Month: May 2024

Yasiin Bey’s Freestyle Over ‘Like That’ Has Fans Thinking He Dissed Drake, Kendrick Lamar, And J. Cole

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During a recent livestream on Instagram, the rapper now known as Yasiin Bey appeared to take shots at some participants in a recent rap beef as he freestyled over one of the songs they battled with. Over the instrumental from Metro Boomin’s “Like That” beat, Bey raps, “Greedy, seedy, and creepy/ Corny, horny, and boring/ Bougie, goofy, and moody/ Foolish, ruthless, and clueless/ Variations on a petty Big 3/ A whole lot to look at, but not much to see.”

The mention of the Big 3 has fans thinking the verse is a disappointed reference to Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar, after repeated mentions of their grouping as a unit on records wound up touching off the battle between them. It was on “Like That” that Kendrick first yelled “motherf*ck the Big 3,” sparking the conflict between them. After J. Cole dropped out of the feud for personal reasons, Drake and Kendrick’s back-and-forth became increasingly noxious to the point that even the fans who egged them on quickly became disgusted with the vitriolic rhetoric.

It probably shouldn’t surprise anyone that Bey was equally disgusted with the beef. Back in 2003, the April 9 episode of Chappelle’s Show featured musical guests Yasiin Bey (then known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli — collectively known as Black Star. The two Brooklyn rappers performed a new song called “What’s Beef.”

Over the course of his verse, Bey decried various high profile rap beefs, contrasting them with more dire current events. He even name-checked the conflict in Gaza, which goes to show how long people have effectively ignored what Bey would consider “real” beef in favor of WWF-style rap antics. “Beef is not what Jay said to Nas,” he said. “Beef is when working folks can’t find jobs / So they try to find n****s to rob / Try to find bigger guns so they can finish the job.” Bey later released a solo version on a mixtape, Mos Definite .

20 years later, it seems his opinions about rap beef he expressed in that verse haven’t changed, even though his name has.

Uproxx Music 20: Shae Universe’s ‘Love’s Letters’ Is An Excellent Personification Of Romance

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Shae Universe Uproxx Music 20 image
Karis Beaumont/Merle Cooper

One of this year’s best R&B albums came from Nigerian born British singer Shae Universe with her second project Love’s Letter. Released back in February, the 10-track project is a beautiful display of what love looks and feels like in its purest form. At its conclusion, listeners are left with no doubt about Shae Universe’s full and thorough approach to love. She free falls into optimism when the door for romance opens and she yearns for more when that door suddenly closes.

Love’s Letter is birthed from the classic, tender ballads that R&B greats like India.Arie, Lauryn Hill, and Brandy delivered in their careers. These are artists that Shae Universe is heavily influenced by, and the influenced gained through listens of Brandy, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and Acoustic Soul are undeniable on Love’s Letter. Still, Shae makes the project her own to deliver something that is nostalgic yet up-to-date and refreshing in today’s R&B landscape.

Months removed from the arrival of Love’s Letter and ahead of more music on the way, we put Shae Universe under the Uproxx Music 20 to learn more about her inspirations, influences, aspirations, and more.

See Previous UPROXX MUSIC 20 Interviews:

What is your earliest memory of music?

My earliest memory of music was hearing Nigerian praise & worship music around my house around 4 years old.

Who inspired you to take music seriously?

My community and supporters.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

Unfortunately, I don’t. I used to take piano lessons for a period of time in my teens but I wasn’t interested in it enough to keep it up at the time, I definitely regret that.

What was your first job?

Working in a retail shop called River Island.

What is your most prized possession?

My faith in God.

What is your biggest fear?

It’s a secret.

Who is on your R&B Mt. Rushmore?

Brandy, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and Usher.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

I’ve been sitting here for 10 minutes trying to think of all the things I’d do. I’m too much of a Gemini for this question lmao. You gotta just put me in the situation and let me be spontaneous.

What are your three most used emojis?

🥺🥰♥

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

Brandy!

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

Issa Rae’s Insecure purely because that show is genius and I love it.

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality, and why?

Tems. I love how she’s humorous and humble but effortlessly assertive. I also respect how she’s protected her privacy amidst her superstardom.

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

God is real and our existence is spiritual before it’s physical.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life, and what do you love about it?

There’s too many, however “Borderline” by Brandy is up there. I love the unconventional groove of the song and her pen was crazy, as usual! I also love “Nothing Even Matters” by Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo and “Message In A Bottle” by Ty Dolla Sign.

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?

I haven’t been to enough places yet to decide that one yet, but so far it’s been Austin, Texas. I’m also super excited to perform in Brazil for the first time.

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.

It would have to be held in Houston, Texas and I’d have an all-female line-up consisting of Tems, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Tiwa Savage and Lauryn Hill.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

I’d probably be an Olympic athlete running the 110m hurdles.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

Five years into the future, for sure. I’d love to feel the comfort of seeing how happy and stable my future self is, seeing how abundant and seamless life will be. That image would be a constant encouraging reminder to keep me going in present moments when I feel discouraged.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

I’d tell her there’s no need to be so self-conscious. I’d tell her she’s beautiful and a natural-born leader, then I’d hug her.

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’d love for my music to be remembered as being timeless and bringing about healing. I hope it’s described as a sound that never goes “out of fashion” with lyrics that penetrate every time that make a long-lasting, healing impact.

Love’s Letter is out now. Find out more information here.

Why Is The Justice Department Suing Ticketmaster And Live Nation?

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As hinted at last month, the US Department Of Justice has officially filed an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, according to the Associated Press. The lawsuit has been a long time coming; while the suit was rumored to be in the works in April, Ticketmaster and Live Nation were subject to Congressional hearings last year (producing some groan worthy Taylor Swift puns) and the DOJ had been investigating them since late 2022.

Why Is The Justice Department Suing Ticketmaster And Live Nation?

In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland explained why the DOJ has filed the suit. “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators,” he wrote. “The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”

According to the suit, among Ticketmaster’s illegal practices are tactics like using long-term contracts to keep venues from choosing other ticketing companies, blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers, and threatening venues into choosing Ticketmaster by withholding Live Nation artists from performing there. This allegedly gives Ticketmaster and Live Nation an effective monopoly, with the resulting lack of competition allowing them to set prices and fee structures as high as they want.

The Nike Cortez Rocks The “Oregon” Colorway

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The Nike Cortez is set to release in an eye-catching “Oregon” colorway. This new iteration features a gorge green base, combining both leather and suede materials for a premium feel. The mix of textures adds depth and sophistication to the classic silhouette. A vibrant yellow leather Swoosh adorns the sides, providing a striking contrast against the green. The design is further enhanced by yellow accents on the heel tab and tongue, reinforcing the Oregon theme. The green and yellow color combination pays homage to the University of Oregon, aligning with Nike’s long-standing connection to the institution.

The sneakers also include a clean white midsole, which adds a crisp touch to the overall look. The Nike Cortez has always been a staple in the sneaker world, known for its sleek design and cultural significance. The “Oregon” colorway brings a fresh twist to this iconic model, appealing to both long-time fans and new enthusiasts. With its bold colors and premium materials, this release is sure to stand out. Set to drop soon, the Nike Cortez “Oregon” is anticipated to be a popular addition to any sneaker collection.

Read More: Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad” Gets New Release Date

“Oregon” Nike Cortez

Nike Cortez
Image via Nike

The sneakers feature a rubber sail sole with a yellow and sail midsole. A green leather suede constructs the uppers, with green suede overlays. A yellow leather Nike Swoosh adorns the sides, and sail laces complete the design. Nike branding is found on the heels, embroidered into the leather. Overall, these sneakers are created from high-quality suede and feature the iconic Oregon color scheme.

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Kicks On Fire reports that the Nike Cortez “Oregon” will be released on July 6th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $90 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Oregon
Image via Nike
Nike Cortez
Image via Nike

Read More: Nike Metcon 1 OG Road to Metcon X “Banned” Officially Unveiled

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Misa Hylton Alludes To Giving Diddy “Grace” After Calling Cassie Assault Footage Triggering

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Last week, footage of Diddy seemingly assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie at a hotel in 2016 surfaced online. Almost immediately, it went viral. The disturbing footage prompted responses from countless social media users and peers, who have since denounced the Bad Boy Records founder. The newly surfaced footage also led the internet to take a closer look at some of his past relationships, including those with Kim Porter and Misa Hylton.

Earlier this week, Hylton broke her silence on the upsetting video, describing the empathy she has for Cassie. “I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her,” she captioned an Instagram carousel of Diddy’s children. “I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma.”

Read More: Misa Hylton Describes Video Of Diddy Assaulting Cassie As Triggering For Her “Own Trauma”

Misa Hylton Shares Quote Amid Diddy’s Security Footage Scandal

At the time, she went on to claim that Diddy “needs help,” and said she was “praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it.” Now, she’s shared a meaningful quote that may pertain to her past experiences with Diddy on her IG Story. “When you finally learn that a person’s behavior has more to do with their own internal struggle than you, you learn grace,” the quote reads.

The Neighborhood Talk shared her post on Instagram, prompting a serious debate in the comments section. While some social media users are praising her, others argue that Diddy doesn’t deserve grace, though she didn’t actually confirm that the quote pertains to him. With that being said, the quote was shared immediately after she reposted her response to the assault footage, suggesting he was likely who she was referring to. What do you think of Misa Hylton’s reaction to the footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016? What about her latest message about learning “grace”? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Misa Hylton Net Worth 2024: What Is The Celebrity Stylist Worth?

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Cardi B Sophomore Album Timeline: What We Know So Far

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In April 2018, Cardi B burst onto the rap scene with her debut album, Invasion of Privacy. The record-breaking, Grammy-winning project turned Cardi B into a household name. From the chart-topping “Bodak Yellow,” to the club anthem “I Like It,” the industry welcomed a fresh new femcee onto the scene. However, six years down the line, and Cardi is yet to make a second attempt to recreate, or surpass the magic of Invasion of Privacy. 

She hasn’t been idle though. Cardi B’s presence has continued to be felt in the years since her debut album. Guest appearances, hot summer singles, and million-dollar ads have kept her in the spotlight. However, the fans are aching for a new body of work. Especially since the rapper has teased a follow-up for some time now. She recently announced that the album will no longer arrive in 2024, but her label, Atlantic Records, thinks otherwise. In the meantime, all we can do is wait and reminisce about all the times we’ve come close to tasting a new project from Cardi.

Read More: Cardi B Previews New Music

2020: Cardi B Teases Album No. 2

In April 2020, on the anniversary of her debut album, Cardi B promised to release the sequel to Invasion of Privacy. “Happy Birthday Miss INVASION OF PRIVACY,” she wrote. “My first baby, “Im workin on her sister so I can birth her this year.” With this news, fans felt rest assured that new material was on the way.

On August 7 of the same year, Cardi released “WAP.” The chart-topping, controversial single featured Megan Thee Stallion, and gained massive airplay. “WAP” was expected to be the lead single off Cardi B’s upcoming second studio album. While discussing the success of the single with Angie Martinez, she discussed the likelihood of a sophomore album dropping. “I’m already plotting my next move,” she said. “I don’t have my album ready yet. But even when I feel I have my album ready, I’m still debating when I should put out an album too.”

2021: Cardi Goes Live

In April 2021, Cardi welcomed her second child with Offset. Although she still performed while heavily pregnant, fans understandably believed she would take some time off after giving birth.  By December, on an Instagram Live session, Cardi B announced that her sophomore album was set to drop in 2022. This sparked widespread excitement from her fans. She blamed the pandemic for slowing down her album plans. “I want to do real f**kin’ interviews. I want to see people and sit down,” she said. Cardi also shared that she wanted to tour, as well as “go to the club and shake my a** to my own music.”

2022: Minimal Noise

 
 
 
 
 
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On June 21, 2022, Cardi B released a career-spanning video compilation of her hits and implicitly teased her upcoming album. She captioned the video: “Just a little reminder feeling like 2020 when I had to come out and STEP to remind them. P.S-IM GONNA STOMP THIS TIME AROUND.” On July 12, Cardi was on the cover of Vogue Singapore and hinted at a 2022 release for her sophomore album.

Read More: Pardison Fontaine Gives Cardi B Credit As A Pioneer

2023: Cardi B Promises An Album And Tour Soon

Throughout  2023, Cardi B released strategic singles. This included another collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos.” As with every drop, fans were on their toes, hoping that an album announcement was on the way.  In January, Cardi B stirred excitement among fans with an Instagram post that led to speculation about her new album. This came after fans noticed she followed a new Instagram account, @albumcb2, which reposted a picture of Cardi in the studio. Later in May, in an interview with Rolling Stone, she promised fans a lot to look forward to in the summer. Moreover, during an interview with The Breakfast Club, Cardi B revealed her plans to release her album in early 2024 and go into tour mode immediately after. She also mentioned that she had been hard at work in the studio, and making final touches to her music.

Q1 2024: This Could Be The Year

2024 has come around, and Cardi B is still setting the stage for her upcoming album. She posted a video on Instagram showing a folder of unreleased songs on a laptop. The latest of these videos was recorded in January 2023. She also shared that she’d been dealing with the pressure to release new music. However, she has promised fans that this will be the year. “I promise y’all this year, I’m not letting my anxiety, I’m not letting what haters say, I’m not letting what fans say [stop me]. If I do a song, I’m gonna just f—ing drop it.”

She subsequently dropped the singles: “Enough (Miami)” and “Like What (Freestyle).” This further fueled speculation about the album’s imminent release. “Enough(Miami)” would go on to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.  Additionally, the music video for “Like What,” directed by Offset, teased fans with the message: “this is just the beginning… stay tuned.”

Q2 2024: Cardi Vs. Atlantic Records

April 6, 2024 marked the sixth anniversary of Invasion Of Privacy. Much to the delight of her fans, Cardi B confirmed via Instagram Story that her sophomore album will be released in 2024. She also expressed her excitement for the project. Since the news dropped, she began to engage with her fans on social media platforms especially X (Twitter), sharing updates and snippets of her work. However, on May 14th, she announced her decision to make a change of plans in a series of exchanges with some fans online. 

After getting called out for the buildup over the years, Cardi revealed that the album would not be released in 2024 as she stated earlier. Instead, she announced that she was opting to focus on her well-being and other commitments. “anyway NO album this year I don’t care I’m relaxing this year,” she tweeted. “Dropping these features I already committed to and traveling and enjoying my summer.” This decision to delay the album’s release was met with equal parts disappointment and understanding from her fans.

On May 16, just two days later, the narrative changed once again. Despite Cardi B’s previous statements, her label, Atlantic Records, jokingly teased that the album is still set to drop before the end of the year. “Cardi B’s upcoming album is one of the most anticipated this year. We can’t wait to put it out, even if we have to sneak into her studio and take it!” Now it’s just a matter of time before we know who to believe. 

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Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad” Gets New Release Date

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The Nike Kobe 4 Protro, honoring the late Kobe Bryant, is slated for a special “Girl Dad” colorway release this June. However, the launch has been delayed by a week. This edition features a unique “Girl Dad” color scheme, blending shades of gray and green throughout the shoe. The design celebrates Bryant’s legacy as a devoted father to his daughters. The sneakers showcase a black rubber sole and a “Girl Dad” midsole, with the green hue extending to the upper. Adding to its significance, the Nike Swoosh matches the “Girl Dad” theme with metallic silver detailing on the heels.

Overall, these sneakers present a clean and understated colorway, versatile for both on and off the basketball court. A notable feature is the “Girl Dad” embroidery on the tongues, symbolizing Bryant’s love and devotion to his daughters. As fans eagerly await the release of the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad” colorway, it serves as a reminder of Bryant’s enduring legacy as both an athlete and a loving father. This pair represents more than just performance basketball sneakers; it stands as a tribute to Bryant’s personal and professional life.

Read More: Air Jordan 4 RM WMNS “Oxidized Green” Gets Retailer Images

“Girl Dad” Nike Kobe 4 Protro

Nike Kobe 4 Protro
Image via GOAT

The shoes feature a black sole paired with a gray-green midsole. Also, the upper mirrors this gray-green hue, creating a cohesive look. Additionally, the Nike Swoosh, outlined in silver, blends seamlessly with the upper’s color. Further, the Kobe Bryant logo is prominently displayed in black on the tongue. These shoes boast a simple, clean design ideal for basketball. Finally, a unique touch is the “Girl Dad” embroidery on both tongues, adding a meaningful detail to the overall aesthetic.

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GOAT reports that the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad” will be released on June 7th, 2024. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Girl Dad
Image via GOAT
Nike Kobe 4 Protro
Image via GOAT

Read More: Jordan Tatum 2 “Dongdan” Officially Revealed

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Ryan Garcia Is Heated About His Latest Positive Drug Tests

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Regarding his most recent drug tests, Ryan Garcia wasn’t pleased with the news. His B-sample, which was taken for his bout against Devin Haney, reportedly tested positive for the illegal drug ostarine on Thursday, according to lab reports. Following tests performed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) prior to and following Garcia’s majority decision victory over Haney on April 20, boxing writer Dan Rafael made the results public on Twitter. It is safe to say Ryan was not happy about the results.

Positive test results shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. It is uncommon for an A-sample and B-sample to have different findings. This additional evidence verifies Garcia’s positive test result for the prohibited drug, which was first published on May 1. Ryan Garcia’s victory over Devin Haney was already in doubt, but now, it is officially voided in the minds of fans and may soon be voided entirely. Garcia was already overweight for the fight and that already cost him the opportunity to take Haney’s WBC belt. Ryan Garcia has now responded online with absolutely no chill at all.

Read More: Ryan Garcia Claps Back At Kyle Rittenhouse After Tweet About Native Americans

Ryan Garcia Reacts To Latest Drug Test News

 
 
 
 
 
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Ryan Garcia tweeted, “Let’s go, we positive. Positive vibes, bruh. Yes, so happy.” He continued with another tweet, “I F***ING LOVE STERIODS.” He followed that one up with, “I don’t care; I’ll never make money again with boxing… your loss, not mine…For setting me up…lol joke on yall.” Garcia did not take the news well. He asserted it was all a set-up. Potential punishments may include a suspension, penalties, or even having the fight’s outcome invalidated because Garcia and Haney engaged in combat in Brooklyn, New York.

What was a career milestone for Ryan Garcia is now a serious low point. Regrettably, Garcia’s career-defining moment was marred by the positive drug test. He defeated Haney by three knockdowns and a decision, but also, with the confirmation of PED usage, could have seriously hurt his opponent. Maybe there is some way for a rematch to ensue, but it seems unlikely anytime soon. Ryan Garcia may be done boxing and may take up trolling online as his new career path. Overall, a great moment in boxing has now been shrouded in controversy.

Read More: French Montana And Ryan Garcia Are Training Together: “Getting Ready For Our Next Fight

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Charlamagne Tha God Gets Brutally Honest About His Voting Intentions

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Charlamagne Tha God is someone who has never shied away from having political conversations on his show, The Breakfast Club. Overall, he has done interviews with some massive figures. For instance, he once interviewed Hillary Clinton and even Joe Biden. Throughout the years, the radio host has been adamant about his distaste for Donald Trump. He has even called the former President a threat to democracy as we know it.

However, Charlamagne has refused to give an endorsement to President Joe Biden ahead of the election. While he has stated that he will vote Democrat, he isn’t exactly excited about it. He feels that Biden is not a good candidate and that a lot of Americans are being held hostage in this situation. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Charlamagne was pressed about this position. As one of the hosts explained, Charlamagne has a responsibility to get people excited to vote considering his large platform.

Read More: Busta Rhymes Wants A Truce With Charlamagne Tha God

Charlamagne Tha God Speaks Out

Fundamentally, Charlamagne disagrees with that sentiment. In his mind, it is up to the politicians to be worth voting for. It is certainly a great point. At the end of the day, people will only vote if they feel energized. That said, Charlamagne did say that Trump was a threat to democracy and by that statement alone, he is implying you should vote for the other side. If you thought last election was polarizing, this next one is shaping up to be worse.

Let us know what you think of this take from Charlamagne Tha God, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that it is an issue for him to be using this rhetoric considering his large platform? Or do you think he’s right that it is up to the politicians to say something useful? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God On Diddy’s Allegations: “The Issue Is Patriarchy”

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