While appearing on LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The Shop series, Outkast’s Andre 3K reflected on the late Texas rapper being “really mad” at him when he submitted his verse for the 2007 hit.
“Rest in peace Pimp [C], but I got a [funny] story about that,” André said when co-host Paul Rivera asked him about his verse on the song. “Pimp was so mad at me because they sent the beat and I wrote my verse, put my words down and I took the beat out for me to rap.”
“When I sent it back to them, Pimp was like, ‘Fuck this muthafucka, man! This n-gga done goddamn took my beat out! Who the fuck he think he is?!’ So he was really mad at the choice that I had made to take the beat [out].I don’t know if it was Bun or somebody, they were like, ‘Nah, but you don’t understand, when that beat drop, though, it sets it off.’ So it’s almost like a set-up. So it worked, and once he got that, he was like, ‘Okay, okay.’ But he was so mad at me.”
Veteran A&R Jeff Sledge previously told this story on an episode of ItsTheReal’s A Waste of Time podcast in 2016.
“When André sent his piece back and had no drums, [Pimp C] was pissed off,” he explained. “He was like ‘Fuck André, man! How the fuck is he gonna send my shit back and take my drums out? Fuck that.’ He was going off about André taking the drums out. I was like, ‘Chad, hold up fam. Let’s rock it like that because when André doing a capella and then when the beat drops, that’s when your verse drops. And then your verse is gonna lift the record up because now the beat is rocking and your verse is kicking.’
Genre-defying artist Brady Watt & Dipset legend Jim Jones have released a new single and video for “Godspeed.” “Godspeed” is co-produced by Heatmakerz.
Brady Watt continues to captivate audiences and push musical boundaries with his groundbreaking “Bass & Bars” series, which has now garnered over 100 million views. Recent episodes include collaborations with Freeway, Melle Mel & The Furious 5, Large Professor, The Pharcyde, Trinidad James, Lord Finesse, and AZ.
Beyond his series, Watt has recently performed at prestigious events such as the Montreal Jazz Festival alongside DJ Premier and headlined the Rotterdam Double Bass Festival. He also opened for blues and guitar legend Gary Clark Jr. on his U.S. tour and capped it off with a remarkable performance at Radio City Music Hall.
Watt’s journey to creating “Godspeed” began at Heatmakerz’s studio, where he sifted through approximately 20 beats before selecting one with a vintage gospel sample, that was mixed with rock and roll and street elements that immediately resonated with him; inspired Brady quickly crafted the hook and refined the track by adding bass, synths, and keys from Carlos Homs.
“I’m a lifelong Dipset fan,” Watt shared. “Over the years, I’ve developed a friendship with Jim and Heatmakerz. I’m always making beats, but I wanted to see what would happen if I used someone else’s production while still adding my instrumentation and bass.”
Continuing on her incredible run in 2024 and following her sold out club tour, JT is ready to take her talents on the road again — this time with the upcoming City Cinderella Tour. Presented by AG Entertainment/Mammoth. JT is primed and ready to topple the competition again after the sweltering success of her latest single, “OKAY,” and the song’s mega remix featuring Jeezy.
Slated to kick off Aug. 20 in Kansas City, JT will make stops in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and more. The tour will also arrive shortly after JT releases her debut mixtape, City Cinderella, which comes on Jul. 19. Venue/promoter pre-sale starts on Wednesday, Jul. 10 at 10AM local and Spotify pre-sale launches Thursday, Jul. 11 at 10 AM local.
Last month, 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. “OKAY” will reside on JT’s 16-track mixtape City Cinderella, where she previously unveiled the stunning artwork.
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.
JT’s City Cinderella Tour Dates
8/20/2024 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
8/21/2024 Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre
8/23/2024 Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
8/24/2024 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
8/25/2024 Hartford, CT – The Webster – Main Room
8/28/2024 Washington, DC – Howard Theatre
8/29/2024 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
8/30/2024 New York, NY – Palladium Times Square
9/1/2024 Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
9/3/2024 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
9/5/2024 Richmond, VA – The National
9/6/2024 Norfolk, VA – The Norva
9/8/2024 Columbia, SC – The Senate
9/10/2024 Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
9/11/2024 Birmingham, AL – Iron City
9/13/2024 Little Rock, AR – The Hall
9/14/2024 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
9/15/2024 Dallas, TX – Gilley’s – South Side Music Hall
9/16/2024 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall – Downstairs
Andre 3000 has too many classic verses to count. That being said, his turn on “Int’l Players Anthem” might be one of his most celebrated. It’s quotable, eccentric, and it all plays out before the drums to the main instrumental kick in. It distinguishes Andre’s verse from the other rappers on the song, aka Big Boi and UGK. As beloved as the verse and the song is today, though, Pimp C was not happy when he first heard it. The things that make it unique are the very things that rubbed the UGK rapper the wrong way.
Andre 3000 shared this anecdote during his recent appearance on The Shop. He recounted the making of the song, and his unorthodox choice to remove the drums from his verse. He sent the verse back with just the sample, and Pimp C was livid. “Pimp was so mad at me,” Andre 3000 recalled. “Because they sent the beat and I wrote my verse, put my words down and I took the beat out for me to rap.” Pimp C wasn’t disappointed with the bars, but he felt like the song had been changed without his permission. “Pimp was like, ‘Fuck this muthaf*cka, man! This n**ga done goddamn took my beat out,” Andre said. “Who the f*ck he think he is?!’ He was really mad at the choice that I had made to take the beat [out].”
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Andre 3000 told The Shop hosts that others made the case for keeping the verse the way it is. “I don’t know if it was Bun [B] or somebody,” the rapper called. “They were like, ‘Nah, but you don’t understand, when that beat drop, though, it sets it off.’ So it’s almost like a set-up. So it worked, and once he got that, he was like, ‘Okay, okay.’” The gamble paid off. “Int’l Players Anthem” peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was UGK’s first and only entry on the charts, and remains their most successful single.
While The Shop episode marks the first time Andre 3000 has shared the Pimp C story, a similar anecdote was shared by A&R Jeff Sledge during a 2016 appearance on the A Waste of Time podcast. The change in Sledge’s version was that it was him, not Bun B, who urged Pimp C to keep Andre’s verse without the beat. “Let’s rock it like that,” the A&R recalls saying. “Because when Andre doing acapella and then when the beat drops, that’s when your verse drops. And then your verse is gonna lift the record up because now the beat is rocking and your verse is kicking.” Whoever made the call, we’re thankful.
DJ Quik is a Hall of Fame artist. He’s a G-funk pioneer and a production wizard. He’s also a proud Los Angeles native. Quik was absolutely blown away by Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert on Juneteenth, despite not being present. He praised K. Dot during a recent interview with AllHipHop. He also admitted, though, that watching the “Pop Out” show was a bittersweet experience. So bittersweet, in fact, that he claims that he actually cried while it was happening.
DJ Quik’s absence was not by design. The rapper would have attended, but he was on tour with fellow West Coast stars Problem and Snoop Dogg. The trio tried to chart a flight back to LA to attend, but Quik said that it proved to be a logistical nightmare. “Snoop tried to fly us back for the Pop Out,” he told the outlet. “He tried to charter a jet and it didn’t work out logistically because we would have missed our show… But we sat there steaming. I was steaming.” The reason Quick was steaming was two-fold. One, he was missing the “Pop Out” show. Two, and perhaps most ironically, he was stranded in Canada, the home of Kendrick’s enemy: Drake.
These two things in tandem proved to be too much for DJ Quik. He shed tears of happiness over what Lamar did, but also tears of sadness given his circumstances. “I was knee deep in Canada when all that unity happened,” he noted. “I cried myself to sleep that night in the dumb-a*s Hilton hotel looking at you guys… started hating. What did I tell you?” Quik wasn’t the only who regretted missing the show, though. Snoop Dogg, who appeared on Lamar’s classic album To Pimp a Butterfly, raved about the concert on social media.
“Sending a big shout out to K. Dot and all the homies from the West that stood together unified,” he told his followers. The IG video was recorded in the same Canada hotel that a bereft DJ Quik fell asleep in the day prior. Still, Snoop kept it positive. “That was beautiful,” he asserted. “That was fun to watch. Beautiful to see all my peoples come together. And K. Dot – you are the King of the West.” A sentiment that DJ Quik would likely agree with.
The next episode of LeBron James‘ unscripted show, The Shop, is nearly here. Each episode sets to match unlikely pairs for a deeply introspective chat about life, business, and more. For the forthcoming video, the seemingly unlikely duo is André 3000 and Sexyy Red.
However, in the teaser clip of the episode shared online today (July 9), André 3000 and Sexyy Red revealed they have a lot more in common than others may think. Outside of the obvious (being rappers), both confessed to being motivated by negative remarks and public ridicule.
“Like, they still don’t believe in me,” said Sexyy Red. “So, I just be like, ‘Imma just show you I am.’ Like he said, ‘They don’t understand.’ We really came from nothing, and then we be making a big achievements. That’s something for us. But they just be like, ‘You ain’t doing nothing.’”
“Use it for fuel,” added André. “Hater fuel is the best sh*t man. It’s free energy.”
“I like when they talk about me,” chimed Sexyy.
André echoed Sexyy’s response. “That make me go, it makes me go in. I love when someone doubt you.”
“Because now I’m finna show you something,” closed Sexyy.
Watch the full promotional clip of André 3000 and Sexyy Red’s upcoming appearance on The Shop below.
The full episode is scheduled to be shared to The Shop’s official YouTube channel on July 11. Find more information here.
Andre 3000 and Sexyy Red are superstars on different ends of the spectrum. Andre is an established legend who’s trying to expand upon his legacy. Sexyy Red is a rising talent who is still trying to define her legacy within the hip-hop genre. These differences are what will make their joint appearance on HBO’s The Shop such a fascinating watch. The two artists will sit down with the Shop hosts on July 11 to talk about their careers and their artistic ambitions.
A teaser from The Shop episode was released on July 9. It sees Sexyy Red address the criticisms that have been leveled at her since she first broke out. “They still don’t believe in me, so I’m just gonna show you who I am,” she explained. The rapper also talked about the frustration of finding huge success, only to have it be diminished by others. “Ain’t nobody doing this,” she asserted. Andre 3000 chimes in with support, telling Sexyy Red to use the hatred from others to fuel her creativity. “Use it for fuel,” he said. “Hater fuel, man, it’s the best sh*t.” The Outkast icon noted that negative attention is just free energy from others.
Sexyy Red admitted that she feeds off the negative energy in the same way that Andre 3000 did when he was experimenting with different sounds in the 1990s. Andre incurred similar criticism, in fact, during a different episode of The Shop. LL Cool J recently went on the HBO talk show, and he called out Andre 3000 for making a flute album instead of a rap album. “I need him to spit,” LL told Lena Waithe. “Flutes? Man, come on, bro. His bars is all the way up. I’m very clear. Not the flute, B. Not the flute. Don’t do the flute.” Ironically, LL’s criticisms are the same thing that Andre 3000 claims to benefit from during his Shop teaser.
“That make me go in,” Andre revealed. “I love when somebody doubts you.” The rapper also noted how important it is to follow your muse, even when it leads to pushback from peers. During the same Shop appearance, he relayed a story in which Pimp C was frustrated with him. The late UGK legend didn’t like the way Andre 3000 rapped over “Int’l Player’s Anthem,” and yet, it’s become the most iconic verse on the song. We can’t wait to see what else the rapper reveals during the episode.
Meagan Good discussed her new film “Divorce in the Black,” during Tuesday’s episode of “Hoda and Jenna.” The conversation got good, pun intended. She opened up about her relationship with Jonathan Majors. She highlighted the “support” they provide each other and addressed the controversy surrounding their relationship. See, isn’t that what it’s supposed to be about? Support.
“The support that we’ve been able to give each other, the pouring into each other, the honest conversations, the love, the respect, just the care and the thoughtfulness—it’s just been really wonderful,” Good shared during the interview.
Good revealed that many advised her to delay making their relationship public due to Majors’ legal issues. Despite considering their advice, she ultimately decided to follow her own judgment:
“One thing I know is that I can always look in the mirror when I trust my spirit, when I trust God, when I ask God, and when I move to the beat of my own drum… I can always look and say, ‘Okay, I’m proud of that.’”
Good further emphasized her sense of peace and harmony when following her own path. “No matter whatever happens, I have peace in my heart and have harmony in my heart. And it’s only when I do something based on someone else saying ‘well I think you should do this… I take everyone I love’s opinion into account, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to live my life.”
Here’s how Good wrapped it up, “I want to be responsible for the choices I make and want to live the life that I want to live.”
DeMar DeRozan has suddenly found himself in the middle of rap’s most high-profile feud. After spending years as a member of the Toronto Raptors and forming a relationship with Drake, DeRozan appeared at Kendrick Lamar’s The Pop Out concert, then went on stage during as Lamar performed the song “Not Like Us,” and then appeared in the music video for the track.
It led to some questions about whose side he is on here, and fortunately, DeRozan got asked about the whole ordeal by Sean Cunningham of KTXL in Sacramento. Basically, DeRozan still has love for Drake, but his relationship with Lamar goes back a very long time, to the point that he considers him “basically family.”
Asked DeMar DeRozan about his appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video and if that signaled the end of playing Drake inside Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/0cRtBImfQm
“I mean, love Drake, love Drake, you always could play him,” DeRozan said when asked if they can keep playing Drake at Sacramento Kings games. “Kendrick’s been a friend of mine, family, damn near family for a long time, for a while. We from the same city, grew up damn near in the same neighborhood. So, it’s always been, it hasn’t always been publicized, but that’s basically family.”
DeRozan, of course, is the newest member of the Kings roster after joining the team thanks to a sign-and-trade. Whether Drake or Kendrick attend any Kings games because of this remains to be seen.
Few names in hip hop carry the weight of The Game. In the early 2000s, Jayceon Terrell Taylor, better known as The Game, was born and raised in Compton, California. He kicked off his career with a bang by bringing an uncut perspective on street life when he released his first album, The Documentary, in 2005. It shook up the industry because it had tough lyrics matched with high-profile features. This wasn’t just any bunch of songs, though — this work marked not only where he stood within rap but also served notice about what kind of person would make such music: someone who has always shown himself to be strong despite any setbacks or criticisms.
Throughout his musical journey so far, there are many legends that Game has worked alongside. These include none other than Dr Dre, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne & Drake, amongst others. They’re all very big names indeed when it comes down to them being pioneers within their lanes. Meanwhile, Game’s music often tells stories from growing up around violent areas in Compton, where poverty breeds crime. He also hopes for change through hard work and dedication, which is something he has always been passionate about. Each of the five tracks we will delve into represents different sides of Game’s artistry. They show growth and an impact on broader hip-hop culture.
1. “How We Do” (Featuring 50 Cent) (2005)
“How We Do” is a quintessential track from The Game’s debut album, The Documentary, released in 2005. This song, featuring 50 Cent, was a commercial and critical success, firmly establishing The Game in hip hop. Produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, the track’s infectious beat and memorable hook made it an instant hit. “How We Do” climbed the Billboard Hot 100 charts, peaking at No. 4. It also became a staple in clubs and radio stations nationwide.
The collaboration with 50 Cent was significant, highlighting the chemistry between the two artists. Their back-and-forth verses provided a dynamic energy that resonated with fans. The track’s success was instrumental in boosting The Documentary to multi-platinum status, cementing The Game’s position as a major player in hip hop. “How We Do” remains one of The Game’s most iconic tracks.
2. “Hate It Or Love It” (Featuring 50 Cent) (2005)
“Hate It or Love It,” also from The Documentary, is another monumental track in The Game’s career. This one also featured a collaboration with 50 Cent. Released in 2005, this single became one of the defining songs of mid-2000s hip hop. The song’s soulful production, produced by Cool & Dre struck a chord with a wide audience. The track peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received two Grammy nominations, underlining its critical and commercial success.
Further, the chemistry between The Game and 50 Cent on “Hate It or Love It” is undeniable. Both artists reflected on their rise from hardship to success. The lyrics explore themes of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, resounding with fans who relate to their struggles. “Hate It or Love It” is pivotal in The Game’s career, reinforcing his place in hip-hop and his ability to produce timeless hits.
3. “One Blood” (Featuring Junior Reid) (2006)
In 2006, “One Blood” was released as the lead single from Doctor’s Advocate, The Game’s second album. This is an important moment in his career. When he left G-Unit with 50 Cent, it was necessary for The Game to show he could do well on his own, and this track did exactly that. Further, the song’s chorus features Junior Reid’s sample from his classic “One Blood.” With its hard-hitting production, the song reflects The Games’ style, making this track unforgettable. Moreover, the success achieved by “One Blood” clearly indicated how strong and self-sustaining The Game really is. It took No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but still, its performance on the streets where fans rule was amazing. On top of everything else, it changed people’s minds about blending West Coast rap and reggae.
4. “My Life” (Featuring Lil Wayne) (2008)
“My Life” is the title of a song in LAX, The Game’s third studio album, which dropped in 2008. The rapper delves into his personal battles with depression and fame on this haunting track featuring Lil Wayne. It’s got a chilling hook from Weezy combined with The Game’s hard-hitting bars that tell an intense story. The beat, produced by Cool & Dre, is melancholic, perfectly matching the lyrics, making it one of the most emotional songs by The Game.
People loved “My Life” for its honesty and depth, and critics praised it, too. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at No. 23, proving that even heavy-themed songs can still be commercially successful. The collaboration with Lil Wayne added a significant layer of depth, as both artists shared their experiences with life’s hardships, making the song relatable and moving. “My Life” highlighted The Game’s ability to address serious subjects in his music, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist with a profound impact on hip-hop.
5. “100” (Featuring Drake) (2015)
As for “100,” released in 2015, it is a key track from The Game’s album The Documentary 2. This song features a notable collaboration with Drake, combining The Game’s classic West Coast style with Drake’s contemporary, mainstream sound. The production by Cardo and Johnny Juliano delivers a California vibe that allows both artists to shine. The lyrics revolve around authenticity and staying true to oneself in an industry often filled with pretenders and opportunists.
The song received critical acclaim and enjoyed commercial success, peaking at No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. Further, “100” stands out for its production and seamless collaboration between the two rappers. Their verses complement each other well, creating a track that resonates with fans of both artists. This song underscores The Game’s versatility and ability to remain relevant by collaborating with diverse artists. Overall, “100” is a testament to The Game’s enduring influence and adaptability in the hip-hop scene, ensuring his continued presence and impact on the genre.
JULY 11TH
