baton rouge

The Journey Of Fredo Bang: A Look At His Life & Music

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The new calendar year has delivered a wide range of headlines for Fredo Bang. Unfortunately, many of those aren’t exactly in the sphere of new Fredo Bang albums. At the end of 2022, the 27-year-old rapper announced the arrival of his child, Payton. It was later confirmed that Fredo shared the child with Annie and Sevyn Buffins. The two are a married lesbian couple who’ve gained traction over their respective social media presence. The couple has been coy regarding how the child was conceived. However, it’s been confirmed that Fredo (Fredrick Gives) is the biological father.

More recently, Fredo has found himself entwined with the developments surrounding YNW Melly’s case. A Broward County prosecutor has claimed that Fredo Bang picked up YNW Melly following the murder of YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. However, Melly’s attorney has repeatedly argued that neither the police nor the prosecution has been able to come up with a viable reason for Melly’s apparent killing of his two close friends. Either way, the mention of Fredo Bangs came as a shock to many in the hip-hop community. Melly and Fredo have collaborated on music in the past, namely on the electric “Brazy” off of one of Fredo’s 2022 albums, Two-Face Bang 2.

Read More: Fredo Bang Pays Homage To Kevin Gates On “Gates Flow (Dangerous)”

Fredo Bang Is A Driving Force In Louisiana Hip-Hop

Fredo Bang fell into the world of rap rather than actively pursuing it. As a teenager, his friends dragged him along to their makeshift studio in the south side of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While he was very much influenced by hip-hop, there wasn’t an overarching goal to become an artist until Fredo began to realize that he had an innate talent for the craft. Music is in his blood, with Fredo being the cousin of fellow Baton Rouge icon Boosie. In his early days, he was looking to mirror the street grime of fellow Louisiana contemporaries such as Kevin Gates and Lil Wayne. Fredo even references meeting Lil Wayne at a concert venue as his standout moment as a hip-hop artist. These influences trickle into his catalog from Most Hated to 2022’s UNLV.

That isn’t to say that Fredo Bang wasn’t interested in the world of music as a whole. As a kid, he joined a band as their clarinet player. In high school, he transitioned to the French horn for concerts and marching bands. However, he was also surrounded by an environment mired in violence and crime that threatened to stunt his natural creative progression. As a result, Fredo Bang’s albums predominantly detail the street-ridden atmosphere that was around him.

Read More: Rise & Grind: Fredo Bang Reveals Lost Collab With King Von & Speaks On YNW Melly’s A&R Skills

Fredo Bang Blew Up Off Of Hit Single “Oouuh”

Fredo broke out with breakout hit “Oouuh,” which has been streamed over 50 million times on Spotify. While he had previously been known for his gangster rhythms, the song shocked fans by highlighting his ability to harmonize on an engaging chorus. He leveraged the hit into a deal with Def Jam Records, finding himself working with the likes of YNW Melly, Lil Baby, and Tee Grizzley. Additionally, videos for records like “Ouuuh,” “Top (Remix),” ft. Lil Durk and “Father” have each eclipsed 20 million views on YouTube.

Read More: Fredo Bang Talks Staying Out Of Trouble & “Top” Remix With Lil Durk On “BagFuel”

He’s Been In And Out Of Prison

In 2016, Fredo Bang was charged with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage to property in connection to a shooting he was involved in. The predicament landed him behind bars for two years, putting a pause on his growing hip-hop career. In fact, he came up with the viral hook for “Oouuh” while in jail. His track “Thuggin’,” released in February 2016, went viral based on the relevance of its music video. The start of the video shows a clip of Fredo being arrested for the shooting. The video caused a fair bit of pushback and controversy online, only aiding to his popularity.

By the time he was out of his prison, he was seemingly a different man. Fredo Bang went on a creative tirade, releasing five albums, such as In The Name Of Gee and Pain Made Me Numb within the space of three years. The murder of his close friend Gee Money also spurred his creative motivation. This devastating incident pushed him to create music in his memory. In addition, Fredo’s discography began to gain more attention during his extended time behind bars. Fredo Bang’s sound walks a tightrope between rage-filled violence and sentimental soul influences, which makes his sound unique in the hip-hop space. Last year, he released two projects, UNLV, containing the viral single “Free Thug,” and Two-Face Bang 2.

Read More: Fredo Bang Talks Relationship With Cousin Boosie Badazz

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The post The Journey Of Fredo Bang: A Look At His Life & Music appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kevin Gates Reveals Why He Loves Hunting

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Kevin Gates doesn’t like to buy his meat at the grocery store. He prefers to hunt for it himself. In a new interview with AllHipHop.com, Gates opened up about his love of hunting deer. However, he makes it clear that he doesn’t just do it for sport. For him, it is also about mental health. According to the rapper, hunting can be likened to a spiritual experience. “It takes pure focus. It’s almost like meditation,” he says in the interview. “You got to be in sync with it.” In addition to his own meditative reasoning, Gates uses his hunting skills to provide for his family.

Once Gates makes a kill, he makes sure to show thanks to God for providing food. Then, he takes great care to dress the animal to ensure the meat remains untainted. The rapper says this gives him a greater understanding of and connection to the meat that he consumes. The rapper recently opened up about how taking a life is sacred, so it makes sense that he would go to great lengths to respect the animals he hunts and show his thankfulness. As rewarding as the experience may be, Gates acknowledges that it will never yield immediate results. “I know I’m not going to get instant results,” he says. “I know I got to put work in… to cultivate it and develop it.”

Gates Receives Key To His Hometown

His newfound love of hunting is not the only development in Kevin Gates’ life recently. He has also received the key to his hometown, Baton Rouge. The rapper was surprised on stage with the honor. Afterward, he took to social media to post his gratitude for the recognition. “Feeling grateful and honored to have received the key to the city of Baton Rouge!” Gates said on his Instagram after the event. “It’s a privilege and I look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and prosperity.”

The Shade Room posted a video of the event, and commenters seemed displeased. Some wondered why Gates received the key when others deserved it. “Love Gates but as a Baton Rougian… Boosie does way more for his city…” one user said. Another chimed in to agree, commenting, “That belongs to Boosie.” While many of the commenters expressed distaste, other users were downright lost. “What these keys be unlocking?” one user said. “I always wanted to know.” What do you think of Kevin Gates’ new hunting hobby? Also, do you think he deserved the key to the city? Sound off in the comments to let us know!

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YoungBoy Claims He’s Going Back To Baton Rouge

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While it’s a bit murky and unclear, it seems like NBA YoungBoy just claimed he’s going back home to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Moreover, he was staying in Utah under house arrest before his gun felony trial, but he didn’t detail whether he was done with that commitment. Nevertheless, a video surfaced on social media of the rapper (masked behind a furry balaclava) saying: “On my way to BR. We having a second dump day.” However, a lot of people are raising their eyebrows and this clip, calling him a stunt double and wondering what the legal update is on his Utah stay.

Still, no matter where YB finds himself, fans should expect some great stuff from him soon. In fact, he recently spoke about his upcoming album Don’t Try This At Home. “I’mma be talking crazy on there,” the chart-topping star remarked to Rap Radar. “I’mma show you Murda Man… but I’m lettin’ you know, though: Don’t try this at home.” Of course, that refers to the MC’s changing perspective on violence and more negative behaviors espoused in his music.

YoungBoy Seemingly Coming Back To Baton Rouge

“I think about how many lives I actually am responsible for when it comes to my music,” he told Billboard. “How many girls I got feeling like if you don’t go about a situation that your boyfriend’s bringing on you in his way, you’re wrong? How many people have put this s**t in their ears and actually went and hurt someone? Or how many kids felt like they needed to tote a gun and walked out the house and toted it the wrong way? Now he’s fixing to sit there and do years of his life that he can’t get back.”

Also, it’s not like the “Put It On Me” star didn’t find new things to appreciate in Utah. In fact, he wants to get a Mormon baptism after spending meaningful time with missionaries. “I wanted help very badly,” he explained. “I needed a friend. And it hit me. It was just cool to see someone with a different mindset that had nothing to do with business or money. Just these wonderful souls… make sure my heart is in the right space.” Let us know what you think of his apparent return to Louisiana in the comments below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

Fredo Bang Celebrates Fatherhood With “Lullaby”

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Fredo Bang had the internet talking after he announced that he welcomed a newborn into the world. Now, he shared a new single to commemorate the milestone in his life.

This afternoon, the rapper unveiled his latest single, “Lullaby” while fans reel in from the announcement of his newborn child. The cover art of the single shows Fredo Bang holding his baby close in front of a Christmas tree. In the song, the rapper dives into his melodic strengths while showcasing his vulnerability. It’s another strong effort from Fredo Bang, who shared his album, UNLV in October.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Fredo Bang attends BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Filmmagic)

This morning, the rapper shared a photo of himself with his newborn child on the ‘Gram, which evidently left people talking. However, what was meant to be a celebratory post turned into a point of curiosity for his fans. While many began trying to identify the child’s mother, Internet sleuths discovered that he shares the child with an Instagram-famous lesbian couple, Annie and Sevyn Buffins. Though some believed he was the father of both of their children, Annie cleared the air shortly after.

“So lemme get this straight… you think Fredo & Sevyn made Parker? We did do IUI.” She wrote. “We never lied. We just never said how Payton came about. Kept that to myself until I was ready. Now I’m wrong for doing what was best for me lmao gah damn.”

At this point, Fredo hasn’t said much about the online discourse but we’ll keep you posted if he does. For now, press play on his new single, “Lullaby” below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
I took a shot, I took a gamble, I bet it all on you
My heart done been broken in tiny pieces, what do I got to lose
Oh, no, tell me you just for me
I tie you down like a leash