2023 album

LL Cool J Teases New Album In 2023

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As 2023 gears up for new music, many artists are letting us know there’s heat on the way. The latest to do so is LL Cool J, who promised fans a new album in 2023. Moreover, his last studio project was ten years ago, with 2013’s Authentic. Given his classic catalog and incredible impact, he set up big musical expectations for the year.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 07: LL Cool J attends SiriusXM and Pandora Playback with Mount Westmore including E-40, Too Short & Ice Cube at SiriusXM Studios on December 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Furthermore, he tweeted the announcement as part of his 55th birthday celebrations last Friday (January 14). While he didn’t directly acknowledge the big day, he shared a video of DJ Z-Trip gifting him a custom art piece. Also, he shared his big plans for the year and set himself up for a grand return.

“I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” the MC tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.”

Moreover, his previous album Authentic arrived five years after his swan song for Def Jam, Exit 13. While he was on the legendary label, he released a project every two or three years from 1987 to 2008.

Even though excitement is high for a long-awaited return, this isn’t the first time he’s teased it. In fact, he teased the release of G.O.A.T. 2 in various interviews in 2014, a sequel to his eighth studio project. Despite his absence in the music lane, he is still a monumental figure in hip-hop and found success in other lanes such as acting.

In 2018, he founded Rock The Bells, a brand focused on uplifting hip-hop culture and communities. Its namesake is LL’s 1985 hit of the same name. Through original content, business partnerships, merch, and more, they preserve the genre’s history and contributions. Most recently in August of 2022, they held the first Rock The Bells Festival. It featured Rick Ross, Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Scarface, Fat Joe, and many more.

Next, the brand’s eyes are set on the inaugural Hip Hop Experience Cruise to celebrate the art form’s 50-year history. In partnership with Sixthman, the Norwegian Pearl is hosting the cruise from Miami to The Bahamas from November 14th to November 17th this year. Still, performers haven’t been announced, but Trina and Trick Daddy will welcome guests with a concert as part of a kick-off party.

Are you excited for LL Cool J’s new album dropping in 2023? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for updates on hip-hop history and new releases.

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Lil Gnar Is Relentless On New Song, “Stonecrest”

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Atlanta rapper Lil Gnar is back with a new dense single, “Stonecrest.” After his previous track “Triple S,” produced by Chief Keef, Gnar clearly refined his skill set. Moreover, this track features absolutely relentless flows, lyrical depth, and a powerful music video. With all this in mind, this newest single is one of the most definitive and idiosyncratic Gnar tracks to date.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 24: Lil Gnar performs on stage during Rolling Loud at Hard Rock Stadium on July 24, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

While aggression and cold-blooded demeanors are nothing new in hip-hop, the 26-year-old processes them in his own way. For example, his rusty and rugged voice makes for a surprisingly engaging vocal performance, where his lines are more important than the hype behind them. There’s a certain weariness to his voice that may disinterest some listeners, but that makes his cutting lines all the more potent. Furthermore, it’s a style he already honed quite successfully on his debut 43B single, “Almighty Gnar” with Chief Keef.

Sosa signed Gnar to his 43B label, in partnership with RBC Records/BMG, back in June of 2022. Since then, the two aforementioned singles have done a lot to define his style and approach to trap music. On this track in particular, the Atlanta MC goes into themes of forgiveness, resilience, and redemption. Still, his focus is unwavering, his writing is sharp, and his style makes for some really compelling verses and beats.

What did you think of Lil Gnar’s latest single, “Stonecrest”? Moreover, did you get excited for his next album executive produced by Chief Keef, Gnar Life 2? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments and peep the music video and standout bars down below. If you haven’t heard “Stonecrest” yet, you can find the track on your preferred streaming service. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest great rap tracks and projects from its rising voices.

Quotable Lyrics

Lord forgive me for my sins, I was just tryin’ to win, fo’ sho’, sho’,
Every b***h with good pussy ain’t really good for your soul,
I done been in that bottom, I been slept on, been piss poor,
Pop my s**t daily, you damn right young n***a pissed off

NBA YoungBoy’s “I Rest My Case” Sells 30K Copies In First Week

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One of hip-hop’s most prolific artists continues to rake in numbers with each new release. NBA YoungBoy’s latest album, I Rest My Case, sold 30,000 copies in its first week according to HITS Daily Double. While some fans thought it was too derivative to be considered great, there’s no denying it made a splash. In other sales news, Coke Boys 6 by French Montana and DJ Drama sold 21,000 units. Meanwhile, Real Boston Richey’s Public Housing, Pt. 2 sold 15,000 copies.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Rapper NBA YoungBoy performs onstage during Lil Baby & Friends concert to promote the new release of Lil Baby’s new album “Street Gossip” at Coca-Cola Roxy on November 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

These albums joined the charts amid some of last year’s most enduring hot releases. SZA’s SOS still sits comfortably at the top, with smash hits like Midnights by Taylor Swift and Heroes & Villains by Metro Boomin close by. I Rest My Case cracked the top 10 at No. 9, falling between Lil Baby’s It’s Only Me at 8 and Harry Styles’ Harry’s House at 10.

Moreover, these numbers are relatively consistent with YB’s project output and the sales he makes from them. His previous mixtape Ma’ I Got A Family garnered 39,000 sales in its first week. While I Rest My Case netted three quarters of that, it also dropped during the holiday season with not as much promotion or hype behind it. However, it represents YB’s lowest sales since his career got off the ground. Through songs like “Black,” however, the Louisiana rapper definitely switched things up on this album with some new experiments in rage. So, even if it isn’t YoungBoy’s peak, he’s always pushing something forward with each project.

Also, it seems the 23-year-old took even more steps to change. Recently, he hopped on a FaceTime call with Kodak Black, seemingly squashing their beef. In addition, he reportedly got a marriage license with Jazlyn Mychelle, with whom he shares two children. As one of the most enigmatic, divisive, but undeniably influential rappers working today, seeing his career evolve is more gratifying than ten million copies.

What do you think of these first-week numbers from NBA YoungBoy, French Montana, and Real Boston Richey? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest releases, discussions, and numbers in hip-hop.

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Black Thought Announces New Album

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Black Thought is still fresh off the release of his album from last year, Cheat Codes. The 12-track project finds him teaming up with eclectic producer Danger Mouse.

Boasting features from the likes of Raekwon, A$AP Rocky, Run The Jewels and more, it was certainly one of the better hip-hop albums of 2022. Additionally, it contains a posthumous feature from MF DOOM.

Black Thought of The Roots performs at Mass MoCA on July 8, 2022 in North Adams, Massachusetts. (Photo by Lisa Dragani/Getty Images)

Regardless, The Roots rapper is showing no signs of slowing down. The announcement that he’ll be dropping another new album soon came on Wednesday (January 11).

Titled Glorious Game, the new project is set to release on April 14. Along with the announcement, he subsequently dropped its lead single, “Grateful.” “They play the avenue of Amsterdam / With other pickpocketin’ thieves and gamblin’ men / And they just come at all the noodles, where resistance is futal / Business as usual, it’ll blow out your wigs like french poodles,” raps the 51-year-old in the new track.

Glorious Game will find the Philadelphia native teaming up with El Michels Affair for its entirety. Led by Leon Michels, the band is a cinematic soul group. Michels himself plays tenor saxophone, flute, keyboards, guitar, bass and percussion. Some of their other members include Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon and Thomas Brenneck.

El Michels Affair is best known for their 2009 LP, Enter The 37th Chamber, which is a live album that pays homage to the Wu-Tang Clan and their Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album from 1993.

Are you looking forward to hearing Black Thought’s new album? Comment your thoughts below. Finally, make sure you stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest music news and releases.

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Homeboy Sandman Drops Ethereal Album, “12 Days Of Christmas & Día De Los Reyes”

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Queens rapper Homeboy Sandman just released 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes, his new holiday project. Well, kind of: the theme may be based around Christmastime, but it’s still the same abstract word wizardry you’ve come to expect from him. Moreover, he dropped a single from this album every day leading up to its release starting on December 25th. With tracks like “Eighth Day of Christmas,” he built a concise and laidback collection of interesting beats and flows.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 06: Homeboy Sandman performs at Revolution on July 6, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images)

Each track corresponds to a “day of Christmas”: the first, second, and so on. However, wrapping up the tracklist is “Día de Los Reyes,” referring to the Christian holiday on January 6th. Moreover, it’s a nod to Homeboy’s Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Three Kings’ Day, as it’s known in English, is big in Latin America. So, with that in mind, the 42-year-old gave fans great hip-hop wrapped in a cultural history lesson waiting to be unearthed. Still, even with that extra layer, his style and delivery is too skillful to ignore.

On that note of great hip-hop, the instrumental variety is rich on here despite its narrow theme. While Sandman doesn’t focus on overtly holiday-related topics, each song could be a gift to fans of abstract styles of rap. “Second Day of Christmas,” for example, features a heavy guitar-based beat that slams through the speakers. Meanwhile, the very next track “Third Day of Christmas” is a Madlib-like collection of bustling drums and a heady and sprawling verse. Also, he displays a similar creativity on his album with the Oakstop Alliance, Royalty Summit.

Still, what did you think of Homeboy Sandman’s latest album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, you can check out the project’s tracklist down there as well. Moreover, as always, stay posted to HNHH for more creative releases in the hip-hop realm and beyond.

Tracklist

  1. First Day of Christmas
  2. Second Day of Christmas
  3. Third Day of Christmas
  4. Fourth Day of Christmas
  5. Fifth Day of Christmas
  6. Sixth Day of Christmas
  7. Seventh Day of Christmas
  8. Eighth Day of Christmas
  9. Ninth Day of Christmas
  10. Tenth Day of Christmas
  11. Eleventh Day of Christmas
  12. Twelfth Day of Christmas
  13. Día de Los Reyes

21 Lil Harold Shines On New Single, “Out Of Time”

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21 Lil Harold is preparing to have a busy year in 2023. Coming off a breakthrough year in 2022, the Slaughter Gang rapper is keeping his foot on the gas.

His mixtape, LARRY, arrived in March last year. Dedicating the project to his late friend, the deluxe version came just a month later, featuring “Good Times” with Offset. Along with tracks like “Robbin Season” and “Damn” with G Herbo, the Atlanta native showcases his storytelling abilities and unique delivery. Thanks to his infectious energy and candid reflection, it’s clear why he’s 21 Savage‘s protegé.

On Friday (January 6), 21 Lil Harold dropped off a brand new single, “Out of Time,” along with an accompanying video. The song further cements him as one of the most promising rising stars in the game.

Although the song clocks in at just under two minutes, the “Savage” rapper makes his presence known. A choir sample kicks off the new track before the booming 808s enter and Harold wastes no time in flexing. “500, Richard Millie / I can see me now, I’m turnin’ up my city / I got these young b*tches goin’ crazy, all these freak h*es / I know you gettin’ money back then, but your car repoed,” he raps with ease in the first verse.

His official debut album, After the Curse, is set to release next Friday (January 13). “Out of Time” serves as its third single, along with the aforementioned “Robbin Season” and “Damn.”

Make sure to stream 21 Lil Harold’s “Out of Time” on either Spotify or SoundCloud below. Comment your thoughts afterwards. Finally, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest releases.

Quotable Lyrics:

Got no respect for no sucka, no busta, no b*tch n*gga
Better hop down, b*tch, ’cause I’m a rich n*gga
Why your boyfriend stay mad?
‘Cause he ain’t it, n*gga

BabyTron Announces New Album With Single, “Mr. Hanky”

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Detroit’s rap prince, BabyTron, returned with a new single, “Mr. Hanky,” and with a new album announcement. The “Jesus Shuttlesworth” star announced that Bin Reaper 3: New Testament will drop next Friday, January 13th. With a slew of big-name features from Detroit and beyond, he heightened excitement with a menacing yet charismatic single. Also, this announcement marked his third project within the span of a year.

Moreover, this new album is not a deluxe or expanded version of his October effort, Bin Reaper 3: Old Testament. In fact, it’s 26 completely new BabyTron tracks featuring a host of big-name features. While the 22-year-old rarely collaborates with non-Detroit rappers, he’s switching that up on New Testament. Furthermore, this album will feature Lil Yachty, Rico Nasty, Remble, DaBoii, Cordae, Babyface Ray, and many more.

With all this in mind, “Mr. Hanky” got fans ecstatic with a menacing vocal chant sample and heavy pianos. Sure, it’s named after the Christmas Poo from South Park, but that’s just Tron’s sense of humor shining through. Moreover, he references Call of Duty, Shameless, the hip-hop game, and NBA players. While it’s funny, don’t let that distract you from Tron’s clever bars and undeniable charm.

“Mr. Hanky” came with a music video, specifically a “From The Block” performance on 4 Shooters Only. The Detroit MC rapped and smoked in a nice pink hoodie amid… toilet paper? Well, he sat on a golden toilet for his performance. Really gives his S**tty Boyz gang a whole new meaning.

Still, what did you think of BabyTron’s new single, “Mr. Hanky”? Moreover, are you excited for what’s to come on Bin Reaper 3: New Testament? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, you can check out some notable lyrics and the music video down there as well. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the exciting, fresh, and quality hip-hop we’re bound to get in 2023.

Quotable Lyrics

I’m pickin’ up what you put down like I got scavenger
I ain’t got no shame in my game, Frank Gallagher
Why they count me out? I shocked the world, supreme chancellor
Hundred in the clip, twenty-five each, ’cause he ridin’ around with three passengers

NBA YoungBoy Gearing Up To Drop First Album Of 2023 This Friday

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NBA YoungBoy was undeniably one of the most active rappers of the year in 2022. Successfully dropping eight tapes over the past 12 months, the 23-year-old was all over everyone’s playlists.

It seems as though he has his eyes on continuing this trend in 2023 as well.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again performs during JMBLYA at Fair Park on May 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

According to reports from Billboard, the Baton Rouge native will celebrate the first week of the new year by releasing his first offering of 2023. The album is titled I Rest My Case.

The official album cover is circulating on social media in anticipation of its arrival on streaming services on Friday (January 6).

Furthermore, the project will serve as YoungBoy’s first under his new label, Motown Records. He signed the deal in October last year and reports indicated that it would go into effect in 2023.

Following this news, the “Make No Sense” rapper claimed to be turning down large sums of money for potential tours. “I done found time for myself. Every $15 million tour come my way getting turned down. I don’t wanna do no show. I don’t want nothing but a bigger house. It gave me time for myself. My daughter know who I am, b*tch, I know who I am,” he flexes in the Instagram video.

The final of the aforementioned eight albums he released in 2022, was the 21-track Lost Files. Among the other seven are two joint projects with other rappers. The first of which is BETTER THAN YOU with Da Baby. The latter, released in November, is 3860 with Quando Rondo.

It will certainly be interesting to see how many more projects he drops off this year.

What was your favorite release from YoungBoy last year? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases.

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