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Kendrick Lamar Embodies The Spirit Of 2Pac On The Story-Drive “GNX” Cut “Reincarnated”

November 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kendrick Lamar dropped off GNX on Friday morning, much to the shock and awe of fans all across the globe. Overall, this was not supposed to happen. We were not supposed to get a new Kendrick album until perhaps a couple of days before the Super Bowl. However, we were ultimately proven wrong. Lamar surprised his fans with a 12-track album, that some believe could be a mixtape before the “real” release, whatever that means.

Regardless, this project is fantastic and has a ton of sensational songs. From West Coast bangers to melodic r&b cuts, Kendrick gave us everything here. However, one song that has a lot of fans impressed, is “Reincarnated.” This is a song that features the beat from 2Pac’s track “Made N*****” which came off of the Gang Related soundtrack. Moreover, it features Kendrick rapping in some cadences that will immediately remind you of Pac. It’s a phenomenal tribute that comes with Kendrick’s signature storytelling. Throughout the song, we even hear Kendrick rapping from multiple perspectives, with reincarnation as a central throughline.

While fans are still trying to decipher the artists he is talking about, there is no doubt that this is one of his best songs. Even 15 years into his career, Kendrick is finding ways to innovate. Overall, this album is undeniably West Coast, and the references are appreciated. He just dropped a video for “Squabble Up” and again, the references are West Coast-heavy. One can only imagine the kind of Super Bowl halftime show he is about to put on.

Kendrick Lamar Raps From Different Perspectives On “Reincarnated”

Quotable Lyrics:

My present life is Kendrick Lamar
A rapper looking at the lyrics to keep you in awe
The only factor I respected was raisin’ the bar
My instincts sent material straight to the charts

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Wack 100 Viciously Attacks 2Pac’s Character In Scathing Rant

November 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Wack 100 loves to give his opinions no matter the situation. He’s a shoo-in to ruffle some people’s feathers as he tends to have some extremely divisive statements on big matters in hip-hop. One of those topics for Wack 100 is 2Pac. He’s made numerous comments about Keefe D‘s involvement with the iconic rapper’s murder, saying that Suge Knight was actually partially responsible. He also tried to pay for roughly 15% of Keefe’s bail but to no avail. On top of the storylines surrounding 2Pac’s death, Wack’s also been critical at times of the MC directly. He once made the bold claim that Will Smith has left a bigger impact on rap than the New Yorker.

“The only thing ‘Pac did better than Will was got killed better in real life. Other than that, he can’t f*** with Will on nothing. Music-wise, Will was hotter than ‘Pac. Will was hotter than ‘Pac before ‘Pac was hot — this a fact.” However, he’s apparently changing his tune on that music part of the argument in a recent clip from his show. But the compliments stopped there because Wack appears to have zero respect for 2Pac as a human being.

Wack 100 Has No Respect For 2Pac As A Man

Wack100 goes off on the legend 2pac Shakur pic.twitter.com/4JjJMfTsie

— joebuddenclips (@Chatnigga101) November 4, 2024

This had his entire panel of co-hosts baffled and frustrated with him, but as per usual, the manager stood his ground solo. In his lengthy eight-minute diatribe he labels the iconic figure as a “liar” and that everything about him is “flawed.” He also seemingly says he’s a fake gangster and that he’s nothing like what Ice Cube was for the West Coast hip-hop scene. The internet mostly disagrees wholeheartedly with Wack, but if you want to hear him out, check out the link above.

What are your thoughts on Wack 100 going in on 2Pac? Is he coming across as salty or is he speaking some truth? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Wack 100 and 2Pac. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

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A Posthumous Rich Homie Quan Album Could Potentially Be In The Works

September 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rich Homie Quan 2022 Revolt Summit (1024x437) — Getty Image

Since the sorrowful news of Rich Homie Quan’s tragic death, fans of the “Spin” rapper have continued to listen through his discography.

What is even more heartbreaking for fans is he had just wrapped up a new project shortly before his death, which could mean a posthumous album is on the way. This news is all according to the late musician’s father, Corey Lamar. On September 7, Lamar sat down with WSB-TV’s Michael Seiden to discuss his son’s life up to the last moments.

“We had just completed a 20- or 25-song project, and we were in the process of scheduling two video shoots off our project,” he said. “Quan has probably over 2,000 unreleased songs. But once he gets in a mode to record those songs become old to him. And when they become old he wants to focus on the new stuff. He has a catalog in the vault. He has a ton of music that the fans need to hear.”

So, who could fans expect to hear on the project should it ever be released? In the chat, Lamar shared that Rich Homie Quan just wrapped up collaborations with 2 Chainz and Plies.

Posthumous album are an extremely delicate situation. Still, many of rap’s fallen figures including Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Big Pun, DMX, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, and Pop Smoke’s estates approved the release of a project after the untimely deaths. Many of which of gone on to shift the culture.

California Legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, And Kendrick Lamar’s Music Made Its Way Into The State’s 2024 DNC Roll Call

August 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Snoop Dogg was one of the most talked about non-competing Team USA members. His advocacy reportedly earned him a hefty seven figure check. Before cashing checking for commentary work, the “Gin And Juice” rapper’s music brought home the bacon.

Today (August 20), at the 2024 Democratic National Convention his home state honored his early career. During California’s roll call, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, its delegates subtly paid tribute to several hip-hop legends from the Golden State. As Newsom delivered his speech (viewable here) to advocate for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, songs from California legends Dr. Dre, the late Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and of course, Snoop Dogg played in the background.

Although none of the living acts were present to perform their classic tracks, that didn’t stop viewers at home from performing karaoke to the instrumentals. Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” featuring Snoop Dogg, Tupac’s “California Love” featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” and “Not Like Us,” all made the state’s unofficial 2024 DNC playlist.

California wasn’t the only state to lean on hits from beloved natives. As a proud product of Atlanta, Lil Jon threw his support behind the Georgia delegates with a performance of his song “Turn Down For What” with DJ Snake.

Snoop Dogg Honors 2Pac with Limited Edition Death Row Records Cannabis Collection

July 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

When Snoop Dogg took over Death Row Records (DRR) in 2022 and launched Death Row Records Cannabis in January 2023, he vowed to restore the label to its former glory, championing artists, hip-hop, and cannabis culture. Today, that promise is being fulfilled by introducing a limited edition collection honoring one of DRR’s most legendary artists, 2Pac.

2Pac joined DRR in 1995 and swiftly became one of the most influential rappers ever. Beyond his music, 2Pac was a powerful voice for political and social change, using his platform to advocate for Black America. Significantly, Snoop Dogg chose 2Pac for DRR Cannabis’ inaugural artist collaboration. Their connection is rooted in a shared history that goes beyond the label, with 2Pac famously handing Snoop his first blunt, a story Snoop recalled as he inducted 2Pac into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

“That first blunt sparked a friendship that ran deep,” Snoop said of the relationship. “We’ll always have his music, but this is another way I can bring what was meaningful to 2Pac to his fans.”

Customers can choose from one of five strains: a crowd favorite, an Alien OG, and Take 1, Take 2, Take 3, Take 4 – phenotypes from the same parent genetics. Fans can vote for their favorite “Take” through a QR code, where the winning “Take” will cut the exclusive and permanent 2Pac collection, due out this fall. In addition to the jarred flower, customers will receive one of four never-before-released collectible photos of 2Pac in front of a DRR graffiti-covered wall, as well as a DRR matchbook recreated precisely from the shoot.

This exclusive release will initially be available in select California dispensaries by Friday, July 19th, with a planned release in Michigan through their partner, Pleasantrees, later this year. Fans eager to collect all the photos can go to deathrowcannabis.co to find the closest retail store offering the special commemorative product.

For more information about this collection, please visit deathrowcannabis.co.

The post Snoop Dogg Honors 2Pac with Limited Edition Death Row Records Cannabis Collection first appeared on The Source.

The post Snoop Dogg Honors 2Pac with Limited Edition Death Row Records Cannabis Collection appeared first on The Source.

2Pac Murder Suspect Keefe D Secures $750K Ahead Of Bail Hearing

June 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In September of last year, Duane “Keefe D” Davis was arrested for his alleged involvement in 2Pac’s tragic murder. While he’s not believed to have pulled the trigger back in 1996, he’s accused of having orchestrated the drive-by. He denies this and pleaded not guilty to one count of murder with a deadly weapon in November.

He’s currently awaiting his trial, which is expected to begin later this year following various delays, from behind bars at a Las Vegas County Jail. Next week, however, he’ll learn whether or not he’ll be able to wait things out at home. His bail hearing is currently scheduled for June 25, and it appears as though he’s feeling hopeful. According to court docs recently reviewed by AllHipHop, he’s already secured the $750K he needs to potentially post bond.

Keefe D’s Bail Hearing Scheduled For June 25

2Pac Murder Suspect Keefe D Secures $750K Ahead Of Bail Hearing — (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Keefe D has maintained his innocence since his arrest, despite having admitted to his alleged involvement in 2Pac’s murder in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend. He now says that the content of the book was purely written for entertainment purposes, as well as financial gain. “The truthfulness of the content of the interviews was never verified,” his team argues. “The book and interviews were done for entertainment and to make money from a situation that [former LAPD detective Greg] Kading and others had already profited from.”

Law enforcement officials aren’t so sure, however. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Lt. Jason Johansson alleges that Keefe D was “the shot caller” of the group responsible for the shooting. “He orchestrated the plan that was carried out,” he stated. What do you think of Keefe D securing $750K ahead of his bail hearing? Are you surprised or not? What about his upcoming trial? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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DJ Envy Explains Why He Was First NY DJ To Play 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up”

June 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DJ Envy goes back to the golden age of hip-hop. He was mentored by DJ Clue, and made a name for himself on the mixtape circuit before becoming one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club. DJ Envy is best known for his radio commentary these days, but he was spinning records during the peak of the 2Pac and Biggie feud in the mid-1990s. He’s a New York native, which made his recent revelation about the feud, and the role he played in it, so surprising. Envy claims to be the first DJ to throw on ‘Pac’s diss on NY radio.

DJ Envy dropped this bombshell during a recent interview with AllHipHop. He was on the side of Biggie and New York, but he told the outlet that he made a point of spinning 2Pac’s scathing diss “Hit ‘Em Up” whenever he could. His reasoning? It was a way to stand out in a crowded field. “I got that record first, and it was like I know a lot of DJs weren’t going to play it,” he reasoned. He cited names like Kid Capri, Craig G, and even his mentor, Clue, as people who were firmly against the concept of giving ‘Pac air time. “At the time,” he admitted. “I was behind everybody… And I was like, ‘I need to get my foot in the door.’”

DJ Envy Leveraged The Song To Boost His Profile

The gambit worked. DJ Envy threw “Hit ‘Em Up” on his mixtapes, and the attention that the song got, both good and bad, worked to his benefit. “I was like ‘I’m gonna play this record’ and then we’ll go from there,” he recalled. “We’ll see what happens. So, they gave me the record and I said, ‘This is going to be one of the biggest mixtapes ever.’” DJ Envy did acknowledge the danger that came with giving air time to the West Coast. He also noted that 2Pac and Biggie were irritated by the decision. Still, a way in is a way in. “It went crazy,” Envy recalled. “At the time, I know Big and Puff was mad. But I was getting my foot in the door and it was music. And that’s where it started.”

DJ Envy’s promotion of the 2Pac and Biggie feud is fascinating when placed in contrast to his opinion on the recent Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. While Breakfast Club co-host Charlamagne tha God labeled it the greatest battle of all time, Envy was underwhelmed. The DJ took issue with the spreading of what seemed to be false information. “Is there any proof of the rap? No,” he asserted. “I think both sides are corny with it. It’s very dangerous… I just wanted to see a rap battle.”

[via]

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Common Thought His Ice Cube Beef Was Going To End In Violence

May 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Common may have a reputation for being a conscious rapper, but he had no problem going at those who question his pen. He spent years going back and forth with Ice Cube over a perceived diss in his classic single “I Used to Love H.E.R.” Cube fired at Com with the seminal Westside Connection heater “Westside Slaughterhouse,” and then Common responded with the Pete Rock-produced “The B*tch In Yoo.” Great songs across the board, but things reached such a fever pitch by the late 90s that Com was concerned about the next step.

The Chicago rapper recalled his feelings on the matter during a recent appearance on 7PM In Brooklyn. He revealed that something went down between him and Cube in-person in 1995, which pushed things in an unexpected direction. “We had a little confrontation in Atlanta and this was like ’95,” he recalled. “At that point we had a little confrontation. And I was like, ‘Man, this might get ugly.’” Common credited three things with helping to close the book on the beef by 1997. The first two things were the deaths of Biggie and 2Pac following their battle. The third was the encouragement from the Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan.”

Common And Ice Cube Have Become Close Friends

The truce between Common and Ice Cube took place at the Nation of Islam headquarters in Chicago. The event was attended by rappers from all coasts, many of whom were involved in beef at one time. Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, Mack 10, and Tha Dogg Pound were some of the most notable names. Common told the hosts that he remains grateful for Minister Farrakhan, and Ice Cube’s willingness to bury things. He assured listeners that him and Cube are close to this day. They even co-starred in Barbershop: The Next Cut together.

Common, who’s working on his next album with the man who produced his Cube diss, Pete Rock, is proud of the fact that he avoided violence. “Ultimately, I felt good that we kept it on wax,” he noted. “It was getting to that point with me and Cube. Because they was looking at me like, ‘Oh, Common’s just the backpack dude.’”

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Questlove Clarifies 2Pac “Hit Em Up” Comments Following Internet Backlash

May 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Because of Kendrick And Drake’s enticing back and forth, everyone has been thinking about rap beef recently. Unsurprisingly, that included someone whose done as much thinking about hip-hop as anybody, Questlove. The multi-medium artist and rap historian appeared to make some surprising comments about one of the great diss tracks in rap history, 2pac’s “Hit Em Up.” But after his supposed comments made the rounds online he returned to social media to clarify.

He wanted fans to know he certainly doesn’t think the track is anywhere near the weakest diss track ever. “Let’s be clear on the context I was speaking of aight? lol woke up to a grip of “what did Dennis Edwards/Pac do to you?!” texts. I’m speaking of the musical backdrop of that record ‘Hit Em Up’” the caption of his Instagram post reads. In the post itself, he revealed that the viral comments were taken out of context and he was actually talking about the song that was interpolated into the song. He describes the reporting of his comments as a weird game of telephone and warns people not to “Don’t take my ish outta context.” Check out his new post refuting earlier claims below.

Questlove Clears Up Confusion Over 2pac Comments

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A post shared by Questlove (@questlove)

Fans weren’t that surprised by what Quest had to say about “Hit Em Up” given other comments he’s made recently. He reacted to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef by claiming that “hip hop is dead.” He took issue with their arms race to insult each other as much as possible and even claimed that the very idea of a diss track is antithetical to hip-hop. Those comments also had fans buzzing about what their favorite disses actually mean to rap music.

What do you think of Questlove circling back on his comments about 2pac’s “Hit Em Up” to make sure fans knew what he meant? Do you agree with him that diss tracks aren’t actually in the spirit of hip hop? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Fat Joe Doesn’t Think Kendrick Lamar Will Respond To Drake: “That’s Over”

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fat Joe is an industry legend. He’s been around for decades, beefed with some of the best rappers of all time, and lived to tell the tale. He knows a thing or two about beef protocol, which makes his remarks on the Drake versus Kendrick Lamar battle all the more insightful. The “Lean Back” rapper got on IG Live to discuss Drake’s AI-generated diss, and determine whether Lamar still has a fighting chance to win the battle. He had a mixed opinion on the former, but he made his stance clear on the latter. As far as he’s concerned, K. Dot has already lost.

Fat Joe made it clear that he doesn’t prefer one artist over the over in the battle. “I got no horse in this game,” he asserted. “I wish they would all get along.” He did, however, make it clear that he feels Drake came out on top. He pointed to the fact that Drake rattled off two diss tracks in the span of two weeks, while Lamar has failed to put out a proper response. “I don’t think Kendrick’s cooking up,” he admitted. “It didn’t take him three-four weeks. I think that’s over.” Joe’s comments are not unique among hip-hop insiders. Many are waiting on Lamar to come back, and fear that he won’t complete the battle that he effectively started with “Like That.”

Fat Joe Believes That K. Dot Waited Too Long

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Drake’s second diss, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” has been another major talking point. The rapper was forced to take the song down after 2Pac’s estate threatened legal action. The estate claimed that the 6 God’s antics were a “blatant abuse” of the late rapper’s legacy. Fat Joe was much more complimentive of what Drake did, and even went as far as to say it pushed the boundaries for rap beef. “I thought it was creative,” he noted. “Using the AI 2Pac, pushing the envelope.” Joe may be displaying a bit of bias in this instance, however.

The New York rapper bumped heads with 2Pac at the height of the West Coast-East Coast beef in the 1990s. During an interview with Cam Capone News, Joe went as far as to claim that he made a collab “diss” album with The Notorious B.I.G. The latter died before it could be completed. “We made a bunch of songs,” he recalled. “But it was like really disrespectful and hateful and so [Biggie] died and ‘Pac died. They might have burnt them sh*ts, to be honest with you, ’cause you know, it was distasteful after the fact.” Joe’s experience lends credence to his desire to see Drake and Lamar smooth things over.

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