Hip-Hop
Kevin Gates Drops New Single “Plug Daughter 2”: Stream
Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six more weeks of winter, but Kevin Gates couldn’t care less. The Louisiana rapper just surprise released a new single called “Plug Daughter 2” and an accompanying music video that sees him soaking up the sun in Puerto Rico. It’s a welcome dose of vitamin D, and you can stream it below. Lyrically, “Plug Daughter 2” sees Gates detailing a tumultuous love affair, but the music itself couldn’t sound happier. Over a breezy beat, Gates’ vocals echo atop a nimble keyboard melody and faded backing vocals that harmonize rather sweetly. It’s mellow but driven — the exact type of progression Gates has been capitalizing on as of late. In the music video, Gates wanders through gorgeous landscapes in Puerto Rico. Lucious trees and vibrant greens surround him while he...
Kranium Brings ‘Toxic’ Vibes Ahead of Valentine’s Day With His New EP: Stream
Dancehall star Kranium looks to warm up listeners ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend with his five-track EP Toxic. After garnering success with his breezy single “Gal Policy,” Kranium clocked in another lively record last month with “Block Traffic.” Shot in Jamaica, the cinematic visual showcases Kranium’s smooth swagger when interacting with the apple of his eye. “Toxic is a five-song body of work,” he tells Billboard. The EP isn’t a traditional dancehall project. It’s more melodic. I leaned more into the rhythmic zone with this one — more into the ‘Melody God’ in me.” You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It...
Haviah Mighty Pops Off on New Song “Obeah”: Stream
Haviah MIghty is wary of dark energies on her new song “Obeah”. The 2019 Polaris Prize winner is one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop today, equally comfortable with windows-down bangers and mind-bending conscious raps. With “Obeah”, she’s found a new twist on an old standard, channeling her Jamaican heritage to find an original slant on the “Watch who you surround yourself with,” song. The concept of Obeah doesn’t translate easily to outsiders, but it’s generally understood to involve a kind of magic or supernatural energy. As Mighty explained in a statement, “I’ve navigated life off the strength of my parents’ teachings, and one of those notable teachings is to be mindful of the company you keep and of those you call your friends. Being of Caribbean descent, I’ve heard many stories...
FX’s Hip Hop Uncovered Is a Powerful Watch: Review
The Pitch: Far too often, the history of hip-hop is condensed to make its origins more palatable for younger fans. Black folks in New York — downtrodden by systems that perpetuated poverty, racism, and police brutality — pioneered a form of creative expression meant to give a platform to their pain. However, FX’s Hip Hop Uncovered explores the genre’s complexity. More importantly, it analyzes rap music in a sociopolitical context. From slavery to the destruction of Black Wall Street to the war on drugs to the Black Lives Matter movement, Hip Hop Uncovered reminds viewers of the brutal American history that has always worked to violate and abuse Black people. It also demystifies some of rap’s most prominent figures who were pivotal in the careers of artists like Nipsey Hussle, Nicki Minaj, ...
Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, and Doja Cat Have a Luxe Hotel Night in the “34+35 (Remix)” Video: Watch
This is the way the pop music world learned what a Baked Alaska is. Ariana Grande has shared a music video for her “34+35 (Remix)” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat, and you can watch it below. The clip finds the trio of big name talents having a luxury girls lingerie night in a crazy luxe hotel. Yes, the song is all about getting raunchy with a lover, but it’s cool to just feel sexy with your fellow Hot Girls too! Especially when you can buzz down to the front desk through an intercom and order up some grub without even putting on a towel. In between lounging by the pool and taking some home video, this is exactly what Grande does. She calls up for some champagne and french fries, and then at the end of the clip is disappointed to learn the kitchen is out of Baked Alask...
Run the Jewels Fulfill Destiny, Get Quoted During Trump’s Impeachment Trial
The January 6th Capitol insurrection was an unholy calamafuck that resulted in an unprecedented second impeachment of Donald Trump. Those hoping to convict face an uphill battle, but if nothing else comes of it, the trial at least allowed Run the Jewels to fulfill their destiny. On February 10th, Rep. Stacey Plaskett quoted the lyrics “Truth is truth, whether denied or not,” entering the RTJ2 song “Early” into the official Congressional Record to make the case that — to summarize — Trump is guilty as fuck. Plaskett is a representative of the US Virgin Islands, and she made a bit of history herself when she became the first non-voting delegate to join a team of House impeachment managers. On February 10th, she addressed Congress and opened with a quote from Wu-Tang maestro GZA. “T...
slowthai Shares New Song “CANCELLED” Featuring Skepta: Stream
Later this week, slowthai will finally unveil his sophomore album TYRON, which is one of our most anticipated projects of the year. As one last preview before it drops, the UK rapper has shared a song from the record called “CANCELLED” that features fellow British MC Skepta. slowthai is no stranger to transgressive behavior, and as the title suggests, this track is all about reveling in disorderly conduct that the public might frown upon. “I ain’t an actor, fuck the Oscars, main stage in my boxers/ Thousand grams, fuck the Grammys, same-same for the shoppers,” are the opening lines to slowthai’s short yet piercing verse. Skepta handles the hook, starting with chest-puffing braggadocio — “How you gonna cancel me?/ Twenty awards on the mantelpiece/ Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury/ Girls in...
Judas and the Black Messiah Soundtrack Features JAY-Z, Nipsey Hussle, NAS, ASAP Rocky, More
Nipsey Hussle, JAY-Z (photo by Amy Price), Nas (Ben Kaye), and ASAP Rocky (Kimberley Ross) Judas and the Black Messiah officially arrives later this week, but the Shaka King film has already drawn rave reviews, including being named on of the Top 10 Movies of 2020 by the National Board of Review. The soundtrack is shaping up to be a blockbuster in its own right — Rapsody and others shared the tracklist on social media, and it boasts the first collaboration between JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle, as well as NAS, ASAP Rocky, and more. The movie concerns Fred Hampton, a leader in the Black Panther movement who was betrayed by fellow panther William O’Neal and then assassinated in his sleep by the FBI on December 4th, 1969. It’s produced by Ryan Coogler and stars Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanf...
YFN Lucci Released From Jail on $500,000 Bond, Strict Conditions
Lucci is currently out after being granted bail, with strict conditions attached. In a statement from Lucci’s lawyer, his reps negotiated with the prosecution a $500,000 bond which was finalized this morning (Jan. 8), ahead of a bond motion on Tuesday. Bennett was released shortly before 4pm. The bond conditions include that he must surrender his passport and wear a GPS ankle monitor, his lawyer explains. The next court date has yet to be set. The state “will have to present the case to a grand jury if they so choose,” attorney Drew Findling tells Billboard via email. In January, a video announcement from Atlanta PD confirmed that Lucci faces the charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity as well as posses...
Mary Wilson, Original Supremes Member, Dies at 76
After The Supremes disbanded in 1977, Wilson continued on as a solo artist. She was rarely far from the spotlight. In 2019, she competed in Dancing With The Stars and published Supreme Glamour, her fourth book. Outside of music, she threw her energies into numerous social and civic causes. Jan. 21 of this year marked the 60th anniversary of the day The Supremes signed with Motown in 1961. Wilson was front and center in the celebrations. The legendary artist never gave up hope of getting the band back together, in the right circumstances. “Well, let’s put it this way: It’s really up to Diana,” she told THR in January. “I don’t think she wants to do that. It doesn’t make sense unless you come together lovingly. Or at least have an understanding. It can be an understanding, that’s ...
Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., and Maluma Talk Memorable 2021 Super Bowl Moments: Watch
Notably, Sullivan and Church’s performance marked the first Super Bowl duet in over a decade. H.E.R. also shined with her rocking rendition of “America The Beautiful.” “I was super nervous but I wanted to bring my flavor to it,” the Grammy winner said. “To be alongside someone like Jazmine, for two black women to be up there, was a powerful message.” Though he was not physically present at the 2021 Super Bowl, Maluma was also spotted as part of Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl LV commercial. “I’m in Miami. That was one of my biggest dreams to be at the Super Bowl and I understand, The Weeknd had to do his thing and the whole show was on fire but of course, I wanted to be there,” the Colombian artist said. “I wanted to perform [the] ‘Hawai’ remix, I’m not gonna lie.” He continued: “I would love ...
Drake Stars in New State Farm Super Bowl Commercial With Paul Rudd & Patrick Mahomes: Watch
When you thought Jake from State Farm was a one-person show, he has a starry stand-in: Drake. In a new Super Bowl commercial, NFL superstars Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes and actors Paul Rudd and Adrian Martinez trade jabs about being each other’s on-air replacements. After Mahomes and Rodgers scoff at their lousy fill-ins — Rudd and Martinez, respectively — Jake quips about Drizzy serving as his second-stringer. Decked out in a red State Farm polo, Drake comically tries to mimic Jake’s famous jingle while at the snack table. Unfortunately for him, he struggles mightily and then allows the State Farm honcho to takeover. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with givin...
