Month: September 2022

California’s Bill Limiting The Use Of Rap Lyrics As Evidence Is Signed Into Law By Governor Gavin Newsom

by
gavin newsom
Getty Image

California has officially become the first state to limit the use of lyrics as evidence in criminal trials as Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB2799 — aka The Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act — into law after it passed the state senate late last month.

The Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act is one of several so-called “Rap On Trial” laws introduced at both the state and federal levels by activists seeking to end the use of lyrics against artists, a practice that some refer to as racist due to their frequent application in criminal trials involving rappers. The practice has come under greater scrutiny this year as high-profile cases against rappers like YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Gunna and Young Thug hinged on instances of the rappers lyrics that supposedly tied them to criminal activities. The prosecutors in the latter have received criticism as the main counts against them stemmed from them shouting out YSL on their records.

Artists like E-40, Killer Mike, Meek Mill, Too Short, Ty Dolla Sign, Tyga, and YG attended a virtual signing ceremony today, where Songwriters of North America co-founder Dina LaPolt said, “For too long, prosecutors in California have used rap lyrics as a convenient way to inject racial bias and confusion into the criminal justice process. This legislation sets up important guardrails that will help courts hold prosecutors accountable and prevent them from criminalizing Black and Brown artistic expression. Thank you, Gov. Newsom, for setting the standard. We hope Congress will pass similar legislation, as this is a nationwide problem.”

The bill’s signing represents a huge step forward for proponents of similar bills in states like New York, which passed its own “Rap On Trial” bill through the state senate in May but saw it stall out in the State Assembly.

Boslen Reminisces About His Ex On ‘Gone’

by

Lyrics can be tough to decipher these days, but there’s no better feeling than knowing exactly what your favorite artists truly wanted to express on their latest hit. From shady one-liners to catchy hooks, sometimes the lyrical content of a song can give fans real insight into the lives of today’s top musical talent. With his track, “Levels” Vancouver’s Boslen relays his unfiltered feelings about the music industry — and with his track “Gone,” he’s in deep thought about the lessons he’s learned from past relationships.

With help from Uproxx’s Cherise Johnson, Boslen dishes on the track’s opening line and admits that his ex of six years stepped out with his best friend. The incident, in addition to the peace and understanding he gained from the romantic low point is the inspiration for the track “Gone” from his latest album GONZO. The 23-year-old rapper tells Uproxx about facing the “monster in the closet,” working through codependency, and getting vulnerable after a failed relationship — themes present in the mellow rap-sung ballad. Aside from sharing intimate revelations, Boslen tells us that his latest EP’s lead single might just be his favorite song he’s made in his entire career.

Watch Boslen decipher “Gone” above.

Kendrick Lamar Includes Just One Name In His “Mount Rushmore Of Style”

by

Twitter users often debate about who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Rap, but when it comes time to hand out the awards to those who belong on the Mount Rushmore of Style, West Coast rapper Kendrick Lamar believes that just one person should be recognized.

On Thursday (September 29), the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers artist hopped on Twitter to show some love to Grammy Award-winning producer Taz Arnold, who has an undeniably distinct sense of fashion that’s earned him praise from fellow creatives all across the industry.

Taz Arnold at Proximity Greenhouse on January 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images)

“The Westside original,” Lamar wrote above four photos of Arnold included in his tweet. “My Mount Rushmore of Style.”

As HipHopDX notes, aside from just admiring his fashion sense, the father of two has also connected with his friend on a musical level. Arnold, who’s a part of the genre-bending L.A. group The Sa-Ra Creative Partners, co-produced three tracks on 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly – “u,” “Momma,” and “For Sale? (Interlude).”

The “Glorious” artist had high praise for Lamar after working with him in the studio, saying, “He’s ill man. He directs people.”

“He writes his own material to a whole other level. He writes your material. He’s like, ‘Can you say these parts?’ He’s good to work in the studio. I was very impressed with his acumen and his skill set.”

In other news, Kendrick was recently announced as the musical guest on an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live – read more about that here, and tap back in with HNHH later for more hip-hop news updates.

[Via]

Nicki Minaj Get What She Wants, SZA is a Rising Star In Times Next 100, Lizzo Is History In The Making, Plus More!

by

Single Ladies Music

The ultimate goal is to be iconic, inspiring, and make history, and these ladies dominate those achievements within their field of music and entertainment. So let’s look at what the unique artists have been up to this week. Nicki Minaj Gets What She Wants After calling out YouTube for age restrictions on her new music […]

The post Nicki Minaj Get What She Wants, SZA is a Rising Star In Times Next 100, Lizzo Is History In The Making, Plus More! appeared first on SOHH.com.

Nick Cannon & Brittany Bell Welcome Their 3rd Baby Together

by

Nick Cannon is a father, once again.

On Friday (September 30), the 41-year-old announced via Instagram that he and Brittany Bell have welcomed their third child together – a boy named Rise Messiah Cannon – making the entertainer now officially a father of 10.

(L-R) Brittany Bell, Powerful Queen Cannon, and Nick Cannon pose for a photo at LEGOLAND California on May 11, 2022 in Carlsbad, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Though some have expressed disappointment in Nick’s decision to have so many children with an assortment of baby mamas, he continues to maintain that his current approach is what feels right to him.

When sharing the exciting news of his youngest’s arrival, Cannon wrote, “Another Blessing!!! As my journey on this planet becomes more and more remarkable and unfathomable, all I can do is thank God and continue to ask the Most High to order my steps. He has given me stewardship and dominion over a family dynamic that to some is unimaginable.”

The California native continued, “But more importantly he has blessed me with loving individuals to guide me with care through this purposeful life. I am so indebted and grateful for the matriarch energy in my time of need,” before thanking Bell for being “the rock and foundation of [his] Fatherhood journey.”

Cannon praised the mother of three for educating him “about parenting, psychology, spirituality, love, and just life in general.” He mentioned that his co-parent “didn’t want a baby shower and needed NOTHING! All she desired was PRAYER from her authentic Loved Ones!”

Although Bell was a champion throughout it all, her baby daddy revealed that her labour was far from easy, consisting of “48 hours of excruciating pain and life-risking danger” before their 10-pound bundle of joy arrived.

The pair are already parents to 5-year-old son Golden Sagon and nearly 2-year-old daughter, Powerful Queen.

Tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Prodigy’s First Posthumous Album “The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine”

by

The long-awaited posthumous album from Prodigy arrived in its entirety on Friday morning. The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine is 12-songs in total with some epic features. DJ Premier, Big Daddy Kane, Faith Evans, Remy Ma, Big Noyd, and more appear on the tracklist.

The Hegelian Dialectic is a trilogy that Prodigy began prior to his death. The rapper released Hegelian Dialectic (The Book Of Revelation) in January 2017, months before his passing. His estate is currently plotting on the release and the final installment of the project.

The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine is a reminder of the power of Prodigy’s pen to narrate vivid street tales with vulnerability and honesty.

Rest In Peace, Prodigy.

Rachel Nichols Gets New NBA Media Gig

by

Rachel Nichols found herself in the midst of a huge controversy at ESPN last year. The long-time NBA journalist ended up losing her job after recordings of her leaked online. In these recordings, Nichols could be heard criticizing Maria Taylor, with Nichols referring to her as a diversity hire of sorts.

Following this leak, Nichols was removed from her post on NBA Countdown, and The Jump was ultimately canceled in favor of NBA Today which is now hosted by Malika Andrews. Needless to say, it was a horrible time for Nichols’ career as she was left without a role in the dog-eat-dog world of NBA media.

David Becker/Getty Images

Now, however, it is being reported that Nichols will be back on TV in the not-so-distant future. She is going to be added to the team over at Showtime Sports, where she will get to create monthly basketball programming. It remains to be seen what her exact role will be over there, although it is certainly going to be huge given the fact that she has a wealth of experience from working with ESPN.

This is a hiring that could be polarizing as some are still mad at Nichols for her comments about Andrews. Either way, Showtime Sports is expanding, and they believe this hire gives them the best chance to compete in the NBA landscape.

T-Pain Explains Why He’d Date A Stripper Over A Bartender

by

T-Pain recently appeared on Cam Kirk’s Studio Sessions where he provided insight into his biggest records and dating a stripper.

Pain most famously sang about falling in love with a stripper on his 2005 hit single. Two years later, he released “Bartender,” a song detailing how he caught feelings for a woman serving him drinks after a breakup. T-Pain clearly has a thing for women in the service industry but if he had to pick between the two, he’d choose the stripper.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 08: T-Pain performs onstage during Nickelodeon’s Second Annual SlimeFest at Huntington Bank Pavilion on June 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

“I would rather date a stripper than a bartender. Strippers are fucking crazy. All of them. You gotta be kind of crazy to be a stripper,” he said. “You could say you’re doing it for school — you’re crazy.”

“Males strippers too. N***as is crazy. Bro, you got to be crazy to do that shit. Can’t have a bunch of strangers tugging at your shit, my n***a,” he continued before theorizing what he’d be like as a stripper. “Throw on that new Drake, n***a, I’m out of there.”

Pain also described Akon’s rejection as a blessing in disguise. T-Pain wrote “I’m Sprung” with Akon in mind. But when the Akon rejected the demo, Pain began testing the waters in the clubs of Tallahassee.

“I had given up and became a writer for Konvict Music. I wasn’t really trying to be an artist anymore because it was too hard and I figured why not just go write songs for somebody that’s already famous?” He explained. “So, I wrote ‘I’m Sprung’ for Akon, Akon didn’t like it. I still liked the song so I took it to the club in Tallahasse. That DJ that played it passed it around a few times. I heard it on the radio and here we are.”

Watch the full episode below.

OVO x Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” Sample Resurfaces Online

by

Drake’s OVO brand has come through with some amazing collaborations over the years. Of course, Drake has worked with the likes of Jordan Brand on some fantastic sneakers, including the Air Jordan 12, Air Jordan 10, and Air Jordan 8. Back in the day, OVO even worked on a special version of the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo,” but it was only a sample.

Thanks to the Instagram sneaker insider @zsneakerheadz and @collectors_closet, we now have a close look at the sample, which is resurfacing online. As you will see in the video down below, the shoe is pretty much the same as the original, except in this model, we have OVO branding and the prayer hands insignia on the insole. It adds just a little bit of that Drake flare to the sneaker, and we’re sure collectors would love these, only if they could get their hands on them.

Seeing as though this is a sample, it is safe to say that these will never actually see the light of day. Despite this, let us know what you think of the OVO x Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” model, in the comments section down below. As always, keep it locked to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sneaker world.