Multi-platinum producer Tommy Brown remains behind the boards, also steps to the mic on his contagious debut single, “Trippin’ On Me,” which features Travi$ Scott and Eric Bellinger. Stream below.
Fly Commons Ft. Jay Ant & G-Eazy – "Fully Focused"
“Fully Focused” is a a joint release from Bay Area producer Fly Commons and HBK rapper/producer Jay Ant. The song will appear on both Fly Common’s Greyscale album, which drops March 10th and off Jay Ant’s upcoming Blue Diamond Dreams album.
Gliss Ft Taylor J & Pizzle – "#TMWYW"
Philadelphia artist Gliss links up with Minnesota’s Taylor J and Milwaukee’s own Pizzle to assist him on his new record #TMWYW (Tell Me What You Want) p### by DeRelle Rideout.
ALTERNATIVE PICK: Trombone Shorty, 5th Ward Weebie & New Breed Brass Band – "Watcha Workin It Fa"
Backed by one of the most popular songs in New Orleans over the last year called “Let Me Find Out,” Weebie is shedding new light on the Bounce music genre thats been recently popularized by the twerking movement and Fuse TV’s show with Big Freedia.
Now 5th Ward Weebie is keeping it all the way New Orleans as he has teamed up with the New Breed Brass Band and the world famous Trombone Shorty for a song that was widely popular in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
While the beads were flying and the Hurricanes are getting thrown back, the New Breed Brass Band and 5th Ward Weebie’s song was playing loud in the speakers on Bourbon St. and throughout the French Quarter as both acts were part of Mardi Gras parades and festivities this year.
“Trombone Shorty is a good friend of mine and we’ve talked about doing things for years. Me and him have remained friends and we always talk about different music like Jazz, Hip-Hop and Bounce music,” Weebie explained. “He produced for his nefew who has a band called the New Breed Brass Band and when I heard the first 5-10 seconds of the song we were doing, I wrote to the song right on the spot. This record is right on time for Mardi Gras season, “Watcha Workin It Fa” is an instant classic.”
Recently Weeebie was quoted on Lil Wayne’s most recent mixtape Sorry for the Wait 2. Weebie’s infamous hook on “Let Me Find Out” was used by Wayne as he sang, “Girl ya know I love ya and I’m there for ya, I got some new shoes and a bag of hair for ya.”
Get familiar, with Weebies and check the song below. We think you’ll enjoy this taste of New Orleans.
Calliko – "Pyrex Freestyle"
Calliko is back again this week, after releasing a new visual to the masses, the midwest MC absolutely slays the Dr. Dre produced “Pyrex” featuring Kendrick Lamar. This record is sure to have the entire industry wondering what the country boy from Illinois has up his sleeve. Be on the lookout for more visuals and exclusive records dropping soon.
Boldy James "Bet That Up" feat. Kevin Gates & Snootie Wild
Tomorrow on 2-27-15, Boldy James will drop his highly anticipated project “Trapper’s Alley 2: Risk vs Reward [The Brictionary]”. It’s his first full length project since signing to Nas’ Mass Appeal Records in April 2014. Peep this song from the project here!
Waka Flocka ft. Young Scooter & NephewTexasBoy – "No Losses"
Waka Flocka teams up with Young Scooter & NephewTexasBoy for a track called “No Losses”. The song will appear on the upcoming Strictly 4 The Traps N Trunks 93 mixtape hosted by Jr. Boss. and puts Waka and Scooter together for a trap heavy track…
Ty Dolla $ign On His Collabs With Kanye and Tinashe
Ty Dolla $ign talks about smashing girls on the Beach House Tour and is making the transition from quantity to quality when it comes to the ladies. In his Power 106 interview with Yessi Ortiz, Ty Dolla talks about his collab with Tinashe and Charlie XCX on the Cashmere Cat beat.
Bun B Explores Religion and Hip-Hop In New Course At Rice University
Bun B and Professor Anthony Pinn stop through The Breakfast Club to discuss their new Free Online Course on Religion & Hip Hop at Rice University. Bun and Doc Pin take the conversation outside the course, looking at the intersection of religion and Hip-Hop. What are links between Hip-Hop and Christianity? Find out here as Bun B breaks it down with Professor Pinn.
A$AP Ferg – "Dope Walk" feat. Cara Delevingne
Ever wonder what it would be like to shoot a whole video from your iPhone? Well ASAP Ferg shows you what it woudl look like in his new video for “Dope Walk” ft Cara Delevingne.
Chance The Rapper Talks Troy Ave Calling Him A "Weirdo" & Connecting With Madonna (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Chicago’s Chance The Rapper stopped by The Breakfast Club. The conversation with the radio show included Chance addressing fellow 2014 “XXL Freshmen Class” member Troy Ave supposedly calling him a “weirdo rapper” to his face.
[ALSO READ: Troy Ave, Chance The Rapper, Lil Bibby, Isaiah Rashad + MORE Included On XXL’s 2014 Freshman Class Cover (PIC)]
“Me and Troy Ave are cool peoples. We met at the XXL shoot. We didn’t know each other before that,” said Chance. “I think the thing is we both didn’t understand where each other was coming from at first. Now we understand we have our own lanes, and we both want each other to be successful.”
Chance’s brand of Hip Hop has attracted the attention of some major entertainers. He is set to make an appearance on Madonna’s next album Rebel Heart. The Acid Rap mixtape creator spoke about how he first connected with the Queen of Pop.
“I met her through Frank Ocean who’s a friend of mine. He brought her to a show once in L.A,” Chance revealed. “Then we were at some festival, and I got a call from Jay Z. He said, ‘Madonna asked me to get on this record about icons. I think it would be better if somebody who I think could be a new icon got on the record.'”
Up next for Chance The Rapper is The Social Experiment album Surf. The project is from the cross-genre band made up of Chance along with instrumentalists Nico “Donnie Trumpet” Segal, Nate Fox, and Peter Cottontale.
[ALSO READ: Chance The Rapper & Nico Segal Discuss The Social Experiment’s “Surf” Album]
Watch Chance The Rapper’s interview below.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Rich Homie Quan Taking A Break From Rich Gang
Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug have been pushing out collab after collab for a few months and Quan says its time to do him for a minute and focus on his solo endeavors.
Rich Homie Quan recently stopped by Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 and confirmed to Durtty Boyz that he was taking a break from the group.
“I stepped away from the Rich Gang situation to focus on Quan because the fans want Quan back,” the ATL rapper said.
Check out the interview in its entirety below:
Is Lee Daniels A Sell-Out or Just Smart?
Recently, actress Mo’Nique revealed that she had been blackballed, a message delivered by Lee Daniels. The famed director and film maker revealed a more detailed analysis of the situation, including the he told the actress to play ball in Hollywood so she could be successful. When taken to task, Lee Daniels even called himself a “sell-out” saying that he would always continue to work and tell “his truth.” Check out the video below. So, does this make Daniels a sell-our smart?
Here are some of the quotes:
“She was making unreasonable demands, and she wasn’t thinking — this was when reverse racism was happening, I think. I told her, ‘You have to thank the producers of the film, you have to thank the studios.’ And I think she didn’t understand that, and I said, ‘People aren’t going to respond well if you don’t.”
“This is not just ‘show’. It’s ‘show business,‘ and you’ve gotta play ball, and you can’t scream — I don’t like calling the race card. I don’t believe in it. If I buy into it, it becomes real. If I knew what I knew when I was 21, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now.
Nikko Lafre – "Guilty Of Dedication"
Many artists in the game are looking at quick fame rather than longevity in today’s industry but Nikko proves otherwise. Nikko returns today with 300 Entertainment by his side as he decides to not only unleash his debut visual as an artist but the debut audio off his highly anticipated project “Troubled Soul”. The Minnesota raised artist took his talents to South Beach last spring where he now resides and looks to take over. The artist makes his debut visual something special as he recruits a talented director in Payne Lindsey to create the eerie and dark new visual in which Nikko has a few major statements to make. The 20 year old star finesses the record with his signature flow over some profound production from in house producers K Beatz and Johnny Rain. Nikko Lafre looks to be a household name in 2015 and the way he is moving it seems as though he will surely get there.
Bobby Schmurda Talks Being In Protective Custody & Police Targeting Him For His Music (AUDIO)
(AllHipHop News) Currently incarcerated rapper Bobby Shmurda called into the Ebro In The Morning radio show to clear up some of the rumors and reports surrounding his current legal situation. The Brooklyn rhymer did confirm he is currently in protective custody.
[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda’s Lawyer Speaks On Epic Records Not Supporting The Incarcerated Rapper]
“They got me in protective custody inside the Manhattan building called ‘The Tombs,'” said Shmurda. “Court ordered – at first, me and Rowdy [Rebel] had stuck it out. We were in intake before they take you up. They had us sleeping in there for like two days. I was like, ‘My back’s starting to hurt. We’re going upstairs.'”
Bobby then revealed he and Rowdy got into an altercation which resulted in his rap partner being placed in solitary confinement. The leader of the GS9 label also discussed his treatment from the police on the night he was arrested.
“What [the public] is hearing about that night is bulls**t. It’s not true. The cops been trying to slay me forever, but they never catch me with nothing,” said Shmurda. “Four or five cops had grabbed me up. They told me, ‘I don’t want my kids listening to your music.'”
The conversation ended abruptly after Bobby made those comments. The radio station’s staff assumed the authorities cut the line.
[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda & GS9 Hit With 32 Additional Charges]
Listen to Bobby Shmurda’s interview below.
Iggy Azalea: Hip-Hop Doesn’t Give Me My Respect!
Iggy says a lot of “they” talk. That may be the issue. “They” I think she puts herself in an outsider space a lot more than she realizes. Hip-Hop is a community and a group…”we.” In this recent interview, Iggy sounds like she may be damn ready to retire from rap. She should not speak too much anymore, because it just makes things worse.
“They know, deep down. I think they know. They just don’t want to admit it. That’s what I think. I have a feeling. That’s why they’re mad. Because they do know that I actually am good, and they can’t really accept that. But we could be friends, and this could all be easy. Or we could not, and I could send Bitcoin s### chocolate boxes to your door. But I’m still going to be here.”
And for the record, there are a number of rappers that have said Iggy is dope.
FRESH HEAT – Pooca Leroy – "Re Up"
Will Smith Talks Recording 7-8 Tracks With Kanye West (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Watch out Jaden, your dad is looking to reclaim the title of best current rapper in the Smith household. The man that burst onto the music scene as The Fresh Prince over 25 years ago is back in the studio, and Will Smith recruited Kanye West to handle the production on a number of new tracks.
[ALSO READ: Is Jaden Smith A Better Rapper Than His Dad?]
“I’ve recorded a lot,” Smith told Hollyscoop. “I don’t have anything I like yet, but I’ve recorded seven or eight [songs]. It’s not for certain. It’s just explorative.”
Smith’s last full length album was 2005’s Lost & Found. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia native’s film career keeps rolling along. His latest movie Focus hits theaters February 27. Smith also has the sports drama Concussion and superhero flick Suicide Squad coming down the pike.
[ALSO READ: Will Smith Discusses Race Relations In America + Jaden & Willow Dealing With Criticism]
Watch Will Smith’s interview below.
Mike Epps Compares Kendrick Lamar To 2Pac + Talks Feud With Chris Rock (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Comedian Mike Epps made an unexpected cameo in the video for Kendrick Lamar’s “B***h, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Turns out the star of the comedy series Survivor’s Remorse has a good relationship with the entire TDE camp.
[ALSO READ: HEATER OF THE DAY: Kendrick Lamar – “The Blacker The Berry”]
Epps told Montreality he is good friends with the West Coast label’s boss Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. During the interview, Epps also shares his thoughts on Kendrick as an artist.
“I think he’s a great lyricist, and the dude is really ahead of his time,” said Epps. “I think he really represents this generation. He reminds me a lot of Pac. The way he puts together his lyrics, how he speaks about real life, and it’s gang related, street.”
The sit down included Epps discussing his supposed feud with fellow comic Chris Rock. Epps previously stated on The Tom Joyner Morning Show there was not one good comedian in Rock’s movie Top Five. He even questioned why Rock keeps getting film opportunities.
“They just caught me in a position where I was just having a good time. I was a little hungover. Tom Joyner tricked me, and I just said it,” Epps explained. “I’ve never seen Top Five, so I don’t know if it’s good or not. I was just throwing out a blow. But I got love for Chris Rock – lil skinny ass.”
[ALSO READ: J.B Smoove Responds To Mike Epps Saying There Wasn’t One Good Comedian In ‘Top Five’]
Watch Mike Epps’ interview below.
Wale's "The Album About Nothing" Listening Event
It’s a challenge sometimes to visit certain industry events when it’s 24 degrees outside but, for Wale, I braved the cold to make it up to Tom’s Restaurant in Harlem, NY. I spot a few of my peoples like Aqua Boogie (HipHop Wired), Jayson Rodriguez (Revolt TV), JP DelaCuesta (TMZ), Lowkey (You Heard That New), Ebro, Rosenberg, Miss Info (Hot 97), DJ Drama, and of course Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar) was hosting the nights festivities.
So the places is intimate but loaded with NYC industry, and the concept was very cool, order anything on the menu for an “open food” event. Great because AllHipHop’s Elijah and I came there hungry and left full. After we ate our fill, the timing was perfect because in comes a mob of Blue Moon jacket’s and Wale in the midst of the grand entrance. Also, Rick Ross walked in soon after to support his artist on this special listening event.
Wale walks around the entire venue and shakes everyone’s hands. An Atlantic rep introduces me to Wale and Wale interrupts him and says “Of course I know Steve.” Wale and I go back from the Breeding Ground days and The Next 48 Hours With Wale. I seen sides of Wale few people have seen, so I know his potential and I congratulate him on another dope album before I even hear this album, why … because this is Wale and he’s dope.
Here are some songs I had time to review:
“Girls on Drugs”
This song got a Janet Jackson clearance for the hook and throughout the song. The subject matter is direct and to the point, he raps about girls on drugs. Wale explains he played this the first day he saw Meek in Philly and the crowd went nuts over the track. Ross agreed that Wale’s had a hit on his hands and they needed to get this album completed.
“The Pessimist” Ft. J Cole
Starts of with power build up of lyrics with a matching beat that also gains momentum. Wale reminds us of how there is no love in various life instances like no love from racist cops toward innocent Black youth. The song reflects the negative life experience and a plea of being hopeless at the end of the song.
“Success”
On the flip side, this song takes back in time right before his first record deal when he sold mixtapes to the suburbs and pick up chics in the hood. From selling sneakers in the sneaker shop to a record deal, this covers that part of Wale’s life. He uses a slower melodic flow with a lot of delivery and flare in his lyrics. A dope choirs that sounds like a talented youth choir, brings the song together nicely. The drums really give it the his and lows you want from a song talking about success.
“The Helium Balloon”
Jerry Seinfeld talks about flying with your success/music. This song stress his lyrical ability along with the growth and extends his range with a bridge from a Reggae singer. Nice mix and Wale takes us to a new place with his repertoire.
“The Middle Finger”
Wale explains that he just went off on someone on Twitter and went into the “red room” and vented his frustration with Ross about Twitter trolls. Ross simply responded bay calling them “weirdos” and why he even gave a f###? Even Wale asked why he cares? So he explains that this song that this was hi medication to deal with the trolls and DJs that might talk slick that he doesn’t care. The flows works great with the beat and the message is clear.
“The Glass Egg”
Starts with a theatrical sound like something you might hear from American Gangster movie score but, Wale claims the track with his lyrics in combination for his flare full delivery. Solid song about friends.
“The God Smiles”
Wale also calls the song “illuminate” because that is what moons (referencing The Blue Moon) illuminates at night . The bass heavy track includes a sample of someone saying “God smiles” as a sample and Wale burst in with a slow semi-singing with a blend sharp precise lyrics and melodic slow singing. Great mix that shows more range and energy.
“White Shoes”
Song for the ladies. Wale inserts this uplifting song that reflected Wale circa 2007. Very melodic hook and positive track. Hip-Hop needs more of this music.
“The Matrimony” Ft. Usher
Seinfeld starts off with a skit as he talks about how a narrator can sneak up on you and make you a new person. wale admits he has the rapper talks about the lady lane and this song inspired him as a new scoop rapper that grew up on Ne-Yo’s and Usher’s of the time and this is how his matrimony would go for his future wife.
Wale thanked Ross from understanding doing a project about nothing. We all know he did The Mixtape About Nothing and More About Nothing mixtape. Wale says that he wanted to complete the trilogy and make this last part an actual album. I have to say, any rapper that can get Jerry Seinfeld on an mixtape AND album has some major clout. Wale knows this is a passion project and thanked Ross for believing in this project.
This album represents his life as a hungry artist reaching new horizons, this album is a glimpse back on his struggles and transition from regular guy trying to be a rap star to a star being a star. I’m a fan of Wale and I think he knocked it out the park on this album, successful in scope and lyrics on this preliminary listen, I give this a 9 out of 10.