresses Saying Drake Is Not A Top Lyricist (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Royce Da 5’9” was among the Hip Hop representatives that shared his opinion on Drake’s place on the list of greatest emcees following the Quentin Miller ghostwriting allegations. Just like Ice Cube, Kxng Crooked, and A$AP Rocky, Royce expressed a rapper using someone else to write his verses diminishes his position in the G.O.A.T. discussion. 

[ALSO READ: Royce Da 5’9” Says Drake Isn’t A “Lyricist”]

Despite reiterating a viewpoint that has been conveyed by other people, Royce faced some backlash for his comments about Drake. AllHipHop.com caught up with the Detroit spitter to see whether he felt the need to clear up saying the OVO leader is not a top-tier lyricist.

“I don’t think there’s anything to clarify,” states Royce. “If you look at the interview, I said that the way that [Drake] creates is a dope way of creating. I said I personally get fulfillment from writing.”

The Slaughterhouse member added, “I’m not going to keep explaining myself. I’ve been in the game for over 15 years. I don’t have to explain myself to anybody.”

Royce Da 5’9″ is preparing to release his Layers album on April 18. Pre-order the LP on iTunes.

[ALSO READ: Royce Da 5’9″ Talks ‘Layers’ Album & ‘Trust The Shooter’ EP]

Watch Royce Da 5’9”’s interview below.

SODMG Rapper Paul Allen Drops “Money On My Mind” Video

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Category: Music
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Life in the streets comes with its ups and downs just like any other industry. The main difference is in the streets, there’s no room for error because it could mean life or death. The story of the struggle is one that SODMG rapper Paul Allen knows all too well. Having dodged bullets and cases, Paul Allen is lucky to be alive and free. Now he’s living every day like it’s his last, focused on a grind for that paper.

“I’m actually in the streets and actually getting in these people’s faces. I’m proving to these people that this is my life. I’m not promoting the bad sh*t, but I’m shedding light on my story and what I’ve been through. Everything is all original and it’s just time for everyone to hear my story, said Allen.”

Paul Allen says being recognized is an amazing feeling because with all the work that we do, it just shows that it all pays off. After Zaytoven laced up his last song, Paul took things in-house and this track is produced by close friend Diamond OB.

“I just shot the video in Inglewood, CA and we went and shot the video in the hood. We ready to put the foot on their necks in 2016,” said Allen.

Check out his “Money On My Mind” video below!

Stro Pops Off After An Interview With Jack Thriller Goes Left

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Multimedia / Video
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Stro has been on the grind for quite some time and even though he’s a dope actor, his heart is in Hip-Hop. Case in point: his new video. He’s being interviewed by Jack Thriller on the ficticious show “YO! Struggle Raps” when he snaps. But, he doesn’t spazz on the host – he starts killing it on the mic. The two-part video expands onto a doper level with the second half, which is reminiscent of “Drop” by The Pharcyde. That’s Stro though. He’s a modern-day representations of a Brooklyn that can carry the torch like Joey Bada$$. Check out this creative homage to YO! MTV Raps.

While you are at it, peep “Best By Far,” the latest release from Stro.

Sonny Digital Drops New Single “Mona Lisa”

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Music
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Sonny Digital continues his string of new releases and gives YesJulz the green light to premiere his latest single “Mona Lisa.” Production handled by Slade Da Monsta.

Stream below.

http://www.audiomack.com/song/midnightcyphs/mona-lisa

Fat Trel Arrested At Maryland Casino For Allegedly Gambling With Counterfeit Money.

By: Vance Brinkley Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Earlier today, DC rapper Fat Trel was arrested at the Live! Casino in Maryland for gambling with fake money. According to Complex, the MMG signee was reportedly apprehended after using nine fake 50 dollar bills. Officials say that Trel’s knockoff money was very easy to identify due to matching serial numbers on each bill. Police charged the rapper with possession of counterfeit currency.

Fat Trel eventually told his side of the story on Twitter, stating that he received the fake cash from some promoters.

“???CRACKA GOT MAD AT ME LIKE ICREARE DA MONEY…FAKE PROMOTERz DEWWILDSHYT…BUT IM NO SNITCH???? F## EM….WE BALL!!!”

While Trel is sticking to his story, there has been no official statements to confirm where he received the money from.

Future & The Weeknd Link Up For “Low Life” Visual

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Videos
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Freebandz general Future Hendrix finally releases the highly anticipated visuals to his EVOL single “Low Life,” that also features XO artist The Weeknd. The two recently performed the collaboration on ‘Saturday Night Live.’

Watch below.

Big Sean Says He Needs To “Get His Sh*t Together”

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Music
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Big Sean turned 28 a few days ago and to celebrate, dropped a new single “Get My Sh*t Together,” produced by Tommy Brown and Mr. Franks. The G.O.O.D. Music is also gearing up is forthcoming joint EP with Jhene Aiko titled “Twenty 88” arriving this Friday.

Stream below.

Royce Da 5’9′ Says Drake’s Legacy Is Tarnished Cause Of Ghostwriting Accusations

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Uncategorized
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One Quarter Of The Slaughter and one of the most respected lyricists in the game, Royce Da 5’9,” recently chopped it up with DJ Vlad on VLAD TV. During his time, he spoke on how Drake’s legacy is damaged due to the ghostwriting accusation made by Meek Mill.

Watch the full interview below. Nickel Nine’s forthcoming album “Layers” arrives April 15th.

19-Year Old Emcee STRO Pays Homage To Yo! MTV Raps With A New Visual

By: Mike DeBlasio Updated Category: Videos
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Stro continues to promote his January release “B.E.S.T. B.Y. F.A.R.” and returns with a new visual off the project. The 19-year old emcee links up with director Cisco to shoot the official video to the double track “Fly Guy Rap / Boondocks.”

Watch below.

March Madness: Kendrick, Flo Rida And More Tapped To Perform At Final Four In Houston

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Yesterday the final tickets were punched to the annual NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament in Houston, Texas.

This year Oklahoma faces off against Villanova, while #10 seed Syracuse tries their hand against perennial contender North Carolina.

In light of the yearly occasion, today (March 28th) the NCAA announced a superstar lineup of musical talent set to perform at the 2016 NCAA March Madness Music Festival in conjunction with the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The free, three-day music festival, produced by Turner Live Events, will take place at Discovery Green in downtown Houston.

The complete festival lineup will feature performances by several Hip-Hop and R&B acts including Kendrick Lamar, Pitbull, Flo Rida, Jason Derulo and Aloe Blacc.

In addition several rock bands will perform including Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Twenty One Pilots Maroon 5 and more.

Performances from the Capital One JamFest® will be simulcast as part of the Maroon 5 and Pitbull performances during the iHeartRadio Music Awards for the first time ever.

The footage will be streamed at NCAA.com/MusicFest, on the NCAA March Madness YouTube page, BleacherReport.com, the Team Stream app, and the NCAA Final Four app.

The event will be airing live from the Forum in Los Angeles on Turner networks TBS, TNT and truTV at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 3.

Check the schedule below for this  non-ticketed event open to the public on a first-come basis!

Friday, April 1 – AT&T Block Party
Fall Out Boy
Panic! At The Disco
Lukas Graham
Performances from 4 pm to 10 pm

Saturday, April 2 – Coca-Cola Music Mix
Live broadcast of the first semi-final game
Kendrick Lamar
Twenty One Pilots
Jason Derulo
Conrad Sewell
Performances from 12 pm to 9 pm

Sunday, April 3 – Capital One JamFest®
Maroon 5
Pitbull
Flo Rida
Aloe Blacc
Performances from 3 pm to 10 pm; show your Capital One card to get priority entry to Sunday’s Capital One JamFest®