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

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.

Read more: N.O.R.E. Admits Issa Rae Helped Him Realize “Drink Champs” Was Getting Too Messy

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.

Read more: Anne Hathaway Pauses Interview To Gush Over Issa Rae: Watch

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

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=Rick Rubin.” class=”wp-image-691805″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1271604920.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1271604920-300×198.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1271604920-768×508.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
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. 

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

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.

Read More: Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” Turns 29

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.

Read More: NYC To Rename Corner From Cover Of “Paul’s Boutique” After The Beastie Boys

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.

Read More: Beastie Boys Say They Were Caught Off Guard By Eminem’s “Kamikaze” Cover

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.

Read More: MGK And Rick Ross Star At Travis Kelce Music Festival

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.

Read More: Mac Miller’s “Watching Movies With The Sound Off” 10th Anniversary Edition Is Here

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.

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Aoki Simmons: Learn About Russell Simmons’s Daughter

Aoki Lee Simmons is the daughter of record executive Russell Simmons and fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons. She’s just made history by becoming one of the youngest Black women to graduate from Harvard University. She was accepted into the institution at the age of 16. Aoki Simmons has also followed in her mother’s footsteps and is a model. 

Most recently, the rising star has been in the spotlight after some shocking details were revealed about her father, Russell Simmons. He is one of the most prolific figures in the history of Hip Hop as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and creator of Phat Farm. Despite the legacy both her father and her mom built, Aoki Lee’s own career is steadily on the rise, and she’s working hard to cement her name in the world of fashion. Along with her elder sister, Ming Lee, Aoki has gained fame on social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok. With her degree in the bag and the world ahead of her, there’s no stopping Aoki Lee Simmons. 

Read More: Russell Simmons’ Daughter Vows To Ignore Trolls Who Make Her Feel Insecure

Early Beginnings

Kimora Lee Simmons with her two daughters, Aoki Lee and Ming Lee, at the Baby Phat fashion show in 2004.
Ming, Kimora and Aoki Lee Simmons during Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2004 – Baby Phat – Runway at Gotham Hall in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Aoki Lee Simmons was born on August 16, 2002, to Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons. At the time of her birth, her mother’s brand, Baby Phat had begun to enjoy widespread success. Straightaway, Aoki Lee and her sister Ming Lee became the faces of the brand. They became famous at a young age and were known for always closing out Baby Phat shows with their mother on the runway. 

By 2007, Aoki Lee joined her mother and siblings on the reality TV series, Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane. The show focused on her mother’s home and work life as a mogul. Aoki’s father Russell Simmons also made appearances on the show. Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane ran for four seasons, and ended in 2011. 

Read More: Kimora Lee Simmons’ Baby Phat Apparel Has Made A Comeback With Forever 21

Aoki Lee Simmons’ Rising Career

Several years after her mother’s reality show came to an end, Aoki Lee found herself gaining fame as a social media influencer. She has joined her mother on several humanitarian missions and frequently travels the world. Furthermore, she has found success in the fashion industry in her own right. In 2022, she made the decision to add modeling to her portfolio while she continued her studies at Harvard. 

Her decision to pursue modeling came under fire from some, who wondered why she didn’t want to put her education to a different use. Aoki Lee gracefully responded, sharing that modeling is something she loves, and is willing to grow in the profession. “Well, one, models aren’t uneducated and not articulate,” she said in an Instagram post. “But two, I think what you’re really getting at is, why am I going into a field that doesn’t necessarily require a degree or require a whole lot of book smarts when I have a lot of education?”

Aoki Lee further reiterated that she’s interested in changing the narrative about models not being smart, or educated women not feeling sexy. “Well, one, because I love it, and I think we should normalize liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at,” she continued. “I would like to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks.”

She has since walked the runways at Pyer Moss and Carlton Jones. Alongside her modeling, she has designed a line for the popular direct-to-consumer brand, JustFab. She’s currently signed to Nomad management. 

Read More: Oprah Makes Russell Simmons’ Daughters Big Mad Following Doc Departure

Making Harvard History

When she was just 16 years old, Aoki Lee was enrolled at Harvard University. She became one of the youngest Black women to achieve this feat. On May 29, she took to Instagram to celebrate her graduation, days after her sister Ming Lee’s at NYU. Aoki Lee also graduated with double majors, and her mother Kimora shared the news on her own social media page.

Read More: Kimora Lee Simmons: A Fashion Icon And Business Mogul

Aoki’s Relationship With Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons and his daughter Aoki Lee.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 19: Russell Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Champ Medici And Fam Lounge at Marquee on June 19, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

While many around the world celebrated Father’s Day,  Aoki Lee Simmons called out her father Russell’s alleged abuse over the years. The entire situation kicked off after the record mogul posted a subliminal message taking a jab at his ex-wife Kimora. It wasn’t long before Kimora Lee took to her Instagram stories and posted a series of accusations against him. 

Aoki Lee Simmons also took to social media to detail the decline in her relationship with her father. While she insisted they started out having a strong bond, she insists that something has become terribly wrong with Russell. On Instagram Live, she detailed a series of abusive behaviors that her father has exhibited in recent times while stating that she’s been scared to speak out for a long time because of her father’s influence. 

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Ja Rule’s “Venni Vetti Vecci” Turns 24

Ja Rule’s trajectory to stardom is unparalleled in the hip-hop world. Following his appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time To Build,” alongside Jay-Z and DMX (who he nearly formed a group with named Murder Inc.), his iconic run began with the release of Venni Vetti Vecci. While his debut wasn’t the storybook project to propel him amongst the biggest rappers on Earth. However, it certainly set the groundwork for his subsequent success. Ja Rule’s sound arrived at the perfect time. At a time when hip-hop was beginning to merge with melodic pop, Ja Rule was in a unique position to take his sound to mainstream heights that wouldn’t have been possible five years prior.

The trio of Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and DMX extensively toured throughout the late ’90s. Still, there wasn’t a sustainable relationship behind the curtain. DMX and Jay-Z viewed each other as natural competitive rivals. The tension between the two juggernauts rose as each was determined to come out on top in the New York rap scene. In the middle of all of that drama was a young Ja Rule. He wasn’t impersonating the two, instead opting to inject his flows with R&B melodies intended to get the audience shaking. Collaborating with the likes of Mary J Blige, Ashanti, and Jennifer Lopez, he brought Queens to a new sonic space that laid the foundation for hip-hop’s evolution in the next century.

Read More: Ja Rule Responds To People Saying He Paved The Way For Drake

Venni Vetti Vecci Impact On Hardcore Hip-Hop

Ja Rule performs live.
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Ja RULE (Photo by Andrew Lepley/Redferns)

By the early ‘2000s, Ja Rule was a kingpin in the hip-hop space. His mix of high energy, club anthems, and hardcore gangster lyricism delivered a blend that hadn’t been paralleled. In addition, his music found a way to be genre-bending and marketable at the same time. Ja Rule was curating introspective bangers, one that deeply resonated with the streets. While Venni Vetti Vecci peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts, his sophomore effort Rule 3:36 solidified his stardom. By 2001’s Pain Is Love, he was at the top of the world. In a matter of years before going on hiatus, Ja Rule changed hip-hop indefinitely.

It all got started Venni Vetti Vecci. A focused dialogue into his chaotic life in Queens, his debut studio album throws the listener head-first into an environment of hustling and violence. But more importantly, it detailed Ja Rule’s aspirations beyond the streets of Queens to cement his name among the greats. Take “Holla Holla,” where Ja manifests his future MC success amidst grumbling trumpets and slightly off-beat verses. Even during his debut studio album, he made it clear that his daring approach was intended to push the boundaries. As a result, Ja Rule played a key role in boosting hardcore hip-hop’s presence on mainstream airwaves in the 2000s.

Read More: Jay-Z Believes “Ambition” & “Ego” Derailed Murder Inc Supergroup With Ja Rule & DMX

Combatting DMX Comparisons

Venni Vetti Vecci, which contains a Latin root translating to “I came, I saw, I conquered,” did exactly that. Astoundingly reaching #3 on the Billboard charts, it would be easy to call Ja Rule an overnight sensation. However, from his failed deal with TVT Records as a member of Cash Money Click to Irv Gotti bringing him onto Def Jam, the years of labor began to pay off. He already worked years under the tutelage of fellow Def Jam signees. Looking to the likes of Run D.M.C. and Jay-Z, Ja Rule spent years attempting to emulate the quality of their verses. Logically enough, he enlisted his Def Jam contemporaries to bolster the notoriety of his debut. The Jay-Z and DMX-assisted “It’s Murda” would quickly garner massive commercial success.

The heavy gangster roots of Venni Vetti Vecci drew heavy comparisons to West Coast’s 2Pac. Hip-hop heads were accusing Ja Rule of copying and pasting the West Coast icons’ style. In addition, the 1999 record drew plenty of undeniable similarities to the growling raps of DMX. Even if the two had once been collaborators, DMX began to echo this frustration over time, accusing Ja of flat-out copying his style. Ja Rule certainly wasn’t a fan, starkly retorting by accusing DMX of simply being angry at his success.

If anything, the beef between DMX and Ja Rule was hallmark evidence of how far Ja had come. Once marveling when Run D.M.C. would walk down the block, he had become a mainstay on radio hit playlists. Venni Vetti Vecci would arguably remain his darkest record to date, more-so focused on his haunting upbringing than creating chart-friendly hits. From menacing piano chords to booming drums, everything about Venni Vetti Vecci would influence the aggressive form of hip-hop coming out of New York for years to come. After Ja Rule’s debut studio album, he was officially a force to be reckoned with.

Read More: Fat Joe & Ja Rule “Verzuz” Featured Jadakiss, Ashanti, Remy Ma, Nelly, Dre, & Lil Mo

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Logic Celebrates Leaving Def Jam In New Music Video For “Juice II”

Even while he’s busy on tour, Logic is always one to feed fans and keep putting out fun material. Moreover, he just released the music video for his loose “Juice II,” and filmed it during one of his latest concerts. In fact, he premiered the song during his Vinyl Verse tour with Wiz Khalifa on August 16 of last year, which is presumably when he shot the visual. Over a peppy trap beat and with trademark fast and emphatic rhymes, the lyricist was able to keep the crowd energized throughout. However, that’s not all that the music video entailed, as he also threw shade at Def Jam after leaving the label.

“So for those of y’all who don’t know, I’m off Def Jam,” Logic told the arena during his performance, which starts the video off. “I’m a motherf***in’ free man, baby. I’m free! So that means I can do whatever the f**k I want. Like, every single one of y’all be in my brand new music video.” Of course, the 33-year-old expressed numerous times prior how happy and fulfilled he felt upon leaving his contract behind and gaining more independence.

Read More: Logic’s Most Streamed Songs

Logic Posts Snippet Of New Music Video With Def Jam Shade

“I’m so excited I’m off Def Jam, I’m a free man,” Logic also remarked to his fans. “I been making so much music. I been making turn-up music, I been making f***in’ boom-bap hip-hop s**t, even in the trap s**t I’ve been doing there’s like more of a message than ever dawg that’s real. It’s important if you’re in a position of power to spread a good message. Always peace love and positivity.” In a statement shortly his move away from his former label, he spoke on valuing his independence and dignity as an artist above all else.

“There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” he stated. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.” We’re sure that there will be plenty more from the “Redpill VII” MC in the near future. With his next tour coming up very soon at the end of May, maybe we’ll get more crowd music videos in the future. Regardless, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news on Logic.

Read More: Logic Says Joe Budden Is “Hurt, Smart” & “A F***ing Hater”

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Lil Durk Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks, has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. The Chicago-born rapper has grown from a budding artist to a chart-topping sensation.

Lil Durk Net Worth

Durk’s net worth in 2023 is estimated to be a significant $8 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Breaking Down Lil Durk Net Worth

lil durk performs
(Photo by Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for PrettyLittleThing )

Lil Durk’s wealth accumulation is primarily from his music career. He boasts a discography filled with successful albums, singles, and collaborations. His 2020 album, The Voice, received critical acclaim and commercial success, contributing significantly to his net worth.

His wealth isn’t solely tied to music, though. Durk has also ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. He is the CEO of his record label, Only the Family, which hosts talented musicians and rappers.

Journey To An $8 Million Net Worth

lil durk on stage
(Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Lil Durk’s journey to amassing his $8 million net worth is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. He debuted in the music industry in 2011 with his first mixtape, I’m A Hitta. Despite the challenges faced in his early career, Lil Durk kept pushing, never allowing adversity to stop him.

His breakthrough came in 2013 when he signed with Def Jam Recordings and released his second mixtape, Signed to the Streets. The mixtape was a hit, earning him a spot on Rolling Stone‘s “10 New Artists You Need to Know” list. This recognition was the first significant milestone in building the ‘Lil Durk Net Worth’ that we see today.

From Street Rapper To Millionaire

lil durk at fashion show
(Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

The rapper’s estimated $8 million net worth is impressive, considering his humble beginnings. Growing up in Chicago’s infamous South Side, Lil Durk faced many hardships. The fact that he was able to turn his life around, using music as his vehicle, is nothing short of inspiring.

Future Earnings

lil durk on future tour
(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

As Lil Durk continues to release music and grow his business ventures, his net worth is expected to increase even more. With his unique style and persistent work ethic, Durk will undoubtedly continue building his wealth.

Conclusion/TLDR

The ‘Lil Durk Net Worth’ narrative is a testament to the rapper’s tenacity and talent. From his humble beginnings on the streets of Chicago to boasting a net worth of $8 million, his story is not just about financial growth but personal development too. He stands as a beacon of hope to many aspiring artists, proving that with talent and determination, it’s possible to turn dreams into reality.

Benny The Butcher Announces “Everybody Can’t Go” Release Date

Benny The Butcher will be making his Def Jam debut on August 11th with the release of his next studio album, Everybody Can’t Go. Benny confirmed the release date during a recent interview with DTLR Radio. It will be his first album since 2022’s Tana Talk 4, which was released through Griselda Records.

“I’m not gonna lie, this is the first time I’ve even announced this anywhere because this my first interview but August 11th. ‘Everybody Can’t Go.’ That’s the first time I’ve announced the date,” Benny said. Elsewhere in the interview, he discussed working with Drake, his come up in Buffalo, and more.

Benny The Butcher At DJ Drama’s Release Party

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 29: Benny the Butcher attends the DJ Drama album release party on March 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

While Benny announced the release date during last week’s interview, he previously confirmed that he was working on the project earlier this year. In an Instagram post from February, he wrote that Hit-Boy would be producing the album. “Sometimes the experience of the journey is a better feeling than reaching the destination. You won’t ever kno unless u make it there…but remember ‘EVERYBODY CAN’T GO,’” Benny wrote at the time. “The Album produced by @hitboy…Loading[.]“ The two previously connected on Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof. The album featured Lil Wayne, Dom Kennedy, Rick Ross, Conway the Machine, and more.

Benny is currently traveling the world on his Thank God I Made It tour. Stopping in Baltimore, last week, Benny surprised fans by bringing out J. Cole for a performance together. The two performed their 2022 collaboration, “Johnny P’s Caddy.” The song was featured as the lead single from Tana Talk 4 and was Benny’s first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. “Started the THANK GOD I MADE IT TOUR off right way in Baltimore bringing my boy out @realcoleworld,” Benny wrote on Instagram after bringing out J. Cole. Benny will be stopping in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ireland, Germany, Greece, and more in the coming weeks.

Benny The Butcher Reveals The “Everybody Can’t Go” Release Date

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Logic Recalls Nas Trying To Sign Him

Logic recalled the “cringe” moment when his idol, Nas, tried to sign him. In a post on Instagram, Logic detailed the interaction, explaining that he was embarrassed over one of the lyrics from his song, “Numbers.” On the track, Logic raps about drinking $100,000 wine, which caught Nas’ attention.

“I then find out that Nas wants to sign me. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God! This is crazy! Nas, my idol, wants to sign me!’” Logic began. “One of the first things he says … I was like, ‘Oh man, this is a nice room! You got drinks and all this stuff.’ And he’s like, ‘I ain’t got none of that $100,000 wine you be sipping on.’” He continued: “Because I have this line in I think it’s ‘Numbers,’ where I’m like, ‘I’m at the penthouse popping bottles of that $100,000 wine!” Ugh, cringe! And I’m so broke. $100,000 wine? It’s like, are you joking? Like, what? But you’re on HOC. You’re on food stamps. You’re talking about $100,000 wine? You can’t even buy grapes. [But] I thought that was cool because he’s like, reciting my own lyrics back to me.”

Logic’s Post

Logic didn’t reveal exactly when the meeting with Nas took place. However, “Numbers” was featured on his 2012 project, Young Sinatra: Undeniable. A year later, he signed with Def Jam, where he remained for almost a decade. Logic’s final album with the label was Vinyl Days, which he released in June 2022. He recorded the project over the span of 12 days in order to get out of his contract as soon as possible. Logic then joined BMG, which offered him a deal to maintain ownership of his masters. “There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” Logic said in a statement. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.”

Logic’s first album since leaving Def Jam, College Park, is due for release on Friday. The 17-track project will feature RZA, Bun B, Redman, Joey Bada$$, and more. It was produced entirely by Producers Lounge.

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