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In today’s music culture, social media can make or break an artist. Taking to platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even Snapchat to promote your brand or music can be instrumental in acquiring fans and racking up streaming numbers, but not every artist has opted to use social media to make their music known. Instagram is a leader for artists, but NLE Choppa has decided to build his buzz without the help of the popular platform.

Because of such, Choppa wants his credit for being an artist who has been able to build a successful career and increasing fanbase without the help of Instagram or some huge promotional effort.  

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“I don’t get enough credit for the views I get without a Instagram, self promo, and no other rappers posting my music,” wrote Choppa. “Everybody know Instagram the app you mainly promote on for anything merchandise, music, ETC I’m a Goat for the simple fact I’m making hits without it   Every song since ‘Famous Hoes’ was no Instagram or big promotion. ‘Walk Em Down’ 2x Platinum Without it also.”

“It’s rappers thats not touching the views I get with promotion from Instagram, other rappers, and advertising,” Choppa added. He declared that he will “be one of the greatest” because he “beat the odds in every situation.” Some have argued that artists were earning Platinum certificates, building worldwide fanbases, and topping the charts before social media was invented, but others think that that to do so within today’s current culture should be applauded.

Do you think NLE Choppa deserves more credit? Check out his posts below.

Retirement is no longer on the table, at least for now, as Chika has given fans an update on how she’s been feeling as of late. The Grammy-nominated rapper had fans concerned recently after she publicly shared her mental health struggles and frustrations with the industry. There was an outpouring of love and support for Chika, including kind words from Cardi B who urged the budding rapper not to retire after Chika announced she no longer wanted to work on her career. 

Over the weekend, Chika returned to Twitter to share that she’s decided not to retire from music while thanking those who have sent messages of positivity through this difficult time.

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“I am alive. I am okay,” wrote Chika. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in. It’s been a very intense week. I’m not retiring. After what I’ve endured in the past few days, I’m not ever allowing anything to stop me or almost take me from this ghetto ass earth.” She added, “Thank you, @iamcardib for reaching out & showing such kindness to me in a time I don’t even think you knew was as serious as it was. You’ve always shown love to me & don’t think I could take that for granted. You’re appreciated.”

The rapper also gave a middle finger to her haters after sharing that she would be taking a mental health break. “I will be stepping back from social media for the time being, whether that means silence or just having someone else post for me,” Chika added. “I’m too valuable to be tampered with. And it took almost not being here to realize this internet shit isn’t worth it.”

Elsewhere, Chika cleared up rumors of what led up to this most recent mental health bout and said it was more than just online trolls. “Last week was not simply a result of online bullying. i have been working through a rough patch in life that trolls did not cause,” she revealed. “However, in one of my most vulnerable moments, i was submerged in messages encouraging me to take my life. I fought back and wished the same fate on those sending hate… I am fine and will be fine, I promise you.”

We’re happy to hear that she’s prioritizing her health over all else and hope that others will be inspired to do the same, as well. Read through Chika’s messages below.

AJ Tracey is fresh off of the release of his latest project, Flu Game. The MC has been praised as a grime artist but in the past few years, he’s shown a vast amount of growth musically. His latest project is a testament to his evolution as he tackles trap, hip-hop, drill, and pretty much every other genre except for grime.

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There’s a reason for that as he explained in a new interview with The Guardian. The artist was asked about his break-out hit “Thiago Silva” ft. Dave and the possibilities of a sequel, given the success of the track. “It was a long time ago,” Tracey said of the track and potentially fulfilling fans’ wishes for a part 2. 

“And also, sorry, but it was a grime beat, and grime is not really lit anymore,” he explained. “It’s not what it used to be, and it’s their fault because [people in the grime scene] don’t like change. I was in there, I was open to change, I changed and I’m doing well. They did not want to change and it’s just crabs in a barrel. They don’t want to see anyone do better than themselves; it’s a horrible culture and I really don’t like it. I will not be making any more grime music … unless [scene veterans] P Money or D Double E asked me to.”

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He expressed a similar sentiment in the past when he told a journalist not to refer to him as a grime artist anymore. It’s unfortunate since many of his fans feel like he’s at his best when he’s doing grime. 

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments. 

[Via]

Kanye West is apparently not happy about the way the stories about his divorce are being spun in Kim Kardashian’s favor, according to Page Six. Ever since reports emerged of their divorce, the majority of news outlets and sources have claimed that it was Kim who finally gave up on their relationship after trying to make it work for the sake of their kids. A source close to ‘Ye said that he’s “annoyed” people who believe that the divorce was her idea.

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“[Kanye West is] super annoyed that the story is being constantly presented as her divorcing him,” the source said, describing the Kardashian clan as a “huge spin machine.“

“Actually it was him saying for a year that they have nothing in common except the kids and he wanted out,” added the insider. “She pulled all the stops to try to save the marriage.” They also claimed that ‘Ye only allowed Kim to file for divorce first “in order to give her dignity.”

It was only last week when Kanye West finally responded to divorce papers. Although they aren’t on speaking terms (since Kanye changed his numbers on her), the terms of their divorce appear to be amicable. They will likely have joint custody of their children and will not have to pay for the other’s legal fees.

[Via]

We are near every stoner’s favorite holiday: 4:20. The annual holiday landing on April 20th has been a moment of celebration for stoners who stock up on their favorite flowers and get absolutely annihilated before 5 p.m. rolls around. Unfortunately, like last year, there aren’t many joints being passed around in circles due to the global pandemic. However, there are a few ways for you to celebrate at home with some of your favorite artists.

Via Publicist

On Tuesday, ProducerPlugUNi and Grand Ma Bakers will be launching their inaugural High Roads 420 Virtual Festival with a packed schedule ahead. The three-day event will kick off on 4/20 with the remainder of the festival set to continue on Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow’s event will include the Producer Plug Essentials with Bob James, Ghostface Killah, and Pete Rock, who will discuss James’ iconic catalog.

Via Publicist

On Saturday, Merk La Familia’s takeover kicks off from 12 pm to 3 pm with a “magical set/performances.” Then comes an AMA with the founders of Grand Ma, Ghostface Killah, as well as special guests who will dive into the cannabis laws in regulations in New York and California. Houston will be representing later on in the evening for the HoustonSmokingSomethingBitch segment with Mike Dean, OG Ron C, Lil Flip, and more.

Day 3 will include the ProducerPlug Team DJs delivering a classic set before producing a record in real-time. Killah Priest and co. will also be bringing their podcast to L.A. with a lively conversation regarding conspiracy theories and the existence of UFOs. To close the festival, Mike Dean will serve as a guest judge for Producer PlugUNi Beat battle.

For tickets and VIP passes, check out www.ProducerPlugUni.com.

Via Publicist

Our recent interview with Erica Banks caused a bit of a stir. Banks has been lighting up the Rap scene with her TikTok challenges and collaborations with artists like Yella Beezy and Jacquees, so we chatted with the Warner Records artist for our Rise & Grind series where we highlight and dissect new, buzzing, or underground artists. We’ve continued to support Banks with each release and while we spoke with her, we asked about the ongoing rumors about her relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, Banks’s fellow 1501 Certified Entertainment labelmate.

Last year there was some drama with Megan Thee Stallion. I wanted to ask you if you’ve reached out or if she has reached out to you at all in the last year to squash things? No.

Are you open to that? No.

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Soon, the answers went viral and circulated online, and after The Neighborhood Talk reposted the portion of our interview, Banks slid in their comments to respond to the controversy. “I knew this was bait during the interview, hence me saying ‘No’ to both questions,” said Banks.

“There is no beef, and me speaking about anything in regards to those questions was ‘No’ to refrain from my words being misconstrued like interviewers do. They can’t misconstrue a one word response. Be blessed y’all.” She set the record straight. Back in January, Banks spoke with The Shade Room and said that she would collaborate with Megan Thee Stallion because, in the end, “it’s all about business, it’s nothing personal.”

Check out her response below and make sure to read our full interview with the Texas rapper: “Rise & Grind: Erica Banks Talks Choosing Warner Records & Turning Down DaBaby’s Billion Dollar Baby Label.”