Tag: rap

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LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album ‘The FORCE’

LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album ‘The FORCE’

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).

Source: TheSource

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)

Article: https://thesource.com/2024/07/13/ll-cool-j-announces-release-of-14th-studio-album-the-force/

 

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Missy Elliott Brings Ciara, Busta Rhymes & Her Dog On Nationwide Tour

Missy Elliott Brings Ciara, Busta Rhymes & Her Dog On Nationwide Tour

Missy Elliott brings her heart and soul – and her dog- to the stage in her first-ever headlining tour.

Source: AllHipHop

Missy Elliott is finally setting out on her first-ever headlining tour, Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience. The tour kicked off Thursday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The rap star’s trek on the road comes after she delayed touring multiple times to care for her cherished dog Hoodie, who passed away last November.

“I stayed home a lot because I didn’t want to go out on the road, and something happened,” Elliott told PEOPLE. “He was 17 and lived a long, happy life.”

Hoodie’s passing left a void, but Elliott’s close friend and fellow musician Ciara spurred her into reconsidering her decision.

“So I said, ‘Okay, now I can leave the house without having to worry about anything,’” Elliott recalled. “So Ciara and my dog played a big influence in me making the decision to go out.”

The Grammy Award-winning rapper will be bringing along her other dog, Miss Fendi Dior, for the 24-city tour.

“She’s six years old,” Elliott said. “So she’s got her clothes ready to go out on the road with us. It’ll be fun, fun.”

Throughout the tour, cities such as Las Vegas, Boston, New York City and Los Angeles will witness Elliott’s electrifying performances. Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland will join her on stage.

 

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FUGEES REPORTEDLY WORKING ON NEW ALBUM FOLLOWING TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

FUGEES REPORTEDLY WORKING ON NEW ALBUM FOLLOWING TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

The Fugees are reportedly working on their first album since 1996 following news of a reunion tour.

Source: HipHopDX

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.

Read more: https://hiphopdx.com/news/fugees-reportedly-working-on-new-album

 

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Top 10 Remix Chart for December 2023

EnjoyTheBEATZ.com Top 10 Remix Chart (based on sales)
December 2023

Excludes free remixes.

10. Drake – Toosie Slide remix
9. Victoria Monet – On My Mama remix
8. 2Pac & Dr Dre vs DJ Khalid & Rihanna – California Love vs Wild Thoughts mashup
7. 2 Chainz Lil Wayne Usher & Chris Brown – Transparency remix
6. Latto vs Mariah Carey, Old Dirty Bastard – Big Energy Fantasy mashup
5. Eminem – Without Me remix
4. Latto – Put It On Da Floor remix
3. David Guetta feat Kelly Rowland – When Love Takes Over remix
2. Jay-Z feat Kanye West – Niggas In Paris remix

1. Jack Harlow – Lovin On Me remix

jack harlow - lovin on me remix 2

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UGK & OUTKAST SOUNDTRACK TRAILER FOR STAR-STUDDED ‘FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST’

UGK & OUTKAST SOUNDTRACK TRAILER FOR STAR-STUDDED 'FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST'

UGK and OutKast classic 2007 collaboration serve as the soundtrack for the upcoming miniseries Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.

Source: HipHopDX

The teaser, which stars Kevin Hart, features a triumphant rendition of the two groups’ monumental collaborative single “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You).”

According to a synopsis, the series was inspired by the iHeart true-crime podcast Fight Night and the Million Dollar Heist, the retelling through first-person accounts of a notorious armed robbery, which took place on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight against Jerry Quary in Atlanta. The infamous heist would go on to not only “transform Atlanta into the ‘Black Mecca,” but also change one man’s life.

“When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history,” the synopsis details.

The description continues: “Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice.”

Check out the teaser below.

Though “International Players Anthem” from Bun B and Pimp C with André 3000 and Big Boi has become one of the most beloved songs in Hip Hop history, it almost didn’t include OutKast.

In an installment of Juicy J’s interview 2020 with HipHopDX, the Memphis OG emphatically declared he and DJ Paul had actually staked their verbal claims on the song first as Three 6 Mafia, but the label superseded their efforts. In fact, he says he felt “crazy” when he first heard André 3000’s iconic verse because he had no clue what was going on at the time.

“I was like, ‘Man, God dang,’ because, see, what was crazy, me and Paul did a verse on it at first,” Juicy J exclaimed. “And the label — we didn’t even notice this, we moving around. The label had denied the clearance. I was like, ‘What the fuck? Why you all didn’t let me know?’ Man, I was ready to go up there and fucking cause hell at that label. Who the hell authorized that? I was like, ‘Who would authorize something dumb like that?’”

Read more at https://hiphopdx.com/news/ugk-outkast-soundtrack-fight-night-trailer

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Eminem Makes Fun of His Old Self in New ‘Houdini’ Video

Eminem Makes Fun of His Old Self in New ‘Houdini’ Video

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.

Source:  XXLMag

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.

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100 GREATEST DISS SONGS IN HIP HOP HISTORY: RANKED

100 GREATEST DISS SONGS IN HIP HOP HISTORY

Fresh off the conclusion of Hip Hop’s greatest battle, Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar, we proudly present our prized picks of many of Hip Hop’s finest moments in the spirit of competition.

Source: HipHopDX

100. Big Sean feat. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica “Control” (2013)

99. The Game “Buddens” (2004)

98. Lil Kim “Black Friday” (2010)

97. Jaz “Ova” (2002)

96. 50 Cent “Be a Gentleman” (2000)

95. Cam’ron “You Gotta Love It” (2006)

94. Pastor Troy “No Mo Play in GA” (1999)

93. Jeezy “24, 23” (2009)

92. Rick Ross “Mafia Music” (2009)

91. Mobb Deep feat. Lil Kim “Quiet Storm (Remix)” (1999)

90. Drake “Charged Up” (2015)

89. Tragedy Khadafi “Blood Type” (1998)

88. Del The Funky Homosapien “Pissin’ On Your Steps” (1991)

87. Mack 10 feat. Ice Cube & WC “Westside Slaughterhouse” (1995)

86. DJ Pooh feat. Kam “Whoop Whoop” (1997)

85. Capone-N-Noreaga feat. Mobb Deep & Tragedy Khadafi “LA, LA” (1997)

84. 50 Cent feat. Tony Yayo “I Run New York” (2005)

83. Jadakiss & Styles P “Problem Child” (2005)

82. 50 Cent “Not Rich Still Lying” (2006)

81. Capone-N-Noreaga feat. Foxy Brown “Bang Bang” (2000)

80. Roxanne Shanté “Bite This” (1985)

79. Kool Moe Dee “How Ya Like Me Now” (1987)

78. Foolio “When I See You” (2021)

77. Spinabenz “Who I Smoke” (2021)

76. Young Dolph “Play Wit Yo’ Bitch” (2017)

75. Cam’ron “Curtis” (2007)

74. JAY-Z feat. Freeway, Geda K, Young Gunz & Memphis Bleek “I Get High (Freestyle)” (2002)

73. Jeru The Damaja “One Day” (1996)

72. Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah “Shark N-ggas (Biters)” (1995)

71. Nas “Stillmatic (Freestyle)” (2001)

70. Lil B “T-Shirts & Buddens” (2010)

69. Joe Budden “Big Shot” (2004)

68. Prodigy “When You See Me” aka “Hail Mary (Freestyle)” (2001)

67. Tha Dogg Pound feat. Snoop Dogg & Jewell “What Would You Do” (1996)

66. Eminem feat. Dr. Dre “Say What You Say” (2002)

65. Machine Gun Kelly “Rap Devil” (2018)

64. Cam’ron “Dear Stan” (2004)

63. Beanie Sigel “Average Cat” (2009)

62. 50 Cent “Life’s On the Line” (1999)

61. Rick Ross “Champagne Moments” (2024)

60. Three Six Mafia “Live By Yo Rep” (1995)

59. U.N.L.V. “Drag ‘Em ‘N’ Tha River” (1996)

58. Tim Dog “Fuck Compton” (1991)

57. Kurupt “Callin Out Names” (1999)

56. Eminem feat. 50 Cent & Busta Rhymes “Hail Mary” (2003)

55. Ma$e “The Oracle” (2017)

54. Cam’ron & Jim Jones “Hate Me Now (Freestyle)” (2002)

53. Meek Mill “War Pain” (2016)

52. Pusha T “Infrared” (2018)

51. Drake “Duppy Freestyle” (2018)

50. J. Cole “False Prophets” (2016)

For the full list, visit https://hiphopdx.com/news/greatest-diss-songs-hip-hop-history

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Snoop Dogg Says He’s Bringing College Football Back To Its Roots With His Own Bowl Game

Snoop Dogg Says He’s Bringing College Football Back To Its Roots With His Own Bowl Game

Snoop Dogg reached a new level of fame by getting his name on a college football bowl game via a sponsorship deal.

Source: AllHipHop

Snoop Dogg etched his name in college football history as the new namesake of the Arizona Bowl. The Doggfather unveiled a multi-year sponsorship deal to rechristen the bowl game as the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop on Monday (May 6).

The popular rapper’s announcement touted his history of sending Snoop Youth Football League players to college football programs and the NFL.

“College football fans are exhausted by the constant talk around NIL, conference realignment, coach movement, transfer portal and super conferences,” Snoop said. “So, it’s time we get back to the roots of college football when it was focused on the colleges, the players, the competition, the community, the fan experience and the pageantry … It’s only fitting that I step up and help get this thing right. I’m ready to bring the juice back to college football.”

The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl will be held at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 28. The game will feature teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference.

“We’re thrilled about our groundbreaking partnership with Snoop and Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop,” the Arizona Bowl’s executive director Kym Adair said. “This year, the Arizona Bowl is bringing sports, libations and entertainment into a singular bowl game, and we are changing the definition of what a brand partnership is in the NCAA.”

The Arizona Bowl is owned by the non-profit organization TD4Tucson, which donates 100 percent of its net proceeds from the game to charity. This year’s pre-game festivities include charity events and the SNOOPER Bowl, a showcase of Arizona and California’s best youth football teams.

More information at https://allhiphop.com/news/snoop-dogg-says-hes-bringing-college-football-back-to-its-roots-with-his-own-bowl-game/

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The Most Disrespectful Hip-Hop Song and Mixtape Cover Art Ever

The Most Disrespectful Hip-Hop Song and Mixtape Cover Art Ever Read More: The Most Disrespectful Hip-Hop Song and Mixtape Cover Art Ever

If a picture is worth 1,000 words then well-constructed diss track cover art has to be worth at least 1 million laughs. With the track comes the opportunity to double-tap an opponent by doubling down with the cover art.

Source: XXLMag

In years past, several rappers have used mixtape and song covers to additionally besmirch a foe. In 1993, Eazy-E released the EP It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa. The alternate cover for the offering features a Dr. Dre obituary. In the early 2000s, G-Unit released dozens of mixtapes and used cover art to clown their enemies on multiple occasions. One of the most notable is the artwork for G-Unit Radio Part 21: Hate It or Love It, on which they plastered a pic of The Game wearing a thong on the cover.

Recently, rappers’ diss track artwork game has gotten even more creative. In April of 2024, Rick Ross released his Drake diss song, “Champagne Moments.” On the track, Rozay attacks Drake’s mixed race by continuously calling him a White boy. The Miami rapper doubled down with the artwork for the song, using a photo of a White man who resembles The Boy.

Drake’s “Push Ups” diss song aimed at Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Metro Boomin, Future and The Weeknd was also released in April of 2024. On the track, Drizzy jokes about K-Dot’s shoe size. For the cover art, Drake simply used a tag for a size 7 shoe. Chris Brown and Quavo’s raging beef the same month featured multiple diss tracks. Both artists upped the ante by also dissing each other on their songs’ covers.

Which artwork is the most disrespectful?

Rick Ross Champagne Moments

Rick Ross, “Champagne Moments”
Directed at Drake

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Chris Brown, “Weakest Link”
Directed at Quavo

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Quavo, “Over Hoes and B***hes”
Directed at Chris Brown

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G-Unit, Hate it or Love It
Directed at The Game

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Remy Ma, “Shether”
Directed at Nicki Minaj

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Cassidy, “Raid”
Directed at Meek Mill

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See more artwork at https://www.xxlmag.com/most-disrespectful-hip-hop-song-mixtape-cover-art/

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Kanye West Brings His Old Manager Back On Board & Scores First No. 1 Hit In Years

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival,” which appeared on their “Vultures 1” album, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival,” which appeared on their “Vultures 1” album, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Source: AllHipHop

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.”

Read more at https://allhiphop.com/news/kanye-west-brings-his-old-manager-back-on-board-scores-first-no-1-hit-in-years/