One of the most notable hit songs of the 2020s so far just won a major legal battle. Back in 2020 Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion teamed up for the hilarious anthem “WAP.” The song was instantly controversial for its overtly sexual themes but that also propelled it to massive success on the charts. But last year the pair were reportedly sued by a rapper named Necey X who claimed that they stole lyrics from her song “Grab Em.”
Now according to Billboard, a judge has thrown out the lawsuit, ruling in Cardi and Megan’s favor. “The lyrics over which plaintiff asserts copyright protection are no more than common phrases, employed frequently in popular culture and other Hip-Hop songs,” district judge Andrew L. Carter ruled in the case. “The concept of using ‘p—- so wet’ as a rhetorical device in a song is neither original nor unique to plaintiff,” the judge wrote. “Likewise, defendants have provided examples of at least three songs pre-dating [‘Grab Em’] which use some variation of the phrase ‘n—–s wild’n,’” he concluded. The lawsuit victory comes during a time when neither Megan or Cardi have released much new material recently. Check out the full text of the decision in the story below.
The controversy surrounding “WAP” lasted beyond when the song was a big hit. In a more recent interview, Cardi B explained why she never submitted the song for Grammy consideration. “This is something where it’s like, I need to stop letting the internet control my life. ‘Cause I didn’t want to submit ‘WAP’ because I was afraid that if I win or if I—you know what’s so crazy? The internet got me even afraid of winning. That is insane,” she said.
“WAP” spent four weeks at the number one spot on the Hot 100. It also became the first collaboration between female rap artists to debut at the top spot in its very first week. What do you think of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion winning their lawsuit over the lyrics from “WAP?” Let us know in the comment section below.
While it can often seem like fans are the only ones who care about sales numbers and chart placement, sometimes artists do too. There have been plenty of notable moments from artists like DJ Khaled and 6ix9ine who get upset publicly when their music doesn’t hit number one. But this week there’s another artist who feels cheated, Russ. His new album Santiago just hit the Billboard 200 for the first time and it debuted at number 12 with a pretty impressive 42k sold. He even managed to debut 6 spots higher than Quavo’s new album Rocket Power. But because he was initially projected to sell over 50k and debut in the top 10, the “What They Want” rapper feels cheated.
“Billboard & Luminate took away ANOTHER 4,000 of my REAL sales over the weekend making that 10,000 sales total they took away from me while allowing major labels to fake their streams and sales and do monopolistic merch bundles (only major labels are allowed to do merch bundles because the only approved vendor is a major label vendor),” Russ ranted in a recent tweet. He ended his initial statement claiming that the charts don’t matter as much as fan support does. “These numbers and charts are made up. The impact however is not. Shoutout to the fans.”
Billboard & Luminate took away ANOTHER 4,000 of my REAL sales over the weekend making that 10,000 sales total they took away from me while allowing major labels to fake their streams and sales and do monopolistic merch bundles (only major labels are allowed to do merch bundles… https://t.co/lH06KpNLM4
This isn’t the only time Russ has taken aim at music industry numbers recently. Earlier this year he tried explaining to his fans how Spotify’s monthly listeners stat is misleading. He called the presentation “a façade” on account of how many monthly listeners are users who only accidentally stumbled onto one song on a playlist and aren’t actually really “listeners.”
It’s easy to see why a debut outside the top 10 would be disappointing for Russ. His only other albums to hit the Billboard 200 have all debuted in the top 10. His albums Zoo and Shake The Snow Globe both hit the top 5. What do you think of Russ calling out Billboard for the allegedly missing sales? Let us know in the comment section below.
As of earlier this week, it’s officially been an entire year without a rap song hitting number one. Last year, Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl” debuted at the top spot and spent one week there. In the entire 365 days following a rap song has failed to reach the same chart successes. Two have come close with both Drake’s “Search & Rescue” and Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life” both peaking at number 2. Technically, there has been a rapper at the top spot in 2023, just not a rap song. Latto gave a guest verse to BTS member and K-Pop superstar Jung Kook on his song “Seven” which debuted at the number one spot in its first week.
One artist is pretty sure that he can step up and end the very long drought. NLE Choppa is taking the burden upon himself to become the next rapper to hit number one. “Bet lemme change that rq,” he responded in a quote tweet to a post about the long lack of chart toppers. It would be a pretty impressive boost for the rapper to soar all the way up to number one given that he’s never had a song inside the top 20 before. His biggest hit to date is “SLUT ME OUT” which made a sustained climb all the way up to its peak at number 28.
The Billboard 200 had also been completely dry of rap albums at the top of the chart for almost the entire first half of the year. Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape finally broke the streak and was quickly followed by Travis Scott’s UTOPIA. UTOPIA didn’t just hit the top spot but has stuck there, aiming for a full month at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 this week.
The best chance NLE Choppa has to break the streak before anyone else does it likely his newest single. The track “Bonjour” is a collaboration with Gambi that he released last week. What do you think of NLE Choppa aiming for a number one hit on the Hot 100? Let us know in the comment section below.
Akon is one name that has irrefutably made his mark in music history with his countless hits. The five-time Grammy award nominee boasts over 35 million album sales worldwide. With his distinctive blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and pop, the crooner has graced topics on love, peace, heartbreak, reality, incarceration, and much more. His versatility has been clear throughout his career, further consolidating the legacy he has built thus far. These days, he has focused more on his entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits. Still, Akon has continued to release hits even now, with his last album titled TT Freak released in 2022. His upcoming album Afro Freak is set to debut on Aug. 25th.
The Senegalese-American singer is no stranger to controversy since the onset of his career in the early 2000s. Akon has hardly made headlines due to his musical output in recent times. His contentious comments have led to widespread criticism, whether it’s his take on gender roles or comparing the talents of Africans and Black Americans. Notwithstanding, Akon is heralded as a musical virtuoso, with an awe-inspiring catalog of smash hits.
Akon’s unique team-up with the talented Eminem ended up creating a memorable party anthem. The tune swept through the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Smack That” also made it to the Guinness World Record for the most entries jumped on the chart. The infectious anthem flawlessly flaunted Akon’s malleability and the feature with Eminem was the icing on the cake.
This love-centered tune featured a fusion of R&B, pop, and Reggae elements. “Don’t Matter” was released as the third single off Konvicted, his second album. The singer/songwriter delivered a warm and assuring message to his lover with heartfelt lyrics on the track. Conveying a message on the hardships and challenges of a relationship, Akon once again showcased his versatility and ability to create lasting hits. Above all, his ability to create relatable songs like this one placed him at the number one spot for the second time on the Billboard Hot 100.
“I Wanna Love You” was initially meant for Trick Daddy. However, it was reworked into the version that we know and love today. The self-produced “I Wanna Love You” featured the legendary rapper, Snoop Dogg, creating another staple for clubs and parties. The sensual R&B and Hip Hop track lyrically focuses on pole dancers, lust, and the lavish lifestyle. This was another team-up for the books as the seamless collaboration created another monster hit for Akon. It went on to earn him his first-ever number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a Grammy nomination, and many other accolades.
Whitney Houston was the artist in mind when this song was written. However, after Akon and Michael took a particular liking to it, the collaboration was stamped. Featured as a part of Michael Jackson’s posthumous album of 2010, the elevating and poignant ballad sent a powerful message about the power of love, unity, and conviviality.
The simple yet uplifting tune embodied the beauty in humanity and resonated with thousands of listeners for more reasons than one. Furthermore, the perfectly executed duet was highly anticipated and well-received, becoming another of many hits Akon was behind. The inspirational atmosphere that saturated the song was complemented by Akon’s distinct voice and Michael Jackson’s tear-jerking delivery.
This mid-tempo Hip Hop and R&B blended track featured New York rapper Styles P. The song served as Akon’s launchpad into the game as a major player. It was the introductory track to his debut album titled Trouble. The soulful tune centered around the reality of incarceration and his hopes for a new life outside prison.
Subsequently, with his sincere lyrics and engrossing theme, the crooner caught the attention of many. The track thrust him onto multiple charts and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 8. It has since received a gold RIAA certification.
The highly introspective track came after the ill-famed incident involving Akon in 2007. The crooner had performed suggestively with an underage girl on stage in Trinidad & Tobago. As a result of the scandal, Verizon pulled its sponsorship from Gwen Stefani’s The Sweet Escape Tour (rumored to be worth upwards of $3 million) in which Akon was the opening act.
The soulful slow-tempo R&B and Hip-Hop fusion track subsequently touched on him being accountable and accepting the responsibility for his actions. The entire song features Akon’s sincere apologies and requests for forgiveness. The melancholic tune reached number one on iTunes and received platinum certifications and chart entries in many countries.
1. “Lonely” (2005)
Akon tapped into vulnerability and loyalty on one of his memorable hits, “Lonely.” The song samples Bobby Vinton”s “Mr. Lonely” and enraptures listeners with a spectacular delivery. Akon gained more ground and acclaim in his career on a global scale with “Lonely.” In addition to the captivating hook, the song was a blend of multiple genres. Akon climbed to the number one position on numerous charts as a result.
Rocket Power is the latest album from Quavo. A quasi-tribute to Takeoff, Rocket Power is Quavo’s first solo album since 2018’s Quavo Huncho and his first release since Migos’ final album, 2021’s Culture III. Rocket Power is a Quavo-heavy album, with just three features. “Patty Cake” features Takeoff, “Turn Yo Clic Up” features Future, and “Focused” features Young Thug.
Quavo Huncho peaked at #2 five years ago but unfortunately for Quavo, it doesn’t appear as though Rocket Power is going to have the same impact on the Billboard charts. According to HDD, the album is projected to sell 27,000-32,000 copies in its first week, which should be good enough for a top-20 debut. However, it likely won’t climb too high in that section of the chart. The top five are pretty set right now. At the time of writing, the top five on the Billboard 200 are UTOPIA, One Day At A Time, Barbie: The Album, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), and Midnights. All five albums shot up the charts this week, as did the #6 album, Lover.
Rocket Power Pales In Comparison To Other Releases
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 17: Quavo attends the Rocket Power Album Listening Party on August 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Quavo is not the only major artist who will be debuting on the Billboard 200 next week. Unreal Unearth, the latest album from Irish folk singer Hozier also dropped this week. Per HDD, the first-week projections on that project are 45,000-55,000, which should see Unreal Unearth debut in the top ten. The album includes one feature, with American rocker Brandi Carlile appearing on “Damage Gets Done”.
The release of Rocket Power also came with the release of a music video for the single “Hold Me”. While a solo single, it serves as one of the album’s biggest goodbyes to Takeoff. Shot in Paris, the video features a sea of people wearing Takeoff t-shirts and features lyrics specifically about Quavo’s mourning for his lost nephew.
Earlier this week, Billboard hosted their 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event. The event saw Nas being inducted into Billboard’s Hip Hop Hall Of Fame. The artist stepped on stage amid the honor, giving a heartfelt acceptance speech. During the speech, he opened up about the reason he began making music, revealing that he did it for the love of the art form. He continued, sharing that he used to see awards shows as “the devil,” however, he’s grateful that’s he’s beginning to be properly recognized for his contributions to the genre.
“I’m starting to win awards in my third prime. I never won awards in the ’90s,” Nas began, “thank you Billboard, before I get into all of that.” The rapper continued, “This is cool. 49 years old, I’m about to turn 50 along with hip hop, man. And I’m starting to see awards, too. I didn’t get into it for awards, we got into it because we love the art form. The art form has been vampired and sent through all kind of sh*t that keep the pioneer from touching anything.”
The artist went on to describe watching the genre develop. He also mentioned some of his own personal inspirations, explaining how he’s grateful to be around to see hip hop turn 50, even just as a spectator. “When this sh*t was underground, from seeing it from back then, I’m just so honored to still be alive to see it be 50 years as a fan,” he said. Nas continued, expressing his gratitude for being able to win awards despite pushing 50.
The east cost hip hop legend has certainly earned his place in the Hip Hop Hall Of Fame. Known for his creativity and ability to tell stories like no other, he’s paved the way for countless other MCs. Nas also just recently dropped a follow-up to his 2021 album Magic with Hit-Boy, Magic 2. The LP is his sixteenth full-length effort, featuring the likes of 50 Cent and 21 Savage.
Nas and Lil Wayne have officially been inducted into Billboard‘s newfound Hip Hop Hall of Fame. The two reflected on the honor during the publication’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Additionally, Ice Spice accepted an award for the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year at the event.
Billboard‘s Executive Director of R&B/Hip Hop, Gail Mitchell, introduced Lil Wayne to the stage for the Hall of Fame honor. Once Weezy got to the mic, he told the audience: “You already know I gotta give thanks to the man up above. Also, those that we lost, those that we wish were here, we thank you as well… And to my fans, I think I worded it the best way when I said I ain’t shit without you. This is for y’all, y’all as in my fans, those in the crowd, my supporters, those that work for me, those that work with me, those that work around me, those that work like me. This is for us.” Before getting off state, he teased working on new music.
Lil Wayne, Reginae Carter, Destiny Jones, Nas at Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Live held at The Novo on August 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
As for Nas’ induction, he reflected on his career, explaining that he never got into hip-hop for the recognition. “I didn’t get into it for awards; we got into it because we love the artform,” he said. “50 years of Hip Hop and we have a concert at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. 50 years of Hip Hop saluting some of the pioneers who inspired me…since DJ Mr. Magic started rap radio, since Marley Mall and Red Alert made us record mixtapes of our own when this shit was underground.”
Nas & Lil Wayne Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Nas continued: “From seeing it from back then, I’m just so honored to still be alive to see it be 50 years as a fan. So I want to thank you all for getting awards at 49, not when I was 29. But I appreciate you. I ain’t gonna lie, I stayed away from award shows back then, I thought that shit was the devil … But it ain’t. You make it what it is.” As for Ice Spice’s award, she kept things brief on stage. She gushed: “Ahh, this is cr*zy! This is like my first award ever in life, so I’m super proud.”
Nas discussed how young rappers handle conflict with other artists in hip-hop during a recent interview with Billboard. While discussing the dilemma, he shared some sage advice for up-and-comers in the industry.
“The streets are the streets. We listen to music from people directly from those circumstances,” he said. “Young people making the hit records are telling you what’s happening: education, disease, miseducation. Life is a tough test.”
Nas & Hit-Boy Celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 20: Nas and Hit-Boy join Hennessy to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary with a collaborative limited edition bottle on July 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Hennessy)
He continued: “As they get successful, they have to come into their senses on their own. When you look at hip-hop’s history, you see all the companies and empires that fell because of stupidity. If they see that, they have to realize they are the next one if they don’t change. […] It’s their decision and their maturity level, and when they are going to figure it out because time is ticking — the next thing you know, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just pray for them and hope for the best because talking to them is one thing, but they have to be ready for it. Sometimes they have to learn on their own.”
Nas also discussed how he’s continued to put out new music well into his 40s. In doing so, he shared advice for rappers of his generation as well. “I want more people to join me from my era; release your records and work hard on them shits,” he said. “I want to hear how people feel, and I want to hear their art, I don’t want to hear the trends, I want to hear the art. Express it, do it and be free. That’s what I’m trying to give to the game now.”
The comments come after the release of Nas’ latest album, Magic 2, on which he collaborated for a fifth consecutive time with producer Hit-Boy. The album additionally contains guest appearances from 50 Cent, who is also well into his 40s.
Very few rappers who have been around as long as Nas continue to release as much music as he does. In the 2020s alone he’s already released five new albums in two ongoing series. First, he took on the Kings Disease series of records with Hit-Boy. The three editions of the albums were released in 2020, 2021, and 2022. He also hasn’t ruled out returning to the series before the end of 2023. He’s also released two albums under the Magic series. Magic 2 dropped just last month after a few weeks of teasing. The album saw Nas teaming up with 21 Savage and making his first track with 50 Cent in over 20 years.
Now in a new interview with Billboard, he’s asking other rappers from his era to release music more often. “Release your records. they’re working hard on them sh*ts. I wanna hear how people feel, I wanna hear their art.” His desire for more music from his own era isn’t just about nostalgia either. He also speaks out against the newest trends in rap completely taking over the game. He seems to hope that if older rappers continue with their original styles there will be more variety and honesty in rap. “I don’t want to hear the trends, I want to hear the art,” he concludes.
Fans in the comments largely agreed. “Nas is right please do this because idk if I’m just getting older but this wave of rap/hip hop just ain’t hitting like that,” one comment reads. Others highlight how impressive it is that he’s stayed so consistent over the years. “Amazing how Nas’s voice really hasn’t took a hit. Still sounds as if it was the 90’s,” one of the top comments reads.
The legendary NY rapper has remained an influence to his generation. In recent interviews both Common and Eminem cited his music as an influence over their work. What do you think of Nas wishing more artists from his era would release music? Let us know in the comment section below.
Billboard recently unveiled their pick for the 2023 R&B/hip-hop rookie of the year, Ice Spice. The 23-year-old Bronx rapper has certainly reached new heights in her career in recent months. “I have put in so much hard work, and it means a lot to be recognized for it and have more than just plaques to show for it,” she says of her latest feat. She’s hot off a couple of wildly successful collaborations with the queen of rap herself, Nicki Minaj. Most recently, the duo got together to drop their viral contribution to the Barbie soundtrack, “Barbie World.”
She also made headlines this year for her appearance on the deluxe edition of Taylor Swift’s Midnights. Their “Karma (Remix)” quickly became Ice Spice’s third song to chart in the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The young artist also recently dropped off a new track called “Deli” in recent weeks, making waves with the song’s accompanying music video.
The rapper’s skyrocket to stardom began when her song “Munch (Feelin’ U)” blew up in 2022. The song showcases her refreshing take on drill rap, quickly gaining popularity on TikTok. She later worked alongside PinkPantheress to release “Boy’s a liar, Pt. 2” in February of this year. The song, again, went viral. Since then, her fans have been watching the performer’s every move, as she dominates the charts with each release.
Last month, Ice Spice dropped off the deluxe edition of her Like..? EP, offering fans four new tracks. As of late,Like..? (Deluxe) has even been competing with east coast OGNas’ latest LP. He dropped his new album Magic 2 on the same day as Ice Spice’s EP, and their numbers have been cutting it close. So far, Ice Spice’s effort has managed to pass up Nas’ in terms of streaming, though his managed to get more pure sales.
