complex Archives - New Hip Hop News

Lil Uzi Vert Clarifies Their Stance On Ebro Darden Amid Rumored Feud

November 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Uzi Vert has clarified that they don’t have any problems with Ebro Darden, after the radio host downplayed the legitimacy of them having achieved rockstar status. Rumors of a feud between the two initially began when Uzi teased a tracklist to their new album, Eternal Atake 2, featuring a song titled, “Chill Ebro.” The song didn’t end up being released officially when the project dropped on Friday, but Uzi discussed their feelings about Ebro during an interview with Complex.

“Ebro is a good guy, that’s my mans,” Uzi said. “I got a different respect for people that’s in hip-hop and anybody who’s my elder. So he has the right, and is entitled to his opinion because he’s definitely a staple in music no matter what…When I say rockstar, he’s looking at the fireworks, he looking at all that stuff. Not the lifestyle, and I understand that. And I wasn’t, especially me being younger, I wasn’t able to explain exactly what I meant.”

Lil Uzi Vert Performs At Coachella

Lil Uzi Vert performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., on Friday, April 19, 2024. © Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As for what exactly Ebro said about Uzi, he discussed the iconic rapper during a panel in 2022 that resurfaced ahead of Eternal Atake 2. “I love Uzi Vert,” he said. “I feel like he still hasn’t become the rockstar he said he would become, though. I’m still waiting. Maybe I took it literal, but the rockstars that I know, they were selling out MetLife Stadium. They could sell out Madison Square Garden eight, 10 times. They got hits on the radio, everywhere. Songs is everywhere.”

Lil Uzi Vert Discusses “Eternal Atake 2”

Check out Uzi’s interview with Complex below. Uzi’s new album is their first since 2023’s Pink Tape. It contains only one guest appearance with Big Time Rush collaborating on “The Rush.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Lil Uzi Vert on HotNewHipHop.

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Travis Scott Announced As ComplexCon’s Artistic Director

October 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Complex recently announced that Travis Scott will have a much larger role for their ComplexCon in Las Vegas on November 16 and 17 than we originally thought. They already announced him and his Cactus Jack collective as headliners for Sunday (November 17), preceded by his good friends Playboi Carti, Opium, and Metro Boomin on Saturday (November 16). However, it turns out that La Flame is now the Artistic Director for the event as a whole, per a press release that details the moves below. He will curate the music, art, and streetwear extravaganza with his Cactus Jack brand, which will also bring exclusive merch designs and, more likely than not, sneaker drops and other collabs.

Not only that, but Travis Scott will bring “CactusCon” to life for Complex‘s event even when folks visiting the festival are chilling in their hotel. The Resort World will transform into “Cactus Jack Hotel,” and ComplexCon will also seemingly immerse itself into his universe. What’s more is that the Houston superstar has more accolades and achievements on the way. BET will honor him with the “I Am Hip-Hop” award at the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which will air very soon this month.

Travis Scott At The VETEMENTS Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 Show

Travis Scott Artistic Director Complex Con Festival Hip Hop News — PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Travis Scott walks the runway during the Vetements Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 27, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)

“Travis Scott is a visionary artist who continues to push the boundaries of music, culture, and live performance,” BET‘s Executive Vice President of specials, music programming, and music strategy, Connie Orlando, shared in a statement. “With his unmatched creativity and relentless passion, he has redefined what it means to be a captivating, inspiring entertainer within the hip hop genre. We look forward to celebrating him at BET Hip-Hop Awards 2024.” With all this in mind, it seems like Travis will close out another great year with a festival following his and Complex‘s vision, which is a fitting celebration.

Meanwhile, Travis Scott is also expanding his already huge resumé thanks to a modeling gig at a VETEMENTS fashion show for Paris Fashion Week. We wonder whether or not we will see him on the runway again in the future. Either way, there’s a lot coming up for Cactus Jack fans to celebrate and enjoy.

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NLE Choppa Is Livid Over Complex’s Best Rappers In Their 20s List

September 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Complex recently put out yet another hotly debated list of the 20 best rappers in their 20s right now, and the hot takes and backlash flowed like boiling water. However, for all the outraged fan reactions and discussions, it seems like no one took this list more personally and seriously than NLE Choppa. He recently took to social media to vent about his exclusion from the list, although he made it clear that he did not mean to disrespect anyone on it or discredit their deservedness. The Memphis native flaunted about his success at a very, very young age, and posited that there are very few people in his space that are reaching the highs that he is.

Of course, whether or not you agree is up to you, but NLE Choppa feels like the publication should’ve made a 21 best rappers list as to not boot him off, since he feels as deserving of praise as his peers. Still, we doubt that this will slow him down in any way. The 21-year-old has done a great job of battling bigots who are mad at his support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Some queer-baiting accusations followed, but that’s just part of the industry promo machine.

NLE Choppa Rants Against Complex‘s Best Rappers In Their 20s List

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Elsewhere during the clip above, NLE Choppa also hinted at big things coming from him in October once he wraps up this current era. For those unaware, his latest contribution to it is “SLUT ME OUT 3” with Carey Washington. Not only does the track provide a sonic switch-up from previous installments, but it’s also somehow dirtier than ever. We’ll see whether or not these next releases follow these footsteps, go back to tried and true formulas, or bring something else entirely to the table as a new approach.

We’re sure that many rappers in their 20s probably feel like NLE Choppa to a certain degree. But he has a unique penchant for boldly standing tall against criticism. For example, Choppa recently turned heads with some curious style choices at New York Fashion Week, but he had a great time all the same. Let us know whether you’d put him in your top 20 rappers in their 20s list down in the comments section below.

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“Complex” Raises Eyebrows With List Of Top 20 Rappers In Their 20s

September 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Today, Complex unveiled yet another list, which has managed to spark yet another debate. The list in question is their ranking of the 20 best rappers right now who are in their 20s. Of course, lists like this one are bound to get readers to weigh in with their own personal takes. This list in particular, however, has earned the outlet a great deal of backlash.

Topping the list is Playboi Carti, whose reception tends to be mixed. While some commenters think this choice makes sense considering his influence and fanbase, others think he’s ranked far too high. Next up is Doja Cat, whose position doesn’t appear to be too widely protested. No. 3 is one of the most controversial choices yet, however, as the outlet went with Central Cee.

Complex Calls Playboi Carti The Best Rapper In Their 20s

From there, it goes Megan Thee Stallion, Yeat, Latto, GloRilla, Lil Yachty, and so on. Needless to say, commenters are sounding off about the list in NFR Podcast‘s replies, making it clear that they’re not rocking with it. “#1 being carti makes sense considering he’s running the game rn while barely dropping rest of this list is insane to say the least lmao,” one X user writes. “Throw the whole damn list away,” another says. This is far from the first time Complex has received backlash for one of their lists, however.

Last month, the outlet unveiled its list of the best rappers from Atlanta, which had social media users up in arms. JID’s exclusion from the top 25, Latto’s ranking as the top female rapper from the city, and more sparked some heated debates among readers. What do you think of Complex‘s list of the top 20 rappers in their 20s? Do you agree with their lineup or not? What would you change about the list? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Big Sean Flows With Remarkable Ease In A New Freestyle For “Complex”

August 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Big Sean is on a hot streak to reinforce his new album Better Me Than You, and not even the project’s release could slow him down. Moreover, he just joined Complex‘s elevator bank in New York City to drop a brand-new freestyle on Thursday (August 29) over a Hit-Boy-produced beat. The Detroit rapper’s most impressive feature here is his dominance of flow, weaving in and out of similar pockets without missing a beat: pun most definitely intended. Lyrically, he dives into his staunch self-confidence, lack of support in the rap game, and how he has changed as a person and an artist.

Furthermore, the reactions to this new freestyle are about as impressed and compelled as those to Big Sean’s new album. Better Me Than You was a hit with fans, albeit a failed attempt to convince any haters that his music is worth checking out. But those naysayers are in an ignorant minority, because there’s a lot of soul, introspection, hunger, and determination on this LP to nurture your listening sessions this week. All that’s left to see is whether or not this prolific run will continue past this point, or if we’ve already reached the quantity and quality peak of the Sean Don’s 2024 offerings.

Big Sean’s Complex Freestyle: Watch

Elsewhere, many fans expected Big Sean to plant his flag in the great rap beef of 2024, but he’s got other priorities in mind when it comes to the likes of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Recently, he jokingly tried to imitate Drizzy’s “duck face” selfies online, which was pretty funny if not distinctly out of character for hip-hop these days, especially when it comes to The Boy. But “The Baddest” MC doesn’t seem interested in commenting on that showdown or feeding into its social media frenzy. That’s commendable in and of itself.

Meanwhile, it’s heartening to see Big Sean overcome many of his personal struggles and insecurities through this cathartic release. “When you make art, you put your heart into this s**t,” he expressed during a recent and emotive IG Live session. “When I had COVID last week, I was down. I was still working on the album. When I last dropped an album, it was COVID. I was excited to plan my release party, I was excited to do all of that. [My mother] was giving me them words. And I was just like, look, I can keep working on some s**t and make it exactly how I wanted. But I’d be pushing it back forever.”

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DJ Akademiks Reveals What Got Him To Number One On Complex’s Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking

August 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DJ Akademiks has always had his ears to the ground when it comes to hip-hop coverage. Its why Complex placed him at the top of their “Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking” earlier last month. Prior to this, he slotted in at the number two spot on the first-ever list last year. Obviously, he pushed even harder over the last 12 months, and he was rewarded handsomely for his tireless efforts, including covering the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef right on the spot. This is quite the feat, as there are tons of stiff competition out there such Charlamagne tha God, Joe Budden, Anthony Fantano, and more. All of these pundits have a lot of great qualities that have led them to be extremely successful.

However, at least this time around, it’s clear that DJ Akademiks a little something extra in the toolbelt for him to achieve this career milestone. According to his interview with Vlad TV, he says “passion” is the true key to long-lasting success. The Jamaican-born multi-media journalist recalls listening to the radio constantly in high school, driving to Rutgers University and seeing massive Breakfast Club billboards and wanting to be like “megastars” like them. Ultimately, he just put his head down and was going to get to that level one way or another.

DJ Akademiks Says You Need To Have Passion

“Hard work beats talent when talent don’t work hard”, is how Ak would describe that mindset. Furthermore, he explains to Vlad that he wants to see continued success for himself beyond this point. He has no plans of settling and drifting away from stardom. That relentlessness is another reason why he’s respected but also hated by so many. It’s also going to come in handy when you have people like Kai Cenat coming up the rear. He acknowledges how much work he’s putting in as well, streaming early in the morning and still getting thousands upon thousands of people tuning in. Akademiks has his work cut out for him for sure, but he seems ready for the challenge as always.

What are your thoughts on DJ Akademiks’ key to securing the number one spot on the Complex “Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking”? Do you think he was deserving of this rank, why or why not? What do you think about him showing love to Kai Cenat? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding DJ Akademiks. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

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B. Dot Slams Playboi Carti In Response To “Complex” Best Atlanta Rappers List

August 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, Complex unveiled its list of the 50 best Atlanta rappers of all time. As expected, the list has since sparked quite a debate among social media users, who have differing opinions on who deserved to make the cut and how they should have been ranked. Playboi Carti, for instance, came in at No. 12. This put him ahead of artists like Jermaine Dupri, Killer Mike, Gunna, and more.

This didn’t sit right with some, including B. Dot. He weighed in on the list on Way Up With Angela Yee recently, making it abundantly clear that he’s not a fan. “I can’t get jiggy with that,” he began. “Have you ever heard Playboi Carti’s music? He raps in like Batman sound effects. He sucks. He’s terrible.”

B. Dot Calls Playboi Carti’s Music “Terrible”

Clearly, B. Dot wasn’t holding back in the slightest, though it looks like he’s not alone in his beliefs. Kurrco shared a clip of the rant on X today, prompting social media users to share their own takes on Playboi Carti’s ranking. Many agree with B. Dot’s comments, arguing that he was placed far too high on the list. Fortunately for the rapper, there are also plenty of fans coming to his defense in the replies, claiming that his influence is undeniable despite his music not being for everyone.

While it’s safe to say that B. Dot isn’t looking forward to hearing anything new from Playboi Carti, the performer’s fans have been hoping for his new album for months. An official release date for the project has not yet been revealed, though a previously unheard track featuring his phone call with Adin Ross surfaced online earlier this week. What do you think of Complex‘s list of the 50 best Atlanta rappers of all time? What about B. Dot’s reaction to Playboi Carti coming in at No. 12? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Complex’s Top 50 Atlanta Rappers List Leads To Outraged Social Media Debates

August 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rankings and lists of any nature in the field of hip-hop always cause some form of uproar. The latest example in this long and nonetheless honorable tradition is Complex‘s list of the top 50 Atlanta rappers of all time. You can check out the full list with the “Via” link below, but here are some highlights… Or lowlights, for some. Sean Paul at 40, JID at 27, Lil Yachty at 24, Takeoff at 19, Playboi Carti at 12, Gucci Mane at 4, and André 3000 at the very top spot. Of course, this led to a bunch of outraged social media reactions. These indluce backlash to the high placement of Latto, the underrating of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and other considerations.

Also, this reflection on Atlanta’s hip-hop legacy comes at a very interesting time for the city’s place in the culture. Just a couple of months ago, Kendrick Lamar accused the biggest rapper in the world right now of colonizing ATL’s sound for his own gain. While the conversation around Drake’s proximity to MCs from the A has been going on for a long time, it’s never been more present or direct. Regardless of where you fall on that debate, one thing is clear: the city is up.

Complex Picks Its Top 50 Atlanta Rappers Of All Time

The TOP 50 Atlanta Rappers of All-Time, according to Complex

Placements include:

50. Lil Nas X
40. Sean Paul
33. Childish Gambino
27. JID
25. Latto
24. Lil Yachty
20. Gunna
19. Takeoff
16. CeeLo Green
15. Quavo
13. Offset
12. Playboi Carti
11. 21 Savage
10. Lil Baby
9. 2 Chainz… pic.twitter.com/67N4RpFdfA

— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) August 15, 2024

In addition, Tyler, The Creator recently called out white rappers for appropriating and ridiculing the classic Atlanta sounds of high-ranking artists on this Complex list. “This white kid, regular Caucasian man,” he said during his recently published Maverick Carter interview. “And he’s, like, mocking Future and Gucci Mane… Like, rap music. People are like, ‘This s**t hard.’ It’s not even like satire… I hold rap music so close to my heart. This s**t changed my life and everyone’s life around me.” Check out more reactions to this top 50 list below.

Fan Reactions

Andre & Big Boi should BOTH be number 1 together for Outkast. Complex should’ve let ATLANTA ppl make this list smh https://t.co/c5kuLXqnru

— kenny jones (@relientkenny) August 15, 2024

Andre ain’t even the best rapper in his group let alone Atlanta https://t.co/2xsLubSwv7

— plant based king (@artschooldrop) August 15, 2024

Baby coo but bruh not a top 10 rapper from Atlanta maybe top 25 lol

— Gustavo Fring (@zone6nova) August 15, 2024

That Complex list of best 50 Atlanta Rappers is kinda trash… Latto ain’t the 25th best rapper ever. Quavo/Takeoff/Offset ain’t in the top 20. Smfh

— unclehank (@HennGriffey813) August 15, 2024

Meanwhile, Latto is currently leading Atlanta’s wave thanks to her new album Sugar Honey Iced Tea. We’ll see who the next artist to rep the city with a huge release is, and what other names emerge to continue that community’s traditions and musical legacy. As this Complex list ironically proves, there are far more than just 50 notable rappers from ATL. And there will be many more that take the sound and the culture to new innovations, changes, and worthwhile contributions to the city. Let us know what you think of the list and what your own picks look like down in the comments below.

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JT Shares Her Side Of City Girls’ Breakup

August 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last week, Yung Miami unveiled a new episode of her podcast Caresha Please, addressing various topics she’s frequently asked about. She discussed her career, her relationship with Diddy, and of course, where she stands with JT. The two of them have gone their separate directions in recent months, leaving fans wondering whether or not the City Girls were still a duo.

Yung Miami said that while she’ll always see JT as family, they were no longer on the same page creatively. “We outgrew each other,” she explained. “She was in L.A., I was in Miami. Every time we tried to get together, it just didn’t hit.” Yung Miami added that even when they were on tour together, her and JT led very separate lives. “We was in two different head spaces,” she said. “The way we dressed was different. Whenever we tried to get together, it just didn’t connect.”

JT Says She’s “Still A City Girl”

@complex

JT talks going solo from City Girls: “There wasn’t no hard feelings about it…We saw it coming.” #jt #citygirls

♬ original sound – Complex

For obvious reasons, this has fans curious about JT’s side of the story. During her recent interview with Complex, she shared it. According to her, pursuing solo careers was simply something that “made sense” for both of them, and they have “no hard feelings.” While supporters may not be getting another City Girls album any time soon, JT noted that she’ll always be a City Girl at heart.

“I’m like Tina Turner, I’m still a City Girl. I need my name. That’s the biggest thing about me, I can’t ever get away from being a City Girl,” she described. “But I feel like it just made so much sense for both of us in the direction that we was going and things that we were focusing on.” What do you think of JT opening up about the end of City Girls? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Charlamagne Tha God Goes Off On Elliott Wilson Amid Ongoing Feud

July 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Charlamagne Tha God has explained his recent criticism of Elliott Wilson, in which he complained about Complex ranking the media veteran at number five on the “Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking.” Reflecting on the comments during the latest episode of the Brilliant Idiots podcast, Charlamagne claimed that Wilson is avoiding him and complained about him insulting him while refusing to sit down for a one-on-one.

He also brought up Diddy and an article Wilson’s wife, Danyel Smith, penned about the disgraced Bad Boy mogul. In doing so, he argued that he’s the person Wilson should be focused on beefing with. “We gotta stop the performative stuff,” Charlamagne remarked. “Don’t say the things to me just because you’re trying to get traction on social media and play the role. I want you to be consistent. The same way it’s easy for you to get at Childish Gambino because you don’t think Childish is gonna say anything back to you, the same way it’s easy to get at a Charlamgne because you don’t think a Charlamagne is gonna say nothing back to you. I need you to keep that same energy for people that you really should have smoke with.”

Charlamagne Tha God & Elliott Wilson Pose Together In Brooklyn

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: (L-R) DJ Suss One, DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club, Founder and CEO of Rap Radar, Elliot Wilson, and Charlamagne Tha God of The Breakfast Club attend Power 105.1s Powerhouse 2015 at the Barclays Center on October 22, 2015 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2015)

Wilson responded to Charlagmagne’s initial criticism during an appearance on Bag Fuel Podcast, admitting that he’s tired of him. “I feel like we just never really clicked like that and also I didn’t like the last Brilliant Idiots sh*t he did talking crazy about me being on that list,” Wilson said. “Never explaining why I shouldn’t be top five, and I’m just tired of his sh*t. It’s old school. At a certain point, you just gotta say f*ck this person. F*ck you. I was born in 1971. It can just be that. We don’t have to be cool. We don’t gotta pretend.”

Charlamagne Tha God Responds To Elliott Wilson

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Check out the latest update on the feud between Charlamagne and Wilson on Instagram above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Charlamagne Tha God on HotNewHipHop.

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