Lil Uzi Vert created his upcoming album Pink Tape while sober, which he admitted was challenging at first.
The Atlantic Records artist told TMZ about the initial concerns during a brief chat in Beverly Hills. Those worries faded away once the Philly native realized how sobriety improved his work.
“I thought that my creative process wasn’t gonna be the same because I wasn’t on drugs no more,” he said. “[But] it was the same, even better.”
The diamond-selling star added, “I could think more clear. Instead of my words slurring, even though that’s kind of cool, it actually—everything made sense. I didn’t just make random music. I didn’t just play off the beat, I actually made songs with topics this time.”
Lil Uzi Vert advised other rappers to embrace sobriety.
“It’s the best thing to do,” he said. “It’ll change your life. And you’ll look better.”
Lil Uzi Vert also discussed recording 680 songs for the Pink Tape. He joked the unused tracks will be given to charity.
No release date has been announced for the Pink Tape. The project will be Lil Uzi Vert’s first solo album since 2021’s Eternal Atake, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
From Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Isaac Hayes to Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG and Yo Gotti, Memphis has always been fertile soil for producing music superstars.
Entering that arena with all the aspirations of a young Al Green is rising singer/songwriter and Memphis native, Kendrick P. Like so many before him, Kendrick P. began singing in his grandfather’s church, learning to play piano and drums along the way.
This past weekend, the new Wikid Films-directed video to his single, “Get What You Give,” was added to BET Soul and the single gets added to new playlists and radio stations across his region each week.
“Get What You Give” is about protecting your energy and personal space; something many more of us have become intentional about these days.
Growing up against the backdrop of Memphis’ rugged streets as an up-and-coming artist will certainly either teach you to become more guarded – or eat you alive. Artist or not, the relatability of the song, and the songs that have gone before are what make Kendrick P. a stand-out.
“‘Get What You Give’ is a very personal record for me. It’s about working on myself to not give energy in places or people that leave me empty. Being a giving person can set you up to be taking advantage of. Feeling misused, I figured I’d only give what I get from people. Let them set the bar on where we stand & simply react,” Kendrick P. explained.
Kendrick’s God-given talent has caught the attention of more than just playlist curators and program directors. The 25-year-old has also impressed none other than fellow Memphian and GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Teddy Walton, who has taken the young singer under his wing.
This puts him in the company of Drake, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Bryson Tiller, ASAP Rocky, Nipsey Hussle, Future, Post Malone, Schoolboy Q, Freddie Gibbs, GoldLink, Maxo Kream, Vince Staples, ASAP Ferg, and Big K.R.I.T. and that other, more famous, Kendrick guy.
The two have multiple releases planned for later this summer.
Before his growing fanbase get treated to that incredible combination though, Kendrick will release his 2nd studio album, Years and Tears, which is scheduled for a May release.
“Years and Tears is a special project. It’s me being completely vulnerable. I’ve gone through a lot over the last few years including probation and now that it’s through, I need to give people a small entry into my life and mindset. I’ve never spoken about my life and it’s something I’ve meant to do. It’s time,” Kendrick P. added.
While you wait for all that, enjoy the new video, and stay tuned for Kendrick P. news on the socials
Tyga asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against him by Kreation Technologies, which accused him of breach of contract.
According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, Tyga claimed he did nothing wrong after Kreation sued him for not promoting its NFT collection. The rapper blamed the NFT marketplace crash for the deal’s failure.
“The Agreement turned out to be a bad deal for [Kreation] not because of any actions or non-performance of [Tyga] but because the cryptocurrency market loudly and publicly crashed during the term of the Agreement,” his legal team argued. “[Kreation] now seeks a bailout for its failed investment and sued NSMG and [Tyga].”
Last year, Kreation sued Tyga and Newstyle Media over the demise of a $500,000 deal. Tyga allegedly agreed to promote several NFT drops. The company said he never lived up to his end of the agreement, delaying the NFT releases. Kreation eventually scrapped the project due to Tyga’s lack of cooperation.
Kreation brokered the deal with Newstyle Media, which allegedly acted on Tyga’s behalf. The NFT collection, which used his name and likeness, was announced in June 2022.
Earlier this year, Choice Motors Credit took legal action against Tyga for blowing off payments stemming from a 2016 lawsuit. He allegedly owed $1.3 million for two lavish vehicles.
Lil Nas X’s attempt to apologize to the trans community took a turn on Tuesday (March 14).
The diamond-selling artist tried to say he was sorry for joking about the transitioning process in a since-deleted tweet. He faced criticism for referencing gender-affirming surgery when he posted a photo of an influencer named Glow Princess, who resembles him.
“The surgery was a success,” he wrote on Twitter.
Lil Nas X clashed with Twitter users who believed his comment was insensitive. After initially defending the joke, he apologized on Tuesday afternoon.
“Apologies to the trans community,” he wrote. “I def handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. much love to you guys. Sorry.”
The apology wasn’t enough for one person on social media, who demanded more. The Twitter user urged the hitmaker to donate money to trans causes and raise awareness for the community.
“Girl eat my a##,” Lil Nas X fired back.
The Columbia Records artist routinely shares his unfiltered thoughts on Twitter. Earlier this year, he teased his next album on social media.
Lil Nas X told fans to expect his new album in the summer. The project will be his follow-up to 2021’s Montero.
Andwan Zonez is a rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana, who is also dedicated to breaking the cycles of ignorance and poverty in society. While he strives to become a renowned lyricist in the hip-hop industry, his life goals transcend music. He aspires to use his influence to make a real difference in the world.
Zonez has witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of poverty and systemic inequality in his community. He has seen how these issues perpetuate ignorance and hinder individuals from realizing their full potential. Zonez recognized early on that music could be a powerful tool for change and a means to make a difference in the world.
His vision for a better world is not limited to music. Zonez aims to raise awareness on issues that matter the most to him, such as poverty, racism, and mental health. He has collaborated with various organizations to promote positive change and used his music to inspire others to get involved.
Zonez is also dedicated to personal growth and development. He actively engages in community service projects and has volunteered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Zonez’s life goals mirror his deep commitment to social justice and his conviction that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed. He believes that by working together, we can break the cycles of ignorance and poverty and create a better future for all. Zonez’s message is one of hope and a call to action for all of us to contribute to building a more just and equitable world.
In conclusion, Andwan Zonez is determined to use his platform and influence to create positive change in the world. He is committed to breaking the cycles of ignorance and poverty that have held back so many individuals and communities. Through his music, community service, and advocacy, Zonez is working towards a better future for all. His message of hope and social justice is one that we should all embrace.
Russell Hornsby, the talented actor who plays the character of Charles Flenory in the Starz show “BMF,” recently revealed in an interview on “The Tamron Hall Show” about his initial reluctance to join the cast.
“I initially didn’t want to do it because, you know, my dear friend Tasha Smith is phenomenal. She called me up, and she said, Brother, you’re the first call making need you to play the patriarch of this show,” Hornsby said.
“I was like, ‘I don’t want to play another father… I’m Mr. Dad.’ And she said, ‘but that’s what we need. We need your strength. We need your presence, we need your insight, you know what I mean? We need your grounding.'”
Despite being hesitant at first, Hornsby eventually took on the role and has since become a fan favorite. He credits the success of the show to its ability to tell an authentic story.
“BMF,” which stands for “Black Mafia Family,” is a crime drama series created by 50 Cent and Randy Huggins.
The show is based on the true story of two brothers, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who rise from the streets of Detroit to become one of the most influential crime families in the country.
The show premiered on Starz in September 2021 and has been a massive hit, receiving critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Hornsby has become an essential part of the show’s success, bringing his undeniable presence and strength to the role of Charles Flenory.
Russell Hornsby has an extensive filmography that showcases his versatility as an actor.
Prior to his role in “BMF,” he had several notable credits to his name, including his portrayal of Hank Griffin on the supernatural drama series “Grimm” and 50 Cen’t biopic “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.”
He also starred as Lyons in the 2016 film adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences,” alongside Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
Hornsby has also appeared in a variety of other TV shows and movies, including “The Affair,” “The Good Wife,” “In Treatment,” and “Seven Seconds.”
Additionally, he provided voiceover work for the animated superhero film “The Megamind.”
Throughout his career, Hornsby has received critical acclaim for his performances and has been nominated for several awards, including a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “Grimm.”
California rap genius DJ Quick talked about a time when Michael Jackson’s team made him and his boys turn and face the wall while he walked by.
The producer/ rapper said on a recent episode of “All the Smoke” podcast, this was one of two times he encountered the King of Pop— and just assessed from both occasions, “Michael just didn’t want to f##k with a n####.”
The Compton platinum-selling artist said he had booked Jackson’s Westlake studio to record his first single “Tonight.” While there, someone working for the former Motown artist told them prepare in the most unusual way.
“They came through and warned everybody that Michael’s gonna come through and he didn’t want nobody to see him coming through or looking right at him,” Quick recalled. “… So everybody chilling, we taking a break from the studio, and these guys come in and they like ‘Hey y’all we about to bring somebody through here.’ They didn’t ask us to leave. They asked us to just turn around and face the wall.”
Though it seemed a little weird, Quick and his crew did. He said he heard MJJ’s penny loafers as he ran past them. He turned around and saw a glimpse of his hair.
The second time he saw the “Thriller” chart-topper was in his studio and he was “more cool,” but still didn’t talk to him.
Quik said, “he didn’t really say nothing to us. He just walked past.”
Noting, “He wasn’t as timid as he was back in 91/92.”
Jokingly, he said Michael Jackson, who knew some gangbangers (check out “Beat It” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” videos), “thought I was blood.”
Harlem, New York, has long been a hotbed for musical talent. The borough has given birth to some of the most influential artists in hip-hop history, including Big L, Mase, Cam’ron, and more recently, A$AP Rocky and Dave East. Ariie West is another name to add to that list. The rising rapper has been making waves with his latest single “Dangerous,” which has garnered over 180,000 streams on Spotify.
Ariie West’s music is rooted in the traditions of East Coast rap, with gritty lyrics and hard-hitting beats that showcase his formidable lyrical abilities. He grew up in Harlem and was exposed to hip hop from an early age, citing lyrics from Biggie Smalls “Notorious Thugs”. His love for the genre only intensified as he got older, and he began to develop his own unique style and sound.
“Dangerous” is a perfect showcase of Ariie West’s talent. The track is Trap Rock, hard-hitting, bass-heavy with a unique guitar co-produced by Ariie West, Morris Tancredi and YoSixty is the anthem that speaks to his experiences growing up in Harlem. The song is a warning to those who underestimate him, with West flexing his lyrical muscles and proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
The music video for “Dangerous” was shot in West’s hometown of Harlem, and the rapper enlisted the talents of video director JVY and assistant director Deighton Mckoy to bring his vision to life. JVY is known for his work with top hip hop artists such as Kay Flock, Gucci Mane, and Dougie B, while Mckoy has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Cardi B.
The video promises to be a visual feast, with shots of West rapping on the streets of Harlem, interspersed with scenes of sexy dancers in bunny masks twerking on an NYPD vehicle, the back of an Ambulance and invading Times Square. The video is expected to drop in the coming days, and anticipation is high for what promises to be a memorable visual representation of the track.
John Kwatakye-Atiko, Head of Marketing at Autrumn Records, is working with Ariie West’s record company and is confident that the rapper has what it takes to make it big in the industry. Kwatakye-Atiko is also the President of Popular Demand, an entertainment/marketing and promotions company that will aid in the future projects at Autrumn, including singer Sara Night whose song “Inside Out” generated over 1 Million streams combined on all platforms.
With the release of “Dangerous” and the forthcoming music video, Ariie West is poised to take the hip-hop world by storm. His unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and rock with a modern twist has resonated with fans, and he’s quickly becoming a rising star in the industry. Keep an eye out for Ariie West in the coming months, as he continues to cement his place as one of the most exciting new talents in hip hop.
Dangerous Cast:
Artist: Ariie West @ariiewest
Director: JVY @jvyneta
Assistant Director: Deighton Mckoy @brooklynholla
Autrumn Records Team:
Head of Marketing: John Kwatakye-Atiko @kingjohnlives
A&R Alvin Sossa @aye_sossa
Co-Music Producers: YoSixty @yosixty and Morris Tancredi @hedsickworld
Kanye West asked for more time to discuss a settlement with Sunday Service workers, who sued him for alleged mistreatment.
According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, attorneys for Kanye West and the Sunday Service crew confirmed they’ve been engaged in settlement talks on Tuesday (March 14). Both sides informed the court about their efforts to resolve the dispute ahead of a status conference scheduled for Thursday (March 16).
“On February 16, 2023, the Court conducted a hearing on its prior order to show cause re: new counsel for defendants West Brands, LLC, Very Good Touring, Inc., and Ye (formally known as Kanye West) (collectively ‘Defendants’),” lawyers noted. “London D. Meservy appeared as counsel of record for Defendants. Frank H. Kim appeared on behalf of plaintiff Michael Pearson (‘Plaintiff’) (Defendants and Plaintiff are collectively referred to as the ‘Parties’). The Court set a status conference for March 16, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. and order the parties to file a Joint Status Report on or before March 14, 2023.”
Attorneys continued, “Since appearing as counsel of record for Defendants in mid-February, Defendants’ counsel has been diligently reviewing the case file and records for this matter. Counsel for the Parties met and conferred on March 2, 2023 regarding case status, Plaintiff’s intention to remand this matter to the Los Angeles Superior Court and mediation. The Parties are continuing to meet and confer regarding these issues.”
Kanye West and the Sunday Service workers want to avoid a trial if possible. They asked the court to wait at least two months to schedule another status conference in the case.
“Considering the Parties’ ongoing meet and confer efforts regarding mediation and Plaintiff’s intention to remand this matter, the Parties respectfully request that no trial or related dates be set at the March 16, 2023 status conference and that a further status conference be set no sooner than 60 days to allow the Parties to set a mediation date and further discuss Plaintiff’s intention to remand,” lawyers wrote.
Michael Pearson, a performer involved in the lawsuit, claimed he was only paid $250 a day for Sunday Service events. He allegedly received no extra compensation “regardless of the number of hours worked.” Pearson said the Sunday Service crew wasn’t given meal or rest breaks, among other grievances.
Kanye West’s pending legal issues include several lawsuits over uncleared samples. Publishers took action against him for sampling Boogie Down Productions and Marshall Jefferson songs.
After receiving pushback from his peers and some of the fans over his melodic cover of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Logic is finally speaking out about his decision to re-do the song.
According to a clip Logic made on social media, he said “Everybody’s all p##### off at me because I did an Ice Cube cover, meanwhile I texted Ice Cube and he’s like ‘Man keep doing you, brother.”
He snaps on the footage and asks, “Who gives a f##k?”
On his podcast, Joe Budden said, “I hate to continue to make a career at your expense… I beg of you … I’m pleading with you please join me in retirement.”
The former Slaughterhouse emcee continued with a list of anti-rapper things Logic should do, saying, “Never step near a recording device again. Throw your phone in the ocean. Be allergic to microphones. Promise your fans nothing. Don’t go to the studio ever again.”
Adding, “You are the worst.”
The Maryland rapper seems to be doing the opposite, telling his fans he is considering doing a whole tribute album to Golden Age rappers, like Ice Cube, using his celebrity and fanbase to generate additional wealth for those popping back in the day.
“[I’d] call it logic greatest hits and get all of them paid … and get them publishing … and take care of all the legends… and the goats … and the greats from the 90s.”
Meek Mill has put his Atlanta mansion on the market, one he says he never even lived in. On Sunday (March 12), the Dream Chasers Records founder shared an Instagram post featuring a video of the sprawling property. It’s located in the Sandy Springs/Buckhead area and boasts eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
He wrote in the caption, “MANSION FOR SALE IN ATL. my realtor not getting this off fast enough & I think I can lol I never moved in it had for a few years. sandy springs/buckhead area! When somebody get traded to the hawks or falcons come grab this Jawn! I’m not even gone tag who shot this s##### video lol.”
Hip-Hop legend Kid Capri sounded mildly interested, replying in the comment section, “Check your Dm.” Others offered Meek Mill some advice, telling him he needs to have it “staged” in order for it to feel like a home.
The property comes with several amenities, including a tennis court, pool, jacuzzi, twin garages, a movie theater and sauna. Meek Mill didn’t reveal how much he paid for the home. Watch the video above.
On Monday, March 13, Rapper Troy Ave gave vivid and electrifying testimony at the Taxstone murder trial, revealing riveting details about the night his friend and bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter was fatally shot and killed. After his time on the stand, his lawyer revealed to the press the arrangement his client made with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony.
According to the New York Post, the Brooklyn rapper, whose real name is Roland Collins, has been promised one year in prison by authorities, a huge break from the 15 years he faced for his participation in the backstage melee at the core of this case.
Both the “All About the Money” rapper and Taxstone, a popular podcaster, faced attempted murder and weapons charges. Taxstone, whose real name is Daryl Campbell, also is fighting a murder and assault charge.
Troy Ave explained what happened that night, saying he tried to wrestle a gun away from Taxstone.
“It looks like if you see people wrestle in high school wrestling — that type of position,” he told the court.
He further testified, “When the shot goes off, I see the light from the spark, and I hear the shot. This is all happening fast. I get up and start fighting Taxstone, trying to take him, grab the gun, and another shot goes off. I put my leg up to kind of block the shot from hitting me in the face or chest.”
He was shot in both of his legs.
“I got up. I’d rather die fighting,” Troy Ave said. “People die from leg shots. I’d rather die fighting than laying on the ground. I got up immediately.”
After this and some additional gunplay, he noticed his bodyguard lying on the floor.
“I rolled his body over and I’m like, ‘Banga, get up. Come on.’ I’m smacking him, like, ‘C’mon bro. Get up.’ And his eyes were rolling to the back of his head. His shirt was red so I could tell he got shot,” the rapper testified, sharing his last moments with his friend.
If found guilty, Taxstone, who has already pleaded guilty to the gun charge, could spend 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder.
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige will present the second annual Strength Of A Woman Festival in Atlanta during Mother’s Day weekend. Legendary R&B group Jodeci is part of the concert lineup too.
Mary J. Blige and Jodeci were once two of the flagship acts on the late Andre Harrell’s Uptown Records. That 1990s-era music label also helped launch the career of Hip Hop billionaire Sean “Diddy” Combs.
When Blige and the members of Jodeci perform inside Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on May 12, it will be the first time the Platinum-selling Uptown Records originals shared the same stage in over thirty years.
The 1990s R&B Icons Worked Together On Multiple Occasions
“At the end of the day, Jodeci and Mary J. Blige, we’re a family, and we helped each other in a lot of ways,” said MJB in an interview with V-103 on Audacy. “Me and [Jodeci member Joel “JoJo” Hailey] wrote some songs together, and he sang background.”
Mary J. Blige also told V-103’s The Big Tigger MorningShow, “So regardless of whatever our little beef was back in the day, we were young, but now we’re all grown. At the end of the day, I’m a fan of Jodeci. We realize how important we are to each other, so it was beautiful to see them.”
Jodeci lead singer Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey was featured on Mary J. Blige’s “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” off 1992’s What’s the 411? studio LP. Jodeci’s Donald “DeVante Swing” DeGrate produced and co-wrote that track. Plus, JoJo and K-Ci penned songs on Blige’s sophomore album My Life.
Both Mary J. Blige & Jodeci Left Their Respective Marks On The Billboard Charts
Mary J. Blige also dated K-Ci for several years. The 9-time Grammy Award winner’s alleged toxic relationship with K-Ci partly inspired the themes of depression and abuse addressed on My Life. Blige admits she was in a “vulnerable, horrible state of mind” at the time.
In addition to My Life, which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart, Mary J. Blige’s discography includes the No. 1 albums Share My World, Love & Life, The Breakthrough, and Growing Pains. She earned a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Family Affair” in 2001.
Jodeci released three studio albums between 1991 and 1995 – Forever My Lady, Diary of a Mad Band, and The Show, The After Party, The Hotel. All three Uptown Records-backed efforts peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The Past, The Present, The Future arrived in 2015.
Apparently, the union between MJ and Jay-Z did not end with that historic Hip Hop moment. Michael Jackson also supposedly recorded vocals for “Girls, Girls, Girls” off the classic 2001 album The Blueprint.
Just Blaze, one of the music producers for The Blueprint, appeared on the Bloomberg Originals’ Idea Generation series. The New Jersey native spoke to the show’s host, Noah Callahan-Bever, about finding Jackson’s recordings for “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Jay-Z.
“So Michael Jackson is on the ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ remix. The A version. And I never knew that,” recalled Just Blaze. “I don’t know if I didn’t go to the studio that day. I thought it was an urban legend. Or something that Jay said like in jest one day. Or just was some kind of a myth. So one day I was looking for something on the server and I find this straight folder that says, ‘MJ vocals.'”
Blaze also added, “Remember they had the ‘Rock My World’ [remix]. So I’m thinking it’s like takes from that session. And I’m like, ‘I don’t think they recorded this at Baseline [Studios] but let me take a listen and see what it is.’ And I realize as I’m listening to it, it’s [Jackson] singing on ‘Girls, Girls, Girls.'”
According to the Fort Knocks Entertainment founder, he discovered the Michael Jackson vocals during the COVID-19 quarantine. Just Blaze also told Noah Callahan-Bever, “Turns out the files had been sitting downstairs this entire time.”
Many Hip Hop fans and journalists consider Jay-Z’s The Blueprint to be one of the greatest rap albums in the genre’s history. The RIAA certified the studio LP as 2x-Platinum. Additionally, the United States Library of Congress archived The Blueprint in the National Recording Registry in 2018.
Billionaire businessman Sean “Diddy” Combs (aka Puff Daddy) already owns the Revolt network. Will the Hip Hop mogul add the BET (Black Entertainment Television) network to his media empire?
Diddy is reportedly among the potential entrepreneurs wanting to buy BET. Tyler Perry Studios owner Tyler Perry and Entertainment Studios owner Byron Allen are also likely in the running to acquire a majority stake in BET Media Group.
Paramount Global’s CBS Entertainment Group currently owns BET. A source told Variety that Diddy is “exploring the opportunity to purchase BET as a part of his strategy to build a Black-owned global media powerhouse.”
Diddy launched Revolt in October 2013. The company operates a digital cable television channel featuring original programming marketed to a Black audience. Revolt’s YouTube channel has 2.5 million subscribers.
Revolt currently airs Hip Hop-focused podcasts such as Drink Champs, Caresha Please, Big Facts, and The Jason Lee Show. The network presentsRevolt Black News as well. Plus, Diddy’s Revolt Films produced motion pictures such as 2012’s Lawless and 2015’s Dope.
Diddy also founded the iconic Bad Boy Records. The music label released albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe, Total, 112, Yung Joc, Danity Kane, and other acts.
Furthermore, Sean “Diddy” Combs started the Sean John clothing line, developed the Cîroc vodka brand, and invested in the AQUAhydrate beverage company. The former Howard University student also established the Capital Preparatory Charter School in his hometown of Harlem, New York.
Grammy-winning rap star Megan Thee Stallion has been relatively quiet over the last few months. The self-described Hot Girl Coach was back outside over the weekend.
Entertainment Tonight caught up with Megan Thee Stallion at Vanity Fair’s Oscars Party on Sunday night. The ET red-carpet correspondent asked the Roc Nation-managed recording artist if she is working on any new music.
“Oh I am, new album, f### y’all hoes, bye!” responded Megan. Other celebrities such as Cardi B, Offset, Queen Latifah, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Donald Glover, Dwyane Wade, and Gabrielle Union also attended the Vanity Fair event.
Megan Thee Stallion’s upcoming project will be her first full-length effort since Traumazine dropped in August 2022. That studio LP followed her debut album, 2020’s Good News. Both Traumazine and Good News peaked in the Billboard 200 chart’s Top 5.
In addition, Megan released the Make It Hot (2017), Tina Snow (2018), and Suga (2020) EPs. Her discography also contains the Fever mixtape from 2019 and the Something for Thee Hotties compilation from 2021.
Before Apple Music and Spotify, there was a period when many rap fans listened to their favorite artists’ music via Datpiff. The 18-year-old audio platform became the unofficial home of Hip Hop mixtapes.
This week saw speculation spread across the internet that Datpiff shut down its digital archive. On Monday night, the MediaLab-owned company issued a statement on Twitter about the discussion of its demise.
“Despite the rumors, we are happy to report that we will still be supplying you with all the mixtapes you love. We’re working through technical issues on our site and app, but still actively update our YouTube! Thanks for all the love and concerns but we promise, we are still here,” tweeted the Datpiff account.
Despite the rumors, we are happy to report that we will still be supplying you with all the mixtapes you love. We're working through technical issues on our site and app, but still actively update our youtube! Thanks for all the love and concerns but we promise, we are still here
Datpiff has 2.29 million subscribers and more than 1.6 billion views on YouTube. YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Boosie Badazz, Nicki Minaj, Moneybagg Yo, and NLE Choppa have some of the most watched videos on the verified page.
Lil Wayne’s iconic mixtape run is closely connected to Datpiff. For example, the platform offered early access to the Young Money leader’s DJ Drama-hosted Dedication 5 in 2013. Other Lil Wayne projects, like 2020’s No Ceilings 3, dropped on the app as well.
Datpiff also released 2012’s Dreamchasers 2 by Maybach Music Group-backed rapper Meek Mill. Dreamchasers 2 reportedly racked up 2.5 million downloads in 24 hours. The website temporarily crashed at the time.
Fresh off the success of his single with J. Cole, J-hope is giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of their “on the street” music video.
The Dreamville co-founder and feature killer joined the BTS member on his latest solo offering, released earlier this month (Mar. 3).
The behind-the-scenes video opens with the K-pop idol dancing in the streets of New York. He is then shown in his hotel room penning a letter to the “London” hitmaker whom he has cited as a major source of inspiration.
“Being able to meet my muse, J. Cole is nerve-wracking,” J-hope admits before crafting the handwritten note. He described working with Cole as an “honor” and thanked the rapper for “making my childhood dream come true.”
J. Cole appears later in the video, meeting up with his collaborator on the set of “on the street.” “What’s up, Cole!” J-hope said as the duo shared a few hugs with the South Korean artist barely able to contain his excitement. “It’s a blessing to be here with y’all,” Cole told J-hope via a translator.
“When I started listening to music, the first artist I listened to was J. Cole,” J-hope revealed elsewhere in the video. “Being able to work with J. Cole after 10 years as a fan, I’m so happy. It’s just all new and I still can’t believe it.” Check out the behind-the-scenes video below and watch “on the street,” at the end of the page.
Meanwhile, Billboard revealed “on the street” debuted at No. 60 on the Hot 100, J-hope’s highest-ever solo entry. According to the outlet, the single is the second biggest-selling song this week. It comes second only to Nicki Minaj’s new hit, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.”
Marlon Wayans took over as guest presenter of The Daily Show this week, playing host to several guests, including his good friend, Omar Epps.
The two share a long history and many moments together over the years, including some they’d rather forget. However, Wayans decided to make one story public that Epps would rather have remained a secret forever.
“Oh my goodness. Are you really bringing this up?” Omar Epps asked after Marlon Wayans began to recount a story involving Tupac.
However, despite the protests, Wayans continued. He told the audience about a time when Epps fell asleep around Tupac, during the time they filmed the 1992 hit movie Juice together.
“What people don’t know about ‘Pac is, he was a funny dude,” Wayans stated as Epps nodded in agreement. “Omar sleeping like that,” Wayans continued, demonstrating the actor was asleep with his mouth wide open. “And ‘Pac went and took his balls and put ‘em out and put ‘em right near Omar’s mouth.”
“Why did you just do that?” Omar Epps asked before adding, “I was mad at ‘Pac for that though. I was super mad, like, ‘Yo, son. You really gone’ do that?’”
Wayans was quick to interject with, “but you always get mad, you got to work on that. You got anger issues, man.”
Nonetheless, Omar Epps stood his ground, telling Marlon Wayans he was right to be mad at Tupac.
“If somebody take their nuts out next to your mouth while you sleep. That would have went viral right now, this is when we used to take polaroids.”
Check out the clip below and watch the episode here.
Jim Jones recently sat down with AllHipHop’s Chuck Creekmur to discuss a myriad of topics, including the Verzuz match with The LOX. Jones admitted Dipset didn’t practice the five Ps: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” Therefore, he’s calling for a rematch.
“I don’t think that energy will ever be duplicated outside of New York unless we go for the rematch, you heard?” Jones said. “They way I’m thinking about it is last time, there was a lot going on. The venue was way too small. There were people on my back. There were people on people’s shoulders in there.
“I think we need proper respect of doing it in the Garden, the big Garden, with proper security, set up right so everybody have breathing room. Not using it as no excuse, but we need a rematch for the city. I’m puttin’ it out there. I’m puttin’ it out there like Rocky after he lost to Apollo Creed […] And we gonna be ready like hot spaghetti.”
Jim Jones was confident The Diplomats would emerge as the rematch’s winner. In fact, he encouraged Las Vegas bookies to wager some bets. He continued, “Let’s score it like a boxing match. Let’s get the judges. Let’s make it live. Let the people vote live. Let’s do it right. Let’s really go for it.”
The LOX originally faced Dipset on the Verzuz stage in August 2021. The LOX’s Jadakiss was raring to go from the moment it began. As The Technician The DJ told Complex at the time, “There was a moment where everyone was talking s### before it actually started. Kiss was just standing there with a look on his face like, ‘I’m going to eat these guys’ food.’ Everyone was going back and forth on the mic. Kiss was just standing there like, ‘As soon as this bell ring, I’m destroying everybody.’”
It sounds like Jones is ready for Round II. You heard? Watch the clip above.
