Drake

On The Radar’s Gabe P Ranks Top 10 OTR Freestyles Of 2022

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On The Radar became the go-to platform in 2022 for up-and-coming rappers to show and prove. At first, many of the mainstays of New York’s drill scene began appearing on the platform. Not only dropping bars but also, providing some of their most compelling interviews. However, what was initially limited to regional acts during the pandemic quickly spread into a worldwide affair.

Gabe P is the mastermind behind On The Radar, who launched the platform in 2022. Since then, the platform’s helped break plenty of artists, like Ice Spice. At the same time, they garnered the attention of the biggest acts in the genre, like Drake and Nicki Minaj. This year, On The Radar leveled up with the number of freestyles and interviews, many of which have gone viral. DThang’s freestyle helped attract new eyes in late 2021 but the momentum continued to build throughout 2022.

On The Radar host Gabe P via @youleeseas
On The Radar host Gabe P via @youleeseas

“Expansion is key,” Gabe told HotNewHipHop during a November Zoom call. “We’ve been blessed this year to really host people from all over. We’ve had Skillibeng on the show. We did GloRilla’s first interview in New York City, her very first interview in New York City.”

Artists like GloRilla, Ice Spice, and Skillibeng are a few who graced the OTR microphone before their mainstream success. However, it was largely a stepping stone for what’s in stores in 2023. Gabe has plans to take it global – not just bringing the world to New York City, but bringing On The Radar on the road with him.

“Next year, we’re going to take the show on tour. Right now, we’re aiming to hit I think 4 or 5 cities,” he revealed. “Memphis, Miami, Atlanta, and L.A., I think are our first couple of stops. So obviously, we’re always going to be near our base, we’re always going to do what we got to do for the city, but On The Radar is so much bigger than that. It’s an expanding ever-expanding music platform and you know, we’re going to be the biggest music platform in the world.”

From Ron Suno’s shirtless freestyle to Bizzy Banks’ first day-out freestyle, On The Radar produced some incredible moments. So, it was only right that we caught up with Gabe P for 12 Days Of Christmas to rank his favorite OTR freestyles of 2022 and share the stories behind them.

Check out our interview with Lola Brooke for 12 Days Of Christmas here.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Drake, Joe Budden & Other Rappers Named As Potential Witnesses In XXXTENTACION Murder Case: Report

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The attorney for a defendant in XXXTENTACION’s murder trial listed Drake and other rappers as potential witnesses in the upcoming trial, according to the Miami Herald.

The lawyer for Dedrick Williams, a defendant in the case, reportedly named several rappers as potential witnesses in the case. Drake, incarcerated Toronto rapper Top5, Joe Budden, 600 Breezy, 6ix9ine, Quavo, Offset, and the late Takeoff, who was shot and killed on November 1st, are among those listed, the Herald reports. Additionally, the attorney named Tankhead666 and Ski Mask The Slump God as potential witnesses.

Most of the individuals listed as potential witnesses had beef with X at one point or another. Drake, for example, became embroiled in a largely one-sided feud following the release of “K.M.T.” Following the release of More Life, X accused Drake of stealing his flow. Later on, a post on X’s Instagram Story suggested the Canadian rapper was trying to murder him. “If anyone tries to kill me it was @champagnepapi,” tagging Drake’s actual Instagram handle. Afterward, X claimed someone hacked his Instagram account.

MIAMI BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 06: Rapper XXXTentacion attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET )

Due to the prominence of the online chatter, Williams’ attorney reportedly might use these conspiracy theories to place doubt in the jury’s mind. However, there’s no evidence available publicly that even suggests there’s any truth to these rumors.

Williams, the alleged getaway driver, said that he had “no knowledge in advance” of plans to kill XXXTENTACION.

At this point, Williams’ attorney hasn’t secured any of the rappers listed as potential witnesses. Prosecutors already pushed back against the witness list ahead of Thursday’s hearing.

“It is apparent from the deliberate, late disclosure of the defendant’s witnesses and comments made between the parties that [the] defendant intended to ‘surprise’ the state and create a trial by ambush,” prosecutor Pascale Achille wrote.

However, there’s also a possibility that potential witnesses won’t have to take the stand or even face deposition. However, if the judge approves, then the potential witnesses would have to divulge information on XXXTENTACION’s potential rap feuds. At the same time, the prosecutors and the attorneys for the rappers could ask the judge to keep them out of the case since there isn’t evidence linking them to the crime.

At this point, the attorneys for Drake or any other rapper listed have commented on the matter. The Miami attorney who filed the list, Mauricio Padilla, declined to comment.

[Via]

Top 40 Hottest Hip-Hop Albums Of The Year

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It’s that time of the year to break down, discuss, and debate, which artist earned the coveted title of Album Of The Year. Since the beginning of 2022, plenty of artists, rappers or otherwise, have made up for the time lost during the pandemic so there certainly wasn’t a shortage of heat to choose from.

The trinity of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole (via Dreamville), and Drake emerged to critical and commercial glory throughout the year. At the same time, the next generation preceding them claimed their stake in hip-hop, from J.I.D., Lil Baby and NBA Youngboy. However, it’s also a year when plenty of veteran MCs came through with extraordinary bodies of work showcasing the timelessness in their pens (i.e. Nas, Pusha T, Black Thought). 

Whether it’s an artist like Denzel Curry, whose Melt My Eyez See Your Future defies expectations through strong wordplay and versatile production, or the hedonistic trap god Future, who reminded fans of his innate ability to craft hit records with the release of I NEVER LIKED YOU, 2022 had something for everyone.

As difficult as it was, we ranked the top 40 albums of 2022. Scroll through HNHH’s picks and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on our Album of The Year.

40. Armani Caesar – The Liz 2

39. Nigo – I Know Nigo

38. Central Cee – 23

37. Babyface Ray – FACE

36. Boldy James & Futurewave – Mr. Ten08

35. Rome Streetz – Kiss The Ring

34. billy woods – aethiopes

33. redveil – learn 2 swim

32. Kodak Black – Back For Everything

31. Action Bronson – Cocodrillo Turbo

30. Flo Milli – You Still Here, Ho?

29. EarthGang – Ghetto Gods

28. Benny The Butcher – Tana Talk 4

27. Westside Boogie – MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES

26. Yeat – Lÿfe

25. Dreamville – D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape

24. Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine

23. Lil Baby – It’s Only Me

22. Earl Sweatshirt – SICK!

21. Conway The Machine – God Don’t Make Mistakes

20. Tee Grizzley – Chapters Of The Trenches

19. Jeezy – Snofall

18. Westside Gunn – 10

17. Black Thought x Danger Mouse – Cheat Codes

16. Quavo x Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links

15. NBA Youngboy – The Last Slimeto

14. The Game- DRILLMATIC Heart Vs. Mind

13. Metro Boomin – Heroes & Villains

12. Smino – Luv 4 Rent

11. Joey Bada$$ – 2000

10. Future – I Never Liked You

9. Drake x 21 Savage – Her Loss

8. Gunna – DS4EVER

7. Vince Staples – Ramona Park Broke My Heart

6. Nas & Hit-Boy – King’s Disease III

5. Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately

4. Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry

3. Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See My Future

2. J.I.D. – The Forever Story

1. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Top 40 Hip-Hop Albums of 2022

by

It’s that time of the year to break down, discuss, and debate, which artist earned the coveted title of Album Of The Year. Since the beginning of 2022, plenty of artists, rappers or otherwise, have made up for the time lost during the pandemic so there certainly wasn’t a shortage of heat to choose from.

The trinity of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole (via Dreamville), and Drake emerged to critical and commercial glory throughout the year. At the same time, the next generation preceding them claimed their stake in hip-hop, from J.I.D., Lil Baby and NBA Youngboy. However, it’s also a year when plenty of veteran MCs came through with extraordinary bodies of work showcasing the timelessness in their pens (i.e. Nas, Pusha T, Black Thought). 

Whether it’s an artist like Denzel Curry, whose Melt My Eyez See Your Future defies expectations through strong wordplay and versatile production, or the hedonistic trap god Future, who reminded fans of his innate ability to craft hit records with the release of I NEVER LIKED YOU, 2022 had something for everyone.

As difficult as it was, we ranked the top 40 albums of 2022. Scroll through HNHH’s picks and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on our Album of The Year.

40. Armani Caesar – The Liz 2

39. Nigo – I Know Nigo

38. Central Cee – 23

37. Babyface Ray – FACE

36. Boldy James & Futurewave – Mr. Ten08

35. Rome Streetz – Kiss The Ring

34. billy woods – aethiopes

33. redveil – learn 2 swim

32. Kodak Black – Back For Everything

31. Action Bronson – Cocodrillo Turbo

30. Flo Milli – You Still Here, Ho?

29. EarthGang – Ghetto Gods

28. Benny The Butcher – Tana Talk 4

27. Westside Boogie – MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES

26. Yeat – Lÿfe

25. Dreamville – D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape

24. Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine

23. Lil Baby – It’s Only Me

22. Earl Sweatshirt – SICK!

21. Conway The Machine – God Don’t Make Mistakes

20. Tee Grizzley – Chapters Of The Trenches

19. Jeezy – Snofall

18. Westside Gunn – 10

17. Black Thought x Danger Mouse – Cheat Codes

16. Quavo x Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links

15. NBA Youngboy – The Last Slimeto

14. The Game- DRILLMATIC Heart Vs. Mind

13. Metro Boomin – Heroes & Villains

12. Smino – Luv 4 Rent

11. Joey Bada$$ – 2000

10. Future – I Never Liked You

9. Drake x 21 Savage – Her Loss

8. Gunna – DS4EVER

7. Vince Staples – Ramona Park Broke My Heart

6. Nas & Hit-Boy – King’s Disease III

5. Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately

4. Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry

3. Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See My Future

2. J.I.D. – The Forever Story

1. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

The Best Canadian Albums of 2022

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Image via Complex Original/Samuel Iannicelli
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    20. Dylan Sinclair, ‘No Longer In The Suburbs’

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    19. Chung, ‘See You When I C U’

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    18. Raccoon, ‘C00N: la prophétie’

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    17. Thelonious, ‘Albion Road Demos.’

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    16. Pierre Kwenders, ‘José Louis and The Paradox of Love’

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    15. Mike Shabb, ‘Sewaside II’

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    14. Nate Husser, ‘All Time High’

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    13. DJ Charlie B, ‘Across the Board’

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    12. Dvsn, ‘Working On My Karma’

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    11. Tanika Charles, ‘Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly’

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    10. Savannah Ré, ‘No Weapons’

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    9. Nav, ‘Demons Protected By Angels’

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    8. Snotty Nose Rez Kids, ‘I’m Good, HBU?’

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    7. Drake & 21 Savage, ‘Her Loss’

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    6. Adria Kain, ‘When Flowers Bloom’

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    5. Nicholas Craven & Boldy James, ‘Fair Exchange No Robbery’

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    4. Backxwash, ‘His Happiness Shall Come First Even Though We Are Suffering’

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    3. Jessie Reyez, ‘Yessie’

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    2. Drake, ‘Honestly, Nevermind’

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    1. The Weeknd, ‘Dawn FM’

Drake Receives New Necklace Commemorating the Women in His Dating History

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Drake has a new chain that serves a purpose: commemorating every ex in his life.

Jewelry designer Alex Moss teamed with The Boy for a new chain called “Previous Engagements,” highlighting “all the times he thought about it but never did it.”

The necklace is made up of stones that would be in 42 engagement rings and is a total of 351.38 carats in diamonds.

Who would be on that list of engagements? A stacked list of Serena Williams, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, SZA, Keshia Chante, Bria Myles, Bernice Burgos, and more.

The post Drake Receives New Necklace Commemorating the Women in His Dating History appeared first on The Source.

Drake Gets Custom Necklace Made Of 42 Engagement Rings, Naming It “Previous Engagements” + Fans React

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Drake

Drake is not shy about rapping and mentioning the ladies in his music. In a new video, he shows off a necklace and named it “Previous Engagements” as an ode to his relationships with multiple women. On the display box, it read, “For Drake.” In a video shared on Twitter, a display reveals the opening […]

The post Drake Gets Custom Necklace Made Of 42 Engagement Rings, Naming It “Previous Engagements” + Fans React appeared first on SOHH.com.

Drake’s Engagement Ring Necklace Reveals He Nearly Proposed 42 Times

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To celebrate another undeniably successful year, Drake made sure to get himself a gift this holiday season – one unlike anything else currently in his collection. The Canadian is obviously no stranger to embracing the lavish lifestyle, and that clearly shines through on his latest project, designed by jeweller to the stars, Alex Moss.

As Page Six reports, an Instagram Reel went up on Monday (December 12), unveiling the stunning piece. Throughout the clip, the creator specifically explains the precise detail that went into making Drizzy’s order, including hundreds of carats of diamonds (351.38, to be exact).

“New piece titled ‘Previous Engagements,’” Moss wrote in the caption. “For all the times he thought about it but never did it.” Furthermore, he revealed that Drake nearly proposed 42 times in the past, symbolizing the number of diamonds used.

Throughout his narration, the jeweller explains that the project took him over a year to finish. “[It was] an expedition spanning 14 months, every diamond hand selected, inspected to only suit perfection,” he says.

“This monumental art piece was assembled using 351.38 carats of diamonds mounted in 18k white gold.” Talk about a “Rich Flex.”

The comment section is now full of clever quips from fans. “Alex Moss, can you do sumn for me?” one person wrote, referencing popular Her Loss lyrics.

Others comparatively shared their unique ideas for the chain’s name. “Bro moving DIFFERENT! Should have named this piece ‘HER LOSS,’” someone teased. “So who was the two big stones for?” another comment asks. “You should call this piece ‘UNLUCKY LADIES.’”

It remains unclear which of Drake’s former lovers his diamonds are dedicated to. However, we do know for sure that he’s spent time with Julia Fox, Rihanna, Tyra Banks, and SZA.

Tyra Banks and Drake attend The Flawsome Ball for The Tyra Banks TZONE at The Lower Eastside Girls Club at Capitale on October 18, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Recently, the latter spoke about her past relationship with Drake, particularly comparing the Scorpion rapper to Regina George from Mean Girls. Read what else she had to say here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]