Controversial interview responses aside, Sexyy Red is still one of the hottest names in rap right now. The St. Louis native was recently tapped to contribute the sexy single “No Panties” to the soundtrack for season two of Rap Sh!t after capitalizing in a big way on the success of her breakout hit “Pound Town.” She returns to her eyebrow-raising raunchy ways in the video for “No Panties,” running a variety of sex-themed businesses, including a massage parlor and a car wash.
Sexyy Red has been creating controversy almost since she first appeared on the scene with her Vanessa Carlton-sampling viral single “Ah Thousand Jugs.” When she released “Pound Town” and “Born By The River,” listeners on Twitter were quick to express as much exasperation with her ratchet ways as interest and appreciation for her over-the-top explicit content. And once Nicki Minaj joined the party on the “Pound Town” remix, not even Ben Shapiro could resist chiming to voice his distaste for her unapologetically racy raps.
But now, those Twitter fans she’s since won over are concerned after she praised Donald Trump, inaccurately crediting him for the stimulus checks that helped Americans weather the pandemic and pardoning rappers like Kodak Black and Lil Wayne despite ending a number of initiatives designed to counter racial inequality in the legal system. Hopefully, someone near her can explain the fault in her logic so we can all get back to enjoying the ratchet bops.
When Tyga and YG announced that they were teaming up for a joint project at Rolling Loud earlier this year, I admit I was eager. Hometown pride aside, YG and Tyga are two of artists left from the blog era who have consistently shown improvement on each project. Tyga’s last project, Legendary, was an overlooked gem in 2019, while I would take YG’s I Got Issues over the other, more highly touted album from a Compton rapper that dropped last year.
The reason is simple: They both know what they do well and they don’t try to do too much else. Truly, there is not enough of that “stay in your lane” mentality in rap music these days. It often feels like every new rapper wants to be a capital-A “Artist” or a rock star, and while diversions from the beats-and-rhymes tradition like Lil Yachty’s Let’s Start Here are fun and interesting in doses, there’s an elitism to those artists’ insistence they aren’t just rappers.
What, exactly, is wrong with being “just” a rapper? Rap music blew the ceiling off of pop culture, reshaping society in its image. It was the most dominant genre in popular music for longer than it was acknowledged for it. It changed the face of advertising, fashion, film, politics, television, and more. I get it; Drake and Kanye West are globally-recognized household names. But T.I. and Ludacris are doing just fine, thanks.
Which is why Hit Me When U Leave The Klub, the joint “playlist” from two of Compton’s longer-tenured second-generation hip-hop stars, is so valuable. It asserts — efficiently, at just 14 tracks, and effectively, with at least 11 of those tracks being certified bangers — that staying in your lane can be profitable and fulfilling too. Someone has to make the music that makes the clubs go up; it might as well be them.
Especially because that’s what they’ve done so effectively individually for so long. Both Tyga and YG took their time figuring what works for them, so why fix what isn’t broken? Both rappers’ breakout singles — “Coconut Juice” for Tyga and “Toot It And Boot It” for YG — belied their individual talents for making uptempo, ratchet dance anthems; both found their grooves in large part thanks to collaborations with Mustard, whose production supercharged their respective comeback hits and helped make them a fixture of radio in the last decade radio mattered.
Since then, both have seen their popularity rise and fall, but they’ve always bounced back; YG’s highest-charting single came in 2018 with “Big Bank,” a decade after his debut, while Tyga came roaring back in 2018 with “Taste.” Their 2019 collab “Go Loko” was, incidentally, the last time either went double platinum with a straight rap song since and likely laid the groundwork for their chemistry on Hit Me When U Leave The Klub. (YG went 3x platinum alongside Bay Area singer HER with “Slide” while Tyga’s Blxst collab “Chosen” was certified platinum — both R&B songs featuring rap verses.)
“Go Loko” is the baseline and the North Star for the musical direction on Hit Me, with most of the album following a similar formula of the stripped-down, post-hyphy club thump that has dominated the LA underground for the past decade or so, with boastful verses about money, sex, and the occasional gangland shootout. Wisely, they stay away from a bunch of the latter and stick to the more aspirational topics, with beats that rarely drop below 90 bpm. Again, if it works, it works, and they’ve long been aware of their strengths.
That isn’t to say they don’t try a few new things too. The main difference is a clear focus on writing; in the past, both boasted that they rarely put pen to paper when conceptualizing their songs. While this often resulted in a freewheeling aspect that really worked for their turn-up anthems, it also led to an unfortunate assumption among many rap fans that they couldn’t rap well. Hit Me dispels that notion with verses loaded with slick wordplay and clever turns of phrase that might surprise those who’d written them off at the nadir of their respective careers.
And while R&Bass experiments like “PARTy T1M3” and “Boachella” aren’t great, singles like “West Coast Weekend,” “Platinum,” and “Brand New” present Tyga and YG at their best, and the remaining tracks could all easily be singles themselves. Limiting the guest list to just three fellow rappers — Blxst, Busta Rhymes, and Lil Wayne — lets their chemistry shine, and they have plenty of it. No, there’s no salient social commentary aside from autobiographical accounts of life in inner-city LA and neither does much crooning, but again, this is a feature, not a bug. Sometimes, you just want to hear two of rap’s finest trade bars.
The recent wealth of collab projects bears this idea out. Personally, I’ve always loved rappers getting together for quick-hit albums and EPs that clearly stem from their chemistry and friendship (certainly, more than the endless array of diss records and “beef” that much of the fanbase seems to love), but the fact that they’ve always needed to feel like “events” has made them harder to enjoy. It’s hard to live up to Watch The Throne or What A Time To Be Alive (which barely lived up to itself). Hit Me When U Leave The Klub offers an example of the form that seems more sustainable and exciting. There’s a wealth of possibilities for further entries to the joint album canon — this one is a fantastic starting point.
Hit Me When U Leave The Klub is out now via Last Kings Music / 4Hunnid Records / EMPIRE.
Snoop Dogg is probably the most notorious stoner in all of music. Dozens of musicians and celebrities have stories of finding themselves surprisingly faded while hanging out with the rapper. The latest was Ed Sheeran, who stopped by Conan O’Brien’s podcast to share his experiences. The singer caught up with Snoop backstage at a show in Melbourne after Russel Crowe reportedly introduced the pair. Clearly, Sheeran who is admittedly not much of a smoker himself, wasn’t prepared for what he was stepping into.
“I don’t really smoke at all. I was in the dressing room and they’re just [smoking] like blunt for blunt for blunt for blunt,” Ed Sheeran explains on the podcast. From that point, it starts to get pretty hilarious for him. “I was like, I guess at some point during the night, I have to, just to say I smoked with Snoop Dogg… So I have a bit and I was like, ‘I don’t feel too bad, this is good.’ Then I have a bit more, and then I have a bit more, and then I have a bit more… I just remember looking at him and being like, ‘I can’t see right now.’” Listen to the entire podcast below.
Ed Sheeran Couldn’t See After Smoking With Snoop Dogg
Ed Sheeran got some difficult news recently. A lawsuit over his song “Thinking Out Loud” infringing on copyright for its similarities to a Marvin Gaye track was thrown out a few weeks ago. But now it seems like the lawsuit has been restarted with new plaintiffs. They made an appeal that if accepted could mean years more legal trouble for Sheeran.
Sheeran has already released two new albums this year. He led off the year with –back in May. And just over the weekend he followed it up with an entire second new album Autumn Variations. What do you think of Ed Sheeran’s story about smoking with Snoop Dogg in Melbourne? Let us know in the comment section below.
James Harden is someone who has been very adamant about their situation so far this year. Overall, he wants out of Philadelphia. After being promised a massive extension with a lot of money, he ended up taking a pay cut. This angered him, and subsequently, he began railing on Daryl Morey. He has made it clear that he would never play for Morey again. However, the 76ers have not been able to find a trade for Harden. No teams are particularly interested, and it has led to a very sticky situation for the franchise. Albeit one that Harden has definitely found himself in before.
This week, the 76ers are in Colorado for their training camp. All eyes have been on James Harden, who up until today, had yet to arrive. Many were curious if he would hold out of the entire training camp or if he would actually show his face. Well, today, that question was answered. Below, in a tweet from Malika Andrews, you can see that Harden was, indeed, at training camp. Additionally, he was on the court and participating in drills as well as various other workout activities.
Overall, this may come as a surprise to a whole lot of people. After all, Harden has been very adamant about not playing for the Sixers. Furthermore, Ben Simmons once did something very similar to the franchise. On the flip side of this, if Harden doesn’t report to training camp, he can be fined a significant amount of money. That would prove to be absolutely disastrous for Harden, especially since he didn’t get the deal he was hoping for.
Needless to say, this is a sticky situation for all of the parties that are involved. However, fans are very eager to see if a trade will be made, and if so, what pieces will be included. Let us know which team you want to see Harden on, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.
Born in the sprawling cityscapes of Dallas, Texas, in 1968, Owen Wilson seemed destined to entertain. The distinctive drawl, the disarming wit, and an unparalleled comedic timing became the trademarks of this Southern talent. As a young man, his dalliances with acting took a more formal turn when he decided to attend the New Mexico Military Institute. The intricacies of acting soon beckoned, and Hollywood wasn’t far behind. Climbing the ladder of cinematic success, by 2023, Wilson’s captivating performances and comedic genius had garnered him not only a spot amongst Hollywood’s elite but also an impressive net worth of $75 million, as noted by CAKnowledge.
Career Highlights & Accolades
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Actors Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz and Owen Wilson walk the runway during the “Zoolander No. 2” World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall on February 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount)
Mention Owen Wilson, and images of charismatic, often hilariously eccentric characters spring to mind. He burst onto the scene with Bottle Rocket, a collaboration with Wes Anderson, and the duo went on to create film magic multiple times. His roles in blockbusters like Wedding Crashers, Zoolander, and The Internship have solidified his reputation as a comedy heavyweight. But let’s not pigeonhole him just yet. Films like Midnight in Paris and Marley & Me are testaments to his versatility, proving that Wilson can seamlessly shift between comedy and drama.
Personal Life & Highlights
Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson during 2005 Maui Film Festival. Tribute to the Wilson Brothers at Marriott Wailea in Maui, Hawaii, United States. (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage)
When the cameras stop rolling, Wilson leads an equally intriguing life. A father of three, his moments are often filled with anecdotes about parenting and the joys it brings. An avid scriptwriter, Wilson, alongside his brother Luke, often finds solace in penning down narratives. This passion for writing isn’t just a hobby; it’s been the foundation for some of his most notable films.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 28: Owen Wilson poses during a photo call for “Hall Pass” at Sheraton on the Park Hotel on February 28, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
While cinema remains his primary domain, Wilson’s business ventures hint at a keen entrepreneurial spirit. His investments in the entertainment sector and budding tech startups underline his vision for the future. The star also ensures he gives back, aligning with various charitable endeavors, particularly those promoting mental health awareness and children’s education. Wilson’s efforts to bridge gaps and make a difference shine brightly in a world that often seems divided.
Actor Kevin Spacey has revealed that he was briefly hospitalized earlier this week due to a suspected heart attack. Spacey, speaking at a film festival in Uzbekistan, revealed that he nearly missed the festival’s closing night after suffering the symptoms of a heart attack. Out of an abundance of caution, Spacey had his team take him to a nearby hospital. However, the 64-year-old was quickly given the all-clear and released.
He incorporated the experience into his speech at the end of the festival, telling the audience that it made him appreciate life more. He congratulated the festival contributors and praised the event for giving opportunities to the next generation of filmmakers. The festival was being held in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent.
Spacey has remained mostly out of the mainstream limelight in recent months. Back in July, a UK court found him not guilty on multiple charges of sexual assault. “I imagine that many of you can understand that there’s a lot for me to process after what has just happened today. But I would like to say that I am enormously grateful to the jury for having taken the time to examine all of the evidence and all of the facts carefully before they reached the decision,” Spacey told reporters outside the court in July. It is the second time that Spacey has come out the victor in a sexual assault case. He was previously found not liable on sexual assault charges back in October 2022.
Furthermore, Spacey told the media that his best roles were “yet to come”. He is set to appear in two independent films this year. Control features Spacey as a hacker who commandeers a government employee’s smart car in quest for revenge. Meanwhile, Peter Five Eight sees Spacey play a hitman assigned with the murder of a glamorous real estate agent in a small mountain town. Both are expected to be released this year but do not have official release dates yet.
During her recent appearance on The Brandon Gonez Show, Keshia Chante opened up about her relationship with Bow Wow. Chante revealed that Bow Wow had asked her to star in his music video for “Shawty Like Mine,” but later changed his mind. According to her, he had asked if she wanted to hang out with him back as his hotel, and she turned him down. She said that when she arrived to the shoot, Angela Simmons had her own trailer, and her team broke the news that she had been recast as the lead.
Chante described how “a little rivalry” then started when Chris Brown visited her trailer, and told her she could star in his video instead. She says that the beef continued until years later when she became a host on 106 & Park. “He just kept hazing me,” she described, revealing how he would try to intentionally mess her up on set. Chante explained that it was only when they interviewed Drake on the show and he vouched for her that things calmed down. “Bow was nice to me after that,” she said.
It looks like Chante rehashing the beef has worked out in her favor, as she recently revealed that it prompted a phone call from Bow Wow himself. “Just got off the phone with Bow,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “It was the first time we got to speak about this & I’m glad we were able to clear up the misunderstanding. He did haze me but that was for other reaons,” she continued. “I LOVE Bow & he’s been NOTHING but respectful towards me over the last 10+ years. We love each other very much. Also, this is why ya girl doesn’t drink.”
The Shade Room reposted Chante’s Story, sparking a reply from Bow Wow. “Love u 2 keesh,” he wrote. “Forever! all love.” What do you think of Keshia Chante and Bow Wow talking things out years later? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Keshia Chante and Bow Wow.
Meek Mill and Rick Ross both discussed their struggles with substance abuse and how they’ve helped each other over the years during a recent sit-down with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden. The interview comes ahead of the release of their upcoming collaborative album, Too Good to Be True.
While discussing their drug and alcohol consumption, Meek admitted that his “stomach was bent over for like a year and a half.” At the time, he ended up dropping down to just 170 pounds. “People wasn’t seeing it though,” he explained. “People would see it or might make a joke about it, and in real life my shit fucked up.” From there, Ross noted that the two “definitely had conversations” about what he had been going through, to which Meek confirmed: “For sure. On both ends.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Meek Mill and Rick Ross visit SiriusXM Studios on September 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Meek then explained how he wouldn’t try to hide his struggles with substance abuse from his friends. “Like how Rozay said, when you walk in the studio, I’m going to have my lean on the table,” he added. “I’m a man of integrity. If I’m doing something I want to do it in front of my friends so my friends can stop me. So I can have somebody pull me to the side. I ain’t going to be doing a drug or doing nothing that I got to hide from my brothers or nothing like that cuz nobody might not be able to pull you to the side and help you.”
Meek Mill & Rick Ross Speak With Ebro Darden
Elsewhere, Ross admitted that has to take medication twice a day to combat the damage lean has done to his body. “So me drinking lean at a time and now I’m taking medication two times a day because of this,” Ross said. “And then you walk into a session, you see your little bro. Hey little bro, man we got to take…we got to tighten up on this shit, you know what I’m saying? So it’s a lot of different ways we could have issues back and forth, but you know, we always got the money. You know what I’m saying? It ain’t never been no shit that we ain’t never choke up.”
Snoop Dogg has significantly impacted the music industry, especially in marketing and business. With a career spanning over three decades, the West Coast rap legend has consistently proven to be one of the most marketable rappers ever. Snoop’s marketing prowess has set him apart from his peers, from collaborating with major brands to launching his […]
One of the biggest events in hip-hop this year is officially reflected as the highest-selling rap album of the year. Travis Scott’s Utopia is packed absolutely full of features from some of the biggest artists in not just rap, but music at large. Beyonce, SZA, Drake, Future, Playboi Carti, Young Thug, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, 21 Savage, and many more are included. The album made a splash as soon as it debuted hitting the top spot on the Billboard 200 for an entire month. It was only the second rap album to top the chart following Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape.
Now, Travis Scott’s total sales have completely lapped his competition. The highest-selling rap album of 2023 up to now has been a record from 2022. Metro Boomin’s similarly feature-packed Heroes & Villains earned the title helped by the massive success of its single “Creepin’” with The Weeknd and 21 Savage. Now, Utopia has officially passed it, making Scott’s most recent effort the new highest-selling rap album of 2023. That’s no surprise as the album still has three songs in the Hot 100. “I Know ?” turns up at number 35, the Drake collaboration “Meltdown” sits at number 42, and the SZA and Future team up “Telekinesis” sits at number 77.
Travis Scott turned up over the weekend at an absolutely celebrity-packed charity event. Jay-Z and Meek Mill played host to a James Bond-themed casino night to raise money for social justice reform, which they did to the tune of $24 million. Alongside Scott rappers like Lil Baby and Quavo were also in attendance.
A couple of former Migos rappers have teased forthcoming new music with Travis Scott. He was hanging out at a party thrown by Offset where the rapper played new tunes with both Scott and Cardi B. Just last week Quavo also hinted that he could have new music with Scott on the way. He teased fans with a a sequel to their collab album. What do you think of Utopia becoming the new highest selling rap album of 2023? Let us know in the comment section below.
all love.” What do you think of Keshia Chante and Bow Wow talking things out years later? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Keshia Chante and Bow Wow.
