a gift & a curse Archives - Page 2 of 3

LeBron James Shows Love To Gunna On Instagram: “Back At It!”

July 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Gunna’s a Gift & a Curse is poised to be one of the biggest hip-hop moments of 2023, if not one of its most successful. Not only did it create a lot of buzz given the rapper’s legal situation, but it also contained a nice number of hits that resonated with fans. Moreover, the tracklist all starts with “back at it,” which opens the album up with a minimal guitar-led instrumental while the YSL affiliate introduces his lyrical themes of betrayal, loyalty, and perseverance. Clearly, that song hit hard for a lot of people, even if there are other cuts on there that are more bonafide bangers. What’s more is that even some of the world’s biggest stars are really enjoying Wunna’s work, and making notable moments as a result.

Furthermore, LeBron James just posted “back at it” on his Instagram Story, with him simply writing “Back at it!” on a black background as the song plays. Of course, the NBA legend often shouts out some of his favorite artists, songs, and albums on his social media. Other contenders throughout his storied career include “March Madness” by Future, Kendrick Lamar, and a lot of other great picks. Now Gunna’s on that list even if he got a little late to the party, even if that actually just shows that the tracklist lasts.

LeBron James Shouts Out Gunna

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In other LeBron James news, he recently coached his son Bryce at the Peach Jam, one of the biggest events of the Nike EYBL. While many saw this as just a wholesome family and sports crossover, others believe that this could actually be a more predictive moment. After all, James at least spoke about thinking a lot about retirement following the Los Angeles Lakers’ exit from the NBA playoffs this year. Whether he stays to play with his son Bronny remains to be seen, but many think that he could end up being a coach in the future regardless of what the timeline is.

Meanwhile, the “fukumean” MC is still riding high off of the success of a Gift & a Curse. At the midpoint of the year, many online believe that he might have the best rap album of 2023 so far. Let us know if you agree with that in the comments, but you can’t deny that it caused a lot of conversation. Still, for more news and the latest updates on LeBron James and Gunna, log back into HNHH.

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Clip Of Gunna Meeting “fukumean” Producer Dunk Rock Circulates

July 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A clip of Gunna first meeting producer Dunk Rock is circulating the internet. In the clip, the producer is seen holding up a cardboard sign while he waits outside of Gunna’s recording studio. Gunna pulls up to Dunk Rock in his car, chatting with him briefly. Dunk Rock tells him that he produced the melody of his 2020 Wunna track, “COOLER THAN A B*TCH” featuring Roddy Ricch alongside Tre Pounds.

Dunk Rock has now gone on to produce the rapper’s a Gift & a Curse song “fukumean,” the top performing track of the record. Social media users were quick to share their thoughts on the clip. Some users called the clip “motivational,” while others noted that it’s unfortunate he had to go to those lengths to be recognized. Today (July 5), Gunna dropped a new accompanying music video for “fukumean.” In the video, he’s seen partying with several women on a yacht, smoking weed, and rolling in cash. Despite ongoing drama, he appears to be doing well based on the new music video.

Dunk Rock Holds A Sign Outside Gunna’s Studio

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The artist’s recently-released album has been successful so far, selling 83k in its first week. 11 of the album’s songs also landed in the Billboard Hot 100, leading to chatter about the album being a potential contender for Album Of The Year. Gunna recently took to social media to thank his fans for supporting the new LP.

a Gift & a Curse was also released amid allegations that Gunna “snitched” on Young Thug during the YSL RICO trial. The controversy has been discussed by several of Gunna’s peers, including Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Boosie Badazz, and more. Many of his previous collaborators have also labeled Gunna a “rat.” Fans looked forward to gaining some insight on the allegations when Young Thug recently dropped his new album, BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, from prison. The release of Young Thug’s album also started a debate on which artist has the better LP.

[Via]

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Young Thug Versus Gunna: Which Album Is Better? Twitter Debates

June 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Over the past week, we saw two incredibly hyped albums come out amid a lot of drama and speculation. a Gift & a Curse by Gunna came out on June 16, and just a week later, Young Thug dropped BUSINESS IS BUSINESS. Considering both artists’ history together, their incarceration for the YSL RICO case, and Wunna’s subsequent plea deal, these two release being so close to one another come with a lot of baggage. Of course, many enjoy both to great extent, but social media sites like Twitter have been warring over which one is the superior body of work.

For starters, many lamented the fact that neither MC appeared on the other’s album, which many thought would confirm that they’re still on good terms. Regardless, when you search “Young Thug Gunna” on Twitter, most tweets side with a Gift & a Curse. “Sorry but this new Young Thug album doesn’t even compete to Gunna’s album,” one user wrote. Another made note of the College Park MC’s important contributions to other career highlights. “Young Thug & Lil Baby’s biggest songs both feature Gunna…” they tweeted.

Twitter Debates Gunna & Young Thug’s Albums

Me continuing to enjoy Young Thug, Gunna & Lil Baby while everyone argues who’s better pic.twitter.com/xO3gxpwu89

— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) June 23, 2023

On the other hand, many people started praising Gunna’s album just minutes after BUSINESS IS BUSINESS came out, not even enough time to listen to the whole thing. In addition, others took the opportunity to explain why it’s hard to compare them, especially within mere hours of Thugger dropping. “Well gunna did have a year to prepare, got out and recorded all new material,” one user pointed out. “These thug songs are obvious throwaways and loose songs from “punk”. Is it illegal to just enjoy them both damn.”

Finally, many who believe Thug’s album is better have the obvious argument of him influencing Gunna greatly. “Young Thug made Gunna. Don’t forget that,” one person tweeted. Regardless of their speculated falling-out, the albums are stylistically distinct enough to make it more of a question of personal preference. One has more expressive vocals, the other has more laidback instrumentals, but only one can be better than the other. Check out some takes below, let us know yours in the comments, and return to HNHH for more on Gunna and Young Thug.

More Takes On BUSINESS IS BUSINESS Versus a Gift & a Curse

Gunna PR team the best in the world because their is no way people are tryna to convince me this Young Thug album is mid or worse than Gunna’s project

— Quin (@notquinci) June 23, 2023

Me switching between Young Thug and Gunna’s albums because he didn’t snitch on me pic.twitter.com/CHgY80yt8B

— . (@sedthe10th) June 23, 2023

Young Thug called up the hip-hop Avengers and still couldn’t make a better album than Gunna by his lonesome.

Law abiding citizens up 30 at half.

— mo njoku. (@theintlfiles) June 23, 2023

Those of y’all saying that Gunna’s “a Gift & a Curse” is better than Young Thug’s “Business is Business” are just silly

— Camden Scott (@CamdenxScott) June 23, 2023

Its terrible and people that say its good rlly only coping cus they expected something crazy, gunna out did him with 0 features

— F (@Lol51530196) June 23, 2023

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Gunna’s “a Gift & a Curse” First Week Sales Projections Surface

June 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The way that the music industry has been treating Gunna over the past few months, it’s seemed as though the Georgia native would never be able to sell a record again. Despite all the critics though, he made a triumphant return this past New Music Friday (June 16) with his featureless a Gift & a Curse album. Thus far, listeners have shown the most love to “bread & butter,” which previously landed as a single, as well as “fukumean” and “back to the moon.”

Throughout his 15-song tracklist, Gunna addresses the countless snitching allegations that have racked up against him. He also makes it abundantly clear that he’s focusing on succeeding musically, the same way he was before the YSL RICO indictment last year. Despite his music causing clubs in Atlanta to come to a “complete stop” lately, the newly reported first week sales projections for a Gift & a Curse are actually quite impressive.

Akademiks Reveals Gunna’s Projected First Week Sales

Gunna ‘A Gift & A Curse’ is on pace to sell 78K first week.

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) June 20, 2023

According to DJ Akademiks, Gunna is on pace to move 78K album-equivalent units. His last project, January 2022’s DS4Ever did nearly double that, with 150K units sold, ultimately beating out The Weeknd for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts at the time by only 2.3K. It seems unlikely that a Gift & a Curse will come out on top, but it could make an appearance in the top 10 if things continue to turn in the embattled artist’s favour. Other new arrivals he’s up against include Killer Mike’s MICHAEL, Kiana Lede’s Grudges, and 6ix9ine’s surprise Reggaeton effort, Leyenda Viva.

While he waits for the final first week numbers to come in for his latest LP, Gunna has been keeping us entertained with a collection of music videos that help to tell his story. On Monday he delivered “i was just thinking,” and today he returned with “idk nomore” See that for yourself at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

[Via]

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Gunna Paces A Padded Cell With Clones In “idk nomore” Music Video

June 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Gunna simply couldn’t catch a break in the first half of 2023. For months on end, accusations of snitching were being thrown his way consistently by contemporaries. Last weekend Gunna dropped off a Gift & a Curse, on which he markedly reflects on the treatment he’s received since returning home from jail. He’s obviously been having a hard time connecting with his former collaborators. Still, many fans have praised the fashion lover’s noticeably different appearance, which he’s proudly showing off in various music videos accompanying his surprise new album.

So far, the embattled artist has shared a trio of visuals for the 15-track project. The latest landed on Tuesday (June 20) for title three, “idk nomore.” While the official song on DSPs spans nearly three minutes, today’s video comes in at just 70 seconds. It sees Gunna aimlessly wandering around a padded cell while singing along. Camera effects add in cloned versions of him, and they grow increasingly frustrated as their time locked up stretches on. Seeing as the DS4EVER hitmaker was behind bars recently, it’s likely a reference to his own YSL RICO jail stint.

Gunna Returns with Another Visual

“Duckin’ the law, I ain’t trustin’ no one at all / I know that when you shine they wish some days will be dark,” Gunna reflects on the chorus. “And I know there be a time you really show who you are / We burned the bridge and cut the ties and we forever apart.” It hasn’t gotten him back in everyone’s good graces. Nevertheless, a Gift & a Curse has resolidified Gunna’s status as one of the most attention-grabbing creatives coming out of Atlanta. Hopefully his new releases won’t cause clubs in the area to come to a standstill as we’ve seen in the past.

Which of Gunna’s new music videos has been your favourite so far, “back to the moon,” “i was just thinking,” or “idk nomore”? Tap into the latter on YouTube above, then share your thoughts in the comments. For more HNHH release recommendations, make sure to check back in this upcoming New Music Friday.

[Via]

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Gunna Shares “i was just thinking” Music Video Following New Album

June 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Gunna is obviously happy to have his freedom back after spending months behind bars awaiting trial on RICO charges. Since coming home, the DS4EVER artist has sadly become something of an outcast in the world of rap. Many who previously embraced Gunna have now turned their backs on him. In face, some have even gone so far as to accuse the YSL artist of snitching on Young Thug. While the So Much Fun hitmaker remains in jail, his frequent collaborator made a triumphant comeback with his new a Gift & a Curse album on Friday (June 16), which is now being followed with a music video.

Gunna unleashed the visual for “i was just thinking” on Monday (June 19) afternoon. The southern star – usually known for taking bold fashion risks – keeps it simple in the footage. He confidently raps over the Aviator Keyyz, Rick Anthony, and Sammy Haig-produced track in an all-black outfit. “I was just thinkin’ ’bout the times I was hard-headed / Thought it was right all along, I was misled,” he reflects.

Gunna Keeps it Simple in His Latest “a Gift & a Curse” Visual

“All this weight on my back feelin’ so heavy, these boys claim they want war, well, I’m war ready / I had to bake cake for the boy ’cause he playin’ petty,” Wunna continues, making it clear he’s heard the allegations from his haters. “I done gained a whole lot of more opps, now I’m home / Ni**as’ nose all in mine, don’t know how to mind they own / 23 and one, how you feel when you alone?” his bars continue, causing some serious reflection amongst hip-hop heads.

Check out Gunna’s new visual for “i was just thinking,” which follows last week’s “back to the moon” music video, on YouTube above. Do you think the Georgia-born rhymer’s latest project has helped him beat the snitching allegations piling up against him? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

[Via]

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Gunna Floats On “a Gift & a Curse” Highlight “fukumean”

June 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

a Gift & a Curse has plenty of highlights, and it’s a tracklist that people will most likely be dissecting for the next few weeks. Moreover, a lot of this is owed to the reflections on betrayal, Gunna’s place in the game, and people speaking down on him laced throughout on tracks like, for example, “turned your back.” However, that’s not to say that the YSL affiliate doesn’t bring the bangers to the table, as well. One particular standout that people latched onto (if streaming numbers indicate anything) is “fukumean.” It’s a classic Wunna-style cut that sees the artist fall into a focused and fiery pocket.

As far as the College Park MC’s performance, his flow on here plays to his strengths, and it’s one he’s proven to rock with each song. Furthermore, his easy switch-ups between measured lines and faster rhymes make each stanza more enjoyable to experience. Lyrically, his focus is more hedonistic this time around: the fame, the money, the girls, and his unrivaled status in the streets and in the game. To be fair, if Gunna didn’t go deeper on these themes on other tracks, some lines here might seem tone-deaf considering the conversation around his snitching allegations. But regardless, he gives listeners a reason to perk their ears up with catchy vocalizations and a killer beat.

Gunna Asks “fukumean” On a Gift & a Curse

On that note, the production takes advantage of a quintessential Gunna combo: flute melodies with some lightly plucked strings and piano with some added group ad-libs that give the song its title. Ultimately, the deep bass hits, shifting hi-hat patterns, and sharp snare turn this peaceful sonic pallet into a heater. It’s a good thing that, despite all the focus on the 30-year-old’s more meaningful content, he reached a balance between the personal and the effortlessly listenable on this album. You can find a Gift & a Curse on your preferred streaming service and peep some notable lines down below. Also, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Gunna.

Quotable Lyrics
I let her run through a million, I rock with her really, let’s fuck on a billion
I’ma get down to the gritty, then fuck up the city, the home of the villains
Ecstasy, wonderful feelin’
Smoke out the pound when I’m chillin’
Trappin’, I made me a killin’
Look, I got everybody wishin’

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Gunna Feels Betrayed But Resilient On “turned your back”

June 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Gunna’s latest album a Gift & a Curse is easily one of the most anticipated and immediately talked-about rap projects of the year so far in the mainstream. Not only is the College Park MC beloved for his musical output over the years, but his plea deal in the YSL RICO case after months in jail caused a large debate around his status and whether he could be labeled a “snitch.” It’s something that will unfortunately follow him around in his career for the foreseeable future. However, with this new set of tracks, he takes a big step towards reclaiming an elevated status in the game. Some of that had to do with his response to that conversation, but much of it comes thanks to the effective songwriting, layered production, and compelling narratives on tracks like “turned your back.”

First, the instrumental here is among the most dynamic and detailed that the 30-year-old has tapped in quite some time. The track opens with a muffled and brooding set of percussion that’s eventually replaced by cleaner drums led by a sharp snare and subtle hi-hats. In terms the melodies and harmonic elements of “turned your backs,” Gunna employs a lot of techniques to convey the atmosphere. Whether it’s mournful guitars, harmonized and ethereal background vocals, plucked strings, soft piano, or haunting synth pads, there’s a lot to chew on here. For those critical of his typical sound, this may be a welcome display of sonic depth.

Gunna Stuns On “turned your back”

Then there’s the “Banking On Me” rhymer’s performance, which is similarly versatile. A harmonized chorus lands on a somber melody, complemented by more tuneful flows throughout his verses. Still, he speaks on topics of betrayal, disloyalty, and disappointment with a resigned focus and almost tender vocal approach. It’s not unlike anything he’s done before, and will be right in many’s comfort zone. Still, this joins the ranks of “back to the moon” as a serious highlight on a Gift & a Curse, albeit for very different reasons. Check the album out on your preferred streaming service and peep some notable bars down below. Let us know what you think of the project down in the comments below. Also, for the latest news and updates on Gunna, stay logged into HNHH.

Quotable Lyrics
Look at these dudes crossin’ they fingers, hopin’ that I fall
I paid my dues, looked out for n***as that was supposed to ball
I realized I didn’t read between the lines, oh
And I ain’t blind, had to open up my eyes and see it all

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