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.
Calmatic, the director of the House Party remake, spoke about his first feature film in an interview with Home Grown Radio.
The filmmaker revealed how he got the opportunity to direct the reboot after directing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” music video. Calmatic detailed his vision for the movie and addressed criticism of remaking House Party.
“There should be a House Party movie every 10 years,” Calmatic said. “I wanna see House Party 10 years from now. It ain’t that deep. Trust me, I’ve heard every possible complaint about remaking the classics and all that type of s###. But it’s not that deep. This movie is for this new generation.”
Calmatic is also directing a White Men Can’t Jump remake with Jack Harlow in the lead role. The director realized his reboot’s audience when a large group of kids gathered to see Harlow while filming at a school.
“That’s the demographic,” Calmatic said. “That’s who’s gonna support this movie and love this movie. They don’t care about the original. This is for them. That kind of changed my thinking about making something fresh, making something new and not being a slave to whatever the original was.”
The new House Party hits theaters on Friday (January 13). Calmatic’s White Men Can’t Jump remake doesn’t have a release date.
Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott and Dr. Dre will be honored at a pre-Grammy ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Thursday (February 2).
The Recording Academy announced it’s bestowing the Global Impact Award to Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre and longtime music executive Sylvia Rhone. The four recipients will accept their awards at an event presented by the Black Music Collective.
“I am so thrilled to honor and celebrate these four giants in the music industry,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said. “Last year’s inaugural event was such a highlight during Grammy Week and now with Dre, Missy, Wayne and Sylvia there to pay tribute to this year, it’s definitely going to be another night to remember. I continue to be proud of the work of our Black Music Collective as it’s a vital part of what we do here at the Academy.”
Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott and Dr. Dre won’t be the only Hip-Hop artists getting awards in the lead-up to the 2023 Grammys. Slick Rick will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards on February 4.
The 2023 Grammys are scheduled to take place on (Sunday) February 5. The show will air live on CBS.
50 Cent apologized to Megan Thee Stallion in an interview with Big Boy.
The G-Unit rapper trolled Megan Thee Stallion with a Jussie Smollett meme during the Tory Lanez trial in December 2022. 50 Cent tried to explain why he made light of a shooting victim in his chat with Big Boy.
“I’m gonna apologize to Megan Thee Stallion,” 50 Cent declared. “I said some things. And it was because on social media, I posted things that—when she was with Gayle [King], she said, ‘Were you intimate with Tory Lanez?’ And she said, ‘What?’ And it was like, ‘No.’ And I was like, ‘Ah, she lying.’ At that point, I knew she was lying. It wouldn’t be no reason for them to be around each other. From that, it felt like she was lying to me. So, little things would pop up, and I wasn’t being supportive of her.”
He continued, “The only reason I feel like, at some point, you should apologize—I should apologize to her is because when I heard the phone conversation. That made me feel like, ‘Oh s###.’ Now I know what happened. I’m sure that was probably what swayed people in court too.”
50 Cent previously issued an apology to Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. He was one of the many people joking about Tory Lanez shooting her on social media.
“Damn I didn’t think this s### was real,” he wrote. “It sounded so crazy @theestallion i’m glad your feeling better and i hope you can accept my apology. I posted a meme that was floating around. I wouldn’t have done that if i knew you was really hurt sorry.”
Tory Lanez was convicted on three charges in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. He faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison.
Republican politician Marjorie Taylor Greene agreed to stop using Dr. Dre’s music for campaign videos and social media posts.
Greene drew the ire of Dr. Dre after posting a promotional video featuring his “Still D.R.E.” instrumental. The Aftermath Entertainment founder’s lawyer Howard King sent Greene a cease-and-desist letter on Monday (January 9).
King asked Greene to respond by 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday (January 11). The congresswoman’s counsel Stefan Passantino answered before the deadline.
“On behalf of Congresswoman Greene, please be advised that no further use of [Dr. Dre’s] copyright will be made by a political committee or via social media outlet she controls,” Passantino wrote to King in a letter obtained by TMZ.
Earlier this week, Twitter removed Greene’s video featuring the “Still D.R.E.” beat due to copyright infringement. Dr. Dre condemned Greene’s use of his music.
“I don’t license my music to politicians, especially someone as divisive and hateful as this one,” he said.
Greene fired back in a statement to TMZ.
“While I appreciate the creative chord progression, I would never play your words of violence against women and police officers, and your glorification of the thug life and drugs,” she said on Monday.
Rapper Cordae is expecting a baby with tennis star, Naomi Osaka.
After three years of dating, the two are set to welcome a bundle of joy. Osaka made the announcement on her Instagram on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
The 25-year-old posted a picture of the couple’s baby’s ultrasound on her social media with the caption, “Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023.”
On a second slide, she wrote, “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it’s the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun. These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to,” she wrote.
“I realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moments for granted, every day is a new blessing and adventure. I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom,’ haha,” Osaka continued.
The Black and Japanese athlete says she will return to tennis after the child is born, adding, “2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me and I hope I’ll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely.”
Ending her note with, “I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to take in life, but I always felt that if you move forward with good intentions, you’ll find your way eventually.”
Video of rapper KSOO’s father identifying him as the shooter in Charles McCormick Jr.’s murder has been released by the State Attorney’s office.
Robinson Sr.’s testimony could be seen as incriminating to four men (Dominique Barner, Hakeem Robinson, Leroy Whitaker, and Abdul Robinson Jr.), facing murder charges in not just McCormick’s murder but others, as previously reported by AllHipHop.com.
When the highly redacted video opens, the prosecutor asks him about his nickname and he confirmed he had two, “Blue” and “Big Dog.”
He also said that he calls one of his co-defendants, his son Abdul Robinson, Jr., by his name “Karim.” When asked if Karim also goes by the nicknames “Lil Blue” and “Krazy K,” the father says yes … correcting the prosecution on the correct way to say his junior’s street name.
The interrogation eventually turns to KSOO, whose real name is Hakeem Robinson.
The father gives details on a bunch of different things, including how he and other members of his family used phone numbers linked back to a dead friend’s account.
He then talked about a song from a rapper from an opposing crew that dissed their crew. The father said he spoke to both his sons about the songs and neither of them liked them. This song will come up later in his testimony.
In the video, the father talks about everything from his son wanting him to pick up their friend Scotty to a time when he saw his co-defendants gathered after a car crash but his son, Hakeem, was not with them.
Robinson Sr.: “I kept asking them ‘Where Hakeem at?’” That’s when they told me he hopped out the car and ran another way.”
Prosecutor: “What do you remember them specifically saying?”
RS.: “They crashed the car. The police was chasing them. Keemy jumped out the car. They went one way and they went the other.
P: Did they say that Hakeem Robinson, Keemy, had anything when he jumped out the car?”
RS: “Yes. They said he had a gun with him… they said they left a gun behind in the car.”
During this section of the interview, the father stated that Scotty, the guy he had once picked up, actually shot another man over some of the diss songs on the internet.
In a 22-interrogation-minute video, Abdul Robinson, his dad, is questioned about an Instagram story in which he referenced the victim.
According to a warrant, KSOO posted a video of the deceased rapping with a caption saying “Byeeee byeeee” with waving hand emojis, according to a warrant. Then KSOO posted a video in his story showing the rapper getting a pedicure in a nail salon with the caption “Kill a n**** than go get my toes done.”
The social media post enraged the elder Robinson, causing him to confront his son and ask him to take it down.
He said in that moment, his son did not deny it was a post about McCormick’s death. This was not all that he said.
Prosecutor: “You said that was on a story?”
Robinson Sr.: “Yeah, an Instagram story.”
P: “And was that something that was posted by Hakeem Robinson?”
RS: “Yes, sir.”
P: “And when you saw that were you upset?”
RS: “Yes, sir.”
P: “Did you reach out and try to speak to Hakeem Robinson?”
RS: “Yes, sir.”
P: “And when you spoke to him what did you tell him?”
RS: “Take that [expletive] down.”
P: “Did he deny being involved when you told him to take that down?”
RS: “No.”
The prosecutor then showed the father a video. Like a canary, the father continued to sing.
Prosecutor: “Now as a part of discovery of this case, you’ve had an opportunity with your attorney to watch what I will refer to as a dash cam video that actually recorded the murder of Charles McCormick. Is that correct?”
Robinson Sr.: “Yes, sir.”
P: “Did you recognize the shooter?”
RS: “Yes, sir.”
P: “Who was the shooter in that video?”
RS: “Hakeem Robinson.”
P: “Your son Hakeem Robinson.”
RS: “Yes.”
The father said he could tell it was his son by the shoes he had on in the video.
With all the talk about snitching, it seems that Papa Robinson takes the case. Court records show he took a plea deal where he could face up to 20 years.
Barner, Robinson Jr., Robinson, and Whitaker are all awaiting trial in the death of McCormick.
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael sparked a lot of conversation after hosting the 80th Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday. At one point, Carmichael referenced Kanye “Ye” West’s weeks-long antisemitic tirade.
“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 [sic] on JEWISH PEOPLE,” tweeted Kanye West on October 8, 2022. The former billionaire went on to repeatedly praise Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in interviews.
As a result of his antisemitic rhetoric, West faced temporary bans on social media. The 45-year-old Chicago native’s comments also cost him very lucrative business deals with corporations such as Adidas and Gap Inc.
Jerrod Carmichael mentioned Kanye West during the Golden Globe Awards broadcast. While on stage inside California’s The Beverly Hilton hotel, the Primetime Emmy Award winner addressed legendary movie director Steven Speilberg while bringing up the controversial Ye.
“I want to take out a second to shout out Steven Spielberg, who is here,” said Carmichael. “It’s an honor, sir. Congrats on The Fabelmans. I actually saw it with Kanye and it changed everything for him. That’s how good you are. You changed Kanye West’s mind.”
The Fabelmans Won Two Golden Globe Awards
Steven Spielberg’s coming-of-age drama The Fabelmans is about a young, aspiring Jewish filmmaker. The semi-autobiographical story, loosely based on Spielberg’s adolescence, received five nominations at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.
The Fabelmans won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 2023 Golden Globes ceremony. Steven Spielberg also took home his third Best Director – Motion Picture Golden Globe trophy for The Fabelmans. He previously won in that category for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan.
Jerrod Carmichael’s bit about Steven Spielberg and Kanye West was not his only joke at the Golden Globes to provoke reactions online. The North Carolina native upset some Whitney Houston fans by making fun of the fact that the iconic vocalist died in the same building where the Globes took place.
Before taking on hosting duties for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s annual award show, Jerrod Carmichael starred in and produced the NBC sitcom The Carmichael Show. He later won an Emmy for the headline-generating HBO comedy special Rothaniel.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will return to Empire Polo Club in California for the annual showcase. Organizers tapped Bad Bunny, Frank Ocean, and Blackpink to headline this year’s event.
Coachella will kick off on April 14 and run through April 16 for the first weekend of performances. Festivalgoers will have the chance to see the same lineup from April 21-23 as well.
Bad Bunny had the most successful year of his career in 2022. The Puerto Rican’s Un Verano Sin Ti album spent 13 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Plus, his El Último Tour del Mundo became the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist.
While Bad Bunny will close out the Friday shows at Coachella, R&B singer/songwriter Frank Ocean will be the last performer of both weekends. Coachella planned for the elusive vocalist to headline the 2020 edition of the festival, but organizers canceled that edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frank Ocean has not released an official studio LP since 2016’s Blonde. That project arrived the day after he presented his video album Endless. Ocean broke into the mainstream with 2012’s Grammy-winning Channel Orange.
Ugh was stuck in drafts 🫠
Register now for access to passes at https://t.co/qujCsdlTip. Presale begins Friday, 1/13 at 11am PT. Very limited Weekend 1 passes remain. For your best chance at passes, look to Weekend 2. pic.twitter.com/5zMQ4dJZHq
Coachella 2023 Will Also Feature Blackpink, Pusha T, Latto & Other Acts
Blackpink will be sandwiched between Bad Bunny on Friday and Frank Ocean on Sunday as Coachella headliners. Fans of the South Korean girl group will get to see the “Pink Venom” performers on April 15 and April 22.
The lineup for the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival also includes Hip Hop stars such as Metro Boomin, Pusha T, the Kid LAROI, $uicideboy$, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Latto, GloRilla, Rae Sremmurd, Flo Milli, and more.
Additional genres will have representation in the form of acts like Gorillaz, Burna Boy, Kaytranada, Blondie, Becky G, Rosalía, Charli XCX, and Björk. For information about pre-sale ticket registration for Coachella 2023 visit coachella.com.
Festival season is heating up in other American markets too. Tennesse’s Bonnaroo Music Festival also announced its 2023 lineup. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album creator Kendrick Lamar will be one of the headliners for that event in June 2023.
BONNAROO 2023 ✌️🌈 SuperJam, Outeroo Lineup, and late night sets to be announced! Early Access On-Sale begins Thursday 1/12 at 10am CT 👽 Sign up for early access at https://t.co/zYsXMvHzQ6pic.twitter.com/N05NnvApvK
Streaming giant Spotify kicked off its annual “Artist To Watch” campaign this week. The company highlighted the next generation of Hip Hop stars, such as GloRilla, via the 101-track Most Necessary playlist.
GloRilla’s “Unh Unh” and “Tomorrow 2” with Cardi B made the list of Spotify’s Most Necessary songs for 2023. The Memphis-bred rhymer broke out in 2022 with “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).”
Detriot’s Babyface Ray worked with Big Sean and Hit-Boy on the 2021 single “It Ain’t My Fault.” His Lil Durk-assisted “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy” single is part of the Most Necessary lineup.
Ice Spice dropped the viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” last year. The Bronx representative let loose “Bikini Bottom” in October 2022 and “In Ha Mood” at the top of 2023. Spotify added both songs to the Most Necessary playlist.
British rapper Central Cee is another emerging act on the Hip Hop scene. “LET GO” by Central Cee dropped in December 2022 and presently holds the top position on Spotify’s Most Necessary.
Additionally, makeup artist-turned-rapper Saucy Santana earned a shoutout from Spotify. Saucy Santana’s “Bop Bop” from November earned the 2022 XXL Freshman Class member a Most Necessary spot for 2023.
Other names in the Most Necessary collection include Finesse2tymes, SleazyWorld Go, Destroy Lonely, 2Rare, and Real Boston Richey. Most Necessary is connected to Spotify’s flagship Hip Hop playlist, RapCaviar.
