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Joe Budden Reacts After Losing Verified Status On Twitter

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Joe Budden may have lost his blue check on Twitter, but he hasn’t lost his swagger. After suddenly losing his verification on the platform, the rapper-turned-podcaster reacted with the perfect remark, asserting himself and claiming that he’s been the real deal since long before he was recognized as a top-tier contributor to the platform.

 

“What happened to the blue check?” asked a fan to Joe Budden after realizing that his verified status was no longer showing up on his profile. “Doesn’t matter lol… i was verified long before Twitter,” he said, recalling his presence in the rap game and before. 

While it doesn’t make much sense for somebody with as big a platform as Joe Budden to be unverified on social media — there are already dozens of imposters running around with similar account names, pretending to be the media personality — the reason behind his shake-up on Twitter is currently still a mystery. Some people have suggested that the retired rapper may have tried to change his account to a private one, which apparently would have removed his verified check.


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Thankfully, Budden isn’t too shaken up about this. Recently, he has shifted over to Patreon to host his podcast, moving onto bigger and better things and allowing for a more seamless transaction of content. This way, Budden is more in control of his destiny, getting to see every person who subscribes to his channel and having a more intimate connection with his fans.

Why do you think Joe Budden had his blue check taken away?

DaBaby Officially Takes Over SpotemGottem’s Viral “Beat Box”

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While other rappers were giving their take on Coi Leray’s infectious “No More Parties” single, DaBaby set the world ablaze last week with his voracious “Beat Box” freestyle. DaBaby’s hungry performance completely stunned several Hip-Hop fans, including Lil Baby, who hilariously responded to the freestyle saying, “Who pissed you off?” Other reactions to the freestyle, however, were rooted in controversy, regarding DaBaby’s left-field bar “N****, you a b****, JoJo Siwa (B****).”

Despite the controversy surrounding the Charlotte rapper’s freestyle, rapper SpotemGottem didn’t hesitate to incorporate DaBaby’s verse into the second official reissue of his viral hit. “Beat Box” has been a gift that keeps giving for the rising Florida artist, who has experienced his first taste of mainstream success following the #junebugchallenge catapulting his April 2020 single. SpotemGottem’s last project Final Destination housed “Beat Box 2”, the first remix of the viral single that featured none other than the bubbling 1017 Records artist Pooh Shiesty.

How do you think DaBaby’s input on “Beat Box 3” stacks up against the Pooh Shiesty-assisted “Beat Box 2?”

Quotable Lyrics

She told me she like how I’m dressin’ and I ain’t eatin’ no salad (Uh-huh)
Stevie Wonder can see that I’m havin’
I told her, “Be patient,” she waited
I gave her the dick, she walked out doin’ the “‘Beat Box’ Challenge”

Kyrie Irving Doubles Down On Kobe Bryant NBA Logo Take

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When Kobe Bryant passed away last year, the NBA found numerous ways to honor him. Various players also made sure to deliver their Kobe tributes, and it made for a year full of remembrance for one of the league’s greatest stars. A year later, there are still various ways in which the players are trying to pay homage, and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving believes he has the perfect way to honor Kobe’s legacy.

Just a day ago, Irving noted that Bryant should become the NBA logo and that “Black Kings built the league.” When asked about his stance last night, Irving doubled down as he noted that Bryant needs to become the NBA logo now and that he will never deviate from this position.

“My thing is paying homage to the example that’s been set by that man,” Irving said. “Kobe Bryant. Logo. Yes. Needs to happen. I don’t care what anyone says. Black kings built the league. That’s exactly what I meant, it’s exactly where I stand.”

The NBA has not announced any plans to change the logo, which is currently a silhouette of Jerry West. West has never cared for being the logo, and we’re sure he wouldn’t mind the change. For now, however, it seems like things will be staying as is.

Kobe Bryant

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Chloe x Halle’s “Hazy” Is A Seductive RnB Record

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Chloe x Halle returned to their highly-praised sophomore effort, Ungodly Hour. The album originally dropped in summer 2020, but even a pandemic couldn’t stop its momentum. Since the album’s release, both sisters, who are signed to Parkwood Entertainment, aka Beyonce, have seen their public interest stock sky-rocket up, coinciding of course, with their decision to create individual social media accounts. 

The re-release of Ungodly Hour, rather than being framed as a ‘Deluxe Edition’ is being referred to as a ‘Chrome Edition.’ Whereas we’ve seen rappers re-release their album with an entirely new tracklist sequencing and almost a whole album’s worth of new songs, Chloe x Halle keep thing simple, and we are all the more pleased about it. They’ve added two new songs, tacked on to the very end of the album, so as not to mess with the original sequencing. Both songs are vibes, r’n’b but still with enough energy and movement. 

We’re highlighting “Hazy,” a Chloe Bailey-produced record that seduces the listener, with lyrics alluding to a sex-fueled relationship, and the energy that such a relationship might foster.

Take a listen, and check out the recent music video for “Ungodly Hour” here.

Quotable Lyrics
You fallin’ for me, baby
I know you I make you crazy
Like when the clouds are hazy
You like to smell my daisies 
I can see that you wanna 
I smell on your cologne 
Be tough now don’t be lazy 

Bobby Shmurda Joins Rowdy Rebel For First IG Live Session

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If it wasn’t already clear, Bobby Shmurda’s release from prison has once again set all eyes on the New York rapper. And while there is definitely an interest in seeing how he bounces back in the studio, for the most part, his loyal fans are simply happy to see him living life as a free man once again. So much so that when he joined Rowdy Rebel for his first official Instagram Live session since returning home, a substantial number of people tuned in to see how Shmurda was doing.

Bobby Shmurda

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At its peak, Shmurda’s IG Live session drew in some impressive viewership numbers, peaking at one-hundred-and-fifty-five-thousand as per a report from DJ Akademiks. Considering it has been six-years since Shmurda went away, with little in the way of new music to sustain his buzz in the interim, it’s certainly an impressive tally.

Though the pair were initially thwarted by the technological advances that transpired during their respective prison stays, the troubleshooting session was all the more endearing. Despite his relatively brief appearance, many fans were quick to notice that Shmurda appeared happy and notably at ease, enjoying his freedom by taking a drive with some friends. Alas, the pair did not discuss any plans of a musical nature, but don’t be surprised to hear Shmurda return to the studio in the coming weeks, especially as he retains such momentum. 

In case you missed it, check out a video clip of Bobby Shmurda’s first IG live appearance since his release from prison embedded below. 

Payroll Giovanni & Cardo Get Right Back At It On “Another Day Another Dollar”

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Payroll Giovanni and Cardo have a long working history, creating a ton of quality music together as one of the hottest rapper-producer duos of the last few years. The Doughboy Cashout representative and the GRAMMY-winning producer love to get together in the studio, releasing full projects together and collaborating with a number of their favorite artists. This week, they return again with the release of Another Day Another Dollar. 

Their new project is raw and authentic, hitting high points on “Always Hustling” with Smitty Soul and on “Mob $h*t” with Larry June. Other features include Tamara Jewel, who shows up on two different songs.

This is their third installation as a duo. Have a listen below if you’re a fan of their previous Big Bossin collaborations.

Tracklist:

1. Previously
2. It’s Around
3. Eyez Closed
4. Always Hustling (feat. Smitty Soul)
5. Mob $hit (feat. Larry June)
6. Everyday (feat. Tamara Jewel)
7. Make It Look Easy
8. Game Showed Me
9. Pay & Cardo (feat. Tamara Jewel)
10. Forever Flow

Chloe x Halle Return With “Ungodly Hour (Chrome Edition)”

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Chloe x Halle have been individually, and jointly, causing these mini-online stirs lately. The former half of the sister duo, Chloe, has been shaking things up on Instagram with a solo IG page that documents her stunning figure and fits. Meanwhile, sister Halle, has also debuted her personal IG journey (and twitter too). Both sisters returned to the fore the other day too, with the release of the highly-anticipated “Ungodly Hour” music video. The visuals took the girls to a sci-fi world, all the while impressing upon their fans that these ladies are growing up fast. 

Now, the duo keep new music coming today with the re-release of the album, Ungodly Hour, flanked with two new records. The songs in question are tacked on to the end of the tracklist, in “Hazy” and “80/20,” both of which equally document the maturity in their content — from the innuendos within “Hazy” or the relationship struggles within “80/20.”

Check out the updated album and let us know what you think.

Tracklist

1. Intro
2. Forgive Me
3. Baby Girl
4. Do It
5. Tipsy
6. Ungodly Hour
7. Busy Boy
8. Catch Up ft. Mike WiLL Made-It & Swae Lee
9. Overwhelmed
10. Lonely
11. Don’t Make It Harder On Me
12. Wonder What She Thinks of Me
13. ROYL
14. Hazy
15. 80/20

Jhené Aiko Leads The Way On “Raya & The Last Dragon” Soundtrack

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Days after roasting her boyfriend Big Sean on the sixth anniversary of his fan-favorite album Dark Sky Paradise, Jhené Aiko returns with some new music of her own. A week ahead of the release of Disney’s next animated film Raya and the Last Dragon, the Chilombo artist has released “Lead The Way,” the album opener for the upcoming movie’s soundtrack.

Jhené’s contribution to Raya and the Last Dragon‘s original motion picture soundtrack is a heartfelt song about the importance of following one’s heart. “Lead The Way” is packed with themes such as trust, family, love, and perseverance, and the bright, lush production is the perfect soundscape for this inspirational effort. Despite it being one of the biggest songs on the soundtrack for a kid’s movie, “Lead The Way” is still an impressive release from Jhené that isn’t too far off from her own musical output.

Does Jhené Aiko’s new song make you want to check out Raya and the Last Dragon when it hits theatres and Disney Plus next Friday?

Quotable Lyrics

When you’re broken, open up your heart and feel
There’s no difference, we’re all family here
It’s ’bout all of our doubts, all our up and downs
There is never really anything to fear

Steve Harvey Says Michael B. Jordan Isn’t The Sexiest Man Alive

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Steve Harvey may approve of his daughter Lori’s relationship with world-renowned actor Michael B. Jordan, but that doesn’t mean he agrees with PEOPLE Magazine awarding the heartthrob his “sexiest man alive” title.

Michael B. Jordan was given the title at the end of 2020, going public with his relationship with Lori Harvey a few weeks after. They make up one of the most high-profile couples in Hollywood right now, with thousands of people watching their moves, totally fascinated by their situation. As he gets closer to Michael, Steve Harvey says that the actor is a very nice man, but he doesn’t agree with PEOPLE Magazine’s assessment of him as the “sexiest man alive”. In his mind, that honor goes to himself.


Cindy Ord/Getty Images

“Well, first of all, let’s be clear about something: he is a nice guy, yeah, but he is not the sexiest man alive to me, at all,” said Harvey during his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Harvey goes on to admit that he believes he’s the sexiest man on the planet, explaining why. “All these people I’m paying for, hell, if that ain’t sexy, what is? I’ve never been attractive I knew that, that’s why I had to come up with these damn jokes. But this kid, I like him, man,” he said. 

As far as his thoughts on Michael’s extravagant Valentine’s Day date with Lori, Steve says that the A-lister should have thought twice before going all-out. “Yeah, well good luck homie, ’cause you know, Valentine’s come every year,” he joked. “I don’t know if you know this works or not, but I don’t know how you gonna top that. But good luck partner. I mean, it was really nice what he did, you know, I’m happy for him. He’s a great guy, I met his father and everything, but, that was a lot, that was a lot. I don’t know where he going from from here, so hopefully, you know, maybe he’ll make Creed 4, 5, and 6.“


Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Steve is happy that he can finally approve of one of his daughter’s partners, effectively shading Future, Trey Songz, and everyone else she’s been involved with. “When your kids grow up, they can make decisions on their own. I’m just happy that I can, at least, approve of one,” said the comedian. Kimmel asks if he approved of Lori’s previous boyfriends, to which he responded, “Nothing ever. Pure hatred.”

Joyce Wrice Enlists Freddie Gibbs For “On One”

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Rising melodist Joyce Wrice has been making moves of late, and now she has officially connected with Grammy-nominated Freddie Gibbs on her new single “On One.” Immediately kicking off with an infectious bounce, Wrice’s vocals shine as she reflects on a relationship, her confidence and swagger certainly evident. It certainly bodes well for her imminent album Overgrown (March 19th), which features additional guest appearances from Westside Gunn, Lucky Daye, KAYTRANADA, and more. 

While not quite the expected sound from Gangsta Gibbs, it’s a testament to his versatility to see him tackling a good-old-fashioned “thug luv” duet. That’s not to say his sharp bars are dulled in the slightest. “Your last n***a hit ya and quit ya now you can’t find homes, had your mind blown, n***a diamonds ashy like rhinestones,” he raps, gliding over the bassline and guitar. “Fuck the runway, I’m running hoes, fashion week / French bitch from Ivory Coast, pussy magnifique.”

Check out the new collaboration from Joyce Wrice and Freddie Gibbs now, and sound off if you’ll be putting the singer on your radar moving forward.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Your last n***a hit ya and quit ya now you can’t find homes,
Had your mind blown, n***a diamonds ashy like rhinestones
Fuck the runway, I’m running hoes, fashion week
French bitch from Ivory Coast, pussy magnifique