2023 Archives - New Hip Hop News

J. Cole Named Best Rapper Of 2023 By Complex, Debate Ensues

January 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Complex has named J. Cole the best rapper of 2023 for a piece in which they pick an artist who dominated each year since 1979. In doing so, Complex argues Cole has “over a dozen standout features across several genres” and cites “First Person Shooter,” “The Secret Recipe,” “All My Life,” “Evil Ways,” “Thanks,” “On My Block,” “Passport Bros,” and more as examples. The outlet also notes that “First Person Shooter” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Cole managed to assert his dominance and showcase his lyrical prowess without even putting out a solo album,” the staff writes. “On the 13 songs that Cole appeared in 2023, he always delivered the track’s best performance, even when rapping with fellow heavyweights like Drake, Lil Durk, and Lil Yachty. Every new Cole verse was a moment that had the rap world buzzing, and he was able to do this in several genres, from Afrobeats and R&B to K-pop, and trap.”

J. Cole Performs At Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 27: J. Cole performs onstage during Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration at State Farm Arena on December 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

The decision has warranted plenty of debate on social media. When TheHipHopWolf posted the ranking on Instagram, one fan argued Drake outperformed Cole on both of their 2023 collaborations. “No disrespect… Drake ripped him on both songs…. Drake is sadly the best male rapper and it’s not close,” they commented. Another wrote: “I know like 10 local rappers more worthy of that bold ass title lol.” Many also defended Cole’s placement. One fan remarked: “Yes. He’s the last of a dying breed from the previous era and still the best of the current era.”

Complex Ranks J. Cole As The Top Rapper Of 2023

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In previous years on the ranking, Complex picked 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Tyler, The Creator, and more as top rappers. Be on the lookout for further updates on J. Cole on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Uncle Murda Ropes In 6ix9ine, Cam’ron, Nelly & More In “Rap Up 2023” Part 3

January 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Uncle Murda finally wrapped up his “Rap Up 2023” series, one which warranted three different songs to execute. For those unaware, he does this every year: a summary of a lot of hip-hop and pop culture moments that went down in a given year. In this new third installment for 2023, the rapper gives his take on Kodak Black, Jonathan Majors, the submersible fiasco, Southside and G Herbo’s interview with Funny Marco, Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen, Jeezy and Jeannie Mai’s divorce, and so much more. Even the Israel and Palestine conflict got a mention. He also paid tribute to some fallen entertainment figures this year, such as Lance Reddick, Gillie Da Kid’s son, Jacky Oh!, and Harry Belafonte.

On the first part of “Rap Up 2023,” Uncle Murda took shots at Blueface, Chrisean Rock, Sexyy Red, the Young Thug trial, and a whole lot more. In fact, it’s quite difficult to sum these cuts up, and this latest edition is no different with its rapid-fire references and connections. Of course, that’s part of the fun of songs like this, as they glue us to what is said more than a lot of contemporary hip-hop is doing these days. At least he treated these topics with relative “objectivity,” but he obviously has particular interpretations about these scandals and headlines.

Uncle Murda’s “Rap Up 2023” Part 3: Stream

For example, Troy Ave responded to Uncle Murda mentoning him on “Rap Up 2023,” in reference to his legal battle with Taxstone. As it turns out, Troy wasn’t too happy with the shoutout, which is probably a common sentiment, although it’s probably a message sent in jest to a fun pop culture moment these days. “Damn do I gotta WRAP this n***a UP,” he wrote on Instagram. This is what the G-Unit had to say about the rapper.

“Troy Ave really went to court and got on the stand,” he rapped. “N***a snitched on Taxstone ’cause he bodied his man. You supposed to keep it in the streets, I hate when n***as tell on n***as. I don’t f**k with Taxstone but I don’t be wishing jail on n***as. Troy Ave lost his chain on that night all that s**t happened. But it was fake, seven years later found out Maino had it.” For more news and the latest updates on Uncle Murda, check back in with HNHH.

The post Uncle Murda Ropes In 6ix9ine, Cam’ron, Nelly & More In “Rap Up 2023” Part 3 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Uncle Murda References Sexyy Red, Young Thug & More On “Rap Up 2023”: Stream

January 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

As is tradition at this point, Uncle Murda summarized a lot of pop culture and hip-hop’s biggest events of the year on his new song “Rap Up 2023.” However, in contrast to previous years, it looks like this is actually part one of three, the next of which will hopefully come in the near future. As such, we know that he has so much more to talk about when it comes to some of the last 365 days’ biggest stories, perhaps over the same sample of Mary J. Blige’s “All Night Long.” Moreover, when it comes to the song, there’s not a lot to say here. The beat is classic New York all the way and the G-Unit rapper’s flows and delivery is a little choppy.

Still, that’s understandable considering all the different topics that come up on the first part of “Rap Up 2023.” Blueface, Chrisean Rock, Sexyy Red, Andre 3000’s new album, Offset, Cardi B, Donald Trump, Jamie Foxx, Young Thug, Gunna, Lil Baby, and so many more get a mention here for their various headlines. There’s also the Remy Ma and Papoose cheating drama, Keke Palmer’s scandal with Darius Jackson, the Lizzo lawsuits, Boosie and T.I.’s relationship, and the list goes on. Not everyone’s a fan of these cuts, but it’s at least entertaining to hear these takes and the stories link together. The Brooklyn MC held no punches through controversial assessments and wild claims.

Uncle Murda’s “Rap Up 2023”: Stream

Meanwhile, he also hinted at fully diving into the Diddy accusations in the next parts of this installment. Kanye West’s ghostwriter was still able to fit a lot into this track. Other celebrities include Da Brat, Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert, Nicki Minaj and Elliott Wilson, etc. We won’t spoil his observations. If you haven’t heard “Rap Up 2023” yet, give it a listen on YouTube above and check out one of his many sets of analytically referential bars down below. Also, come back to HNHH for more hot music releases around the clock from Uncle Murda and the rest of the game.

Quotable Lyrics:
Blueface still saying that kid ain’t his,
He said Chrisean f***ed Offset in Cardi B’s crib,
He really went to the Internet to go write that,
If it’s true, how you gon’ snitch on Offset like that?

[via]

The post Uncle Murda References Sexyy Red, Young Thug & More On “Rap Up 2023”: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

BabyTron Wishes Us A Very “MERRY S**TMAS” On New Single & Music Video: Stream

December 31, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Before we close out 2023, let’s take a look back at an underrated holiday rap song that dropped on Christmas Day this year. It comes from none other than Michigan rap leader BabyTron, who had a pretty prolific and hectic year. In addition to his own solo projects, he, StanWill, and TrDee finished their collaborative tape series as S***tyBoyz with Trifecta 3: The Finale. Speaking of that collective, which the Detroit native always reps, he did the same on this new Christmas song, “MERRY S**TMAS.” It’s available exclusively on YouTube as a music video as of writing this article, and flips the “12 Days of Christmas” melody and song structure.

Of course, the track adds some rapid and deep kicks, sharp snares, and muted rattling hi-hats to give it that Detroit bounce. BabyTron is flowing on “MERRY S**TMAS” as quickly as ever, working in some funny turns of phrase and narrative moments throughout his verse. In fact, he often likes to work with this sort of planned structure, specifically writing bars for a given set of numbers or with a certain theme. Unsurprisingly, the “Mr. Hanky” MC delivers once again here, even working in a tempo slow-down with casual ease. His flows and wordplay are pretty idiosyncratic and beloved at this point, showcases by albums like MegaTron 2.

BabyTron’s “MERRY S**TMAS”: Stream & Watch The Music Video

Meanwhile, this has also been a pretty big year for the 23-year-old in other ways that further his career. For example, he featured on JID and Lil Yachty’s “Half Doin Dope” and had a killer verse on there. Hopefully BabyTron will bring us many more gifts in 2024 that continue to cement his status as a new generation star. If you haven’t heard “MERRY S**TMAS” yet, check out the music video above and peep some standout bars down below. Also, log back into HNHH for all the great music releases to come next year.

Quotable Lyrics
On the eleventh day of Christmas, all cuddy did was sell wеight,
I don’t f**k with that number, slept through the twеlfth day,
On the thirteenth day, it was nonstop action, I made thirteen plays,
Can’t remember the fourteenth, I smoked fourteen eighths

The post BabyTron Wishes Us A Very “MERRY S**TMAS” On New Single & Music Video: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Justina Valentine Recaps The Year’s Biggest Ups & Downs On Her “2023 Rap Up” Freestyle

December 31, 2023 by newhiphopnews

We’ve made it to the final day of 2023, and what better way to recap the rollercoaster ride of the past 12 months than a new freestyle from Justina Valentine. For the past few years, she’s been teaming up with The Shade Room to summarize past events as only she can. If you ask us, the latest edition may be the famous redhead’s best work yet, as she covers everything from Blueface and Chrisean Rock to Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan.

“What a tangled web some have spun / Larsa Pippen out here dating Michael Jordan’s son,” Valentine spits early on in the song. “I know he inside the box like Roddy / Somebody better check on Scottie,” she adds, mentioning the Real Housewives cast member’s athlete husband, who she reportedly slept with multiple times each night throughout their marriage.

Justina Valentine Summarizes 2023 in Just 12 Minutes

Other hot topics the Wild ‘n Out cast member rhymes about in the video above include Yung Miami’s love for golden showers, Rihanna’s iconic Super Bowl Halftime performance (and subsequent pregnancy announcement), and Ja Morant’s troublesome stint with the NBA after flashing weapons on social media more than once. That was all in the first few months of the year, with events like the Montgomery brawl, Chris Brown and Usher’s alleged scuffle, and Keke Palmer’s baby daddy drama after wearing a sexy dress to the latter R&B’s Las Vegas residency all came after, and that doesn’t even touch on the second half of 2023.

Do you think Justina Valentine killed it on her “2023 Rap Up”? If yes, you can add the lengthy freestyle to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. For more HNHH release recommendations that will keep your NYE party lit, check out the latest update of our weekly Fire Emoji round-up at the link below.

Quotable Lyrics:

What a tangled web some have spun
Larsa Pippen out here dating Michael Jordan’s son
I know he inside the box like Roddy
Somebody better check on Scottie

[Via]

The post Justina Valentine Recaps The Year’s Biggest Ups & Downs On Her “2023 Rap Up” Freestyle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Metro Boomin’s “Heroes & Villains” Finishes As 2023’s Most Streamed Rap Album: Report

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Metro Boomin reportedly had the most streamed rap album of 2023 with his project, Heroes & Villains, according to OurGenerationMusic. The album earned 3.3 Billion streams on Spotify, making it the only hip-hop effort to cross the 3 billion mark. He dropped it as his second studio album on December 2, 2022.

Heroes & Villains was a star-studded release for Metro with features from John Legend, Future, Chris Brown, Don Toliver, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Young Thug, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Takeoff, and Gunna, among others. It debuted atop the US Billboard 200, with 185,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Metro’s third time doing so.

Metro Boomin & Future Attend Paris Fashion Week

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 17: (L-R) Producer Metro Boomin and Rapper Future aka Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn attend the “YSL Beauty Hotel” event during Paris Fashion Week Menswear Fall/Winter 2018-2019 on January 17, 2018, in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images for YSL Beaute)

Looking forward to 2024, Metro Boomin is hoping to continue his success after the new year. He has a long-awaited collaborative project with Future slated for release and recently teased another effort with Zaytoven as well. For the latter, he revealed on Twitter, earlier this week: “Me and @zaytovenbeatz probably got 100 [three flame emojis] beats by now. I got on here to ask you guys what artist should we do a tape with first but now I’m thinking maybe it should be a compilation tape of various artists over these masterpieces!” He added in a subsequent post: “The sound of these beats me and @zaytovenbeatz make together are so unique like nothing my ears have ever heard before. I think we need a name as a production duo.. any ideas?”

Metro Boomin’s “Heroes & Villains” Dominated 2023

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He doesn’t have a release date for either project, but Future confirmed that their project is “on the way” in a post on December 23. Metro has also revealed that he and Zaytoven have a track with Future ready to go. Be on the lookout for further updates on Metro Boomin on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Boldy James & Your Boy Posca Claim “They Vouching” On Grimy New Single: Stream

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As if Boldy James didn’t prove himself enough this year after a nasty car crash, he came through with the help of producer Your Boy Posca for one more excellent drop in 2023. Moreover, they just released the single “They Vouching,” the only digital release from their new project 1LB (One Lucky Bastard). It released exclusively on various vinyl and cassette variants through the Near Mint website, and some copies still remain at press time, so act fast to get yours in the mail soon. It’s a grimy cut that showcases the Detroit spitter’s excellent flows, rhyme schemes, and wordplay.

Furthermore, Your Boy Posca highlights this style with some ethereal flute samples, ambient synth tones, and a very light but crisp drum beat. Lyrically, Boldy James keeps finding new ways to rap about street life and its parallels with his skill in the rap game with a lot of vivid imagery, clever turns of phrase, and a cold, calculated, but hyper-focused demeanor. It’s a style that he easily dominates with nonchalant but impressive flows, which makes the content within once you peep past his monotone delivery that much more impressive. The 41-year-old displayed similar characteristics to equally quality results on this year’s projects Prisoner of Circumstance with producer ChanHays and Indiana Jones with producer RichGains.

Boldy James’ “They Vouching” With Your Boy Posca: Watch The Music Video & Stream

Meanwhile, he’s no stranger to physical-only releases, either. This year, Bo also came through with the physical-exclusive ADU with producer Real Bad Man, which comprised of a couple of tracks based on Sade samples. Given merch for 1LB, it seems like this will be a seven-track effort, plus the instrumentals, which suggests a no-frills and all-killer approach that “They Vouching” attests to. If you haven’t heard the song yet, find it on your preferred streaming service and check out some standout bars below. Also, check back in with HNHH for more great music releases around the clock and the latest news and updates on Boldy James.

Quotable Lyrics
Bo kicks through a clef note, I make the flow do aerobics,
The flow’s sick like strep throat mixed with pneumonia and COVID,
In high demand, back by popular vote, I was GOATed,
It’s game time, but don’t need no remote control to control it

The post Boldy James & Your Boy Posca Claim “They Vouching” On Grimy New Single: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“fukumean” Nabs Gunna This Incredible Streaming Milestone For Rap In 2023

December 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

When you think of the best hip-hop songs of 2023, there’s a lot of variety to pick from when it comes to styles and appeals. Of course, people want their hits, and many massive albums this year like Drake’s For All The Dogs and Travis Scott’s UTOPIA amassed staggering numbers. With all these highlights in mind from these huge names, you’d expect something like a “MELTDOWN” or a “First Person Shooter” to be the biggest streaming hits, right? Well, instead, Gunna’s “fukumean” off of his album a Gift & a Curse ended up being the most streamed rap song of 2023 in the United States.

Furthermore, this isn’t so much surprising as it is just a curious and emblematic development when you look at the state of 2020s hip-hop. New sounds are replacing old ones as they bubble up to the top, and artist like Gunna who’ve built their career in the mainstream for years are now entering its highest echelons. We also can’t say this isn’t a deserved accolade. “fukumean” is hands-down the catchiest and most structurally engaging song on his project, even if you don’t care for the persistent “ee-yah!” vocal sample.

Gunna’s “fukumean” Dominated Hip-Hop Streams This Year

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With over 400 million streams across all digital streaming platforms in 2023, this track can now officially call itself the biggest rap hit of the year. What’s more is that, through recent live performances and surely more to come, Gunna has ample opportunities to celebrate this feat and his career trajectory as a whole. Not only that, but he’s also making sure to stay grounded in the collective that, although strained now due to their RICO case and his plea deal, gave him this shot at stardom. For example, during the College Park native’s recent Dubai show, he shouted out Young Thug and advocated for his freedom during his rendition of their track “Hot.”

Meanwhile, that conversation dominated a good chunk of the year, but now took more of a backseat. With Thugger’s father defending Wunna against his new opps in the game, people are split on how to interpret the state of their relationship. All we can say for sure is that there’s a chance he’ll come through with the biggest rap song of 2024, too. On that note, stick around on HNHH for more news and the latest updates on Gunna.

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Tyler, The Creator’s Favourite Songs Of 2023 Include Lil Yachty’s “Gimme Da Lite” & His Own “DOGTOOTH”

December 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Tyler, the Creator is still in the early years of his 30s, but already, the multi-talent is loving life significantly more than he did in the decade before. Ahead of the new year, he’s among those feeling in a reflective mood, taking time to type out a list of his favourite songs from the past 12 months. It’s worth noting that not all of the tracks are brand new releases – in fact, most of them are throwbacks, beginning with salute’s “Colourblind” featuring ABRA, which came out over eight years ago.

Titles on Tyler’s list that did actually arrive in 2023 include “NuWhip” from Paris Texas, “b 4 we kiss goodnight” by Tammy Lucas, and Lil Yachty’s collaboration with Southside on “Gimme Da Lite.” The 32-year-old also mentions his own release from this spring, “DOGTOOTH,” a previous cut from his Call Me If You Get Lost LP. Besides those, he also mentioned “Ponteio” by Astrud Gilberto, “Time Million” from Feater, and John Kirby’s “The Quest of Chico Hamilton,” all of which were made anywhere from a few years to decades ago.

Tyler, The Creator Gives Himself & Other Artists Flowers For Their Work This Year

Tyler’s final picks of the year are Jordan Ward’s “White Crocs,” Mach Hommy’s “Self Luh,” and Tete de Bahia’s “Duplo Sentido.” In his Twitter replies, many of the OFWGKTA alum’s followers are happy to see him showing love to Yachty, who he previously tapped for a new le FLEUR project, as well as Ward, though some feel that “FamJam” was a better song than Tyler’s pick. “No way [you] put [your] own s**t up there ,” one user teased the always-confident entertainer.

The California native’s choices are far less mainstream than the average music listener, but we would expect nothing less of him. Are any of Tyler, the Creator’s top 2023 picks on your personal list too? Let us know in the comments, and check out HNHH‘s 40 Best Rap Songs of the year round-up at the link below.

Read More: 40 Best Rap Songs Of 2023

[Via]

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Kenny Mason Extends “Facts” With A Killer New Verse For His Latest Single: Stream

December 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

When you talk about the most versatile and talented artists in hip-hop right now, you’d be a fool to leave Kenny Mason out of the lineup. He’s been making incredible music for almost a decade now, and always finds new ways to incorporate Southern trap flavors, alternative rock, grunge, and much more under the sun. Recently, the West Atlanta native brought us a short but impactful set of three songs on his HIGHWAY 9 EP, holding us over until his next full-length. Particularly, it seems like he and fans alike developed a special affinity for the track “FACTS,” thanks to its moody fusion of languid and cold guitars with cavernous trap drums and woozy synths.

As such, Kenny Mason couldn’t help himself, and just dropped a visual for an extended version of “FACTS” with a third verse. Not only that, but the record also contains a perfect interlude between the last chorus on the original track and this new verse, led by brighter guitar licks before returning to its original downtrodden riff. Still, the 29-year-old raps with such conviction on this extra verse that it sounds borderline triumphant. Lyrically, he focuses on empathy for the streets and having to balance his “militant” roots with new dreams, aspirations, and goals. It’s a more fiery performance compared to the other two verses, and exactly the kind of blunt defiance that this catalog represents.

Kenny Mason’s “FACTS (EXTENDED VERSION)”: Stream

Meanwhile, with collaborations this year with the likes of Denzel Curry on “SKED” and many more, we hope that 2024 is an even better one for Kenny Mason. There’s simply too much quality so far to not expect greater things from him next, and we can’t wait to see what else he will craft and impress with next. If you haven’t heard the extended version of “FACTS” yet, find it on YouTube and check out some standout bars below. As always, keep checking in with HNHH for more great music releases around the clock.

Quotable Lyrics
I’m energized by the drugs, so feeling can’t walk to this beat on my own drum,
Now when I’m riding with drum extensions, now when that fire in my lungs,
It’s lifting my brain right out of my skull and twisting it, thought I kept all of these
Thoughts to myself, found out that angels above were listening

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