Tag: news

Posted on by

Capitol Records Drops Virtual AI Rapper FN Meka Following Backlash

Source: XXLMag

Industry Blackout has released a statement to XXL in the wake of virtual AI rapper FN Meka being dropped from Capitol Records. The organization sent an open letter to the label earlier today, calling for the artist and label to terminate its partnership.

“We feel it it is a great victory that Capitol Records terminated their contract with FN Meka however, the fact this happened to begin with shows how much work is still ahead of us,” the statement starts. “We’re glad the people amplified our voices to be heard so quickly on a Black issue, and that our action led to results. This should set a precedent that shows how Black and Brown voices can unify behind issues and get things done.

“There was a great opportunity to do something innovative with hip hop and tech. Tech should be used to amplify the culture And there’s still a chance to do so—the right way. At the end of the day, we’ve been about the people since inception and continue to focus on our community. At every turn we will stand up when needed.”

ORIGINAL STORY (Aug. 23):

Grand opening. Grand closing. Just days after news broke that AI-powered virtual rapper FN Meka had signed a deal with Capitol Records, the label announced it has dropped the ’bot following backlash.

On Tuesday (Aug. 23), a rep for Capitol Records released a statement to XXL confirming its decision to part ways with the “rapper.”

“CMG has severed ties with the FN Meka project, effectively immediately,” the statement reads. “We offer our deepest apologies to the Black community for our insensitivity in signing this project without asking enough question about equity and the creative process behind it. We thank those who have reached out to us with constructive feedback in the past couple of days—your input was invaluable as we came to the decision to end our associate with the project.”

The opposition to FN Meka apparently received a strong push from @industryblkout, a “unified body of Black people in the industry committed to changing the community” on Twitter, who published a hard stance statement against Capitol Records and the Meka project on Tuesday calling it an “abomination and disrespectful to real people who face real consequences in real life.”

XXL has reached out to Industry Blackout for comment.

The announcement arrives after backlash the label received from recently signing the virtual rapper to a recording contract. FN Meka is the creation of Anthony Martini and Brandon Le, cofounders of Factory New, a virtual record label who were the first to ink the virtual rhymer to a deal. FN Meka’s voice is based off a real human, but everything else about the rapper including his rhymes are based off artificial intelligence technology, according to its creators. In appearance, Meka looks like to a caricature of a racially ambiguous Soundcloud rapper, complete with colored dreads and face tats. Meka even has a new single with Gunna titled “Florida Water.”

However, the Meka “project” has received backlash. For one, Meka uses the N-word in lyrics. On the 2019 track “Moonwalkin’,” he spits the lines, “Moonwalkin’ with a shawty in the lobby/Feel like Hank Hill when I raise the Bobby (Bobby)/I don’t see no niggas like we playin’ hockey (Hockey).”

The announcement arrives after backlash the label received from recently signing the virtual rapper to a recording contract. FN Meka is the creation of Anthony Martini and Brandon Le, cofounders of Factory New, a virtual record label who were the first to ink the virtual rhymer to a deal. FN Meka’s voice is based off a real human, but everything else about the rapper including his rhymes are based off artificial intelligence technology, according to its creators. In appearance, Meka looks like to a caricature of a racially ambiguous Soundcloud rapper, complete with colored dreads and face tats. Meka even has a new single with Gunna titled “Florida Water.”

However, the Meka “project” has received backlash. For one, Meka uses the N-word in lyrics. On the 2019 track “Moonwalkin’,” he spits the lines, “Moonwalkin’ with a shawty in the lobby/Feel like Hank Hill when I raise the Bobby (Bobby)/I don’t see no niggas like we playin’ hockey (Hockey).”

Read more at:
https://www.xxlmag.com/capitol-records-drops-virtual-ai-rapper-fn-meka/

Posted on by

Macklemore Channels André 3000 In Video For New Song ‘Maniac’

Macklemore Channels André 3000 In Video For New Song ‘Maniac'

Source: HipHopDX

Macklemore has tapped into his inner André 3000 for his new “Maniac” music video — watch it below.

The new track featuring Windser finds the Grammy-winning rapper donning a lime green suit while paying homage to some of Andre’s jittery dance moves seen in OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” music video.

The Jake Magraw-directed visual also sports a brief cameo from famed music journalist Nardwuar.

“The first time I heard Windser singing the hook on ‘Maniac’ I fell in love with it,” Macklemore said of the new single in a statement. “It’s infectious and relatable and I couldn’t get it out of my head.

“We’ve all been in relationships that maybe don’t feel healthy all the time, but we still love that person and are dependent and addicted to that love. It’s universal. Maniac is that love story.”

“Maniac” is produced by frequent collaborator Ryan Lewis and Budo, and arrives after Macklemore had previously dropped off “CHANT” earlier in 2022, which chronicled Macklemore’s latest struggle with substance abuse that led to a near-fatal overdose.

While it’s unclear if “Maniac” and “CHANT” are meant to signify a new album, it would potentially be the first Macklemore project to drop since 2017’s Gemini, which featured appearances from Skylar Grey, Lil Yachty, Offset, Xperience and others.

For more information:
https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72733/title.macklemore-andre-3000-maniac-hey-ya#

Posted on by

The Game Comes For Eminem’s Jugular On ‘The Black Slim Shady’ Diss Track

The Game Comes For Eminem's Jugular On ‘The Black Slim Shady' Diss Track

Source: HipHopDX

The Game has released a scathing Eminem diss track called “The Black Slim Shady”.

Taken from the Compton rapper’s new album, Drillmatic: Heart Vs. The Mind, which is out in the U.S. tomorrow (August 12) but already available in the UK, the over 10-minute tongue lashing begins with a skit centered around an Uber driver who’s been tasked with driving Game to a mysterious location in Detroit, although it’s “somewhere near 8 Mile.”

Game later discovers the driver is the brother of Stan, the fictional die-hard Eminem fan who dies at the end of the Detroit rapper’s 2000 hit “Stan.”

“Hey yo, I really fuck with that Starter cap; that shit hard as fuck,” Game says, to which the driver responds: “Crazy story behind it. My brother Stan, rest in peace, he gave me this hat 22 years ago. It’s my favorite.”

Game asks to see the hat, which he realizes is autographed by Eminem. The driver goes on: “He used to be like this rap god, but that’s when I was little. I don’t really like his new stuff.”

Throughout the song, Game continues to take jabs at nearly everything in Eminem’s life — from his ex-wife Kim Mathers and daughter Hailie to his white skin and addiction struggles.

“Ask Dre, all I got is my word, my dick and my MAC-10,” he spits. “One thing you can never have is my muthafuckin’ Black, skin/ This ain’t no suit that I wore, this ain’t a mansion to hang a plaque, this ain’t no stupid award.”

From there, Game goes into the same cadence as Eminem’s Oscar-winning hit “Lose Yourself” with: “So oh, he goes platinum and oh, I’m on the ‘Math with him/ He got all the Blackest friends, he wants to be African, me/ Left for dead on the Doctor’s Advocate/ Dre never executive produced it, I just imagined it.”

Game later claims Big Sean is the biggest rapper in Detroit and is adamant he’d rather listen to “Snitch9ne” than Slim Shady any day of the week.

For more information:
https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72496/title.game-eminem-diss-black-slim-shady-drillmatic#

Posted on by

Eminem, 50 Cent & Dr. Dre Reunite On ‘Curtain Call 2’ Collab ‘Is This Love (’09)’

Eminem 50 Cent Dr Dre - Curtain Call 2 - Is This Love

Source: HipHopDX

Eminem, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre have reunited on an unearthed song called “Is This Love (’09),” from Slim Shady’s newly-released compilation album Curtain Call 2.

As the title suggests, the track was originally recorded in 2009 — the same year Eminem made his post-Encore comeback with Relapse — and finds the close-knit trio connecting for a playful song about romantic and sexual infatuation.

“Girl, I’m diggin’ your whole MO/Give me a go, you’re throwin’ innuendo/Keep sendin’ me smoke signals/Everything’s movin’, spinning in slow M-O-T-I-O-N,” Em raps over bouncy production from Dr. Dre, Mark Batson and Trevor Lawrence Jr.

50 Cent, meanwhile, channels his inner Slim Shady with a rapid-fire, acronym-riddled verse full of shock value. Judging by at least one lyric, 50 recorded his rhymes much later than ’09.

“I kill a bitch with a potato peeler for the skrilla/I’m finna skin a sinner, dick robbed like Bruce Jenner,” he spits, referencing Caitlyn Jenner’s 2015 gender transition.

“Is This Love (’09)” is one of three new songs on Curtain Call 2 alongside “From the D 2 the LBC” featuring Snoop Dogg and the CeeLo Green-assisted “The King and I,” which also appears on the Elvis soundtrack.

Curtain Call 2‘s primary purpose, though, is serving as a highlight reel of Eminem’s decorated catalog since the release of his first greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits, in 2005.

For more information:
https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72322/title.eminem-50-cent-dr-dre-is-this-love-09-curtain-call-2

Posted on by

Post Malone Offers $100,000 Prize If Fan Can Beat Him In Magic: The Gathering

post malone whatsnot app contest

Source: AllHipHop

Post Malone partnered with the Whatnot app to set up a Magic: The Gathering match where a fan can win $100,000.

One lucky person will win $100,000 if they beat Post Malone in a game of Magic: The Gathering.

Post Malone teamed with Whatnot, a livestream shopping app, to arrange a special Magic: The Gathering battle. A fan will be flown out to Los Angeles to face him in a one-on-one match in August.

“We built Whatnot with the ethos of offering hands-down the best experiences for the most passionate enthusiasts, hobbyists and collectors,” Whatnot’s John Walters said in a press release. “Post Malone, both as an artist and as a person, fits perfectly into this growing and supportive community.”

He continued, “As a multi-talented artist with skills that extend beyond music — and as an avid Magic: The Gathering player and formidable opponent — we’re looking forward to seeing him battle it out live with one of our dedicated fans.”

Post Malone will host a giveaway on the Whatnot app on August 4. During the livestream, a winner will be randomly selected to face him in Magic: The Gathering on August 11.

The battle with the diamond-selling artist will also be livestreamed on Whanot. If his opponent wins, they will receive $100,000 in cash.

“I absolutely love Magic: The Gathering and I can’t wait to link up with Whatnot and battle it out with the winner,” Post Malone said.

Find more information about the contest here.

https://allhiphop.com/news/post-malone-offers-100000-prize-if-fan-can-beat-him-in-magic-the-gathering/

Posted on by

Mac Miller’s ‘I Love Life, Thank You’ Mixtape Arrives On Streaming Services

Mac Miller's 'I Love Life, Thank You' Mixtape Arrives On Streaming Services

Source: HipHopDX

Mac Miller’s I Love Life, Thank You mixtape is now available on streaming services for the first time.

The project was reissued on Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL and co. on Friday (July 22) as the late Pittsburgh rapper’s back catalog continues to make the jump from DatPiff to DSPs. His 2014 mixtape Faces debuted on streaming platforms last October.

Rostrum Records, the label where Mac first enjoyed success, celebrated the rerelease by hosting a listening session/fan Q&A on Reddit’s Hip Hop Heads community, marking the first time the platform has partnered with a record label to stream a record and engage with fans.

Originally released in October 2011, I Love Life, Thank You clocked in at 13 songs and included guest features from Talib Kweli, Bun B and Sir Michael Rocks, plus production from 9th Wonder, Clams Casino and Like from Pac Div.

Prior to the mixtape’s release, Mac Miller launched his Road 2 A Million Fans campaign in April 2011 as he looked to grow his Twitter following from 300,000 to one million. As he reached various checkpoints on the journey, Mac shared songs from the project as a token of gratitude to his growing fanbase.

Mac Miller went on to release his debut album Blue Slide Park less than a month later in November 2011. The Most Dope multi-hyphenate tragically passed away from an accidental drug overdose on September 7, 2018.

More information: https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.71933/title.mac-miller-i-love-life-thank-you-mixtape-streaming

Posted on by

Ice Cube Says He Regrets Turning Down The O-Dog Part In “Menace II Society”

Ice Cube Says He Regrets Turning Down The O-Dog Part In “Menace II Society”

Source: TheSource

Ice Cube made his big screen debut as Doughboy in John Singleton’s Boyz N The Hood in 1991 and has since had a very successful acting career having starred in the Friday trology, Are We There Yet, 21 Jump Street, Ride Along, and next to some of the biggest actors in Hollywood.

However, the Big3 co-founder admitted in a recent interview that he had a chance to star in another cult classic film, but turned down the opportunity, something that he says he now regrets.

In a new episode of the On The Guest List podcast, Cube was asked if there was any role he regrets passing up. Thats when he revealed that he was considered for the part of O-Dog in Menace II Society but turned it down because he did not want to be typecasted as the “L.A. gangbanger.”

“I would say Menace II Society,” Cube said. “I had a shot to do O-Dog, even though I think Larenz Tate killed it, I just didn’t wanna be type cast. You know what I mean? I was like, ‘I just did Boys N The Hood and they just gonna have me be the L.A. gangbanger you know what I mean every damn movie’ and [Menace] was like the second movie I got offered so I was like, ‘Nah I don’t wanna play that.’ That was one movie that when I saw it I was like, ‘Ooo that role is cold.’”

You can watch the full episode below.

 

Full Article:
https://thesource.com/2022/07/18/ice-cube-says-he-regrets-turning-down-o-dog-part-in-menace-ii-society/

 

Posted on by

Chris Brown Names His Mount Rushmore Of Hip-Hop

Chris Brown Names His Mount Rushmore Of Hip-Hop

Source: AllHipHop

Chris Brown struggled with his selection of elite MCs worthy of a place on the all-time greats list and ended up with a total of six names.

Selecting just four names to be immortalized on Rap’s Mount Rushmore is a tall task for any head, and it was no different for Chris Brown when he was asked to name his personal list of the greatest MCs.

The R&B singer was challenged to name the rappers on his G.O.A.T. list during a recent interview with Power 206’s L.A. Leakers. While he was quick to rattle off the first few names, he realized he spoke too soon.

“Jay-Z, Nas, Big L, and Tupac,” Chris Brown revealed after just a few moments of thought. However, he changed his mind just seconds later and had to make some alterations.

“Skrrt, put Biggie in the spot of Nas!” he said before clarifying he still has love for his former collaborator. “I love Nas, damn. It’s f#####’ up!”

For more information:
https://allhiphop.com/news/chris-brown-names-his-mount-rushmore-of-hip-hop/

Posted on by

Wyclef Jean Brings Out Lauryn Hill At Essence Fest To Perform Several Fugees Classics

Wyclef Jean Brings Out Lauryn Hill At Essence Fest To Perform Several Fugees Classics

Source: HipHopDX

New Orleans, LA – Wyclef Jean was among the many performers at the 2022 Essence Fest in New Orleans on Friday night (July 1). During his set, Wyclef brought out his fellow Fugee Lauryn Hill much to the surprise of the audience.

The two longtime collaborators did a live rendition of “Killing Me Softly” from the group’s critically acclaimed sophomore album The Score as well as “Ready Or Not,” “How Many Mics” and “Fu-Gee-La.” Prior to the performance, HipHopDX spoke to Wyclef who ensured his fans his Essence Fest appearance would be “historical” — and he delivered.

The performance comes six months after the Fugees canceled The Scores‘s 25th anniversary reunion tour due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We anticipate and understand disappointment but our anniversary tour will not be able to happen,” the group explained at the time. “The continued Covid pandemic has made touring conditions difficult, and we want to make sure we keep our fans and ourselves healthy and safe. An idea sparked to honor and celebrate this 25th anniversary of The Score, but we see now it may not currently be our time for revisiting this past work.”

The fact Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras were able to come together for a show in New York City prior to the cancelation was a miracle in itself. Shortly after The Score was release, the trio had a terrible falling out and it looked like they’d never share a stage again. Wyclef and Hill admittedly had an affair while he was married to designer Marie Claudinette. According to Wyclef’s autobiography Purpose, Hill also lied about the paternity of her son Zion and led him to think the child was his, when it reality the baby belonged to Bob Marley’s son Rohan.

For more information:
https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.71446/title.wyclef-jean-brings-out-lauryn-hill-at-essence-fest-to-perform-several-fugees-classics#

Posted on by

Rolling Stone’s Top 200 List Of Greatest Hip-Hop Albums Cause Confusion

Source: TheSource

On June 7, Rolling Stone released its ranking of the 200 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time and many fans oppose the list.

Since Hip-Hop is such a broad genre, the popular entertainment news publication limited the list to English language hip-hop only. They also said in cases of repeated albums from legendary catalogs such as OutKast or A Tribe Called Quest, we tended to go with the latter option.

Although many fans disagree with the order and the selections of the albums, Rolling Stone did attempt to cover the entire evolution of the hip-hop genre. The committee selected projects from the early stages of rap such as albums from Public Enemy, De La Soul, Eric B. and Rakim. It also captures records from the ’90s and ‘2000s with acts like Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. The list also mentions tons of new era acts Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Polo G, Travis Scott, Mac Miller, and more.

Here is how Rolling Stone ranked the top 50.

50. EPMD – ‘Strictly Business’ (1988)
49. N.W.A – ‘Straight Outta Compton’ (1988)
48. J Dilla – ‘Donuts’ (2006)
47. Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott – ‘Supa Dupa Fly’
46. Tyler, the Creator – ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ (2021)
45. LL Cool J – ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ (1990)
44. Genius/GZA – ‘Liquid Swords’ (1995)
43. Run-D.M.C. – ‘Run-D.M.C.’ (1984)
42. Big Daddy Kane – ‘Long Live the Kane’ (1988)
41. Kanye West – ‘Late Registration’ (2005)
40. Dr. Dre – ‘The Chronic’ (1992)
39. Lil Wayne – ‘The Carter III’ (2008)
38. Kendrick Lamar – ‘good kid – m.A.A.d city’ (2012)
37. Raekwon – ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…’ (1995)
36. Chance the Rapper – ‘Acid Rap’ (2013)
35. Snoop Doggy Dogg – ‘Doggystyle’ (1993)
34. Various Artists – ‘The Sugar Hill Records Story’ (1997)
33. De La Soul – ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ (1989)
32. Chief Keef – ‘Finally Rich’ (2012)
31. Nicki Minaj – ‘Pink Friday’ (2010)
30. Beastie Boys – ‘Paul’s Boutique’ (1989)
29. 2Pac – ‘All Eyez on Me’ (1996)
28. Mobb Deep – ‘The Infamous’ (1995)
27. Outkast – ‘Aquemini’ (1998)
26. Jay-Z – ‘Reasonable Doubt’ (1996)
25. Eminem – ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ (2000)
24. Nas – ‘Illmatic’ (1994)
23. UGK – ‘Ridin’ Dirty’ (1996)
22. DMX – ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ (1998)
21. Lil Wayne – ‘Da Drought 3’ (2007)
20. Future – ‘DS2’ (2015)
19. Lil Kim – ‘Hard Core’ (1996)
18. Madvillain – ‘Madvillainy’ (2004)
17. Kanye West – ‘Yeezus’ (2013)
16. Cardi B – ‘Invasion of Privacy’ (2018)
15. Eric B. and Rakim – ‘Paid in Full’ (1987)
14. Ghostface Killah – ‘Supreme Clientele’ (2000)
13. Dr. Dre – ‘2001’ (1999)
12. Clipse – ‘Lord Willin’ ‘ (2002)
11. Drake – ‘Take Care’ (2011)
10. Lauryn Hill – ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ (1998)
9. A Tribe Called Quest – ‘The Low End Theory’ (1991)
8. Wu-Tang Clan – ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ (1993)
7. Missy Elliott – ‘Miss E… So Addictive’ (2001)
6. Kanye West – ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ (2010)
5. Kendrick Lamar – ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ (2015)
4. Public Enemy – ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’ (1988)
3. Jay-Z – ‘The Blueprint’ (2001)
2. Outkast – ‘Stankonia’ (2000)
1. The Notorious B.I.G. – ‘Ready to Die’ (1994)

Entries that sparked debate is Travis Scott’s Astroworld coming at No.200.

For more information, go to: https://thesource.com/2022/06/08/rolling-stones-top-200-list-of-greatest-hip-hop-albums-cause-confusion/