artist Archives - New Hip Hop News

Nicki Minaj Didn’t Want To Be Included In Spotify’s “The Gold Standard,” The Exhibit’s Artist Claims

August 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The artist behind Spotify’s “The Gold Standard: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Women in Hip-Hop” says Nicki Minaj requested not to be included in the project. Taking to Instagram, they asked fans not to come complaining as the decision to not incorporate Minaj was not up to them. The exhibit showcased Renaissance-inspired portraits of Flo Milli, Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, and numerous other female rappers.

“A month and a half earlier I was contacted by @spotify to create 11 portraits and a general composition for the exhibition « The Gold Standard »,” the artist began, as caught by The Shade Room. “This was to be my first solo exhibition!! I was honored to draw portraits of Cardi B, City Girls, Doja Cat, Flo Milli, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, and Sexy Red. The exhibition was held at @theholenyc in New York and I can’t wait to share a little more of this adventure with you in the days to come Thank you so much to all your support in this adventure and to everyone who helped make this dream a reality!” They concluded: “ps: don’t come after me in my DMs, Nicki didn’t want to be part of the show.”

Flo Milli During Spotify’s “The Gold Standard” Exhibit

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 30: Flo Milli during Spotify Presents. The Gold Standard: An Art Exhibition Celebrating. Women in Hip-Hop at The Hole Gallery on July 30, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Spotify)

Fans online have been complaining that the exhibit didn’t feature older artists such as Lil Kim, Missy Elliott, and more. One of the many voices to speak out was Summer Walker. She did so in the comments section of a post from The Shade Room. “I don’t even listen to hella Nicki cause I’m a r&b lover. But where is the Queen.. or Lil Kim at least or Missy Elliott… this mad disrespectful. This why I make my music n go home the industry weird,” Walker wrote.

“The Gold Standard” Artist Speaks Out

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Check out the full response from the exhibit’s artist above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Nicki Minaj and Spotify on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Ty Dolla Sign Enjoys “Vultures” Success, Reaches Massive Streaming Accolade

February 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Everyone’s talking about the new album Vultures in regards to its most popular artist, Kanye West. Even though a lot of the project sounds like it came from him and is oriented around his status, it’s a collab album. A big issue with our coverage of this LP -– and that of most publications, for that matter -– is that we might not have properly taken the time to give Ty Dolla $ign his flowers. Say what you will about his association with Ye’s antisemitism, but he is the glue that holds Vultures together, and is its most consistently great force. Fortunately, based on the numbers, the 41-year-old is definitely getting his due praise.

Moreover, a new report emerged suggesting that Ty Dolla Sign is now the ninth most streamed artist on Spotify. Apparently, this reflects a jump of 155 spots from before Vultures had released on the platform after a long wait, which is an amazing feat. Given the discrepancy between his popularity and that of Kanye West, we’re glad that this opportunity at least put him on the spotlight in a way that would boost his visibility, his numbers, and his acclaim. No matter what on God’s green Earth is going on during any given album cut, you can bet on the Los Angeles native to deliver a strong chorus or melodic line.

Ty Dolla Sign Goes Up With The Release Of Vultures

What’s more is that his emotion and perspective also shines through in a very engaging and compelling way. For example, Ty Dolla Sign’s half on the track “Talking,” plus the music video, shows his dedication and passion as a father. Contrasted with the wild statements that Kanye West espouses, this gets to the heart of their collaborative project in a much more clear and unencumbered way. As such, he’s definitely a saving grace on Vultures for those looking for something deeper, although we have to give the production its due credit, too.

If you’re interested in who else made this album what it is, you can find the features and production credits here. Do you think that the rap-R&B artist is worty of this praise and success? Let us know what you thought about him on Vultures down in the comments section below. As always, for more news and the latest updates on Ty Dolla Sign, stay logged into HNHH.

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Frank Ocean Makes History As Independent Artist Thanks To Streaming Numbers

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Frank Ocean is a complex leader in the art world, as he is as mysterious and reserved as he is beloved and sought-after. Moreover, this unique position and the strength of his incredible and consistently quality discography made him one of the most popular artists working today. Now, the former Odd Future crooner became the most streamed independent artist of all time after reaching over 14 billion streams on Spotify (note: he wasn’t always independent). When folks shared this news online, many reacted with more theories as to when he will finally drop his full-length follow-up to 2016’s Blonde. Those are as unfounded as ever, but things may change very soon.

Furthermore, die-hards went into a frenzy earlier this year when Frank Ocean teased not one, but two new songs over the course of a few days. Sonically, they seem quite sparse, cavernous, chilled-out, and minimal, while nonetheless displaying some vocal charisma and engaging soundscapes. Of course, this didn’t really manifest into anything, but fans hope that there will be much more to chew on in 2024. After all, the 36-year-old couldn’t have performed at Coachella this year and teased a new project for nothing, right? …Right?

Frank Ocean Reaches Massive Milestone As Independent Artist

Frank Ocean has surpassed 14 BILLION streams making him the most streamed independent artist of all time. pic.twitter.com/WSLaHXDd2u

— Frank Ocean Updates (@blahnded) December 29, 2023

Regardless, this whole debacle actually turned quite ironic recently thanks to an interaction with another artist who’s infamous for not dropping music. Playboi Carti posted a screenshot of a DM he allegedly sent Frank Ocean asking for him to drop the snippet that he teased, and thus, he promoted both of their rollouts and social media activity. If there’s anyone that can convince a hibernating beast to leave their cave, maybe it’s their mate snoozing right next to them. As such, hopefully this inspires some more movement in this regard, or at least gives him more motivation to keep going.

Meanwhile, that motivation is something that the “Lens” icon provided to none other than the one and only André 3000. Not only did he listen and give his thoughts on his new album New Blue Sun before it came out, but 3 Stacks also spoke recently about how it was a “blessing” for artists like Frank to give him feature spots after his career started to wrap up. Here’s hoping he’s not in that phase yet. For more news and the latest updates on Frank Ocean, the most streamed independent artist of all time, stick around on HNHH.

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Tina Knowles States Blue Ivy Handles Her Makeup & Has Been Her Artist For Years

October 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Knowles family is full of stars, from matriarch Tina Knowles, her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, and the next generation: Queen Bey’s daughter, Blue Ivy. Moreover, they all share a lot of love for each other, and also inspire each other artistically. While Blue has been dancing for her mom’s RENAISSANCE tour as of late, she’s also quite skilled with makeup and beauty products. Via a new Instagram post, Tina revealed that the 11-year-old has actually been her makeup artist for years now. She shared a heartening caption, and gave Ivy her flowers in the video itself.

“Hi!” Tina Knowles began in the video. “I’m here with the makeup extraordinaire, Miss Blue Ivy Carter. She just did my makeup! She’s been doing my makeup for years. And I really like it. I just don’t know about- I don’t know if you can see it, but I got, like, little glittery stuff on the top. I told her I think I might be a tad bit too old for glitter on the top of my eyes. But what do y’all think?” Hilariously, Blue Ivy says “No” when the 69-year-old doubted whether she can still rock glitter.

Tina Knowles Praises Blue Ivy’s Makeup Skills

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“Blue IV Carter, never ceases to amaze me,” Tina Knowles captioned the clip. “She can draw, she can paint, she can do makeup, she can play the piano and the list goes on! She reminds me so much of my multi talented younger babygirl! @solangeknowles who could do well just about anything she put her mind to! But I love her makeup it is so amazing!!!” Of course, all this love is fitting considering how much fans are praising Blue Ivy’s dance skills on tour.

Sure, she’s also gotten her fair share of criticism in that regard, but when has it ever been anything different on the Internet? What’s more important is that Blue’s family and fans of her and her loved ones are always there to support her. We’ll see what the future holds for her, as fans anticipate that it won’t be long before she has her own makeup line. On that note, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles.

The post Tina Knowles States Blue Ivy Handles Her Makeup & Has Been Her Artist For Years appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beyonce’s “CUFF IT” Was Written For Raphael Saadiq’s Group, He Claims

September 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Beyoncé’s “CUFF IT” is easily one of the standout tracks on her latest and dominant album, RENAISSANCE. It’s only been a little over a year since it dropped, and yet with her world tour, the project and its highlights seem more relevant than ever. As such, it’s interesting to hear about the origins of these songs, especially considering the wealth of legendary collaborators on board. For example, Raphael Saadiq of recently back-together group Tony! Toni! Toné! said that he wrote “CUFF IT” for the group, but then passed it on when he realized how big it could be. While speaking to Vulture in an interview published Friday (September 22), the songwriter shared that Queen Bey rarely passes up on something she loves.

“I haven’t been to the RENAISSANCE tour, but I have seen the [viral dance] challenges online,” Raphael Saadiq expressed. “That record was going to be a Tonyies record, the part that just sounds like [mimicking the song’s guitar riff]. But I gave it to a friend of mine and said, ‘I got this record. I was going to do it, but what about Beyonce?’

The Raphael Saadiq-Written Hit “CUFF IT”

“She’s one of those people where if she’s feeling it, she’s going 100 percent in,” Raphael Saadiq continued. “I said, ‘It’s going to move people. It’s going to work, I’m telling you.’ I think she just put it away. From what I heard, The-Dream eventually found it. And he was like, ‘What is that?!’ I already knew it was one of them joints. I always said, if you drop the right music on an artist, it could go. But I’m glad she has so many eyeballs on her, you know what I mean? You can’t really trick people; it’s got to be good.”

Meanwhile, the RENAISSANCE tour is still ongoing, and will likely keep up its bombast and spectacle. Conversely, the album itself is still getting spun like wildfire, with “CUFF IT” being one of its biggest hits. Next time you hear the song, be grateful for Raphael Saadiq’s generosity. On that note, for more news on him and the latest updates on Beyonce, stay logged into HNHH.

[via]

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Boosie Badazz Calls Out Yung Bleu For Kicking Artist Off His Tour Who Supported Him

August 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Boosie Badazz now has another bone to pick with Yung Bleu. When artist TRell co-signed Boosie’s latest album, apparently Bleu kicked him off of his tour. “This n***a Bleu done kicked TRell off the tour ’cause he got posted on my IG for saying my album was the truth,” the Baton Rogue MC expressed in a video. “Clown! Wherever that tour go, I need y’all to send me addresses so I can send the shirts. If you in that city when that tour coming, I’m sending you 40, 50 shirts. That man ain’t got nothing to do with this. You gone kick the man off the tour. Send me y’all addresses so I can put these shirts everywhere for that tour.”

“DONK F**K UP THIS DUDE [TRell] MONEY,” Boosie shared in an Instagram post of them having a FaceTime call. “HE AINT GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS S**T. ME N HIM HAD SONGS 6 YEARS AGO TOGETHER!! SEND ME YOUR ADDRESSES TO ANY OF THESE CITIES ON THE TOUR SO I CAN GET YALL THESE SHIRTS. ANYBODY SUPORTS THAT TOUR IS SMH I AINT EVEN KNOW HE WAS ON YOUR TOUR THATS THE COLD PART!! DUDE JUST SHOWING LOVE TO THE ALBUM.”

Boosie Calls Yung Bleu A “Clown”

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“Yung Bleu kicked me off tour cause Boosie posted me on IG,” TRell shared in an IG post of his own. “If you know me I ALWAYS show love to boosie he the Man who gave me a shot and put me on !! Bleu knew I was cool with boosie when he asked me on tour so to kick me off tour all cause boosie posted me is CR*ZY. I don’t play sides I’m NEUTRAL I done paid travel fees etc smh !! S**t wild I don’t got NOTHING to do with they issues and if you know I’m cool with boosie why even ask me on tour S**t Goofy af.”

Meanwhile, this follows Badazz’s feud with Empire Records for not paying him for a deal he signed with Bleu. It seems like that contributed to tensions between he two artists. Now that others are getting roped into it, all we can hope for is that things don’t get any worse. On that note, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Boosie Badazz and Yung Bleu.

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Lil Uzi Vert Is A Tattoo Artist Now

April 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lil Uzi Vert is one of the most fun rappers to keep tabs on these days, and that’s just as owed to their personality as their music. Moreover, a video was recently shared on TikTok featuring Uzi inking some art on presumably a fan, or perhaps a regular tattoo shop customer. While it didn’t really come with any explanation or backstory, the “Baby Pluto” MC seems calm, collected, and professional in the clip. Given that Uzi’s quite the fan of body art, it’s exciting to see them flex those muscles and look at artwork from the other side of the chair. Maybe this means we’ll see the Philly star open a “Body-Ody Art” shop soon.

Regardless, the 27-year-old is infamous at this point for getting some pretty stylish and often divisive work done. For example, they got matching tattoos with Steve Lacy and Kanye West that made rounds online, although given Ye’s current state in the public eye, many probably think that didn’t age well. Still, a larger point of controversy has been whether certain designs, statements, or other aesthetics of Uzi’s brand lean towards satanism. Sure, they denied these claims time and time again, but it’s no easy feat considering they inked an upside-down cross on their forehead.

Lil Uzi Vert Shows Off Tat Skills

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Meanwhile, Uzi has fans ready for The Pink Tape, with a lot of teases and hints towards upcoming collaborations with the likes of Playboi Carti. Another crucial part of this rollout for many followers is their recent remarks on sobriety helping their creative process. “I thought that my creative process wasn’t gonna be the same because I wasn’t on drugs no more,” they expressed to TMZ. Moreover, they expressed being able to think more clearly regarding his work.

“It made sense,” they continued. “It wasn’t like I just made random music. I didn’t just play off the beat. I actually made songs with topics this time. It can change your life.” Whether it’s for extracurriculars or a change in mentality, fans eagerly await the rap icon’s next move. On that note, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Uzi Vert.

La La Anthony Advises Artists To Take Any Opportunity, Even If It Won’t Pay

March 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

La La Anthony, whose real name is Alani, has been recently trending due to her advice to aspiring artists. Anthony is a successful TV actress and personality, who is well-known for hosting several shows on VHS1. Many fans praise the actress for her success and work ethic, as well as her talent. However, a video has resurfaced where La La Anthony speaks candidly about her thoughts on making it as an upcoming creative. In 2022, the actress attended an interview with radio host Angela Yee.

In her interview, Anthony spoke earnestly about her career, and how she got to where she is now. Her advice and opinions left a lot of people with conflicting opinions. It is obvious that the actress values having a good work ethic above all else. At one point in the interview she states, “I never took jobs because of money. I took jobs because I loved them. I took jobs because I wanted to work with certain people.” Due to her approach, La La Anthony feels that the money came naturally to her after gaining a lot of experience in the industry.

La La Anthony Did Not Focus On Money In Her Early Days

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In her interview, Anthony explains that she feels a lot of people lately are throwing away great opportunities because of the pay. She states, “I hear people all day in my world today like ‘you know, I’m taking that they only offering this’ and they’ll throw away a great acting opportunity.” Now that the actress has made a name and fortune for herself, many people are in agreement with her statements. However, some people believe that she sounds tone-deaf, given the current economic state.

Many people believe that no one should have to work for free, especially if they are providing a service. While it is important to have a good work ethic, it’s also equally as important to understand one’s worth. However, Anthony’s advice may be directed more toward those who are just getting into the industry as opposed to those who are on the rise. Unpaid internships are not uncommon, especially in the creative world. However, there has been a rise in young adults fighting against the idea of unpaid internships. Regardless of how people feel about her advice, La La Anthony will continue to stress the importance of seizing opportunities. Stay tuned to see if she will stand by her past statements.

The Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Collab is Almost Here

December 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

YAYOI KUSAMA 2022 COPYRIGHT OF YAYOI KUSAMA PHOTO BY YUSUKE MIYAZAKI copy 1

Louis Vuitton is rolling out ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories and perfumes in collaboration with 93 year-old fine artist, Yayoi Kusama. The collaboration will be accompanied by carefully curated campaigns and a host of high-profile activations.

Since the initial announcement of this collaboration, there has been quick progress in getting consumers excited. Last May, Nicolas Ghesquière, the brand’s artistic director of women’s collections, accessorized some of his cruise 2023 outfits with polka-dot handbags. A Tokyo takeover followed at the Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple and Tokyo station where a combination of physical installations and augmented reality activations got buzz going. Further excitement of this drop was reflected by an Instagram post of the anamorphic billboard Vuitton installed in Tokyo’s swarming Shinjuku district that scored more than 10 million views. It shows Kusama peering out from a decorated Vuitton trunk with animated fruit friends.

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Keepall 45 in Monogram canvas with Painted Dots print 1

Delphine Arnault, Vuitton’s executive vice president said, “One of the aspects of her [Kusama] work is happiness, and we thought it would be really refreshing after the pandemic to have the worlds of Vuitton and the world of Kusama meet again.”

One thing is crystal clear after the success of this partnership in 2012 between the luxury giant and artist. They share an obsession with perfection in concept, execution and craft. The new collection encompasses Kusama’s “infinity dots” and metal dots, first introduced in 1966, alongside floral and pumpkin motifs. It took the Vuitton team countless trials to achieve the desired effect of seamless floating dots that resemble wet paint.

thumbnail LV YAYOI KUSAMA DROP1 080 LV.COM 1920x1080 ANIMATION

thumbnail LV YAYOI KUSAMA DROP1 040 LV.COM 1920x1080 ANIMATION

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Steven Meisel’s images of Gisele Bündchen, Liya Kebede, Devon Aoki, Christy Turlington, Anok Yai and other famous models are set to release on Dec. 26 in Japanese fashion magazines. The pre-launch of products will drop on January 1 in Japan and China. All offerings should be available worldwide in all 460 LV stores on January 6.

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