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Who Is Kid Capri? A DJ & Hip Hop Pioneer

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Kid Capri is a Grammy award-winning DJ and producer who pioneered the early rap sound. Despite being a godfather of the genre, many young people may not be familiar with the Brooklyn-born artist’s extensive resume. For the younger crowd, the DJ is likely most recognizable for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album Damn. On the 2017 record, Kid Capri provides narration, exclaiming phrases like “You know what happens on Earth stays on Earth!” and “New Kung-Fu Kenny!”

The hip-hop icon is currently trending due to his recent private battle with cancer, which he revealed to the public in the final days of 2023. Per Capri’s announcement, he is officially cancer-free going into 2024, with plans to remain busy and active as the years roll on. His peers have hailed Kid Capri as The Guru of Mixtapes, and he boasts a highly impressive catalog of releases in collaboration with many of hip hop’s greatest lyricists.

Read More: Kid Capri Net Worth 2023: What Is The DJ Icon Worth?

Early Life & Musical Beginnings

Kid Capri was born David Anthony Love Jr. in February of 1967. Though the iconic producer was born in Brooklyn, he spent his early days growing up in the Bronx. Releasing his first known works as early as 1987, Kid Capri is said to have experimented with music as early as 8 years old. In his youth, the producer would scratch records using his father’s Zenith stereo system. This habit would eventually evolve into the DJ’s famed record scratch trademark down the line.

Kid Capri utilized a grassroots approach to building his buzz on the street, often getting his name out by performing in clubs and local joints across New York. The prolific record-scratcher is often hailed as being one of the first-ever DJs to perform on major television networks such as VH1 and BET. Throughout the 1990s, Capri could be found manning the boards during Def Jam Comedy on HBO.

Notable Collaborations And Signing To Warner Brothers Records

Before long, Kid Capri’s inventive style and creative production choices made him a go-to producer for a host of hip-hop legends. Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Capri worked with artists such as KRS One, Big L, Heavy D, and more. In 1991 Kid Capri signed to Warner Brothers Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and released his first full-length album, titled The Tape. The Tape featured Capri’s vocals delivered over production by the legendary Biz Markie, and peaked at No. 87 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States.

In 1997 Kid Capri joined Diddy on the Puff Daddy and the Family World Tour, serving as the in-house DJ across the UK and the United States. In 1998, Kid Capri actively recorded his second album, Soundtrack To The Streets, in studios located across New York, Los Angeles, and Miami before its release. Soundtrack To The Streets featured vocals from prolific rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Jay-Z, Buster Rhymes, The Lox, and many more.

Hiatus And Live Performances

After the release of Soundtrack To The Streets, Kid Capri took an extended hiatus from releasing full-length LPs. Instead, the DJ focused on performing live at high-profile events across the country. In 2003, Capri helmed the boards at the BET Awards, before linking with Martha Stewart to headline her end-of-year Christmas party. Kid Capri manned the boards during Rakim’s set at both the 2007 and 2008 Rock The Bells festivals. This trend continued through events such as Jay-Z’s 2018 Oscars party, as well as DJ Khaled’s birthday party in the same year.

Read More: Kid Capri Drops “The Love,” His First Album In 24 Years

Resurgence In 2022 And Beyond

In 2022, Kid Capri shocked the world with the release of his first LP in over 25 years. The MC’s third album, titled The Love, consists of 19 tracks produced, written, and performed by the at-the-time 55-year-old artist. The record also included “Uptown” a collaboration with his daughter, R&B singer Vina Love, showcasing the excellent musical chemistry shared between the generational music icons.

Kid Capri was also very active during hip hop 50 celebrations throughout 2023, despite privately battling cancer throughout the year. According to the DJ’s Instagram, he plans to accomplish even more in 2024, hinting at more live shows, and perhaps additional full-length releases. No matter what Capri does in the coming years, it seems clear that the hip hop iconoclast is here to stay, proving that there is still a lane in modern music for those who paved the way for the genre of rap to thrive.

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Did Kendrick Lamar Diss Big Sean On His Song ‘Element?’

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Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues to rack up impressive streaming numbers. However, thanks to a viral clip floating around online, his 2017 song “Element” has reentered the mainstream hip-hop chatter. Unlike the official version, Kendrick’s bars in this recording have very clearly named targets. So, did Kendrick diss Big Sean on the unreleased version of “Element?”

The lyrics in question make it hard to refute: “Big Sean keep sneak dissin’ I let it slide / I think his false confidence got him inspired / I can’t make them respect you, baby, it’s not my job / You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme boy/ Cute ass raps, get your puberty up.” However, during his causal chat with TMZ, Big Sean shut down the idea of any lingering beef between the two.

He went as far as to dismiss the supposed leaked verse, saying, “Ain’t no diss. If it was a diss, it would be a diss!”

Big Sean was the only person mentioned in the unreleased recording. French Montana and Jay Electronica both caught strays. Even Meek Mill and Drake are referenced. Since Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s 2013 “Control” song, supporters of each rapper have speculated that they’ve subtly taken jabs at each other on records throughout the years.

Listen to the official version of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Element” above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX”: A Sonic Manifesto Of Modern Turmoil

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Kendrick Lamar’s song “XXX” (pronounced X-Rated) from his critically acclaimed album DAMN. is a sonic journey that delves deeper into the themes found across his fourth studio album, specifically those surrounding politics and religion. With a feature from the legendary Irish rock band U2, this track is a standout moment in the album, one that doesn’t necessarily receive the credit it deserves. Although the collaboration may have looked odd on paper, Kendrick Lamar and U2 delivered a poignant message that arrived towards the latter half of DAMN.

Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and DJ Dahi, “XXX” boasts a unique and unconventional sound that mirrors the chaotic and uncertain times of 2017. The song opens with Bēkon’s hauntingly somber vocals (Bēkon later re-purposed this intro on “America) that reflect on the realities of the American Dream. However, it’s the minimalistic production that leads Kendrick Lamar’s first verse that allows each word to pierce through. He parallels biblical stories to the experiences he faced growing up in Compton as a child, specifically as it pertains to surviving the often volatile environment U2’s Bono lends his distinctive voice to the bridge, adding an unexpected but powerful layer to the track, crooning, “It’s not a place, this country  is to me a sound / Of drum and bass, you close your eyes to look around.”

Read More: A Track-By-Track Analysis Of Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.”

Kendrick Lamar & U2’s Powerful Thesis To DAMN.

The significance of “XXX” lies in its lyrical content, which delves into themes of social injustice, racial tension, and political disillusionment. Kendrick Lamar, known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the divisive state of the United States and the effects it has on its citizens. The song explores the idea of “wickedness or weakness,” suggesting that individuals are constantly tested by their environment and must decide whether to fight against corruption and inequality or succumb to it.

One of the most striking elements of “XXX” is its abrupt shift in the middle, where Kendrick’s flow changes, and he discusses his own struggle with violence and revenge, reflecting the inner turmoil faced by many people living in dangerous environments. This change of pace adds depth to the song, showcasing Kendrick’s storytelling prowess.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” (Review)

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX” from DAMN. is a groundbreaking track that poignantly highlights the profound exploration of societal issues. Its unconventional sound, poignant lyrics, and collaboration with U2 create a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

The post Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX”: A Sonic Manifesto Of Modern Turmoil appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kendrick Lamar Allegedly Disses Big Sean, Jay Electronica & French Montana On New Leak: Report

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Kendrick Lamar will call out names. In 2013, when he joined Big Sean and Jay Electronica on “Control,” Kendrick Lamar left the rap world rattled after listing off his contemporaries, including the two other MCs on the song, in an attempt to assert his dominance. A decade later, the tension still stands between Kendrick and some of the artists he mentioned. Big Sean’s been accused of subliminally taking shots at K. Dot while Jay Electronica has been a bit more forthcoming.

We can count on Kendrick to throw subs back whenever he decides to release but apparently, his vault stores a few records where he’s calling people out by name. Per Hip-Hop-N-More, the “OG” version of “ELEMENT.” allegedly leaked this morning, containing direct shots at Jay Electronica, Big Sean, and French Montana. K. Dot’s issues with the latter appear to stem from a 2016 Breakfast Club interview (not his 2020 Verzuz comments) where he suggested the Compton rapper was positioned to win at the Grammys.

Read More: Big Sean Addresses Kendrick Lamar Beef Rumours

Kendrick Lamar “ELEMENT.” Leak

The leaked version, which began circulating on X (Twitter), includes some of the original lyrics that we hear on DAMN. Meanwhile, the production choice actually comes from “Paramedic!” by SOBxRBE from Black Panther: The Album. “French Montana speaking on me in interviews/ Very cynical, dry hating something I don’t approve,” he raps. “Jay Electronica threw silencers on my GRAMMY night/ Another dead Prophet hoping the God’ll give ’em life.” 

Then, the verse shifts focus to Big Sean, acknowledging the apparent issues between them. Given that DAMN. came out in 2017, and French and Jay Electronica’s comments emerged 2016, it seems like this could’ve been a direct response to Big Sean’s “No More Interviews.” Additionally, many of the references, including the Drake vs. Meek Mill feud, indicate that this was recorded during that time.

Big Sean keep sneak dissing, I let it slide
I think his false confidence got him inspired
I can’t make ’em respect you, baby, it’s not my job
You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme (boy)
Cute a*s raps, get your puberty up
Make you a classic album before you come at us
Drake and Meek Mill beef might got you gassed up
But I’m a whole ‘nother beast, I’ll really f**k you up

Many have already expressed concerns surrounding whether the verse was AI-generated. However, there have been several versions of this song circulating since 2019. One of them included a response to Jay Electronica. Check out the snippet above.

Read More: Big Sean Explains What Went Wrong With Kendrick Lamar

The post Kendrick Lamar Allegedly Disses Big Sean, Jay Electronica & French Montana On New Leak: Report appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kendrick Lamar’s Best Songs

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Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is gearing up for another leg of his impressive The Big Steppers Tour. The tour supports his latest No. 1 album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers released last year. Lamar was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. Kendrick is mainly known for his progressive musical styles and socially conscious lyrics. Further, he is widely considered one of his generation’s most influential hip-hop artists. Lamar started his mainstream music career after signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005.

The Compton artist’s career has skyrocketed since then. Lamar has sold over 70 million records in the United States alone. Additionally, all his studio albums have been certified platinum or higher by the RIAA. He topped the Billboard charts for the first time after being featured on the remix of “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift. Kendrick has also received numerous accolades throughout his career. They include 17 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two American Music Awards. Lamar has also bagged six Billboard Music Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards, a Brit Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award. These are some of the emcee’s best songs from his discography.

“N95” (2022)

“N95” is the lead single from his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The album is Kendrick Lamar’s first since parting ways with Top Dawg Entertainment. ‘N95” is a seething cultural critique where Lamar spits bile in multiple directions over a bleakly catchy, bass-driven instrumental. With a visual that opens with Lamar hovering about the ocean with arms stretched wide in a crucifixion-like pose, Lamar certainly turned heads with this one.

“Family Ties” – Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar (2021)

“Family Ties” was released on August 27, 2021, by Columbia Records and pgLang. The song is the fourth single from Keem’s debut album, The Melodic Blue. “Family Ties” is also Lamar’s first musical release under pgLang, a production company he co-founded in March 2020. Lamar signed Baby Keem under the collective. He is also Kendrick’s cousin, hence the song title. “Family Ties” won Best Rap Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards. It has officially been certified three times Platinum by the RIAA.

“All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (2018)

“All the Stars” was released on January 4, 2018, as the lead single to the soundtrack album of the film Black Panther. It was co-written by Lamar and former label-mate SZA. Sounwave and Al Shux also produced the song. Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther director, hand-picked Lamar to produce the soundtrack.

Moreover, “All The Stars” received numerous accolades and nominations, including Best Original Song at the 76th Golden Globe and 91sAcademy Awards. It additionally received four nominations at the 61st Grammy Awards including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. “All The Stars” won Best Song at the African-American Film Critics Association. The video additionally won Best Visual Effects at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. Since its release, the song has sold two million copies in the United States.

“LOVE.” (2017)

“LOVE” is a song from Lamar’s fourth studio album, DAMN. Lamar also co-wrote the song with collaborators Zacari Pacaldo and Teddy Walton. Sounwave and Top Dawg CEO Anthony Tiffith are credited for production. Lamar’s fans have often speculated that the song’s lyrics describe his love and devotion to his fiancée and mother of his children, Whitney Alford. Further, “LOVE” spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently certified four times Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

“HUMBLE.” (2017)

Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE” was released on March 30, 2017. The song was the lead single from Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album, DAMN. “Humble” also topped the Billboard Singles chart and became Kendrick’s second No. 1 song after “Bad Blood” remix with Taylor Swift. The song won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video at the 60th Grammy Awards. Mike Will Made-It produced the song. He initially created the beat for Gucci Mane. Additionally, the RIAA has certified ” HUMBLE ” seven times Platinum.

“Alright” (2015)

The song “Alright” is a fan favorite in Lamar’s discography thanks to its messages of hope amid struggle. It was released as To Pimp a Butterfly’s fourth radio single on June 30, 2015. Pharrell Williams is also credited for the production of the record. The song was primarily associated with the Black Lives Matter movement after several youth-led protests were heard chanting the chorus. It was officially dubbed the Black Lives Matter soundtrack because of this. Additionally, “Alright” received numerous accolades, including four nominations at the 58th Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song. It won the latter two. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.

“King Kunta” (2015)

“King Kunta” is a single from Kendrick Lamar’s third album, To Pimp a Butterfly. It was released as the album’s third single on March 24, 2015. Lamar also co-wrote the song with producer Thundercat. Terrace Martin, Michael Kuhle, and Sounwave served as producers. The song’s title references the rebellious enslaved man Kunta Kinte from the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. “King Kunta” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

“Control” – Big Sean ft. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica (2013)

“Control” is a song by Detroit emcee Big Sean. It features guest vocals from Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. Lamar’s verse was labeled as a “wake-up call” for hip-hop, both for his skill as a rapper and for calling out multiple fellow rappers by name. The song was initially intended to be included in Big Sean’s second studio album Hall of Fame. However, this was ultimately hindered by sample clearances.

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” (2012)

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” is one of the lead singles from Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City album. Sounwave is once again credited for production. Lamar was also reportedly initially meant to collaborate with pop star Lady Gaga on the song. However, delays in submission eventually led to her part being left out. The song’s version with Lady Gaga vocals was added to later editions of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Jay-Z is also featured on the official remix of the song.

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” is generally considered the song that thrust Kendrick into the limelight. The record peaked at No. 32 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. The RIAA has certified “Don’t Kill My Vibe” four times Platinum.

Kendrick Lamar Reaffirmed His Greatness With “DNA”

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Kendrick Lamar remains one of the greatest artists of our entire generation. Overall, he has dropped hit album after hit album. Moreover, his penmanship is considered some of the greatest we have ever seen in hip-hop. His last album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was an incredible body of work that showcased growth as both an artist and as a human. Additionally, it was a long-awaited follow-up to his album DAMN. which had released five years earlier. Overall, Kendrick did not disappoint.

Speaking of DAMN., the 14-track masterpiece has officially turned six years old. If you remember, this album dropped the exact same night as Playboi Carti’s self-titled mixtape. It was a great night for music, with the lyrical fans and the trap fans being appeased. That said, Kendrick Lamar and his project certainly took the world by storm. DAMN. contained some of the defining tracks of Lamar’s career, and even today, fans remain mesmerized by this project. Today, we take a look at the track “DNA.”

Kendrick Lamar Shined On “DNA”

“DNA” is technically the second song on the album as “Blood” serves as the intro. However, “DNA” proves to be an incredible way to kick off an album. From the driving production to Kendrick’s killer flows, this entire song is a journey. Moreover, this song has some great lines that will have your rewinding parts of the song. It is a lyrical masterpiece that lets you know Kendrick Lamar is a master of his domain. All these years later and the song still hits the same.

Subsequently, it is going to be very interesting to see where Lamar goes next with his career. After all, he is an incredible artist who is always evolving. Additionally, he is off of TDE now, which means he might be going for a completely different sound. Let us know your thoughts on “DNA,” in the comments down below. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it’s in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DAMN.’ Has Spent Nearly 300 Weeks On The Billboard 200

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kendrick lamar big steppers tour
Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz

It’s been nearly six years since Kendrick Lamar released his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, DAMN., in 2017. The project debuted at No.1 on Billboard and spawned chart-topping hits like “Humble,” “Loyalty,” and “Love.” The album sold over 600k units in its first week and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) since 2018. Lamar even scored a Grammy for Best Rap Album and a Pulitzer Prize For Music. On Friday, January 20, the rapper hit another major milestone with the album: It’s now spent 300 weeks on the Billboard 200.

“.@kendricklamar’s ‘DAMN.’ has now spent 300 weeks on the Billboard 200. It has never left the chart,” Chart Data reported.

Lamar’s commercial success has been substantial throughout his career, and he’s been cemented as one of his generation’s most influential hip-hop artists. Recently, his second album, good kid, m.A.A.d city., became the first hip-hop studio album to spend 10 years on the Billboard chart — an incredible feat.

The “DNA” rapper recently celebrated the album’s 10th anniversary during a stop on his The Big Steppers Tour stop at Accor Arena in Paris this past October. The concert, which was live-streamed in conjunction with Amazon, featured sets from Grammy Award-winning recording artist Baby Keem, who is also Lamar’s cousin, and pgLang’s Tanna Leone. The enigmatic rapper’s concert followed the release of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which was released in May 2022.

The project served as the rapper’s first body of work since releasing 2017’s DAMN., and it debuted at No.1 atop the Billboard 200.