Month: February 2023

Cordae Questions Bootleg Kev About Not Making His Top 10 Rappers Or Albums Lists

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There are so many “Top” lists floating around in Hip Hop it’s hard to keep up, but Cordae has a few questions for Bootleg Kev. The most recent controversy was sparked after Billboard and Vibe came together to name their Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time. This took over Hip Hop social media spaces, but it isn’t the first—and most certainly won’t be the last—time conversations such as these erupt online.

Cordae caught up with Bootleg Kev for an intimate interview, and during the chat, he brought up the host’s Best Rappers of 2022 choices. The list consisted of the following, from 10 to the No. 1 spot: LaRussell, Future, Conway, Symba, Drake, Freddie Gibbs, Kendrick Lamar, J.I.D, 38 Spesh, and reigning supreme, Pusha T. “Also, how did I not make your Top 10 list last year, bro?” Cordae asked. “It’s cool, I’m just asking.” Kev wanted to know if he was speaking about the rappers or album lists. “Damn, I didn’t make either!?” the rapper playfully responded.

Cordae Questions His Exclusion

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 19: Cordae is one of the surprise guests that performs during the Summer Smash Festival at Douglass Park on June 19, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage)

“I mean, it was a good year last year. I didn’t think you had a Top 10 album [From a Bird’s Eye View] last year. I think you had about a Top 20,” said Kev. Cordae expressed he respected the answer and emphasized he wasn’t in his feelings about the exclusion. Kev added, “And on the rapping sh*t, I just think the rapping list was tough, man. There was a lot of rapping.”

As conversations were happening between Kev and someone off-camera, Cordae chimed in. “Ay, a lotta love to everybody, man. I’m not—I just…I didn’t even know until he told me right before we walked in. ‘You know you ain’t make Kev’s Top 10?’ It’s cool, bro.” Kev said several people he considers friends, including Benny The Butcher, didn’t even make his list.

Bootleg Kev Explains His Choices

“My thing, like, last year, I put a guy like Symba on the list ’cause Symba did the rapper sh*t last year,” Kev explained. “That motherf*cker did every outlet. He had moments on these f*ckin’ outlets. When I saw Symba like, ‘Yo, I’m tryin’ to make sure y’all see me as the motherf*cker. So, I’mma go rap everywhere.’ And he put out a cool project.” Kev admitted that Symba had a bone to pick after his album didn’t make Kev’s Top 10 list, either. Check it out above.

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Halle Bailey Reveals The Parallels Between Her And “The Little Mermaid”

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Disney’s newest princess, Halle Bailey, is set to star in the 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid. As the cover star of The Face magazine’s spring issue, Halle reflects on her role in the live-action film and reveals how she connects deeply with her character. The 22-year-old also dishes down on Rob Marshall’s take on the Disney classic, noting how Ariel now has more “freedom,” versus her typical suppressed characterization. “What’s beautiful about this version of The Little Mermaid is that it’s a lot more modern,” she tells the magazine.

When Bailey was first announced to be Ariel, she was met with racist backlash. Critics claimed that a Black woman cast in this role didn’t fit the normal description for the mermaid, which spiraled into a #NotMyAriel hashtag, the magazine notes. With support from her closest friends and family, however, Bailey didn’t get discouraged. “I know people are like: ​‘It’s not about race.’ But now that I’m her… people don’t understand that when you’re Black there’s this whole other community. It’s so important for us to see ourselves,” she tells The Face.

Halle Bailey Channels Her Inner Ariel In A Beachside Photoshoot

When rehearsals first started for The Little Mermaid, Bailey was only 19 and had trouble adjusting to being away from her family. But, she notes how this experience has shifted her in a positive way, revealing how she learned to be “independent.” Bailey added, “on the set of Mermaid, I learned how to say, ​‘This is what I need’, without feeling bad about it.” The singer-turned-actor also reflected on how she realized parallels between her and the role she was taking on. “I felt like God was lining up themes in my life with the character,” Bailey explained. “Ariel has this longing for something more. She doesn’t quite know what it is yet, but she has to be brave in order to find it on her own.”

Although young, Bailey has already paved an acclaimed career for herself. She initially gained recognition for her work in Chlöe x Halle, an R&B duo featuring her older sister. With Beyoncé’s mentorship, the sisters have earned five Grammy nominations. Between her ongoing music career and the May 26th release of The Little Mermaid, this talented performer is proving to build up a legacy. For more news on all things hip-hop and pop culture, check out HNHH.

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Tony Yayo: Lloyd Banks Is A Mix Of Biggie’s Bars & Tupac’s Work Ethic

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Lloyd Banks remains one of the fiercest lyricists to emerge out of the East Coast. Though he never became a mainstream success in the same way as 50 Cent, he never held back whenever he stepped in the booth with his G-Unit peers. Unfortunately, his relationship with Fif deteriorated over time and it took a minute for him to return to the spotlight. In recent years, he’s dished out collaborations alongside members of Griselda and dropped off two of his own projects, firmly reminding the masses that he still holds the title of the Punch Line King.

Despite his distance from 50 Cent, his relationship with other members of the G-Unit camp isn’t as fractured. Tony Yayo, for instance, recently tapped Banks for his latest project, The Loyal. Banks shows out on the project for the record, “Rocket Chamber,” which dropped as a single. The two clearly haven’t lost their chemistry in the booth and brought forth an excellent collab that hopefully leads to more music from the G-Unit rappers in the future.

Tony Yayo Compares Lloyd Banks To The GOATs

Lloyd Banks might not occupy the spotlight but he never disappoints when he steps in front of the mic. Tony Yayo recently sat down with DJ Vlad who, despite his differences with Banks, had nothing but praise for the Rotten Apple MC’s contributions to The Loyal. “Banks is a show-and-prove type of guy,” Yayo explained to Vlad. In terms of his reclusive nature, Yayo described his collaborator as an “anti-industry” individual who is far more focused on the music than the business-side of things.

Though he might be quiet for the most part, Yayo explained that Banks has no shortage of music sitting in his vault. “I go to the studio, he’ll play me 100 records,” he explained before comparing Banks to both Biggie and ‘Pac. “It’s like his bars are something like Biggie but he writes like Tupac. I never met a guy like that besides [Eminem].” It seems as though there could be more music from Yayo and Banks soon as the former said he has another project coming out shortly.

Ashanti Reportedly Caught Wearing Nelly’s Chain, Fans Speculate On Another Romance

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Ashanti and Nelly might be reigniting their romance after ten years separated, or at least that’s what fans say based on a chain. Moreover, social media speculated on the couple reuniting after fans noticed both of them wearing a similar chain. Furthermore, a fan page of the couple posted a picture of Ashanti wearing a thick, shiny, and silver Cuban link chain. In fact, it looks eerily similar to one that the “Hot In Here” rapper often wears. As such, many warned the singer and actress of straying back into the relationship after he apparently “betrayed” him based on her testimony.

Still, it’s not like the two completely stayed out of each other’s lives, and recent run-ins fueled reunion rumors before this was even a factor. For example, they were recently spotted clubbing after their Nashville concert in early February this year. Meanwhile, back in December of 2022, they performed together for a Christmas concert in Glendale, Arizona. In fact, many people noted their intimate stage chemistry as they performed, which got hopeful fans excited for their reconciliation.

Nelly & Ashanti Turn Heads With Matching Chains

Even with all that fresh excitement, some fans didn’t take too kindly to these rumors. “Girl he wasted your time before he will do it again…” one social media user expressed. “They do look good together though, but no.” Another pointed out that maybe some things are just left up to fate. “Chile soulmates are a thing,” they expressed. Despite shippers expressing their happiness, it didn’t filter out the notably cautionary messages that frequented social media discussions. “She’s in his chain,” another user expressed. “I liked them together but sometimes it’s best to leave people in your past.”

While they didn’t say much about why they broke up back in 2013, they dated since their music careers started. Fans were all the more curious when Ashanti expressed that Nelly “betrayed” her in a 2015 interview. Since then, they reconciled and spoke pretty vaguely about what happened, so clearly not much is set in stone. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest on Ashanti, Nelly, and their potential romantic rekindling.

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Michael B. Jordan Teams Up With Eli Manning To Recreate Famous OBJ Catch

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Eli Manning is perhaps the most legendary player in the history of the New York Giants. Although he was by no means the best quarterback in the league, he was able to win two Super Bowls. Fans of the Giants look back fondly on his time with the team, especially since he beat the Patriots in two different championship games. At this point, many are just waiting to find out if he will ever be placed into the Hall Of Fame. Some believe he doesn’t deserve it, however, there are plenty of others out there who see it in his future.

Overall, Manning is still a legend and that will not change. He is loved in New York City, and he has plenty of celebrity fans. One such person is Michael B. Jordan, who grew up as a Giants fan. According to TMZ, Manning linked up with MBJ for The Eli Manning Show, which is part of the Giants’ media offering. The two met at the Giants’ facility where Jordan got to dress up in full Giants gear. Subsequently, he got to catch passes from Manning.

Eli Manning x MBJ

In the video clip up above, you can see Manning and Jordan recreating the iconic one-handed grab by Odell Beckham Jr. This is widely regarded as one of the greatest catches in the entire history of the NFL. Consequently, you can imagine just how excited Jordan was to recreate it with an iconic quarterback. However, as you will see, Jordan had to grab it with two hands. At this point, his coordination is not up to par with the professionals. Either way, it was a cool moment for him, as well as Manning who is the man behind that infamous pass.

While the Giants have been bad as of late, they were back to winning ways this season. Overall, it was a solid year that Manning and Jordan could be proud of. Daniel Jones is playing well enough to win, and he is in for a big payday. Needless to say, bright days are ahead for the New York Giants franchise. Whether or not this is maintained, remains to be seen.

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SZA Says Chlöe Is “Going To Be A Legend”

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Just over two months after SZA had her monumental moment with her S.O.S. studio album in December, Chlöe is set to have her’s. SZA’s sophomore studio album spent four weeks as the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, her album landed her the honor of Billboard Woman of the Year. For this, she did an interview with the publication and spoke about a variety of topics including other women in music. While discussing this, SZA mentioned that she thinks Chlöe has her best days ahead of her. “I love Chloe Bailey and her commitment to perfection — I feel like she’s going to be a legend,” she said.

When news broke of this quote, Chlöe saw a tweet referencing it. She immediately quoted the tweet to return the favor and offer her own admiration to SZA. “love you always @sza. the feeling is mutual,” she said. Later in SZA’s interview, she also showed love to other female musicians like Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Beyoncé, and more. But, the Chlöe praise felt particularly appropriate and timely. Chlöe is currently in the midst of an album rollout for her solo debut LP In Pieces. Ahead of its March 31 release, Chlöe is set to drop the album’s second promotional single “How Does It Feel” with Chris Brown tonight (Feb. 24). This will just be another big step ahead of her highly anticipated full-length release.

Why Chlöe’s Moment Is Now

Since embarking on her solo career away from the Chloe x Halle tandem with her sister, all of Chlöe’s solo singles have been epic. “Have Mercy” is Sept. 2021 and “Treat Me” in April 2022 were both great introductions to her sound as a solo act. Next, “Surprise” in June 2022 and October’s “For The Night” continued to elevate her artistry and songwriting. Then last month (Jan. 27), her lead single “Pray It Away” for In Pieces saw Chlöe successfully begin to build a theme and world for her album.

Although she has not yet made the tracklist available for In Pieces, fans are still excited about what can potentially come from this release. Along with the Chris Brown song, listeners are hoping to see more sensational R&B collaborations for the LP. Perhaps maybe even her friend SZA could join in the party. Either way, though, SZA’s prediction for Chloë’s future s a safe, yet sound one. Chlöe has all the pieces to be a superstar, and her upcoming project will surely show that.

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Ab-Soul Lights Up “Tiny Desk Concert” On His Birthday

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We’re inching closer to the conclusion of Black History Month. To highlight exceptional artists, NPR hosted Ab-Soul for its Tiny Desk Concert. The Carson, Calif., native is an applauded lyricist in Hip Hop, and he took his talents—and musicians—to the outlet’s coveted stage. We don’t often get to see Ab in a live, stripped-down session, so this unique performance is one that fans should not miss.

The Rap icon dubbed his band the Soulersystem, and unsurprisingly, Ab-Soul included several Herbert tracks in his set. His most recent release was Ab’s first offering in six years, and it was a return that was welcomed with open arms. “We just here to restore the feeling,” he said on Tiny Desk. It seems that the rapper, too, is celebrating the culture’s milestone this year. “What you say? Fifty years of Hip Hop?”

Ab-Soul Chose To Release This Concert On His Birthday

LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 26: Rapper Ab-Soul performs onstage during day 2 of the 2015 Life is Beautiful festival on September 26, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by FilmMagic/FilmMagic)

Not only are we celebrating seeing Ab-Soul in concert, but today (February 23) just happens to be the emcee’s birthday. We’re sure loved ones have surrounded him as he marks the end of one lap around the sun and the beginning of another. Additionally, Ab highlighted his “guardian angel,” DoeBurger, whose photo he had printed on a custom jacket. He held up the garb during his performance, paying tribute to one of his best friends who passed away in 2021.

During the years he wasn’t pushing out new music, Ab has experienced significant changes. Last year, he sat down with Charlamagne Tha God to speak about Herbert, as well as surviving a suicide attempt. Ab detailed his story, revealing he jumped from a freeway overpass, survived, and walked home. This isn’t to say his injuries weren’t devastating, as he shared in his interview.

Ab-Soul Previously Detailed His Experience

“I ain’t even got my implants yet. My jaw’s f*cked up, I got a lot of work to do still,” he said at the time. “My foot is completely reconstructed, all the way to my pelvis. Everything but my knee. It doesn’t even make sense that my knee wasn’t affected. My femur, everything was affected except my knee.” He’s in a much better place and his story has helped others who are struggling. Check out Ab-Soul on Tiny Desk above.

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Marilyn Manson Ex-Accuser Recants Allegations, Claims Rachel Evan Woods “Manipulated” Her

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CW: This article contains details of sexual assault that some may find disturbing or triggering.

Several women emerged with horrendous allegations against Marilyn Manson over the years, accusing him of sexual abuse. 38-year-old Ashley Morgan Smithline claimed that she endured years of abuse during her relationship with Marilyn Manson. Her allegations emerged at a time when a number of women, including Manson’s ex Evan Rachel Woods, shared similar stories. Smithline filed a lawsuit, which was later dismissed, where she detailed her relationship with the singer.

Smithline, who is Jewish, alleged Manson raped her and cut her with a knife that had a Swastika symbol. Along with the numerous other allegations against Manson, he ultimately became a pariah in the music industry. However, it appears that Smithline’s claims weren’t true, to begin with. She recently retracted her comments, accusing Wood and her associates of manipulating her into suing the rockstar.

Smithline Retracts Statements Against Marilyn Manson

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marilyn Manson attends the Special Screening Of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Season 10 at Chinese 6 Theater– Hollywood on September 23, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

In a recent declaration obtained by PageSix, Smithline said that the allegations she made against Manson were “not true.” She said that other alleged victims of Manson invited her to group meetings where they asked if she had been “whipped, chained, tied up, branded, cut, assaulted while sleeping, beaten, or raped” by the singer. “No, this did not happen to me, and this was not my experience,” she reportedly responded.

However, the other women in these meetings, including Wood, suggested that she may have been suppressing the trauma. “While at first I knew Mr. Warner did not do these things to me, I eventually I began to question whether he actually did,” Smithline said. “I was asked whether [I] was repressing memories to just get through day-to-day life, and whether it was easier just to not think about what actually happened than accept reality. They also said it was important for people to come forward so that no one else gets hurt.”

She said Wood’s girlfriend, Illma Gore, drafted the statement she shared on Instagram where she named Manson as her abuser. In her declaration, she said that her statement “contained untrue statements about Mr. Warner” including violence and sexual assault claims. Though many were weary of the retraction, she said, “I never received any money from Mr. Warner and am not seeking any money from him.” She added that she won’t refile her lawsuit, either. 

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