advice

Meek Mill Gives Young Rappers Some Advice

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Philly-born rapper Meek Mill has made it big. The two-time platinum artist has never had an album chart lower than #3. He has become the face and voice of a generation of rappers. His last album, Expensive Pain, came out in 2021 and peaked at #3. He also released a mixtape, Flamers 5, in late 2022.

However, new rappers are always coming up. Arguably, the genre is in a golden generation, with the breakthrough of artists like Doja Cat and Ice Spice. But everyone has to start somewhere. Some people work their way up from Soundcloud, while others are lucky enough to get their voice in front of someone who matters. Now, a video has emerged showing a few young rappers getting some valuable lessons from Meek Mill himself.

Meek Mill Lets Kids Rap For Him

A video has appeared on social media, showing Meek Mill hearing the flows of a trio of young boys. The kid gives it his best shot and he’s not terrible, but he is still, after all, a kid. But Meek’s first piece of advice is about the young MC’s content. “Why y’all talking that crazy stuff? Y’all gotta rap about what you know.” It’s a twist on the classic “write what you know”. After all, you’re strongest when speaking from experience. When it comes to rap, there’s no point rapping about the hardships you’ve faced when you’ve not faced any. Even if you’re life has been good, there is always something to draw from.

The kid keeps going, with one of his friends backing up. Again Meek has advice. “You gotta tone down on your cuss words if you wanna get on Spotify, YouTube,” Meek can be heard saying. Is the video a little cringe? Sure. But these kids are getting an amazing opportunity. So many artists have to fail and find out for themselves when they try to break into the rap game. But this chance meeting with Meek Mill could change the way these kids approach music. Maybe one day we’ll be writing articles about them. Follow HotNewHipHop for all the latest music news and viral videos.

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Benny The Butcher Reveals Advice From Jay-Z

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Few artists in the hip-hop game have the experience, extracurriculars, and exceptional insight that Jay-Z boasts. While it’s far from the first time this happened, Benny The Butcher recently reflected on some key game that Hov spit during a link-up. Specifically, it had to do with Benny’s Griselda crew, the importance of brotherhood, and separating contracts from community. During a conversation on the My Expert Opinion podcast with Math Hoffa, the Buffalo MC spoke on when he signed a management deal with Roc Nation back in 2019. It’s clear that he has a lot of admiration for the Brooklyn legend, and a lot of appreciation for his wisdom.

“The thing about Hov, man, he is who he say he is,” Benny The Butcher remarked concerning Jay-Z and his indelible counsel. “He and Snoop, they remind me of each other. We had a bunch of conversations. He told me things that I didn’t want to hear, he told me things that I did want to hear- just all-around game. He was basically just telling me… basically trying to keep Griselda together.

Benny The Butcher Reveals Jay-Z’s Expert Opinion On Podcast

“Not saying that we was leaving, but he knew n***as’ contracts was up,” he continued. “And before that, me and him had a three-hour conversation. He was asking me my plans. He was like, ‘Ok, I’ma bust this move and see what we can do.’ He went back, we all kicked it. It just ain’t go that way… But just because I’m not signed to Griselda- I’m Big Griselda. And I explained that to him and he was like, ‘Man, people gonna interpret it different.’” Considering Jay-Z’s experience with Roc Nation, his perspective certainly means a lot.

Meanwhile, Benny The Butcher expressed a desire to take his relationship with Jay-Z to the next level during The Breakfast Club last year. “I’m dying for it,” he expressed. “My s**t is, I need me a Hov verse and I need that Roc-A-Fella chain. I’m auditioning for that Roc-A-Fella chain. I need my s**t.” With his next album coming soon, hopefully we see this partnership grow into something special on wax. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest on these two incredible MCs and more game from the hip-hop world.

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Nicki Minaj Shares Advice She’d Give Her Younger Self

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Nicki Minaj is on a roll right now, which should come as no surprise considering her dominance in the hip-hop game. Moreover, her recent remix of Ice Spice’s “Princess Diana” was a smash hit with both audiences and hardcore fans alike. In addition to her success, she often takes time on social media to talk with her die-hards and respond to questions or happening surrounding her online. One recent example was her reply to a fan who asked whether she ever wishes for a normal life. Also, she revealed the advice that she would give her younger self.

“Do you ever wish for a normal life?” the fan asked the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” star via Twitter. “If you could go back and tell your younger self anything what would it be?” Nicki Minaj’s answer was short, sweet, and surely inspirational for many out there, or at least motivating enough to keep their heads up. “I have everything I ever prayed for,” the rap star responded. “If I could tell my younger self something I’d say: ‘hang in there, one day you’ll have the best fans on earth.‘”

Nicki Minaj Would Tell Her Younger Self To “Hang In There”

Through her hard work and a strong connection to her fanbase, those words ring true. Not many other Standoms out there come close to the passion, sheer number, and prolific nature of the Barbz. Beyond that, the 40-year-old is also venturing into new areas of collaboration with artists outside of the rap game. For example, her recent appearance on Kim Petras’ “Alone” left the German artist befuddled. “It doesn’t feel real still,” Petras told Zane Lowe. “Her singing, ‘It’s Barbie and it’s Kim Petras,’ I cried. I was on the floor and then she calls me Kim Petty in it, which all my friends are like, ‘How do we not come up with that [in] our entire lives?’

“So she just changed my life in so many ways with that verse, and that verse rips,” she continued. “I love her and I’m so inspired by her always, it’s crazy to me. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s just the greatest ever. I’m so happy that she likes the song. We shot the music video together and [Minaj] was like, ‘Ugh, when I heard the song, I just loved it.’ And that just made me so happy. I feel like I’ve learned so much. I feel like I love her more. When the camera’s on, it’s crazy. She just goes into full superstar.” For more updates and news on Nicki Minaj, check back in with HNHH.

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Diddy’s Spicy Bedroom Advice Includes His R&B Playlist, Red Lighting, And No Phones

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Yung Miami recently announced that she and Diddy have gone their separate ways romantically, but they both seem to still be living their best lives. The City Girl recently spoke with The Cut about some of her major career moves as of late, along with her relationships, and is gearing up to drop new music with JT in the coming months. For his part, Diddy has been busy taking care of his baby girl, Love Sean Combs, to who cyber security specialist Dana Tran gave birth last year. The producer doesn’t appear to be officially dating his 28-year-old baby mama, though they do seem to have a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Aside from spending time with his seventh child, the “I’ll Be Missing You” hitmaker found time in his busy schedule to kick it with James Corden on The Late Late Show. Diddy joined him to drive around the city during the series’ beloved Carpool Karaoke series, during which he dished out some hot and heavy bedroom advice to the English host between belting out songs. When asked how little Love’s arrival came to be, the 53-year-old declared that it has something to do with his return to the music industry.

Diddy Gets NSFW on Carpool Karaoke

During his lovemaking sessions, Combs apparently listens to a perfectly curated R&B playlist which he described as”the Super Bowl of [the genre].” It’s notably made of throwback tracks from the ’90s when Puff was a much younger man. After hearing come of the details, Corden began piecing together what sort of vibe should be set, saying, “I go home, I light a candle…” Diddy promptly cut him off, going full dad mode to remind his friend of the dangers that can come from playing with fire. “You got to put the red light on, no candle,” he schooled James. “It may burn down the place.”

Another piece of advice the New York native had to offer is creating an “off-the-grid” environment while building up to sex, forgetting about phones and other technology. Would you follow any of Diddy’s bedroom tips, or do you have rituals of your own that work? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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YSL Codefendant Facing Mental Evaluation For Claiming Trump Gave Him Legal Advice

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The RICO trial of YSL and Young Thug just encountered yet another roadblock after Fulton County Chief Judge Ural Glanville ordered a mental evaluation of a codefendant. Moreover, YSL affiliate Jayden Myrick claimed to receive legal advice from former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. This followed various delays in the jury selection process, which is expected to take months to complete. Since January, the court has searched for jurors to evaluate the crimes and fates of Young Thug and 13 other codefendants. With this new development, the trial might take longer to get underway.

Furthermore, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Judge Glanville expressed concern for Myrick’s statements. Last month, his attorneys made a request for a hearing to establish the 22-year-old’s competency to represent himself in court. Said request came directly as a result of his wishes. “I’m not the regular inmate,” he reportedly stated during the hearing. “I be with Joe Biden and Donald Trump and they be talking to me. Donald Trump is going to get me out.” Afterwards, he struggled to make himself clear in the court’s eyes. “I have some serious concerns about his present competency,” the judge remarked after asking if he took medication.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation Of Codefendant In YSL Case

However, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Myrick did receive medical prescriptions, which included an antipsychotic. Still, the codefendant maintained that he doesn’t need treatment via said medication. “I don’t need the medication,” he allegedly told the court. Not only that, but he expressed dissatisfaction with his legal team, alleging that his defense wasn’t on his side.

Given these statements, Judge Glanville ordered a mental evaluation of Myrick within 48 hours. Moreover, this evaluation would determine whether the alleged YSL coconspirator is competent to stand trial among his cohorts. If the evaluation rules otherwise, his case could face separate trial so as to not cause further delays for his 13 codefendants. As such, perhaps this won’t affect the case’s timeline as the situation suggests. Despite those hopes, given how many twists and turns this case underwent, it’s not out of the question. For the latest updates on Young Thug and YSL’s RICO trial, come back to HNHH.

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Matt Barnes’s Advice To Ja Morant & NBA Players: “Don’t Tell On Yourself”

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As a former NBA star, Matt Barnes knows all too well the repercussions that arise from destructive behaviors. Whether those infractions occur on the court, on reality television, or surface online, it’s difficult for sports players to recover from the backlash. The beginning of 2023 shaped up to be a rough season for Ja Morant, but the young baller is determined to turn things around. Several basketball veterans have stepped forward with advice, and Barnes adds his name to the list of those with words of wisdom.

TMZ ran into the former Los Angeles Lakers star while he was out and about and asked him if he believed Morant could bounce back. “I hope so,” he said. “One of my favorite players in the league. I love Ja and what he brings to the table. You know, got a little ahead of himself with some stuff, and that happens when you’re young with the world in the palm of your hand. I just want to send him love, let him know we love him. We miss him. And we need him back.” The All the Smoke podcast host also dished out advice for other NBA players who may want to enjoy themselves a bit too much off-court. “Don’t tell on yourself, man.”

Matt Barnes Issues a Warning

“Watch out for cameras,” Barnes added. “It was a different—we were just talkin’ about in the interview. Everything is—the second you step out of your house, you’re being recorded these days. Stay cognizant and aware of your surroundings.” It’s advice Morant could have used before his unraveling of scandals unfolded. He was accused of brandishing a firearm during an altercation with a 17-year-old during a pick-up game. Later, the Memphis Grizzlies star flashed a gun while on Instagram Live. As if that wasn’t enough, amid the controversy, images of Morant receiving a lapdance, surrounded by cash, were leaked to social media.

In a recent interview with Jalen Rose for ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Morant seemed determined to prove naysayers wrong. “The gun wasn’t mine,” he told Rose. “It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I’ve taken responsibility for my actions. But in the future, I’m going to show everybody who Ja really is, what I’m about, and change this narrative that everybody got.” Check out more from Matt Barnes above, including his take on the Sacramento Kings.

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Dave East Says J. Cole’s Advice Helped Improve His Next Album

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Dave East has credited J. Cole for giving him key advice that has improved his upcoming album. Speaking with HipHopDX at the 2023 Grammy Awards, East explained how working with the Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper impacted his recording process.

“I took a lot from that,” he said. “Just his whole energy, you know what I mean? For him to be who he is at the level he’s at and give me that game like that, give me that little bit of advice just to help my own shit out.” He added: “I definitely apply it to what I got going on. My new album, you definitely going to hear some of that in there. But yeah, big shout out to J. Cole.”

Dave East At A “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” Screening

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 23: Dave East attends “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” Screening at 92NY on February 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The Grammys’ red carpet isn’t the first time East has spoken about learning from J. Cole. He also discussed the rapper’s impact during an interview with Apple Music‘s Ebro Darden in 2021. “I got a chance to lock in with J. Cole, just me and him in the studio with the engineer,” he said at the time.

He added: “And he asked that same question, like, ‘Bro, I’m a fan of what you do, I really respect your pen, but you rap with one tone.’ And I really sat and listened to myself, and a lot of my shit is one tone. Me and him in the studio testing tones. He’s just really seeing how high I can take my voice, how low I can take it, and then he just was like, ‘Apply that to your music. Watch the difference.’ That’s just something I gotta keep working at, keep working at. I think it will be something dope to add to my music.”

East released his debut studio album, Survival, in 2019 with features from Rick Ross, Lil Baby, Gunna, Fabolous, DJ Premier, and more. In the years since, he’s worked on several EPs and mixtapes while also focusing on his acting career. He currently stars in Wu Tang: An American Saga.

Dave East At The Grammys

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Don Toliver Recalls Kanye West’s Important Advice

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Don Toliver recalled an important piece of advice that Kanye West imparted to him during a recent appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast. Toliver’s interview came after the release of his third studio album Love Sick. Speaking with Budden, he explained that West said making something good is about feeling it in your veins.

“Kanye always used to tell me ‘If you don’t feel it in the veins, it ain’t what it need to be’ and as soon as you hear it, it has to be something,” he told Budden and his co-hosts. He later explained that success at the Grammys is one of his biggest goals for 2023. “I need to hold a trophy,” he remarked.

Don Toliver On Stage

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Music artist Don Toliver performs on stage during 2022 Rolling Loud New York at Citi Field on September 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

West and Toliver previously collaborated on Donda and the unfinished Donda 2. Afterward, Toliver spoke about the experience on Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning. “That’s one of the people in the industry for sure that is transparent with me and I thank God for it, for real,” Toliver said at the time.

Elsewhere in his interview with Budden, Toliver discussed his upbringing in Houston, the aesthetic inspiration behind his latest album, and more. Toliver also explained being influenced by Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, and Bobby Womack as well as OutKast, Kendrick Lamar, and Dom Kennedy.

As for Love Sick, Toliver revealed that New York’s iconic Studio 54 inspired the record. “Just like the fact it’s like a thing to where the rules is like everybody has to party,” Toliver explained. “Not everybody’s getting in and the music and the whole scenery looks crazy. That’s what I fell in love with I really feel it after I found out Micheal Jackson went to Studio 54.” The album released on February 24 with guest appearances from GloRilla, Kali Uchis, Lil Durk, Justin Bieber, Future, Wizkid, Brent Faiyaz, Toro y Moi, and more. Check out Toliver’s discussion with Joe Budden below.

Don Toliver With Joe Budden

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Tierra Whack Reveals Tyler, The Creator’s Advice & Updates Fans About Collab

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It’s common for artists who are good friends to collaborate with one another, but it hasn’t been necessary for Tierra Whack and Tyler, The Creator. Whack supported the hitmaker as his opener when his Call Me If You Get Lost Tour made its way to Australia and New Zealand. For years, Whack has been pelted with questions about some secret Tyler collaboration that has yet to surface. However, she told Complex that they don’t have hidden music anywhere and debunked claims about a release.

“Me and Tyler don’t have any music. We’re just friends,” Whack explained. “We were hanging out during [the Call Me If You Get Lost Tour] and we got to know each other better, and we [still] talk. But yeah, I think with artists sometimes, people just expect, like, ‘Oh, they both make music, so they should just go make music [together.]’ But sometimes, we just want to be friends with people without asking anything of them but just simply be my friend.”

Tierra Whack Shares Tyler’s Advice

MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE – JUNE 19: Tierra Whack performs during the 2022 Bonnaroo Music & Arts festival on June 19, 2022 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

“Tyler gives great advice. He’s a busy, busy man—I’m just grateful I’m his friend,” Whack continued. Then, she named lil Yachty as “one of my best friends.” She added, “He put all of us together on his [Lil Boat 3] project for the song ‘T.D’ So that was a huge blessing—me, Tyler, Yachty, and ASAP Rocky.” Regarding Tyler’s guidance, Whack revealed one piece of advice he gave her. It was about a distinctive characteristic that Whack thought about changing.

“You know Tyler is random. He’ll just be like, ‘Yo, don’t ever mess with your gap,’” she said. “I’ve thought about it in the past like, ‘Maybe I should get braces,’ but he has a gap, too. So he’s like, ‘We gotta represent.’ I love that though, because it’s like, ‘You know what? Tyler said no, so I’m not gonna do it.’”

Tierra Whack Teases New Project & What Fans Can Expect

Meanwhile, we haven’t received music from Whack since she shared her trifecta of EPs in 2021: Rap?, Pop?, and R&B? She’s buckled down and has been recording for her next project, and Whack gave insight as to the sound. “A little bit of everything: Pop, a little bit of Rock. We came out with Whack World to show you guys that I can do a little bit of everything,” she revealed. “I’m just trying to touch on every genre that I kind of already did. But it’s like the same thing, which is a lot, but it’s still coming back to me. With Whack World, we laid out the outline just to [show] people like, ‘Hey, we can do it all.’”

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T.I. Recalls Denzel Washington’s Advice On Set Of “American Gangster”

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T.I. recently reflected on his work on American Gangster alongside Denzel Washington. Speaking with Shannon Sharpe during an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, T.I. recalled some advice the legendary actor gave him.

“As we’re rehearsing, I’m pacing back and forth, pacing back and forth,” he told the former NFL star. “And he said, ‘What’s up, n***a? You nervous?’ I’m like, ‘Man, I’m just making sure I don’t mess it up.’”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 07: T.I. onstage during 2022 InvestFest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 07, 2022 in Atlanta. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

T.I. continued: “He said, ‘Here man, listen. They could have had anybody in here doing what you’re doing right now. They could have anybody in the world, they could have called anybody right here to do what you’re doing.’”

T.I. further elaborated: “I said, ‘Yeah, yeah.’ He said, ‘They called you for a reason didn’t they?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘You know what that reason is?’ I started thinking and I said, ‘Yeah, I do.’”

From there, Washington remarked to T.I., “‘Alright then, do that and you ain’t got no reason to be nervous.’”

T.I.’s role in American Gangster was one of his earliest movie appearances. Other rappers appeared in the film as well, including Common and RZA.

Speaking with MTV back in 2007, T.I. previously said: “It’s like when a Hip Hop fan hears a song like [DJ Khaled‘s] ‘We Takin’ Over’ and you hear all your favorites and you hear them at their best.”

American Gangster was directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and featured an all-star cast. In addition to T.I., Washington, RZA, and Common, it stars Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Cuba Gooding Jr., among others.

Revisit the trailer for American Gangster below.

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