Kendrick Lamar has reached yet another milestone following his Super Bowl performance: he has become the first rap act ever to have three albums in the top 10 of the Billboard album chart at the same time.
On the Billboard 200 chart dated February 22 (which reflects sales during the week ending February 13), the outlet reported on Sunday (February 16), K.Dot’s latest, GNX, will return to the number one slot. His 2017 release DAMN will be at number nine, while 2012’s good kid, m.A.A.d city will be at 10.
Lamar is the first living male artist to have a trio of albums in the chart’s top 10 since Herb Alpert in 1966. The most recent artist to hit the mark was, unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift, who actually had five simultaneous albums in the top 10 in 2023. In the immediate aftermath of Prince‘s 2016 death, he had three albums in the top 10, and then five the following week.
In this most recent charting week, Kendrick’s GNX moved 236,000 equivalent album units, while DAMN moved 39,000 and good kid did 37,000.
The rapper’s post-Super Bowl wins continued when “Not Like Us” received the Saturday Night Live treatment thanks to Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer.
During the sketch comedy show’s 50th anniversary special this past weekend, Ferrell and Gasteyer reprised their classic roles as music teachers Marty and Bobbi Culp to cover a host of modern hits.
On Tuesday (Jan. 21), Ye shared a post on Instagram, which provides an update on the album his 11-year-old daughter North announced last year. The post, which can be seen below, shows a black-and-white image of North sitting in a chair next to a keyboard.
“This little girl made me love music again,” Ye captioned the candid photo. “She asked me to make beats for her I got back on the ASR Chopped up beats for her album and chopped every beats with my bare hand for BULLY.”
North West Preps Elementary School Dropout Album
North made her rapping debut on the Vultures 1 track “Talking / Once Again.” She first announced she would be following in her father’s footsteps and releasing a rap album almost a year ago during a Vultures 2 listening event at the Footprint Center in Phoenix last March. “I’ve been working on an album,” North told concertgoers. “And it’s called Elementary School Dropout.”
The title of the new album is obviously a callback to Ye debut LP The College Dropout, which was released in 2004.
Ye is currently working on his own solo album titled Bully. He has been teasing the project since last September. The project, which Ye has been working on in Tokyo, Japan, will reportedly be an entirely solo LP with Ye handling all production duties. It will be the first officially released solo album from Ye since 2021’s Donda. There has been no release date given for the forthcoming album but it appears to be coming sooner than later.
Recorded between 2013 and 2014, the 14-track project, released Friday (January 16), follows 2020’s Circles.
SZA, who features on “DJ’s Chord Organ,” took to social media shortly after Balloonerism dropped to pay tribute to Mac Miller.
“I love my friend I miss my friend,” she wrote. “Grateful he saw something in me before most and treated me w love from day 1 . Wish he could see how right ab everything he truly was . Please go stream Balloonerism RIGHT NOW.”
The album dropped alongside an animated short film directed by Samuel Jerome Mason. The film was screened at selected cinemas before the project’s release and is also available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Mac Miller’s estate announced Balloonerism last November. They note the album is, a “project that was of great importance to Malcolm – to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly, though ultimately ‘GO:OD AM’ [2015] and subsequent albums ended up taking precedence.”
They continued: “We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist. Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing ‘Balloonerism’ was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”
Balloonerism is already receiving rave reviews on social media and began trending No.1 on X (Twitter) shortly after it dropped. Stream the album below and check out some of the reactions at the end of the page.
The Weeknd is planning to retire his stage name after the release of his forthcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, but fear not – he will still continue to make music.
In a new interview with Variety published on Friday (January 10), the superstar singer admitted that ‘The Weeknd’ is more of a persona that he no longer identifies with.
“[I am closing the chapter] on my existence as the Weeknd,” he said. “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for. I feel like it comes with so much… You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards and more No. 1s. It never ends until you end it.”
He noted that the 2022 moment when he lost his voice at his Los Angeles concert and had to reschedule just moments after the show began also played a role.
“Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party — you can end it now and live a happy life.’ You know? Put the bow on it: ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’? Now we’re here. When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak? Once you understand who I am too much, then it’s time to pivot.”
He’s clear that he’s not quitting music, though.
“I don’t think I can stop doing that,” he added. “But everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now. I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge.
“But I just want to know what comes after,” he concluded. “I want to know what tomorrow looks like.”
The singer has been hinting at the name retirement for some time.
While the Chicago rapper has announced public listening events, titled Writings on the Wall, across the U.S., Juvie got his own special preview of the highly-anticipated project in his hometown of New Orleans.
The Cash Money legend was impressed by both the music itself and the audio-visual experience of the listening event, calling them “amazing.”
In a video posted on Chance’s Instagram, he gushed: “This shit is one of the greatest experiences. First of all, the music is so touching, right? But this technology is so great. You can feel that shit in your body.
“Then you’re seeing the words and you got the headphones [on] listening to the music. It’s like a sing-a-long song, right? When you get to the next hook, you should know the words. This shit is amazing.”
Another clip shows Juvenile listening to Star Line with glow-in-the-dark headphones on and saying: “Wow… Chance, this is fucking amazing” while applauding.
Chano added in the caption:”Had to give my guy @juviethegreat a lil private listening between the NOLA #writingsonthewall sessions.
“I wanna thank the good folks over there at @studio_be_ especially @bmike2c for collaborating in such a meaningful way and bringing Juvie and @pjmorton thru. Cant wait for the next one y’all.”
Chance The Rapper has been teasing Star Line for a while, sharing a video earlier this year that hinted at features from the likes of Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Jermaine Dupri, T-Pain, Jazze Pha and Vic Mensa.
He also worked with the legendary DJ Premier on the recent single “Together,” which found him calling for housing justice in his native Chicago.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, LL COOL J, has announced his 14th studio album, The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).
Set for release on September 6th via Def Jam Recordings / Virgin Music Group, the highly anticipated 14-track album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Saweetie, Snoop Dogg, Don Pablito, J-S.A.N.D., Mad Squablz, and Sona Jobarteh.
The FORCE, LL’s first new album in over a decade, is a powerful testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. Produced entirely by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, the album showcases LL’s renewed vigor and lyrical prowess. The Queens emcee describes the creation process as “learning how to rap again,” resulting in a record that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in Hip-Hop tradition.
“It’s like a director going back to film school after he’s had blockbusters,” LL says, or “Denzel going back to acting class.”
This album explores various themes, from racial injustice and law enforcement abuses to the effects of the pandemic, isolation, and LL’s legacy in the Hip-Hop canon. With sharp writing and dynamic vocals, “The The FORCE blends serious topical content and energetic, fun tracks, demonstrating LL COOL J’s continued relevance and creativity.
“We’re talking 14 tracks of straight fire, all crafted by myself and the one and only Q-Tip,” LL said. “When you listen to this album, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a whole new vibe, a whole new level of artistic passion.”
The FORCE is set to inspire and challenge the genre, offering a new direction for Hip-Hop while celebrating its rich history. Fans can look forward to a modern, thought-provoking album that reaffirms LL COOL J’s place as a Hip-Hop legend.
Previously, LL COOL J triumphantly returned to music with his new single “Saturday Night Special” featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe. Released via Def Jam Recordings and Virgin Music Group, the track marks LL’s comeback after a decade-long hiatus.
The new single, produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Q-Tip, kicks off with an innovative sonic approach. LL COOL J, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe navigate the track with lyrical finesse, depicting life’s harsh realities, intricate dynamics, and the code of ethics governing it. Named after the revolver class “Saturday Night Special,” the song explores key players in the hustle, such as the “greedy killer” who reacts violently to disrespect and the “daredevil type” who seeks attention. Emphasizing self-preservation and strategic interaction, the song’s core message revolves around trust and reciprocity in the hustle.
The minimalist, black-and-white music video, directed by JakeTheShooter with creative direction from HiHat, brings the hustler anthem to life. Shot in Miami, Florida, the video features LL, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross performing together.
“‘Saturday Night Special’ is just the beginning,” LL said. “There’s a lot more where this came from, and I’m hype for y’all to hear this new record. We’re doing this for the fans and for Hip-Hop culture.”
You can see the tracklist below.
1. Spirit of Cyrus (Featuring Snoop Dogg)
2. The FORCE
3. Saturday Night Special (Featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe)
4. Black Code Suite (Featuring Sona Jobarteh)
5. Passion
6. Proclivities (Featuring Saweetie)
7. Post Modern
8. 30 Decembers
9. Runnit Back
10. Huey In Da Chair (Featuring Busta Rhymes)
11. Basquiat Energy
12. Praise Him (Featuring Nas)
13. Murdergram Deux (Featuring Eminem)
14. The Vow (Featuring Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D., and Don Pablito)
The trio of Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel and Lauryn Hill are supposedly in the studio cooking up their first project since their seven times platinum smashThe Score, according to a story from The New York Post that ran on Friday (June 28).
The news was shared with the newspaper by an anonymous inside source.
The Post also mentioned that Wyclef teased a potential new album back in November, noting that, as he put it in an old song: “Anything can happen.”
It was earlier this week that Lauryn Hill announced she would be bringing her son YG Marley along for her tour with The Fugees.
The New Jersey legend announced the ‘The Celebration Continues Tour’ in an Instagram post, which will extend last year’s 25-year anniversary celebration of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Set to kick off on August 9 in Tampa, Florida, the 22-date trek will make its way through the United States before heading to Europe in October, where it will conclude in Amsterdam.
Attendees at this year’s Coachella festival got a sample of what Hill’s forthcoming tour will feel like, as she surprised the crowd at the first weekend when she popped into YG Marley’s set and brought Wyclef Jean out as well.
Roughly 15 minutes into the Marley heir’s set, his mother joined in and ran through a number of her solo hits before performing some Fugees hits with Clef.
“Ex-Factor,” “Lost Ones,” “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not” and “Fu-Gee-La” all made it to the setlist, with YG filling in for Pras‘ parts on “Ready or Not.” Later in the set, they also brought out Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star.
Eminem signals the disappearance of his rap career with the aptly titled new song “Houdini.” The superstar lyricist also plays a superhero named Rapboy in the accompanying comical video featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
Eminem Officially Kicks Off His New Album With “Houdini”
Over the last month, Eminem has been teasing the release of his forthcoming 12th album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). Today (May 31), the Detroit MC debuts “Houdini,” the first single from the project. The Em and Luis Resto-produced track is named after famed escape artist Harry Houdini and samples Steve Miller Band’s 1982 chart-topping hit “Abracadabra.” While the goal may be to off Slim Shady, this new effort sure sounds like the music coming from Marshall Mathers’ alter ego of the 1990s.
“Houdini” finds Em serving up some questionable lyrics regarding Megan Thee Stallion being shot by Tory Lanez (“If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me/Would I really have a shot at a feat? I don’t know, but I’m glad to be, back like…”), addressing his own past drug use (“Now, back in the days of old me/When right around the time I became a dope fiend/Ate some codeine, as a way of copin’, taste of opiates, case of O.E. (Mmm)/Turned me into a smiley face emoji”) and detailing the gender identity of his cat (“My transgender cat’s Siamese, identifies as Black, but acts Chinese”).
In the accompanying music video, Em plays superhero Rapboy who battles an evil Slim Shady. The old Slim time travels from 1999 to 2024 to wreak havoc on the city of Detroit. Dr. Dre co-stars in the visual, which features cameos from 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Royce 5’9″, The Alchemist, Boogie and more.
Marshall Mathers called on prominent magician David Blaine earlier this week to assist with his rollout plan for the new track. Em and Blaine were on FaceTime together discussing how the rapper could make his career disappear. The moment, captured in a promo trailer, ended with Blaine eating a wine glass.
Why Does Eminem Want to Vanish?
As Eminem prepares to drop what seems to be the final project of his more than 35-year career, the question remains why is he trying to vanish? The self-proclaimed “Rap God” has been lyrically annihilating the competition for over three decades. With 10 No. 1 albums in his career, from The Marshall Mathers LP to Music to Be Murdered By, and plenty of pivotal accolades to show for his lengthy run in the game, the chart-topping artist may be bowing out of the game once The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) arrives. He’s already featured an obituary for Slim in a Detroit newspaper. Could he be retiring or is he just trying to kill off his old alter ego? Stans are waiting for some clear answers.
Take a look as Rapboy beats up Slim Shady in the video for “Houdini” below.
Kanye West looked to the past as he plotted a tour for his Vultures album trilogy. According to Billboard, Ye rehired his former manager John Monopoly.
Monopoly returned to the managerial role more than a decade after parting ways with Ye. The move gave Kanye a manager for the first time since 2018.
Kanye reunited with Monopoly amid efforts to arrange a world tour. Live Nation and AEG reportedly will not be involved in Kanye’s tour despite the success of his Vultures album listening parties. Ye remained a toxic figure in the music industry due to his antisemitism and other offensive remarks, which led to multiple brands cutting ties with him.
Controversy did not stop Kanye’s loyal fans from supporting him. Ye and Ty Dolla $ign’s single “Carnival” made it to No. 1 on the latest Hot 100 chart. The track became Kanye’s first No. 1 song in more than 12 years.
Ye last reached the top of the Hot 100 with his Katy Perry collaboration “E.T.” in 2011. “Carnival” marked the fifth No. 1 song of his career. His other No. 1 hits were “Stronger,” “Gold Digger” and Twista’s “Slow Jamz.”
The Texas native revealed the tracklist with a callback to the 2000s as he shared a picture of a blank CD that had the songs written on it. Alongside the aforementioned names, Slim Thug, Moneybagg Yo, Fredo Bang and Z-RO are also among the featured guests.
“YU READY??” OT asked fans in the caption, while revealing the effort is due out this Friday (March 1).
In a whirlwind year, 2024 DX Rising Star That Mexican OT skyrocketed to fame with his smash hit “Johnny Dang,” paying homage to the famed Houston jeweler to the stars. The summer anthem — which also features Johnny’s business partner Paul Wall — not only graced the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 11 weeks but also earned a RIAA gold certification.
