ANNIVERSARY

Kamala Harris Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip-Hop With Common, Jeezy, & More

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Kamala Harris hosted an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at her official residence on Saturday. The Vice President welcomed numerous artists such as Common, D-Nice, Omarion, Jeezy, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and more. She put on the event in collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban.

“Hip hop is the ultimate American art form,” Harris said at the event. “Born at a back to school party in the Bronx, raised on the streets of Philadelphia, Chicago, Oakland and Atlanta, hip hop now shapes nearly every aspect of America’s popular culture and it reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people.”

Read More: Kamala Harris Attends Beyonce’s “Renaissance” Tour

Kamala Harris Hosts Hip-Hop Anniversary Event

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 09: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, at the Vice President’s residence on September 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. Harris held the event to celebrate hip hop and its contributions to the world and the Black community. Artists include Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante Lil Wayne and others performed to over 400 guests. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“To be clear, hip hop culture is America’s culture,” Harris further said, “It is music and melody and rhyme. Hip hop is also an ethos of strength and self-determination; of ambition and aspiration; of pride, power and purpose. Hip hop is a declaration of identity. It says I love who I am. I represent where I come from, and I know where I’m going.” Later in the day, Harris was seen dancing to Q-Tip’s “Vivrant Thing.” Check out a clip of that moment below.

Kamala Harris Dances To “Vivrant Thing”

Several other politicians were in attendance as well including Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Cori Bush, and Sen. Raphael Warnock, as well as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. At one point during the evening, comedian Deon Cole introduced Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. “Every day, Vice President Harris is fighting for the people,” Mason, Jr. told the crowd. “She’s fighting for our people. Our vice president was rooted in hip-hop, and it’s essential to who she is.”

Read More: Sa-Roc & Sol Messiah Predict The Next 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

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Kendrick Lamar Pays Homage To 2Pac 27 Years After Fatal Shooting

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Yesterday (September 7), Kendrick Lamar took to social media, seemingly paying homage to 2Pac. The performer shared a handful of photos on his Instagram account from a recent Tokyo visit, posing with BAPE founder Nigo, taking a trip to Tower Records to pick up some essentials, and more. In one of the photos, Kendrick also shows off a t-shirt featuring 2Pac holding both of his middle fingers up.

Though Kendrick’s IG photo dump failed to specifically mention 2Pac’s shooting, it was posted 27 years to the day. He was shot in a drive-by in Vegas back in 1996, and succumbed to his injuries only a few days later in the hospital. Kendrick has made his love for 2Pac known previously, even claiming in a 2013 interview that the artist came to him in a dream. He says that the late 2Pac told him, “Keep doing what you doing, don’t let my music die.” 2Pac’s killer remains unconfirmed, however, it appears as though investigators have some ideas.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Allegedly Disses Big Sean, Jay Electronica & French Montana On New Leak: Report

Kendrick Lamar Shows Off 2Pac T-Shirt

Back in July, police searched the Henderson, NV home of Duane “Keefe D” Davis. Keefe D is the uncle of Orlando Anderson, who is widely believed to be the man behind 2Pac’s murder. He passed away in May of 1998, never having been charged for his alleged crimes. In the past, Keefe D has publicly claimed to have handed his nephew the gun used to kill 2Pac. Now, he could finally be facing some legal repercussions.

In August, it was reported by The Daily Mirror that some sources say prosecutors are ready to bring Keefe D’s case to trial. “We expect this matter to become a criminal case imminently,” detectives reportedly told the outlet. “Keefe has gloated so much about this that he has effectively talked himself into huge legal trouble.” Keep an eye on HNHH for more updates, and share your thoughts on Kendrick’s 2Pac t-shirt in the comments section below.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Reflects On Kendrick Lamar Relationship: “Dot Saved My Life”

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T.I. Salutes Future, Young Thug, Lil Baby & More For Innovating In The Trap Genre

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T.I. is a hip-hop legend, and is widely and rightfully recognized as one of the innovators in the trap music subgenre. However, despite his OG status in the game, never doubt that the Atlanta icon is still tapped into what’s happening with the movement today. Moreover, he recently found a great reason to shout out those moving trap forward today, since he’s celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his landmark project, Trap Muzik. During a recent conversation with XXL, Tip mentioned a few MCs who he believes are doing new and important things within trap today. When it comes to the state of the style in contemporary rap, he has no doubt that these artists turned it into something beyond even his own expectations.

“A lot of people moving the genre,” T.I. said of trap music in its current form. “Not even just by embodying similar qualities that I did. I think it’s a lot more conversational now.” First off, he praised Lil Baby, expressing that they share a kindred artistic spirit when it comes to songwriting. “Just a lot of key facts about details and authenticity, where you’re speaking about things that you know that only a person who knows could articulate it,” Clifford Harris remarked.

Read More: T.I. Praises Quavo & Offset For Takeoff Tribute At BET Awards

T.I. Reflects On Trap’s Current State & Its Contemporary Leaders

“[21 S*vage’s] thoughts speak about things like financial literacy and thinking out the box,” the 42-year-old continued. “About how to expand just upon what you know by doing something different. [Moneybagg Yo] has a way of being melodic and finding the pocket on the subject matter that can relate to people that come from the life.” In addition, T.I. shouted out Young Thug for “his mannerisms and the things that he does among the people.” Despite Jeffery being in jail on RICO charges right now, the Grand Hustle creative still believes he influences the culture as much as ever.

Meanwhile, his remarks concluded by praising Future’s “diverse” artistry within the trap realm. With songs that lean more melodic and others that make speakers burst up in flames, Pluto’s output certainly fits that description. It’s been a long journey since Trap Muzik, and its shifts and innovations still shake hip-hop up to compelling results. For more news and the latest updates on these amazing artists, stay logged into HNHH.

Read More: T.I. Reflects On Kanye West’s Fall from Grace

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Quando Rondo Pays Tribute To Lul Pab On His Death’s Anniversary

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Quando Rondo has his fair share of rap beefs, but unfortunately, he suffered a lot of loss in his life that paints them with a darker context. Moreover, he lost his friend Lul Pab to gun violence exactly a year ago, and he took to his Instagram Story to reflect on this tragedy. “Today makes a year,” the 24-year-old wrote, captioning a post from his fallen comrade. “It done been so many tears rip big brah.” For those unaware, they were the victims of an August 2022 shooting that allegedly targeted Quando.

What’s more saddening about this situation is that Quando Rondo continues to grapple with loss to this day. Recently, he paid tribute to another friend that passed away, and this grief has made him reflect on the violent themes both in his music and his public feuds. For example, the Savannah, Georgia native recently expressed regret over making his personal life so public, resulting in a blurry line to cross. In addition, he also spoke about “laying his flag down” and severing some of his criminal ties to mourn more healthily.

Read More: Quando Rondo Unveils New Single “Long Live Pabb”

Quando Rondo Honors Lul Pab

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by No Jumper 🏀 (@nojumper)

“It’s time for me to spend time to myself and free myself from a lot of people,” Quando Rondo wrote on social media at the time. “My Main Manz Gone & a lot more s**t I’m cool on alot of s**t. If I feel like you not with me it’s no reason for me To be holding on to you. No need to shake your hand or fake some with you ! I’m Living Life How I wanna live life whatever I wanna do ima do it you gone either gone get with it or get lost.”

Meanwhile, these kinds of stories remind rap fans and readers that these dangers can happen at any time to anyone. As such, many criticized Rondo’s rivalries since this moment given the hardship that he already experienced. Regardless, it’s by no means an easy path, and we wish him the best moving forward. For more news and the latest updates on Quando Rondo, come back to HNHH.
Rest In Peace Lul Pab.

Read More: Quando Rondo Can No Longer Drive, Must Be Drug Tested To Stay Out Of Jail

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Soulja Boy Reflects His On Impact On Hip-Hop In Honor Of It’s 50th Anniversary

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Soulja Boy reflected on his influential career in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, Sunday. Soulja appeared to be upset about not getting enough recognition in regard to Hip Hop 50.

“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop. But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time. #HipHop50,” he wrote in one post. He followed up by adding: “Now everyone vlogs their career like me. Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not. #HipHop50.”

Read More: Soulja Boy Comes For HNHH, XXL, & More: “I’m Putting An End To That Sh*t”

Soulja Boy At Rolling Loud

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: Soulja Boy performs during 2023 Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 03, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/WireImage)

From there, Soulja reposted numerous tweets from fans. One user wrote: “I can truly say you didn’t ruined it you just brought a new style people weren’t used to that’s all. Now majority of these new rappers today I believe ruined Hip-Hop it just doesn’t have that same feel anymore sadly and a lot of music these days sounds to repetitive.” Another agreed: “Nowadays we have a bunch of rappers claiming to be the first and whatever they do… You were the first rapper to do literally everything modern.” Check out Soulja Boy’s tweets on his influence below.

Soulja Boy Reflects On His Impact

Soulja isn’t the only rapper to voice their frustration with a lack of appreciation on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Over the same weekend, Uncle Luke complained about the lack of recognition for Florida rappers for their impact on the genre. In posts on X, Luke explained that the feeling is nothing new as he’s used to “the disrespect towards Florida hip-hop.” Both rappers’ comments come after the star-studded Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium.

Read More: Uncle Luke Calls Out Hip-Hop 50 Events For Lack Of Florida Rappers

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Little Brother’s Anniversary Celebration Of Their Debut Adds Big K.R.I.T, Cool Kids

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Throughout 2023, North Carolina rap group Little Brothers have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album The Listening. Now according to HipHopDX, they are planning a performance in their hometown of Durham to celebrate the album. Earlier this week they announced the show and revealed the lineup which includes Zo! & Tall Black Guy, Hourglass, Wally Sparks, and Sam Jay. The “Made In Durham: A Little Brother Block Party” is set to take place in Durham on October 7th. With the original announcement, they also promised appearances from some special guests and fans didn’t have to wait long to find out who they were.

Two artists who were likely inspired by Little Brothers will join them to celebrate. Mississippi rapper Big K.R.I.T and Chicago rap duo The Cool Kids were added to the roster of performers. The announcement was made in a clip today that parodied a classic wrestling promo done by Booker T. “The only clique you need to know about is Little Brother and Sister Cicely,” the clip begins. “You see, because what you’re dealing with right here is the brotherhood and it’s non-stop from this point on, and at UBN, we take what we want. And after we take the stage at the Little Brother Block Party, we want the gold, sucka. Bull City, we coming for you.”

Made In Durham Adds Big K.R.I.T And The Cool Kids

Big K.R.I.T. has had a relatively quiet year so far. He kicked off 2023 with a single called “Birthday Season” which runs less than 2 minutes long. Later, in March, he teamed up with Kari Faux for an even more successful new single called “TURNIN’ HEADS.” Finally, K.R.I.T joined up on a posse cut with some truly impressive talent. He joined both DRAM and Westside Boogie as guest rappers on the Deante Hitchcock song “Once Upon A Time.”

His last new full-length project Full Court Press dropped last year and saw him collaborating with Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA, and Girl Talk. What do you think of Big K.R.I.T and The Cool Kids being added to the “Made In Durham” lineup? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Big K.R.I.T. Gets To The Bag On “Extra Credit”

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Steve Harvey And Wife Marjorie Celebrate Stylish Anniversary

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Steve Harvey is a man with a big personality. So when he celebrated his wedding anniversary with his wife, the beautiful Marjorie Harvey, you know they did it in style. As shown on The Shade Room’s Instagram account, Marjorie went out on the town in a white silk dress with a low back cut. She also touted a long white cape with lots of fringe on the top and sleeves, adding to the glamour of the look.

As for Steve Harvey, he was decked out in a diamond-sequined dress jacket, white dress pants, and a flowing white dress shirt. Together, the couple looked as powerful as possible, strutting for the camera and showing off the design of their combined outfit. Steve also wore classic black dress shoes, and minimal shades adorned his face. They stopped for an extensive photoshoot in Lake Como, Italy, before a night filled with love and appreciation.

Read more: Steve Harvey Once Had Just $1700 Left In His Bank Account

Steve Harvey’s Love Life

 

 
 
 
 
 
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“Anniversary time with the Love of My Life,” Marjorie Harvey said in an Instagram caption, talking about her celebrity husband Steve. The couple has been married for 16 years now, and they are “Still going strong,” according to Marjorie. The host of Family Feud and his wife are obviously doing well. However, that doesn’t mean the whole Harvey family is doing okay in the relationship department…

As of about a month ago, Steve Harvey’s daughter, Lori Harvey, had split up with actor Michael B. Jordan. When asked about the breakup, Steve said he was “Team Lori” even though he still respected Michael as a person. And while Lori might be treading the dating waters again, her dad is thriving with Marjorie. No doubt Lori will land on her feet as well. After this magical wedding anniversary, Steve and Marjorie are floating on cloud nine. Who knows how long they will stay in Italy, but eventually, Steve will head back for more Family Feud shows.

Read more: Steve Harvey Reflects On Miss Universe Pageant Mishap

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Nas & Hennessy Team Up Through Limited Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Collab

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As one of the greatest rappers to ever touch a microphone, it’s no surprise that Nas is showing out for the genre’s 50th anniversary. However, those tributes might come in unexpected ways that display the MC’s business acumen. Moreover, he and Hennessy are teaming up for a limited edition bottle with a “never-before-seen” “HenNASsy” logo for the occasion. Of course, for those familiar with the New York legend’s business moves and partnerships, this shouldn’t be news to you. After all, the two have been partners for over a decade, with him becoming a brand ambassador back in 2020.

In addition to the liquor itself, the company also produced a film to accompany the release narrated by Nas, set to be shown on July 20, the bottle’s release date. The 49-year-old also collaborated with Bronx photographer Renell Medrano for his contributions, further honoring the city that birthed rap music. In previews of the film, the rapper not only showcases the new bottle with detail, but also talks about why he loves the art form of hip-hop so much. According to the press release, this collaboration will “showcase the breadth and depth of hip-hop culture.”

Read More: DJ Khaled Shows Off Rare Nas Photo From The 90s

Nas’ Limited Edition Hennessy Collab For Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

What’s more is that this isn’t the only move that Hennessy made to celebrate rap’s 50 years in music. Furthermore, they will also launch “Hennessy AI.bum covers,” which uses artificial intelligence that converts selfies to unique album covers inspired by the genre’s eras. It’s part of the iconic cognac brand’s Rep Yours campaign, aiming to inspire “fans to show what hip-hop means to them through an immersive digital expression.” Even though AI is quite the controversial topic these days, this seems like a more wholesome use of the technology, and Nas’ cosign makes it all the more meaningful, especially as new music is on the horizon.

Another Look At The Bottle

“It means a lot to me to celebrate this legendary moment in hip-hop history with Hennessy, a brand that has supported me for over 10 years,” the rapper stated. “Hennessy is part of our culture and continues to inspire generations of hip-hop fans, so I’m really proud to share our new Limited Edition bottle with the world.” Meanwhile, he also called the genre “the vibration of the people” in another Instagram post about the collab. For more news and the latest updates on Nas, keep checking in with HNHH.

Read More: Nas & Damian Marley’s “Distant Relatives” Turns 13

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Chief Keef, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, & More Celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary At BET Awards

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Chief Keef, Fat Joe, Big Daddy Kane, and more iconic artists took part in celebrating the 50th-anniversary tribute for Hip-Hop at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday night. Songs that have made an impact over the last six decades were celebrated in the set.

In total, the performance boasted appearances from over 20 rappers from all different regions. T.I., Jeezy, Master P, and Trick Daddy, represented the South while Fat Joe and Ja Rule put on for New York. More included Chief Keef, Ying Yang Twins, EPMD, and Redman, among others. There was also an homage to various dance trends from over the decade with artists including Doug E. Fresh, Kid ‘N Play, 69 Boyz, Soulja Boy, Dem Franchize Boyz, F.L.Y., and more.

Read More: The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Celebrated At The 2023 Grammys

Chief Keef At The BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Chief Keef performs onstage during the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Elsewhere in the night, Quavo and Offset reunited for a performance to honor their late Migos partner, Takeoff. Latto also took over the stage with her song, “Put It On Da Floor.” Prior to the Hip-Hop 50 tribute, Lil Uzi Vert performed his hit single, “Just Wanna Rock.” While that performance went smoothly, unfortunately for Uzi, the rest of the night didn’t go so well.

At one point, his girlfriend, JT, was caught on video throwing her phone at Uzi and calling him a “groupie.” It’s yet to be confirmed exactly what set her off; however, fans have been theorizing that Uzi name-dropping Ice Spice in a new song off his The Pink Tape as well as posing with the Bronx rapper did it.

BET Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

As for the rest of the night, awards were handed out to many of the top artists in hip-hop. Busta Rhymes even accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award with an emotional speech. For the full list of winners and nominees, check here.

Read More: Latto Performs “Put It On Da Floor” At 2023 BET Awards

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50 Cent Dissed JAY-Z, R. Kelly, Nas, Cam’ron, & More On Original Version Of “Back Down,” Sha Money XL Claims

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50 Cent apparently dissed JAY-Z, R. Kelly, Nas, and Cam’ron, among others on an original version of his track, “Back Down.” One of the producers on Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Sha Money XL, discussed an unreleased version of “Back Down,” for Diverse Mentality‘s documentary on 50’s iconic debut album.

“That record is his traditional patterns of ‘How to Rob,’ your ‘Life’s on the Line,’ ‘Ghetto Quran,’” he said. “Certain names is being mentioned, certain nerves being pinched. That’s his marketing tool – Fif has a marketing tool within music. He knows how to make records that’s gonna get you to talk, listen and fuck with him.”

Read More: How 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Tryin” Defined An Era Of Hip Hop

50 Cent With Dr. Dre & Eminem

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: (L to R) Rappers 50 Cent, Eminem and Dr. Dre arrive at the Shady National Convention to launch Shade 45, a new satellite radio station, at the Roseland Ballroom October 28, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

From there, Sha Money XL explained that Dre had to tell 50 to put on a filter, but that he still has the original version. “This is one of the ones that I don’t know anyone else that did a record to it. Like, Dre had records that other people do… Rakim or D12. This one, nah. This one was fresh. Fresh. And we went to my crib, cut that shit. Fif had no filter. Get to L.A. and played it, Dre put the filter on him, like, ‘Hold up, bro. Hold up, bro. Nah, bro. You going too far, man,’” Sha Money XL continued. “And we had to re-record that shit. I still got the version where he’s spazzing, man.”

While 50 initially planned to target Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, JAY-Z, R. Kelly, Nas, Cam’ron, and others, in the end, he only dissed Ja Rule and Murder Inc. on the track. “That shit was blackdown, he was going black on that, blacking out, bro. Whylin’ on these motherfuckas,” Sha Money XL went on. “The shit he was saying, it was like, ‘Bro, you can’t say that, what you doing? Yo, come on, Nas is still the homie.’ But he wanted to take everybody, man. It was like, ‘You can’t go after the God, bro.’ Everybody’s getting it. Cam, everybody. Back the fuck down. And that shit was well-received, man. That shit was hard as fuck.”

50 Cent’s Final Version Of “Back Down”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent is embarking on a global tour. He’s mentioned that it could be his last for the foreseeable future as the 47-year-old continues to focus on other endeavors.

Read More: 50 Cent Announces Global Tour

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