TDE rapper REASON is back with a vengeance on his bouncy and charismatic new single, “You Betta (Jesus Take The Wheel).” Of course, this is far from the first notable release from the California MC this year, with Jay Rock hopping on the remix of his track “At It Again.” This time around, his newest musical offering takes things back to a more light-hearted and joyful tone with an optimistic hook and exciting background group vocals. Sure, it still talks about all the expected themes in a contemporary rap song, especially one that’s meant to hype listeners up for the summer season. Still, it’s the rapper’s lyrical cleverness, infectious delivery, and laidback flows that give the track its power.
Lyrically, the hook mentions a few things that REASON leaves up to faith, and therefore isn’t worried about: catching charges, having a Glock on his lap, and romantic pursuits. Even though the subject matter may seem darker, his melodic inflections and breezy cadence firmly root “You Betta” as a summertime banger. In addition, the verses themselves are decidedly more sensual, centered mostly around his lust for other women. However, there are still some throwaway lines about gossip, switching narratives, and his come-up in Los Angeles. As such, you don’t really know where the track goes next, but you fully lock into the sunny instrumental.
REASON’s “You Betta (Jesus Take The Wheel)” Music Video
Through a bass-heavy beat, and a fast tempo, the beat makes sure that you don’t lose the song’s playful energy. Overall, it’s an entertaining and occasionally anthemic cut that hopefully hints at this artist dropping something long-term soon. If you haven’t heard it, you can find it on your preferred streaming service and catch some standout bars below. As always, check back in with HNHH for the latest on REASON, and for more great hip-hop releases each week.
Quotable Lyrics I just need a little energy, we try to take this s**t across the water Eat your p***y on the balcony, my appetite go harder I’m a dog, h*e, I beat the brakes off it Know you stressed, all that pressure, let me take the weight off you
13 years after its release, this West Coast pop anthem just made history for the two artists that released it. Moreover, Snoop Dogg just earned his first-ever Diamond-certified single by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), “California Gurls” with Katy Perry. Not only that, but the singer also reached a huge milestone by becoming the female artist with the most Diamond hits according to the RIAA. For those unaware, a Diamond certification from the association means that the release in question sold at least 10 million equivalent units. As such, it’s clear that this song is still in rotation, whether it’s people feeling nostalgia for it or discovering it for the first time.
Of course, high acclaim and success is nothing new for Tha Doggfather. While this specific instance is an example of commercial success, the Long Beach MC has garnered loads of respect. For example, he recently revealed that James Brown told him he was the hardest-working artist in the industry. Furthermore, Snoop Dogg transcended the hip-hop genre when it came to his star power, something that his many partnerships, pop crossovers, and more endeavors continue to prove.
“California Gurls,” Snoop Dogg’s First Diamond Song
“California Gurls” was the first single for Katy Perry’s third album, 2010’s Teenage Dream. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts and remained at No. 1 for six consecutive weeks. However, interestingly enough, the Snoop Dogg collab idea came from another successful rap crossover hit. According to the “Electric” hitmaker, she was inspired by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ fellow city-honoring hit, “Empire State Of Mind.” Still, the reasons behind that inspiration were as competitive as they were admiring.
“When I came up with the idea of ‘California Gurls,’ it was because I was a little bit jealous of all the love that was given to the East Coast,” she revealed to MTV in 2010. “I thought for sure Tupac was rolling in his grave, and the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson was totally upset.” Furthermore, she said it was “perfect timing” for a Cali hit. Wwho better to tap than one of the kings of West Coast hip-hop? For more news and the latest updates on Snoop Dogg, log back into HNHH.
When it comes to DJs and influencers, travel hacks and destinations are the name of the game. From playing to the masses across the globe to jet-setting to some pretty Instagram-worthy locations, you can’t go wrong taking some inspiration and recommendations from the people behind the boards.
While international travel is plenty alluring this time of year, there’s something about staying domestic during the North American summer that just makes sense. Especially after the pandemic reawakened Americans to the glories to be found closer to home. So we picked the brain of 15 globally recognized DJs, producers, and travel influencers to reveal their “most underrated” American towns and cities to make a trip to this summer.*
*Warning: Some of these towns are very mainstream so treat the word “underrated” with a grain of salt.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Forbidden Kingdom (6/10), Beyond Wonderland (6/18), Lost Lands (9/23)
PRESS
I think I’m going to have to go with Portland for this one. I’ve been there probably 5-6 times now and I have to say it’s definitely one of my favorite cities in the US. I’m a big fan of sushi and with Portland being in the PNW, the fish is some of the best I’ve ever had. Portland has a pretty large Asian community as well and I’m a big fan of pho & ramen, so you know I’m in heaven whenever I go. It also has this Japanese Garden that’s really beautiful. It’s an absolute must-see in my opinion.
On top of all of that, the crowd in Portland consistently goes hard. I am always excited to visit Portland and its food, crowd, and landmarks. It never disappoints!
As someone who loves being outdoors and hiking, Jim Thorpe is the perfect destination for a summer visit. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I spent many summers here, hiking to waterfalls, going to museums, and shopping in town. The Harry Packer mansion (the architectural inspiration for Disneyland’s haunted mansion ride) is beautiful and open for reservations if you want to spend the night. The waterfalls are completely breathtaking to hike up to, and you can even white water raft in nearby lakes.
One of my favorite places to dine is a restaurant overlooking the mountain called roadies, with great pub fare food and live music.
I actually think Boise, ID is criminally slept on. The creative culture is thriving and I feel an exciting energy around DIY spaces and events in particular when I’m there. My friend Street Fever (@streetfever) does a party called OIL (@oil.move) that absolutely demands a visit, and AI Studios has a location there with an art space and jewelry manufacturing as well.
For restaurants you can’t miss: KIN, which also has a music/theater/art venue called piKINic as part of their set of three concepts.
Maybe I’m biased because I just moved here, but I definitely think that Carlsbad, California is an underrated travel destination in the United States.
It’s located /north of San Diego, about 30 minutes from downtown and it is the cutest beach town without all of the crowds and bustle of downtown San Diego.
If you’re looking for the best place to stay, surprisingly, the Best Western Plus is actually so nice and it has a beautiful view of the ocean with a top deck that has chairs where you can watch the sunset.
One of my favorite places to eat is Blue Ocean Sushi and I also love Taste of the Himalayan, which is authentic Himalayan food. It is so delicious. I especially love the curry options.
As far as fun activities to do in Carlsbad, California, it is the ultimate beach destination with a surplus of outdoor activities from kayaking and surfing to just hanging out at the Carlsbad State Beach and hiking. You’ll also find a ton of really cute shopping boutiques and thrift stores, which is fun to explore in between dining and going to the beach.
Of course, the best time to visit any beach town is spring and summer. It does get crowded. But fortunately, it is a little bit of an oasis from downtown San Diego with fewer people and it’s just easier to find parking and get around.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Hard Summer (8/5), Hulaween (10/26)
PRESS
I’d have to say Charleston, SC was an absolute pleasure to visit! I’d never really heard much about the city before visiting and it was quite a surprise to see the liveliness and quaintness of this city. The cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and nicely-groomed horses bring so much life to this adorable city. I was also pleasantly surprised by how fresh the seafood was. If you do vision, make sure to try out the oysters and the shrimp and grits. Absolutely outstanding flavors!
We walked through the French Quarter which was beautifully preserved and filled with live music. Also, everywhere we went, we were greeted by nice and warm hospitality. The city’s Southern charm combined with its rich history definitely makes it an unforgettable experience to visit.
I would say Sedona, AZ. Most people don’t think of Arizona for summertime because of the heat. But Sedona nighttime lows in the summer average in the cool mid 60s, nearly 25 degrees cooler than the Phoenix average. The place is extremely spiritual with red rocks everywhere, it feels like you’re in a dream. Walt Disney would spend substantial amounts of time there and modeled several Disneyland rides around the landscape.
In terms of places to eat, Mariposa in Sedona has beautiful views and a world-renowned chef. For unique food, including a peach pizza, go check out Hideaway House as well.
In terms of activities, go hike Devil’s Bridge and see trees whose trunks are totally twisted around due to the vortex energy. Go get your aura read while you’re there, and some of the most beautiful stars you’ve ever seen at night.
I feel like whenever I tell someone that I’m from Buffalo, they automatically assume how cold it is. Let’s be real here: obviously Buffalo is pretty cold in the winter thanks to our neighbor Lake Erie. But many people don’t understand that Buffalo and Western New York as a whole has an amazing summer season!
Because it sits right on Lake Erie, Buffalo becomes an amazing destination for spending time on the water. You can spend all day at Buffalo RiverWorks, the city’s premier waterfront, boating, sports bar, and music and entertainment destination. Located right on the banks of the river in the industrial district, the city has put millions of dollars into this over the years and has become an amazing addition to the city. You can rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard, hop on the Buffalo Tiki Tour, rock climb one of the sheer walls of the grain silos, watch a roller derby bout, and sip cocktails on the water with free live music. There’s also Canalside, another beautiful part on the waterfront that is right in the heart of the city. It hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost including concerts, festivals, and summer fitness classes, and you can also get on the water with a kayak, paddleboard, or boat here too.
Of course, Niagara Falls is very close by, everyone should come here at least once in their life!
For some amazing Western New York hiking, I highly recommend going to what is considered “The Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. My personal favorite is also Griffith Sculpture Park, where you get stunning views of Buffalo’s rolling hills as you find peace and serenity walking among sculptures in the woods.
You can’t go to Buffalo without having some chicken wings. Sorry to all you ranch lovers out there – the only correct way to eat chicken wings is with blue cheese. Get some from the iconic Anchor Bar on Main Street or at Duff’s Famous Wings.
Keys N Krates (@keysnkrates): Asheville, North Carolina
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Washington D.C.’s Flash (9/23), Salt Lake City, UT’s Soundwell (10/5), and Portland, OR’s 45 East (10/6)
Keys N Krates
We discovered Asheville on our first U.S. bus tour. At that point, we were very used to waking up in different cities/towns (or sometimes Walmart parking lots). I remember waking up in Asheville and walking out of the tour bus onto Biltmore Ave, which felt like the main drag of that immediate area, and thinking, this town seems really great. I got the immediate impression that there was fun stuff to check out (art, food, music), but it also felt secluded, surrounded by nature and a bit of a hidden gem. My hunch checked out; we learned the MOOG factory is there, there’s a ton of cool art galleries and we were surrounded by The Blue Ridge Mountains.
And then there is the Orange Peel, the 1050-cap-simple-rectangular room that felt almost like a barn house. It became one of our favourite venues in the U.S. to play shows at. For whatever reason, the energy of the crowds there was always unmatched, and every show there (we’ve done around three now) just felt like a chaotic sweaty debacle in the best way possible. I’d like to think it was just us, but it definitely felt like that room had its own magic.
I still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of what’s great about that town. I’m sure “current-day us” would go on hikes and hit galleries and those botanical gardens, but “mid-2010s us” were tour bus sloths who basically just walked to whatever was around the tour bus, regardless of how great a city was. I would typically do a 15-minute walk to Liberty Coffee and have a pre-show bite at the brewery (Wicked Weed) right next to the venue.
Our second time in Asheville, we got invited to the MOOG factory to see the place and do a taping of us performing one of our songs just using MOOG gear which was really fun. They were super kind to us there. As producers, we were in hyper-geek-out mode, and they were amazing hosts. That was super memorable.
Anabel Englund (@anabelenglund): Lake Geneva, Washington
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Utah Pride (6/2), Sunbar Nightclub (6/3), The Midway (7/1), Global Dance Festival (7/21)
ANABEL ENGLUND
Lake Geneva is a place I have gone to every summer since I met my husband. There are no direct flights into this small town so the only two options are either fly to Chicago O’ Hare or Milwaukee Airport and then drive from there to wherever you are staying. I will say you will pass a lot of cornfields! The air there is clean & dense like it’s made of melted sugar & as the sun starts to set you see fireflies rising up from the grass. The lake is spring fed & crystal clear. When you jump into the water with sun kissed skin it feels like a holy experience. Our favorite place to eat breakfast is at this old diner called ‘Daddy Maxwell’s.’ It is simply the best with its familiar waitresses & regulars. Make sure to pull out some money before dining because it’s a cash only establishment. There are endless amounts of things to do on or around the lake. You can walk/bike/run around the whole thing (21-26 miles.) You can do all kinds of water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or even just cruising around listening to music with friends catching up and enjoying the sun together. Needless to say, when it’s time to head to my next destination I am never ready to leave & am already planning my next trip back.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Cervantes Ballroom (7/1)
KHIVA
While I would by no means consider myself the authority on spots to hit here, I have probably had more ‘in depth’ visits to Denver than a lot of US cities. For many reasons, I think it can hold its own in the ring with more ‘notable’ destinations like say, NY or SF. Truly, it seems like there is always something going on and if you’re like me (a sun-worshipping lizard) a clear summer day in the Mile High City is such a good opportunity to bounce between spots and try a little bit of everything.
One thing I love about Denver is all its cool ‘food halls’ that have become rightfully popular over the years. I’ve had great times at Denver Central Market, Denver Milk Market, Edgewater Public Market, and Avanti Food Hall. I love a chance to hit Konjo for Ethiopian food at Edgewater! I’ve personally really enjoyed hot spots such as Denver Biscuit Company and Watercourse over the years and especially living where I do in New York, it’s just not the type of food/restaurants I have a lot, so it’s quite different. I feel like Denver has its own version of every type of cuisine and spins it into its own genre of comfort food. One culinary aspect of Denver I love is all the little mom-and-pop Mexican spots!
Sometimes it feels more difficult to find inner-city activities that aren’t totally food or drink-centric, but Denver seems to have a pretty cool array of interesting things. I’m not a huge gamer, but I do love pinball, so I really enjoyed hanging out at 1UP Arcade Bar on Colfax. I love all the old-school machines and their wicked art! I haven’t been yet but a friend invited me to check out the Church of Cannabis, which apparently has an awesome new light show of sorts, so I am very stoked to visit this one! There is, of course, the new Meow Wolf, which also is hosting a lot of shows!
Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning the rich and wonderfully incessant stream of musical entertainment happening in the city. Shameless self-plug here, but I am so excited to have my biggest headline to date happening at Cervantes on July 1st, so that’s incredibly exciting, but I l also have time to stay afterward for a few days and get in on the buzz that is July 4th! I’ve got a lot of friends either based in the city or passing through, and you know there’s bound to be a cool show happening somewhere. I haven’t been to the Black Box in a while, so I’d love to see what’s going on and catch up with some friends where you know the sound, music, and vibes are on point!
Overall, I just love to be outside and experience food, culture, art, and music, and Denver ticks so many boxes — making this a great summer destination. If you have time and transport, getting into nature is no doubt a huge bonus of its location. On this trip, I am trying to hit some of the places in this list, but never underestimate the power of a good hotel with a pool to come back to after a full day of festivities!
Being able to tour in Hawaii was incredible and definitely is the ultimate summer vibe. We landed in Honolulu and stayed in Waikiki Beach. We stayed at a resort and an Airbnb and truly experienced the best of both worlds.
If you prefer hotels, The Outrigger Resort was nothing short of perfection with luxurious shopping, food, and amenities. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and lots of options for anything tourism. If you are into nature and sightseeing we definitely recommend Diamond Head state park. If you are a beginner, Waikiki Beach is a perfect place to learn with long rolling rides. We recommend any shopping at the Royal Hawaiian Center Mall which is within walking distance from the resort. For nightlife experience, we had a blast performing at The Republik which is one of our all-time favorite venues in the United States.
Our favorite was definitely the Airbnb which was tucked away in the green hills overlooking the beaches. It was a different experience because it was a step away from all the tourism but still close enough to get in the mix. Highly recommend renting moped scooters as means of transportation. Which allowed us to see and experience more of a local vibe with great recs from our host. One of our favorite things to do is take the mopeds up and down the coast at sunset. Absolutely breathtaking and we made sure to do that every night. Our favorite local poke spot was called Five Star Poke. And definitely have to take a tour of the dole plantation to try the legendary “Dole Whip”. And if you can visit the island during the 4th of July celebrations, do it. The highlight of our experience and the best recommendation we can give is renting a boat or catamaran and sailing just off the coast to catch the sunset which is followed by multiple fireworks shows as far as the eye can see up and down the coast.
Two Friends (@twofriends): Charleston, South Carolina & Cleveland, Ohio
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (6/12), Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (6/22)
TWO FRIENDS
I’m gonna have to say Charleston, South Carolina. We have played there a few times in the summer and it is just so beautiful. We did 4th of July pool parties back-to-back out there last summer and they were two of the craziest shows the whole year. We’re coming back there at the end of June and we’re definitely looking forward to that one. It’ll be all outdoors, on the lawn, with great summer vibes as the sun goes down and the music plays all night. -Eli
I’m gonna go with Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland can sometimes get a bad rap, but that place is amazing, especially down by the water. It’s so lively, there are so many cool places. We’ll also be there on our tour in June and honestly, it’s a vibe. There are a lot of fun things to do and people are just ready to go. -Matt
Just got back from a trip to Joshua Tree and it was one of the most rejuvenating experiences I’ve had in a while. I went to Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Keys View. There are so many good eats like Crossroads Cafe, Joshua Tree Coffee, JT Country Kitchen, and Sky High Pizza. This place is really dog friendly so I brought my two pit bulls with me (just make sure they stay hydrated). Downtown Joshua Tree is great at night for bars/breweries. One of my favorite aspects of the town was seeing the Joshua Trees themselves. It was my first time seeing them in real life and they were so peaceful and serene. I also loved how relaxing and tranquil it was being in the desert- it’s perfect when you want to remove yourself from everything for a few days.
My underrated summer destination for all those who haven’t been to the wonderful coasts of New England – where I spent most of my life – is Southie (South Boston).
I would always start my days by hitting the local PS Gourmet Coffee shop for a bacon egg and cheese breakky sam on a poppy seed bagel. They have about 35 different flavor choices for coffee so I would always switch it up to keep things fresh.
The next stop is a quick walk over to M street beach. The water quality is questionable but the vibe quality is exceptional. Plenty of music and beach games and people bonding over iced coffees as they sweat out their hangovers. From there, it’s an easy walk to Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar for some fresh oysters and my personal favorite, the coconut margs. Across the street Lincoln Tavern is always packed but worth it if you can brave the line and can get a table with friends. Alternatively, make a friend who has a roof deck and head there to cap the day off with a nice sunset. Then it’s time to hit the clubs. Royale used to be a personal favorite of mine. The Middle East in Cambridge will always be dear to me as the first venue I played, and then Bijou and Venue and Icon are all solid clubs to hit. My good friends still hold down the fort at Big Night Live and open up for some phenomenal acts from all over the world.
Catch me playing next in my new hometown of Denver. The announcement coming soon! Enjoy your summer and stay safe and cool!
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: The Greek Theatre (7/20); Frost Amphitheater (7/23); Central Park SummerStage (8/3)
MXMTOON
My personal choice for the most underrated American town for the summer would be Oakland, California. It’s totally biased because that’s where I grew up but I choose it for good reason.
If you’re looking to visit California and don’t want to commit to LA’s high heat and traffic all the time but you’re also not sure about San Francisco and how chilly it gets along with all of its hills, Oakland is the place for you. It’s a perfect middle ground for all of those things – we have incredible nature and hiking trails along all the regional parks nearby. We also have incredible food. My favorite place to go is over on Telegraph Avenue, it’s called Cholita Linda and it’s really delicious Cuban food.
I hope more people come to visit Oakland because it’s my favorite city in the Bay and I think it deserves a little more love.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé have been two of the biggest figures in the music industry for decades, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 2023 finds the couple markedly making some of their most mature moves to date, with the mother of three recently embarking on her RENAISSANCE World Tour and teasing a new business venture into the hair industry. Hov, on the other hand, has been busy convincing the city of New York that his Roc Nation casino plans for Times Square are the right fit for them.
Amid all this, the Carters have somehow found time to finalize the purchase of a new home – one that also makes them record-breakers in the state of California. As TMZ reports, their new spot spans a whopping 30,000 square feet in Malibu, and it cost them $200 million. This makes it the most expensive home ever sold in the area, with the prior record being $177M. It came in second place in terms of the most expensive real estate deal in the country, falling short of a $238M NYC apartment deal. Seeing as the property was initially on the market for $295M, the southern singer and east coast lyricist got an incredible deal.
| TMZ reports that Beyoncé and Jay-Z have bought the most expensive mansion ever sold in California at $200 million. pic.twitter.com/qD0pYGa5zb
— Beyoncé Press. | Fan Account (@beyoncepress) May 19, 2023
The mansion is just one of many located on “Billionaires’ Row,” which overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Paradise Cove. It was designed by Tadao Ando, the renowned Japanese architect who’s also been linked to Kanye West’s new home in Malibu. The previous owner of Bey and Jay’s abode is William Bell, best known for having one of the biggest art collections in the world. He spent nearly a decade and a half building the all-concrete structure, which is now the new owner’s second property in the area.
In 2017, they purchased an $88M Bel-Air mansion which has since undergone extensive renovations to bump its worth into the $100 millions. Are you envious of the Carter’s record-breaking new home? Let us know in the comments, and check back in later for more pop culture/hip-hop news updates.
In a stellar case of East Coast and West Coast bonding, Snoop Dogg and Scar Lip just joined forces for a killer remix. Moreover, the Long Beach MC added a verse to Lip’s viral track “This Is New York,” and of course, this time it’s “This Is Cali.” While the track only features one of the Bronx rapper’s original aggressive verses from its first iteration, the remix still shows off her incredible skills when it comes to flow, delivery, and impactful wordplay and phrasing. All in all, it’s quite the murderous and boastful song that harkens back to the gritty hip-hop of the ’90s and beyond.
What’s more is that this rejuvenation of older styles is becoming increasingly fused with more contemporary production techniques. For example, “This Is Cali” features a very crisp and sharp instrumental, with familiar boom-bap rhythms that are stripped back a little bit. In addition, there’s the addition of sliding bass that evokes some of the New York drill style that’s taken over the region as of late. Of course, the most standout part of this remix in comparison to the original is Snoop Dogg’s added verse. It’s been a while since we’ve heard the 51-year-old sound as menacing, focused, and emphatic as this.
Snoop Dogg Brings The West Coast Swagger To Scar Lip’s “This Is New York”
This whole collab came from just a simple Instagram DM, and that’s always amazing to see. Amid other cosigns from Cardi B, the 22-year-old is rapidly becoming one of the game’s next big stars. That’s owed to both her viral presence and lyrical skill. You can find the track on YouTube, but make sure to keep an eye out for more Scar Lip releases. We’re sure that there’s only more heat to come, whether on the East or West Coasts. For more news on the Bronx lyricist and the latest updates on Snoop Dogg, come back to HNHH.
Quotable Lyrics This ain’t a game or a b***h n***a party, if we catch you Slippin’, we gon’ catch a body, shooting shotty, Get ’em, got it, welcome to the Terrordome, we was all In the streets, n***a, you was scared at home
In 1988, DJ Muggs, B-Real, and brothers Senen (Sen Dog) and Ulpiano Reyes (Mellow Man Ace) formed a hip-hop group known as DVX. When Ulpiano left the group shortly after its formation, they changed their name to Cypress Hill. In 1994, they would go on to galvanize their sound with the official addition of percussionist, Eric Bobo. The group would go on to be one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop for the next 35 years.
Since forming, Cypress Hill has sold over 20 million albums, earned three Grammy nominations, and has continuously toured the globe. Cypress Hill has become a fixture in hip-hop’s cultural landscape. With rousing production, Latin flare, vicious lyrical content, and a devotion to cannabis, the group’s music has become a party playlist staple. Let’s look at five of their biggest hits that smoked out rooms around the world.
5. “Throw Your Set In the Air” (1995)
The lead single from Cypress Hill’s third album, Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom (1995) is a stone-cold classic. Mixing hardcore gangsta rap with horrorcore imagery and production, “Throw Your Set in the Air” is sharp, mean, and infectious. B-Real crushes the track on every verse, dominating the haunting keys and boom-bap beat with his sinewy vocals. The song was a hit, reaching number 45 on the US Billboard Top 100. It even stoked a bit of controversy. The group accused Ice Cube of ripping off the hook of “Throw Your Set in the Air” for his song “Friday.” The accusation sparked a feud between the group and Cube, resulting in a handful of (immediately good) diss tracks.
Cypress Hill has always had crossover appeal when it comes to fans of rap and metal (it’s probably the weed). However, the group really dove into the rock deep with their fifth album Skull & Bones (2000). The album featured contributions from members of Fear Factory, Deftones, and RATM, as well as rap luminaries Eminem and N.O.R.E. The overall result was a mixed bag, but it produced the instant headbanger, “(Rock) Superstar.” The track was a hit among fans and casual listeners. It was even featured in the films Training Day and Little Nicky (but we can forgive the latter).
3. “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That” (1993)
Black Sunday, the sophomore album from Cypress Hill, is an all-time classic that spawned several massive hits. One such hit was the horrorcore, streetwise track “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That.” With a bouncing bass groove and a Black Sabbath sample, the song became an earworm. The titular refrain of the song is a rap-along moment in any live Cypress Hill performance.
Like most of Black Sunday, “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That” features haunting production and sharp rhymes. However, it is the only track on the album produced by producer and engineer Todd Ray. Better known as T-Ray, he has produced in both the worlds of rock and rap since the ‘80s.
2. “How I Could Just Kill a Man” (1991)
Talk about coming out the gates with some heat. Cypress Hill’s debut single “How I Could Just Kill a Man” was a revelation when it dropped in 1991. Incorporating Latin beats, gangsta rap lyrics, and a matter-of-fact hook, the song would go on to have quite the legacy.
The song was featured in Ernest R. Dickerson’s 1992 film Juice. Unfortunately, it didn’t make the official soundtrack release. However, the Cypress Hill track “Shoot ‘Em Up” did. Decades later, rap/rock legends Rage Against the Machine would release a cover of “How I Could Kill a Man” on their final album Renegades. The cover breathed new life into the song and climbed the charts for the second time. Once a banger, always a banger.
1. “Insane In the Brain” (1993)
C’mon, everyone knew this was going to be number one. How could it not be? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, “Insane in the Brain” is a song that everyone knows and loves. Sure, listeners have probably heard it more times than they can count, but there’s good reason for that. It has become part of the cultural zeitgeist in a way no other Cypress Hill has ever.
“Insane in the Brain” reached number 19 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in 1993. The track helped propel Cypress Hill’s second album Black Sunday to becoming a Triple platinum album, selling over 3.4 million units in the US. “Insane in the Brain” is Cypress Hill’s biggest song, no matter how you cut it.
There has been a lot of investigations into the NFL as of late. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores sued the league over what he called “racist hiring practices”. Meanwhile, the situation that led to the sale of the Washington Commanders was so bad that it led to a Congressional investigation. While the league has suffered a variety of legal setbacks over the years, their contemporary troubles seem especially bad.
But once again, the league has been placed under a negative spotlight. Attorneys General Letitia James of New York and Rob Bonta of California have announced a joint investigation into the league. The investigation seeks information regarding allegations of gender pay disparities, harassment, and gender and racial discrimination.
NFL Investigated By Multiple States
KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 27: Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick for the Washington Commanders in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 27, 2023 at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The investigation is targeting the NFL as an entity, rather than specific teams. Attorneys General James and Bonta cited a 2022 New York Times article as part of their reasoning for the investigation. The article in question detailed allegations of gender discrimination from over 30 former female employees of the NFL. “No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace,” James said in a statement. Bonta also said he and James have “serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment.”
In response, the NFL has announced that it will cooperate with the investigation. However, the league has also called the allegations “entirely inconsistent with the NFL’s values and practices.” This sentiment was further supported by a statement released by the NFL. “The NFL offices are places where employees of all genders, races and backgrounds thrive. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form,” the statement read in part. A multi-state investigation into the NFL at this level is an unprecedented move. However, with claims and accusations mounting against the NFL, it feels that this is the inevitable result of the dam bursting.
Fivio Foreign released a statement apologizing for missing his set at Rolling Loud California over the weekend. In a post on social media, he explained that he’s still dealing with health issues. The New York rapper also teased that he’s dropping new music in April during an interaction with Meek Mill.
“Apologize to @RollingLoud & everybody who came out to see me I ain’t make it.. My first time missing a show and I feel so crazy about it but my body dealing w some real issues.. Juss keep me in yah prayers & I’ll hit Tariq up to make it up,” Fivio wrote to his fans. While he didn’t go into details regarding his health issues, Fivio admitted to struggling with his mental health, last month. “Scratch dat.. I’m not healed I’m depressed..,” he tweeted in February.
Fivio Foreign Performing In 2022
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 29: Fivio Foreign performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC at Prudential Center on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images)
As for his interaction with Meek Mill, the Philadelphia rapper had complained about the lack of new music recently. “It’s not really a lot of new flame to listen too!” Meek wrote. Fivio quote-tweeted the post with the announcement: “Don’t worry gangsta I’m dropping in April.”
Despite currently dealing with mental health issues, Fivio recently reaffirmed his commitment to making music during an interview with The Source at the Grammy Awards. “Hip-Hop means everything,” said Fivio. “When I was growing up and coming outside, it molded me. Taught me how to move and live, dress and feel. It almost means everything to me.”
As for who will be performing at Rolling Loud over the weekend, Saturday’s lineup will be headlined by Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, and Blueface while Sunday will feature Future, Polo G, and Sheck Wes. Other artists who will be making appearances include Lil Baby, Don Toliver, 2 Chainz, City Girls, Young Nudy, BIA, Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd, Lil Yachty, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, and more. Check out a live stream of the two remaining days here.
Fivio On Twitter
Apologize to @RollingLoud & everybody who came out to see me I ain’t make it.. My first time missing a show and I feel so crazy about it but my body dealing w some real issues.. Juss keep me in yah prayers & I’ll hit Tariq up to make it up
Rolling Loud California kicked off Friday afternoon from Inglewood’s Hollywood Park Grounds next to SoFi Stadium. The festival is live-streaming performances from sets during all three days online. The livestream hours are 3:30 p.m.–11:30 PM, PT on Friday, 1:30 p.m.–11:30 PM, PT on Saturday, and 1:30 p.m.–11:30 PM, PT on Sunday. Saturday’s lineup will be headlined by Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, and Blueface. Earlier in the night, Lil Baby, Don Toliver, 2 Chainz, City Girls, Young Nudy, BIA, and many more artists will be performing. As for Sunday, Future, Polo G, and Sheck Wes will lead the charge with earlier acts including Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd, Lil Yachty, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, and more.
“We are ready to welcome Rolling Loud and hip-hop fans from all over the world to Inglewood over the course of this three-day event,” Inglewood Mayor James Butts told the Los Angeles Times. “A festival of this caliber combined with the city’s rich music history is a winning combination.”
Kodak Black At Rolling Loud
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: Rapper Kodak Black performs onstage during the first day of Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2023 at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 03, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
As for choosing Travis Scott as the festival headliner for Saturday night, Tariq Cherif told Variety that they’ve had a relationship with him for years. “We’ve been booking Travis Scott since 2015. From the way he captivated the crowd on our second stage, we knew he was going to be a star,” he told the outlet. “He’s our most demanded artist and we look forward to bringing him back on our stage.” As for any safety concerns, considering the events that occurred during the 2021 Astroworld Festival, Matt Zingler said that the festival is “taking everything into consideration. “We learned from our own mistakes and the mistakes of others,” Zingler said, before adding, “We take everything into consideration and we’re constantly growing.”
For fans interested in streaming the performances from Rolling Loud California, check out the schedule below as well as live video from the Levi’s Stage and the Gopuff Stage.
| TMZ reports that Beyoncé and Jay-Z have bought the most expensive mansion ever sold in California at $200 million. 
| Fan Account (@beyoncepress) 
