August 2024 - Page 281 of 299

Ice Spice’s Tragic “Y2K” First Week Sales Projections Leave Fans Stunned

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Following months of teasing, Ice Spice finally unleashed her debut album last week, Y2K. It boasts features from the likes of Gunna, Central Cee, and Travis Scott. Unfortunately, while the project had a ton of potential, many feel like it left a lot to be desired. Some were even quick to dub it the worst project of the year. That’s clearly up for debate, as the Bronx-born baddie arguably delivered at least a couple of bangers. Either way, the album’s commercial performance has been less than impressive.

According to Hits Daily Double, Y2K is on track to move 20k units in its first week. Social media users agree that this number is shockingly low, even considering all of the criticism surrounding the project. As a result, X users are now clowning the “Deli” rapper, and comparing her performance to that of peers like JT, Latto, and more.

Y2K On Track To Sell 20K Its First Week

Ice Spice’s ‘Y2K!’ aiming for top 40 debut on the Billboard 200 with 20K units first week (via @HITSDD). pic.twitter.com/lvvlmP1vhT

— chart data (@chartdata) August 2, 2024

Social media users are also speculating what could have caused the apparent drop-off. Some think it could be related to her shady comments about Nicki Minaj or other beef. Others also think she should change up her sound, and argue that listeners are simply getting bored. Luckily, not everyone has something bad to say about Y2K, as Pitchfork recently gave it a controversially high rating. The publication rated it 7.6 out of 10, the highest rating they’ve given a mainstream rap tape all year.

With that being said, many other critics have ripped the album to shreds. The same can be said for a new bonus track she unveiled today, “GYAT,” which has also elicited lukewarm reactions from listeners. What do you think of Ice Spice’s new album Y2K? What about it being on track to sell 20k units in its first week? 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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Actors Strike To Stop AI Takeover in Video Games

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

By: Zachary Abbott

With the growth of AI in nearly every industry, workers have begun taking up arms to protect their jobs from the encroachment of AI replacements. In 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers of Guild of America (WGA) both went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMTP) after strikes that were some of the longest held in the film and TV industry, SAG-AFTRA and the WGA were able to obtain protections for their members against use of AI without consent or compensation.

This dispute has arisen between video game developers and the actors who provide the voices and images for their video game characters. Effective July 26th, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members who perform in video games have gone on strike against video game companies signed onto the Interactive Media Agreement. After a year and a half of negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement, the video game companies still refuse to affirm outright that video game voice actors will be granted rights over how their voice, image, and work are used in training AI or creating AI-generated copies.

These negotiations began in October 2022, and while agreement has been reached on most other important points, AI protections have split the two sides. SAG-AFTRA asks that any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent be signed onto the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement and the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements aim to give SAG-AFTRA members the right of consent to use their faces, voices, and bodies by AI, which are rights that performers in film and TV already have. Without these protections, video game companies could use AI to replicate performers without compensation or consent and would put them out of work. These Agreements force video game companies to be upfront about their intentions and obtain the consent of actors they seek to replicate through AI.

The strike was authorized on September 24th, 2023, with a 98.32% yes vote. Similar strikes in the industry have benefitted entertainers and creatives, so SAG-AFTRA feels confident that it can ultimately achieve the same results. That said, the strike will be an uphill battle, with SAG-AFTRA members striking against the video game industry titans, including divisions of Activision, EA, Insomniac, Warner Brothers, and Disney.

The post Actors Strike To Stop AI Takeover in Video Games first appeared on The Source.

The post Actors Strike To Stop AI Takeover in Video Games appeared first on The Source.

Paige Bueckers Joins Unrivaled Basketball League in Historic NIL Deal

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Unrivaled, the professional women’s basketball league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, has announced that UCONN star guard Paige Bueckers has joined the league through a groundbreaking NIL deal. As a two-time All-American and reigning BIG EAST Player of the Year, Bueckers becomes an Owner and Partner in Unrivaled alongside 30 elite athletes set to compete in its debut season, which tips off in Miami in January 2025.

While Bueckers will not be playing in the league’s inaugural season, she is expected to participate in the future, making her the first college athlete to own a stake in a professional sports league she intends to play in post-college.

“Blessed and grateful to be a part of this amazing league. To take an active role in the growth of women’s sports is a dream come true. Excited for the future, it’s just the beginning! ”

Blessed and grateful to be a part of this amazing league. To take an active role in the growth of women’s sports is a dream come true. Excited for the future, it’s just the beginning! https://t.co/xSCetSsDCH

— Paige Bueckers (@paigebueckers1) August 1, 2024

Unrivaled made headlines earlier this year by announcing it would offer the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history. The league has revealed 10 of the 30 athletes committed to playing this January, including Stewart, Collier, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper, Jackie Young, and Angel Reese. Additional athlete announcements are expected on August 12.

“Unrivaled is proud to be part of the next evolution in women’s basketball, as we look to set a new standard for today’s athletes and the legends of tomorrow.” said Unrivaled Commissioner Micky Lawler. “The entire landscape of women’s sports is shifting in exciting ways, and it is on us to continue that innovative spirit and bring about positive changes for all athletes, both at the professional and collegiate levels. In addition to the elite level of globally recognized talent we’ll have on the court in January – only a third of whom have been announced – we’re so excited to have Paige join the Unrivaled family, and we look forward to all that she will accomplish.”

For more information on Unrivaled, follow @UnrivaledBasketball or visit unrivaled.basketball.

The post Paige Bueckers Joins Unrivaled Basketball League in Historic NIL Deal first appeared on The Source.

The post Paige Bueckers Joins Unrivaled Basketball League in Historic NIL Deal appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: USA Women’s Basketball Secures Quarterfinal Berth with Victory Over Belgium

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In their second consecutive win, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson led USA Women’s Basketball to an 87-74 victory over Belgium, clinching a berth in the quarterfinals. Stewart, scoring 26 points with seven rebounds and four assists, and Wilson, contributing 23 points and 13 rebounds, have each scored over 20 points in back-to-back games.

Wilson’s 13 rebounds, including five offensive boards, were a game-high, as the US dominated the glass with a 48-28 rebounding advantage. Stewart set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the first quarter on perfect shooting. She also sealed the game late in the fourth quarter with two consecutive layups, giving the USA their largest lead at 14 points.

“We want to control the points in the paint. We know we have the size advantage … I was able to get downhill a lot,” said Stewart. “Really making sure that I start out aggressive and set the tone for the team.”

Despite Belgium’s challenge, the Americans extended their Olympic winning streak to 57 games. Belgium, which narrowly lost to the USA in an Olympic qualifier last February, kept the game competitive from start to finish.

The USA’s next game will be a decisive matchup against Germany on Sunday, determining the winner of Group C. Both teams currently hold a 2-0 record in the Group Phase.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: USA Women’s Basketball Secures Quarterfinal Berth with Victory Over Belgium first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: USA Women’s Basketball Secures Quarterfinal Berth with Victory Over Belgium appeared first on The Source.

Killer Mike Releases New Project ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints’

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Killer Mike has just dropped a new ten-song project titled “Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints,” intended as an epilogue to last year’s autobiographical album “MICHAEL.” Announced just this past Monday, Mike expressed his gratitude to fans by offering the project as a free download for 48 hours.

In the midst of this release, Mike delivered six performances across three nights at NYC’s legendary Blue Note jazz club, culminating in a live stream of the final performance that drew nearly 100,000 viewers. “Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival” continues its tour, including a performance at Lollapalooza this Saturday.

Mike says of the project “for me this is a testimonial. When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. After the celebratory atmosphere that followed MICHAEL I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear. I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints.”

The post Killer Mike Releases New Project ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Killer Mike Releases New Project ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints’ appeared first on The Source.

Ice Spice Has Listeners Plugging Their Ears After Dropping “GYAT”

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Even though there are a lot of Ice Spice fans coming to her defense, especially over the last seven days, the critics are still quite loud. The New York rapper basically had the entire hip-hop community either groaning or anxiously awaiting the release of her debut album Y2K! It had been relentlessly teased and pushed by the media, essentially billing it to be one of the major tapes for 2024 overall. Sadly, for Spice and her team, many of the reviews have been extremely negative. Many pointed to the fact that its one-dimensional and way too short making it a popcorn project. However, with her still being one of biggest names out, delivering some sort of deluxe on bonus edition was practically inevitable. Well, that is what Ice Spice is doing, dropping potentially the lone track for it, “GYAT”.

Clocking in at just 1:55, “GYAT” raps exactly what you’d expect Ice Spice to rap about, her butt. Making this track even more forgettable is the overly repetitive refrain. “She throwin’ it (Back, back, back)
She throwin’ it (Back, back, that a**) Haters get (Back, back) Haters get (Back, back)“. Like the original set on Y2K!, the writing is vapid on “GYAT”, but maybe even worse is the lack of energy. She sounds just as uninterested as the listeners are in what she has to say. “Girl just get a ghost writer”, one IG commenter demands. “U lucky u fine asf bra . Yo music so poop”, another adds. Still, give the song a shot and see what you think.

“GYAT”- Ice Spice

Quotable Lyrics:

Got out the hood and I ain’t going back
Built like a Barbie, but act like a brat
You know I’m the baddest, like, keep it a stack
If it ain’t ’bout money, I ain’t talkin’ ’bout that
I be poppin’, you b****es be flat
I be shakin’, and he like, “Gyatt” (‘Yatt, ‘yatt, ‘yatt, that a**)

The post Ice Spice Has Listeners Plugging Their Ears After Dropping “GYAT” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Big Sean Reveals What Is Keeping Him Out Of Big Three Conversations

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Big Sean’s latest interview with The Breakfast Club‘s Charlamagne tha God is generating quite a bit of buzz. During their chat, they divulge in numerous topics, with perhaps the biggest surrounding him and Kendrick Lamar’s relationship. However, there is another section that is causing some debate amongst the viewers. Over each decade of hip-hop, you can point to three artists who have defined their respective periods. The one that gets perhaps the most traction is for the 2010s. Most throw in Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole in there, something that each MC has addressed several times as of late.

Other names you can debate are Future, Travis Scott, and Kanye West. The former of those names is someone that Charlamagne is willing to create a “Fantastic Four” for. Additionally, he tells Sean that the aforementioned “Big Three” is essentially unanimous, to which Sean rebuttals that he hears his moniker thrown around in those conversations. Additionally, though, the Detroit rapper can understand where people, including Charlamagne, are coming from. He cites that his “consistency” really isn’t there, mentioning how he hasn’t dropped an album in almost four years. Although, that dry spell will be ending on August 9 when Sean comes out with Better Me Than You.

Big Sean Notes “Consistency” Is Holding Him Back From “Big Three” Status

Big Sean says he understands why people wouldn’t put him in the ‘Big 3’ conversation with Drake, Kendrick, and J Cole

“my consisteny is where I lack I haven’t put out music in 4 years… I’m not delusional… but… I feel like I can hang with anybody on any song… even… pic.twitter.com/qhjzyrWZSA

— SOUND (@itsavibe) August 2, 2024

While the “Precision” rapper does show some humility, he does make clear that he can hang with the best of them on any track. He boldly mentions his verses on two Kendrick Lamar collabs, “Control” and DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key”, as his biggest flexes. In fact, he even claims he made sure he put together the stronger performance on the latter. This prompted fans to react. “He didn’t have a better verse on holy key though lol”, one user on X says. Overall, there were some fans that put Sean in the same air as three aforementioned pillars of the past decade and some that don’t. Maybe, though, he can convince the critics next Friday.

What are your thoughts on Big Sean knowing that he isn’t in the big three conversations like Drake, Kendrick, and Cole? Do you think he belongs in these debates, why or why not? Can his next album catapult him back toward the top of the heap if not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Big Sean. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

The post Big Sean Reveals What Is Keeping Him Out Of Big Three Conversations appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

ASAP Rocky’s “Don’t Be Dumb” Features & Producers Revealed

August 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

ASAP Rocky fans have been anxiously awaiting his new album Don’t Be Dumb for a long time now, but luckily, they won’t have to wait too much longer to hear it. Back in June, the performer announced that it’d be dropping on August 30, which is only a few weeks away. Of course, listeners are looking forward to it, particularly considering all of the hints that have been dropped in recent months.

According to a new Tweet from the NFR Podcast, fans can expect appearances from J Cole, Tyler, The Creator, Busta Rhymes, and more. His other half Rihanna is even believed to be on the project, which will surely make for a fan-favorite. Don’t Be Dumb will also feature production from Metro Boomin, Pharrell, The Alchemist, and more. Check out the full list below.

Rihanna, J Cole, Tyler, The Creator & More Expected To Appear On ASAP Rocky’s New Album

As the release date grows closer, ASAP Rocky gave fans a peek at what’s to come with a new single today, “HIGHJACK” featuring Jessica Pratt. Already, the song has made major waves, as it’s speculated that Rocky dissed Drake several times. This is unconfirmed, though last week, DJ Kast One appeared on Hot 97 to discuss the album. During his appearance, he claimed he already heard it and said that Rocky plans to respond to Drake. “I heard ASAP Rocky definitely addressing a lot of the main topics that are happening out here right now,” he told the outlet. “Let’s just say, the list keeps going on strong… He’s gonna be cemented on the list after this.”

Are you looking forward to hearing ASAP Rocky’s new album Don’t Be Dumb when it finally drops on August 30? Which feature are you most excited about? What do you think of his new song “HIGHJACK” with Jessica Pratt? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

The post ASAP Rocky’s “Don’t Be Dumb” Features & Producers Revealed appeared first on HotNewHipHop.