July 2024 - Page 69 of 316 - New Hip Hop News

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

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rakim and Will Smith are peers. In genre, if not in style. Rakim is considered to be one of the most elite lyricists of all time. Will Smith, on the other hand, was the family-friendly pop star. Both men achieved massive success in the 1980s and 90s, but never really crossed paths. That is, until a recent interaction on Instagram. Rakim stumbled upon a video of him and Will Smith interacting during a Grammy special, and was so pleased with what he heard that he suggested they collab on a new song.

The interaction came about during A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop in 2023. Will Smith saw Rakim backstage, and revealed that he was trying to copy the rapper on his 1990 single “Summertime.” “I was absolutely trying to sound like you on ‘Summertime,’” he gushed to the God emcee. “‘Cause I had been screaming all night, and I couldn’t get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice.” He then recalled that his producer, DJ Jazzy Jeff, suggested he do a Rakim impression. “[The producer] just said, ‘Yo, just gimme that Rakim sh*t.’”

Rakim Was Flattered That Will Smith Emulated His Style

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

The suggestion worked. “Summertime” won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Will Smith reposted the heartwarming exchange to IG on July 23, and Rakim decided to capitalize on the moment. He took to the comment section and suggested him and Smith join forces on a sequel song. “Peace Will! Keep rockin bro, it’s time for SUMMERTIME PT 2 wit me on it,” he wrote. Rakim’s timing could not be better. Will Smith recently confirmed that he’s in the studio, and working on his first new album since 2005.

Smith told Black Film Allies that he’s spent the last year and a half experimenting with new sounds. He also told the channel that his album will be the most personal body of work he’s released to date. Given what the actor has been through since the infamous Oscars slap, it makes sense. We don’t see why the actor couldn’t slip in a Rakim feature in the tracklist. “Summertime, Pt. 2” would be an extremely ironic collab, since fans have spent years theorizing that Rakim ghostwrote the song for Smith.

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Nike Giannis Freak 6 Officially Revealed In New “Roses” Colorway

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Nike Giannis Freak 6 debuts its enchanting “Roses” colorway. This fresh silhouette, inspired by Giannis Antetokounmpo, combines elegance and performance. The shoe features a coconut milk base, offering a smooth, neutral backdrop. Pink rose details add a touch of romance and intricacy, creating a stunning visual effect. Designed for both style and function, the Freak 6 showcases Nike’s innovative craftsmanship. The “Roses” colorway highlights the unique blend of art and athleticism, making it perfect for fans and players alike. Its lightweight construction ensures agility and comfort on the court. The combination of colors and textures sets this sneaker apart.

The delicate rose accents bring a sense of sophistication, while the durable materials promise long-lasting wear. With its eye-catching design, the Freak 6 “Roses” is sure to captivate sneaker enthusiasts. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s influence shines through this design, reflecting his dynamic and graceful playing style. As anticipation builds, the “Roses” colorway is poised to make a significant impact. Whether for athletic performance or street style, the Nike Giannis Freak 6 offers a fresh perspective on basketball footwear. Don’t miss the chance to embrace this beautiful and functional addition to the Nike lineup.

“Roses” Nike Giannis Freak 6

The sneakers feature a sanddrift rubber sole and a clean coconut milk midsole. The uppers of the sneakers are comprised of an sanddrift mesh base, with vibrant rose details and a pink Swoosh. As you go further up the sneakers, coconut milk laces and leather are present. The tongues feature Giannis’ logo, intertwined with a rose design.

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Nice Kicks reports that the Nike Giannis Freak 6 “Roses” will be released on August 16th. Also, the sneaker will have a retail price of $150 when it is 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.

[Via]

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NBA’s Landmark Agreement with Amazon Prime and NBC Reportedly Not Matched by TNT in Announcement From League

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Looks like the “Inside the NBA” swan song is around the corner. NBC and Amazon have secured a landmark deal with the NBA to carry games, in a significant shift from previous arrangements.

This mega deal follows TNT’s last ditch efforts to retain its broadcast rights. Although TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, claimed it matched Amazon’s offer, the NBA disagreed and opted for Amazon’s 11-year, $1.8 billion annual contract.

Here’s what the NBA said in a statement:

”Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer, and therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon. Our new arrangement with Amazon supports our goal by complementing the broadcast, cable, and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience.”

Get this, TNT Sports responded by asserting its contractual right to match offers and accused the NBA of misinterpreting their agreement. Sounds like legal entanglements are en route but who’s to say. But TNT certainly vowed to take appropriate action while continuing to broadcast the NBA on TNT and Max.

NBC’s return to NBA coverage marks a notable comeback, having previously carried NBA games from 1990-2002. Breaking down the coverage, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon will all hold broadcast rights starting with the 2025-26 season. ESPN and ABC will retain primary coverage, including the NBA Finals.

Amazon’s new package is robust and desirable. It includes rights to six conference finals over the 11-year contract, the NBA Cup, play-in games, and Thursday night regular season games post-NFL coverage. This differs from TNT’s current package, which features Tuesday and Thursday night games, All-Star weekend, and playoff games through the Western Conference finals.

Despite the new deals, TNT will continue to broadcast NBA games through the 2025 Western Conference finals. At least they have a little while to go before the hammer comes down.

“Inside the NBA,” hosted by Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, remains a staple of TNT’s coverage. Johnson has indicated he won’t leave TNT, while Barkley has considered various options, including retirement. That would be unfortunate for a lot of fans who really tune in just to see those guys talk shop and have fun.

The post NBA’s Landmark Agreement with Amazon Prime and NBC Reportedly Not Matched by TNT in Announcement From League first appeared on The Source.

The post NBA’s Landmark Agreement with Amazon Prime and NBC Reportedly Not Matched by TNT in Announcement From League appeared first on The Source.

Destroy Lonely Is Trapped In The Middle Of Nowhere In His Captivating ‘Luv 4 Ya’ Video

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Destroy Lonely teased “Luv 4 Ya” at Coachella 2024 and officially released the single last month. On Wednesday, July 24, Destroy Lonely boosted the song’s shelf life by releasing a 91 Rules-directed video.

Destroy Lonely solemnly begins to dig a hole while smoking a cigarette. The video’s through line is Destroy Lonely fittingly alone in the desert, seeking “an exit” from an alternate reality by “digging through the surreal void.” But that is far from the most visually stimulating thing the video has to offer across nearly four minutes. At one point, he’s chillin’ while a woman in a swimsuit grins and executes impressively precise bicep curls. The next moment, he’s hanging upside-down like a bat in the dark. There are dirt bikes, snakes, an ever-growing hole in the ground, and older men getting into a fist fight.

“She tryna heat my wrist,” the Atlanta native and Opium artist sing-raps in the chorus. “She tryna suck my d*ck / I went to sleep dead broke / I woke up too rich.”

“Luv 4 Ya” serves as Destroy Lonely’s first single from his forthcoming sophomore album expected to release before the summer’s end. If Looks Could Kill, Destroy Lonely’s debut LP, released in May 2023 and charted in the top 20 of the Billboard 200.

Watch the “Luv 4 Ya” video above.

Diddy Was Never A Suspect In 2Pac’s Murder Investigation, Authorities Confirm Amid Keefe D Hit Allegations

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Duane “Keefe D” Davis has been behind bars for several months now for his alleged role in 2Pac’s murder. Currently, he’s trying to get released so he can await his trial at home, but prosecutors are pushing back. Recently, they filed an opposition to his motion for bail, citing a conversation he allegedly had with authorities back in 2009.

During the conversation, Keefe D reportedly told detectives that Diddy allegedly once offered him $1 million to kill the icon. He also alleged that after 2Pac’s death, he reached out to Diddy to try to get the money. He claims this never worked out for him. Prosecutors argue that this proves Keefe D would be willing to consider accepting money in exchange for murder. Due to this, they say it would be better for everyone if he stayed in prison.

Law Enforcement Sources Didn’t Buy Keefe D’s Claims

Diddy Was Never A Suspect In 2Pac’s Murder Investigation, Authorities Confirm Amid Keefe D Hit Allegations — Duane “Keefe D” Davis, 60, appears in a Las Vegas court on October 19, 2023 for his arraignment on murder charges in the death of rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur, 25, died on September 7, 1996, six days after being shot while in a car near the Las Vegas Strip. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN LOCHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Recently, however, law enforcement sources spoke with TMZ to confirm that Diddy was never a suspect in 2Pac’s murder investigation. This seems to suggest that they believed Keefe D’s claims were unfounded. This appears to be good news for Diddy. Keefe D, on the other hand, is still waiting on a judge’s ruling on his request for a bond.

What do you think of law enforcement sources telling TMZ that Diddy was never a suspect in 2Pac’s murder investigation, suggesting they didn’t believe Keefe D‘s claims? Are you surprised or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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DJ Premier Announces Lil Wayne And Rick Ross Collab Amidst Drake Beef

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DJ Premier can still bring out the A-list. The legendary producer confirmed that he’ll be dropping a brand new single on Friday, July 26. Big Sean, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne will contribute bars to the song, which is titled “Ya Don’t Stop.” We can practically hear the DJ scratch chorus already. It’s a stellar roster of talent, but the thing that caught most people’s eye has nothing to do with the song itself. Rozay has spent all of 2024 dissing one Aubrey Drake Graham. Lil Wayne, on the other hand, has been one of the few who has stayed in the 6 God’s corner. Is this not a conflict of interests?

Rick Ross and Lil Wayne have a working relationship outside of Drake, of course. The two rappers have been collaborating for nearly two decades. The thing is, Drake has served as the glue on their biggest hits. “I’m on One,” “No New Friends” and “Pop That” are anchored by Drizzy bars, and in some cases, Drizzy hooks. Ross has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with the Toronto rapper, dropping a diss record and making numerous jokes over social media. Ross has been blasting Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” all summer. Lil Wayne, on the other hand, has tried to rework the lyrics of “Not Like Us” and was booed for it.

DJ Premier’s Star-Studded Single Drops On July 26

DJ Premier is a name that commands respect, so one can assume that Ross and Wayne are going to set their differences aside. Ironically, the only rapper of the bunch who’s landed a DJ Premier beat on their album is Drake. The Toronto rapper enlisted Preemo for 2018’s “Sandra’s Rose.” To be fair to Ross and Wayne, the rappers have been in similarly tense circumstances in the past. Both men have had issues with Cash Money founder Birdman, and even taken out their frustrations on record. There was also the “Splash Brothers” drama in April.

French Montana planned to release the posse cut “Splash Brothers” with Drake, Ross, and Wayne. Then, at the last minute, French removed Drake from the final version. There was speculation that Drake was to blame for the change, but there’s been no proof either way. It seems like Ross and Wayne have been able to maintain their friendship in light of recent beef. We’re eager to hear them over DJ Premier production, especially with Big Sean thrown in for good measure. We’ll also be listening for any subliminals on Ross’ part.

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The Weeknd Is Definitely Up To Something, As He Shared More Cryptic Clues About An Apparent New Album

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Weeknd Performs At Wembley Stadium — Getty Image

Last August, The Weeknd hinted to W Magazine that he would one day “close The Weeknd chapter.” That day is not today — or seemingly any day in the foreseeable future because he appears to be at the precipice of unfurling a lengthy era.

On Wednesday, July 24, The Weeknd posted a screenshot of his own X (formerly Twitter) post from the past, reading, “some chapters are smaller than others. not this next one though…” The global sensation born Abel Tesfaye reposted that to his Instagram Story, where he also posted a cryptic screenshot of the same animated character he’s been teasing — this one captioned, “Don’t stare too long.”

pic.twitter.com/3GP4bd5GV5

— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) July 24, 2024

Don’t stare too long pic.twitter.com/Qup0LLPTit

— The Weeknd News (@NewsWeeknd) July 24, 2024

The broad (and probably correct) assumption is that The Weeknd is teasing the third album in the After Hours/Dawn FM trilogy. In January 2022, The Weeknd confirmed that he was in the midst of crafting a trilogy, and last week, he reposted a fan’s post saying this trilogy is “already better” than The Weeknd’s 2011 trilogy of House Of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes Of Silence.

The cryptic teasing technically began earlier this month when The Weeknd posted a close-up of a child’s eyes. But it became undeniable when he announced a one-off concert in São Paulo, Brazil on September 7 followed by a video showing After Hours Weeknd and Dawn FM Weeknd before we’re introduced to a new character: An upset young boy, presumably young Abel, crouched and surrounded by spooky characters. “There are three chapters to this tale,” the screen reads.

On Tuesday, July 23, The Weeknd posted another teaser video with our new protagonist, captioned, “When you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you…”

See The Weeknd’s posts below.

Flau’jae Joins Forces With BIA And Lakeyah On Culture Jam’s ‘Can’t Get Enough’

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Baton Rouge, Louisiana has become one of the hotbeds for the explosion of popularity in women’s basketball, as the LSU Tigers became a national powerhouse, led by stars Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. Part of what made that LSU squad stand out wasn’t just their dominance on the floor, but the larger than life personalities of their top stars, who have ascended to superstardom on and off the court.

Reese has taken her talents to the WNBA, where she’s taken the league by storm as a rookie, setting a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles and continuing her on-court rivalry with former Iowa and current Indiana Fever star rookie Caitlin Clark at the pro level. Off the court, Reese has dipped a toe into the worlds of music and fashion, and she’s become hip-hop’s favorite WNBA rookie.

Flau’jae, meanwhile, will be returning to LSU this fall but has also seen her star continue to grow this summer, as she dropped her debut rap album, Best of Both Worlds, in late June — with some features from star artists like Lil Wayne. She performed at the ESPYs and was all over WNBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, which included dropping a new track “Can’t Get Enough” with Culture Jam alongside BIA and Lakeyah. The music video for the song released on Wednesday, showing the artists making a road trip from L.A. to Phoenix for WNBA All-Star, and the song will be the official track for the WNBA on ESPN.

“Being part of ‘Can’t Get Enough’ with BIA and Lakeyah has been amazing,” Johnson said in a release. “This track is all about celebrating the strength and power of women in sports and music. It’s an honor to work with Culture Jam, the WNBA, and ESPN to bring this anthem to life. We’re bringing the energy, the passion, and the love for the game.”

Chris Brown & Yella Beezy Hit With Another Lawsuit Over Alleged Backstage Beatdown

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

So far, Chris Brown’s “11:11” tour has been a major success, with several sold-out shows, explosive performances, and more. Unfortunately, however, things recently got heated backstage in Fort Worth. Allegedly, the hitmaker had invited four men to enjoy his famous VIP experience. Upon arriving, things took a turn for the worse, when members of Brown’s crew allegedly brought up some old beef.

Allegedly, Brown then ordered several members of his crew to beat them up, including Yella Beezy. Brown, Yella Beezy, Sinko Ceej, and Live Nation were hit with a lawsuit from the men earlier this week as a result. They’re accused of assault, and the alleged victims are seeking a staggering $50 million. Brown’s legal troubles don’t stop there though, as today, he was reportedly hit with yet another lawsuit.

Security Guard Claims He Was Badly Injured In Alleged Brawl

Chris Brown & Yella Beezy Hit With Another Lawsuit Over Alleged Backstage Beatdown — Chris Brown attends Tycoon Festival Concert After Party Hosted by Chris Brown at Vision Lounge on February 13, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

According to new legal documents obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, one man who worked security at the event is now suing Brown and Yella Beezy. Allegedly, Frederick R. Overpeck was badly injured while trying to break up the scuffle and sustained a cracked vertebrae as well as severe hip damage. His lawsuit seems to back up the claims made by the men in the previous suit. He recalls allegedly hearing Brown tell his entourage to “f*ck them up,” and compares the alleged incident to a “prison yard beat down.”

Overpeck also recalls allegedly seeing a large member of Brown’s crew attacking one of the men. He alleges that when he stepped in, he was kicked and punched. He describes himself as a 58-year-old father with two jobs, and claims he didn’t even know who Brown was, but was simply trying to do what he was paid for. He’s reportedly seeking at least $15 million in damages. What do you think of Chris Brown getting hit with another lawsuit over his alleged backstage brawl? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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Will Smith Is Officially Working On His First New Album In Two Decades

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Will Smith is in comeback mode. The Oscars slap but a severe dent in his legacy, and he’s worked hard as hell to recover. Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that he still had the goods as a movie star. Now, it seems, Smith is dead set on reviving his music career. The Grammy-winning artist has been popping up on other people’s albums, but he finally confirmed what the hip-hop world has been suspecting. Will Smith has plans to drop a new album of his own. It will be his first since 2005’s Lost and Found.

The bombshell news was announced during Will Smith’s appearance on Black Film Allies. Despite the cinematic focus of the channel, the actor decided to shed some light on his recent reentry into music. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve been in the studio,” he admitted. It was the rest of the statement, though, that sent expectations sky high. Smith claimed that the upcoming album will be one of his best ever. “I have a project that is the most personal and powerful music project I’ve ever done,” he opined. “The idea of the music is, ‘Dance in your darkest moments.’”

Will Smith Claims The Album Is His “Most Personal” Yet

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A post shared by Black Movies & TV (@blackfilmallies)

The idea makes sense, given the public backlash Will Smith received after the Oscars slap. The actor spoke with Daily Show host Trevor Noah about the soul searching he did in light of the incident. “All of that bubbled up in that moment,” he recalled. “You know, just, that’s not who I want to be … I was gone. That was a rage that had been bottled for a really long time.” Smith’s return to music has seemingly been well-received. He performed alongside J Balvin at Coachella, and debuted a song called “We Can Make It” at the recent BET Awards.

More recently, he teamed up with Russ and his son Jaden for the song “Work of Art.” Russ gushed about the collab on Instagram, citing Will Smith’s indelible impact on the genre. The trio have performed “Work of Art” live, but a proper release date has not yet been announced. Smith’s comment about dancing “in your darkest moments” has sparked an online theory that the expression will serve as the title of the upcoming album. The actor has repeatedly used the expression on social media, and the phrase even has its own website. Few people are more conscious of branding, after all. Hopefully Smith provides us with an update soon.

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