Tag: hip hop

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THE WEEKND SURPASSES DRAKE ON LIST OF SPOTIFY’S MOST STREAMED SONGS OF ALL TIME

the-weeknd-surpasses-drake-on-spotify-list-of-most-streamed-songs-all-time

The Weeknd and Drake are often compared to one another as two dominant forces in the music industry hailing from Canada.

Source: HipHopDX

Abel got the best of Drizzy in this round to close out 2023, as his hit single “Starboy” surpassed Drake’s “One Dance” on the Spotify all-time charts.

Per Pop Crave, “Starboy” slid into sixth place on the list of the most-streamed songs on Spotify ever, with over 2.9 billion streams to push Drake’s bop one spot lower.

Drake and The Weeknd were also back-to-back when Spotify revealed its top streaming artists for 2023 last month with Abel taking the No. 3 spot — despite not having dropped an album in 2023 — and the 6 God right behind him at No. 4 with over 11 billion streams.

Drake took home plenty of hardware and accolades as well after another busy year with the release of his eighth studio album, For All The Dogs.

Drizzy won Spotify’s Hip Hop 2023 MVP honors over the likes of Metro Boomin, Lil Baby, 21 Savage and more in what appears to be a fan-voted award.

“The people have spoken. 2023’s #AllRapCaviar MVP is Drake,” RapCaviar‘s Instagram captioned a post to close out July.

Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss also wears the Spotify streaming collab crown as the 2022 joint project hit 2.7 billion streams in November, surpassing Watch The Throne‘s previous record of 2.6 billion.

The first joint album between the Toronto and Atlanta natives received mixed reviews upon release but was a commercial success, moving over 400,000 units in its first week of sales.

In the year since, the album has been certified double platinum by the RIAA and is nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Read more: https://hiphopdx.com/news/the-weeknd-drake-spotify-songs-streams

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Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” Album On Pace For No. 1 Billboard 200 Debut

Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” Album On Pace For No. 1 Billboard 200 Debut

Nicki Minaj is set to hit a new career milestone based on the first-week sales projections for Pink Friday 2.

Source: AllHipHop

According to projections from Hits Daily Double, Minaj is headed for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, with nearly 200,000 total album-equivalent units moved in its opening week. It serves as one of the largest debuts of Minaj’s career. The last time she did similar numbers was in 2014 upon the release of her fan-favorite album, The Pink Print.

PF2 has spent five days at the top spot on Apple Music’s worldwide albums chart and six of the songs from the set, including “Needle” featuring Drake and the J. Cole-assisted “Let Me Calm Down,” appeared on Spotify’s Top Songs Debut chart dated December 8-10.

Minaj has also egged on the hype surrounding the project by promising fans additional versions of PF2 in the coming weeks. In a tweet replying to a fan on Twitter (X), Minaj told the user there will be more than one “deluxe” version of the LP while hinting at yet another surprise guest feature.

“Y’all def getting 3 more don’t get on my nerves,” Minaj wrote in part. “And y’all will only get that final #GagCity complete package with y’all friend y’all been asking for IF & WHEN y’all gag the live chi. As for today & tmrw tho…We will certainly roll out the pink carpet for our visitors.”

Listen to Preview Now on Spotify:

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Every J Cole Feature Verse This Year Ranked

Every J Cole Feature Verse This Year Ranked

Even though he did not release a new album this year, J. Cole has still managed to drop some fire feature verses.

Source: XXLMag

From his appearance on Lil Durk’s uplifting anthem “All My Life” to his thoughtful lyrics on Summer Walker’s “To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug,” the North Carolina rhymer always seems to remind us why he’s one of the best in the game.

Arguably, J. Cole’s most talked-about verse was on Drake’s abrasive track “First Person Shooter” on his For All the Dogs album. On the song, Cole addresses rumors that he has beef with YoungBoy Never Broke Again. During his verse, the Dreamville leader tells his fans not to believe everything they read online. He seems to be addressing recent rumors that he dissed NBA YoungBoy on Lil Yachty’s “The Secret Recipe,” which he is featured on.

“I still wanna get me a song with YB, can’t trust everything that you saw on IG,” he spits. “Just know if I diss you I make sure you know that I hit you like I’m on your caller I.D.”

Near the end of the song, J. Cole boasts that he’s the greatest, rapping, “When I show up, it’s motion picture blockbuster/The G.O.A.T. with the golden pen, the top toucher/The spot rusher/Sprayed his whole s**t up, the crop duster/Not Russia, but apply pressure.”

So with J. Cole having a phenomenal year with his lyrical appearances, XXL decided to rank his feature verses this year. Check it out below.

9
“Let Me Calm Down”
Nicki Minaj featuring J. Cole
Nicki Minaj – Let Me Calm Down (feat. J. Cole) [Official Audio]

8
“There I Go”
Gucci Mane featuring J. Cole and Mike WiLL Made-It
Gucci Mane – There I Go (feat. J. Cole & Mike WiLL Made-It) [Official Music Video]

7
“Passport Bros”
Bas featuring J. Cole
Bas – Passport Bros (with J. Cole) (Official Music Video) ft. J. Cole

6
“To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug”
Summer Walker featuring J. Cole
To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug [Lyric Video]

5
“On the Street”
J-Hope featuring J. Cole
j-hope ‘on the street (with J. Cole)’ Official MV

For the full list, go to https://www.xxlmag.com/j-cole-feature-verse-2023-ranked/

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Ice Spice’s 2023 Takeover Continues With R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie Of The Year Title

Ice Spice’s 2023 Takeover Continues With R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie Of The Year Title

Ice Spice became a breakout star over the last 15 months. Following the release of her “Munch (Feelin’ U)” single in August 2022, the 23-year-old newcomer quickly rose up the music ranks.

Source: AllHipHop

This year saw Ice Spice score multiple Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. As a result, Billboard has named Ice Spice as the outlet’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie Of The Year.

“I have put in so much hard work, and it means a lot to be recognized for it and have more than just plaques to show for it,” Spice told the long-running music magazine.

Ice Spice started 2023 by linking up with British singer PinkPantheress for the “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” collaboration, which peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100.

Ice Spice also connected with rap superstar Nicki Minaj for two songs this year. Both “Princess Diana” (No. 4) and “Barbie World” (No. 7) made it into the Hot 100’s Top 10.

Taylor Swift embraced the rap upstart as well. The 12x-Grammy Award winner tapped Spice for “Karma,” which just missed the top spot on the Hot 100, landing at No. 2.

The Like..? EP rapper has the chance to pick up four Grammys at the February 2024 ceremony: Best New Artist, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Rap Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Billboard also released its Top New Artists year-end chart. Ice Spice placed at No. 4 behind country singer Zach Bryan (No. 1), Latin singer Peso Pluma (No. 2) and country singer Bailey Zimmerman (No. 3).

Ice Spice also finished at No. 5 on 2023’s Hot 100 Artists – Female chart. R&B vocalist SZA led that list. Taylor Swift (No. 2), Miley Cyrus (No. 3) and Olivia Rodrigo (No. 4) rounded out the rest of the Top 5.

Read more at https://allhiphop.com/news/ice-spice-named-rb-hip-hop-rookie-of-the-year-for-2023

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NICKI MINAJ, LIL UZI VERT & POST MALONE TO HEADLINE ROLLING LOUD CALIFORNIA 2024

NICKI MINAJ, LIL UZI VERT & POST MALONE TO HEADLINE ROLLING LOUD CALIFORNIA 2024

Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert and Post Malone have been announced as headliners at Rolling Loud California this coming spring.

Source: HipHopDX

On Tuesday (November 14), the three-day festival series shared the lineup for its West Coast chapter. Scheduled to take place from March 15–17 at the Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, the roster for next year is packed with all-stars.

In addition to the aforementioned headliners, the event will feature heavyweights such as Big Sean, Don Toliver, YG & Tyga, Summer Walker and Sexyy Red, among countless others. Additionally, one of the late-evening spots on Saturday has been blurred out, and will most-likely be a last-minute surprise reveal.

Check out the full lineup below:

Earlier this year, Lil Wayne brought out Young Money alum Nicki Minaj during his headlining set at Rolling Loud in Los Angeles.

Weezy went through a slew of his classic singles and legendary guest verses before bringing the rap superstar on stage to accompany him. Together, they played “Bedrock,” “High School” and “Truffle Butter” during the one-hour set.

While performing her new Lumidee-influenced single, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” the 40-year-old rapper started experiencing technical difficulties in her in-ear monitors. She elaborated on the sound issues in a video posted on Rolling Loud’s Twitter account.

Read more at https://hiphopdx.com/news/nicki-minaj-lil-uzi-vert-post-malone-rolling-loud-ca-2024

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A TRIBE CALLED QUEST CELEBRATE ‘MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS’ 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW MERCH

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST CELEBRATE 'MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS' 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW MERCH

A Tribe Called Quest are among the most influential Hip Hop groups of all time, and as their career-defining third LP turns 30 years old, they’ve released a new line of products to commemorate its legacy.

Source: HipHopDX

Midnight Marauders was released on November 9, 1993. Three decades later, its impact persists and continues to inspire younger generations within the culture and beyond. To celebrate the album’s enduring presence, beatmaker and wordsmith Q-Tip has announced a new merchandise line that is now available on the ATCQ website.

The new collection comprises jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps and tapestries, among other items.

Chuck D of Public Enemy, Pharoah Monch of Organized Konfusion, Statik Selektah, Kid Capri and DJ Khalil were some of the Hip Hop OGs who hopped in the comment section of the Abstract’s Instagram post to show some love, which you can check out below.

A Tribe Called Quest’s significance is disputed by few, which is why the four-piece not receiving their due credit rubs a lot of people the wrong way. To this point, Consequence wasn’t happy when they were snubbed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The 2023 inductees were announced in early May, with the iconic rap entity not making the cut for a second year running. Cons, a longtime Tribe affiliate, shared his unfiltered feelings about the omission during an interview with TMZ.

“What we not gon’ do is keep subjugating that name, A Tribe Called Quest, to a white popularity contest, and having them in there as the token n-ggas pick,” he said. “We gon’ stop that.”

Read more at https://hiphopdx.com/news/tribe-called-quest-midnight-marauders-30th-anniversary-merch

 

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DJ Jazzy Jeff & “The Fresh Prince” Will Smith To Reunite For Grammy’s Hip-Hop 50 TV Special

DJ Jazzy Jeff & “The Fresh Prince” Will Smith To Reunite For Grammy’s Hip-Hop 50 TV Special

Will Smith will not be able to attend the Academy Awards’ Oscar ceremony until at least 2032, but the legendary actor/rapper will be part of a televised music event presented by the Recording Academy.

Source: AllHipHop

“A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop” will help close out the year-long celebration of the culture. Will Smith (aka The Fresh Prince) will reunite with his longtime entertainment industry partner DJ Jazzy Jeff for the show.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince will join Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL COOL J, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke and Yo-Yo.

In addition, viewers will get to see performances by 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Juvenile, Three 6 Mafia, Cypress Hill, Jeezy, DJ Quik, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, Warren G, YG, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, Spinderella, Black Sheep and Luniz.

Prior to becoming a Hollywood legend, Will Smith became a Grammy-winning recording artist as one-half of the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince duo. The two Philadelphia natives created classic rap hits such as “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.”

For more information, visit: https://allhiphop.com/news/will-smith-fresh-prince-jazzy-jeff-grammy-50-years-hip-hop/

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50 CENT GETS ‘RAISING KANAN’ FANS READY FOR SEASON 3 WITH NEW TRAILER

50 CENT GETS ‘RAISING KANAN’ FANS READY FOR SEASON 3 WITH NEW TRAILER

50 Cent‘s Power Book III: Raising Kanan will be returning before the end of the year and STARZ has upped the hype train with an exhilarating new trailer for Season 3.

Source: HipHopDX

On Thursday (October 26), the G-Unit mogul took to Instagram to unleash the teaser for the upcoming season ahead of its December return.

“So [shocked face emoji] I have the best tour and the best shows? How ya feel about it [Shrug emoji],” 50 captioned his post, also making reference to his huge Final Lap World Tour, which is currently going on in Europe.

In the new trailer, Kanan Stark (Mekhi Curtis) can’t get enough of the street life his mother warned him about and looks to continue the family business and become one of the biggest hustlers in Queens.

There’s an old adage that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” and it looks like Raquel (Patina Miller), whose back is against the wall, has decided to team up with former rival Unique (Joey Bada$$) now that he’s out of prison and back on the streets.

Set to debut on STARZ on December 1, check out the trailer for Raising Kanan Season 3 below:

According to STARZ, the family is left to pick the pieces up and exact revenge after the mob coordinated attack on Raquel, Marvin and Lou Lou in the third season of Raising Kanan.

“They won’t all be able to complete this intensely personal quest, but for those who do, the destination may reveal the most terrifying secret of all,” STARZ wrote in a synopsis. “There is no right and wrong or good and evil. There are no absolutes. In the end, there’s just you.

Omar Epps is back as Detective Howard and Tony Danza is set to join the cast for Season 3 as Stefano Marchetti.

Meanwhile, Season 2 of Joseph Sikora’s (Tommy Egan) spin-off, Power Book IV: Force is currently airing on STARZ which will lead directly into Raising Kanan in December so Power fans will have plenty to watch the rest of 2023.

Read more at https://hiphopdx.com/news/50-cent-season-3-raising-kanan-trailer-watch

 

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KANYE WEST & TY DOLLA $IGN TO REPORTEDLY DEBUT JOINT ALBUM AT MASSIVE ITALY CONCERT

KANYE WEST & TY DOLLA $IGN TO REPORTEDLY DEBUT JOINT ALBUM AT MASSIVE ITALY CONCERT

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are reportedly close to releasing a joint album together, and are looking to unveil it at a huge concert in Italy later this month.

Source: HipHopDX

According to Billboard, the Chicago rap icon and California crooner are planning to perform the as-yet-untitled project for the very first time at an undisclosed location on October 27.

Previous reports suggested that the event could be held at RCF Arena (formerly known as Campovolo), an outdoor music venue in the northern city of Reggio Emilia that can hold up to 100,000 people.

It’s also possible that tickets may go on sale in the coming days, although this has yet to be confirmed. When (or even if) the album will be released on streaming services is also unclear.

If it gets the go-ahead, the concert will continue Ye’s trend of stadium-status album rollouts following his The Life of Pablo premiere at NYC’s Madison Square Garden in 2016 and Donda listening parties at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2021.

News of a Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign album first surfaced earlier this month when new music from the duo was debuted during a “private listening party” in Italy. The latter also played an unreleased song at a nightclub in Geneva, Switzerland.

It was later reported that the collaborative project was due to be released on October 13, but it is now expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Ye and Ty are said to be currently shopping for a company to partner with to distribute the album.

For more information: https://hiphopdx.com/news/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-album-italy-concert

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Drake Drops His New Album For All the Dogs – Listen

Drake Drops His New Album For All the Dogs – Listen

Drake’s For All the Dogs album has finally arrived.

Source: XXLMag

Drake Drops His New Album For All the Dogs

On Friday morning (Oct. 6), hip-hop fans experienced the moment the whole rap game spent an entire summer anticipating: the release of Drake’s For All the Dogs. The album features 23 songs and guest appearances from 21 Savage, J. Cole, Chief Keef, SZA, Bad Bunny and more. Kevin Durant serves as the A&R on the new project.

Even though Drake masterfully used a majority of this past summer’s It’s All a Blur Tour as the primary vehicle for the album’s rollout, details about the sound and direction of For All the Dogs were few and far between. However, on Sept. 15, The Boy unleashed FATD’s lead single in the form of “Slime You Out” featuring SZA. After Drake faced backlash from Halle Berry for using a photo of her without permission to promote the single, the track was met with negative reviews from media critics like Charlamagne Tha God. Despite all that, “Slime You Out” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart upon its release.

On Thursday (Oct. 5), the Toronto rap superstar released “8AM in Charlotte,” his newest song in his series of timestamp tracks. The accompanying music video features his son Adonis explaining his For All the Dogs album cover drawing does not actually feature a dog.

Drake Initially Teased a New Project With a Poetry Book
Before the album was officially announced, Drake teased the project by releasing his first poetry book called Titles Ruin Everything, A Stream of Consciousness by Kenza Samir and Aubrey Graham back in June. The book is coauthored with Kenza Samir who is a songwriter with writing credits on many of Drizzy’s albums including his 2015 mixtape, If You’re Reading This, It’s too Late, and his 2018 album, Scorpion.

The 168-page book, available at drakerelated.com and publisher Phaidon.com for $19.95, features Drake’s provocative muses on fame, romance and relationships. “I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life,” the rap superstar wrote in an Instagram post touting his latest literary endeavor.

Along with the book, he promoted it by buying full-page ads in the New York Post, The New York Times and other newspapers. However, in the ad was a QR code that revealed he was dropping a new album with the poetry book.

“I made an album to go with the book…They say they miss the old Drake girl don’t tempt me,” he wrote, before concluding with “FOR ALL THE DOGS” in all caps.

Listen to Drake’s New Album For All the Dogs

Drake’s For All the Dogs Album Tracklist

1. “Virginia Beach”
2. “Amen” featuring Teezo Touchdown
3. “Calling for You” featuring 21 Savage
4. “Fear of Heights”
5. “Daylight”
6. “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole
7. “IDGAF” featuring Yeat
8. “7969 Santa”
9. “Slime You Out” featuring SZA
10. “Bahamas Promises”
11. “Tried Our Best”
12. “Screw the World (Interlude)”
13. “Members Only” featuring PartyNextDoor
14. “Drew a Picasso”
15. “What Would Pluto Do”
16. “All the Parties” featuring Chief Keef
17. “8am in Charlotte”
18. “BBL Love (Interlude)”
19. “Gently”
20. “Rich Baby Daddy” featuring Sexyy Red and SZA
21. “Another Late Night” featuring Lil Yachty
22. “Away From Home”
23. “Polar Opposites”

 

Read more: https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-for-all-the-dogs-album/