Month: February 2022

Rick Ross Reflects On Avoiding Flashy Features On “Richer Than I Ever Been”

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The wait was well worth the anticipation of Rick Ross’ eleventh studio album, Richer Than I Ever Been. Announced shortly after his Verzuz against 2 Chainz in the thick of the pandemic in 2022, the album went through numerous delays until it officially dropped in December 2021. The project is only 12-songs in length — his shortest project since 2011’s Teflon Don — and the deluxe edition dropped earlier this month with an additional three songs.


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Our recent interview with Rick Ross offers insight into the creation of the project, and the influences he drew from. The opulence, and even the title itself, stems from the time he had to explore the Promised Land during the pandemic, taking in many aspects of his sprawling Georgia home that he didn’t have time to discover prior to the lockdowns. 

Ross has a penchant for bringing out some amazing features for his projects, like when he got Dr. Dre and Jay-Z on “3 Kings.” Throughout 2021, he hinted at potential collaborations with Lil Baby and Drake that would end up on Richer Than I Ever Been, though they weren’t included in the final tracklist. Ultimately, it was a decision that was rooted in creating a cohesive, succinct body of work that fully represents the state of his career right now.

“I got records with the both of them, of course. Baby did some dope as s***,” he explained. “It came down to one of those things where we wanted to keep it short, let’s keep it clean, let’s give it to them just like this. Drake is great, that’s the homie. Baby is that homie, that’s the lil’ homie, and they come through, and I appreciate the way they come through for me.”


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Even names like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, with who he’s built strong rapports over the years, didn’t make an appearance on the project. “I don’t feel any pressure to make that necessary, man. It just comes down to us releasing the dopest s***,” he explained before reflecting on his come-up. “Me coming up in the game and collaborating with my homies is timeless. The s*** me and Drake have done is timeless. the s*** me and Jay have done, the s*** me and Wayne has done, the s*** me and Ye have done — you know, look for it, you can most definitely expect it.”

Ross remains a student of the game, even after eleven studio albums. It’s why an artist like AZ, that Ross admired as a youngin’, made his way onto the deluxe edition, marking their second collaboration together. “When I think of Vacheron, this is timeless, this is priceless. you can’t put a number on this. You can’t put a number on what AZ brought to the game,” he explained. 

“I remembered when I cut [Richer Than I Ever Been] down to 64 [songs], and I was like, ‘okay, out of these 64, I’m going to pick twelve,’ and you got to understand that I got some of the biggest n***as in the game that I know, but it wasn’t about that. Let’s give ’em this,” he explained. “Let’s do ‘The Pulitzer.’ Let’s take it back to the Miami n***as and let ’em know we never forget where we come from. We from the mud to the marble and we still hustlin’,” he continued. “We gon’ get Falcon to do the intro. The OG, the richest — man, please. We showing you what these relationships mean. We gonna give youngsters like Yungeen Ace & Major Nine some opportunities. We gonna do this, we gonna do that. We gon’ remind mother****as what a boss is. We could go and get Madonna, Kanye — click over and call. We could do that, but we need to remind them of the fundamentals of what a boss is.”

Read “Rick Ross Finally Has The Luxury Of Time” here. 


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New Music Friday: Kanye West, Kodak Black, & EARTHGANG Highlight This Week’s Releases

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All things considered, this has been a pretty terrible week on most fronts. As you all surely know, Russia has invaded Ukraine and over 137 people have been declared dead from the first day of the attack. Things are looking pretty grim if you immerse yourself too much in the mainstream news narrative, but as a form of distraction, we do have plenty of new music to soothe our minds and souls this weekend.

This week, we’re highlighting fifteen new releases from some of hip-hop’s biggest names, as well as some up-and-coming artists that you may not be privy to yet. On the album side, we’ve got full-length projects from Kodak Black, EARTHGANG, Conway the Machine, and others. Of course, we can’t forget about Ye, who released a bunch of songs from Donda 2 on his Stem Player.

As for singles, new releases from Tyga and Doja Cat, NBA YoungBoy and DaBaby, Lil Durk, Kehlani, Flo Milli, and others have us looking forward to their eventual full-length drops this year.

Have a look at what dropped this week below and let us know what you’ll be listening to over the weekend in the comments.

Ye – Donda 2

This week, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) premiered his latest studio album, Donda 2, in front of a sold-out audience in Miami. The visually stunning, cinematic event was live-streamed for millions around the world as Ye debuted tracks with Migos, XXXTentacion, Travis Scott, Future, Baby Keem, Don Toliver, Soulja Boy, and more. 

On Wednesday (February 23), four new songs from the album were uploaded exclusively to Stem Player, the first piece of technology offered by Yeezy. On Friday (February 25), the rest of the album was uploaded to Stem Player, allowing fans to listen to the first version of Donda 2. It is likely that, over time, the album will see many forms. There is a strong chance that this isn’t the last update to Donda 2 as Ye is known to rework his albums in real-time after dropping them.

Though it’s exclusively available on Stem Player, Donda 2 is finally available for the masses. Stay tuned for a proper release on streaming services when the time comes.

Kodak Black – Back For Everything

Following the tremendous success of “Super Gremlin” on the charts, Kodak Black is officially Back For Everything on his new studio album. With one of the most popular rap songs across the nation, Yak has been experiencing a special moment, hyping his fans up for the full-length release over the last few weeks. The nineteen-song effort includes one sole feature from Lil Durk (don’t tell NBA YoungBoy…) as well as the previously released singles “Grinding All Season,” “I Wish,” and “Love & War.”

This is Kodak’s first project release of the year.

EARTHGANG – Ghetto Gods

Atlanta-based rap duo EARTHGANG has returned with their new studio album, Ghetto Gods. After releasing a few well-received singles from the project, the group of WowGr8 and Olu represent Dreamville perfectly on the seventeen-song effort, which includes features from J. Cole, Future, 2 Chainz, J.I.D., Nick Cannon, and more.

With executive production from Kawan “KP” Prather, EARTHGANG seeks to remind their fans of the godhood present within all of us, issuing a thought-provoking look into Black men’s experiences living in America.

Tyga & Doja Cat – “Freaky Deaky”

Following the success of their previous collaboration on “Juicy,” Tyga and Doja Cat have teamed up once again for a new single off of Tyga’s upcoming album. The song, titled “Freaky Deaky,” follows along the same lines as their last link-up. The two Los Angeles-based rappers sing about their attraction for one another, previewing their night together in the highly-stylized music video.

With his album slated for this summer, Tyga is kicking off his rollout the right way. 

Conway The Machine – God Don’t Make Mistakes

Conway The Machine has been teasing his debut on Shady Records for what feels like forever but on Friday, his full-length project, titled God Don’t Make Mistakes, was officially released on the label’s imprint. An autobiographical window into Conway’s soul, the revered rapper dives into his life story on the album, including his Bells Palsy diagnosis, which was detrimental in him re-learning how to speak and rap. 

Features include Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Jill Scott, and more. The album includes the previously released singles “John Woo Flick,” “Piano Love,” and “Stressed.”

Lil Durk – “AHHH HA”

The current top-trending music video on YouTube, Lil Durk has another one on his hands with “AHHH HA.” 

The world was expecting a new full-length album from Lil Durk on Tuesday (February 22) but instead, the Chicago-based rapper dropped a new single aimed at YoungBoy Never Broke Again in the midst of their heated feud. Taking aim at the rapper, his baby’s mother Jania, and more people around him, Durk’s official response to YB’s taunts comes off his upcoming 7220 album. It also sparked a reply from YoungBoy, who dropped his latest song “I Hate YoungBoy,” which contained some extremely harsh disses against Durk, the rapper’s fiancée and father, King Von, Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, and more.

Stay tuned for more from Lil Durk as his new album, 7220, releases next month.

Ace Hood – M.I.N.D.

Florida-based rapper Ace Hood is one of hip-hop’s unsung heroes, consistently bringing quality music to the forefront. Influencing some of this generation’s most popular rappers, Ace Hood doesn’t often get the credit that he deserves. He’s not sulking in the shadows though — instead, he’s thriving. 

On Friday, the 33-year-old artist dropped his new album, M.I.N.D. (Memories Inside Never Die) with ten songs and a feature from Killer Mike. This is one of the strongest releases of the week and definitely deserves your attention.

Kehlani – “little story”

Following the release of her latest single “altar,” Kehlani has returned with her new song, “little story.” This serves as the second release from her upcoming studio album, blue water road. Stay tuned for more from the Bay Area-based singer as she continues to roll out her upcoming project in the coming months.

Denzel Curry – “Zatoichi” (feat. slowthai)

Another one of Florida’s unsung rap heroes, Denzel Curry has returned with his new single, “Zatoichi” featuring slowthai. The Carol City-based rapper’s second single from his upcoming album, Melt My Eyez See Your Future, pays homage to drum and bass with a Powers Pleasant-produced beat. A music video accompanies the release, showcasing Zeltron’s level-up in the visuals department as he continues to impress with each new release.  

Russ – “WHAT ARE YALL”

Consistently providing the guidelines for doing everything right as an independent artist in the music industry, Russ returns with his new single, “WHAT ARE YALL.” Proving that he’s one of the hardest workers in this business, Russ claims that he finished the song on Thursday morning, sent it off to streaming services in the afternoon, shot the video at night, and finished editing it before midnight. “Dreams only work if you do and freedom is priceless,” he said on Instagram.

Russ is really rapping his ass off on this self-produced record.

Flo Milli – “PBC”

Capping off Black History Month with a female empowerment anthem, Alabama-based rapper Flo Milli brings her trademark charm and wit to her new single, “PBC.” After previewing the record with an America’s Next Top Model-themed trailer, the 22-year-old artist shows why she’s such a strong force in the rap game with her bursting confidence and funny punchlines. 

Standing for “Pretty Black Cute,” “PBC” follows the release of Flo’s latest solo single, “Ice Baby.”

Erica Banks – “Slim Waist”

Dallas-based rapper Erica Banks is back with a new body-positive single, titled “Slim Waist.” The self-proclaimed Flow Queen returns with a bold record that sounds tailor-made for the strip club. Alongside a twerk-filled video, Banks explores her sensual side further on “Slim Waist,” continuing an upward trend for the rapper since the release of “Buss It.”

Central Cee – 23

London-based rapper Central Cee completes his Western takeover with the release of his new mixtape, 23. With over a billion streams and crazy success on his recent singles “Retail Therapy,” “Khabib,” and the PinkPantheress-assisted remix of “Obsessed With You,” Central Cee shows why he’s one of the best rappers from across the pond on the new fifteen-track full-length.

Mach-Hommy – Dump Gawd: Triz Nathaniel

Although it presently isn’t available on streaming services, New Jersey-based rapper Mach-Hommy is following up on his strong 2021 campaign with the release of his new four-song EP, Dump Gawd: Triz Nathaniel. Offering the project for $222 on his website, fans can also listen to Mach-Hommy’s latest by streaming directly on his site for free.

Boslen – “LEVELS”

If Vancouver-based artist Boslen isn’t on your radar yet, it’s time to wake up. The trailblazing young artist impressed on last year’s DUSK to DAWN project and he’s kicking off this year with the release of his new single, “LEVELS.” The song introduces the world to Boslen’s GONZO era, previewing what direction he will head in on his forthcoming full-length project.

Let us know what music you’ve got on rotation today in the comment section. Check out our songs section for more new releases today. 

Erica Banks Flaunts Her “Slim Waist”

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Dallas’ own Erica Banks is back with more fire this New Music Friday, delivering a body-positive single by the name of “Slim Waist,” which also received an accompanying music video that finds the “Buss It” hitmaker continuing on her streak of feeding bonafide bangers to her fans.

“Over luring bass and a fully immersive trap soundscape, Banks emphasizes that she’s in love with every part of herself — and invites us to adore her, too,” a press release reveals of the single. “Throughout ‘Slim Waist,’ she flaunts her seduction skills, describing her desires and expectations in an authoritative voice.”

Banks had a major year in 2021, bringing home two American Music Award nominations for Favourite Female Hip Hop Artist and Best Trending Song for her viral TikTok hit. In 2022, she has the release of her forthcoming project to look forward to, and time will tell what else she’s got in store for us.

Check out the music video for “Slim Waist” above, and let us know who you’d like to see Erica Banks collaborate with in the future below. 

Quotable Lyrics:

I got slim waist, body tight, what the party like?

Freak hoe, with a mouth, with the p*ssy belt

Ride good, do it slow, what them hundreds for?

Slut bitch, she’s a hoe, make the p*ssy go

Robert Glasper Continues To Keep Us Tuned In On “Black Radio III”

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Robert Glasper is a legend in the Black music community. Boundlessly talented and bold, Glasper’s sounds range from softer, subtle jazz, to raucous rhythm and blues, merging both and creating entirely new patterns of thought. While he has a vast collection of music, his Black Radio series shoulders a movement, straightening and strengthening antennas to broadcast the audio revolution.

Black Radio, the first installment in the progressive and lyrically provocative album series, was home to features from Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Bilal, Yasiin Bey, and more. It won the Grammy for Best R&B album the year of its release, cementing Glasper’s spot in the R&B pantheon (after conquering and climbing jazz’ mountain peaks for years prior.) Black Radio 2 was accompanied by Common, Jill Scott, Brandy, and Snoop Dogg, all sharing stories and sentiments that fine-tuned the signal to an even greater extent.

Black Radio III picks up where the prior two left off, nearly a decade later. Newer acts like H.E.R, D Smoke, Yebba, and Ant Clemons stand alongside some of our greatest storytellers (such as frequent collaborator Common, Q-Tip, and India.Arie), taking the torch to a new frontier.

Listen to Black Radio III below:

Top Gun: Mystery Pilot Nicknamed “The Ghost Of Kyiv” Takes Down 6 Russian Jets By Himself!

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Unconfirmed reports of an ace Ukrainian fighter pilot have gone viral, with social media users dubbing the fighter the “Ghost of Kyiv.”

Supposedly downing as many as six Russian planes in the first day of combat, the Ghost of Kyiv — and their MiG-29 Fulcrum — quickly became a folk hero in a war breathlessly watched online.

According to one widely circulated post, the Ghost of Kyiv is believed to have shot down four Russian fighter jets — two Su-35 Flankers, one Su-27 Flanker and one MiG-29 Fulcrum — as well as two ground-attack aircraft, so-called Su-25 Frogfoots.

The reports remain unconfirmed by Ukrainian officials — and the war remains rife with misinformation and propaganda. Posted by Abdul

Kodak Black’s Mother Gets Sniper Gang Tattoo

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There’s nothing like a mother’s love.

To celebrate the release of her son’s new album Back for Everything, Kodak Black’s mother debuted a new tattoo. The “Super Gremlin” rapper shared video of Marcelene Octave getting his Sniper Gang logo tattooed on her left arm.

“Ma Jus Snapped & Tatted #SG On Her,” Kodak wrote in his caption.

Kodak’s mom appeared calm as the tattoo artist applied the new ink, and she didn’t even complain about the process. When asked if it hurt, she shook her head while Kodak called her a “soldier.”

The love between mother and son is well documented. Kodak recently surprised his mom by buying her a $3 million home in Florida, and he plans to keep showing love to his queen.

“Everytime I Make Some Mo Money Ima Buy The #ZQueen A Bigger Crib & I Snapped With This One,” he wrote. “She Jus Came Back From Haiti To A New And Bigger Hize 😍!!!”

He also bought her a $30,000 purple Birkin bag and filled it with $30,000 in cash.

On Friday, Kodak dropped his new album Back for Everything featuring the gold-certified hit “Super Gremlin.”