def jam Archives - Page 3 of 8

Joe Budden Confesses Jay-Z Conflict Wasn’t Something He Handled Well

December 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jay-Z and Joe Budden have had a pretty complicated collaborative history across the past twenty or so years. Moreover, you might know the rumors that Hov wanted to charge Budden $250K for a guest verse, which the latter himself admitted that he couldn’t confirm or deny. However, now he has a different admission about how he handled the Roc-A-Fella boss becoming the head of Joe’s label Def Jam, and the rift that this relationship caused between them. Furthermore, he explained this on The Pivot podcast recently, and broke down why he probably could’ve been a little more nuanced and appreciative in his response to a hip-hop peer becoming his higher-up.

“When Jay-Z got his role as president of Def Jam, I was a young artist on Def Jam trying to work on my second album,” Joe Budden explained. “And at that time, a lot of the artists on Def Jam had an issue with Jay-Z being the president. This was the first time that a rapper, our peer, was calling the shots, in charge of DMX’s release date and [LL COOL J’s] release date.

Joe Budden On The Pivot Podcast: Watch Full Episode

“None of us took that well. And I really didn’t take it well,” Joe Budden continued. “I didn’t handle myself well at all. Every interview that they booked for me, I kicked their back in. Every chance I got in front of a microphone, I had disparaging things to say about people who, ultimately, were maybe trying to help me. Even if they weren’t trying to help me, if I would’ve helped myself, I would have been in a different predicament. But I didn’t. Gas on the fire.

“In some instances, I maybe went about it the wrong way or expressed myself the wrong way,” he went on, referencing how he fell out with Slaughterhouse and Eminem’s Shady Records, too. “But the intent is always pure. The intent is always for the better of everyone. It’s never like a selfish act. When I had my back and forth with Shady Records and Eminem, I was fighting for me and [Slaughterhouse] to get a better situation.” Meanwhile, for more news and the latest updates on Joe Budden and Jay-Z, keep checking in with HNHH.

[via]

The post Joe Budden Confesses Jay-Z Conflict Wasn’t Something He Handled Well appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lyor Cohen Net Worth 2023: What Is The Music Executive Worth?

December 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lyor Cohen, a name synonymous with the music industry’s success, has made a mark on the music industry, resulting in an impressive amount of wealth. He boasts a reported net worth of $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential figures in the music business is a testament to his vision, determination, and unparalleled expertise.

Early Years & Entrance Into The Music World

Born in New York City, Lyor Cohen was raised in a family that cherished music. Moreover, his passion for the art form became evident at a young age, driving him to immerse himself in the industry. Cohen’s early years were marked by an insatiable appetite for discovering new sounds and talent, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Furthermore, his entry into the music world began with roles at various record labels, where his keen insight and knack for identifying promising artists quickly set him apart. Cohen’s intuitive understanding of the evolving music landscape became a defining factor in his rise to prominence.

Rise To Prominence & Impact In Hip-Hop

Lyor Cohen’s ascent in the music industry reached new heights when he played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop scene. His tenure as the head of Def Jam Recordings marked a transformative period, where he championed and nurtured the careers of iconic hip-hop artists, elevating the genre to unprecedented levels of success.

Moreover, his contributions extended beyond individual artist management. Cohen’s innovative strategies and business acumen further paved the way for groundbreaking deals and collaborations, influencing the trajectory of hip-hop and popular music as a whole.

Entrepreneurial Ventures & Continued Influence

Cohen’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found 300 Entertainment, a record label designed to redefine the music industry’s landscape. His venture emphasized artist development and creative freedom, reflecting his commitment to fostering talent while adapting to the digital age’s challenges.

Beyond his direct involvement in record labels, Cohen’s advisory roles and mentorship have shaped the careers of numerous artists and industry professionals. Additionally, his enduring impact continues to shape the industry’s dynamics, inspiring a new generation of music executives and artists alike.

In conclusion, Lyor Cohen’s reported net worth of $150 million mirrors the immense impact he has had on the music industry. From his humble beginnings to his influential roles at top record labels and entrepreneurial ventures, Cohen’s journey epitomizes innovation, vision, and an unwavering dedication to the art of music. His legacy stands as a testament to his profound influence on hip-hop and the broader music landscape.

The post Lyor Cohen Net Worth 2023: What Is The Music Executive Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rick Rubin Net Worth 2023: What Is The Iconic Producer Worth?

December 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer, is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His reported net worth of $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, stands as a testament to his prolific career and influence. Let’s delve into the life and career of this iconic producer, from his early days as a musician to his groundbreaking achievements in the world of music production and entrepreneurship.

Early Days & Musical Beginnings

Born on March 10, 1963, in Long Beach, New York, Rick Rubin’s journey into music began at an early age. His passion for music led him to explore various genres, eventually sparking his interest in creating music himself. He attended New York University and it was during this time that he co-founded Def Jam Records in 1984 with Russell Simmons. This venture marked the beginning of his profound impact on the music industry.

Establishing Def Jam Records & Breakthrough Moments

Def Jam Records quickly became a powerhouse in the music world, propelling hip-hop and rap into the mainstream. Rubin played a pivotal role in the success of the label by producing influential albums for artists such as LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C. Furthermore, his innovative production techniques and ability to push boundaries set a new standard for the industry, solidifying his status as a visionary producer.

Rubin’s collaboration with various artists across different genres further showcased his versatility and unparalleled creativity. Moreover, his work extended beyond hip-hop, contributing to the success of artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, and Jay-Z. His production style emphasized minimalism and authenticity, earning him numerous accolades and accolades, such as multiple Grammy Awards.

Continued Success As A Producer & Entrepreneur

Rick Rubin’s impact on the music industry persists to this day. His contributions to iconic albums and his reputation for bringing out the best in artists have made him a sought-after producer. Additionally, he co-founded Def American Recordings, later renamed American Recordings, further establishing his entrepreneurial prowess.

Apart from his production work, Rubin has ventured into other creative domains. He has served as an executive producer for movies and has been involved in various business endeavors. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining artistic integrity has been a driving force behind his enduring success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rick Rubin’s net worth of $300 million is a testament to his unparalleled contributions and influence in the music industry. From co-founding Def Jam Records to shaping the careers of numerous artists across different genres, Rubin’s journey exemplifies creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Overall, his legacy as an iconic producer continues to inspire generations of musicians and entrepreneurs, solidifying his place among the most influential figures in the history of modern music.

The post Rick Rubin Net Worth 2023: What Is The Iconic Producer Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Benny The Butcher “Everybody Can’t Go”: What We Know About His Def Jam Debut

December 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Griselda roster has remained busy this year, with major releases from Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine. However, Benny The Butcher has been musically silent for the most part. The Buffalo lyricist is gearing up for the release of his next album, Everybody Can’t Go, which officially drops on January 26, 2024. One of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of the new year, Benny’s next project will mark his major label debut for Def Jam. While Shady Records and Interscope handled the 2019 release of Griselda’s WWCD album, Benny never actually signed to the Eminem-led imprint. As we patiently await the release of Everybody Can’t Go, here is what we know so far about Benny The Butcher’s Def Jam debut.

Benny The Butcher’s Def Jam Debut

Benny The Butcher signed with Def Jam in 2021 under Snoop Dogg’s tutelage as a creative consultant for the label. Since then, the Griselda heavyweight did not drop any music under the label in the following years. His previous album, 2022’s Tana Talk 4 was released via Griselda Records and Empire Distribution, featuring the gold-certified and J. Cole-assisted “Johnny P’s Caddy.” During an appearance on Rap Radar, Benny explained the meaning behind the title of Everybody Can’t Go. “They not made like that. And you can’t dance to every song, you know what I’m saying? Everything is not for everybody. With new levels come new devils, and I want more. I want bigger for myself,” he said.

Everybody Can’t Go was initially announced back in April for an August 11th release date, but was subsequently delayed as clarified by Hit-Boy. Benny explained the setback, saying, “I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. Just know when you hear my s**t it’s gonna be better than all this other s**t you’ve been hearing all year.” With the update, he still referred to Everybody Can’t Go as an album of the year contender. In October, Benny The Butcher thanked fans for their patience before sharing a countdown to the announcement of the album’s lead single.

Produced By Close Collaborators

The Alchemist and Hit-Boy entirely produce Benny The Butcher’s Def Jam debut, which comes as no surprise to hardcore Griselda fans. His musical history with both California producers runs deep. The Alchemist co-produced both Tana Talk 3 and Tana Talk 4 while Hit-Boy solely handled the production of 2020’s Burden Of Proof. During his update on Everybody Can’t Go, Hit-Boy told Elliott Wilson that he produced nine tracks on the album.

Benny told Rap Radar about his decision to only work with two producers. He cited The Alchemist and Hit-Boy as his “dream team” with whom he has been the most successful. “When it’s time to do this shit for the masses, I clicked them boys up together,” he said of them being the right fit for his major label debut. Benny also claimed that the album “will not be loaded with boom bap beats.” Benny expressed his intention of not allowing the traditional Griselda sound to artistically limit him and instead, “do things out of feeling.”

Everybody Can’t Go Is Already Sounding Promising

With Everybody Can’t Go around the corner, Benny The Butcher’s Def Jam debut is already sounding promising based on the two singles that he released. The Alchemist-produced lead single, “Big Dog” features a ferocious verse from Lil Wayne. Benny and Weezy had previously worked together on “Timeless” and “Russian Roulette.” They also recently collaborated on “Oprah & Gayle” from Wayne’s and 2 Chainz’s Welcome 2 Collegrove. The second and latest single from the album is “One Foot In,” produced by Hit-Boy and featuring Stove God Cooks. The Syracuse native and Griselda signee last worked with Benny on “Back 2x” from Tana Talk 4. While Benny has not yet shared an official tracklist, Everybody Can’t Go reportedly includes 12 songs.

In October, Benny The Butcher boldly claimed that his upcoming album will be the best hip hop album to be released on Def Jam since DMX’s iconic 1998 debut, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. Setting the bar incredibly high for himself, he is clearly confident in his next full-length release. The new year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Griselda roster. With Benny’s next album arriving shortly and a possible sequel to WWCD, 2024 seems exciting for fans of the label. Be sure to check back in with HotNewHipHop for the latest updates.

[via] [via]

The post Benny The Butcher “Everybody Can’t Go”: What We Know About His Def Jam Debut appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rick Ross Makes Bold Claim About The State Of Def Jam

November 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rick Ross says that Def Jam is “damn near outta business.” He discussed the state of the iconic music label during a recent interview with Rolling Stone. The outlet asked Ross whether he would be interested in appearing in a new Def Jam: Fight for NY game if one finally gets made.

“I might have to do it. But Def Jam is damn near outta business, so it’ll have to be Maybach Music,” Ross said in the interview. “That was a cool-ass game, yo!” The original Def Jam: Fight for NY released back in 2004 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube and featured the likeness of numerous rappers and other celebrities.

Rick Ross Visits SiriusXM In Miami

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 13: Rick Ross visits SiriusXM Studios on October 13, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

Ross’ interview with Rolling Stone comes as he and Meek Mill prepare for the release of their highly-anticipated collaborative album, Too Good To Be True. With it dropping on Friday, the two have been conducting numerous interviews in recent days to promote the effort. While speaking with Complex, they hinted at having a song with Drake in the works. When the outlet asked for their favorite collaboration with the Toronto rapper, Meek said, “Meek Milly and Rozay, we fucking with the boy heavily. Listen out for it on some of the new shit that’s coming out very soon, you hear?” Ross added, “You better believe it.”

As for their actual answer to the question, both selected Ross’ 2012 single, “Stay Schemin.” “‘Stay Schemin’ too, because I was a part of that,” Meek said. “I just had got my Ghost that day to pull up on you [Rick Ross] and Drake. I didn’t really know Drake, I probably had met him once or twice.” The song also features French Montana. Be on the lookout for further updates on Too Good To Be True on HotNewHipHop in the coming days. It’s set for release on Friday, November 10.

[Via]

The post Rick Ross Makes Bold Claim About The State Of Def Jam appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lyor Cohen Discusses DMX, Def Jam, Golden Era Of Hip-Hop & More On “Drink Champs”

October 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN sat down with music industry veteran Lyor Cohen for the latest episode of Drink Champs. Among the topics the group discussed were the career of DMX, Cohen’s role in the success of Def Jam, 300 Entertainment, and his work to fight cancer.

Cohen’s appearance was met with ample praise from fans. “I know a lot of people don’t like Lyor, but as a hip hop fan I’ll always respect this guy for what he did for hip hop from 98-02,” one user commented on the episode. “Grimey lyrical New York rap is my favourite era of Hip Hop, and that def jam roster that HE signed was everything to me.”

Lyor Cohen Speaks At SXSW

AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 14: Lyor Cohen speaks onstage at the Music Keynote during S.X.S.W. At Austin Convention Center on March 14, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Sean Mathis/Getty Images for SXSW)

Another user wrote: “Leyor is def one of the top industry people around! His story is super dope!! I didnt know all this Hip Hop history about him! Salute to Drink Champs for giving the people this little peice of hip hop history and future!” Check out Cohen’s appearance on Drink Champs below.

Lyor Cohen Sits Down With N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN

Cohen’s appearance on Drink Champs comes as he is set to be honored at the Spirit of Life Gala, later this week. Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Ja Rule, Memphis Bleek, Swizz Beatz, and more will be present. Chuck D said, as noted by Variety: “Lyor Cohen is a pioneer, and myself and Public Enemy have been beneficiaries of his visionary audacity. Hip Hop’s ride through the music industry has been turbulent, but together with Lyor we’ve grown with it and gone through it and organized what was necessary. Working with Lyor makes you pay attention to everything. And he’ll tell you that.” Be on the lookout for further updates from the gala on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Lyor Cohen Discusses DMX, Def Jam, Golden Era Of Hip-Hop & More On “Drink Champs” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Large Professor Discusses Russell Simmons’ Decision Not To Sign Nas

July 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, Large Professor discussed Nas. He reflected on people in the industry passing up opportunities with Nas in the early days of the rapper’s career. “From the start,” Large Professor began, “When they brought Nas’ demo to Russell [Simmons], Russell was like ‘Nah, he sound too much like [Kool] G Rap.” “It was crazy,” the artist continued, “We was in the same camp though. That’s what he wasn’t seeing — it was like, ‘Yo, Nas is actually a descendant of G, so… you should you know, accept a new generation type shit. But, Russell ain’t know that Force.”

Large Professor agrees that Simmons “f*cked up” on that one. It’s clear that Nas has managed to do well for himself in the time since, however, just recently dropping his 16th studio album, Magic 2. The LP acts as a follow-up to 2021’s Magic, and features 50 Cent and 21 Savage. He did limited promotion for his latest offering, only announcing the release date days before the drop.

Large Professor Thinks Russell Simmons “F*cked Up”

Nas also recently announced his collaboration with Hennessy in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop. He flexed alongside his new “HenNASsy” bottle in an Instagram post yesterday. The “vibrant limited edition cognac” works to “[mark] a unique cultural milestone” with the help of Nas, according to Hennessy. The brand calls him “one of the genre’s most prolific talents.”

In a recent interview, 50 Cent discussed some other ways Nas was misunderstood earlier in his career. He revealed that his “Office Hours” collaborator turned out to be far more intelligent than he previously believed based on his music. “We’d be on the tour bus, and he’d be reading books and stuff,” Fif explained. “[Nas] was ahead of us. What he had, and I was looking at it going, ‘You gotta be careful’ because he was smarter than the music he was releasing… He was smarter than things he was saying on the records.”

[Via]

The post Large Professor Discusses Russell Simmons’ Decision Not To Sign Nas appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Issa Rae Inks Multi-Year Deal With Def Jam Recordings For Raedio

July 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Issa Rae owns her own media company, Hoorae Media, and the audio division, Raedio, now has a new home. Def Jam Recordings and Raedio have partnered up for the long-term, with a multi-year deal in the works. This includes everything from publishing to podcasts to digital content and music distribution. Also, Issa Rae and Raedio can now sign and market Def Jam artists. This adds to the potential influence Rae has in hip-hop culture.

She was the brilliant mind behind the HBO series Rap Sh!t, a 2022 comedy in which two Miami high school friends reunite to form a female rap group. Their hope is to come together after being estranged to make it big in the music industry. Innovative ideas like that — as well as collaborations with artists — are exactly why Def Jam struck a deal with Hoorae Media and Raedio.

Issa Rae’s Raedio & Def Jam Recordings: A Perfect Pair

issa rae def jam records raedio deal — LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 12: (L to R) Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, and Will Ferrell attend the European Premiere of “Barbie” at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12, 2023, in London, England. (Photo by Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Raedio previously had a contract with Atlantic Records that started in 2019. This new deal effectively ends that contract. Speaking about the deal, Raedio president Benoni Tagoe said, “Our mission at Raedio is to continually evolve how and where people discover music and the opportunities for artists behind it. Def Jam is the perfect partner with a storied legacy to align with Raedio’s mission and vision of disrupting the music industry as we know it.” Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun also was ecstatic about the deal, saying, “Def Jam is thrilled to partner with Issa and the incredible team at Raedio on this new venture, and we look forward to telling more amazing stories together.”

This has been Issa Rae’s year. In 2023 alone, she starred in both Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse as Spider-Woman (voice acting) and Barbie as President Barbie. The latter comes out next week. Add to that a multi-year contract for her media company, and there’s nothing Issa Rae can’t do in pop culture.

[Via]

The post Issa Rae Inks Multi-Year Deal With Def Jam Recordings For Raedio appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The History Of Russell Simmons & Def Jam: How He & Rick Rubin Established Hip-Hop’s First Powerhouse Label

June 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The history of Hip Hop would be incomplete without the mention of Russell Simmons and Def Jam Recordings. The illustrious music label began with Rick Rubin in his dormitory at New York University. A little while later, Rubin and Simmons joined forces to establish the powerhouse as a fully formed label. After housing now-legacy acts like LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy in its early days, Def Jam quickly gained notoriety.

Russell Simmons enjoyed a very successful time as the co-founder of Def Jam. The Hip Hop genre was quickly proven to be in safe hands under the leadership of both Simmons and Rubin in the 80s. However, both co-founders have parted ways with the label for different reasons. Regardless, Russell Simmons is forever etched into the Def Jam history books.

Russell Simmons’ Early Days

Russell Simons in 1988 — Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons attends the Run DMC Tougher Than Leather album release party at the Palladium night club on September 15, 1988 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

A New York native, Russell Simmons was introduced to the rising wave of Hip Hop early on. He crossed paths with Kurt Walker and DJ/Bboy at the City College of New York. This encounter further delivered a greater dose of the genre to Simmons. By the late 70s, after hearing Eddie Cheeba perform in Harlem, Simmons surrendered himself to a life of Hip Hop.

In the 80s, Simmons was a rising Hip Hop promoter. This inspired his younger brother Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run to make music. Rev Run began to perform with Darryl McDaniels and Jason Mizell as Run-DMC. Run-DMC went on to achieve many groundbreaking feats as a new-school Hip Hop act. The group is also widely considered as one of the greatest Hip Hop acts of all time.

Formation Of Def Jam Recordings

Def Jam co-founders, Russell Simmons and <a href= — LOS ANGELES, CA – 1997: (L-R) Record producer Rick Rubin and music mogul Russell Simmons pose for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1997. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Russell Simmons was 27 years old when he co-founded Def Jam alongside then-21-year-old Rick Rubin. Both of them were rising producers, while Simmons doubled as a manager. He was working with multiple acts alongside Run-DMC. These were: Whodini, Kurtis Blow, and the Fearless Four. In addition to this, Simmons swiftly became one of Hip Hop’s go-to personalities. He was at the center of the genre in the early 80s in New York, forging connections with several clubs and record companies.

After linking up with Rubin, Simmons joined the effort to create an independent record company. The pair signed on some underground acts, and the rest was history. In the year of its inception, Def Jam released the singles “I Need a Beat” by LL Cool J, and “Rock Hard” by the Beastie Boys. Both songs achieved mainstream success, making the acts one of the first to do so within the genre.

Def Jam’s first full-length release was Radio, the debut studio album by LL Cool J. After scoring a distribution deal with CBS through Columbia Records, Def Jam became a significant player in the music business. Radio was a monumental success, not just commercially, but critically too. Thus, Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin, and Def Jam became household names.

Russell Simmons’ Controversies

While Rubin parted ways with Def Jam in 1988 after a fallout with Lyon Cohen, Russell Simmons’ exit was a lot more controversial. Due to the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the MeToo movement, a series of allegations were aimed at Simmons beginning in 2017. Numerous women came out to accuse Simmons of multiple instances of sexual misconduct. These include physical and sexual harassment, assault, and rape.

Consequently, Simmons stepped down from his position in Def Jam, along with his positions in other companies. HBO also removed his name from All Def Comedy, the series he launched in 1992. Furthermore, a documentary, On the Record, was released in 2020 on HBO Max and covered many of the allegations against Simmons.

Personal Relationships

Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons — Russell Simmons and wife Kimora Lee Simmons during MTV Life Beat in Los Angeles, CA, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)

Russell Simmons and model Kimora Lee Simmons married in 1998. They share two daughters, Ming Lee, and Aoki Lee. The couple separated in 2006 and divorced in 2008. While his relationship with his ex-wife and daughters was great even after the divorce, things have taken a rocky turn in recent times.

Earlier in June, after the Father’s Day celebration, Simmons was called out by Kimora and their daughter Aoki for emotional abuse. Aoki Lee further took to Instagram Live sharing her concerns over her father’s mental well-being. She detailed instances of his behavior, sharing that she has refused to speak up due to her father’s influence.

[via] [via]

The post The History Of Russell Simmons & Def Jam: How He & Rick Rubin Established Hip-Hop’s First Powerhouse Label appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rappers Like Ad-Rock: Mike D, Eminem, Mac Miller, MGK & More

June 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Ad-Rock, born Adam Horovitz, is an iconic figure in the landscape of hip-hop. As a member of the Beastie Boys, his distinctive style, characterized by a high-pitched, slightly nasal tone combined with inventive, clever wordplay, has left an indelible mark on the genre. The Beastie Boys broke barriers in the hip-hop scene, being one of the first successful white groups in a predominantly Black industry. They infused elements of punk rock and alternative music into their sound, creating a unique hybrid that many artists have since emulated. This article will explore rappers who have taken a leaf from Ad-Rock’s book, both in terms of vocal tone and genre-bending style.

Mike D

Firstly, it’s impossible not to mention Mike D, another member of the Beastie Boys. His style closely mirrors Ad-Rock’s, as they frequently interchanged verses and even lines within their songs. They shared a similar vocal tone and lyrical style, making them almost indistinguishable at times. Like Ad-Rock, Mike D brought a punk rock sensibility to his rap verses, making him a key player in the Beastie Boys’ unique sound.

Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is arguably one of the most successful rappers in history. The comparisons between the two largely relate to their skill set and their shared history as white rappers in a predominantly Black industry. He’s among the rappers whose high-pitched, nasal delivery, particularly in his early work, draws clear parallels with Ad-Rock’s style. His lyrical content, while often darker and more controversial, shares the same clever wordplay and biting humor that characterized the Beastie Boys’ work.

Machine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, emerged in the early 2010s into the rap scene. Throughout his career, his beat choices and general energy evidently showcased Beastie Boys’s influence. His recent shift towards punk rock-infused rap marks a clear homage to the genre-bending approach of Ad-Rock and his group. MGK’s vocal style, while not as high-pitched as Ad-Rock’s, shares the same energy and rebellious spirit.

Mac Miller

Mac Miller, another white rapper who broke into the mainstream, shared some stylistic similarities with Ad-Rock. His laid-back, conversational tone, coupled with his clever lyrics and penchant for genre experimentation, showed clear influence from the Beastie Boys. While Mac’s style evolved significantly over his career, the echoes of Ad-Rock’s influence can be heard throughout his discography.

Conclusion/TLDR

The impact of Ad-Rock on the rap industry cannot be overstated. His unique vocal style and genre-bending approach to hip-hop have influenced a generation of rappers, from Eminem to Machine Gun Kelly. As we continue to see the evolution of hip-hop, it’s clear that Ad-Rock’s legacy will live on in the music of those he has inspired. The artists listed here are just a few examples of the wide-reaching impact of Ad-Rock and the Beastie Boys. They serve as testament to the lasting power of their music and the continuing influence they hold over the hip-hop scene.

The post Rappers Like Ad-Rock: Mike D, Eminem, Mac Miller, MGK & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.