Exclusives

N.O.R.E. Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary of Debut Album: ‘I’m So Thankful’

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Over the weekend, N.O.R.E. celebrated 25 years in the game as it was the anniversary of his debut album.

“I got to celebrate 25 years of my first album !!!” N.O.R.E. wrote on Instagram. “I cried in the bathroom didn’t want anyone to see !!! I’m so thankful and greatful and humble !!! If u a cnn fan, a Nore fan or drinkchamps fan I LOVE U AND THANK U!!!”

Noreaga of famed duo Capone-N-Noreaga (CNN) released his debut solo studio album titled N.O.R.E. on Penalty Records and Tommy Boy Entertainment.

The certified gold, No.1 charting, 19-track album featured a star-studded array of feature artists on the mic including Nas, Busta Rhymes, the legendary Kool G Rap, Big Pun, Styles P, Cam’ron, Nature and Jadakiss all on the classic posse cut track “Banned From T.V.”. Not to be outdone, the executively produced by Capone album featured production from Marley Marl, Trackmasters, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz and DJ Clue amongst others.

Singles that made this album a Hip Hop classic include the sentimental “I Love My Life” featuring Carl Thomas, the action-filled “Body In The Trunk” with Queensbridge cohort Nas and the Neptune-produced hit “Superthug”.

The post N.O.R.E. Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary of Debut Album: ‘I’m So Thankful’ first appeared on The Source.

The post N.O.R.E. Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary of Debut Album: ‘I’m So Thankful’ appeared first on The Source.

City Girls’ JT Drops New Single “No Bars”

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City Girls' JT Drops New Single "No Bars" | THe Source

City Girls’ JT has returned triumphantly with her new solo release, “No Bars.” This marks JT’s first solo release as part of City Girls since her 2019 track “JT First Day Out,” which she dropped following her release from a year-long prison sentence and subsequent house arrest. “No Bars” will also be featured on the upcoming City Girls album.

Beyond her music, JT uses her voice and platform to positively impact incarcerated women. She has launched NoBarsReform.com, a website that assists women nearing release or recently released from prison with resources such as therapy, job placement, social services, and housing. This cause holds personal significance for JT, and she is committed to supporting women who may not have access to the necessary resources for a successful transition back into society. With her new music and philanthropic efforts, JT continues to demonstrate her passion for both her craft and making a difference in the lives of others.

The post City Girls’ JT Drops New Single “No Bars” first appeared on The Source.

The post City Girls’ JT Drops New Single “No Bars” appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Gangstarr Dropped ‘Full Clip: Decade Of Gangstarr’ 24 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, famed rap duo Gang Starr released their first compilation album, Full Clip: Decade of Gang Starr.

Dropping a year after the duo’s most popular album, Moment of Truth, this compilation album contained some of the group’s biggest singles stemming from their prolific 10-year career.

It’s common knowledge Gang Starr had one of the longest successful careers in Hip Hop, and this double LP greatest hits compilation is proof of their longevity. Only after the passing of 2Pac had there been a greatest hits compilation spanning two discs. This project’s sheer volume and quality perfectly describe the ability of one of rap’s most underrated tandems. Commercially, the project did fairly well, peaking at #33 on the Billboard 200 chart and appearing on music charts in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Sweden. The album was certified gold in the year of its release and continues to sell copies across the globe. Following this release, the group went on to take a four-year hiatus before putting out their final LP The Ownerz in 2003.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Gangstarr Dropped ‘Full Clip: Decade Of Gangstarr’ 24 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Gangstarr Dropped ‘Full Clip: Decade Of Gangstarr’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Hustle & Flow’ Soundtrack Was Released 18 Years Ago

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On this date in 2005, T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records dropped the soundtrack to the pimp juice-infused flick Hustle & Flow. The featured song, “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp,” which was produced by Three 6 Mafia, would get the Memphis crew an unprecedented Oscar for Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards.

Legendary stand out singles from this classic soundtrack include Webbie’s “Bad Bitch”, featuring the Diamond Princess herself Trina, the Lil Jon-powered “I’m a King” (Remix) featuring T.I. and Lil Scrappy, and of course the movie tracks featuring Terrence Howard, who raps as “Djay” on songs like “Whoop That Trick” and the title track. The two above singles actually reached the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and U.S. Billboard Hot 100 R&B/hip-hop songs respectively.

Salute to the Grand Hustle imprint, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Boosie and Webbie, and all of the other Dirty South artists who made this soundtrack a piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Hustle & Flow’ Soundtrack Was Released 18 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Hustle & Flow’ Soundtrack Was Released 18 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 49th Birthday To The “Queen Bee” Lil Kim!

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Born on this date in 1974, Bedford-Stuyvesant native Lil’ Kim has certainly paved the way for female rappers to gain traction in a highly male-dominated world of hip-hop. Making her name, sound, and style notorious (no pun intended) in her appearance on Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut album, Conspiracy.

Backed by hardcore lyrics filled with provocative and liberating content, Kim’s attitude and determination broke down gender barriers (which female rappers currently still face) that excelled her respect in the game.

Kim’s resume includes many Hip Hop greats, timeless tracks, fashion moments, and jaw-dropping lyrics. As the musical heiress of the Notorious B.I.G. legacy, Kim has continued to rep the memory of “the greatest rapper of all time”, even naming her sophomore 2000 release Notorious K.I.M.

Morphing from a femcee from Bed Stuy into the iconic figure she is today is a trail that has only been traced by the likes of Cardi B, Megan The Stallion and today’s entire female rap roster. They all have to salute the Queen B.

The Source Magazine sends a supreme born day shout to the Queen on her Birthday!!

The post Happy 49th Birthday To The “Queen Bee” Lil Kim! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 49th Birthday To The “Queen Bee” Lil Kim! appeared first on The Source.

Happy 47th Birthday To Brooklyn’s Own Trigger Tha Gambler!

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In the half century of Hip Hop that is being celebrated this year, there are countless unsung artists who caught wreck during their respective era, but the 90s in NYC was a special time and not many rappers had the streets on tilt like the Brooklyn duo Smooth Da Hustler and Trigger Da Gambler. Today, Tyvone Smith aka Trigger, the younger of the brothers from Brownsville, celebrates his 47th born day.

If you was outside in NYC , you remember how crazy the clubs like The Tunnel or Nells would go when “Broken Language” was played, with the video in the heart of the ‘Ville reflective of that same energy. Trigger was signed to Def Jam in 1996 and dropped his only solo LP Life’s A 50-50 Gamble.

Super shout out to Trigger on his born day! More life and salute for bringing a different chapter to the book of Hip Hop!

The post Happy 47th Birthday To Brooklyn’s Own Trigger Tha Gambler! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 47th Birthday To Brooklyn’s Own Trigger Tha Gambler! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Intelligent Hoodlum Dropped His Self Titled Debut Album 33 Years Ago

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On this day in 1990, original Juice Crew member and Queensbridge Projects native Percy Chapman aka the Intelligent Hoodlum, released his debut album, also entitled Intelligent Hoodlum, on the A&M Records label.

Produced primarily by the QB behind the boards legend Marley Marl and Large Professor, this album was one of the most socio-political projects of its time, which could be easily categorized among the ranks of the Poor Righteous Teachers and Brand Nubian with its Islamic/5% Nation overtones. With the reception of The Juice Crew’s “The Symphony” as one of the best Hip Hop tracks of all time, it was very easy to overlook the members of the crew that didn’t appear on the song. As the youngest member of the crew, this album was necessary for Tragedy to prove himself as artist in his own right.

Some of the most memorable track from this project include the James Brown-powered “Black And Proud”, the George H.W. Bush-inspired “Arrest The President” and the Soul II Soul-sampled “Back To Reality”. Almost three decades ago, albums were more exclusive, so a 12-track album was an unspoken maximum for the number of songs on a full length project.

Salute to the Intelligent Hoodlum(Tragedy Khadafi) Marley Marl, Large Professot and everyone at A&M Records that helped make this album a Hip Hop classic!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Intelligent Hoodlum Dropped His Self Titled Debut Album 33 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Intelligent Hoodlum Dropped His Self Titled Debut Album 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Photos: Playboi Carti Closes Second Night of Rolling Loud Portugal

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Playboi Carti Closes Second Night of Rolling Loud Portugal

Rolling Loud Portugal concluded its second day with an electrifying performance by Playboi Carti, who delivered a high-energy set that ignited the Algarve coast. The crowd enthusiastically joined in as Carti belted out his biggest hits, creating an electric atmosphere.

The festival showcased a lineup of prominent American artists, including Kodak Black, who made his European festival debut, as well as GloRilla, NLE Choppa, and JID, who surprised the audience by bringing out Ski Mask The Slump God for a special performance of “Costa Rica.” Rising stars like Lola Brooke and 2Rare and R&B talent Mariah The Scientist also impressed the crowd. UK sensation Russ Millions proudly represented the European rap scene, while Sainté, hailing from Leicester, showcased his burgeoning talent.

Rolling Loud Portugal continues to captivate audiences with its diverse lineup, showcasing the best in hip-hop and rap worldwide.

The post Photos: Playboi Carti Closes Second Night of Rolling Loud Portugal first appeared on The Source.

The post Photos: Playboi Carti Closes Second Night of Rolling Loud Portugal appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Noreaga’s Debut Solo Album ‘N.O.R.E.’ Turns 25 Years Old!

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Today marks a quarter of a century since Queens native Noreaga of famed duo Capone-N-Noreaga (CNN) released his debut solo studio album titled N.O.R.E. on Penalty Records and Tommy Boy Entertainment.

The certified gold, No.1 charting, 19-track album featured a star-studded array of feature artists on the mic including Nas, Busta Rhymes, the legendary Kool G Rap, Big Pun, Styles P, Cam’ron, Nature and Jadakiss all on the classic posse cut track “Banned From T.V.”. Not to be outdone, the executively produced by Capone album featured production from Marley Marl, Trackmasters, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz and DJ Clue amongst others.

Singles that made this album a Hip Hop classic include the sentimental “I Love My Life” featuring Carl Thomas, the action-filled “Body In The Trunk” with Queensbridge cohort Nas and the Neptune-produced hit “Superthug”.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Noreaga’s Debut Solo Album ‘N.O.R.E.’ Turns 25 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim Released Their Debut Album ‘Paid In Full’ 36 Years Ago

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Ever since the “Eric B. For President” single featuring a young Long Islander named Rakim Allah was released in the summer of ’86 (which was produced by Marley Marl), the fans were feigning for more of the God with the slow flow, so the two were scooped up by Russell Simmons and the genesis of Paid In Full began.

As the prototype album of Hip Hop’s “Golden Era”, everything from song arrangement, album artwork, and even their wardrobe on the album cover became iconic items of that time period. Manufactured and distributed by indie label Zakia/4th and Broadway Records, the album’s anticipation and response was so unprecedented, it earned the duo a new contract with Uni Records for the sophomore project.

A few of the ten-track classic’s stand-out songs include “Move The Crowd”, “I Ain’t No Joke”, “I Know You Got Soul” and the classic title track, “Paid In Full”.

Even though Eric B. and Rakim just reunited as a group in 2018, this album solidified them as one of the greatest Hip Hop duo’s in the culture’s history and we here at The Source salute them for that. Peace!

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