Vince Staples has reacted to the news that his unreleased EP with The Alchemist was leaked last week. In a post on Twitter, he seemed to imply that the iconic producer was responsible for the leak.
“Leaking means you’re tweaking,” he wrote alongside a photo of Michael Jackson with the caption, “You raggedy bitch.” Staples first revealed that he had worked with The Alchemist on a number of songs back in July 2021 during an interview with Apple Music‘s Ebro Darden. He explained that he recorded numerous verses for a collaborative project with Earl Sweatshirt but that The Alchemist was holding things up.
Vince Staples On Stage At Coachella
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: Vince Staples performs at the Sahara Tent at 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival weekend 1 – day 3 on April 17, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)
“Alchemist had hit me, he was like, ‘I want this project. Me, you and Earl. I only need three weeks,’” Vince explained. “I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ll do it.’ So we go over there, and they get high. So I’m the only one over there rapping and I don’t smoke, so it didn’t really blend. I was getting headaches. So next thing I know I got 30 verses on 30 beats… I thought we was collaborating. Whatever, boom. I got 10 songs, I’m like, ‘Alright man, we finna put these songs out.’ Alchemist moves at a very cryptic pace, you know, he’s hella slow.”
Alchemist later fired back at Staples on Twitter. “Vince is full of shit. Ive have a finished 6 song EP with JUST HIM for over 3 months!!” he wrote at the time. “MIXED! Plus mad songs with him and Thebe.” From there, it appeared that the songs would never be released.
As for official music from the “Norf Norf” rapper, Staples released his last project, Ramona Park Broke My Heart, in April 2022. The project was met with acclaim from both fans and critics alike, and according to Brian B. Dot Miller, JAY-Z even labeled Staples “one of the smartest, most creative” rappers after hearing it.
Today Alex Vaughn released her new EP, The Homegirl Pack, otherwise titled The Hurtbook. The rising songwriter and singer has prepared collaborations with many prominent women in the R&B community that will be joining her for the Homegirl pack. Below we’ll be giving all the details we know, including who is involved, a release date, and special tracks included.
The Homegirl Pack, or the Hurtbook, is a project recently unveiled by Alex Vaughn that celebrates independence, self-love, and self-discovery. The contents include six tracks, many of which collaborate with other women in the music industry. Alex Vaughn has been making a great impact and letting her voice shine out since the release of her debut EP “The Shift.” Since that time in 2018, she has been a great representation of what it means to be a strong woman in the industry with her empowering lyrics and soulful subtleties.
Since 2018, Alex has gained public acclaim and a slew of fans. Her most recent release through The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack) emphasizes more of her common themes, promoting elegance, independence, and the pride of being honest with both oneself and others. Self-love is the name of the game thematically in Homegirl Pack.
The Homegirl Pack is just as it sounds, an inspiring project that celebrates not only the beauty of self-growth, but self-love and friendship. With her encouraging lyrics, Alex continues to make her voice heard through an empowering mantra in her projects. The album speaks to women everywhere, reminding us that it’s good to have some friends in our corner throughout life.
What is the inspiration behind The Homegirl Pack?
Alex Vaugh’s latest project is set to shed light on the importance of having a tribe. That is to say, sisters, friends, and other members of the female ‘race.’ Throughout her life, Alex Vaugh has had many female friends and family members that have supported not only in her career as a musician but in her life as a woman.
As both a woman and someone working in the music industry, she understands the importance of having a group of women and friends who can lift her up while encouraging her to do more to reach her full potential. The entire project is a devoted tribute to relationships in her life and the impact they have on her both as an artist and a person.
The Tracklist
The Homegirl Pack features six different tracks, all of which have diverse points and beats. However, they all come together to create a thematic unity throughout the Homegirl Pack, giving evidence to the artistry behind the making. The tracks are as follows:
‘Come Thru’ – a sultry and infectious track that invites listeners to come hang out with the homegirls. It makes for a great opening track to the entire album and is sure to make for an ear worm.
‘Rockin’ Wit U’ – a smooth and soulful ballad that celebrates the beauty of Black love and relationships. Helping build the pacing of the entire album, this track slows things down.
‘Faded’ – a vulnerable and introspective track that explores the highs and lows of life and relationships. Now that we’re into the album, Faded presents a great moody track for listeners to get into.
‘Mood’ – a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and live their best lives. It really is a mood.
‘Gotta Have It’ – a bold and confident track that affirms Alex Vaughn’s independence and self-worth. This is one of the standout tracks, besides the last song which claims the album’s name.
‘Homegirl’ – the title track, which serves as a love letter to the homegirls who have supported Alex Vaughn throughout her journey.
‘The Homegirl Pack’ features collaborations with some of Alex Vaughn’s close friends and fellow artists. The EP includes features from artists such as Ari Lennox, Pink Sweat$, and Ye Ali, who each bring their unique sound and perspective to the project. Speaking about The Hurtbook, Vaughn said,The project started off as a compilation of thoughts from an old relationship but grew into a quilted map of patterns and events that applied to more than just romance. It’s about being honest with yourself and how you feel about those changes that are happening. Most importantly it’s a reminder that though these series of events may have hurt you, you are not broken.”
The Visuals
In addition to the music, ‘The Homegirl Pack’ also features stunning visuals that bring the project to life. The music videos for ‘Come Thru’ and ‘Rockin’ Wit U’ showcase Alex Vaughn’s artistry and creativity, while the cover art for the EP features a beautiful and empowering image of black women supporting each other.
Donald Glover has explored no shortage of creative ventures over the years, though his latest endeavour may just be one of his best. On Friday (March 17), Amazon Prime Video dropped off Swarm, the 39-year-old’s new TV series that features plenty of celebrity favourites, including Paris Jackson and Billie Eilish. If that’s not enough to convince you to check it out, minutes into the first episode, a raunchy sex scene between Chloe Bailey and Damson Idris has had Twitter talking non-stop.
Swarm tells the story of Dre (played by Dominique Dishback), a young woman with a dangerous obsession for a fictional pop star named Ni’jah. Throughout the episodes we see the troubled lead go to great lengths to defend her idol, voiced by singer-songwriter KIRBY. To accompany his new project, Glover and his musical collaborator shared a six-track EP today, allowing fans to live on in the chilling cinematic universe even after they’re done binge-watching.
Childish Gambino and KIRBY Bring Ni’jah to Life on “Sticky” from Swarm
As Billboard notes, this marks Glover’s first musical effort since 3.15.20, which arrived as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. The California native connected with Ariana Grande and 21 Savage on “Time” and “12.38” respectively. Other fan favourites from the 12-song tracklist include “Algorhythm,” “19.10,” and “35.31.”
Of course, Swarm isn’t the multi-talent’s first time diving into the world of television. He’s previously appeared on shows like 30 Rock, Girls, and Community. Additionally, he created and stars in FX’s Atlanta alongside LaKeith Stanfield and Brian Tyree Henry. As for film credits, Glover’s face has been seen in Magic Mike XXL, The Martian, and Solo: A Star Wars Story, among others.
Thus far, the new show appears to be making a positive impression on viewers. Thankfully, all seven episodes landed at the same time, filling up the weekend plans of many eager viewers. At the time of publication, Rotten Tomatoes critics have scored it at an 83%, though we’re still waiting for audience reviews to start rolling in.
Check out “Sticky” from Childish Gambino and KIRBY’s Swarm EP on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the show and its groovy soundtrack in the comments. If you’re in need of more release recommendations, make sure to check back later this weekend for our R&B Season playlist update.
Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked linked up once again to drop a brand new EP, JFKLAX. Moreover, the title references both MCs’ respective home cities, although that distance doesn’t reflect the quality of the music. In fact, both rappers are in top lyrical form on this project, which is unsurprising given their old-school credentials. Furthermore, you’ll find intricate rhyme patterns, cutting punchlines, and classic flows all over this short five-track offering. That length only adds to the project’s consistency and enjoyability, as they deliver focused verses.
Overall, JFKLAX is also a pretty effective combination of classic boom-bap beats and a more contemporary trap-style beat on the track “Foe Or Friend.” Still, most of this project’s instrumental pallet comes from its heavy sampling. These sonic backgrounds bring triumphant horns, dramatic piano chords, and deep, bassy percussion to elevate the frequent collaborators‘ performance. If you’ve ever liked an East Coast rapper, this project likely holds a captivating beat or collection of verses within.
KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz’s JFKLAX EP: Listen
However, not everyone received some of Crooked and Ortiz’s previous collabs well, particularly some of their colleagues. Furthermore, the other two members of their supergroup Slaughterhouse, Royce da 5’9″ and Joe Budden, expressed criticism of the duo’s 2022 project, Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse, which did not feature Royce or Budden. “For me, it was a little anticlimactic. It was like a rollercoaster. You watch it go up. It’s going up and it’s going up, and you expect the– and then you’re let down.” After all, they expected the album to be about them, but they didn’t find any such references.
Still, a lot of the group’s disagreements and internal fights are quite unfortunate considering the caliber of lyricism they represent. Regardless, what did you think of Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked’s latest collaborative EP, JFKLAX? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service or on YouTube above. As always, stick around on HNHH for the latest great music releases each week.
Tracklist 1. Take Time 2. Dodgers 3. Foe Or Friend 4. Stay Dangerous (feat. Sly Pyper) 5. Blue Magic
SXMPRA has released his first EP to date, The Evil In Which We Thrive, featuring his recent singles, “GOD MODE!,” “LOCKJAW,” and “JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!.” His close friend and collaborator Dozy Doe produced the project.
The EP kicks off with “GOD MODE!,” which features a blend of hardcore hip-hop and nu-metal sounds. SXMPRA discussed the making of the track at the time of its release, last month.
“’GOD MODE!’ was made in the exact same setting as “LOCKJAW,” but only the day before,” SXMPRA stated. “Dozy made this beat after I suggested he watch the movie Midsommar, which he found himself inspired by. This track doesn’t necessarily have a story behind it, but a story can be found in the pure aggression of the track. It’s up for interpretation!”
After the newest single, “JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!,” the project moves onto “LOCKJAW!”
“Dozy and I created this song with the intention of having a catchy element while still staying true to both of our usual gritty sounds,” SXMPRA said in a statement. “We aimed to create a dark atmosphere paired with a high tempo and aggressive top line that snatches the listeners attention, drawing them in and keeping them intrigued with multiple switch ups.”
SXMPRA cites XXXtentacion, Suicideboys, as well as Pouya as inspirations for his sound, which blends elements of rap and rock together.
Later this month, SXMPRA will be hitting the road to promote The Evil In Which We Thrive. He will be joining New Zealand-based rapper Lil Bubblegum for the tour, “Holy Guap!” They’ll be hitting seven cities in the U.S. and Canada during a 10-day period. The tour kicks off on February 7th at The Echo in Los Angeles before hitting Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Toronto. It eventually concludes at Elsewhere Zone One in New York City on February 17th.
“USA + CANADA WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!” SXMPRA announced on Twitter back in December, before adding, “THE HOLY GUAP! TOUR, A 7 STOP TOUR ACROSS USA & CANADA! TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT http://sxmpra.com or http://lilbubblegum.com.”
Check out SXMPRA’s EP, The Evil In Which We Thrive, below.
