Month: September 2024

RIP Rich Homie Quan: 9 Essential Songs That Defined His Career

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The hip-hop world tragically lost Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan on September 5, at just 34 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. His peers, such as Quavo and Playboi Carti, took to social media to remember the good times they had with him. College football coach Mark Dantonio posted a picture of him and Quan after Michigan State University won the Rose Bowl in 2014 (the team’s hype song was “Type of Way”). Of course, fans recalled the period when Quan, along with Young Thug, Migos, Future, producers like Metro Boomin, 808 Mafia, and others from their city, captured the ears of young hip-hop listeners with a forward-thinking approach to hip-hop unlike anything that was popular before their arrival.

Rich Homie Quan was a pioneer of 2010s Atlanta hip-hop, an artist who broke out of a densely populated trap music scene and rose to the forefront of the New Atlanta sound at the beginning of the decade. He helped usher in a style of party-ready music that produced some of the most memorable rap songs of the 2010s. He bragged and boasted on tracks in his trademark drawl, with a laid-back vocal delivery that sometimes walked a thin line between creative and new and completely unintelligible. Quan’s hooks, which became a selling point of his own music and his appearances on other people’s music, were catchy and always ready for crowds. His verses always felt authentic to him. He never abandoned what drew audiences to his music, even when he was at his most commercially successful. These nine tracks illustrate the type of artist Rich Homie Quan was, and why fans continue to fondly remember his contributions to the era he came up in.

Read More: Offset Pays Tribute To Rich Homie Quan And Explains How Fatherhood Impacted His Music

1. “Type of Way” (2013)

“Type Of Way” was Rich Homie Quan’s breakout single as a solo act. When this track was released in 2013, he helped bring feeling “some type of way” into the general lexicon. It also became a song used at sporting events, most prominently by that Rose Bowl-winning Michigan State University team. It was a star-making release, with its big hook and equally big beat, by someone who was virtually unknown at the time.

2. YG – “My N***a” Ft. Rich Homie Quan & Jeezy (2013)

“My N***a,” produced by DJ Mustard for YG’s My Krazy Life, is one of the album’s most enduring songs, thanks in no small part to Rich Homie Quan’s appearance. It’s another California link-up for Quan, as he delivers the memorable hook. Mustard’s production is catchy and minimalist, and the verses all sound great. The track was YG’s first radio hit, and has since been certified platinum five times over.

3. “Cash Money” Ft. Birdman (2013)

Though Rich Homie Quan was never signed to him, being part of Birdman’s Rich Gang gave Quan several opportunities to work with the executive/rapper. “Cash Money,” co-produced by Metro Boomin and 808 Mafia, is a great track. Quan reminisces about wanting to be a member of Hot Boys in his youth before pivoting into braggadocio very quickly. Quan didn’t get to be a Hot Boy, but he did get to make some music with the former head of their label.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan’s Father Breaks His Silence On Rapper’s Death

4. Man Of The Year (2013)

Over a Trauma Tone beat that uses a sped-up sample of “Keep It Real” by Miilkbone, Rich Homie Quan does some heavy flexing to explain why he’s the “Man of the Year.” He reflects on remaining true to himself, while flexing his success, from his “robotic car” and the women he’s been with. “Them n***as lame, I’m the man over here,” he concludes. Considering his rising stardom, who’s to say he was wrong? 

5. “Get TF Out My Face” Ft. Young Thug (2013)

Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug’s “Get TF Out My Face” is one of the most impressive collaborations between the two. Over a downtempo beat produced by FKi, Quan and Thug trade bars telling their rivals to get out of their way, unless they’re talking about money. Quan’s flow sounds effortless on the track, while Thug likens himself to Tony Montana. The two of them sound like they’ve made a hundred songs together before this. Their natural chemistry on the early Quan, Thug, and Rich Gang tracks should have eventually led to a joint album.

6. “Walk Thru” Ft. Problem (2014)

“Walk Thru” is one of Quan’s many collaborations with California rappers. He and Compton-based rapper Problem brag about the attention they command when they enter any room over a beat co-produced by Problem himself. The song has a very clear West Coast vibe. Quan always sounded at home over those beats, despite being from Atlanta. It’s a banger of a track with an in-your-face hook that still sounds good today, and an example of Quan’s musical versatility.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan Spoke On Young Thug Reconciliation Days Before Death

7. Rich Gang – “Lifestyle” Ft. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug (2014)

“Lifestyle” is one of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the 2010s and the peak of Rich Gang’s run in 2013 and 2014. Initially recorded for the unreleased second Rich Gang mixtape and produced by London on da Track, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug talk about the grind they’ve been on to find success, emphasizing that the previous couple of years was only the beginning. To say they called their shot would be an understatement.

8. Travis Scott – “Mamacita” [feat. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug] (2014)

“Mamacita” is one of the standout tracks from Travis Scott’s second mixtape, Days Before Rodeo. The track features appearances from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, who rap over a beat produced by Metro Boomin, DJ Dahi, and Mike Dean. It’s a song about women, but it’s not quite a love song. Quan’s hook will stay in your head. He also has the final verse, which is a catchy one with some witty lines. “Mamacita” is another great song, where Quan’s contributions help take it to that level.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan’s Peers Pay Tribute After His Unexpected Death

9. Flex [Ooh, Ooh, Ooh] (2015)

“Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” initially released in February 2015, ended up being a summer anthem that year. The DJ Spinz-produced track is more mid-tempo with some bounce to it, one that celebrates success and his lavish lifestyle. The “ooh ooh ooh” ad-libs are a memorable feature of the song, and Quan does some trademark flexing in the verses as well. Going 3x platinum, it became the biggest solo hit of his career. Almost a decade later, it’s still an easygoing, fun time.

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Laila! Steps Out Of A Legend’s Shadow With ‘Gap Year’

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Getty Image/Merle Cooper

The first song on Gap Year, viral star Laila!‘s first-ever full-length release, is the appropriately themed “Talent Show.” Framed as — and perhaps even recorded during — a talent show performance, the song opens with Laila! introducing herself to a chattering audience before captivating them with her quiet, crisp vocals and precocious poise.

That’s a fitting way to introduce both the song — and Laila! herself — to an audience intrigued by the 18-year-old’s breakout… and her biography. Born Laila Smith in Brooklyn, New York, she had a massive legacy in the world of hip-hop, even before her song “Not My Problem” took over TikTok algorithms earlier this year. As fans clamored to learn more about her origins, they discovered the most surprising provenance for her prodigious talent: her dad, Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Laila! herself downplayed the familial connection prior to her come-up; although we’re technically about three generations deep into hip-hop’s 50-year history and therefore awash in second-generation rap success stories — think Jaden Smith, Destroy Lonely, Domani Harris, and Coi Leray — it’s still considered something of a drawback to have a well-known artist parent in pursuit of music stardom.

On Gap Year, Laila! firmly establishes that she never needed a leg up in the first place — “Not My Problem” and its predecessor, “Like That!” were viral faves even before anyone knew her pops made “Ms. Fat Booty” — displaying a strong artistic identity of her own. If there was any established star that she could be said to draw from stylistically, a solid argument could be made that she’s been inspired more by Solange Knowles.

The melodies and self-produced instrumentals of tracks like “R U Down?” and “Could Be” bear similar stylistic hallmarks to tracks from Knowles’ 2016 project A Seat at the Table and its 2019 follow-up When I Get Home. Stripped-down production, stacked, stock synths, and vocal melodies halfway between hums and hymns define Laila!’s approach; when she does rap, it’s in more contemporary styles than her father’s “fluid even in staccato” flow.

Of course, the elder Smith’s extensive experiences with the business of rap could lend themselves to accelerating Laila!’s success — or at least, keeping her away from the pitfalls that often delay, derail, or outright destroy peers’ musical aspirations. From all appearances, Laila!’s pursuing her career as an independent artist — for now — so any advice or protection is even more invaluable as she navigates the music business.

But “Not My Problem,” as far as anyone can tell, was a hit because listeners loved it — as evidenced by Cash Cobain sampling it on his own megamix, “Problem.” Likewise, while some curiosity about Laila!’s connections may have helped fuel the anticipation and enthusiasm for her debut, the most important connections for her now will be the ones with her fans. Gap Year will go a long way toward forging those bonds, and proves she’s got the talent to stand on her own, well outside her legendary dad’s shadow.

Snoop Dogg Wants To Launch The “Hood Olympics”

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Snoop Dogg was a major part of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and recently, he revealed that he wants to start working on some games of his own. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, he explained that he’d be interested in starting what he calls the “Hood Olympics.” He says his goal would be to highlight athletes who didn’t make it to the Olympics for whatever reason, but still have an impressive amount of talent.

“One thing I wanna do is have the Hood Olympics,” he told the outlet. “There’s a lot of homies from the hood that could run a 10.2, that could high jump, throw the javelin, backflip, swim good, jump over gates and hurdle. You know what I’m saying?”

Read More: Dr. Dre Links Up With Mustard In Studio Amid Snoop Dogg Album Hype

Snoop Dogg Shares His Plans For The Future

Snoop Dogg Wants To Launch The “Hood Olympics”
Snoop Dogg attends the Women’s Preliminary Phase Pool C match between Team United States and Team France on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“I just wanna make it available for the athletes from the hood that didn’t make it, that probably have certain ramifications, but they still were athletic and they still were good,” he continued. “So, I want to bring that component in and, hopefully, we’ll be able to make it make sense.” While it remains unclear whether or not Snoop Dogg’s plan will actually play out, it’s safe to say that fans would tune in.

After all, Olympic viewership rose by 79% this year thanks to Snoop, proving that he draws a major crowd. He’s also rumored to have earned a whopping $500K daily for his presence at the Olympic games in Paris. What do you think of Snoop Dogg revealing that he’s interested in starting the “Hood Olympics”? Would you tune in or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Tyrese Believes Snoop Dogg Is A More Famous Rapper Than Jay-Z

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Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign & ARE WE DREAMING Collide For Transformers Soundtrack Cut “If I Fall”

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If you are looking to create elements of excitement for a film’s soundtrack, look no further than Quavo and Ty Dolla $ign. Both artists have tons of experience penning songs for movies over their illustrious careers. Perhaps each one’s most notable contributions include The Fate of the Furious (Quavo) and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Ty Dolla $ign). They each had massive songs off their respective projects, such as “Go Off” and “Scared of the Dark”. So, it’s no surprise that the creators of Transformers One are recruiting Quavo and Ty for song, which in this case is “If I Fall”.

The animated motion picture will arrive in theaters on next Friday, September 14 and it’s going to be an origin story of the universe involving the Autobots and Decepticons. Assumedly, the soundtrack will have more big names like the cast has. Speaking of which, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Brian Tyree Henry, and Steve Buscemi are just a few to rattle off. “If I Fall” also features, ARE WE DREAMING, a production and singing team, who also handles the chorus of the single. It’s your standard ready for battle type of song that you’ll find in a lot of kids’ action movies. It’s nothing too special but check it out and see what you think.

Read More: Central Cee Taps Fellow Londoner RAYE For “Moi”

“If I Fall” – Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign, & ARE WE DREAMING

Quotable Lyrics:

Don’t look me in my eyes and tell me what I’m supposed to be
I never walked a path that anybody chose for me (Woo)
Yeah, it’s bigger than me, I’m flyin’ through the galaxy
Ain’t no plan B and we won’t stand for defeat
I’m in my prime, Optimus (Optimus), I’m goin’ big, Megatron
I’ma sting, Bumblebee, now crown the king, hope you proud of me

Read More: Wale Returns With Brief But Intriguing “Ghetto Speak” & “Mission Statement” Singles

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Charlamagne Tha God Doesn’t Believe That ASAP Rocky Dissed Drake On J Cole Collab

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We can all agree that 2024’s great rap war has made us all read a little too deeply into lyrics sometimes. We just got a key example of that thanks to ASAP Rocky and J Cole’s new collab “Ruby Rosary.” Thanks to some possibly slick lyrical references from the Harlem creative and the complex role that the Dreamville boss has played in hip-hop’s ecosystem for the past year or so, many fans think that this is a not-so-subtle diss at Drake. But Charlamagne Tha God and the rest of The Breakfast Club think that this is a bit of a reach.

“J. Cole better not be dissing nobody,” Charlamagne Tha God began when the crew proposed that there might be a shot on the new song. “Oh, okay, okay, okay.” “How is that a Drake diss?” he asked when one of TBC‘s cohosts recited the lyrics that many fans are bringing up. “Oh… I mean, it sounds like he’s dissing a whole top five if he says ‘F your top five.’ I don’t know either, I think y’all just be making up stuff. *laughs* Here’s the thing. When I say it’s ‘this generation,’ I’m not just talking about y’all. It’s just the whole cycle of people. Like, the way people’s minds work is just weird. He said, ‘F your top five.’ So your top five must be Drake, Drake, Drake, Drake, and Drake.”

Read More: ASAP Rocky Shows Off His Wacky World In New “Tailor Swif” Music Video: Watch

The Breakfast Club Speaks On ASAP Rocky, J Cole & Potential Drake Disses

But do you know what’s really funny about Charlamagne’s dismissal? There is someone whose top five is all Drake, and if you don’t know what we’re talking about, just look up “DJ Akademiks Drake Top Five” on YouTube for a laugh. Along with some other references like bars about “push ups,” A$AP Rocky fans aren’t all too misguided in drawing these connections. But the real likely scenarios are that this was all unintentional and that, even if they are references, they don’t amount to enough of a sting for this to really be an inflammatory moment. If anything, according to OVO fans, J. Cole is the one who should really be answering questions here.

Also, we already know that A$AP Rocky and Drake have beef, so them throwing possible subliminals at each other is practically worthless. The only people getting value from it are true haters of either lyricist. But we can’t pretend that all the speculation and discussion isn’t at least entertaining. After all, that reality is what allowed the biggest rap battle in at least two decades to materialize.

Read More: Charlamagne Tha God & DJ Envy React To Megan Thee Stallion’s Controversial Competitive Rap Claims

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G Herbo Has Some Fun On “Big Swerv” Mixtape

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G Herbo has focused on more pressing topics in his music over the last couple of years at times. Because of that, he’s been getting more personal on his records. However, according to HipHopDX, the Chicago drill specialist wanted to do something different this time around. “Not everybody has been in the streets. And not everybody had to experience violence to the levels that I’ve experienced violence. I was always vulnerable and talked about it through my music,” Herbo said about previous efforts. “So I want to talk about having fun, I want to talk about traveling the world, and living life, and fashion, and stuff that everybody loves, that everybody can relate to”. The latter quote from G Herbo is about his newest mixtape, Big Swerv.

You can certainly those looser vibes on songs like “Ten” with Sexyy Red, “Influence”, and “Trim”, for example. The production is still intimidating and dark, so not all of what’s made Herbo over the years is missing entirely. Big Swerv was announced in early August and only had one single released ahead of time. That was “Shoot” with rising MC Skilla Baby. Speaking of features, him and Red are just two. 21 Savage, BabyDrill, fellow Illinois native Chief Keef, and Rob49 are here too. Let us know what you think of G Herbo’s 14-song effort Big Swerv with the links below.

Read More: The Weeknd Reveals Exciting Details About His Upcoming Album “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

Big Swerv – G Herbo

Big Swerv Tracklist:

  1. Strike You
  2. In the A (feat. 21 Savage)
  3. Trim
  4. Ten (feat. Sexyy Red)
  5. Influence
  6. Splat
  7. Shoot (feat. Skilla Baby)
  8. No Pics (feat. Chief Keef)
  9. Global Spinning (feat. BabyDrill
  10. Drunk AF
  11. No Passes (feat. Rob49)
  12. Spend That Bag
  13. Candyman
  14. Yup

Read More: 50 Cent Reveals Why He Cried At Eminem’s Daughter’s Wedding

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Quando Rondo Reacts To Rich Homie Quan’s Music Topping Charts After His Death

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As the hip-hop world continues to mourn the tragically sudden death of Rich Homie Quan, many are also reflecting on his legacy as an artist. It should come as no surprise that there are probably millions of rap fans listening to him right now, reflecting on his many hits and idiosyncrasies as a performer and lyricist. But some folks think that the love for the Atlanta MC is coming off as hollow or as “fake love.” For example, Quando Rondo recently reacted via Instagram to RHQ’s music topping a chart, although it’s a bit unclear what chart it specifically is. While Quando thinks that this love is coming only because he passed away, he spoke on how he’s a longtime admirer of his.

Furthermore, Quando Rondo’s words don’t suggest in the slightest that Rich Homie Quan doesn’t deserve this support. Rather, he thinks it’s just coming off as fake, although most fans in the comments section of the post below aren’t taking it that far. They just think that people are being nostalgic for his older material. Nevertheless, Ralo is another artist who expressed similar feelings about these reactions.

Read More: Lil Kim Recalls Her Friendship With Rich Homie Quan In Touching Tribute

Quando Rondo Calls Out Alleged Fake Love For Rich Homie Quan

Elsewhere, Rich Homie Quan’s father Corey Lamar shared a statement on his son’s passing. “Unbearable pain,” he wrote in an Instagram Story post . “Lord please please please help me to understand this. To lose my son… my 1st born, my best friend. Lord let this be a dream…. Yall pray for me and my family. I feel like I’m crushed into a million pieces.” Along with Lamar, many other loved ones, collaborators, and industry admirers have poured out their well-wishes, reflections, and parting messages in the face of this tragedy.

“I wish you guys some type of prosperity,” Offset recently expressed when asked at a Billboard event if he has any words for RHQ’s family. “Some type of overcoming of it. Shout out to Rich Homie, man. That’s a day one artist right there. We all came up together in the same lab, in the same kitchen, you know what I mean? Trying to make it happen, man. That’s a tragic thing to hip-hop, man. Shout out to Rich Homie Quan, man. RIP to you and bless your family.”

Read More: Quavo And Offset Squash Their Beef Following Rich Homie Quan’s Death

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Tesehki Knocks Diamond The Body’s Tooth Out At “Baddies” Reunion

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Tesehki is certainly no stranger to throwing hands, and it looks like that’s exactly what happened at the Baddies Caribbean reunion last night. Today, the personality took to social media to announce that she got into a physical altercation with Diamond The Body. While it remains unclear exactly what led up to the altercation, Diamond has been taunting Tesehki on social media for weeks. Recently, she even urged Tesehki to fight for her sister’s son, Chrisean Jr.

Clearly, Tesehki didn’t appreciate this at all, and ultimately decided to address it at the reunion. In photos shared on Diamond’s Instagram Story earlier today, she’s seen with a bloody lip and a missing tooth. “I lost guys REAL BAD !! Sorry,” she wrote. “She really broke my face yall my lip is tore open and my tooth missin pray for me.”

Read More: Natalie Nunn & Tommie Lee Go Blow For Blow On “Baddies Caribbean”

Tesehki Reveals She Got Into Physical Altercation With Diamond The Body

While this is obviously very concerning, Diamond appears to be approaching the situation with a sense of humor. Today, she shared various clips and photos of her injuries from the hospital. “Now I’m looking like her sister,” she wrote alongside a laughing emoji. She also assured fans that she’s doing okay now, and only has to worry about replacing her missing tooth. “I’m good guys I promise,” she explained. “I just left the hospital got a couple stitches nothings broke but I do need a new tooth.”

Diamond even plans to perform tonight in Virginia despite her injuries. Fans hope that she has a speedy recovery, and sorts out her issues with Tesehki sooner rather than later. What do you think of Tesehki and Diamond The Body getting into a physical altercation at the Baddies Caribbean reunion? Are you surprised or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Tesehki In Massive Fight At “Baddies East” Reunion With Scarface, Sukihana & More

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