Fresh off his RNB 3 mixtape released late last year, PnB Rock is back with a new 2-in-1 music video. The dual visual features “Pull Up” – a previously unreleased record – and RNB 3 track, “What U Want.” The Philly rapper/singer is currently working on his next project.
Scotty ATL decides to take a break from the studio and ride around the city of Miami in his latest visual, “Speed.” The Black Metaphor-produced track appeared on his latest album “The Cooliagn,” which has received high acclaim since it’s release. Scotty is currently on his own headlining tour, the #NoHandsOutTour, performing throughout the country.
After premiering French Montana’s new mixtape “Wave Gods” last week on his We The BestBeats 1 radio station, DJ Khaled also chopped it up with the rapper for a recent interview. The two discussed the Max B-inspired project, Montana’s career, his connections in the industry and much more.
So if you weren’t already voting Democrat this year, let this be a perfect example of how Donald Trump is the wrong candidate for minority voters. In this scathing interview with CNN, Trump says he doesn’t know anything about the KKK and Grand Wizard David Duke who recently co-signed Trump.
What’s more is articles and documents are surfacing that Trump’s dad was an active member of the KKK based on a Queens, NY arrest that took place back in 1927. Check the image below of the rally that website Boing Boing uncovered.
To add to flames to the fire, Republicans like Rubio feel he is completely hijacking the Republican political party as a con artist. At this point if the Republican’s don’t want him, he will run independent which would be good for either Hillary or Bernie, so the GOP is pretty much running a dead race if Trump leaves.
“I don’t know anything about David Duke, okay. I don’t know anything about what you’re even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacists. I don’t know, did he endorse me? Or what’s going on. Because I know nothing about David Duke. I know nothing about white supremacists.”
(AllHipHop News) Today (Feb. 29), DJ Khaled informed the world that he recently signed a management deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation. The social media savy DJ shared the news through his official Instagram page. “Allow me to reintroduce myself!!!! Meet my manager. His name is Jay Z. Jigga,” read of portion Khaled’s excited comment.
A coveted Roc-A-Fella chain was received by the Miami hit-maker. New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden served as the backdrop for this career milestone. “The blessings coming in have been overwhelming,” revealed the grateful businessman. “So much blessings I needed the right team to help me embrace it right. And when I say embrace I mean brand partnership.”
Check out the full IG post and accompanying video to witness as DJ Khaled is gifted with the final original Roc chain.
Kanye West recently revealed that he plans to drop another album this summer. Kanye’s associate, Ian Connor, posted a video to his Snapchat featuring music that sounded like a unreleased Kanye track that might feature Migos. ‘Ye reportedly has more than 40 songs recorded with everyone from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Young Thug, and more. Kanye has been reppin’ for ATL rappers lately, as his recent Twitter rant stated that Young Thug and Future need to also be a part of the Grammys. It sounds like you will get to hear some interesting collaborations soon.
Kevin Gates wants you to know that he has been knocking down some of your favorite celebrity women. He says so many come after him begging for a piece of the d*ck so much so that he’s had to deny some of the women! Which celebrity women do you think Kevin has had the opportunity to get in bed with? Who are some other rappers you are surprised to see linked to A-list celebrity women?
Rumor has it that companies such as Samsung, Google, and Spotify are looking to buy out Jay Z’s streaming service, Tidal. The NY Post, reports that Samsung has been in talks to acquire the streaming service for a while. Samsung and Jay reportedly have a longstanding business relationship, and the company has been heavily involved in some of Jay Z and other Tidal owners’ musical releases. Sources say Spotify and Google are interested in minority ownership opportunities in the company. Tidal has exclusively released Kanye West’s ‘The Life Of Pablo’ and Rihanna’s highly anticipated ‘Anti’ albums, and the company has been said to have reached millions of subscribers. Do you think Tidal can withstand the test of time in regards to how music is consumed?
It’s still hard to believe the phenomenal film, ‘Straight Outta Compoton’, was ignored at this year’s Academy Awards. Ice Cube has expressed that he isn’t surprised nor does he ever plan to kiss a** or “play the game”. Ice Cube does plan to take action though as he wants to open up his own move studio in Hollywood. Ice Cube is ready to green light movies now! Hollywood has rules and procedures for opening up movie studios, so he may face a few speed bumps, and he may have to fight with his money to get into the business completely. However, we believe Cube will make it happen very soon!.
Let me start this off by saying: you are the homie. You have opened a part of your home to me, I saw the monkey and the dope Louie V carpet and all that. I am actually proud of you. Seriously. You came from selling DVD’s to one of the biggest stars in the rap game. That is to be commended on many levels. You may have sexed two of the Kardashian sisters (iKid). Diddy is your man. You got a lifetime supply of Ciroc. Hell, you even give back to the Bronx community that raised you for greatness (a cool million to kids!).
The opening of your new Max B-assisted mixtape Wave Gods you asked, “Why isn’t street rap selling like Kendrick?” and then you expounded on Power 105.
“Because they position him, like they did at the Grammys, as the new music. It’s not that it’s not the right thing to do, but you see like the whole thing was like Kendrick night. That album don’t sound like nothing that’s out – the whole hip-hop game don’t sound like that… They put him on that platform so they can shift music towards that direction.”
I got multiple texts from some heavies in the music industry who shall remain unnamed. They don’t want to say anything, but they vehemently take exception to this notion, French. Let me explain briefly in this list.
So called-street rap has been poppin’ for the last few decades.
Like it or not, Kendrick is street rap. He’s from Compton, CA.
There were no issues with his last album. Why is there with this one?
“That direction” goes to a place of empowerment, pride, creativity, boldness, depth and substance that most “street rap” fails to go.
There is nothing wrong with “street rap,” but when that’s all there is, we need more balance.
Lets have fun, but, be clear, Self-Hate rap is what people have the big issue with. If you are equating “street rap” to the rap that continues to f**k with the minds of kids and infantile adults then…you will keep having issues. Its not “they.” Its “we.”
I’m sure you are in the streets. They have these uprisings. So called Street People aka Black people aka regular people. Police are shooting and brutalizing people at an alarming rate. Hip-Hop is reflecting this reality now when before it was minimized.
Who is “They,” because most people consider “they” as the people that have supposedly, presumably and assumptively (not a real word but it sounds good) directed Hip-Hop music to a place largely regarded as ignorant, formulaic and apathetic.
Historically, street rap reflects what is going on in these days. This is more reasonably why K-Dot is so hot.
The Grammys only put “hot” acts on that stage.
“Street rap” shouldn’t get upset at Kendrick. He wins, we win.
Build with “conscious rappers.” Public Enemy and Ice Cube did. Jay Z and dead prez. Kendrick and Dr. Dre. Nas and everybody.
I didn’t want to write this, but I just couldn’t hold it in, bro. Because Kendrick is what’s good doesn’t mean that the rest of the Rap Nation can’t prosper. “Street rappers” had no complaints about the couple decades they were on the frontlines of rap. By the way, I hate the term street rappers. On the other side, I and others have been clamoring for somebody like Kendrick for years. So, this “they” doesn’t exist in this capacity. The people have spoken. They have appointed Kendrick KING.
Last year, love it or hate it, he created one of the illest albums in Hip-Hop history. No, it was not for everybody. No, it was not a sequel to good kid, m.A.A.d city. No, it was not an easily digestible project. It wasn’t simple. However, it was much more, I would submit to the court of Hip-Hop. He did something far more revolutionary. He challenged “they” and hopefully created a paradigm shift that gives rise to more voices in Hip-Hop. Not less.
“They” have been suppressing revolutionary voices since the dawning of this country. And guess what happens? The people rise up and speak for themselves. That’s the Hip-Hop way since the beginning. “They” don’t want us to have this voice, which is why it was co-opted. The old way is gone. The systems and barriers to bumrush are eroding to dust. They cannot stop a Kendrick Lamar so they embrace him. They have no choice. We are awake and we will #staywoke.
I say this all in the name of peace, growth and Hip-Hop’s undying rebel spirit. Peace, Brother French Montana. #SALUTE
In an unusual turn of events, DJ Khaled’s Snapchat has seemingly got him signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Whats more is that Jay-Z is reportedly going to manage Khaled himself. As a way to celebrate the transition to new management, Hova gave Khaled his last Roc-A-Fella chain. Supposedly Jay-Z doesn’t have anymore of these, but he does have some new music on the way which you get to hear in the video. Check it out below.
The magic continues. Recently, one of Game’s introspective Instagram posts mysteriously vanished. With social media, the Los Angeles lyricist shared a few of his thoughts. Seemingly listed in their order of importance, an array of influential individuals from the worlds of politics, sports, and music were ranked.
Among others, the outspoken MC shared his fleeting beliefs on Donald Trump, Stephen Curry, and Kendrick Lamar. Landing atop the controversial list was his perspective on the Golden Era icon, Nas. “KENDRICK IS THE NEW NAS,” asserted the posted screenshot.
There’s nothing like paying homage to a legend, but in today’s Hip-Hop has the respect for originality become extinct?
YG and his momma Shonee dropped by Real 92.3 for an interview with Big Boy about their mission to feed the streets via their organization 4hundredwaze.org. Currently they have a campaign called
“If God is blessing us, we are supposed to be blessing others,” Shonee explained to Big Boy from the Real 92.3.
“It may not be much but something is better than nothing. Just to but the time in, I’m one that’s hands on, I like to be in the community, not just giving people jobs. They will see me out there in the community doing this.”
The mission of the 4hundredwaze Organization is to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth who are a part of the Foster Care/Group Home system by providing growth and development in the areas of science, technology, education and math (STEM). Working alongside the Department of Children and Family Services professionals, the organization provides activities that will expose our youth to all of the above listed resources.
Outside of his foundations, YG is working on putting out his Still Krazy album and has a single with 50 Cent and Nipsey coming soon, “I Want A Benz.”
Tech N9ne is the personification of a true MC. His entrenched ability to captivate a crowd resonates with a global audience. Recently, with a hubris-filled Instagram post, the K.C. native administered a challenge to Hip-Hop.
The Killer lyricist touted his ability to appear at historically Metal festivals like Aftershock Fest and Knotfest. Taking the stage after the legendary, Rob Zombie, Nina still commanded the crowd. Bolstered by his actions, “The Noose” narrator continues to asphyxiate his competition.
With a contentious comment he Ethered today’s phony Rap stars. He admonished, “Those rappers can’t say they’re ROCK STARS and it be a REAL statement!”
Thus far, 2016 has seemed to be a cathartic year for Kanye West. After exorcising his professional and profession demons Mr. West’s creativity continues to thrive. The hectic hoopla surrounding The Life of Pablo eventual release has subsided and interest is building for his next project, Turbo Grafx 16.
From orchestrating catwalks, to punishing sixteens, Kanye is harnessing his artistic insight. Earlier today (Feb. 29), viaIbn Jasper’s Instagram page, Yeezy is shown working in a studio. Presumably, the creative savant is investing his musical inspiration into the new project.
Along with Ye’s personal barber, Ibn, a spirited atmosphere is demonstrated by the photo. Mike Dean and Plain Pat are two beatsmiths who are mentioned in the hashtag. Kid Cudi also made the cut as his name is included among the aforementioned creators.
(AllHipHop Features) “Soul music is cultural, and it should forever be enshrined as one of the world’s greatest forms of music. It is a people, a nation, and it is the rhythm of our lives and loves and losses and wins, our hopes and dreams and passions on parade,” declared the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in her autobiography From These Roots.
Franklin – along with other dignitaries like the Godfather of Soul James Brown and the King of Soul Sam Cooke – helped lay the groundwork for which future generations of performers would stand. It is from that musical tradition of combining R&B, Gospel, and Jazz comes a South Side Chicago native born Bryan James Sledge, now better known as BJ The Chicago Kid.
Growing up in a house led by church choir directors, BJ was ingrained with melodies and rhythms from an early age. He eventually pursued making music professionally which led to the singer-songwriter working with Mary Mary, Stevie Wonder, and Kanye West.
BJ later became a go-to vocalist for the early work of Top Dawg Entertainment artists Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. His appearance on Schoolboy’s 2014 Top 40 hit “Studio” introduced The Chicago Kid to a mainstream audience and earned him a Grammy nomination for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”
Last year, Dr. Dre recruited Sledge for “It’s All On Me” off the Compton album, but 2016 saw the arrival of BJ’s own Motown debut LP In My Mind. The critically acclaimed project is 62 minutes of personal reflections on faith, devotion, and intimacy. Kendrick, Chance The Rapper, Big K.R.I.T., and others effortlessly join the candid conversations presented on the 15-track soulful effort.
I connected with BJ The Chicago Kid to go deeper into his thoughts. Besides speaking on In My Mind, the man assuming the mantle for Soul music also addresses what’s happening in his hometown, his relationship with TDE, and whether more records with the Good Doctor will ever see the light of day.
In My Mind presents this interesting duality to me. You have songs where you cover spirituality, and you also have songs where you’re talking about sex, love, and relationships. As a songwriter, what is the process like creating an album that touches on both your relationship with God and making love?
God created love, and love was made to be made. I get it. I can’t fight something I ain’t make. [laughs] I understand God perceives how it should happen, but I also understand when the preacher goes out with his wife, he’s not going to play some Kirk Franklin. That’s the balance. I do want to be married at some point in my life, but right now I’m focused on the album. You got to have a cow before you can get some milk. [laughs]
Was it a calculated decision to start with “Church” as a single? That song kind of represents what you just said.
Honestly, it wasn’t calculated. We all just felt like the music should always speak and will always tell us what to do with it. That was the first thing the music was saying, that we should rock with “Church” first.
Obviously, you really represent Chicago. You even put it in your name. The song “Home” is about your love for your hometown. Chicago has been in the news a lot. How can you change what’s happening in the city? And how can you change the perception of the way the world looks at Chicago?
First, if they buy the BJ The Chicago kid album that will help change the perception of Chicago. I am the positive light of Chicago. You’re talking to a young man that does not have a police record, never been in jail. When speaking my name – knowing my history or not knowing my history – you’re speaking positivity. So somebody has to know about BJ The Chicago Kid from the South Side – no suburbanite. No offense to them, but I just feel like me being from the core helps me shine more.
There are a lot of artists putting on for Chicago. Obviously, you have Kanye and that generation, but some of the younger guys like Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper too. What are your thoughts on what’s happening in the city as far as music?
It’s pretty dope how the youth is really involved in the radicalism of what needs to happen in Chicago. Chance and Vic are both doing major things for the city. I think it’s super dope.
I have my own nonprofit, the Chicago Kids Foundation, where I will be doing more as well. I want to take light from the album to put light on that. That was the whole plan from the gate. Otherwise, without having the music or something for the people to pay attention to, they wouldn’t know where I wanted them to come with me next.
So I wanted them to understand what the plan is and how it’s going to go. I’m very grateful that In My Mind is out. Not just for the foundation’s sake, but for the people to have something to touch, hear, see, and know we’re better than what’s known. We’re going to keep releasing more things, so people can further their understanding of what we’re doing.
Your song “Woman’s World” felt like an homage to James Brown’s classic “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” I’m sure the ladies love the song, but what did your guy friends say when they heard the record?
I felt like men gotta love it too. Guys, we always gotta like what the ladies like. That’s why you find guys at the Bryson Tiller shows. We gotta like what the ladies like, because we like the ladies. [laughs]. It’s a woman’s world. We follow them.
Do you know many guys that pay the bills at their house? Or do they give the money to the wife, girlfriend, or baby momma [to pay the bills]? If she wanted to get him financially, she could get him. It’s a woman’s world for real. [laughs] We need them.
You dropped a double video with “Woman’s World” and “Oh My God” featuring Jay Rock. Why wasn’t “Oh My God” on the album?
It was supposed to be on the album, but because of a lot of clearance purposes and other things we chose to give it to you guys in a dope viral video before going to the next level of what we’re about to do.
Is that a hint something else is coming?
For sure.
Have you had the chance to speak to Jay Rock since his accident?
Absolutely, I spoke with Jay Rock the day before yesterday. He’s doing well and can’t wait to get back out to continue doing Jay Rock. He’s just taking his time. The good energy and prayers sent up are definitely helping the brother. He’s definitely appreciative.
HiiiPoWeR: TDE + BJ
You have a longtime relationship with the whole TDE camp. My first time actually really taking notice to you as an artist was on Kendrick’s “Kush & Corinthians” off Section.80. What do you think about what Kendrick has been able to accomplish in his career?
Kendrick told y’all what was about to happen a long time ago when he called himself King Kendrick. You have to respect that man’s grind. I knew it a long time ago. I’m honored I’ve been able to grow with him, watch his growth even more, and learn from his growth so I can learn how to penetrate in my basketball game. We’re running point guard and trying to get the ball to the center for that alley-oop.
I understand it a little bit more, because I got loved ones that have been through it that can help me through it. The same thing with my gift. Kendrick isn’t just helping me, I’m helping him with what we do together. There’s a lot of phone calls between the homies that the world definitely doesn’t know about. That’s my brother.
You seem to have a real appreciation for R&B/Soul singers that came before you. I liked the Jodeci reference on “Resume,” and I like how you showed love to D’Angelo with your cover EP. Have you heard from them about your take on their work?
D’Angelo retweeted it, but I haven’t reached out to anyone. I just wanted to give them their flowers in an anonymous way as possible. I didn’t want any attention from it. I didn’t really do it for media attention. I just wanted D’Angelo to understand what his music means to us and how much it inspired us.
Have you thought about the fact that you’re influencing the next generation? There’s some kid right now listening to BJ The Chicago Kid, and they’re being inspired by what you’re creating.
That’s crazy. That’s pretty amazing. The world is round, and we do get older. I’m honored to have a seat on the panel of inspiration for somebody, somewhere.
Not too long ago some people were saying R&B/Soul is a dying genre. But then you look and there’s this new crop of talented singers like yourself, Anderson .Paak, Leon Bridges, and Andra Day that are really embracing Soul music and helping to keep it alive. What do you think about where Soul music is right now?
I think Soul music is always in a great place. When you got Kanye making songs like “The Joy,” it’s always welcoming us. All roads lead back to Soul music. That’s why you have Drake trying to sing. Fetty Wap is a singer. Ty Dolla Sign is a singer. If all these guys don’t make soulful music, they still do it soulfully. All roads lead back to Soul music.
So you embrace the guys that are combining rap and R&B like Drake, Bryson Tiller, and Tory Lanez?
Yep, very much so.
You did an interview where you were talking about your relationship with Anderson .Paak. How did you guys first meet?
I met Anderson through an old business partner that I had. He linked me with his friend which was Anderson’s business partner. So I met Anderson before the Dr. Dre thing.
You’ve said you and Dre have other tracks together that weren’t released yet. Are you just holding them in the vault or can we possibly hear one of those songs in the near future?
I don’t know. I don’t have a key to that vault. My key won’t even fit that vault. I would love to hear the Doc’s remedy on that one.
(AllHipHop News) Two of New York City’s finest emcees nearly appeared together on a potentially classic track, but a late night weed session may have prevented that magical moment from happening. Nas sat down with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Radio show for a lengthy discussion. Esco talked about almost recording a verse for The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Gimme The Loot.”
“He wanted to get me on Ready To Die, and by the time I finished my first joint that was already out. He was trying to get me on Ready To Die, and it never happened. So he wanted to do the ‘Gimme The Loot’ remix,” said Nas. “He put up the beat, and I started writing. But he started smoking.”
Esco continued, “He had some of that chocolate. He lit some of that up, and it was late. We’re lit. I’m like, ‘I ain’t got nothing. This is over today.'” The Illmatic album creator went on to talk about how he was amazed by the fact Biggie would write his lyrics in his head.
As far as Nas’ next solo album, the Queens native revealed he is recording new music. However, fans probably should not expect the follow-up to 2012’s Life Is Good in the near future.
“[I’m] just trying to feel the inspiration, just trying to get the vibe. One month I know what I’m doing. The next month I’m starting all over again,” explained Nas. “So it’s a lot of that back-and-forth, just grabbing the inspiration. That’s what’s holding the whole thing.”
Without a doubt, Future is one of the big homies of the present era. But there is already somebody trying to steal is spot! Desiigner – he’s talking about you, buddy! Desiigner is a kid from Brooklyn, but he sounds like he is Future’s brother.
#future “there’s only 1 Future around this m#### f*cka”
(AllHipHop News) With the #OscarsSoWhite controversy hanging over this year’s Academy Awards, many people were waiting to see how the show would handle the issue of diversity in Hollywood. Host Chris Rock tackled some of the concerns in his opening monologue, but the broadcast also featured a couple of comedic bits about Black History Month.
Actress and Fox News contributor Stacey Dash recently found herself in her own media firestorm after the Clueless star called for the end of the BET Awards and Black History Month. Dash was brought out at the Oscars as part of a joke making fun of the Academy’s lack of African-American members.
“I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month,” declared Dash after Rock announced her as the new director of the Academy’s minority outreach program.
In a separate sketch, acclaimed actress Angela Bassett was tapped to present the “Black History Month Minute.” Bassett then began discussing an actor, producer, comedian, and musician that starred in Enemy Of The State and Shark Tales. While it seemed she was honoring Will Smith (who chose not to attend the ceremony because only white actors and actresses received nominations), it turned out to be a celebration of white entertainer Jack Black.
(AllHipHop News) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis returned last week with their sophomore album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made. According to HitsDailyDouble, the project is unlikely to push enough units to open at #1 on the album chart.
The music industry website reports the Seattle duo is looking to have first weeks sales between 45,000 – 55,000 (50,000 – 60,000 SPS). The 1975’s I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It is competing with Adele’s 25 for the top spot. The British band’s latest LP is predicted to move between 90,000 – 100,000 albums (95,000 – 105,000 SPS).
This Unruly Mess I’ve Made included features from legendary Hip Hop representatives Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and KRS-One as well as top modern talent YG, Chance The Rapper, and Ed Sheeran. But none of the album’s singles were able to reach the chart topping success of songs like “Can’t Hold Us” or “Thrift Shop” off their previous album The Heist.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’The Heist sold 78,000 copies in its first week. The 2012 collection went on to sell over 1.4 million copies. It also won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2014.
Dear French Montana,
