Believe it or not, it is extremely hard for recording artists to make money off their music alone.
The way the business is set up is that a rapper gets an advance, which is rarely over $1 million, and has to be recouped by the label before they receive a single dime. Streaming requires rappers to have thousands of plays before making $10.
Orpheus Audio Academy states, “You can expect to make between $3 and $5 per 1,000 streams on Spotify. The average pay-out per stream on Spotify is $0.003. How much you get paid depends on what percentage of the total stream pie per month you own, which means your payout can fluctuate anywhere between $0.0033 – $0.0054 per stream.”
According to PerformerLife.com, the median of all rappers, and including the JAY-Zs, Drakes, the Nicki Minajs, or any of the Babies, make about $77,000. The stats presented show artists across the board make $22,000 per song if they are A-listers and C and D-listers, if they are lucky make about $10,000.
And then there is Mike Burton, 37. Never heard of him?
Welp… that’s possible.
But Burton has made a lucrative living for himself rapping on the global online marketplace for freelance services that connect people with certain gifts to people or businesses looking to hire them, Fiverr.
In 2016, after losing his job at Aon Hewitt, he started selling his rap-writing skills on the website.
A package at one time he offered to write started at $5 for a 20- to 30-second verse. Now, he charges a minimum of $65 per 30-second verse. He also promises you will have your rap in three days with one day for revision if necessary.
Today. He clears between $7,000 and $8,000 per month, working 40-to-45-hour weeks full-time writing original raps for individuals and businesses.
Over the last six years, he was made almost $500,000.
Well, who is buying these raps?
Some of his customers are students in elementary to high school needing raps for their history projects, men needing rhymes for their love interests, a cheerleading DJ who wants to hype up the team or the audience and so many more.
He said in fact, he gets hired a lot by families in Norway who want English raps for their teenagers’ Christian confirmations. Burton says, “Shout out to Norway. I’ve done so many,” he says. “I’m like an honorary Norwegian.”
“With music and hip hop, it changes so much that you’ll turn somebody off if you sound dated,” he says about his service. “I’ve been writing every day and figuring out how I want to tell the story of how I come up with things and how you can do it.”
That will be his next move, creating tutorials and teaching people how to rhyme (after he figures out a way to monetize the classes).
Another group of rappers who are making money outside of music is battle rappers. According to many, some of the top male rappers can make anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000 each time they rap for 9 minutes. The emcees that are considered god-tier can possibly command over $100,000. Midtier and newer artists with some steam behind them can command anywhere between $1000 to $10,000, depending on the league.
Unfortunately, like most industries, these figures shift drastically for female battle rappers, who make substantially less than the men— tipping this scale downwardly.
Two Los Angeles deputies are being investigated for their inappropriate actions with a local celebrity. The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department has now released the bodycam footage of them pulling their guns out on rapper Feezy Lebron. The rapper released his own audio with the officer talking crazy.
Deputies approached the rapper while he was sitting in his BMW sedan on Christmas Eve around 5:45 p.m. it was parked in a parking lot on the 14900 block of Crenshaw Blvd. around 5:45 p.m. Though the video shows the officers approaching him with their firearms drawn, it remains clear why he was considered a suspect.
The officers walk up and tell him to get out and with his pepper spray out, saying, “I’m just going to spray you.”
What can be heard on the camera is Feezy Lebron asking them after he is placed under arrest, “Get out for what?”
The bodycam footage also captured an officer saying to the man after he had been handcuffed, “Unfortunately for you, you shouldn’t smoke so much weed in your car. Then we wouldn’t have to search you.”
“I didn’t smoke no weed in my … car, and it’s not illegal,” the man replied.
Feezy actually recorded the incident in real time with him saying, you take off in this car I am gonna shoot you. I’m gonna make it super easy on you. You put this car in drive and I’m gonna put one straight to the chest.”
This is the caption he posted, “Let’s get this guy’s face out there before he gets a chance to MURDER a young blacc male sittin in his PARKED car ..Unarmed …approached my car for no reason ..didn’t know I was still on LIVE…remember they jus want a reason to KILL you🤞🏿.. this is the norm (their names & badge numbers officer #1 Justin Sabatine 623021 ..Officer #2 Jacob Ruiz 663350 South LA Sheriffs Station).”
Feezy Lebron was detained and cited for missing a license plate.
Now, a probe into the officers has started.
On Friday, Jan. 6, the LASD released a statement regarding the “actions and language” of the two officers.
“While the department does not make statements related to ongoing investigations, Sheriff Luna has made it clear that he expects department personnel to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, and that personnel who do not uphold our training standards will be held accountable. In the interest of transparency with our community, the Sheriff’s Department is releasing body-worn camera video from the incident,” the statement said.
How long will Lil Meech be Lil Meech? For now, he is going to be the young son of Big Meech. But, man I have to admit, it’s hilarious how the cast of “Power” and “BMF” go back-and-forth. Both shows are under 50 Cent. The rivalry is amazing. But it’s so funny! I am cracking up because Lil Meech recently posted a picture of himself in an outfit that is questionable to some. And I cannot lie: It just makes me laugh out loud. Gianni Paolo from “Power Book II” posted an image of a picture that Meech publicly put up. And it doesn’t make it any less funny. The fashions of the current generation is extremely outrageous. And, it’s not like we haven’t seen outrageous fashion in the past, but it just seems to crack me up more since it is Hip-Hop adjacent! So, just look at this picture and tell me what you think.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSXzZAvz7r/
I wish they would free Big Meech. On the ground looks like a purse. Again, not my job to question the style of the present era, but it just makes me laugh. So, I say, keep going!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSQj_6uG8N/
BMF Season 2 is out and I am all in! Keep going Lil Meech! Soon you will be Lil Big Meech. Keep entertaining the people! Love is love!
Gunna is out and has made it clear: HE’S BACK! The question is: will “The Culture” have him back. It seems like the people are divided on what happens next.
It seemed like the pair of Young Thug and Gunna is going to be one for the ages. It is developing into something of an Empire-like story. But it looks like it will transpire into a Nino Brown and G-Money saga out here. If you know the story, you know that that’s the fable of New Jack city, where brother turned on brother.
However, that is not what Gunna is saying.
“N##### acting like they switching to a side But it’s only one side . #YsltheLabel#FreeThug&Yak GUNNA BACC!!!!!
He seems to still be representing YSL and apparently believes it’s all good with him and his former boss. Or his actual boss. At any rate, Gunna has made it clear that he’s about to start recording again and is still representing the crew.
Now, can you represent the crew if you’re not in good standing with the boss? Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk made a cryptic comment on his social media, that no one can really understand. But, one thing is for sure, it does not seem to be favorable to his buddy Gunna. At the same time, nobody really can determine what he saying.. No hate or anything. But it would be nice to know what he’s trying to say as it pertains to Gunna.
The last thing I wanna say is, Gunna better has some pretty good security. I think that this is a hot topic, and the possibility of him being a tool to get Thugger convicted is real. He’s already stated that YSL was a gang and not a label. That alone is fuel to flame Young Thug’s defense. And let’s not even get started on the rest of the people that are out here talking and copping please in court. So, what’s next?
Anyone’s guess! Let’s just hope that this is just deserved and we can move on. 2022 is bleeding too deeply into 2023. I would prefer to just get it over with and move on to the next. This is painful! Thug is one of the most eccentric and talented people in the game and a lot of people love him. I’m just worried that the streets will get hotter and hotter and hotter. I pray that Gunna has super security, but you just can’t prepare for some things.
Young Thug’s brother also said the following. By the way, he pled out too.
Sergio “Gunna” Kitchens, 29, is no longer behind bars after pleading guilty to one count of racketeering last December. People around the world have weighed in on Gunna’s decision, including Dipset capo Jim Jones.
Fulton County, Georgia prosecutors charged Gunna and more than two dozen other individuals associated with Young Thug’s YSL record label in the RICO case. 31-year-old Young Thug (born Jeffery Williams) remains in custody.
Gunna apparently maintains he will not testify against his musical mentor Young Thug or any of the other defendants. However, the DS4Ever album creator did acknowledge that YSL is a street gang in open court following his Alford plea agreement.
Numerous Hip Hop figures have called out Gunna for taking a plea deal while Young Thug’s legal situation remains uncertain. For example, outspoken Baton Rouge-raised rapper Boosie claimed Gunna “f##### over Thugger.”
Jim Jones has now added his own thoughts to the ongoing conversation about Gunna. The 46-year-old VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition reality show star spoke about the pending YSL case with the Chicago-based DJUTV outlet.
“It’s definitely a touchy situation that Thug is facing,” said Jim Jones. “I don’t know the whole situation. All I can see is what I see. And from where I come from, taking a plea when you have co-defendants is really not the thing you’re supposed to do.”
He continued, “If you’re up against a case by yourself, that’s something different. But when you’re taking a plea it’s a touchy thing. I don’t really want to touch too much on it because I’ve seen my n##### go through some of the same things, but I can say this, none of my n##### took a plea.”
Before turning himself into law enforcement officials last May, Gunna scored a #1 album with 2022’s DS4Ever. Young Thug’s most recent body of work, 2021’s Punk, also reached the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart. 12 Days of Xmas by Jim Jones dropped in December 2022.
There seems to be some bad blood between former collaborators Keith Murray and Foxy Brown at the moment. Murray ignited the issues following comments he made during an interview with The Art of Dialogue published on December 28, 2022.
“Me and Foxy Brown, we became close with each other, like passing each other. We became intimate friends,” claimed Keith Murray. The New York-bred rapper also discussed Brown’s supposedly performing oral sex on him.
He stated, “She gave me hardcore head… And I ate her p####. But I never f##### her. She was with Kurupt at that time.” According to Keith Murray, Brown’s then-boyfriend Kurupt saw them getting off an elevator together at the hotel.
“It was the East Coast-West Coast [beef] going on. I said, ‘I see what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to pin two rappers against each other.’ So I [spun] off… and went the other way. And she went right to him,” recalled Murray.
Saigon Implies Keith Murray Is Trolling For Attention
Foxy Brown fired back at what Keith Murray had to say. The Ill Na Na album creator blasted Murray in a series of Instagram Story posts. A screenshot of a tweet by NYC-based emcee Saigon was one of Brown’s IG posts.
“Keith Murray hit me and said, ‘Saigon I bet U I can be trending overnight…’ He said, ‘These people out here are STUPID [as f###] and pretty much sheep who will follow, engage and partake in ANYTHING’… Guess he was right… Are we really this freaking slow in 2023… Lol,” tweeted Saigon on January 5.
Keith Murray hit me and said "Saigon I bet U I can be trending overnight…. He said these people out here are STUPID AF and pretty much sheep who will follow, engage and partake in ANYTHING".. Guess he was right.. Are we really this freaking slow in 2023… Lol
Additionally, Foxy Brown shared her own thoughts about Keith Murray’s recent remarks. She even suggested “The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World” performer has a substance abuse problem and he is in need of money.
“Crackhead ass Murray 😭😭. Wanna die for a life 😂😂😂,” wrote Foxy Brown on her Instagram Story, according to reports. The Brooklynite also allegedly posted, “Boy f##### up adding my name to that fairytale 😂😂.”
Another Instagram Story post from Foxy Brown apparently read, “Now somebody tell dope fiend ass Keith Murray we wanna book him for a walk thru. 😂😂 (1500 and a bag of Jums 🤣🤣🤣).” Keith Murray and Foxy Brown both appeared as featured artists on LL Cool J’s “I Shot Ya (Remix)” posse cut.
Drake won’t be required to testify in XXXTENTACION‘s upcoming murder trial. Mauricio Padilla, Dedrick Williams’ defense attorney, attempted to get the judge to perpetuate a deposition from Drake inside a Broward County courtroom on Tuesday (January 10). According toLocal 10 News, Padilla claimed Drake and people associated with him—including Akademiks—had issues with the late rapper.
Williams and Padilla made the request for Drake and Akademiks’ participation last month. The court docs, obtained by AllHipHop, said: “The testimony of the said Aubrey Drake Graham is material to the case, and it is necessary to take the deposition of the said Aubrey Drake Graham to prevent the failure of justice.”
The judge ultimately denied the motion, saying there was “no need” to make an order to force Drake or Akademiks to be deposed. All parties later agreed no one would be permitted to wear graphic t-shirts during the trial for or against any of the defendants or XXXTENTACION.
The state also attempted to prevent the defense teams from disparaging XXXTENTACION‘s character, but they fired back, saying Assistant State Attorney Pascale Achille’s request was “too broad.” They said Achille could use it to prevent them from saying XXXTENTACION was involved with people who may have wanted to harm him, arguing it “shows intent not character.” The judge decided he’d deal with that issue during trial.
Williams’ co-defendants, Michael Boatwright and Treyvon Newsome, were also in court on Tuesday ahead of testimony, which begins on Wednesday (January 18).
Brooklyn-raised emcee Talib Kweli has four decades worth of music in his catalog. From the 1990s to the 2020s, Kweli released memorable solo and collaborative Hip Hop albums.
New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club announced Talib Kweli will perform songs from his discography as part of a three-day run at the venue. Hip Hop legends Rakim, DMC, and Slick Rick are confirmed as special guests.
Plus, Talib Kweli partnered with jazz musician Bob James for the Blue Note Jazz Club concerts. Eric B. & Rakim (“Follow the Leader”), Run-DMC (“Peter Piper”), and Slick Rick (“Children’s Story”) have sampled James’s work.
“I’m very happy for this opportunity to join up with my friend Talib Kweli to perform with Slick Rick again on the Blue Note stage,” states Bob James. Slick Rick, Kweli, and James performed together for the first time at Blue Note in 2022.
The 83-year-old composer adds, “We had so much fun last year, and I’m excited to have legendary artists DMC and Rakim join us this time around to revisit the past and make new history together.”
Talib Kweli & Blue Note Plan To Revisit The Sample History Of Bob James
Blue Note Jazz Club’s “Talib Kweli with Live Band featuring Bob James” kicks off on February 7. DMC will be the special guest for that night. The February 8th show will include Slick Rick, and Rakim is scheduled to appear at the February 9th show.
“The re-joining of forces at Blue Note between icon Bob James and Talib Kweli with legends Rakim, Slick Rick, and DMC is an exceptional moment,” states Alex Kurland, Blue Note’s Director of Programming. “Bob James’ depth of history and contribution to Hip Hop and musical culture is remarkable.”
Kurland continues, “Our inspiration with these shows is to revisit that history and vibe through the samples originating from Bob James, in collaboration with three of the most prolific, powerhouse, and pioneering MCs of all time who have a legendary connection of drawing from Bob’s music.”
Talib Kweli, along with Mos Def, presented 1998’s Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star joint album. The Javotti Media founder also dropped solo efforts such as 2002’s Quality, 2007’s Eardrum, 2013’s Gravitas, and 2017’s Radio Silence. Black Star’s No Fear of Time came out in 2022.
R&B singer/songwriter SZA let loose her latest official music video. “Kill Bill” arrived on YouTube with a special guest appearance from Vivica A. Fox.
SZA’s “Kill Bill” visuals took inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill motion pictures. The cast of that 2000s-era martial arts film series included Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green (aka Copperhead).
Christian Breslauer directed the “Kill Bill” video. In addition, Sunshine Mail served as the animation director. The Nathan Love animation production company oversaw the anime-style segment.
“Kill Bill” is one of the most commercially successful songs of SZA’s music career. The Carter Lang and Rob Bisel-produced track has peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and rose to #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
“Kill Bill” lives on an SOS album that also includes the Hot 100 Top 10 hits “Good Days,” “I Hate U,” and “Nobody Gets Me.” SZA tapped Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard as guest features for the project.
SZA’s “Kill Bill” co-star Vivica A. Fox acted in feature films such as Independence Day, Set It Off, Booty Call, Soul Food, and Two Can Play That Game. Fox is also one of the panelists for Fox Soul’s Cocktails With Queens talk show.
The biographical drama Wu-Tang: An American Saga returns to the Hulu streaming platform on Wednesday, February 15. A new trailer for the show’s third season arrived this week.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga follows the beginning days of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan’s music career. Set in New York City in the early 1990s, the program shows viewers the group’s rise to stardom.
The cast features Ashton Sanders as Bobby “RZA” Diggs, Shameik Moore as Raekwon, Siddiq Saunderson as Ghostface Killah, and David “Dave East” Brewster as Method Man.
Wu-Tang Clan members RZA and Method Man serve as executive producers, alongside Alex Tse and Brian Grazer. The first three episodes from Season 3 of Wu-Tang: An American Saga will premiere on February 15.
Additional installments of the fictionalized life story will stream every Wednesday after the first three episodes. The series finale for Wu-Tang: An American Saga will debut on Hulu on April 5, 2023.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Hulu and Imagine to explore the vast story of the Wuniverse,” stated RZA in 2018. “Wu-Tang through our music has always strove to inspire as we entertain.
Cops in London have arrested a 25-year-old man over an incident that led to the deaths of two men following a drive-by shooting in South London.
On Tuesday (Jan. 10), the Metropolitan Police confirmed they arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the incident. The suspect has been bailed until early February, according to The Mirror.
Firearm specialists from the Metropolitan Police rushed to the scene after gunshots were reported shortly before 8 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Brixton, South London.
Two men were killed in the incident. One of the victims, the son of British boxer Dillian Whyte’s promoter Dean Whyte, was gunned down after a high-speed car chase. Lemar Rashawan Urquhart was also known to his fans as drill rapper Perm. He is believed to have been shot dead. He was 27 years old.
The other victim was 21-year-old Brazilian Deliveroo driver Guilherme Messias da Silva. He reportedly died from his injuries after being hit by an out-of-control vehicle during the shooting.
In November, an inquest heard a white MG the rapper was driving had hit the Deliveroo driver’s moped head-on during the incident. Then Perm and a passenger ran off.
They were pursued by a passenger from another vehicle, with Perm killed when they opened fire. He was shot eight times before the gunman fled the scene by car, the inquest was told.
The Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed the suspect was first arrested on Nov. 8 on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the death of Guilherme Messias da Silva. He had been bailed and was then re-bailed, until early February.
Meek Mill, Kevin Hart, and Michael Rubin are giving back to the city of Philadelphia in a big way, donating $7 million to educational causes.
Most of the money will fund scholarships for low-income students at 60 “private and parochial schools in need,” schools in the 2023-24 school year, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Additionally, the trio’s donation will go towards various classroom resources, including laptops and tablets.
All three philanthropists have links to the city. Meek Mill and Kevin Hart are Philly natives, and both attended public schools in the region. The billionaire Fanatics CEO formerly owned the Philadelphia 76ers. He also grew up in the city and still lives there now.
Many of the students benefiting will be concentrated in South and North Philadelphia, where Meek Mill and Kevin Hart spent their childhoods.
The $7 million donation follows the trio’s 2022 donation of $15 million to more than 100 Philly schools. At the time, the duo was accused of harming already under-resourced public schools. Critics claimed giving funds to private schools diverts resources and top students away from the district.
However, spokesperson Arianne Antonio said Mill, Hart, and Rubin want to help parents have more choice.
Antonio said the programs make public school accessible to children “regardless of their race, religion but most importantly, their inability to afford a choice in education.”
“Gotta get the whole trap booming too,” Meek Mill tweeted alongside a report about the donation. “We come from public schools side!!!!!”
Gotta get the whole trap booming too … we come from public schools side!!!!! https://t.co/DJRjjTo7pS
The program is the latest of several philanthropic contributions in the last month involving Meek Mill and Michael Rubin. The REFORM alliance they founded alongside Jay-Z and other philanthropists and activists was busy spreading holiday goodwill in December.
20 women at the Riverside Correctional Facility were freed on bail because of the rapper’s generous contribution. “No one should have to spend the holidays in jail simply because they can’t afford bail,” he said.
Meek Mill and his Reform Alliance also linked with the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers at the “Eagle for a Day” event. They hosted 30 kids whose parents are incarcerated on minor probation violations. The kids were able to sign one-day contracts with the team and receive their own jerseys at the NovaCare Complex.
Tory Lanez is catching some flack after a new mugshot was released, allegedly of the convicted felon grinning widely for the camera.
The Toronto native was jailed last month after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. He faces up to 22 years behind bars and deportation and is awaiting sentencing next month.
An alleged new mugshot featuring Tory Lanez flashing his pearly whites hit the net early this week. The image quickly went viral, with social media users flaming the R&B singer.
In the picture, Tory appears to wear a similar outfit to one he sported during his trial; a pastel pink suit with a white turtleneck underneath. He also has the same sharp lineup with a big grin splashed across his face.
“Bro tryin so hard to smile 😭😭 behind that smile is a man scared asf going to one of the worst prisons in the USA😂😂😂.” read one response. “LA Prisons aint no joke lol. The gang politics in there is STRICTTT.”
Another wrote, “Dude turned a mug shot into a year book photo like he graduated 😂😂😂.”
“I don’t know if he’s going to jail, or if he just started second grade,” one user joked. “That’s the kind of picture your mom stole the proof from the school and put it in a picture album.”
However, despite the guilty verdict, some Tory Lanez fans defended him. “Only An Innocent Man Would Take A Picture Like This,” one fan wrote.
Check out some of the reactions at the end of the page.
Meanwhile, Tory Lanez will have to wait a little longer to learn his fate. His sentencing hearing was delayed by a month after he hired new layers. Attorneys David Kenner and Matthew Barhoma replaced George Mgdesyan and Shawn Holley. Judge David Herriford moved the sentencing to February 28.
I don't know if he's going to jail, or if he just started second grade. That's the kind of picture your mom stole the proof from the school and put it in a picture album.
ChatGBT and AI art have been the talk of the internet for the past few months, changing many peoples’ opinions on whether technology will ever outperform humans in creative endeavors. But it’s not just writing and portraits that AI is out to beat.
On January 4th 2023, Fred King — or, as he’s better known, MusicSnake — premiered his new music video for “Emily Beat.” As the video starts, it’s immediately apparent that its “trippy” animation uses an impressive number of frames and visual effects. But there’s one thing that makes it particularly special: AI is the secret behind the visuals and not a team of animators.
Background to the song
The video features pop art elements and fairytale characters, such as those Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. It opens by focusing on a girl who changes form subtly and gradually; then, as the song and video progress, new faces and characters emerge.
Emily Beat is the instrumental version of King’s song “Emily,” which comes from his recent album “By.” “Emily” (the original song) was dedicated to Fred King’s daughter, born in April 2021. It’s a far cry from MusicSnake’s usual subject matter — the Belarus-born artist often releases politically-focused songs, such as those regarding Putin and the Russian war (King also removed his catalog of Russian songs from music streaming platforms in protest).
His new song explores his emotional side and personal life, although the instrumental version used in the video ensures most of the viewer’s attention goes to the visuals.
Spotlight on AI music videos
Although this AI-driven approach to the video is pioneering, MusicSnake isn’t the first to try similar techniques. For instance, the artist Die Antwoord recently released an AI video for the song “Age of Illusion,” which uses anime drawing styles alongside a dreamlike sequence, in which characters and landscapes constantly shift forms. Another example is “Ghost” by GUNSHIP, which takes a slightly different approach by using AI to produce cosmic and surreal imagery, along with demonic figures.
Plus, YouTube channel Hueman Instrumentality recently released multiple music videos generated by AI for existing songs. One of them is Echoes by Pink Floyd. It contains a wide range of visual styles and patterns — but goes one step further than the other artist by including frames of the band members, making it possible to create new content out of the past.
Are AI videos the future?
This AI trend offers new ways for artists to express themselves by enabling them to showcase complex storylines and visuals that would have previously required thousands of hours or an entire team of animators to create. It’s an exciting opportunity for independent artists, who typically lack the budget needed for elaborate music videos.
Plus, projects like the Pink Floyd videos make it easier to create fresh music videos of canonical artists using old footage or images. At the same time, it’s unlikely that more conventional videos are going anywhere any time soon.
NINA JVNE is someone you should know. She offers high-energy riffs, soulful vocals, and rich harmonies to all the music she puts out. The result is “Trappin” – an authentic pop-rock experience that showcases her vocals and ability to carve her own lane + stay her own path. For the new record, NINA JVNE recruited Canadian rapper Yung Tory to help deliver the message on the track.
“The track itself is mainly about not caring what others have to say or do to you,” NINA JVNE said in a recent interview. “People suck so you just gotta keep it pushin.”
She’s been making a name for herself in the music industry since when she released her first track “How It Goes,” which came out when she was 15. As a self-described “deep thinker who lets complex questions and thoughts guide her music,” NINA JVNE endured an unimaginable instance of violence, trauma, and darkness at a young age. However, she overcame these things by using music as an outlet for her emotions.
NINA JVNE’s artistry and passion is clear to see with every release. Every single release showcases growth and displays new skills that differ from the previous release. “My tracks all have very different vibes and I love to tap into all different types of genres making me a very unique and versatile artist,” she said. “Anyone who has an ear for music will be able to appreciate any music I make. Although my music itself varies, I do have a unique and distinctive voice.”
NINA JVNE credits her musical career influences to her early days in church and listening to dancehall, early 2000s hip-hop, and R&B music that her mother enjoyed.
“One reason I’m passionate about music is simply that it is such a cool art,” NINA JVNE explained. “Putting together these patterns within the beat, the melody, the lyrics, and everything else in between is just so cool to me. Life inspires me. I inspire myself. There are so many little things in this life and would to absorb and think about that we can relay it into the music we make or listen to.”
“One of my most proud moments would either be getting to work with amazing artists such as TV GUCCI, Yung Tory, and Ioanna or getting to create these amazing visions through music videos such as the SPEND IT music video and TRAPPIN music video,” she said.
The music video for “TRAPPIN” ft. Yung Tory is out now, be sure to check it out below.
Chrisean Rock has taken to social media to clear up rumors that she hit Blueface over the head with a Hennessy bottle, causing a bloody head wound. According to the reality tv starlet, she assaulted him with a glass cup instead.
Fans are being given a glimpse inside the couple’s toxic relationship via their new reality show Crazy in Love. A clip from Sunday’s (Jan. 8) episode began making the rounds on social media, showing the aftermath of an alleged violent altercation. The footage included Chrisean attempting to clean a gaping wound on the back of Blueface’s head.
“I’m getting the glass out,” she explained as her main winced in pain. “You can’t just rip it like that,” he replied. Chrisean then tells Blueface she was trying to be gentle, before bizarrely going to get a vacuum to clean the wound.
“I’m not ripping it. I’m getting it out,” the “Baddies South” star said before adding, “I’m ’bout to go and get a vacuum. But I didn’t want to be that rough.”
While Chrisean goes off to fetch the vacuum Blueface was left to reflect on his partner. “Why are you like this?” he asked.
Chrisean Rock Clarifies Hitting Blueface With Glass Cup
While some reports claimed Chrisean injured Blueface with a Hennessy bottle, the 22-year-old said if that was true, she would have killed him.
“It was a glass cup stop trynna play me,” she tweeted on Wednesday night (Jan. 10), admitting she hit Blueface. However, she added, “Cuz if I hit him with a henny bottle dat boy wouldn’t be alive….”
It was a glass cup stop trynna play me cuz if I hit him with a henny bottle dat boy wouldn’t be alive….
The couple’s history of violence is well documented. Last month Blueface referred to Chrisean Rock as the “heavyweight champion of the world,” during an Instagram Live session. She shared a photo of the “Thotiana” rapper sporting two black eyes as he admitted she punched him twice.
In October, Chrisean accused Blueface of assault before walking back her allegations. She claimed the West Coast rapper was trying to save her after she had a “mental breakdown.”
Dr. Dre is selling off part of his music catalog in a pair of deals reportedly worth in excess of $200 million.
The West Coast super producer pitched the collection of music income streams and other assets for $250 million. As reported by Billboard, Dr. Dre has two buyers for the works, which are said to generate a total of nearly $10 million annually. Shamrock Holdings and Universal Music Group will acquire the assets in separate transactions. All deals are reportedly nearing completion.
Sources close to Dr. Dre confirmed to Variety that reports of the sales are accurate. However, they claim the final price is likely to be well above the reported $200 million but “below the $250 million asking price.
The likely deal sees Shamrock acquire assets from several sources, said to be 75% to 90% of the package’s revenue. This includes artist royalties from two of his solo albums and his share of N.W.A. artist royalties. Additionally, Shamrock would get his producer royalties and the writer’s share of his catalog where he doesn’t own publishing.
UMG acquires the other 10% to 25% of the package, which includes the master recording of Dr. Dre’s debut solo album and Hip-Hop classic, The Chronic. UMG will also gain his share of some Kendrick Lamar music acquired under an Aftermath/Interscope joint venture with Top Dawg.
in addition, other assets could be included in the deal with UMG. However, his ownership stake in the Aftermath label is not on the table.
Dr. Dre Shuts Down Politician Using His Music
In other Dr. Dre news, Republican politician Marjorie Taylor Greene backed down and agreed to stop using Dre’s music for her campaign. His lawyers issued a cease-and-desist letter on Monday (Jan. 9) after Greene featured his “Still D.R.E.” instrumental in a promotional video.
Twitter removed the video due to copyright infringement.
“I don’t license my music to politicians, especially someone as divisive and hateful as this one,” Dr. Dre said.
While a lot of people are still poking fun at Will Smith over the Chris Rock joke, the West Philly native has some people still standing by him.
One of those people is singer-turned-actor Tyrese Gibson, who took to social media to herald Smith’s many accomplishments and impact on his life.
He wrote in his caption, “I’m still team WILL SMITH there’s nobody on this earth that will ever influence me to ever have a change of heart towards the BIGGEST INFLUENCE in my life.”
Adding, “I’m just saying, man…. Move on already I just watched EMANCIPATION for the 3rd time I just can’t believe how masterful this overall movie is…. #MyBrothersKeeper.”
Many people echoed his sentiments in his comments.
Jamie Perkins wrote, “They tried so hard to cancel him. The man’s spread so much positivity and been through so much and I’m always going to be team, Will.”
Another person, William B Sings wrote, “Team Will. Love him to Life. But he was wrong for that slap and that movie was not that Good!”
“Nvr thought a slap can dictate someone’s life, acting career, and actions, the man is still will smith, still a grammy award winner, still an actor will legendary status, man in my book will is good and always will be #WillGotMySupport,” commented DLotheGemini.
Overwhelmingly people supported Tyrese’s comments.
Ironically, despite the controversy, many critics say that even if Smith is not forgiven … his latest work “Emancipation” is Oscar nomination worthy, and believes he could theoretically be nominated even if the powers that be block him at every turn. Making Tyrese’s post even more poignant when you think about it.
The year in Hip-Hop was a colorful assortment of colors, textures, tones and flavors. 2022 was the sort of year that we’ll likely more appreciate in time. That seems to be the way things are now. There are no more gate keepers and just about everybody on social media has an opinion. The landscape is more competitive than ever before with a host of new challenges for artists. How does one shine when the music is secondary to social media, crime, antics and other distractions? Our list is proof that there’s still great quality with a renaissance-like range in a year of plenty. It is all here – from Black Thought to JID to Kendrick to Griselda to to Nas to Little Simz and beyond. This was such a transformative year, we left the final slot open for YOU to give us your favorite album of the year 2022.
Danger Mouse & Black Thought – Cheat Codes
Cheat Codes, a collaborative album by songwriter and producer Danger Mouse and old-school emcee Black Thought, was one of the most refreshing debuts of the year. The soulful boom-bap reminded all of us that hip-hop is very much alive and that it’s still possible to create new sounds, even in 2022.
Practically every track on the album delivers something original and innovative. Black Thought’s lyrics are second to none and written to perfection. Everything rolls effortlessly off his tongue and communicates in a way only he can.
Danger Mouse avoids the temptation to interrupt his tunes with skits or anything like that. It’s just all top-notch stuff from talented artists who love what they do.
Roc-Marciano and The-Alchemist – The Elephant Man’s Bones
Undisputable hip-hop MVP Roc Marciano and world-renowned producer, the Alchemist, deliver the perfect balance between hard drum instrumentals, drumless pauses, and inspirational rap in The Elephant Man’s Bones, one of the most innovative albums of the year. The 14-track compendium delivers a mesmerizing experience and will undoubtedly become a 2022 classic.
Central to the album’s success are the smooth instruments and the innovative lyrics. There’s also a fabulous vocalist list, including contributions from Boldy James and The Pirate. Ice-T is also featured in the form of short storytelling in The Horns of Abraxis, adding yet more intrigue and interest to an already jam-packed tracklist.
Nas – Kings Disease III
Hip-hop icon Nas has more than fifteen studio albums to his name. However, previous attempts didn’t always hit the mark. Hit-Boy’s music had polish but lacked that grittiness we look for in the hip-hop scene. KD1 had too much pop influence and weak features, such as Big Sean and Lil Durk.
Fortunately, that’s not the case with Kings Disease III. It doesn’t have any features and showcases what Nas does best: writing great lyrics. There are also significant improvements in the backing tracks, making this an album from 2022 we will all remember fondly. Nas put his game hat on last year.
JID – The Forever Story
J. Cole Dreamville camp graduate JID released The Never Story in 2017. In 2022, he followed up with The Forever Story after a massive four-year wait.
We think this new attempt is JID’s best album yet. While it references his 2017 work, it brings a new touch to the sound and lyrics. It doesn’t sound generic like so many other mainstream rap albums do.
JID gets the flow just right and features artists who contribute to his sound, including 21 Savage, Ari Lennox, Lil Wayne, and EARTHGANG. In summary, The Forever Story met and exceeded our expectations.
Benny The Butcher – Tana Talk 4
Tana Talk 3 was one of the best albums of 2018, so we were pumped last year when we found out Benny The Butcher would be releasing a follow-up sequel. Tana Talk 4 continues the legacy of the previous album in the series and doesn’t reproduce the mistakes of 2020’s Burden of Proof, produced by Hit-Boy. Thankfully, Daringer and The Alchemist were responsible for the production values, making it one of the most exciting muses of 2022.
The most special aspect of the album is the delivery, flow, and lyricism Benny the Butcher deploys. However, the numerous collaborations, including Stove God Cooks and Westside Gunn, also add to the experience.
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was one of the most intimate and precise musical albums in the genre to release in 2022. Lyrics focus intensely on Kendrick Lamar’s personal history and experiences, drawing on the black community experience as a whole.
Previous albums GKMC and TPAB took different perspectives. The former focused on Lamar’s Compton origins while the latter focused on intergenerational trauma. However, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers takes the middle road. The rap artist talks about improvements but also has a long, hard look at himself. It’s an emotionally intelligent work, exploring anger, fear, uncertainty, and bitterness.
Conway The Machine – God Don’t Make Mistakes
2022 saw Conway The Machine release arguably his best album yet: God Don’t Make Mistakes. Following on from his King to God (2020) album, the artist from Buffalo gets even more introspective, introducing listeners to interesting concepts in the standout tracks of the album, including Guilty, Stress, and So Much More.
Unfortunately, God Don’t Make Mistakes isn’t an album of the year contender. Hooks and features are weak at times, and including Wild Chapters was a mistake. He should have left that one in the studio.
With that said, God Don’t Make Mistakes is a dope album and uses instrumentals to make it more mainstream. It’s well worth a listen in our view.
Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately
Piñata (2014) is Freddie Gibbs’ undisputed magnum opus, but $oul $old $eparately (2022) comes close. This more mainstream work attempts to introduce his inimitable style to more listeners.
The album does away with some of the grittiness of Madlib and brings more polish than his previous works. However, it isn’t a complete triumph. It still has a couple of dud tracks, such as Offset and MoneyBagg Yo.
Fortunately, the album remains relatively commercial-free. And it’s smooth from start to finish. Listening is effortless, yet interesting, keeping you engaged throughout, making it one of the top albums of 2022.
Rome Streetz – Kiss The Ring
Kiss The Ring is one of Rome Streetz’s best works to date. Released September 30, 2022, it offers more than 50 minutes of uninterrupted gangsta sounds by legend, Rome Streetz, and various features, including Armani Caesar, Benny the Butcher, Stove God Cooks, Conway the Machine, and Boldy James.
The album is special because of its production value. Rome Streetz collects some of the best producers, including Denny Laflare and Camouflage Monk to deliver tracks for him, with some single production by The Alchemist, DJ Green Lantern, and Daringer. Kiss the Ring is the perfect follow-up to last year’s Death & the Magician.
Black Star – No Fear Of Time
No Fear of Time represents Black Star’s long-awaited return. Produced by Madlib, the album brings a host of psychedelic instrumentals alongside delicate, thoughtful flows from yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli, and emcee Black Thought.
It doesn’t make much sense to compare the 9-track No Fear of Time to classic works by the Black Star artists in the 1990s. The project isn’t a follow-up and it doesn’t try to recreate retro vibes. However, it is an interesting collaboration and will appeal to those who began their hip-hop journeys over a quarter of a century ago. For that reason, it’s one of the top albums of the year.
Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future
When Denzel Curry released TA13OO in 2018, the hip-hop scene erupted. The album was trippy, unpredictable, and hard-hitting – a true masterpiece. Therefore, expectations for Melt My Eyez See Your Future were sky-high. People were expecting another tour de force from the maestro.
That’s pretty much what Zel delivers here. The opening tracks, Melt Session and Walkin’ are just about the best you’ll find on any album from 2022. And the rest of the album is replete with boom-bap and neo-soul notes aficionados love.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of trap-flavored tracks, such as X-wing, and these bring the album down a little. Without them, this latest effort could have replicated the critical success of TA13OO.
Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry
It’s Almost Dry is Pusha T’s fourth studio album released in April 2022 and the follow-up to DAYTONA more than four years earlier. Pusha T struggled to create realism in his last musical jaunt so Almost Dry was an opportunity to redeem himself.
Unfortunately, the artist didn’t achieve the goals he set. It’s Almost Dry has too many misses in its short, 35-minute track list. The most notable failure is Scrape It Off The Top while Call My Bluff simply lacks the energy to keep you interested.
There is one exception, though: I Pray For You, the album’s closing track. Other than that, it is underwhelming.
Joey Bada$$ – 2000
Joey Bada$$ impressed with his debut album, B4.DA.$$ in 2015 and the All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ in 2017 thanks to their fun and forward-thinking lyrics.
Unfortunately, 2000 (2022) wasn’t the return hip-hop lovers were hoping for. It’s a middle-of-the-road album that includes some good flows and dope beats but lacks instrumental quality. The corny pop hooks and poor features, including one by the dreadful Chris Brown, just don’t make sense for this artist.
Even with its shortcomings, though, 2000 is entertaining. Joey Bada$$ introduces us to his creativity. It’s just a shame he couldn’t avoid some of the album’s obvious flaws.
Westside Gunn – 10
10, as the name suggests, is the tenth and final installment in the Hitler Wears Hermes series. Entrepreneur Westside Gunn provides everything Griselda fans could want.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the album is its extensive feature list. Practically everyone in hip-hop is on the EP, including Rome Streetz, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Run The Jewels, Benny the Butcher, Armani Caesar, and Conway the Machine.
Released in October 2022, it might not be the best of the Hitler Wears Hermes series, but it is arguably in the top half. Some tracks, like Fly God Jr., were poor, but many others were much stronger in our opinion.
Vince Staples – Ramona Park Broke My Heart
Vince Staples’ Ramona Park Broke My Heart is a self-exploratory work featuring plenty of nostalgia and relaxing instrumentals. Sure, it’s mainstream, but lyrically speaking, Staples is as strong as he’s ever been. It’s the sort of album you can listen to when you want to unwind in the evening without feeling agitated.
In truth, Ramona Park Broke My Heart is one of Vince Staples’ better attempts. For starters, it’s a full EP and much longer than the significantly shorter projects he’s been working on recently. However, while 2022 was a good year for Staples, Ramona Park Broke My Heart doesn’t quite live up to Summertime ‘06 (2015), his best album yet.
Little Simz – NO THANK YOU
London-based Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be An Introvert was a generational classic when released in 2021, featuring some of the best lyrics we’ve seen from overseas artists for some time. Now, NO THANK YOU is the much-anticipated follow-up to that earlier work, offering a similarly enjoyable listening experience.
The album begins strongly with some dope beats by the female artist. The second track, Gorilla, is a real highlight, thanks to the bassy effects. Unfortunately, Little Simz loses some energy towards the end, with Who Even Cares ironically describing itself.
In summary, NO THANK YOU, while not a classic, is still worth considering for album of the year, 2022.
Quelle Chris – DEATHFAME
DEATHFAME is a critique of social media culture. In this hard-hitting album, Quelle Chris points out how dope artists only receive the recognition and adoration they deserve after they die. Social media pundits flood their accounts with statements like, “they were the best ever” or “the greatest in history” every time a rapper passes away, and Quelle Chris takes issue with this.
Chris’s album is a mixture of piano-backed ballads, choral hymns, and pitched-down vocals. He remains distinctly underground, despite help from Grammy-nominated producer, Lizzo, and his role in the Oscar-winning Judas and the Black Messiah. DEATHFAME reminds everyone that Quelle Chris is the best, even when other artists die.
Sy Ari Da Kid – The Shadow In The Shade
The Shadow in the Shade is very much a continuation of Sy Ari Da Kid’s previous work. The artist known for releasing multiple albums per year crams more than 21 tracks onto this EP, making it one of the most extensive in the business and a welcome break from the 20-minute releases so common from other artists.
The only complaint about this album is Sy’s lack of ambition. He continues to bottom-scrape in the slow lane with familiar names and beats. Given his talent, he should be spreading his wings and doing new and innovative things. Tracks tend to blend together, putting a downer on an otherwise successful album.
Westside Boogie – More Black Superheroes
Westside Boogie impressed with his debut mixtape in 2014, Thirst 48, and followed it up with strong showings in The Reach and Thirst 48 II. He then appealed to a wider audience with the release of Everything’s for Sale at the start of 2019.
More Black Superheroes is an eclectic album giving listeners a little something of everything. KILLAMODE is an intense track where Westside Boogie reminds people not to mess with him, while NONCHALANT has a summer feel, and STUCK is more introspective.
Overall, More Black Superheroes is an improvement on Everything’s for Sale. It teaches you to embrace your power.
Flo Milli – You Still Here, Ho?
Flo Mili burst onto the TikTok scene in 2019 and became more successful in the early days of the pandemic. Last year, she released You Still Here, Ho? – a full album that builds on her “Flo Milli s###” adlib. Across 17 tracks, the artist delivers hard, in-your-face lyrics alongside memorable hooks.
What’s nice about this album is how it introduces Flo Milli’s unique style. While so much hip-hop feels generic, this effort by Tamia Monique Carter feels like a greatest hits compendium. Five of the tunes are instantly recognizable and even the non-singles will have you hitting the repeat button on your music player.
Redveil – Learn 2 Swim
Redveil is an unsigned singer, rapper, producer, and pianist, and Learn 2 Swim is his third album, despite being only 18 years old. The precocious talent is following in the footsteps of Early Sweatshirt, Tyler, and The Creator, offering eclectic delivery similar to Denzel Curry.
Learn 2 Swim introduces pitch-shifted samples, jazzy elements, and sick textures. Throughout the album’s multiple tracks, Redveil switches between confidently rapped verses and melodious hooks. Every flow seems to add more detail than the last, making the album one of the most intelligent of 2022.
Jeezy and DJ Drama – SNOFALL
Jeezy and DJ Drama are now long-time hip-hop legends, having been in the business for more than a decade. Drama released Trap or Die, his first mixtape, in 2005!
SNOFALL is a collaborative effort bringing plenty of nostalgia to fans of these artists. The artists compare their work to similar triumphs from the past, including that of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. Jeezy uses Brush and Street Cred to remind listeners just how much he is a voice for the streets. Production values are spot on, thanks to assistance from Don Cannon, Cool & Dre, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E League.
Smino – Luv 4 Rent
After a four-year hiatus following NOIR, Smino is back in 2022 with his latest album Luv 4 Rent. This collaborative album features Lil Uzi Vert, Lucky Daye, J. Cole, and Doechii, and introduces you to the unique texture of Smino’s voice.
Production values are excellent, thanks to contributions by Monte Booker, Kal Banx, and Childish Major. Great instrument pairings alongside Smino’s clever love-related lyrics draw you in from the outset, giving you something different from the mainstream. Top tracks include Blu Billy, Pro Freak, and No L’s – well worth a listen for anyone who loves distinctive hip-hop sounds.
Ab-Soul – Herbert
Herbert is a musical departure for Ab-Soul away from the drug-infested beats from previous albums Stigmata and Do What Thou Wilt. It has a distinctly darker tone with more predictable, ordered backing than previous attempts. Tracks don’t flip-flop as much, giving listeners a more consistent experience.
However, that’s not to say Herbert is devoid of lyrical depth; quite the contrary. The album delivers tremendous melancholy and was a wonderful complement to end-of-year December blues. Elements of some tracks are relics from the past, while others are more original and funkadelic.
Who would YOU put as the 25th Best album of 2022? Comment below.
Damar Hamlin’s home team is working on making sure he is financially secure, weighing his options just in case he never gets to play football again.
TMZ reports someone from his company, on behalf of Hamlin, has filed with the United States Patent and Trademark several sayings associated with him days after he regained consciousness after going into cardiac arrest on the field during the Bills vs. Bengals game.
The trademarks for the phrases “Did We Win” and “Three is Back” were filed on Jan. 6, 2023.
According to documents he is filing for the rights for certain apparel items like shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, pants, shorts, and jackets. He also is seeking to secure the rights to print the slogans on posters, mugs, and ornamental novelty pins.
Sources claim the first words Hamlin said to doctors when he came out of a coma at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center was the question “did we win?” Already, the money-making baller is already selling the t-shirts online.
On Jan. 8, 2023, he tweeted, “We all won 🫶🏾. I want to give back an ounce of the love y’all showed me. Proceeds of this shirt will go to first-responders and the UC Trauma Center. Go get yours! http://DidWeWin.shop”
We all won 🫶🏾.
I want to give back an ounce of the love y'all showed me. Proceeds of this shirt will go to first-responders and the UC Trauma Center.
