Month: July 2024

Lil Mama Essential Songs

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Lil Mama, born Niatia Jessica Kirkland, appeared in the mid-2000s as a dynamic force in hip-hop and pop. Known for her energetic performances and distinctive style, she quickly made a name for herself with a string of hits that showcased her versatility and charisma. Beyond her musical talents, Lil Mama has also been recognized for her contributions as a dancer, actress, and television personality, further cementing her status as a multi-talented artist.

This exploration of Lil Mama’s five essential songs delves into the tracks that have defined her career. These selections highlight her ability to craft catchy, impactful music that resonates with a wide audience. From her breakout single to high-profile collaborations, each song offers a glimpse into Lil Mama’s artistic journey and her influence on the music industry. Let’s look closer at the tracks that have helped shape her legacy.

1. “Lip Gloss” (2007)

Released in 2007, “Lip Gloss” is Lil Mama’s breakout single that catapulted her into the mainstream. The song, featured on her debut album VYP (Voice of the Young People), is known for its infectious hook and playful lyrics celebrating the titular makeup item. Produced by James Groff and Asif Ali G., the track’s minimalist beat and catchy rhythm made it an instant hit, resonating with young audiences.

“Lip Gloss” showcased Lil Mama’s unique style and charisma and became a cultural phenomenon. The song’s popularity was bolstered by its vibrant music video, which featured Lil Mama’s energetic dance moves and high school setting. “Lip Gloss” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Lil Mama as a rising star.

2. “Shawty Get Loose” (Featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain) (2008)

“Shawty Get Loose” is a high-energy collaboration with Chris Brown and T-Pain. It is another standout track from Lil Mama’s debut album VYP (Voice of the Young People). Released in 2008, the song combines hip-hop and R&B elements, featuring an uptempo beat produced by T-Pain. The dynamic synergy between the three artists and the song’s catchy chorus and engaging verses made it a commercial success.

The accompanying music video, directed by R. Malcolm Jones, features futuristic visuals and impressive choreography. It also highlighted the talents of all three performers. “Shawty Get Loose” received positive reviews from critics and peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing Lil Mama’s place. The track’s success demonstrated her ability to collaborate with prominent artists and produce hit songs that resonate with a broad audience.

3. “G-Slide (Tour Bus)” (2007)

“G-Slide (Tour Bus)” Is another notable track from Lil Mama’s debut album VYP (Voice of the Young People). Released in 2007, the song features an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics that encourage listeners to get up and move. The track’s production, characterized by its energetic beats and playful melodies, aligns perfectly with Lil Mama’s lively performance style.

The song became popular for its infectious rhythm and accompanying dance moves, which were prominently featured in the music video. Directed by R. Malcolm Jones, the video depicts Lil Mama leading a group of dancers on a tour bus, emphasizing the song’s theme of travel and fun. “G-Slide (Tour Bus)” resonated with younger audiences and dance enthusiasts. It further established Lil Mama as an artist who can create engaging and memorable music.

4. “What It Is (Strike a Pose)” (Featuring T-Pain) (2008)

“What It Is (Strike a Pose)” is another standout track from VYP (Voice of the Young People), featuring the influential artist and producer T-Pain. Released in 2008, this song highlights Lil Mama’s ability to blend catchy hooks with strong lyrical content. The collaboration with T-Pain adds depth to the track, with his signature autotuned vocals complementing Lil Mama’s delivery.

The production of “What It Is (Strike a Pose)” features hip-hop and R&B, characterized by its polished, engaging melody. The song’s lyrics emphasize self-expression and confidence, encouraging listeners to embrace individuality. The track performed well on the charts and received positive feedback from fans and critics alike, showcasing Lil Mama’s knack for creating empowering and entertaining music.

5. “Hustler Girl” (2008)

“Hustler Girl,” from Lil Mama’s debut album, stands out for its motivational message and relatable themes. Released in 2008, the song delves into the struggles and aspirations of young women striving to achieve their dreams. The production blends smooth melodies and rhythmic beats, creating an uplifting backdrop for Lil Mama’s inspiring lyrics.

The song highlights Lil Mama’s storytelling ability, as she vividly portrays the determination and resilience of a “hustler girl” navigating life’s challenges. “Hustler Girl” resonates with listeners who appreciate its empowering message and authentic portrayal of perseverance. The track’s positive reception and its role in promoting self-belief and ambition make it a significant part of Lil Mama’s discography, further showcasing her impact as an artist who uses her platform to uplift and inspire.

The post Lil Mama Essential Songs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rapper 50 Cent Shades Rick Ross After Vancouver Brawl

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G-Unit mogul 50 Cent hopped on the gram to poke fun at Rick Ross after a video hit socials of Ross allegedly fleeing a punch (at Ross) turned brawl in Vancouver. If you don’t know Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada. Toronto is east coast. Gotta say that because some of ya’ll confuse the two. Anyway, sharing the footage, 50 Cent wrote:

“LMAO [crying face emoji] THE GREAT ESCAPE! MEEKA CALL THE CHASERS, THEY ARE CHASING ME. [grinning face emoji] LOL.”

To add insult to injury, no pun intended, 50 Cent posted a vid of Ross’s ex-girlfriend, Tia Kemp, ridiculing Ross for how she saw it as him not fighting back. She posted: “my guess is ya, won’t be going back to Canada acting like it ain’t what it is. LOL @tia_kemp2.”

Around the same time Kemp commented on a recent IG feed post from Drake, and he responded in a cheerful way to put it lightly. 

ICYMI, in another video, Fiddy sarcastically commented on the situation, expressing not so serious concern for Ross and his people who were at the center of the melee:

“Hey guys. I just saw a very unfortunate situation that took place in Canada, and I want to say to everyone that I hope that that brother made it home safely,” he said. “I hope that he now has a different perspective and a better sense of what to do and what not to do while you’re out in the world.”

The G-Unit honcho went on to say:

“That part where that young guy went like [holds fists up to body] — he did this little move and shit and got knocked the fuck out — that does not reflect him; that reflects his camp. And he might need to go get the, uh, the Dream Chasers? Or [laughs] the 305 Killers?” He then broke character and laughed. Man. C’mon, 50 … 

Drake, meanwhile, seemed to like on social, one of the many videos of the confrontation. That part. 

The post Rapper 50 Cent Shades Rick Ross After Vancouver Brawl first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapper 50 Cent Shades Rick Ross After Vancouver Brawl appeared first on The Source.

Bronny James Will Wear Number 9 Jersey in Honor of Late Rapper Juice WRLD

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New Laker Bronny James spoke to the media for the first time on Tuesday. As expected, James, along with fellow 2024 NBA Draft pick Dalton Knecht, discussed their transition to the league. Here we go …

While James fielded numerous questions about you know who, sorry but had to put it that way, both players also explained the significance behind their chosen jersey numbers.

And their reasons are interesting.

James revealed he will be wearing the No. 9 in Los Angeles to honor the late rapper Juice WRLD, who passed away in 2019.

That’s cool on so many levels. 

“Juice has just been a big part of me keeping calm in some situations that I’ve been through,” James said. 

“So yeah, just paying homage to him, especially because he passed, it’s a really important thing for me.”

Get this, Knecht’s choice was more straightforward. With his college number, 3, already taken by Anthony Davis, he decided to have fun with his last name and go with No. 4. “I knew eventually, like, I probably would have to run into the number 4,” Knecht explained. Straight to the point on his choice.

“But, 3’s been my number my whole life, and then, yeah, 3, AD got it, so why not do Knecht 4? Why not?”

Times are certainly changing. Who future stars idolize and how that falls within the broader culture conversation is something that we should explore more – and we will … stay tuned. 

The post Bronny James Will Wear Number 9 Jersey in Honor of Late Rapper Juice WRLD first appeared on The Source.

The post Bronny James Will Wear Number 9 Jersey in Honor of Late Rapper Juice WRLD appeared first on The Source.

Cory Gunz Unleashes Rapid Fire Bars For “On The Radar” Freestyle

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Today, On The Radar dropped the video for Cory Gunz’s “On The Radar” Freestyle. The visual shows the multi-platinum selling recording artist alongside fellow Militia members Black Saun, Whispers and RMK as he delivers rapid fire bars for four minutes straight, over a mash-up beat of previously released tracks, “Scenario” and “Rick Owens x Nike Tech.”

Cory’s “On The Radar” Freestyle comes after the release of the video for “NaySay”which pays homage to legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah by replaying the beat of one of the biggest songs of rap’s Golden Era, “Ice Cream.”  The video for“NaySay,” followed the release of Cory’s latest mixtape, Loosie Pack 3 which features guest appearances by Jim Jones, Chris Rivers, Jae’won, Whispers and more. Four of Loosie Pack 3’s previously released tracks, “Real Rights,” “Die Slowly,” “Laundry” and “Rick Owens x Nike Tech,” have quickly become fan-favorite songs and received playlisting on Apple Music’s Base:Line, BARS, Football, Basketball and Underground Hip-Hop Essentials.

Loosie Pack 3 is the third installment of the Loosie Pack mixtape series which began to drop last fall. The first installment, Loosie Pack contained features from veteran rapper Styles P, frequent collaborator Whispers and others. The second installment, Loosie Pack 2 followed with the revered track “3 Staxx” and contained appearances from Nino Man, RMK and more. 

The post Cory Gunz Unleashes Rapid Fire Bars For “On The Radar” Freestyle first appeared on The Source.

The post Cory Gunz Unleashes Rapid Fire Bars For “On The Radar” Freestyle appeared first on The Source.

JT Announces ‘City Cinderella’ Mixtape Release Date, Reveals Artwork

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With Summer officially here, JT (Quality Control Music/Motown) looks to topple the competition again with her upcoming mixtape, City Cinderella. Dropping July 19, City Cinderella will be JT’s debut mixtape as a solo artist. She also unveiled the stunning cover art for the 16-track project.

Last week, JT’s momentum reached its apex when she released the remix to her Hot 100 hit “OKAY” with Jeezy. After teasing fans with billboards across Atlanta featuring a Cinderella heel and a snowman, JT and Jeezy’s fiery combination makes them an unbeatable duo.

After scoring the biggest hit of her solo career with “OKAY,” JT has enjoyed an incredible run in 2024, as the song netted over 40 million U.S. streams to date. Widely considered one of the greatest rap groups of all time, City Girls built JT into a hip-hop powerhouse. As a solo superstar, she continues to impress with her swagger and unshakable confidence. Billboard has already anointed the Miami-bred MC as one of the hottest female rappers of the moment. This year, she dominated the Hot 100 and set the club circuit on fire with her celebrated JT’s Coming Tour.

She has also been very charitable with her JT World Help Foundation, where she teamed up with local partners to give prom dresses to high school students. JT’s altruism continued when she gifted Miss Florida her 2022 BET Awards dress for this year’s upcoming Miss America competition, highlighting JT’s heart and willingness always to give back.

Following the success of her JT Coming Club Tour, the Miami star will take her talents to the ESSENCE Festival this week, where she’ll be performing on the Coca-Cola Stage on July 5 while participating in the ESSENCE Gu’s BeautyCon Panel the following day. To top that all off, she was highlighted in Ebony’s Black Music Month Freedom List.

The post JT Announces ‘City Cinderella’ Mixtape Release Date, Reveals Artwork first appeared on The Source.

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Foolio’s Hacked IG Comments On Leaked Photo Of His Alleged Killer

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The Foolio saga continues. The rapper was shot and killed on June 23 in Tampa, Florida. Generally, the rap community will mourn whoever’s life was lost, but the drama surrounding Foolio has drowned out the mourning. The rapper’s enemy, Yungeen Ace, has dropped two diss tracks since the shooting occurred. Even more bizarre, Foolio’s Instagram has remained active. The account has posted videos, and even left stray comments on Yungeen Ace’s disses. The account went silent over the weekend, but returned with a vengeance on July 2.

It was on this day that a photo of the rapper’s alleged killer surfaced online. The photo is blurry, as uploaded by the account Riemoh, but Foolio commented nonetheless. “Demi God,” the account wrote, with a purple demon emoji. It may seem confusing out of context, but this is a phrase that Foolio used while he was alive. During a No Jumper interview conducted in 2024, the rapper told the host that he could never die. “I ain’t going nowhere,” he asserted. “I’m a demigod. You can’t get me.” Foolio then posted the interview on his Instagram with the caption: “I’ll Never Die I’m a DemiGod.”

Read More: Foolio’s Girlfriend Shares Heart-Wrenching Messages Following His Death

Foolio’s IG Wrote “Demi God” Underneath The Blurry Photo

The “Demi God” post also confirms that someone or some group of people have maintained control of the rapper’s social media. There are some fans who have theorized that the police have taken control of the account in an effort to locate the rapper’s killer. Then there are those who think Foolio’s mother is commenting from his account, but that doesn’t explain the odd, cryptic nature of the comments/posts.

Foolio’s mother issued a public statement following the rapper’s death. It was straightforward and sincere. She also announced that would be making a documentary about Foolio’s life. “The story that only I can tell because I know the Truths from the Fakes,” she wrote. “I think [I’m] the ONLY mother that [keeps] it Real while MOST others know [damn] well what was going on. with their OWN sons.” Foolio’s mother has no problem speaking her mind, so it stands to reason that she would admit she was the one posting under her son’s name. Hopefully the real identity of the IG user is eventually revealed.

Read More: Yungeen Ace Responds To Foolio’s IG Being Hacked After His Death

The post Foolio’s Hacked IG Comments On Leaked Photo Of His Alleged Killer appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dee-1 Refuses To Clown Rick Ross After He Was Attacked In Canada

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Dee-1 and Rick Ross are diametrically opposed. The former is a Christian rapper who preaches morality in his music. Ross, well, does the opposite. He raps about cars, money, killing, and dealing. This is what led Dee-1 to call out the MMG in 2023. He challenged the rapper to set a better example for his audience and Ross responded by mocking him. Dee-1 had a wide opening to return the mockery when Rozay got jumped in Canada, but he took the high road.

The Christian rapper hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to air out the situation. He acknowledged that him and Rick Ross have had issues in the past. He did not, however, take the bait with regards to mockery. “Rick Ross got punched in the face,” Dee-1 wrote. “Some people want me to clown him because of our history, but nah… I’m genuinely wishing the best for him.” The Christian rapper then cited the incident as something that rap fans should strive to avoid. “I know we can do better,” he added. “Hopefully this leads to growth all around. The culture is on life support.”

Read More: Tia Kemp & Tokyo Toni Unite For Fiery Rick Ross Diss Track

Dee-1 And Rick Ross Beefed Back In 2023

This is not the first time Dee-1 has taken the high road. When Rick Ross combated his initial criticisms by making fun of Dee-1’s appearance, the latter refused to fire shots back. He actually went as far as to say him and Ross should sit down and have a conversation. “I love you and I hope you can choose the route we all know is best,” Dee-1 added. “Definitely down to talk more, because the public needs to see two talented, successful, imperfect black men have tough conversations.”

Rick Ross is not into the high road as of late. The rapper has had one beef after another in 2024. He took shots at Drake, at his baby mama, Tia Kemp, and at the two of them together. When Drake and Kemp got flirty via Instagram on July 1, Rozay responded by calling Drake a “pedo” and Kemp a “granny.” The only person Ross has seemingly avoided beef with has been The Game. The Compton icon mocked Rozay on Instagram and dropped a diss track called “Freeway’s Revenge.” No dice. Ross refused to take the bait and claimed that The Game was “starving” for attention.

Read More: Rick Ross Defends Bronny James From Nepotism Accusations

The post Dee-1 Refuses To Clown Rick Ross After He Was Attacked In Canada appeared first on HotNewHipHop.