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.”
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.
Ray J, born William Ray Norwood Jr., has been a fixture in R&B and hip-hop since the mid-1990s. He has become a versatile artist and entrepreneur, emerging as a young talent. His career encompasses music, television, and business ventures, making him a well-rounded figure in the entertainment world. Known for his smooth vocals and charismatic persona, Ray J has delivered numerous hits that have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
This exploration of Ray J’s five essential songs delves into the tracks that have defined his career. These selections highlight his vocal prowess and his ability to craft songs that resonate with diverse audiences. From chart-topping singles to controversial anthems, each track offers a glimpse into Ray J’s journey as an artist and his contributions to the evolution of R&B and hip-hop. Let’s dive into these pivotal songs that showcase the essence of Ray J’s musical legacy.
1. “One Wish” (2005)
Released in 2005, “One Wish” is arguably Ray J’s most iconic song. This heartfelt ballad from his third album Raydiation showcases his vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s lyrics explore love, regret, and longing themes, resonating with listeners and earning significant radio play. With its lush instrumentation and poignant piano melody, the production complements Ray J’s impassioned delivery, making it a standout track in his discography.
“One Wish” became a commercial success, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its music video, which featured Ray J in a dramatic and visually striking narrative, further bolstered the song’s popularity. This track solidified Ray J’s reputation as a serious artist capable of delivering emotionally charged performances.
In 2008, Ray J released “Sexy Can I,” a collaboration with rapper Yung Berg. This track, from his fourth studio album All I Feel, became an instant hit and a club anthem. With its infectious hook and danceable beat, “Sexy Can I” showcases Ray J’s ability to create catchy, feel-good music. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat production captured the attention of a wide audience, propelling it to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Further, the success of “Sexy Can I” marked a high point in Ray J’s career. It also demonstrated his versatility and appeal across different musical styles. The track’s enduring popularity in clubs and on radio stations underscores its impact and Ray J’s knack for creating memorable, chart-topping hits.
3. “Wait A Minute” (Featuring Lil’ Kim) (2001)
“Wait A Minute,” released in 2001, features a collaboration with the legendary rapper Lil’ Kim. This track Is from Ray J’s second studio album This Ain’t a Game. It combines smooth R&B vocals with hip-hop production, creating a vibrant and energetic sound. Lil’ Kim’s contribution adds a dynamic edge to the song, making it a standout collaboration. Moreover, the song’s production highlights Ray J’s adaptability and ability to blend genres seamlessly. “Wait A Minute” received positive reviews from critics and solidified Ray J’s presence in the music industry.
Released in 2013, “I Hit It First” is one of Ray J’s most controversial tracks. The song, featuring Bobby Brackins, gained significant media attention due to its provocative lyrics and perceived references to Ray J’s past relationship with Kim Kardashian. The track’s catchy beat and straightforward lyrics sparked widespread discussion and debate, making it a polarizing but unforgettable entry in Ray J’s discography.
Despite the controversy, “I Hit It First” performed well on the charts, demonstrating Ray J’s ability to generate buzz and capture the public’s attention. The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, reflecting Ray J’s knack for staying relevant in a constantly evolving music landscape.
“Tie Me Down,” released in 2009, is a collaboration with the hip-hop duo New Boyz. The track features Ray J’s smooth vocals and the New Boyz’s distinctive rapping style. The song, known for its catchy hook and relatable lyrics about relationship constraints, quickly became popular and received substantial airplay. “Tie Me Down” further exemplified Ray J’s ability to create hit records through strategic collaborations. The song’s success on the Billboard charts showcased his continued relevance in the music industry and adaptability to different musical trends. This track remains a notable part of Ray J’s catalog, reflecting his consistent ability to produce engaging and memorable music.
Cardi B hasn’t revealed too many details about her next album, but it seems like she’s actively working on it, as she has now previewed an unreleased track.
B.G. wasted no time getting back to work following his 12-year prison stay. Evidently, however, not all of the artist’s legal woes are behind him just yet. Recently, it was reported that he must now submit all of his song lyrics to his probation officers for approval. The proposal was first made earlier this year. At the time, the government argued that his recent lyrics didn’t line up with his goals of rehabilitation.
In response, his legal team made it clear that they saw this as a violation of his First Amendment rights. “As to the Government’s request for Mr. Dorsey to provide U.S. Probation (and the government) with lyrics ‘for any song that he may write, in whole or in part, while on supervised release,’ it is respectfully submitted that this request is overly broad and violates the First Amendment and due process,” his attorneys wrote in May.
B.G. Faces Even More Legal Woes After 12-Year Prison Stay
Rapper B.G. (Christopher Dorsey) of the Hot Boys at Echo Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on April 5, 2007. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
“It is respectfully submitted that requiring Mr. Dorsey to submit his mental impressions and lyrics for any song that he may write, whole or in part, would constitute a prior restraint. It is respectfully submitted that Mr. Dorsey should be permitted to write and express his own thoughts without fear that he needs to provide all lyrics to U.S. Probation and the Government,” they also added. His lyrics will be kept under seal to prevent any possible copyright infringements, and the documents will be given back to him once his supervised release is terminated.
What do you think of B.G. now having to submit all of his song lyrics to his probation officers for approval? Do you think this is a violation of his creative freedom or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Lil Gotit is showing his love to Young Thug and his affiliates on his new album, Shut The Door, Nobody Listening. This is actually the Atlanta, Georgia native’s sixth studio project and a follow-up to the 2022 LP, The Cheater. The latter would go on to be Lil Gotit’s last release with Alamo Records, making Shut The Door an independent offering. Furthermore, it is his first-ever time doing such a thing, so this will almost assuredly hold a special place in the rapper’s heart. The six-year veteran actually began the rollout for this body of work back in late September 2022.
“360 Boy” the devilish opener to this 17-song tracklist, is now longer than the original from almost two years ago. It includes a skit that starts the track off, instead of just the instrumental building up to the chorus. Fans would hear more from Shut The Door in March of last year with “DRIPPIN in Spider”. Finally, in November 2023, Lil Gotit would release “BOW”, the closer, and then “Twisting Our Fingers” in early June of 2024. As we mentioned at the beginning, the “She Know It” rapper is working with YSL members/relatives this time through. Only Young Thug, his late brother Lil Keed, and Thugger’s girlfriend and R&B star Mariah the Scientist make appearances. Be sure to give Gotit’s Shut The Door a spin with the links down below.
Earlier this month, KXNG Crooked took to social media to announce that his new album Tapestry with Joell Ortiz would be their last. Of course, this left fans disappointed, but all the more eager to hear what the duo had to offer on their final project. “It’s the final project for me and Joell as a duo but it’s never over for our friendship and business partnerships!” he wrote. “I hope you enjoy and thank you for joining us on this 6 project journey over the past 4 years!!”
It’s now arrived, and despite the unfortunate news, fans are impressed. The project leads with an intro that sets the tone for the rest of the 14-track album with candid rhymes. They then dive into “Born,” which features a balance of boastful bars and harsh realities, much like the rest of the album. The project sees the duo lean into themes of reflecting on and growing from one’s past. They even rhyme about passing the lessons they’ve learned along the way down to their children on “Parental Advisory.”
Overall, it’s a solid effort packed with insightful bars that tell an honest story, marking a successful ending to their six-project run. What do you think of KXNG Crooked and Joell Ortiz’s sixth and final project, Tapestry? Which tracks will you be adding to your playlist? Are you disappointed that this is their last release as a duo? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz Unveil Their Last Project As A Duo
Tapestry Tracklist:
1. Tapestry Intro 2. Born 3. Rap Music 4. Here I Am 5. Holiday 6. No Other Way 7. Parental Advisory 8. How Y’all Feel 9. Fall Down 10. Thorazine 11. My World 12. Yachts 13. Boardwalk & Park Place 14. Tapestry Outro
Megan Thee Stallion is a prime example of an artist propelled quickly into mainstream consciousness. For years, she gained a reputation for her formidable lyricism through freestyles that helped her develop a cult-like following in a post-Cardi B era of rap music. 2018’s Tina Snow and 2019’s Fever confirmed what all her day-one fans knew from the jump: she’s a star. However, her approach to mainstream success felt contrived, especially after the release of “Hot Girl Summer.” The charm of Houston’s Southern belle seemed watered down to appeal to a broader audience.
The whirlwind journey she experienced in the past few years has raised questions about the sustainability of her career. Despite becoming a critical darling, Good News and Traumazine, were easily overlooked. In many ways, they showcased Megan’s strengths, but external factors, including her legal battle with 1501 Certified Entertainment and the Tory Lanez trial, eclipsed her accomplishments to the point where her music became secondary. Her presence felt more prominent in corporate sponsorships than as an MC, as seen in her collaborations with Nike and Planet Fitness.
This brings us to Megan, her third studio album and, more importantly, her first as an independent artist. For the first time, it doesn’t feel like there’s any added weight on Megan outside of finding her own comfort as an artist. In fact, this feels like Megan’s most realized vision on wax. She’s unapologetic, confrontational, sexy, and dominant all at once, even during a few missteps on the project.
“HISS” encapsulates her attitude in its brief intro. The diss song itself undoubtedly set the tone for the resurgence of rap beef in 2024. “I just want to kick this shit off by saying, Fuck y’all! I ain’t gotta clear my name on a motherfuckin’ thang,” she declares. “I’m finna get this shit off my chest and lay it to rest.” While everyone from Drake and Nicki Minaj to Tory Lanez and Akademiks catch strays (as well as her ex Pardison Fontaine), she persists on subsequent records like “Rattle” and “Figueroa” (“I’m a mothaf*ckin’ Brat, not a Barbie”). It’s on these three songs that Megan sounds the most invigorated as an MC – her refined flows and electrifying deliveries immediately command attention, but that momentum quickly dies down in subsequent efforts.
“Where Them Girls At,” equipped with trunk-rattling bass and a Memphis-esque vocal sample on the hook, is anthemic and likely to dominate the summer (perhaps with a TikTok push, it could crack the top 10 on the Hot 100). However, it sounds like something Megan’s done more effectively in the past. The tracklist suffers a bit of a decline from this point onward.
Songs like “Broke His Heart,” produced by Tay Keith, take on a sample of Jeezy’s “I Luv It” but fail to do the original justice, largely because it popifies a trap classic. Though it’s one of the several efforts that affirm the message of women’s empowerment, especially in the context of her highly publicized break-up, it fails to penetrate similarly to the tracks leading up to that song. Unfortunately, the use of classic samples across this album doesn’t seem to have any point outside of familiarity. “BOA” suffers the same fate with its sample of Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?” This issue isn’t limited to Megan Thee Stallion or her album; it’s prevalent in the music industry. At a time when it’s easy to distinguish a hit record from a TikTok record, these sorts of samples seem aimed at feeding into algorithms more than the people’s wants.
The consistency Megan initially kicks off starts to fall flat in exchange for a flagrant showing of versatility. Songs like “Otaku Hot Girl” and “Mamushi” ft. Yuki Chiba are compelling leaps into her anime fandom and attempts to help her crossover to international markets. It’s effective for what it’s worth, but without maintaining cohesion across all 18 tracks, it deviates from the essence of what she started with this project. Yuki Chiba and Megan share fantastic chemistry on “Mamushi,” which even sees the Houston star rapping in Japanese. However, it feels oddly placed in the tracklist.
Waving The Flag For The South: GloRilla, UGK, Big K.R.I.T & More
The middle chunk of the album feels like filler, especially once the back half of the project hits. Megan’s strongest points accentuate her identity as the leading lady of the South. The production, especially Juicy J’s contributions (“Paper Together” ft. UGK, alongside Go Grizzly & “Moody Girl” alongside Hitkidd), is smooth, soulful, and slightly smoky, providing equal measures of grit and seduction. These peaks on the project feel like full-circle moments for Megan, especially the UGK feature and a posthumous verse from Pimp C – Meg’s favorite rapper and the inspiration behind the Tina Snow persona. However, it’s the inclusion of UGK, GloRilla (“Accent”), Big K.R.I.T., and Buddha Bless (“Miami Blue”) that breed a comfort zone for Meg without complacency. It’s a clear display of her musical lineage, embracing peers like GloRilla while properly honoring the legends that preceded her.
Throughout the hardships Megan has faced over the years, her resilience has remained one of her most inspiring qualities. On Megan, it takes center stage in its brightest form. Despite the string of hate she faced as a shooting victim, her struggles to get out of her contract, and witnessing the tables turn against her among those who once embraced her, Megan Thee Stallion rises above the adversity and delivers an album that encompasses self-love in the face of overt — and often misguided — criticism. Sure, the tracklist could have been more succinct, and a few filler tracks could have been easily removed. But overall, Megan delivers a body of work that truly showcases her capabilities as an artist and shows some interesting signs of where she might head next.
Priscilla Rainey, who previously sued The Game for sexual battery, has subpoenaed his kids’ school district for proof of residence, attendance records, and more. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the former contestant on the VH1 reality show, She’s Got Game, is pressing the rapper over a $7 million judgment she won in the case. The allegation stems from her time filming the show in Chicago.
“In May 2015, while the show was filming in the Chicago area, Taylor took Rainey on an off-camera date to Adrianna’s Sportsbar in Markham, Illinois,” she claimed in her lawsuit. “Taylor sexually battered Rainey that night, including by reaching his hand inside her dress to rub her bare v##### and buttocks in front of a crowded room of onlookers.”
VENICE, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 12: Rapper The Game celebrates the release of “Drillmatic” at the Gall3ry By Koll3ctiff on August 12, 2022, in Venice, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
The Game has allegedly been uncooperative throughout the process. In a lengthy rant on Instagram about the situation, he wrote that he’ll never give up the money. “Every girl on that show will tell u I never touched this chick or ever desired to be anywhere near her,” he wrote. “She got kicked off the show & as a result she filed this lame lawsuit which was probably her intentions before the show was ever even started. She was begging for my attention the entire time we shot the show & was given the ultimate Major League Baseball CURVE ball so that upset her & made her lil wee wee hard so she did what all chicks like her do when life gives them no other options…. They sue you!”
His lack of cooperation eventually led to an appeal in 2019 falling through. The judge in that decision remarked that he didn’t “take the litigation seriously.” “He evaded process, trolled Rainey on social media, dodged a settlement conference, and did not bother to show up at trial,” Judge TK Sykes said. While struggling to get at his assets, Rainey eventually filed a second lawsuit and accused him of hiding his assets. She won that lawsuit in 2023. Be on the lookout for further updates on The Game on HotNewHipHop.
