Belly

Latto “Belly” Reference In “Sunday Service” Music Video Debated By Fans

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A moment in the music video for Latto’s new track “Sunday Service” that references an iconic moment from the 1998 film Belly has sparked fan debate online. Latto appears bathed in neon blue light with glowing iridescent irises. While it is a striking shot, not everyone online is impressed. Some fans argued that Latto shouldn’t be praised for a reference that has been done countless times before. JT has previously made the same reference to much less acclaim. Meanwhile, other fans argued that Latto was too light-skinned to really make use of the effect as seen in the original film.

However, of course, her diehard fanbase was there to defend the impressive shot. Along with calling it “iconic”, they argued that no one person has a monopoly on film references. Furthermore, something as iconic as Belly is going to receive countless homages, especially in hip-hop culture. Things inevitably got heated online over the issue. How do you feel about the reference? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: Latto’s “Sunday Service” Visual Takes Us On A Trip Through The Bronx

Latto Performs On SNL

Meanwhile, amid her new music and seemingly unintentional beef with Ice Spice, Latto has also been making the rounds on late-night TV. She made a surprise appearance on SNL last weekend, appearing alongside musical guest Jennifer Lopez. The Columbus rapper came out to perform her remix of “Can’t Get Enough” and remained on hand to join Lopez and Redman in performing “This Is Me…Now”. The track is the lead single from Lopez’s upcoming semi-biographical film of the same name.

However, the whole thing ended with a slightly awkward moment as the cast (including a cameo from GOP candidate Nikki Haley, who had appeared during the cold open) came out for the goodbyes. Episode host Ayo Edebiri appeared to turn to Lopez and then Latto, appeared to look for a hug from both Lopez and Latto only to receive none. The rap trend continues as 21 Savage was also announced as this week’s musical guest.

Read More: Latto Denies That Her New Song “Sunday Service” Is A Diss Track

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Jay-Z Commends Nas For “Belly,” Claims He Wasn’t Cut Out For Acting

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During a recent interview with Complex, Jay-Z addressed rumors that he was originally set to appear in Hype Williams’ 1998 film, Belly. According to him, the rumors aren’t true. He further explained why the speculation doesn’t make sense, claiming that he was too “guarded” at the time for a venture on the big screen.

“That’s a rumor. Because of how guarded I was, I hated acting,” he admitted. “This is why I don’t act, because I would get in my way. I would be thinking, ‘No, I don’t wanna do something that I ain’t gonna look cool.’” Jay-Z continued, “But you know, I was young and immature. Or I was young mentally. You know, if you see our own movies, I was in for like 30 seconds and I wasn’t even speaking.”

Read More: JAY-Z Praises Hype Williams & Says He Made “Can’t Knock the Hustle” Feel “Like Cinema”

Jay-Z Shuts Down Rumors He Was Supposed To Be In Belly

Nas.jpg” alt=”Jay-Z Commends Nas For “Belly,” Claims He Wasn’t Cut Out For Acting” class=”wp-image-725972″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-300×225.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-768×576.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
Jay-Z (L) performs with Nas during Jay-Z’s Concert at The Apollo on November 13, 2007 in New York. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic)

Though the Roc Nation founder wasn’t willing to dip his toe in the world of cinema, Nas was. Jay-Z went on to praise the artist for being able to pull it off. “I had no idea how Nas did that because I felt like he was in the same place as me. But he did it and he made it work,” he explained. “But I never was meant to be in Belly. I don’t even know where that came from.”

While he didn’t appear in Belly, Jay-Z did work alongside Williams for various music videos. According to Jay, getting any kind of performance out of him was a pretty significant feat. “I don’t know if I was coachable as far as a performance at that time,” he revealed. I don’t know if anyone could coach me, you know, because I was so guarded.” He adds, “I think about the early videos that I have and I listen to myself talking and it’s kind of hard for me to watch. That’s not even how I speak.” What do you think of Jay-Z praising Nas for his Belly performance? Are you surprised that he hated acting? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Jay-Z.

Read More: No I.D. Says Big Sean’s “Control” Was Originally For J. Cole & JAY-Z

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Belly Hosts New Paranormal Podcast Series ‘Hip-Hop Horror Stories’

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Belly Hosts New Paranormal Podcast Series 'Hip-Hop Horror Stories'

Get ready for Halloween with a unique blend of hip hop and horror, as Audio Up and Light Sonic Division announce the release of Hip Hop Horror Stories, a groundbreaking 10-episode podcast series. Hosted by the award-winning and Oscar-nominated artist Belly, the series features spine-tingling narratives from some of the biggest names in hip-hop, R&B, and the NBA.

In Hip Hop Horror Stories, these game legends step away from the mic to recount their real-life encounters with the supernatural. The series promises tales of hauntings, demons, satanic possession, and even a phantom stripper, all set to a mesmerizing hip-hop beat with immersive sound design.

“Working in studios, I always heard stories from my peers about ghosts and encounters they’ve had with the paranormal,” Belly said. “This podcast retells some of these experiences from people we know  and love, and also gives us a different perspective on their background and how they grew up.”

Listeners can look forward to never-before-heard stories from French Montana and other notable figures. Each episode will provide a pulse-pounding experience, fusing storytelling and music against a backdrop of hypnotic hip-hop beats.

“We’re tapping into two cultures—hip-hop and the supernatural—to unearth stories that are not only terrifying but deeply human,” says Audio Up Chief Creative Officer Jimmy Jellinek. “These aren’t your average campfire ghost stories; they’re raw, intimate accounts that happen to feature some of the most celebrated names in hip-hop. Prepare to be captivated, startled, and above all,  entertained. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one episode. “

“Audio Up is renowned for merging the worlds of music and storytelling into something entirely new,” says Audio Up founder and CEO Jared Gutstadt. “With a world-class recording artist and storyteller like Belly we have the perfect vessel to create a new form of IP. First the podcast, then we release the original music and finally the next great television series. There’s no limit here.” 

This unique podcast was created and executive produced by Belly, drawing from the many supernatural encounters he heard from friends in the studio. Hip Hop Horror Stories is set to premiere on Oct. 3, 2023, exclusively on the iHeartRadio App and various podcast platforms. The first episode will feature eerie tales from French Montana and NBA star and hip-hop producer JaVale McGee, making it a must-listen for Halloween enthusiasts.

You can hear the podcast below.

The post Belly Hosts New Paranormal Podcast Series ‘Hip-Hop Horror Stories’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Belly Hosts New Paranormal Podcast Series ‘Hip-Hop Horror Stories’ appeared first on The Source.

Criterion Channel Is Celebrating Hip-Hop 50 By Streaming Classic Films Like ‘Belly’ And ‘Wild Style’

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The Hip-Hop 50 celebrations continue. The Criterion Channel throws its hat into the ring, announcing that it’ll start streaming a “mixtape” of pivotal hip-hop films in August to highlight the culture’s rich film history and influence on cinema. Included in the collection will be documentaries like Style Wars and Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest, early features such as Wild Style and Krush Groove, and of course, what hip-hop film collection would be complete without Hype Williams’ hood classic feature debut, Belly?

It looks like the collection will be released onto the platform in roughly chronological order, mirroring hip-hop’s growth from a local youth movement with films like Beat Street and Krush Groove coming in August, while September will see entries from the late ’80s and early ’90s when hip-hop began to burst onto the national scene. Those will include Boyz n the Hood, Do the Right Thing, and Poetic Justice. Then, in November, you can watch the triumph of the platinum era, Belly, as well as its sequel Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club (which suggests that maybe Criterion couldn’t secure rights to quite as many of hip-hop’s most important feature films as perhaps it would’ve liked).

For a list of more hip-hop films — specifically documentaries — worth checking out, here’s a list we wrote a few years ago.

[WATCH] Belly Releases New “Ambiance” Video Ahead of ‘Mumble Rap 2’ Album

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Belly Ambiance 0 31 screenshot

With his new album on the way, Belly has returned with his new video for “Ambiance.”

The single will be included on the Mumble Rap 2 album, which is executive produced by Hit-Boy. The new album will arrive on May 19 and feature Rick Ross, Nav, Gucci Mane, and the late Gil Scott-Heron.

The “Ambiance” video picks up where the “American Nightmare” video dropped off.

You can see it below and see the previous video here.

The post [WATCH] Belly Releases New “Ambiance” Video Ahead of ‘Mumble Rap 2’ Album appeared first on The Source.

Belly Reveals Rick Ross, NAV, and More as ‘Mumble Rap II’ Features

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Belly Reveals Rick Ross, NAV, and More as 'Mumble Rap II' Features

Belly has Mumble Rap II loaded. Hitting Instagram, the rapper revealed the tracklist for the forthcoming album, which features the late Gil Scott-Heron, Nav, Gucci Mane, and Rick Ross. The new album is entirely produced by Hit-Boy.

Last week, Belly returned with his first single from the newly announced album, “American Nightmare.” The new single comes with a video, available now. The Mumble Rap II album arrives on May 19.

The XO and Roc Nation signee previously revealed footage of himself in the studio creating new music with Grammy Award-winning producer Hit-Boy.

Of the single, Belly says, “coming from a place that the media constantly demonizes, I wanted to express how proud I am of being not only an Arab, but someone who’s been able to set an example for young Arabs everywhere. The Arabian Dream, feels like the American Nightmare sometimes but we’d rather be dreamers. It’s easy to be patient when you know what you’re destined for.”

The follow-up album to Belly’s debut Mumble Rap album, Mumble Rap II, strives to put him back on the list of top lyricists in the rap industry. “With the first Mumble Rap, I had already had a hit record and I wanted to remind people not to forget, where I actually come from & that I really do this.”

You can hear the new single and see the video below. Mumble Rap 2 is available for preorder here.

The post Belly Reveals Rick Ross, NAV, and More as ‘Mumble Rap II’ Features appeared first on The Source.