None of that matters to Barbz after Thursday morning’s (June 29) news about Minaj’s forthcoming album, nostalgically titled Pink Friday 2.
“Dear Barbz, I’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you this for a few days. Due to some really exciting news that I’ll share with you guys @ a later time, I’ve shifted the album date just a tad bit,” Minaj captioned an Instagram post. “Trust me, it’ll be WELL WORTH THE WAIT…but since I AM shifting the date just a tad, I’d like to give you guys a tiny SIP of some more album tea so that I don’t have to get cussed out so…here it goes: MY NEW ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED ON 11.17.23- [pink bow emoji] and she shall be called: Pink Friday 2 [pink bow emoji.”
Minaj continued, “I love you guys so much. I am so grateful for the years of support & love you guys have given me. At times maybe I didn’t even deserve all that you have poured into me. Nonetheless, you. will. love. this. album. I will give tour deets closer to that time, but obviously the tour will start around the first quarter of 2024. I’ll also share the REAL album cover at a later date.”
See the post below.
Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The latest victim of this plague is breakout rap star Sexyy Red, who was forced to cut short a recent outdoor performance after someone in the crowd reportedly threw water bottles and balls on stage. In a fan-posted video, Red can be seen flouncing offstage while declaring, “I’m gone! Y’all throwing sh*t, I’m gone!” And while the DJ tries to keep the crowd hype with some explosions (seriously, though, these do not work. Knock it off), there’s a palpable sense of disappointment as Red exits stage left.
WHY Y’ALL DO THAT? | Sexyy Red cuts her performance short after people throw water bottles and balls on stage at her. pic.twitter.com/4EvAsQz6en
It’s a shame that so many breakout stars have to put up with this nonsense. And while COVID caused a lot of disappointment by shutting down live entertainment for a year, this sort of thing is getting even more frustrating, because who wants to pay today’s ticket prices, get dressed up, pay for parking and overpriced drinks, all to have the performers get pissed off by some feral asshole in the crowd with no sense of boundaries and leave early? Let’s all hope these folks get this trollish energy out of their systems because things are already bad enough as it is.
The Hip Hop 50 celebrations continue throughout 2023 as fans, artists, and the world at large celebrates the genesis of one of the most – if not, the most – influential genres. With the launch of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture on June 29th, the annual festival in New Orleans will host a series of concerts honoring the milestone. On night one, Lauryn Hill will headline to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Doug E. Fresh also curated a special performance with the help of hip-hop legends like Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick.
However, it’s a moment that Big Daddy Kane believes is “only right” for the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to commemorate. Hip-hop has outlasted many other genres, disproving predictions of it becoming a “fad.”
“It’s not that it’s important. It’s that it’s only right, you know what I’m saying? Because you see, when there are festivals like this for rock or the blues or pop music, they automatically think to get a BB King. They automatically think to get Bruce Springsteen,” Big Daddy Kane told HotNewHipHop over Zoom. “Hip-Hop is the type of thing where an expiration date has been put on a lot of artists and they call them ‘old school’ instead of Hip-Hop legends. In my opinion, it is something that needs to be done, you know? It’s something that needs to be done to show respect.”
HotNewHipHop recently caught up with Big Daddy Kane ahead of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to discuss his upcoming performance, the most pivotal moment in hip-hop’s history, and how he wants to see hip-hop preserved for the next 50 years.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop:You’re performing at Essence Festival alongside Doug-E Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick. With all the celebrations since the beginning of the year, how do you feel about sharing the stage with fellow artists who played pivotal roles in shaping what we know as Hip-Hop today?
Big Daddy Kane: Well, I mean, these are cats that I’ve known for the past 30 years, 30-some years. And to still share the stage with them, and, you know, see them doing a thing and having fun and get a chance to chop it up. You know, it’s always amazing.
I’m sure there are some surprises that you can’t let out of the bag too early but what do you have planned for this performance at Essence Festival?
Well, you know, what I’m looking forward to is everything being tight as a unit. I’m not really solely focused on the Big Daddy Kane show. I want us together collectively to just look amazing and really showcase what Hip-Hop looked like in the late 80s and everybody enjoys it and wants to continue seeing it more and more. But yeah, we’re gonna bring some heat to that stage. I promise you that.
Why is it important for you guys to do this at Essence Festival?
It’s not that it’s important. It’s that it’s only right, you know what I’m saying? Because you see, when there are festivals like this for rock or the blues or pop music, they automatically think to get a BB King. They automatically think to get a Bruce Springsteen. They automatically think to get a Madonna. Yeah, they want a Miley Cyrus, they want the Ariana Grande, but they want a Madonna. Or they want a pop legend from the 80s.
In Hip-Hop, it’s the type of thing where an expiration date has been put on a lot of artists, and they call them “old school” instead of Hip-Hop legends. In my opinion, it is something that needs to be done, you know? It’s something that needs to be done to show respect. And then also, for a younger generation to see the difference. I would love for the younger generation to say, ‘Damn. They don’t have all that stuff exploding and all of this and they still tore it down. Yeah, I gotta step my stage game up,’ you know? So that they can have a longer career doing what they do.
Who else are you excited to see at Essence Festival?
It’s always a good time watching Doug E. rock, you know? I mean, I think it’s amazing damn-near 40 years, this dude can still do the beatbox. You know that takes a lot of breath control to still do this. And then you know, of course, everybody wants to see this sh*t [starts doing the Dougie]. Yeah, always love to see Doug E. rock.
NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Rapper Big Daddy Kane poses for a portrait on August 12, 1988 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Catherine McGann/Getty Images)
When you look at the current climate of Hip-Hop, are you able to trace the influence that you’ve all had? Especially as someone who is still enthusiastic and actively vocal about the culture.
Well, I mean, I think that it’s beautiful. It’s beautiful to be able to say that in my early 20s, I could take my parents to go see Jerry Butler, or Little Anthony And The Imperials and see a bunch of older women going cr*zy for these guys. And now, here we are, 35 years later and we’re a Jimmy Butler’s and a little Anthony and the Imperials, you know? I think that’s beautiful.
I think that it’s amazing to like, come out and make a fashion statement with a flat top and parts in your eyebrows. And then, 25 years later, see it revived by a younger generation. You know, watching it come to life again. You know, I think all of that is beautiful.
But even more importantly, I think it’s beautiful when you look at cats like Grandmaster Flash — well, at that time, DJ Flash And The Three MCs with Melle Mel, Kid Creole, and Cowboy. And then you look at the Cold Crush Brothers and what Kool Herc was doing. To see, from that point in time, you know, where something that started in the streets, how it became a billion-dollar industry. And how every other genre, at the beginning stages, that said that Hip-Hop wouldn’t last, it’s not real music. Now they incorporate Hip-Hop in their genre, you know. So it’s all amazing, man.
Does it stun you to see how far Hip-Hop’s come, especially after many downplayed it as a fad when you began releasing music?
Well, I mean, that’s what I just explained, you know, how something that started in the streets became a billion-dollar industry, you know? What did it gross? Like, $23 billion or something like that? Last year, or this year, something I can’t remember. I mean, it’s, it’s like the biggest music genre and all the other genres incorporate Hip-Hop into their field. Now, you know, so, you know, it’s amazing what is what it has become, you know, and then you see so many young cats today man, that are becoming instant millionaires off of Hip-Hop, man. So, you know, they get to feed their families and think it’s as beautiful.
What moment would you consider the most pivotal in hip-hop’s history that allowed the genre to continuously evolve? If you can pinpoint a single moment.
I would say Melle Mel in 1977 because I think that prior to Mel, anybody else that rapped, you know, such as your Lovebug Starski, Keef Cowboy, Grandmaster Caz, they all pretty much did what DJ Hollywood started back in ‘71. And that was pretty much [mimics DJ Hollywood’s voice], you know, their whole thing.
In ‘77, Melle Mel rhymed in his regular voice and he introduced what we call lyricism, where now you’re actually listening to what the MC says. You’re quoting lines from the MC. Because you know, until Hip-Hop became recordings, it was really all about the DJ. You know, it was Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Charlie Chase and the Cold Crush, Theodore and The Fantastic Five. You know, the DJ was the most important person.
Once Mel introduced the lyrics to the game, the MC became the most important person. And because of that, I think that that’s what birthed artists like LL Cool J, Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Ludacris, Jadakiss, and so on.
What do you think the most important Hip-Hop album is and why? Without counting anything in your own catalog.
Raising Hell by Run DMC because it showed that Hip-Hop can go platinum and can break barriers and stand up against all the other music genres. So, it could be that one. And then again, it could be It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. Because I think that the album for Public Enemy showed that you can have a conscious message. You can be a spokesperson for the hood, you know? Letting people know about how dangerous and how bad situations are in the hood, and it still is accepted by radio. You know, probably one of those.
Speaking of albums, a recent Billboard report indicated that not a single Hip-Hop album or song has topped the Hot 100 or the Billboard 200 this year. Many have even argued that it indicates the decline of Hip-Hop. How do you feel about comments like that?
I think that there are so many other music genres that would like to see the decline of Hip-Hop. What I feel is like, you know – because of corporate structure. Anybody that understands corporate structure, they know what happens in that type of situation is that quantity comes in, and quality goes out, you know? So it’s going to really boil down to: what do you want? Do you want mass production, or do you want quality? I just think that right now Hip-Hop is so strong and so powerful. But it’s a major, major quantity, but there’s not a whole lot of quality. You know, you have great artists that are doing things but they may not be charting. Not because of the music being bad, but because the media is not focused on those artists.
You know, I hear amazing songs for people like J. Cole, people like all Lady London, people like Conway The Machine. But there’s a certain algorithm that plays on the radio, where, you know, the majority of stuff sounds the same. And artists like that may not fit that format. To be in that slot with the same 20 songs just repeating over and over and over and over. But there is amazing music out there. And they may not be selling or being looked over because they don’t fit that algorithm. But there are a lot of talented young artists out there today. You know, I don’t blame the artists. I blame the people that are in control of where music is played and what music they’re putting out and feeding the youth.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Big Daddy Kane attends ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop on June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)
You mentioned Conway and previously shouted out J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar for staying true to lyricism. Who else is really catching your attention that you believe is delivering quality music?
Well, wow. Oh, yeah. Those, you know, of course, Conway. Rapsody, you know. I like Rapsody. I’m pretty sure there’s more but that’s all just coming to the mic to come into my mind right now at the moment.
What do you hope to see Hip-Hop accomplish in the next 50 years?
One of the main things I would like to see is… I would like to see Hip-Hop really preserving their legends and keeping their legacy relevant. I would love for 50 years down the line from now, young kids to know who Kool Herc is. Know how Melle Mel is, Grandmaster Flash.
What do you think the best way to do that is?
One is like with these award shows. If there’s a Hip-Hop Lifetime Achievement Award, it should be called the Kool Herc Award. That way 50 years down the line, [kids will ask] why do they call it the Kool Herc Award? Who is Kool Herc? You could look this man up and know and understand his legacy, you know? If there are turntables, Technics should have The Grandmaster Flash 1200. So someone’s turntables down there, [they’ll ask], ‘Yo, why are these turntables called the Grandmaster Flash 1200?’ [If] you never heard of Grandmaster Flash, you could look it up and now you know why. Things of that nature.
Draymond Green is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career after declining his player option with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are reportedly eager to get him back, which many pundits agree is an absolute necessity for Golden State.
“When the Golden State Warriors have contended, it’s because they have had an elite defense. You lose him, with really no way to replace him, you’re not winning an NBA championship,” JJ Redick said on First Take on June 14. “Without Kevin Durant on the Warriors, LeBron James basically can beat the Warriors any given time when it comes down to that head-to-head matchup with Steph Curry,” Kendrick Perkins argued on June 29.
“[Steph Curry & Klay Thompson are] my brothers… I’m in touch with them a couple times a week right now just kinda letting them know my mindset, what I’m thinking… just to keep them in the loop.”
As things stand, Green is most likely headed back to the Warriors. Speaking on Paul George’s podcast, Green revealed that he’s still in regular contact with his longtime teammates there. “[Steph Curry & Klay Thompson are] my brothers… I’m in touch with them a couple times a week right now just kinda letting them know my mindset, what I’m thinking… just to keep them in the loop.” Furthermore, Curry has previously stated that he would like to keep the Warriors’ big three together for at least one more season.
Young Thug has been a hot name in the rap game for pretty much a whole decade, although recent context is quite different. Between reception to his latest album BUSINESS IS BUSINESS and his ongoing RICO case connected to YSL, a lot of people are dishing out their hot takes on the rapper. Moreover, it seems like even his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia is turning on him- or at least, that’s what his sister Dolly White believes. Furthermore, she took to Twitter recently to express her assessment that everyone in the city “hates” him, which seems pretty obviously hyperbolic. After all, she threw in some crying-laughing and facepalm emojis, and there’s been no shortage of support for the trap innovator.
“I’m convinced every n***a in Atlanta HATE MY BROTHER,” White wrote on Twitter for unknown reasons. No matter what you thought of his new project, it’s hard to deny the monumental impact that Young Thug had on the Atlanta rap scene. Whether for his classic catalog (Barter 6, Slime Season 3, JEFFERY, and so on) or his eccentric vocalizations, lyrics, and style, he clearly made his dent in the game. That being said, the controversy around his legal case and his new album full of leaks and tracks in the vault is certainly divisive.
For example, many immediately compared BUSINESS IS BUSINESS to Gunna’s new album a Gift & a Curse, which came out just a week before. Of course, a lot of that conversation owed itself to their speculated beef, making it even more of an interesting debate. While some fans want to stay “loyal” to Thugger and not listen to the “snitch,” others doubt that narrative. Most importantly, fan consensus online seems to be that Thug’s protégé actually put out the better body of work in that week-long timespan.
Regardless, Dolly White has other things to worry about when it comes to her brother. Recently, she voiced frustration over Quando Rondogetting bond before him. “So quando got a bond on Rico charges but they won’t give Jeff one,” he tweeted. “Let alone found not one juror to start the process. The system failing us when they won’t Free Jeff already damn.” Sure, things may seem bleak, but whether for his music or in support of his freedom, a lot of people in Atlanta are still riding for Thugger. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug, stay up to date on HNHH.
The latest update in the YNW Mellydouble murder trial points to him staging a drive-by shooting to cover up the deaths of YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, of which he’s accused. Moreover, a forensic study of the crime scene and a testimony from detective Sgt. Christopher Williams on Wednesday (June 28) supported that claim. Furthermore, these suggested that the bullets that fatally struck both men came from inside the vehicle they rode in, not from outside. As such, now the Florida rapper’s side of the story saw a challenge from the prosecution, and it’s unclear whether there will be further investigation. Regardless, the court heard from the detective on the witness stand, and he gave his assessment.
“The shooting happened from somebody inside the car,” Williams stated while describing the crime scene. In addition, he believes that “the angles” at which the bullets struck Juvy and SakChaser “did not change,” and that he probably overlooked these details because he initially tested the scene for a drive-by. Also, he explained that a bullet stuck Juvy in the head at close range from his left in “the middle of his cheek” while looking ahead. “Part of the wound had an abrasion ring on it,” the sergeant stated as he brought up the “tattoo of the stippling” as proof against YNW Melly.
Previously, Judge John Murphy saw footage of the “223’s” MC sitting behind the victims in the Jeep Cherokee. What’s more is that the jury heard from medical examiners that determined that both men suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head after their autopsy. Prosecutors also showed text messages from YNW Melly asking for a gun from his mother two months before the alleged murder. With all this in mind, the 24-year-old’s case is unraveling ominously for him, although he scored some small victories.
For example, the court ruled another forensics report invalid due to the prosecution failing to report its discovery. As such, any evidence or conclusions gathered from that will not be allowed to be used in court. As the case develops, the public gives their thoughts on whether he did it, and what the outcome of the case will be. With that in mind, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on YNW Melly.
Reality TV has catapulted many into stardom, and Brittish Williams is one of its gleaming products. The Basketball Wives LA star has created a name for herself on TV and in the business world. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $450,000 US Dollars, according to Idol Net Worth.
Career Path: From Reality TV To Business Tycoon
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Williams first rose to prominence when she graced our screens on VH1’s hit reality show, Basketball Wives LA. She used this platform as a launch pad for her business endeavors. Despite her controversies on screen, Williams leveraged her growing popularity to become a successful entrepreneur.
Brittish Williams’ Earnings From Basketball Wives LA
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 16: (L-R) Basketball Wives cast members Nia Dorsey, Jackie Christie, Brittish Williams, Brandi Maxiell, Angel Brinks, DJ Duufey, Brooke Bailey, Jennifer Williams and Noria Dorsey attend VH1’s “Basketball Wives” Private Premiere Viewing Party at Proabition DTLA on May 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)
Like her counterparts on the show, Williams received a generous paycheck for her participation in the reality series. While exact figures remain undisclosed, her earnings from Basketball Wives LA undoubtedly contributed to her current net worth. During her stint on the show, audiences got a glimpse of her entrepreneurial spirit.
Earning From Business Ventures & Investments
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Brittish Williams attends the10th Annual The Model Experience Fashion Week Event at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)
Williams launched her Love of Labels Boutique in St. Louis, creating another stream of revenue. The Love of Labels Boutique specializes in high-end fashion accessories, shoes, and apparel, catering to the needs of luxury fashion lovers. However, by 2014, Williams faced troubles with the Better Business Beauru about the store.
Williams has also reportedly invested in real estate, an investment route often preferred by celebrities. These investments have added to her wealth, diversifying her income streams. Although not extensively publicized, her real estate portfolio is believed to be a significant contributor to her net worth.
Net Worth Compared To Other Basketball Wives LA Stars
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Brittish Williams attends the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
While Williams’s net worth of $450,000 might seem impressive, it pales compared to some of her Basketball Wives LA co-stars. For instance, Shaunie O’Neal, the show’s executive producer and former wife of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, boasts a net worth in the millions. Despite this disparity, Williams remains unfazed, continuously working towards building her empire.
The Road Ahead: Brittish Williams’ Financial Future
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Brittish Williams attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2014 Gift Lounge at Harlem Nights on September 19, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
While Williams’ current net worth is commendable, she shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to expand her boutique and grow her brand. Additionally, the potential returns from her real estate investments could further increase her wealth in the future. However, she is battling a legal case, and in May 2023, she pleaded guilty to 15 charges related to fraud, including misuse of security card numbers and bank fraud.
In conclusion, Brittish Williams has navigated her way from reality TV star to successful businesswoman. Her net worth of $450,000 is a testament to her business acumen and determination. As she continues to grow her brand and explore new avenues, there’s no doubt that her wealth will continue to increase. Williams is an example of how reality TV can offer more than just fleeting fame; it can also provide a platform for sustained success.
Lil Tjay recently took to social media to reveal that he has a collaboration with Jadakiss on the way. He posted a screenshot on Instagram, showcasing Jadakiss sending over what appears to be his verse for the track. Fans in the comments section noted that his upcoming album is sure to be jam-packed with features.
Earlier this year, Lil Tjay shared more about the upcoming album in an Instagram Story. “Putting my all into this album this gon be my best one yet,” he said, “When I step better show me my respect ima vet.” The rapper continued, “Don’t try spin the block. I don’t wanna hear about regrets, bout some sh*t u knew u was wrong about but ain’t address. Thinking I was cold? but u bold!” “It’s just been too long respectfully im rii back on the necks,” he added. The new album has yet to receive an official release date or title.
Lil Tjay’s next album will be his third LP, following 2021’s Destined 2 Win and 2019’s True 2 Myself. The rapper has continued to tease the untitled release. Earlier this month, he dropped off the single “June 22nd,” which sees him reflect on the near-death experience he had last year. Exactly one year prior to the song’s release, he was shot seven times in a robbery gone wrong. The track takes listeners through the day leading up to the incident, with Lil Tjay taking an introspective approach to telling his story. He’s been able to make a full recovery since the shooting. In April, he told fans “Most people don’t survive it, but I’m here. Here for a reason.”
Earlier this month, Lil Tjay had a confrontation with police in NYC after waving a fake gun outside of a sunroof. He was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, and more, and the whole incident unfolded on Instagram Live.
24 hours ago, it appeared as if Kyrie Irving was returning to the Dallas Mavericks. With the market for the veteran reportedly “non-existent”, Woj went on TV to tell the world that Irving and the Mavs were “close” to finalizing a new deal. With money being a non-issue for Dallas, they could lock up Irving for as much as five years and $272.9 million.
But you should never trust anything in the NBA offseason to remain simple. Reports are now emerging that Irving will take a meeting with the Phoenix Suns once free agency officially opens on June 30. Not only does it add a shocking twist to one of the few “sure things” of the offseason, but it also raises a number of questions as to just what the Suns are doing.
Per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Kyrie Irving will meet with the Suns in the first days of free agency. Furthermore, the Houston Rockets are also expected to take a meeting with Irving. It’s unclear where all the interest in Irving has suddenly come from, but it appears to be very much real. The Suns have already acquired Bradley Beal this offseason and are evidently looking to build the ultimate championship-hunting superteam. However, the biggest obstacle in signing Irving will be the salary cap. The Suns, with their incredibly bloated roster, are already pushed up against the league’s hard cap.
Despite this meeting, the Mavs are still believed to be the favorite for Irving’s services. As mentioned, they have the salary space to accommodate a max offer for Irving. Furthermore, it is believed that Dallas is eager to lock down Irving in order to utilize him in attracting other free agents. However, the tenacity of Mat Ishiba, and his desire to bring a title to Phoenix, should not be underestimated. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.
Jay Rock is back with his latest single, “Eastside,” featuring Kal Banx. The release of the new song marks Rock’s first new single in five years. Back in 2018, Jay Rock released his third studio album and major label debut, Redemption. The album featured the biggest hit songs of his career, including “King’s Dead” and “Win.” The former earned Jay Rock his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 2019.
In the wake of his new single, Jay Rock has been teasing his upcoming fourth studio album. Speaking about his forthcoming release, Jay Rock promised “good quality music” with “no skips.” When it comes to Jay Rock’s consistency over the years, the expectations for his next release are high. We have compiled a list of his best songs to commemorate Jay Rock’s return. This list draws from Jay Rock’s discography, including his three studio albums. Take a look at the list below, ranked from least to greatest.
“Hood Gone Love It” is a quintessentially west coast hip hop song from Jay Rock’s 2011 debut album, Follow Me Home. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced the anthemic track. Jay Rock represents his hood in his hometown of Watts, California, rapping with a tough yet relaxed delivery. Kendrick Lamar shines on the song with a choppy and rhyme scheme-heavy verse.
He raps as if he does not need to take a single breath. Jay Rock and Kendrick depict scenes of poverty and crime in their verses, but the song is still celebratory as they embrace where they come from. “Hood Gone Love It” is one of many songs the Black Hippy collaborators have made together.
“Easy Bake” is yet another phenomenal display of Jay Rock’s and Kendrick Lamar’s chemistry. The song is a hectic exchange of bars between the two over a slowly bouncing trap beat. Outside of Black Hippy, “Easy Bake” is easily one the best songs Jay Rock and Kendrick have made together because they naturally flow off one another. I
f the first part of the song was not exciting enough, the track shifts into a funky, choppy instrumental made for summertime cruising. SZA contributes one of her best vocal performances, and Jay Rock spits another verse. On the remix to “Easy Bake,” titled “Traffic Jam,” Kendrick Lamar also contributes another verse.
Much like “Easy Bake,” “Wanna Ride” is a song with unexpected beat switches that create an exciting listening experience. Jay Rock flows smoothly over the twinkling instrumentation for a minute before the song transforms into a bouncing instrumental, which he floats over. The lyrics stick to Jay Rock’s signature gangsta rap style, but his delivery is much more playful on this song. While Isaiah Rashad does not spit a verse, his hook is powerful enough to take the spotlight.
2. “Gumbo” (2015)
Jay Rock is known for his ultra-tough delivery and gangsta rap bars, but some of his greatest songs see him at his most reflective. Over an instrumental that blends modern with vintage, Jay Rock raps some of his most potent lyrics, looking back into his childhood and at his place in hip hop. Even when he does not rap aggressively, his voice is just as commanding. The chorus’s hypnotic soul brings the song together, reinforcing Jay Rock’s idea that he brings his own flavor to the music.
1. “Money Trees Deuce” feat. Lance Skiiiwalker (2015)
Jay Rock’s verse on Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” is still regarded as a show-stealing appearance on one of hip hop’s best masterpieces. On “Money Trees Deuce,” Jay Rock expands on his legendary verse, painting a picture of the lifestyle of doing whatever it takes to get money. He raps about the causes and effects of street life and the paranoia that comes with it. “Money Trees Deuce” is equally as descriptive as its predecessor but takes on its own unique perspective as Jay Rock’s story is a much more cautionary tale. For its instrumental, “Money Trees Deuce” flips a song from a Marvin Gaye soundtrack into its own cinematic experience.
| Sexyy Red cuts her performance short after people throw water bottles and balls on stage at her. 
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