classic Archives - New Hip Hop News

Drake Proclaims His PARTYNEXTDOOR Collab Album Will Be A “Classic”

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collab album will supposedly arrive sometime this fall, or at least, that’s what fans think based on previous teases. However, now that hype continues to build in pretty grand and confident ways, as the 6ix God recently proclaimed that the upcoming full-length will be a “classic.” Here’s the specific quote, via an Instagram comment on PND’s recent IG post that features a picture of him with the caption “Loading…”: “LOADED IN MY PHONE CLA$$$IC.” It’s unclear whether or not Drizzy referenced a specific track, a general phrase, or the entire album. Nevertheless, OVO fans can’t wait to hear what they cooked up.

Elsewhere, though, die-hards are keeping their eyes peeled and staying on their toes as the Kendrick Lamar battle’s discourse continues to evolve. For example, J. Cole recently threw his hat back into the ring by addressing the battle and his exit from it in the new song “Port Antonio.” In it, he dismissed rumors that he switched sides on Drake and seems to accuse both beef opponents of clout chasing for people’s approval. It obviously resulted in a lot of debate and discussion online.

Drake Has A “Classic” With PARTYNEXTDOOR On The Way

On the other hand, Drake doesn’t just promote his own music, but he also shouts out others on the rise. “The Drake thing was crazy, man,” KSI told Official Charts of how the Toronto superstar cosigned his new song with Trippie Redd. “For him to even put the song on his Reel, that’s huge. I just couldn’t believe it, I was like, ‘What the hell?’ To be honest, I didn’t actually know. I had several people message me. Like, ‘Bro, Drake’s used your song!’ I’d just woken up like, ‘Yo, what?’ Then I saw it, and I was like ‘Mad!’ I messaged him saying ‘Big up, thank you for using it,’ and he was like, ‘Yo, I had to, it gets the people going!’ That’s sick, he’s legit. I appreciate it.”

Meanwhile, PARTYNEXTDOOR gave some interesting details on the Drake collab album back in August. He suggested that there would be 15 new tracks, and that all of them rank as his favorite collabs that they’ve ever done. There’s a lot of promise behind this release, but also plenty of potential for them to exceed expectations.

[via]

The post Drake Proclaims His PARTYNEXTDOOR Collab Album Will Be A “Classic” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ray J’s 19-Year-Old Hit “One Wish” Could Be Viewed As A Potential Metaphor For His Career

June 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ray J has had one of the more interesting careers in music. The McComb, Mississippi multi-talent has played the role of R&B songwriter, television star, entrepreneur, among other things. However, it seems like no matter what, the thing that people will remember him for is the infamous sex tape. Him and an ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian were constantly in the headlines in some fashion because of it, and it still comes up today. In fact, an interview with Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Club Shay Shay, just dropped with him and he still had a hard time talking about it.

However, the speed bumps did not stop with Kim. Ray J also had a tumultuous relationship with Love & Hip-Hop co-star Princess Love. They announced divorce after divorce, and it just seemed that they were never on the same page. Now, the troubled music mogul is tied to Sukihana, who is a controversial figure in her own right. Sometimes, it feels like Ray J could use “One Wish” from a genie or something to remove all of the headaches from his life.

Relisten To “One Wish” By Ray J

In retrospect, his 2005 smash hit could be viewed as a metaphor for wanting the trajectory of his career to be different than it turned out to be. Two lines that feel all too real now are, “I swear, if I lose a second chance with you / I wouldn’t know what to do“. Things can always improve, and Ray J may be getting a second chance now to rewrite his legacy going forward.

What are your thoughts on “One Wish” by Ray J? Is this the best song of his career, why or why not? Is Raydiation the strongest record in his discography? What aspect of the song did you enjoy the most? How do you feel about where he is right now in his career? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ray J. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Back then, we were in school and that’s your favorite excuse
Growin’ up, I was a fool and I can’t lie, I’m missin’ you
Listen and don’t trip
I think I need a bottle with a genie in it

The post Ray J’s 19-Year-Old Hit “One Wish” Could Be Viewed As A Potential Metaphor For His Career appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

French Montana Thinks “Ball Drop” With Fabolous Should Have Won Grammy

January 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

French Montana is feeling robbed. The rapper recently revisited his 2014 collaboration with Fabolous, “Ball Drop,” expressing a sentiment that he believes they were unjustly denied a Grammy for the track. The New Year’s-themed song, featured on Fabolous’s sixth studio album, The Young OG Project, made waves when it dropped in December 2014, with an official video released in March the following year. Taking to Instagram on New Year’s Day (January 1), French Montana shared his belief that “Ball Drop” deserved Grammy recognition. He accompanied the statement with a screenshot of the video and a caption that read, “This record deserves a Grammy @myfabolouslife. Happy new years to all the hustlers worldwide. Haaannnnn.”

Fabolous, however, responded to French’s Grammy aspirations with a perspective grounded in the enduring impact of their collaboration. In the comments section the blog @thehiphopwolf on IG, he asserted, “We don’t need their validation @frenchmontana.!! We got a NYE classic forever.. The culture gon play it or hear it every year & that’s enough reward for me,” adding prayer hands and a black heart emoji.

French Montana Is Backing Up His Claims

French Montana says his “Ball Drop” collab with Fabolous should have won a Grammy https://t.co/3Yh0bOWXIA pic.twitter.com/RXPCieiDSh

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) January 3, 2024

However, Fabolous’s response highlights a different perspective on success and validation within the music industry. While Grammy recognition is often considered a pinnacle achievement, Fabolous emphasizes the lasting impact and cultural significance of “Ball Drop.” His contentment with the song becoming a New Year’s Eve classic, played and heard annually, speaks to a different form of acknowledgment and validation within the hip-hop culture. After all, French does have a record for dropping hit after hit. And “Ball Drop” was definitely a certified banger during the time it came out.

Moreover, this exchange between French Montana and Fabolous sheds light on the artists’ perspectives on industry accolades. Furthermore, it sparks conversations among fans and within the hip-hop community about the various measures of success and the enduring power of timeless music. However, the Instagram post and subsequent response become a snapshot of the complexities and nuances surrounding recognition in the music industry. What are your thoughts? Does “Ball Drop” deserve a Grammy?

The post French Montana Thinks “Ball Drop” With Fabolous Should Have Won Grammy appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

J. Cole’s “January 28” Is In Contention For His Best Song Ever: “2014 Forest Hills Drive” Turns 9

December 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

There is that running joke around J. Cole about going platinum with no features. But, it is incredibly impressive what he was able to pull off. To put it in some context, he is the first rapper since 1990 to accomplish this. He achieved that on March 31, 2015. The record we are referring to is his 2014 record, Forest Hills Drive. A wide range of critics, listeners, and Cole fans will tell you that this is his greatest body of work.

Honestly, when you take a look at the tracklist, it is kind of easy to see why. Of course, everyone knows “No Role Modelz.” But, you have deeper cuts like “G.O.M.D.,” “Love Yourz,” and “Apparently.” The tape is now nine years old, but it is aging beautifully. Speaking of which, another one of those tracks that is still perfect is “January 28.”

Relisten To “January 28” By J. Cole

While one-liners certainly do not make or break how good a song is, there are so many great ones on here. Some of them are below, but you can find a bevy of them. One example is, “Flow bananas, here, peel this back.” But, it is not just those, the overall writing is terrific. What’s the price for a black man life? I check the toe tag, not one zero in sight.” On top of that, the beat is mellow, but also hard-hitting, and Cole’s flows slip and slide through it.

What were your initial thoughts on J. Cole’s, “January 28,” from 2014 Forest Hills Drive? Is this the best song on this project, why or why not? Where does this song rank all-time in Cole’s discography? Overall, is this album his best body work? We would like to hear what you have you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around J. Cole.

Quotable Lyrics:

Like show me New York’s ladder
I climb it and set the bar so high that you gotta get Obama to force the air force to find it
Never mind it, you’ll never reach that
Cole is the hypnotist, control the game whenever he snap
That’s every track, n****

The post J. Cole’s “January 28” Is In Contention For His Best Song Ever: “2014 Forest Hills Drive” Turns 9 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Juice WRLD Turns 25: He Had Everyone Enamored With What He Would Eventually Become On “Lucid Dreams”

December 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Not every rapper who touches a microphone is destined to leave behind a lasting impact on the genre. There are just some who have a little extra something that almost every listener can get behind. One of those names was Juice WRLD. Born in the talent-rich city of Chicago back on December 2, 1998, Jarad Higgins was essentially an immediate success.

He broke through in 2018 with what many hip-hop heads and Juice fans would agree is his best album. It would be his debut LP, Goodbye & Good Riddance. It has almost officially been five years since its release on December 10. This may also be Juice’s hit-filled tracklist. You have tracks such as “All Girls Are The Same,” “Wasted” with Lil Uzi Vert, “Lean Wit Me,” and countless more. But, without a doubt, “Lucid Dreams” is Jarad’s magnum opus.

Relisten To “Lucid Dreams” By Juice WRLD

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

It was the song that put him on the map. Especially, with Lyrical Lemonade assisting in the production of the music video, it was a surefire mega song. It turned out to be just that, with over 942 million views on YouTube, 2.3 plus billion streams on Spotify, and going Diamond in February of 2022. It was so difficult to choose just one song that encapsulates what Juice meant and still means for hip-hop. But, that in and of itself is why he is such an icon and will be forever entrenched in the lore of the genre. Juice would have turned 25 today and we at HNHH wanted to remember him for everything he has done. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go to his family and friends.

What were your initial thoughts on Juice WRLD’s hit song, “Lucid Dreams?” Where does this song rank for you amongst the rest of his biggest tracks? Will anyone else in the emo rap scene be able to replicate the impact he has left behind? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Juice WRLD. Furthermore, stay with us for all of the best throwback release posts.

Quotable Lyrics:

I still see your shadows in my room
Can’t take back the love that I gave you
It’s to the point where I love and I hate you
And I cannot change you, so I must replace you, oh
Easier said than done, I thought you were the one
Listenin’ to my heart instead of my head

The post Juice WRLD Turns 25: He Had Everyone Enamored With What He Would Eventually Become On “Lucid Dreams” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

50 Cent’s Least Favorite “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” Song Will Surprise You

November 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin‘ is one of hip-hop’s most iconic debuts and albums, for better or worse. It’s not as universally beloved as many others in that conversation, but even his haters can’t deny the impact and moment that this project in particular provided. However, even the G-Unit mogul has his issues with it, ones that have aged quite interestingly over the years. Moreover, he recently chose what his least favorite track off the record was during an interview with The Rebecca Judd Show on Apple Music 1 in the United Kingdom. Fif’s answer will definitely shock you, but it speaks to how well this song has aged.

“‘Many Men’ was my least favorite at that point,” 50 Cent revealed during their conversation. “Because, musically we was in the boom-bap phase. We was in that hard-hitting intensity, the energy on the records, and it’s the slowest song on Get Rich or Die Tryin’. And it’s now the tempo that the artists are rapping to. So the fast tempo, hard-hitting beats, that was that era, that time period. And the whole album had it.

50 Cent Performing In 2003

50 Cent Get Rich Or Die Tryin Least Favorite Song Hip Hop News — 50 Cent during Playstation 2 E3 Party Playa Del Playstation – Inside at Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, CA, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

“If you had asked me to make a wish in 2003, I would’ve just wished that my music was a hit,” 50 Cent continued to Judd, going into his career as a whole. “I didn’t see 20 years ahead in music like that. I’m just that at the moment for it to work. And then what’s cr*zy is most artists, they think they’re ready before they are.

“Most good artists, they’ve thought they were ready before they actually could at it,” he concluded. “But they’ve had that window of time to work that allowed them to actually become good enough. That’s why we have one-hit wonders in hip-hop culture. Because when that happens, they have that first hit and then it takes them out of the studio to go perform and to go meet all the distractions to come with being a successful artist. Then they land back in the studio without being trained to know how to create the next song. So they be stuck with that one hit.” For more news and the latest updates on 50 Cent, stay posted on HNHH.

[via]

The post 50 Cent’s Least Favorite “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” Song Will Surprise You appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

7 Hip Hop TV Theme Songs

November 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Theme songs have historically set the tone for TV shows, whether it’s series like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Friends but rap music has undoubtedly dished out some equally iconic jingles. This is seen prominently in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Boondocks. However, theme songs also intend to provide a synopsis of the shows they accompany, like Static Shock. We’ve gathered seven shows that have rap songs for their intros in this list and the nostalgic factor is strong with all of them.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

We’d be remiss if we left this rap TV theme song off our list. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air aired from 1990 to 1996 and starred Will Smith as the title character. Coming off of the success of DJ Jazzy & The Fresh Prince, it only made sense that the two cooked up the show’s opening theme. The lyrics of the song provide the backstory of Will’s Philly beginnings and how he landed in Bel-Air after getting into trouble.

The Boondocks

The Boondocks hold a special place in the hearts of hip-hop heads, and it’s not solely because of the adventures of Huey and Riley. The theme song captured the show’s essence, as well as the influence that rap had on the Aaron McGruder-created TV show. Maryland-based rapper Asheru performed the iconic theme song, titled “Judo Flip,” although many previously believed that it was Black Thought who penned the theme.

Kenan & Kel

Kenan & Kel was one of their most successful sitcoms on Nickelodeon. Starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the show served as a spin-off of All That and proved to be a success on its own. While the misadventures of Keenan & Kel provided endless amounts of entertainment, there’s no denying the impact of the theme song. The late Coolio, who previously appeared on All That, helped craft the song, titled, “Aw Here It Goes.” “That hook, the song still holds up today,” Kel Mitchell told Entertainment Weekly in 2016. “When I do [comedy] shows, I’ll play the Kenan & Kel theme song and come out to the stage to that or I’ve even been in the club and they play it.”

Static Shock

The rap-influenced theme song for Static Shock is undoubtedly nostalgic for those who recall waking up early on the weekends for Saturday morning cartoons. The show aired on Kids WB, a Saturday morning cartoon block, from 2000 to 2004. Static Shock’s theme changed over the years with the hip-hop aspect coming in seasons three and four. The first two seasons, which still incorporated elements of hip hop like record scratching, had more of a cinematic score feeling to them. In seasons three and four, the production is far more hip-hop-centric. Lil Romeo performed the theme song for Static Shock‘s third and fourth seasons three while his father, Master P, produced the song.

The Wayans Bros.

This show is one of the more unique ones on our list. It had multiple rap TV theme songs during the years it aired. The Wayans Bros. changed its theme songs throughout the years it aired yet it remained heavily influenced by hip-hop. For the first two seasons, The Wayans Bros. used an instrumental version of “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest. Season three used an original hip-hop beat. It changed again for the fourth and fifth seasons. The Wayans Brothers themselves, along with Omar Epps, produced the beat used for these final two seasons.

Samurai Champloo

An anime having a rap TV theme song is not surprising considering how these two artistic mediums have influenced each other. Samurai Champloo incorporates multiple elements of hip-hop into the show, from record scratching to the characters’ comedic raps and even the lead character Mugen’s fighting style, which seems to derive from b-boying. Japanese artist Shing02 performs the show’s theme, titled “Battlecry,” rapping Nujabes “Other Side of Phase.” In fact, Nujabes also did other music for the show.

In Living Color

In Living Color was a critical platform for many Black comedians and a focal point of 90s Black culture. The show opened with their signature Fly Girls dancing to the show’s them and regularly ended with a live performance from a hip-hop act. Heavy D & The Boyz handled the show’s theme throughout its five seasons. The original theme song appeared in the first two seasons and later, remixed for the fifth. They changed the theme song in season three with new production and lyrics.

[via] [via]

The post 7 Hip Hop TV Theme Songs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Omarion Released Sped-Up Version Of “Post To Be,” Fans Clown Him For It

November 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

2014 was a year of many big-time hits for the rap and R&B genres. One of them that sort of flies under the radar is Omarion’s “Post to Be.” It has tons of star-studded talent all over it. From the features of Chris Brown and Jhene Aiko to the production from Mike Free and Mustard it had the makings of a special song. Sure enough, it became just that. According to AllHipHop, some of these charting numbers are insane. In its debut, the track reached as high as No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Omarion and the producers did a great job of making it a versatile song too. You could play it at the club, a beach or pool hangout, or cruise to it during the summer. After nine years of the song sitting on the shelves, it sits at nearly 448 million streams on Spotify. However, even with the major success of the single, Omarion is seen as more of a one-hit-wonder to many. Sped-up versions of songs are becoming more and more popular as of late and he decided to hop on the trend.

Omarion Catches Tons Of Flack

Well, that may not have been the best idea it turns out. The sped-up version was released a couple of days ago and fans were not enjoying it one bit. So many @ Omarion on Twitter giving their harsh feedback to the singer. One might have gone too far. He says, “Fake your death we will run them streams man then delete this nonsense from your computer ffs.” Omarion responded to it with four laughing emojis and said, “Y’all are truly ridiculous.” It seems he is being a good sport and not taking the criticism to heart. You are not always “Post to be” winning them all.

What are your initial thoughts on the sped-up version of Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jhene Aiko’s 2014 track, “Post to Be?” Do you agree with the fans on Twitter, or do you think it is a good rework? Is this song still in your rotation? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Omarion, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

[Via]

The post Omarion Released Sped-Up Version Of “Post To Be,” Fans Clown Him For It appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Eminem’s “Stan” Is A Masterclass In Storytelling

November 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Eminem’s “Stan” is far more than a chart-topping single; it’s a timeless work of art that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Released in 2000 as part of his album The Marshall Mathers LP, this iconic track is a testament to Eminem’s unparalleled artistry and his ability to create a lasting cultural impact. Although Eminem’s lyrical aptitude is unmatched, “Stan” became an integral part of his catalog that firmly cemented his place in pop culture.

Eminem’s Storytelling Prowess

Eminem accepting the award for Best New Artist in a Video at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center in New York City on September 9, 1999. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)

Eminem has always been a lyrical genius, but “Stan” showcases his storytelling prowess at its finest. The song is a narrative that unfolds through a series of letters. Em offers listeners a window into the complex relationship between the obsessed fan, Stan, and Eminem himself. Eminem’s narrative skill is on full display as he crafts a gripping and emotionally charged tale through his lyrics.

The vividness of “Stan” is striking. Eminem paints a picture with his words, allowing us to step into Stan’s world. The obsessive fan’s character is meticulously developed, and his desperate, emotional letters pull us deeper into the story. Eminem’s verses, as he assumes both the role of Stan and himself, bring a cinematic quality to the song, transcending the boundaries of traditional music and making the narrative a central part of the experience.

Cinematic Atmosphere

What distinguishes “Stan” from a typical song is its ability to create a cinematic atmosphere. Eminem does not merely narrate; he embodies the characters, transforming the song into a dramatic dialogue. The haunting instrumental and Dido’s ethereal chorus add depth to the narrative, establishing a somber mood that is both melancholic and captivating.

The music video for “Stan” further contributes to the song’s cinematic quality. Featuring actor Devon Sawa as Stan and Eminem himself, the video blurs the lines between reality and fiction. It visually reinforces the story, making it an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

Cultural Impact

NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 01: Photo of EMINEM (Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns)

Beyond its artistic brilliance, “Stan” has left a profound mark on pop culture. Eminem’s use of the term “stan” to describe an overzealous and often obsessive fan has become part of the cultural lexicon. The Oxford English Dictionary has officially recognized “stan” as a noun, a testament to the song’s enduring influence. It defines “stan” as “an overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity.”

The inclusion of “stan” in the dictionary exemplifies Eminem’s ability to shape and redefine language. It underscores how he can introduce a word into common usage, highlighting his impact on not just the music industry but also the way we communicate and express fandom.

Conclusion

Eminem’s “Stan” is a prime example of how music can transcend its commercial success and become a work of art that resonates with people across generations. It showcases Eminem’s storytelling brilliance and his unique ability to create a cinematic experience within a song. Furthermore, the song’s cultural impact is undeniable, with “stan” now a part of the English language. “Stan” is more than a song; it’s an enduring masterpiece that will continue to inspire and influence artists and fans alike for years to come.

The post Eminem’s “Stan” Is A Masterclass In Storytelling appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” Remains A Classic On His Heavenly 64th Birthday: Stream

August 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Virgo season has only just begun, but already, we’re celebrating the legacy of one of music’s most profound creatives on what would’ve been his 64th birthday. Today (August 29) marks another trip around the Sun for the spirit of Michael Jackson, and to commemorate, we’re revisiting one of the King of Pop’s biggest feel-good hits – “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

Unsurprisingly, the groovy track previously reached No. 1 on the charts in America. Like many other titles included on the Bad album, it finds Jackson feeling confident in himself, though he’s obviously more vulnerable than usual as he professes deep feelings for his lover. “Hey, pretty baby with the high heels on / You give me fever like I’ve never, ever known,” his voice beautifully croons on the first verse. “You’re just a product of loveliness / I like the groove of your walk, your talk, your dress.”

Celebrate Michael Jackson on What Would’ve Been His 64th B-Day

Other memorable songs from Bad include “Man in the Mirror,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Dirty Diana,” those only begin to cover some of Jackson’s best work throughout his long-spanning career. He’s in great company as far as Virgo entertainers go, with Beyonce, Keke Palmer, Zendaya, Jennifer Hudson, Shania Twain, and Adam Sandler all among those who celebrate under the notorious perfectionist sign.

Revisit Michael Jackson’s classic “The Way You Make Me Feel” visual above, or add the song to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. If you’re in the mood for more throwback hits, we suggest Beyonce’s “Love On Top,” which the mother of three performed while sharing some extra special news with the world this week in 2011. Tap into that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Quotable Lyrics:

I like this feelin’ you’re givin’ me
Just hold me, baby, and I’m in ecstasy
Oh, I’ll be workin’ from nine to five
To buy you things to keep you by my side

The post Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” Remains A Classic On His Heavenly 64th Birthday: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.