Today In Hip Hop History: Ice Cube Dropped His Solo ‘Kill At Will’ EP 34 Years Ago

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Screenshot 2024 12 19 at 2.55.46 PM

Thirty-four years ago, Ice Cube released Kill At Will, a blistering follow-up to his landmark debut album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted. As an EP, it’s a concise yet potent project that not only cemented Cube’s reputation as a pioneering solo artist but also showcased his ability to blend storytelling, social commentary, and unrelenting aggression.

Clocking in at just under 25 minutes, Kill At Will serves as both an extension of his debut’s themes and a standalone statement. The EP begins with “Endangered Species (Tales From the Darkside),” a hard-hitting collaboration with Chuck D of Public Enemy. The track tackles systemic violence, police brutality, and the precarious position of Black lives in America—a message as relevant today as it was in 1990. Cube’s verses are sharp, unflinching, and filled with urgency, while Chuck D’s presence reinforces the weight of its message.

Another standout is “Dead Homiez,” a somber reflection on the cycle of violence in South Central Los Angeles. Cube adopts a mournful tone as he pays homage to fallen friends, capturing both the grief and frustration that come with living in a community plagued by gang violence and systemic neglect. The haunting production amplifies the emotional impact, showcasing Cube’s versatility as not just a firebrand but also a deeply introspective storyteller.

“Jackin’ for Beats” is perhaps the EP’s most innovative track, where Ice Cube raps over a medley of beats borrowed from other popular songs of the time. It’s a playful yet assertive display of lyrical dominance, as Cube effortlessly adapts his flow to each new instrumental, proving his prowess as a master emcee. This track also nods to hip-hop’s roots in sampling and reinvention, making it a clever meta-commentary on the genre itself.

The EP closes with “The Product” and “I Gotta Say What Up!!!,” which continue Cube’s sharp critique of societal issues while reinforcing his role as an unfiltered voice for the disenfranchised. The latter track serves as a shoutout to the hip-hop community, solidifying Cube’s connection to his peers and the movement as a whole.

What makes Kill At Will remarkable is its balance. While it carries the same confrontational energy as AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, it feels more focused and distilled. The EP format works in its favor, offering listeners a concentrated dose of Ice Cube’s artistry without filler.

Decades later, Kill At Will remains a pivotal moment in Ice Cube’s career and hip-hop history. It captured the zeitgeist of the early ‘90s, where racial tensions, police violence, and urban decay loomed large in America’s collective consciousness. More importantly, it gave a voice to those living in the margins, proving once again that Cube was more than a rapper—he was a revolutionary.

Listening to Kill At Will today, its themes still resonate, making it both a time capsule and a timeless piece of art. It’s a testament to Ice Cube’s vision and a reminder of the power of hip-hop as a tool for truth and transformation.

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[WATCH] Alleged United HealthCare Killer Heads Back To NYC After Waiving Extradition In PA

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Screenshot 2024 12 19 at 2.46.10 PM

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is being extradited from Pennsylvania to New York after waiving his right to an extradition hearing.

Mangione appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom on Thursday, where he agreed to the transfer without contest. Authorities are now transporting him to New York, where the alleged crime took place.

The 34-year-old suspect is charged with fatally shooting Thompson earlier this month outside a Manhattan hotel. Following a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder and firearm-related offenses in New York, as well as separate gun charges in Pennsylvania. Additionally, federal prosecutors are reportedly preparing to pursue criminal charges against him related to Thompson’s death, though those indictments remain sealed at this time.

The shocking case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim, with investigators continuing to piece together the events that led to the tragic shooting.

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Snoop Dogg Says Kendrick Lamar ‘Has the Right’ to Call Him Out on “wacced out murals”

Snoop Dogg at Summerfest 2019

Snoop Dogg at Summerfest 2019

Kendrick Lamar has respect for the legends, especially those from the West. On the opening track of his new album, GNX, “wacced out murals,” Lamar revealed his reaction to Snoop Dogg reposting Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss toward him:

“Snoop posted ‘Taylor Made’, I prayed it was the edibles
It was only right for me to let it go”

Snoop heard the bar and spoke about it with Bootleg Kev.

“That’s my nephew, he’s a rapper man he’s supposed to speak his mind and tell his truth,” said Snoop. “That’s the way he felt and he has the right to say that. I’m his big homeboy so I have to take what’s given to me from his perspective because he’s speaking truth. And the truth shouldn’t hurt you, it should make you better.”

You can hear the full explanation from Snoop Dogg below.

Back in the beef days, Drake received a cease-and-desist and had to remove the “Taylor Made Freestyle” from online. Originally posted on Instagram, the single used an AI-generated Tupac voice to provoke Lamar.

According to Billboard, the estate threatened to sue and stated the voice was “a flagrant violation” and “blatant use” of Pac’s legacy.

The message was delivered via a cease-and-desist letter filed by Howard King, requesting Drake pull the song within 24 hours or face all of the estate’s “legal remedies.”

“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” King wrote in the letter. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”

Additionally, the letter reads, “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”

Last Friday (April 19) on Instagram, Drake dropped off the “Taylor Made Freestyle.”

Upon pressing play, you will hear something you wouldn’t expect: Tupac’s voice. The single opens with an AI Tupac verse requesting KDot stand up for the West Coast. It is followed by an AI Snoop Dogg asking for the same.

AI Tupac raps:
Fuck this Canadian lightskin, Dot
We need an undebated West Coast victory, man
Call him a bitch for me
Talk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from me
Heard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be true
They told me the spirit of Makaveli is alive
In the nigga under five-foot five, so it’s gotta be you

AI Snoop added:
‘Cause right now it’s looking like you writing out the game plan on how to lose
How to bark up the wrong tree and then get your head popped in a crowded room
World is watching this chess game, but are you out of moves?

After that, Drake pops in for his own slick talk:
The first one really only took me an hour or two
The next one is really ’bout to bring out the coward in you
But now we gotta wait a fucking week ’cause Taylor Swift is your new Top
And if you ’bout to drop, she gotta approve

Since “Like That,” your tone changed a little, you not as enthused
How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed
You tryna let this shit die down, nah, nah, nah
Not this time, nigga, you followin’ through

He ends the song with a message, “I know you’re in that NY apartment, you struggling right now I know it.”

You can hear it below.

Snoop Dogg offered his response to his voice being used in Drake’s diss song to Kendrick Lamar.

Hitting Instagram, Snoop said: “They did what? When? How? Are you sure? Y’all have a good night.”

Additionally, Snoop revealed his phone exploded once the song hit the net.

You can see Snoop’s response below.

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[WATCH] Fat Joe Reflects On 2024: “The Worst Year in Hip Hop History”, Weighs In On Remy Ma And Papoose Drama

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Screenshot 2024 12 19 at 6.19.17 AM

Fat Joe has declared 2024 as possibly the bleakest year in Hip Hop’s history—not because of the music, but due to the relentless drama surrounding its public figures. During his appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast, released Tuesday (December 17), the Bronx legend didn’t hold back as he expressed his frustration with the state of the culture.

Joey Crack pointed to the ongoing issues between his close friends Remy Ma and her estranged husband, Papoose, as a prime example of the chaos enveloping the industry. Adding their public rift to a laundry list of woes, Joe reflected on how difficult it has become to maintain privacy and integrity as a public figure in Hip Hop.

“I woke up in 2024 like, ‘God damn it!’ It’s been a horrible year,” Joe lamented. “I was just having a heated discussion with my people. This might be the worst year ever in Hip Hop history, type shit. This shit bad. All our legends, all our mentors getting scrutinized. This is the worst time to be a celebrity in the history of mankind. I’m not sure you guys wanna be celebrities.”

He continued with a mix of frustration and disbelief, saying, “I got friends who are filthy rich that wanna be popping, wanna be celebrities. I don’t think they understand what comes with it. This shit crazy out here. It’s nuts. The world done changed on me. You can’t make it up!”

When the conversation turned to Remy Ma and Papoose, Fat Joe spoke candidly about his disappointment over the couple’s public turmoil. As a close collaborator of Remy’s and the godfather to the pair’s six-year-old daughter, the Bronx MC said he feels powerless to mend their relationship.

“It’s a hard situation,” Joe admitted. “I don’t like none of that shit. What I can’t do is stop it. They won’t listen to me.”

He elaborated on the delicate nature of intervening in a marital dispute, stating, “Nobody comes to my house and tells my wife shit. This is your husband. I can’t get in the middle of that, that’s y’all. I wish this didn’t happen.”

Joe also shared a poignant anecdote from the night before the couple’s latest public spat. According to the Lean Back rapper, Remy Ma had treated him and several others to a lavish dinner at a New York City restaurant, seemingly indicating that things were calm within her circle.

“I woke up in the morning, and my phone was going crazy,” Joe recalled. “They were like, ‘Yo! What’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘What the fuck?’”

The speculation that Papoose was part of the dinner group was quickly debunked by the man himself. Taking to Instagram Stories, Papoose addressed the rumors, clarifying, “Peace to my brother @fatjoe. I think y’all misunderstood his interview. I was not at @brooklynchophouse with them. I do spend thousands of dollars there regularly. I love that place!”

As 2024 continues to unfold, Fat Joe’s reflections paint a sobering picture of Hip Hop’s challenges beyond the music. Whether it’s the scrutiny of its legends or the deeply personal struggles of its stars, this year has proven to be one of the most tumultuous yet.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Snoop Dogg Dropped ‘The Last Meal’ LP 24 Years Ago

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tumblr 1146777f89eac4f98ed02e8a6d28959e 5557cb02 1280

On this date in 2000, West Coast rap giant Snoop Dogg released his fifth full-length studio album entitled The Last Meal, which was released on Master P’s Dirty South, independent powerhouse, No Limit Records, as well as the first album on Snoop’s Doggystyle Records. This album was released during the “dog days” of Death Row, with Snoop and Dre parting ways with their former boss and label owner Suge Knight. The album was leaked on the internet on December 1, 2000, by Suge Knight who made all tracks downloadable in MP3 from the official site of his and Snoop Dogg’s former company Death Row Records, which featured links to tracks from both Tha Last Meal and Dead Man Walkin’ albums, asking visitors to “take The Snoop Dogg Challenge” and decide “song for song” which is the better album.

There was some heavy production on the album, with tracks primarily from Dr. Dre and Master P, adding Timbaland and Soopafly to the unique flavor of this project as well. The most recognizable track from the album was “Lay Low” a melodic track featuring Butch Cassidy, The Outsidaz with Nate Dogg singing the hook and Dr. Dre behind the boards, capturing that original G-funk sound of the 213.

Salute to Snoop, Master P, Dre and the entire No Limit/Death Row teams who helps mold this timeless classic!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD Released Their ‘Business As Usual’ LP 34 Years Ago

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Screenshot 2024 12 18 at 1.54.26 PM

On this day in Hip Hop history, Strong Island rap duo EPMD released their third studio album, Business as Usual on the Def Jam imprint. Although upon its release it wasn’t as commercially popular as its two predecessors, this album is still considered to be a success. In the year of its release, Business As Usual peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200 and claimed the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album was certified gold on May 7, 1991, and in 1998, The Source Magazine selected this project to be apart of the “100 Best Rap Albums” list.

Although the project is titled Business as Usual, the sound of the album was largely different than what had made EPMD famous on earlier releases. The production on their first two projects consisted mostly of samples and simple drum patterns. On Business as Usual the sound is more complex and the drum patterns are more involved. Erick and Parrish stepped the game up and ventured away from the tradition sample-heavy beats that were prominent in New York during this era.

Lyrically, this album is a lot more straightforward than there previous efforts. The punch lines are wittier and the newer sound of the production allows the duo to experiment with different flows and subjects. This album also ushers in the career of a rap legend Newark, NJ newcomer Redman. Redman was featured on the tracks “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock.” Redman’s hunger for the spotlight is easily noticed on this project and set the tone for the long and successful career that followed.

The three singles from this project, “Gold Digger”, “Rampage” featuring LL Cool J, and “Give the People”, had high reception in the Hip Hop community; two of them claimed spots on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. “Gold Digger” peaked at #14 and “Rampage” at #30. After this project, EPMD went on to release four more successful studio LPs.

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[WATCH] Kanye Chastises Lawyer, Puts On Mask During Lawsuit Deposition Zoom Hearing

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Screenshot 2024 12 18 at 1.05.56 PM

Kanye West’s unique flair for the dramatic was on full display during a recent deposition for a tech lawsuit, with footage now surfacing courtesy of A&E’s upcoming series, Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath. The video captures a tense exchange between the billionaire rapper and attorney Michael Popok during a Zoom hearing, highlighting Kanye’s unconventional approach to legal proceedings.

The deposition, stemming from a 2020 lawsuit accusing Kanye of misappropriating technology to bolster his Yeezy brand and Sunday Service, kicks off with Kanye joining the call while glued to his phone. Sporting a hat pulled low over his face, he avoids eye contact with Popok, setting the tone for what would be an eyebrow-raising session.

Popok quickly calls out Kanye for using his phone during the hearing. Kanye fires back, claiming that his “mental geniusness” requires him to multitask on his device. The lawsuit, which Kanye dismisses as “bull****,” seems to have elicited little more than disdain from the artist.

Things escalate when Kanye removes his hat at Popok’s request, only to don a full-face mask moments later, declaring, “You don’t have the right to see my face!” As the attorney probes further, asking Kanye to describe his surroundings, Kanye lashes out, “Are you stupid? You are talking to the richest Black person in the history of America.”

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The footage underscores the larger-than-life persona Kanye brings even to legal matters, blending defiance with eccentricity. A&E’s Interrogation Raw, set to premiere on December 26 at 10 PM ET/PT, teases that this deposition is a masterclass in celebrity legal drama, with Kanye once again redefining the boundaries of courtroom decorum.

For now, the lawsuit continues, while Kanye’s antics ensure his deposition remains unforgettable.

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Happy Heavenly Birthday DMX! Top 10 Anthems From “The Dog”

dmx

dmx

There will forever be only one Dark Man Unknown and today is his birthday! Born Earl Simmons on this day in “Money Earnin’” Mount Vernon in 1970, DMX became one of the largest names in Hip Hop as well as a sought after actor on the silver screen. Sadly, X passed away on April 9, 2021 after being in a coma from a cocaine-induced heart attack.

In honor of X’s born day, The Mind Squad at The Source has formulated this list of The Dog’s Top 10 anthems. There’s no particular order, but make sure you let us know your favorite banger!

“Get At Me Dog”

“It’s All Good”

“Where The Hood At?”

“Come Back In One Piece” Feat. Aaliyah

“Ruff Ryders Anthem”

“Party Up”

“Slippin’”

“What They Really Want?” Feat. Sisqo

“Stop Being Greedy”

What’s My Name?

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Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Fifth LP ‘Stillmatic’ 23 Years Ago

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tumblr 45ab33c828c126c0da3ccc46a3ac3795 8c27e1c9 1280

On this day in 2001, the self-crowned “King of New York” released his fifth studio LP, Stillmatic. During Nas’s musical absence the power in New York had shifted and Jay-Z had stepped up and eclipsed Nas as the best MC in New York. The title itself shows that Nas had a chip on his shoulder and used this album to show the world who was STILL the best rapper alive out of the five boroughs.

Nas and Jay-Z were in the midst of one of the biggest feuds in rap. With this being the theme of the time, the lyrics of this album carried a malicious flavor. This new side to Nas’ sound is most prominent on the track Ether that is one of the most straightforward diss tracks in rap. The disrespect that was put on on this record makes the Drake/Meek Mill conflict look like a childhood dispute. Throughout the album Nas continues to showcase his no-holds-barred style of lyricism, dropping names of those he feels have disrespected him left and right and setting records straight about his spot in Hip Hop. With every bar, you can feel Nas attacking the game and making sure his place is felt by everyone listening. This album is also a lot less openly righteous than his previous work. Nas is a righteous individual so there will always be undertones of positivity in his work, but on this album, the focus was on the cold and darker side to Hip Hop and New York City in general.

Released on Columbia Records, the album debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 342,600 albums in its first week. Within a month, the album claimed the #5 spot and was certified platinum on January 16, 2002. By July 2008, the album had sold 2,026,000 copies. This “comeback” album received majority positive reviews from critics. Nas was praised by critics from Rolling Stone, AllMusic and The Source, who gave this album the coveted 5 Mics.

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Quando Rondo Accuses Police Of Allegedly Trying To Steal His Jewelry

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Screenshot 2024 12 17 at 11.28.11 PM

Quando Rondo has once again found himself in the midst of controversy, this time alleging that local police attempted to steal his jewelry during an incident on December 17. The rapper took to Instagram Stories to share his claims, asserting that the officers not only tried to damage his jewelry but also attempted to take his watch.

“Police hate so bad,” Rondo wrote in his post, accompanied by a photo showing a chain resting on his lap. He did not provide further details about the alleged encounter or what led to the police interaction.

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This incident comes during a challenging time for Rondo, who is facing a 33-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. The legal battle lasted over a year, with Rondo initially facing a five-year sentence before ultimately reaching a plea deal with the Department of Justice in August.

Rondo has also been linked to a murder-for-hire plot that emerged in 2022, in which Lil Durk is accused of orchestrating an attack on the rapper. While Rondo survived the shooting, his cousin, Lul Pab, was tragically killed. The trial for Durk and several alleged accomplices is set to begin in January 2025. Although Rondo did not specifically address Durk in his recent statements, he did express his thoughts on the ongoing violence within the rap industry.

In his Instagram post, Rondo reflected on the struggles artists face in breaking free from a cycle of violence. “We didn’t get into this industry just to stay trapped in this street life,” he wrote. “We have families and communities counting on us. It’s time to leave all that behind. We’ve lost too much already.”

Meanwhile, Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty to the murder-for-hire charges, with his lawyer arguing that there is “no real evidence” linking him to the shooting incident from 2022. As the legal battles continue, both artists remain embroiled in a complex and troubling narrative.

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