Kevin Gates is one of the more interesting characters in the rap game. He is unapologetically unfiltered in interviews and it usually leads to hilarious moments. Some are more questionable than others, though. However, he is also someone who cares a lot about being a role model for the younger generation. While “Thinking with My D***” might not be a glowing representation of him, Gates is a huminatarian at heart.
Which was why at the end of last year he received a prestigious award from the New Orleans mayor for his efforts. He addresses some of those topics on tracks like “Protect Children” off his brand-new album The Ceremony. However, the main themes are about the celebration of his career, hence the title. Interestingly this is only Gates’ fourth studio album out of the many projects he has dropped in his career.
Gates relentlessly teased this tape for months and even put together a listening party for it nearly a week ago. The rollout for the album began back in May of 2023 with “Do It Again.” After that point, Kevin would put out five more singles. That includes “Yonce Freestyle” with the only features, B.G. and an unhinged Sexyy Red. Check out the full-length above from the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album, The Ceremony, by Kevin Gates? What tracks are you gravitating toward the most so far and why? Who had the better feature, B.G. or Sexyy Red? Is this Gates best album in the last several years, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kevin Gates. Finally, stay with us for the most informative project posts throughout the week.
Some rap beefs are dinosaurs in the industry, and there are few as petty, long-lasting, and innocuous as Eminem versus Benzino. Over the past three decades, the two disrespected each other, called things off, made efforts to build a bridge, and failed to do so sustainably. What’s more is that Marshall Mathers’ latest diss towards The Source magazine’s former co-owner also roped in his daughter, Coi Leray. After folks reacted to Em’s diss track, “Doomsday Pt. 2,” she came through on Twitter on Friday (January 26) with some thoughts on the concept of rap beef as a whole in her career, which she’s ironically never shied away from.
“Rap beef is so washed and tired,” Coi Leray told her social media followers, which prompted much debate. “Exhausting. Embarrassing. Just f***ing over all corny as f**k. [person dumping trash emoji]. I got no issues with no one. I’m so locked in on my grown and sexy vibes… if anybody don’t like me, that’s something they gotta take on with themselves [red heart emoji].” Of course, many brought up that she recently feuded with Latto for a hot second before adopting this new perspective.
Regardless, here’s what Eminem had to say for Coi Leray and Benzino. “Now I got a riddle, one condition, you mustn’t laugh,” he spits on “Doomsday Pt. 2.” “What is the opposite of Benzino? A giraffe. Go at his neck, how the f**k is that? How can I go at somethin’ he doesn’t have? Arms so short he can’t even touch his hands when they’re up above his head doin’ jumpin’ jacks.
Another Light Jab
Man who the hell said I wanted a Eminem feature ?? . Imagine Eminem on Wanna Come thru? pic.twitter.com/QPyT8dpFIO
“Sorry, I don’t mean to upset you, Ben’, when I talk about all the debt you in,” e went on. “I hear that you been creepin’ on the low in them cheap hotels that they catch you in. Jesus Christ, dawg, when you said two-10, never guessed you meant at the Red Roof Inn, in a room with one single bed, two men. Well, I guess then I regret to inform you, hate to spoil the day, but this doesn’t bring me no joy to say, guess that Coi Leray feat’s in the toilet, aye?” For more news and the latest updates on Eminem and Coi Leray, keep checking in with HNHH.
In April of last year, Fugees rapper Pras finally wrapped up a long-running high-profile trial. He was facing some pretty serious conspiracy charges accusing him of embezzling millions. And after being found guilty last year he could be facing some serious consequences. The jury sent back a verdict of guilty in the federal conspiracy case, though that was hardly the end of the story. Since his conviction, the rapper has been making moves towards getting a retrial.
The primary reason he’s seeking a retrial is unhappiness with his legal representation in the first one. Back in October he made some surprising claims about the actions of his lawyer during the first trial. He accused his lawyer of using artificial intelligence to generate a closing statement in his trial. In fact, just earlier this week it was revealed that Pras’ retrial was being considered as a direct result of his legal representation. That came as is lawyer plead guilty to contempt of court charges. According to AllHipHop, he confessed to sharing classified documents with with the press during the trial. The guilty plea could work in the rapper’s favor at getting a retrial.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990’s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on March 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Following his guilty verdict Pras had to fight off allegations of being an informant online. While some, like Chuck D, came to his defense he had to face accusations from other popular figures. He even made threats to sue50 Cent and Kyrie Irving for their comments on the situation last year.
What do you think of Pras’ lawyer pleading guilty to contempt of court? Do you think he has a chance at beating the charges against him in a retrial? Let us know in the comment section below.
Lil Zay Osama’s recent arrest for gun possession and retail theft is remaining a court battle for the foreseeable future. Moreover, a New York grand jury indicted him on Wednesday (January 24) for possession of a machine gun and unregistered firearm possession, which could result in a 20-year sentence at maximum. The rapper, now in state custody in Illinois on unrelated charges, allegedly left a loaded Glock pistol with a switch in a car riding from Manhattan to Queens, which he used as a ride-share, and was arrested in 2022. He will face arraignment at a later date, and he was arrested in December of 2023 following a police chase.
“As alleged, [Isaiah] Dukes [Lil Zay Osama’s real name] brought a machine gun into our District, and then dangerously left it in the back of a ride-share,” Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, shared. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work diligently to protect our communities from such dangerous weapons.
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 27: Lil Zay Osama performs on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage/Getty Images)
“His indictment is a stark reminder that loaded, illegal firearms -– sometimes modified to maximize their deadly potential, as alleged in this case -– continue to be brought into and carried throughout New York City,” Edward Caban, New York Police Department Commissioner, also remarked. “Let me be clear. This behavior will not be tolerated here. The NYPD vows to keep our streets safe from guns and anyone who unlawfully possesses them. I commend and thank the ride-share driver who observed this weapon for doing what we always ask of all New Yorkers. He saw something and he said something, and he possibly saved lives in the process.”
Meanwhile, this is what the MC had to say on Instagram in response to all of his legal trouble. “I guarantee n***as gone need me before I need them,” he wrote. “I’ll be home sooner than you think. Blink n***a [purple devil emoji].” For more news and the latest updates on Lil Zay Osama, log back into HNHH.
Young Thug is currently behind bars for the YSL RICO case, a circumstance that’s shrouded the phrase “cuffing season” in a dark cloud for him. But his flame Mariah The Scientist is dedicated and loving, even if their physical distance leaves a void impossible to fill. Still, many folks online have a lot of questions about their relationship. How and when did they get together, what’s their current status, and who on Earth decided to leak a video of their prison phone call?! As it turns out, this couple endured rough patches of past, long-lasting romances, a massive wrench into their time together, but currently stand with heads held high -– and holding on tight to each other’s hands.
Mariah The Scientist and Young Thug presumably began dating sometime around November 2021, when Young Stoner Life posted pictures on Instagram of them cozying up. Moreover, this came after December 2020 developments concerning Thugger’s ex-fiancée Jerrika Karlae, on and off since 2015, who then accused him of abuse. However, in an HNHH interview in August 2021, she stated that they were in a great place, so either Mariah popped up very soon after this or she spoke from more of a friendship standpoint. Regardless, Karlae seemed to respond indifferently to this new romance rumor with the R&B singer, indicating that it didn’t really bother her. Then, in late 2021 and early 2022 respectively, Thugger and The Scientist went on a date at an Atlanta Falcons game and appeared as a bride and groom in her music video for “Walked In,” further fueling the fire.
August 2022: Young Thug’s Arrest, Mariah The Scientist Makes It Official
Furthermore, things became more official in August 2022 after Young Thug’s arrest in May, and after he set up a loving balloon and gift set-up for Mariah The Scientist from behind bars, which she shared on social media. Again, Karlae didn’t bat an eye, and her comments on his prison stint indicate that she’s as supportive and caring as ever. Mariah popped out for Thugger’s birthday to return the favor, clapped back at people trying to cause beef between the three, and she and Thug thirsted for each other via some social media comments.
Aug.-Nov. 2023: “Baby Daddy” Rumors & New Releases
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 01: Young Thug performs at Bumbershoot at Seattle Center on September 1, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Suzi Pratt/WireImage/Getty Images)
Things got even more set in stone when Mariah The Scientist declared the Atlanta trap sensation her “baby daddy” during a festival set in August of last year. We now know that “daddy” might just be a nickname, and not a pregnancy confirmation or anything like that. That aside, she continued to advocate for his freedom and double down on her support and their relationship, shedding light on what he’s going through while locked up. Young Thug appeared in the 26-year-old’s music video for “From A Woman,” and he released the companion single “From A Man.” The former appeared on her album To Be Eaten Alive in October 2023.
Meanwhile, coinciding with this release, Mariah The Scientist opened up more about their relationship and his incarceration. “It’s almost like jail solidified our relationship,” she expressed on Way Up With Angela Yee. “I’m willing to wait it out because I feel like he’s the one. If I didn’t really see that in him, I probably wouldn’t.” Apparently, they see themselves as a married couple soon after he is free, which is a wholesome goal to maintain amid strife.
In addition, Mariah also attended Young Thug’s trial on various days, and the two reportedly talk every day plus a weekly visit. One of these visits is the conversation that someone leaked online, which prompted a lot of backlash from regular social media users and superstars like Drake.
Folks also thought that Pooh Shiesty shaded them with a recent Instagram development in 2024, although he dismissed this interpretation. With all this in mind, all we can hope for is that they continue to support each other through this, whether it’s their careers, their personal lives, or their relationship. But what do you think about Young Thug and Mariah The Scientist’s connection now that you know the full story so far? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay posted on HNHH for more timeline breakdowns and to stay up to date on all things hip-hop.
Eminem took a moment on his new song ‘Doomsday Pt. 2’ to acknowledge J. Cole’s place at the top of the rap game. The track is on the new Lyrical Lemonade album.
If Chxrry22 (pronounced Cherry-22) established her artistry in 2022 with her debut EP The Other Side, then she strengthened and elevated it to impressive standards with her second EP Siren, released at the end of 2023. The Toronto-based singer, the first female singer signed to The Weeknd’s XO Records label, exudes a level of self-awareness, vulnerability, and honesty (for better or worse) that many of us could only dream of fearlessly having.
Chxrry22’s The Other Side presented all of this under a gloomy cloud of realization and acceptance that she played both the villain and victim in the realm of love. “Do It Again” craves the return of an expired love and “Call Me” hopes to re-spark a toxic flame. In the end, “Wasteland” is Chxrry22’s moment of recovery as she dusts herself off and takes a step forward with a newfound commitment to herself and peace within.
That very commitment is the launching pad into the dominating Siren that Chxrry22 presents herself as on her 2023 EP. The gloom of The Other Side is no more, and instead, we’re hit with the fiery passion that blares as loud as the warning signal that shares the name of her most recent project. Chxrry22 dares a partner to be as passionate as she is on “Ride 4 Me” and goes even further with a sultry request to put their words into action on “Never Had This.” For seven songs on Siren, Chxrry22 asserts he dominance and captivates with her euphoric energy.
Months removed from Siren, Uproxx spoke with Chxrry22 to learn more about her start in music, the one artist from whom she needs a feature, and the advice she’d give her 18-year-old self.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I feel like music was a part of me before I was even born. Both of my parents could sing and they were in a choir, so they would make my brothers and I sing Ethiopian songs and record us. I’m not even kidding when I say that in every single home video I have from my childhood, I’m singing. I don’t think they thought that one of their children would actually grow up to be a musician, but I think it was their love language and also a way to teach us our language.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My mom. She used to make me perform everywhere growing up. Birthdays, weddings, you name it — I’d do it. She would pass around a hat for people to put money in. When I saw people actually giving a child money to sing my brain went off like, oh this is lit.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I’ve actually tried learning how to play the guitar and keys multiple times but my schedule gets hectic and I never have a chance to see it through. I actually just ordered a keyboard on Amazon to my LA apartment so we’ll see how long it lasts this time. But I do wish I could, it’s one of my goals.
What was your first job?
A hostess at a restaurant. I’ve had a million jobs and I’ve been fired a million times.
What is your most prized possession?
My voice. My health. My ideas.
What is your biggest fear?
I actually have two. Having a painful death but also just having regrets in life.
Who is on your R&B Mt. Rushmore?
Whitney, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, D’Angelo, Keyshia Cole. I think that’s a few too many, but you get the point.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
Dead or alive? Kali Uchis, Lana Del Rey, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. Held in my hometown, Toronto, of course.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
Donate to every cause imaginable and use whatever’s left to buy every vintage bag in sight.
What are your three most used emojis?
. Classic.
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
I don’t know, I don’t really pay attention.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
That celery is disgusting. It actually makes me gag.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
Omg, I love this question. Also so hard to answer but for sentimental reasons I’ll say “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. It’s so simple but heartfelt. It’s the soundtrack to my life.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
My favorite is always Toronto because I get the most love and it’s for me, duh! No, but in all seriousness it’s always so special looking into the crowd and seeing your friends and family. But, I have so many fans in London and Atlanta so I can’t wait to perform there. Atlanta actually holds a very special place in my heart because it’s where I really found myself as an artist. I lived there for a few years when I first got signed, and it’s actually where I wrote “The Falls” and the majority of my first project.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
I’d love to be a creative director and help other artists in some capacity! Or a hairdresser. I’m shockingly good at hair. Anything that lets me create freely would be a dream.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
The past was too traumatizing, so I’ll say the future haha. Also, I’m really nosey so I want to be ahead of the curb.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Don’t date him. Don’t date anyone until you’re 25 honestly.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I think like every other artist, I hope people can still connect and feel something when they listen to my music years down the line. I want to be remembered as someone who represented my city and my culture, and if I’m lucky, I’ll have said and done enough of the right thing that they know my heart.
Siren is out now via XO Records/Republic Records. Find out more information here.
It’s a bloody New Music Friday, as half of hip-hop appears to have chosen violence on their latest singles. Megan Thee Stallion’s new single “Hiss” apparently contains some not-so-veiled shots at Nicki Minaj, while fans believe Minaj’s protege Ice Spice appears to go after her own rival, Latto, on her new single “Think U The Sh*t (Fart).”
In the song’s second verse, Ice Spice raps, “I got my foot on they necks, I can’t let up / She all on the floor, told her get up / She my son, but I ain’t her mammy / Bitches can’t stand me.” Some fans have interpreted this as a reference to Latto’s 2023 single “Put It On Da Floor,” which itself was interpreted as a diss record about Nicki Minaj. Latto and Nicki had been going back-and-forth for about a year at the time of its release, and since then, fans feel that Ice Spice, who collaborated with Nicki twice in 2023, has inhereted the beef on her behalf (clearly, Nicki does not appreciate being called “auntie”).
This isn’t the first time that Ice Spice has possibly referenced “On Da Floor”; on her song “Butterfly Ku,” she said, “Where she at? On the floor / She get her money, but I’m gettin’ more.” As far as shots go, they aren’t exactly the haymakers one might expect from open warfare, leaving their meaning somewhat ambiguous. But rap fans love a good feud, and will go out of their way to try to make one happen if the rappers don’t do it on their own, so even if these references aren’t meant to irritate the Atlanta rapper, the response to them from fans will keep adding straws to that camel’s back.
. Classic.