Month: July 2024

Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video

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Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single "Work of Art" with Captivating Madrid Music Video

Will Smith, a four-time GRAMMY® winner, has released his second single, “Work of Art,” featuring acclaimed artist Russ. Following his standout performance at the 2024 BET Awards, Smith drops this track alongside a visually stunning music video.

“Work of Art” explores the complexities of duality, embracing both the good and bad while promoting self-love and acceptance. The music video, filmed at Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, marks the first face-to-face encounter between Smith and Russ. It showcases various individuals sharing their personal interpretations of the phrase “work of art,” aligning with the song’s universal message. The video’s authentic and diverse portrayals enhance the song’s depth, making it a meaningful addition to both artists’ repertoires.

The post Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video first appeared on The Source.

The post Will Smith and Russ Unveil New Single “Work of Art” with Captivating Madrid Music Video appeared first on The Source.

Ty Dolla Sign Announces ‘Vultures 2’ Listening Experience in Taiwan

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Ty Dolla Sign Says His New Single "Motion" is Created to 'Make You Move'

Will we finally get Vultures 2? Well, the answer remains, maybe. After numerous delays, Ty Dolla $ign hit Instagram to announce the V2 listening experience for Taiwan. On the Kanye West front, it is silence.

The last we heard from Kanye West on the music end, he was preparing for Vultures 2 with Ty Dolla $ign. With the album nowhere in sight, Ye gave Rich the Kid an update on his career.

“I am retiring from professional music,” Ye wrote. “Not sure what else to do.”

Rich responded with a message that echoed the sentiments of many rap fans: “Retire? Why? How? The people NEED you.”

You can see the full conversation between Ye and Rich below.

The post Ty Dolla Sign Announces ‘Vultures 2’ Listening Experience in Taiwan first appeared on The Source.

The post Ty Dolla Sign Announces ‘Vultures 2’ Listening Experience in Taiwan appeared first on The Source.

J. Cole Goes Diamond with 2019 Banger “Middle Child”

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J. Cole Goes Diamond with 2019 Banger "Middle Child"

Cheers to J. Cole, who officially became a diamond-selling artist. The single that placed Cole in elite status was “Middle Child,” which sold 10 million units for its 2019 release.

The post J. Cole Goes Diamond with 2019 Banger “Middle Child” first appeared on The Source.

The post J. Cole Goes Diamond with 2019 Banger “Middle Child” appeared first on The Source.

Plies Thinks VP Harris Should Create “Black Women’s Day” If She Becomes President

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Watch Plies Says Women With Plastic Surgery Only Attracts Ugly Men

Plies is all in on Kamala Harris for President. Hitting X, Plies revealed he hopes that Harris creates Black Women’s Day when she wins.

“@KamalaHarris When U Win This Election. U Better Sign An Executive Oder & Create A ‘Black Women’s Day’ & Make It A National Holiday!” he wrote online. “B/c What The Black Woman Has Done For The Democratic Party & This Country. Can No Longer Be Unappreciated!! (It’s The Least The Democrats Can Do)”

Plies would higlight the work of black women in another message:

Plies is no stranger to analyzing American politics surrounding the sitting president and the forthcoming election. Following President Joe Biden’s dropping out of the 2024 race and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nation’s next leader, Plies provided an analysis of the situation and former President Donald Trump.

“This Was A SAD DAY For Mainstream Media & Everyone Else Who Took Pride In Beating Up On A 81yr Old Man. Who Had A Speech Impediment/Stuttering Disorder,” Plies wrote. “Y’all Hoped It Never Ended. Y’all Treated Him Like The Convicted Felon & Treated The Convicted Felon Like He Was The President!”

Then highlighting a Trump post, Plies believes the President is “scared shitless!!”

Plies added, “He’s A Unconfident, Pathological Liar. Who ONLY Experience Victories When He Manipulates The System (I.E SCOTUS & Judge Cannon). He Has To Lie & Sell U An Illusion In Hopes U Believe In Him!! He Only Wins When It’s Handle To Him! Comey 2016!”

The post Plies Thinks VP Harris Should Create “Black Women’s Day” If She Becomes President first appeared on The Source.

The post Plies Thinks VP Harris Should Create “Black Women’s Day” If She Becomes President appeared first on The Source.

Will Smith, Russ And Jaden Promote Self Belief On “Work Of Art” Single

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Will Smith warned us. During a recent interview, the rapper stated that his upcoming album will be his most serious and personal to date. “Work of Art,” the anticipated single featuring Russ and Jaden, fits that bill. It sees all three artists reflect on personal demons and setbacks. Crucially, though, it arrives at the conclusion that every person is, as the title suggest, an imperfect “work of art.” Cheesy? Of course. But what else were we really expecting from Will Smith? Sonically, “Work of Art” is much bolder than its subject matter.

The production is moody and contemplative. The backing vocals do a lot to add to the dramatic tension of the song. Smith kicks the song off with a rhyme scheme that emphasizes the contradictory aspects of his personality. “I am a Libra but, I identify as a cancer I am the tongue, truth and the lie, both in tandem,” he raps. “I am the Sun, and I’m the rain, and I’m the wind.” Maintaining this scheme would have made the song a slog, but thankfully things change up on the back end. Russ provides an impassioned verse, while Jaden provides his woozy faux-profundity to the chorus. It all comes together in a surprisingly effective way. Especially when the beat switches up, and Will Smith is rapping over a very 2024 sounding drum pattern. He pulls it off, giving us hope for what the upcoming album will sound like.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. 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: Rakim Wants To Make A Sequel To One Of Will Smith’s Classic Singles

Will Smith Sounds Good Over Modern Production

Quotable Lyrics:

My soul feels trapped, like I’m ridin’ the Bryson Tiller beats
On the road to inner peace
Takin’ unfamiliar streets (Yeah)
Trying to kill the beast
Just made it grow more

Read More: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Reveal Their G.O.A.T. Rappers

The post Will Smith, Russ And Jaden Promote Self Belief On “Work Of Art” Single appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Cam’ron Claims Chicago And Louisiana Produce The Best Rap Lyricists

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Cam’ron is from hip-hop’s Mecca. He grew up in Harlem, and spearheaded New York’s last great run in the 00s. Cam isn’t a lyrical miracle by any stretch of the imagination, but many assumed that he would have claimed NY when asked where the best rappers come from. No dice. The rapper talked about the concept of lyricism during a recent episode of It Is What It Is. Instead of showing the East Coast some love, Cam decided to single out Chicago and Louisiana. He did, however, back up his claim.

Cam’ron and Mase were talking about the Windy City, and the former took the opportunity to praise the city’s artists. “They may have the best lyricists,” he posited. “Them and Louisiana. I’m talking about, like as far as lyricism.” It was a hot take, but Cam was confident in what he said, and proceeded to point to the elitism the NY practiced back in the 80s and 90s. “New York used to call people country,” he stated, before citing Weezy as an example. “Even thinking about Lil Wayne. You get on a record with Lil Wayne, you gotta be careful,” Cam’ron asserted. “You get on a record with Eminem, you gotta be careful.”

Read More: Cam’ron Claims Jay-Z Loves Money More Than Hip-Hop Culture

Cam’ron Cites Lil Wayne And Eminem As Prime “Lyricists”

Lil Wayne hails from Louisiana, and Em comes from Detroit. The former supports Cam’ron’s thesis, the latter not so much. Still, the rapper doubled down. “These n**gas are really lyricists.” Cam’ron’s affinity for Weezy and Chicago artists makes sense given his track record. Dipset was early to the party when it came to recognizing Lil Wayne’s talent, and the group collaborated with him multiple times during pre-Tha Carter III days. Cam also worked with Kanye West when the Windy City producer was trying to establish himself as a rapper. He appeared on West’s second album, and West produced two stellar tracks on 2004’s Purple Haze.

Cam’ron has also been critical of New York in recent years. The rapper recently moved to Las Vegas, and cited the rat problem in NY as a major factor. “I just left New York. That sh*t was disgusting,” he told fans on Instagram Live. “I can’t do this sh*t… I’m not apologizing for it neither. I ain’t even gonna act like I’m sorry for it a little bit.” Cam’ron seems to be loving the desert, though. He attended a Vegas Fourth of July party, and turned heads by dressing up like his former podcast guest, OJ Simpson.

Read More: Cam’ron And Gillie Da Kid Trade Jokes On Instagram About R. Kelly Photo

The post Cam’ron Claims Chicago And Louisiana Produce The Best Rap Lyricists appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rakim Thinks Drake Vs. Kendrick Lamar Battle Validated Real Hip Hop

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If you looked up “hip hop” in the dictionary, there’s a decent chance Rakim would be the picture example. The rapper revolutionized the genre in the 1980s. He laid the groundwork for future icons like Nas, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar, and can still hold his own on the mic. He just dropped a new album, in fact. Rakim has discussed numerous topics during the press tour for the album, but the one everyone was curious to hear about was Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar. Rakim finally shared his thoughts on the pop culture phenomenon of 2024, and he didn’t disappoint.

Firstly, Rakim made a point giving both Drake and Kendrick Lamar their flowers. He appreciated the fact that both artists were willing to accept the challenge. He also praised them for putting commerciality on the line for the sake of the art. “A lot of people in that position won’t accept no challenge, because they got too much to lose,” he told Billboard. “So, it was dope that these brothers put the mainstream success down and said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’” Rakim conceded that Drake is at the top of his game as an artist. That said, he made it clear that the battle ultimately spoke to a larger cultural divide. As far as he’s concerned, Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar was mainstream vs. real hip-hop. And the latter won out.

Read More: Rakim, Kurupt, & Masta Killa Are Lyrical Wizards On “BE ILL”

Rakim Thinks Their Battle Was Important For The Genre

“It showed the difference between real hip-hop and mainstream hip-hop,” Rakim posited. “Younger artists now know that there’s a difference.” The rapper felt that these differing sides of the genre had been less defined in recent years. Lamar’s victory, however, restored a sense of balance, and served to remind rappers that they can pursue one style over the other. “A lot of them didn’t understand that,” he asserted. “They just listened to the majority, not knowing that people don’t categorize what they were hearing as real hip-hop.” Rakim is ultimately happy with the outcome of the battle.

Rakim told Billboard that he has newfound respect for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He feels like their battle helped to restore balance to the genre, in addition to proving the talent of both men. “The battle was very needed for the genre,” he added. “I tip my hat to them brothers. Let’s just hope that it stays to the music.” Rakim has repeatedly praised K. Dot in the past, but it’s a testament to his love for the genre that he gave props to the 6 God as well.

Read More: Rakim Wants To Make A Sequel To One Of Will Smith’s Classic Singles

[via]

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Britney Spears Calls Out Halsey for “Lucky” Music Video, then Deletes Post

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Britney Spears Calls Out Halsey for Lucky Music Video, then Deletes Post

With over 17 million in album sales, most people would consider pop superstar Halsey one of the luckiest artists of her generation. However, another superstar (may) not be a fan after her most recent video.

On Friday, Halsey dropped her music video for her song “Lucky” in which she sampled Britney Spears 2001 hit song “Lucky.” In the video, Halsey appears to portray herself as a young girl idolizing spears while also portraying a loose interpretation of Spears herself, including a scene where she removes a long red wig to show a bald head, a move that Spears may have felt was a jab at her 2007 mental breakdown in which she shaved her head.

Spears made the following post on X (formerly Twitter) before quickly deleting it:

“For obvious reasons I’m very upset about the Halsey video. I feel harassed, violated, and bullied. I didn’t know an artist like her and someone I looked up to and admired would illustrate me in such an ignorant way by tailoring me as a superficial pop star with no heart or concern at all. I have my own health problems which is why I took down my IG account yesterday. I will definitely be putting it back up to show I CARE. I’m speaking with my lawyers today to see what can be done on this matter. It feels illegal and down right cruel.”

However, just under an hour later, Spears posted the following:

“Fake news !!! That was not me on my phone !!! I love Halsey and that’s why I deleted it !!!”

Whether or not Spears did or did not make the original post, fans of Halsey were quick to point out that her video shows Halsey’s fictional character going through some sort of medical treatment, which would make sense since she had publicly admitted to suffering from lupus and a rare type of T-cell disorder, both of which require medical treatments. (Spears has never publicly appeared to have any medical disorders of that type.)

Halsey has yet to respond to Spears publicly, but as of Friday night, her video was one of the top 25 trending music videos on YouTube.

The post Britney Spears Calls Out Halsey for “Lucky” Music Video, then Deletes Post first appeared on The Source.

The post Britney Spears Calls Out Halsey for “Lucky” Music Video, then Deletes Post appeared first on The Source.

Soulja Boy Threatens Drake After Hearing Alleged “Super Soak” Diss

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Drake can’t go more than a week without angering another rapper. The Toronto star is still reeling from the fallout of the Kendrick Lamar battle. “Not Like Us” is still near the top of the charts. He claimed that he’s going to get back to making hits for his fans, but he didn’t mention the subs he’d be throwing at his peers. Kai Cenat previewed a Drake and Lil Yachty collab during a recent Twitch stream, and many fans believe the 6 God was taking shots at Soulja Boy. Soulja seemingly agreed, and he took to IG Live to make his feelings on the matter clear.

Soulja Boy did not beat around the bush. He called Drake out by name and told him to stand on business if he wants to beef. “Drake, you up here talkin’ about some S.O.D. super soak,” the rapper posited. “Boy, stop playin wit me, boy. That better be a f*cking shout out, n**ga.” If he finds out that it was a diss, then Soulja Boy is going to declare war on Drake. “You better keep that sh*t light, my boy,” he asserted. “This your first and only warning.” After the warning was made clear, the “Crank That” star got down to talking tough. “This not gon’ be the best idea for you, family,” he told Drizzy. He then urged Drake to “speak on how you feel” so the two men can “get to it.”

Read More: Soulja Boy Continues Drake Tirade With Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Lyrics

Soulja Boy Has Been Criticizing Drake For Years

Soulja Boy and Drake have not had a good relationship over the years. There was a period in which they were cool. Soulja produced the beat for Drake’s classic “We Made It” in 2013, but outside of that, Soulja has made his hatred for the 6 God crystal clear. During his IG Live rant, he joked about Drizzy losing the aforementioned rap battle to Kendrick Lamar. “How the f*ck you let Kendrick Lamar cook yo a*s,” the rapper asked. “And then the first thing you respond is you tryna come at me.” Soulja Boy went on to restate that the OVO founder doesn’t want more smoke. “I’m tellin’ you, my n**ga, Imma get on your a*s,” he promised.

Soulja Boy’s reaction to the Drake and Lil Yachty leak makes sense. “Super Soak” is a title that evokes the rapper’s biggest hit to date. Drake also makes reference to “S.O.D.” aka “stacks on deck,” which is a phrase that Soulja helped popularize in the 2000s. Both of these phrases are weaved into the chorus of the song too, drawing further attention to their use. It’s possible that Drake could be paying tribute to his predecessor. Given how often he likes to throw subs, though, we understand Soulja’s suspicion.

Read More: Soulja Boy Revives Meek Mill Feud With “No Diddy” Jokes

The post Soulja Boy Threatens Drake After Hearing Alleged “Super Soak” Diss appeared first on HotNewHipHop.