Month: February 2023

R. Kelly’s Sentencing Was Included In A Controversial ‘SNL’ Skit, Leaving Viewers Divided On How To Feel

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Disgraced singer and songwriter R. Kelly received yet another hefty prison sentence earlier this week. On Thursday (February 23), Kelly was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for child pornography charges which will run concurrently with his 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering. Kelly’s former manager, Donnell Russell, was also sentenced to serve one year in prison for making a threat to shoot someone at a Lifetime screening of the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.

With it being such a sensitive topic, you’d think comedians wouldn’t attempt to tackle that even in a padded suit, but not SNL’s Coin Jost and Michael Che. During last night’s Weekend Update skit, the pair took it a step further, making the sentencing the butt of the joke in Che’s newly introduced segment, What Did They Even Do Wrong. The miniature skit aims to comedically define wrongdoings by public figures.

When the pair reached the pair discussed the recent sentencing of Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly, Che, says, “I mean mainly they’re guilty of loving too much, right. A player’s gotta play,” before turning it to the audience for laughter, “Am I right, ladies?”

The YouTube comments were filled with viewers praising the new addition to the segment, writing, “OMG on Michael Che’s new segment – what did they even do wrong – too funny. Looking forward to them posting the whole Weekend Update in its entirety on Monday morning. Even funnier that way.”

However, on other social media sites, such as Twitter, users were not pleased by the joke. One user wrote, “When will they take Michael Che off Weekend Update? He’s not funny & neither was that Weinstein/R. Kelly ‘joke.’”

Watch the full skit above.

Nas Paid Tribute To The Late Trugoy of De La Soul During Sold-Out Madison Square Garden Tour Stop

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Nas Madison Square Garden 2023
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Nas’ New York state of mind stretches far beyond his native Queensbridge neighborhood. While the “One Mic, One Gun” rapper recently revealed that he’d love to collaborate with Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen during his appearance on The Late Show hosted by Stephen Colbert, his love for New York musicians runs deep.

As the mogul’s tour made a stop at Madison Square Garden on Friday (February 24), Nas took a moment during his set to pay homage to Trugoy The Dove (real name David Jolicoeur) of De La Soul. The Long Island native passed away early this month.

The sold-out crowd joined us as Nas played the opening verse on De La Soul’s hit single “Buddy” before proclaiming, “Make some noise for Trugoy, De La Soul. Rest in Poetry!”

When the news first broke of Trugoy’s death, Nas took to Instagram to share a touching note. In the now archived post, Nas wrote, “‘Trugoy The Dove. You showed us it’s ok to have fun, not sad or too too deep or fight the power, tho it was very much fight the power what u did so genuis. Thank you.’”

Nas isn’t the only figure in music to pay their respect to the late rap trailblazer. Quest Love, Busta Rhymes, Common, as well as Trugoy’s surviving groupmates Maseo And Posdnuos, also broke their silence with a heartfelt message on social media, writing, “You were the heart of our group. You brought so much creativity, energy, and passion to our music, and your influence will be felt for years to come.”

Drake Regrets Calling Out Ex-Girlfriends In His Music

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It seems the Certified Lover Boy wishes he spoke on his losses romantically in a different light. Drake recently opened up about regretting how he aired out ex-girlfriends in his music in his recent interview with Lil Yachty. Moreover, he specifically mentioned that one former partner in particular made him rethink how his lyrics could affect their lives. Of course, this was also the same interview where the 6 God pondered a “graceful exit” from the rap game (don’t worry, it’s not happening yet). With that in mind, maybe the Canadian superstar is considering the different ways in which his legacy will endure- and what he could do now to solidify it the way he wants to.

“I hate hearing that s**t,” he said of his track “Weston Road Flows, particularly a line in which he said he’d retire at 35. Furthermore, now he views the proclamation as pretty ageist. “I heard it the other night. I think that and some times when I’ve said girls’ names in songs, maybe those are the two things that I look back on and I’m like, ‘Maybe I coulda done without, like, s***ting on people for age or disrupting somebody’s life.’ The lyrics are never with ill intent, but I had somebody tell me one time, ‘You know, it’s not necessarily what you’re saying about me, it’s the fact that you said it.’”

Drake Discusses Ex-Girlfriends With Lil Yachty

Moreover, he elaborated on why that conversation with his ex led him to reflect on what other effect his bars potentially have. “Just in the sense like, ‘You don’t know what it does to me. You don’t know who my boyfriend is at the time or you don’t know what my family knows or doesn’t know. And if you express any form of discontent for me and call me by name in a song, then all of a sudden I’m left to pick up the pieces of my own life that I’ve tried to build up for myself.’ So I’ve tried my best to stop doing that. But I like to be honest in music too, so that one’s a push and pull.”

Meanwhile, the topic of retirement is one Drizzy’s often visited, although these relationship regrets are brand-new (at least publicly). Speaking to Nicki Minaj on her Queen Radio show in August 2022, he said that releasing music is still the most exciting thing in the world. “I’m not at that point where I even consider that being an option,” he shared to Onika. “One of the best feelings I have in my life is completing a song or project. And by the way, those things are painful as well. A lot of nerves, a lot of confidence wavering. But I feel like I’m reaching a new level of fun.” Let us know what you think of his reflections down below and return to HNHH for the latest on Drake.

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Moneybagg Yo Ices Out GloRilla With Bread Gang Chain

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Moneybagg Yo just gifted a custom iced-out Bread Gang Entertainment chain to fellow Memphis rap star GloRilla. Moreover, the exchange seemingly occurred at one of Glo’s concerts recently, and fans cheered on for them. Bagg hyped the “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” star up and they embraced for a moment. Also, it looks like Yo Gotti, who runs GloRilla’s label CMG, was also on stage for the gift. Afterwards, she took to Instagram to show it off and thank the “Wockesha” rapper, although the chain is frankly a bit illegible. Regardless, it was a pretty notable on-stage moment and a show of solidarity between different Memphis camps.

While Glo’s signed to CMG and not Bread Gang Entertainment, which is Bagg’s label, all artists on stage are with CMG, which many people forget. Moneybagg signed with Gotti to much surprise and discussion considering they’re from historically rival parts of the city. However, since then, it seems the focus has been mostly on great music and bringing more of those parts of Memphis together. In addition, let’s not forget that Moneybagg loves to show off jewelry, as he recently flexed half his collection on the Gram.

Moneybagg Yo Shows Icy Bread Gang Love To GloRilla

Also, Moneybagg Yo and GloRilla collaborated on the track “On What U On” recently to much fan acclaim. Still, many artists are taking note of the wave Memphis is leading the scene with, even its older acts. Another rap figure who recently gave the rising star her flowers is none other than Grandmaster Flash of The Furious Five fame. While on the red carpet of the Grammys, he praised her hit song “F.N.F.” for its fun bars and energy.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest female rappers on the moment, Cardi B, showed up to Glo’s tour stop in the former’s home city of New York. They performed their track “Tomorrow 2” together to a screaming crowd in another moment of respect between two similar artists. This time, Memphis wasn’t the link, but rather as two female artists in an often male-dictated industry, although that’s starting to change. After all, Glo met her dream collaborator Beyoncé at the Grammys recently, so she knows well who run the world. Regardless, check back in with HNHH for the latest on GloRilla and Moneybagg Yo.

Doja Cat’s ‘Planet Her’ Just Made Rap Music History On Spotify And Earned Her New A Career Accolade

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doja cat boobs
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In 2021, Doja Cat released her third studio album, Planet Her. The album, which centers on the fictional planet that the “Say So” hitmaker created, not only launched her into pop superstardom but earned several chart-topping hits. It’s been nearly two years since its release, and now, Planet Her has surpassed six billion streams on Spotify, making it the most streamed album by a female rapper in the streaming platform’s history.

“‘Planet Her’ by Doja Cat has surpassed 6 BILLION streams on Spotify. It is the most streamed album by a female rapper in history,” Pop Base reports.

The album featured guest appearances from some of music’s biggest acts —Young Thug, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and SZA — showcasing her growth as an artist. Doja was no longer the “Mooo!” girl known for her quick-witted internet humor. Instead, she was a certified hitmaker. The project even helped the rapping songstress nab a Grammy nomination for Best Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.

While she didn’t walk away with the top award that night, she still got the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her mega-pop hit “Kiss Me More,” featuring SZA.

Regarding new music, what Doja Cat has under her sleeve is unclear. She noted that the album could be influenced by rap or maybe even “rave culture.” Most recently, she’s said she wants to take a more “masculine direction” with the album.

Either way, Doja has proved herself as more than a meme star, and the world will be waiting with its ear to the ground for her next project and whatever direction she takes it.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Jozzy Drops New EP “Songs for Women, Free Game for N****s”

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It’s pretty much impossible to find an up-and-coming artist with more co-signs than Jozzy. Though her solo catalog is not expansive, the Memphis R&B artist has worked with and rubbed elbows with some of the best musicians ever. In May 2022, she signed a record deal with Diddy’s Love Records. Since then, she has earned songwriting credits on some of the biggest album releases in music. These include “Virgo’s Groove” from Beyoncé’s latest LP RENAISSANCE, John Legend’s “On Time” from Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains, and “Low” from SZA’s S.O.S.

Before signing her deal, however, Jozzy still collaborated with many R&B, pop, and rap stars for huge hits. She has songwriting credits on Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” remix with Billy Ray Cyrus. Additionally, she helped out with Internet Money’s smash hit “Lemonade” including Don Toliver and Gunna. Also included on her resume are songwriting credits for Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Diplo, Fergie, Coldplay, Lil Durk and many more. Her name already carried a lot of weight before she even got her feet under her as a solo artist. This is likely why Diddy refers to her as the “R&B Biggie.”

Jozzy’s First Release In Years

On Feb. 21, Diddy and Love Records announced the impending release of Jozzy’s new EP. Songs for Women, Free Game for N****s, unlike most EPs, would include 10 songs. Ahead of its release, Diddy released a statement speaking about the significance of this moment for Jozzy. “Jozzy is a very special and dynamic talent that only comes around once in a generation, so I’m excited to see how her music sets a new standard for R&B,” he said. “Her skills as a writer and performer, matched with her style and energy, [have] the potential to make her one of the greats, and I’m proud to play a part in shaping the next chapter of her career.”

Songs for Women, Free Game for N****s was finally released later in the week on Feb. 24. Spanning 30 minutes, the project is Jozzy’s first release since 2020. Her prior EP Soul Therapy: PT 215 was much more of a traditional, lasting for 5 songs and 15 minutes. Additionally, she dropped her first single on digitial streaming platforms with “Sucka Free” featuring Lil Wayne in 2019. But, none of these moments compare to the magnitude of Songs for Women, Free Game for N****s. With Diddy behind her and her bolstered resume vouching for her, Jozzy is surely here to stay. Stream Jozzy’s new EP on Spotify and Apple Music below.

Songs for Women, Free Game for N****s Tracklist:

  1. Songs for Women
  2. Replay
  3. Commotion
  4. She Asked Me
  5. Favorite Shirt
  6. Free Game Interlude
  7. Alone
  8. Nasty Interlude
  9. Don’t Say No
  10. Spit Game Outro

Lore’l Didn’t Call Michael B. Jordan “Corny,” New Podcast Audio Reveals

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Michael B. Jordan took the opportunity to troll an interviewer who previously called him “corny” on a a podcast. Moreover, this went down at the Creed III Atlanta HBCU fan screening. However, new podcast audio shows that the interviewer, Lore’l, didn’t call Michael B. Jordan corny in the first place, but rather her cohost. Furthermore, Lore’l told Jordan that he misquoted her when they talked on the red carpet, and it looks like she was right all along. Moreover, the new audio actually shows the podcast host somewhat defending the actor and director.

“You know what I really think deep down inside? I think that Michael B. Jordan is a nice, corny guy, and I don’t mean that as a slight,” Dominique said. Furthermore, they discussed his relationship with Lori Harvey in a 2021 podcast episode. “We all know the nice, corny guys treat you the best.” Then, Lore’l stepped in to talk about knowing Jordan for years since they went to school together. “You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life,” she said. “And to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan.

Lore’l Never Called Michael B. Jordan Corny

“Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan,” she continued. “And he also would come to school with a headshot. We lived in Newark, that’s the hood. We would make fun of him like, ‘What you gonna do with your stupid headshot!?’ And now look at him!” Years later, Lore’l referenced their history at the screening, and it shows the Black Panther actor has quite the sharp memory. “We go way back, all the way back to Chad Science [Academy] in Newark,” she told him. “Oh yeah, I was the corny kid, right?”

Meanwhile, whatever corniness Jordan has, had, or will have is moot in the face of his accomplishments. Fans everywhere are very excited for the third film in the Creed franchise, especially considering how much MBJ’s spoken of his experience both directing and acting. Ahead of the film’s release, let’s just hope that he catches wind of Lore’l’s actual words and doesn’t hold any ill will. Still, check out all referenced clips above and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Michael B. Jordan and Creed III.

This Weekend’s “R&B Season” Update Will Leave You “Love Sick” Thanks To Don Toliver

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The most romantic month of the year is nearly over. Still, we have one last R&B Season update of February left, and it may leave you feeling Love Sick. This New Music Friday (February 24), Don Toliver shared his latest album. Reactions so far have been mixed. However, many can admit it finds the Houston native feeling more ambitious than ever before.

The 16-track effort had several standout titles that earned a spot on our playlist, beginning with “Let Her Go” featuring James Blake. The song is emotional in nature and beautifully combines Toliver’s unique vocals with the producer’s signature sombre sound.

Other titles from Love Sick that we find R&B Season worthy are “Bus Stop” and “Slow Motion.” The former includes a coveted appearance from WASTELAND artist Brent Faiyaz. The latter, on the other hand, leans into the Afrobeats phenomenon with Wizkid’s feature. If you’re a fan of the Toliver recommendations, we highly suggest you stream the full album when you have time.

Another highly anticipated arrival this weekend came from Chlöe, who’s inching toward the debut of her first solo album. She previously spent years making music in a duo with her little sister, Halle Bailey. More recently they’ve been exploring other areas of their career on their own. Following her “Pray It Away” single a few weeks back, the Atlanta native announced a collaboration with Chris Brown.

Of course, both singers faced significant backlash as a result, but they’ve been pushing forward regardless and showing each other plenty of support. The joint track is called “How Does It Feel,” and it’s certainly everything you would expect an R&B anthem to be. In the accompanying music video, both Bailey and Breezy put their impressive dance moves on display as well.

Another female vocalist preparing to stun the world with a project is none other than Kali Uchis. She gave listeners a taste of what’s to come with “Moonlight,” this weekend, already amassing nearly two million streams on Spotify alone. Apart from her solo release, the Colombian beauty also appears on Toliver’s Love Sick album.

Our final two picks of the week are Lavi$h’s “World In My Hands,” and Jozzy’s “Alone.” Stream it all exclusively on Spotify below, and let us know what your favourite new additions are in the comments. If you need more release recommendations, be sure to check out our Fire Emoji update as well.

A$AP Rocky’s Gucci Logo Braids Prove He’s The Flyest At Milan Fashion Week

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Fashion month is quickly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the stars are done serving looks quite yet. From New York to London, we’ve seen several of our favourite recording artists and entertainers sitting in the front row during runways. Of course, fashion week wouldn’t feel right without acknowledging a few serves from the style icons themselves, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

The expecting parents didn’t attend any of the clothing presentations earlier this month. This is likely due to the Bad Gal’s hectic schedule ahead of the Super Bowl. After taking some time to recover from her legendary Halftime show, she and her beau took a trip to Milan. Their 9-month-old son came along for the journey. Cameras caught them stepping out in style all around the beautiful Italian city.

Milan Date Night with Mamihanna

On Friday (February 25), Rihanna dressed to the nines for an evening on the town with Rocky. It remains unclear where they wound up spending the night, but the 35-year-old certainly looked glamorous. Her skin tone was perfectly complimented by the high-slit silk orange dress. She wore it under an oversized bomber jacket hanging off her shoulders. Were it not for her flashy silver heels and matching accessories, the outfit would likely appear far more casual.

The “F*ckin’ Problems” rapper channelled a slightly different vibe than his date, donning light wash jeans in a unique silhouette. The soon-to-be father of two kept warm under a leather jacket, also seemingly layering with a plain white t-shirt. While obviously cool, Rocky’s evening outfit has nothing on the dapper suit he rocked while attending the Gucci runway.

Gucci’s Celebrity Guests

A$AP Rocky attends Gucci’s Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 runway on February 24, 2023, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Hours before he and Mamihanna hit the town, the 34-year-old was one of the special guests at the Fall/Winter 2023 fashion show. His look consisted of wide-leg trousers, a pin-striped double-breasted blazer, a crisp button-up shirt and a tie. To prove his love for Gucci even further, Rocky had the brand’s logo braided into his hair in various places.

Earlier this month, the New Yorker was named as one of the faces of the company’s “Guilty” fragrance line. He’s been a longtime supporter, previously appearing in ad campaigns with the likes of Tyler, the Creator and Iggy Pop. Keep scrolling for a closer look at A$AP Rocky’s Gucci braids, and to see photos of the other celebrities at the brand’s latest runway show this weekend.

Hanni and A$AP Rocky are seen at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023/24 on February 24, 2023, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Gucci)
A$AP Rocky, hair detail, is seen at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023/24 on February 24, 2023, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo M. Raule/Getty Images for Gucci)
A$AP Rocky and Salma Hayek are seen at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023/24 on February 24, 2023, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Gucci)

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