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Top 5 Trending Apple Music Hip Hop Tracks

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Alright before all the holiday music takes over the streaming platforms our music editors are kicking off our weekly roundup of the top 5 trending Hip Hop tracks on Apple Music right now. We won’t take too much of your time introducing the list because instant gratification is a real thing, ha! So let’s get right to it.

1. “Sticky” – Tyler, The Creator (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Redd, Lil Wayne)

Tyler, The Creator continues to evolve his sound and sustains his wave with just being different. His latest record, “Sticky,” is a bold collab featuring nothing short of three heavyweights in the game: GloRilla, Sexyy Redd, and Lil Wayne. Aye! The song blends Tyler’s signature experimental production with the unique brands of his featured artists … GloRilla, known for her gritty and raw rap style, delivers that intensity, while Sexyy Redd brings nothing short of that playful energy to Sticky. Weezy hops on with a layer that adds the finishing touches for a diverse audience draw. The track continues to highlight Tyler’s versatility to bring merge a myriad of hip hop sub-genres, making Sticky one of his most dopest releases yet.

2. “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” – GoRilla & Sexyy Redd

“WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” is one of them ones. This is nothing short of a high-energy anthem by rising stars GoRilla and Sexyy Redd. Well, the cadence pulls from Wipe Me Down and pays homage. We know, unless you been living under as a rock both artists are pretty much top three in the female rap game (Hi Megan) and really just the rap game period, they’re running things. The production is heavy on bass and minimalistic sounds, with almost a love letter to classic southern rap. Yes, we’re here for it. The song’s hook is catchy, that “booty shorts” part hits then it gets well, vulgar but it is what it is. Still here for it. The overall vibe is unapologetic, as the duo flex their street cred and maintain their dominance in the game. This track is definitely en route to being a fave for fans who love this raw and unfiltered vibe. Aye.

3. “Timeless” – The Weeknd & Playboi Carti

Here’s one we didn’t have on our radar. The Weeknd and Playboi Carti come together for “Timeless,” a hypnotic track that combines The Weeknd’s undeniable, R&B/pop-inspired vocals with Carti’s signature delivery. The song is both ethereal and atmospheric, with a dark, moody beat that only elevates the chemistry between these two influential culture shifting artists. The Weeknd, known for his limitless range and emotionally charged flow, delivers a slightly haunting but inspiring hook if those two concepts can coexist. Meanwhile Carti provides a downtempo and on trend verse, saying all the things his audience wants to hear.

4. “Beautiful Day” – Akon

Can we first just give Akon his flowers for STILL being here and giving us HEAT. Akon’s return with “Beautiful Day” is a refreshing and rare uplifting record that well, thanks the higher power. Still the track is blessed, no pun intended with Akon’s signature sound that once upon a time, dominated the airwaves. The track blends Akon’s melodic vocals with a feel-good instrumental that makes it ready for holiday playlists without being all holiday-ish. Lyrically, “Beautiful Day” is all about celebrating life, overcoming struggles, and appreciating the good moments, something Akon has always been great at capturing in his music. The song shows Akon hasn’t lost his touch and yes, it’s a beautiful day depending on how you look at life.

5. “25” – Rod Wave

Rod Wave continues to impress. This one comes in a bit different. Right away the track is pop adjacent but his flow takes off riding the beat with effortless, melodic poise. And it works. Wave’s introspective style on “25,” an emotional track that speaks to his personal struggles and pain. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Rod Wave dives deep into themes of perseverance, growth, and the challenges that come with fame. Not to mention themes of social anxiety which is a real thing these days. The record’s production is a blend of piano-driven melodies and trap-style percussion, giving it a somber yet uplifting tone. “25” reflects the artist’s journey, as delivers with reflective perfection. “25” is yet another example of why Rod Wave is considered one of the most promising up and coming voices in modern hip hop. LFG.

These five trending songs on Apple Music represent the vast diversity and evolution of hip hop, from the experimental sounds of Tyler, The Creator to the introspective soul of Rod Wave and all the fun energy in between. Whether you’re a fan of high-energy bangers, dark R&B vibes, or maybe deep, emotional tracks, there’s something for everyone in this list of hip hop’s trending artists on one of the biggest platforms in Apple Music.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Larry Davis Shot 6 Corrupt NYPD Officers And Escaped 38 Years Ago

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Some say he was 50 Cent before 50 Cent. Some called him “the Robin Hood of The Ghetto”, while the establishment dubbed him “the crack city terminator.” In the hood, his solution is considered the only possible answer to a continuous epidemic of police brutality. Some of your favorite rappers from French Montana to Lloyd Banks to Jay-Z have name-dropped him on their tracks and BET felt he was so important to American culture that their American Gangster series had to open with him, but only an educated few know why the name Larry Davis continues to ring bells almost four decades after that fateful night in November of ’86.

On this date in 1986, a 19-year-old Bronx man by the name of Larry Davis was engaged in a shootout with over 25 NYPD officers who came after him in what appeared to be a murderous hit. For those that don’t know what makes this such a unique story is that Davis not only survived but escaped unharmed long enough to tell his story to the FBI. Larry Davis was acquitted of the police shootings(six officers were critically injured), which was the only time anyone was acquitted for shooting an officer of the law in U.S. history.

Check out the first-hand account from someone who was with Davis on that cold night in the Bronx at Larry’s sister’s apartment on Webster Avenue.

Words: Shams DaBaron

November 19, 1986 is a night that forever changed the course of my life. It was the height of the crack epidemic on this cold winter night when I was meeting with my partner and best friend Larry Davis. We were discussing the trip we were taking the next day to California to avoid the heat he was experiencing from some corrupt cops he sold drugs for. For weeks he had been laying low knowing they had a bounty on his head. At the time no one could be trusted. The police were rolling up on anyone associated with Larry to find out where he was.

On this night, I sat with him in his sister’s apartment discussing our plans for the trip we were taking and making final arrangements with one of my associates to restructure some of the business dealings in the street. Larry was in the process of extricating himself from out of that lifestyle of dealing drugs and we were going to refocus our energies totally toward dealing in music. The decision was made months ago, but became complicated once Larry made his plans known to others and the corrupt cops caught wind of his decision to step off with their money. They then put a bounty on his head.

As he was explaining what was going on in the streets to my associate, the associate became very scared and verbalized his fears to us, while asking Larry if he himself was in fear for his life. Larry’s reply, “Well, no I’m not scared. The only person I fear is God… Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wanna die, but if it’s my time to die, then so be it…” At this point I’m ready to tune him out and dismiss his words as Larry just talking mess… But then he continued, “One thing, though, I will say is… if they come and kill me, I guarantee you that before I go, I’m a take one of those pigs down with me.”

Hearing him use the term “pigs” is what really caught my attention. It showed that even in the most negative of situations – having been a drug dealer for a group of corrupt NYC cops – Larry was still in some way affected by the pro-Black organizations that gave birth to our generation. The seeds of their struggles were planted in us whether we knew it or not. And to me, it seems, that on that fateful night of November 19, 1986, the spirit of those freedom fighters, and the spirit of that movement, guided his thoughts and actions and helped him overcome the overwhelming force that came to assassinate him.

What is even more significant and what we must keep in mind while Remembering Larry Davis is that on that night of November 19, 1986, Larry became what famed lawyer William Kunstler called “A symbol of resistance to police violence.”

Shams DaBaron
Larry’s Childhood Friend

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Andre 3000 Says His ‘New Blue Sun’ Album Doesn’t Count Towards His Contract With Epic Records

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Andre 3000 Reveals He Auditioned for 'Fast & Furious' Film

André 3000 recently revealed a surprising detail about his long-awaited debut solo album, New Blue Sun. Despite its critical acclaim and a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, the project doesn’t count toward fulfilling his contract with Epic Records. In an interview with journalist Touré, the OutKast icon shared his initial confusion and eventual understanding of this contractual stipulation.

“They congratulated me on the process, they congratulated me on what the work was, but contractually, it’s very interesting. My label will not count this album against my contract — this is as a solo artist,” André said, referencing his unconventional flute-based project.

After consulting his lawyer, André learned that the stipulation dates back to the 1970s, when some artists tried to fulfill their record deals by submitting low-effort or unconventional material. Labels countered this by requiring new works to align with the artist’s previous output.

“I didn’t understand it at first and we tried to find ways around it,” he admitted. “But my attorney explained it in this way: it was invented in the ’70s maybe, when artists were trying to get out of their deals so they were just pretty much turning in anything. It says, ‘The next recording has to be 90 percent like the recording before it.’”

He added, “It stops you from turning in 10 tracks of handclaps and saying, ‘This is my album.’ And I get it! But Sylvia [Rhone] and the team have been so supportive. They know I’m not turning in a handclap album — they get it. But as a business, this is the stance they took.”

Despite the setback, André isn’t rushing to leave Epic Records. He remains focused on creating music and has confirmed that he’s already working on another album. While keeping details under wraps, he shared that the new project is well underway.

“Oh, for sure,” he said when asked about a follow-up to New Blue Sun. “At this point, I’m just trying to keep the momentum. There’s such a thing as creative momentum. The next stuff is very interesting, too. We’re almost a third — or halfway — into it.” However, he noted there’s no set release date. “I don’t know when it will be ready. Who knows.”

For now, fans can continue to celebrate André 3000’s latest artistic evolution while eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his legendary career.

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J. Cole Launches Season 1 of “Inevitable” Audio Series, Releases ‘The Come Up’ Mixtape

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Together with longtime business and creative partners Ibrahim Hamad (who also serves as Cole’s manager and cofounder of Dreamville) and Scott Lazer (Filmmaker, Creative Director), J. Cole released a new limited audio series titled “Inevitable.” It will take listeners on an unfiltered voyage through his life, career, and personal evolution, using both released and unreleased music to guide the story.

Check out the first episode of Season 1 and purchase the full series HERE

Titled “The Come Up” after J. Cole’s debut mixtape, the first episode dropped yesterday evening followed by the project’s release on official streaming platforms. This is the first time the mixtape has been made available on DSPs since its debut in 2007.

Tracklisting:

Intro

Simba

I’m The Man

School Daze

Dollar And A Dream

Quote Me

College Boy

Split You Up

Plain

The Come Up

Dead Presidents

Lil Ghetto Nigga

Homecoming

Carolina On My Mind (feat. Deacon)

Can’t Cry

Goin’ Off

Rags To Riches (At The Beep)

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Today In Hip Hop History: Foxy Brown Dropped Her Debut Album ‘Ill Na Na’ 28 Years Ago

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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Today In Hip Hop History, Foxy Brown released Ill Na Na 28 years ago and changed the way women sounded in hiphop. Introduced to the world by a Brooklyn rapperJay-Z on the classic Ain’t No Nigga, Def Jam pulled out all the stops for the queen of the label who released her album one week after her former friend Lil Kim.

“Get Me Home” was released on September 15, 1996. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, “I’ll Be”, released on March 4, 1997, also noted a commercial success. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Brown’s highest charting single.

The album featured guest appearances by Blackstreet, Havoc, Method Man, Kid Capri, and Jay-Z with a majority of the production by the Trackmasters. Ill Na Na produced two hit singles, “Get Me Home” featuring Blackstreet, and “I’ll Be” featuring Jay-Z. Ill Na Na was re-released in 1997.

Salute to the Brooklyn Bombshell who influenced so many girls in hip hop. Never forget.

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Uncle Luke: Jay-Z, Diddy And Kanye West Work With The System To Make Black People Villains

November 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Outspoken hip-hop legend Uncle Luke recently took to social media to share his thoughts on the ongoing villainization of the Black community. In a passionate rant, he argued that systemic forces are at play, painting successful Black figures as villains within the culture. He specifically named Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Diddy as examples of stars who, in his view, have both benefitted from and contributed to this dynamic.

“LeBron James is a villain,” Uncle Luke said. “Why? Because he has all-Black representation. […] You guys don’t know, that’s how America works. I, Luther Campbell, I am a villain. I’m a bad guy. That’s why when you look at my profile, ‘bad boy of hip-hop.’ I will never get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Puff Daddy was not a villain, he was one of them. Kanye West was one of them. Jay-Z was one of them. Biggie Smalls, a villain. Tupac, a villain. We all are villains. And until you people realize that as Black people in America, you are the villain. It’s black and white. You are the opposite of white. We will always be in competition with them. Y’all don’t hear me.”

This isn’t the first time Uncle Luke has voiced strong opinions on such matters. Recently, he commented on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles, alleging that Diddy’s behavior was heavily influenced by substance abuse. As with his latest remarks, his perspective sparked significant debate among followers, with many taking to the comments section to both support and challenge his claims.

Beyond social critique, Uncle Luke also calls out industry figures when he feels overlooked. Earlier this year, he publicly urged female rappers to acknowledge and compensate him for pioneering the provocative, party-focused style that has become a hallmark of their success. As always, the Miami rap icon keeps his commentary raw, leaving fans wondering what bold statement he’ll make next.

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SOURCE SPORTS: WWE “Monday Night Raw” Debuts On Netflix Live From Intuit Dome L.A. In 2025, Travis Scott Premieres WWE Theme Song

November 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Netflix and WWE announced that the brand-new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles will be the home of Monday Night RAW’s debut on Netflix, LIVE at 5pm PT/8pm ET on January 6, 2025.

The announcement was made by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Travis Scott on stage from his sold-out concert at ComplexCon in Las Vegas. Scott, who will be at the January 6 Netflix debut, also revealed his new music will serve as the theme song for RAW.

The premiere episode of Monday Night RAW on Netflix will feature some of the biggest names in WWE such as John Cena, Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Bianca Belair, in addition to many other Superstars and surprise guests.

This partnership marks a new era for WWE fans, with the much-anticipated debut of live weekly programming with can’t-miss action unfolding 52-weeks a year on Netflix.

In addition to Monday Night RAW, Netflix will bring WWE’s electrifying content to audiences outside the United States, including SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events (PLEs) such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam. These events can be seen on Netflix starting January 6, 2025 in most international markets around the world.

Many of WWE’s top RAW moments will be available to watch on Netflix, plus select programming and historic PLEs also available outside the United States, from January 1, 2025.

Tickets for the premiere episode of Monday Night RAW on Netflix will go on sale this Friday, November 22 at 10am PT/1pm ET via Ticketmaster.com.

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Diddy Denied Bail as Prosecutors Accuse Him of Manipulation and Obstruction Behind Bars

November 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the embattled CEO of Bad Boy Entertainment, faced another legal setback last week as prosecutors filed a scathing opposition to his third request for bail following his arrest on human trafficking charges. The filing accuses Combs of using underhanded tactics to manipulate potential jurors and obstruct justice while incarcerated.

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Misconduct

In court documents obtained by People, prosecutors argued that Combs’ request for bail offers “nothing new and material” to justify his release. Instead, they allege he has engaged in a “relentless course of obstructive conduct” aimed at derailing the case.

Among the accusations, Combs is said to have orchestrated social media campaigns designed to taint the jury pool, leaked materials favorable to his defense, and used third-party intermediaries to contact witnesses.

“While attempting to evade law enforcement monitoring, the defendant has, among other things, orchestrated social media campaigns that are, in his own words, aimed at tainting the jury pool,” the prosecution alleges.

Misuse of Prison Communication Systems

Prosecutors claim Combs has repeatedly circumvented Bureau of Prisons (BOP) regulations by using other inmates’ phone access codes, engaging in unauthorized three-way calls, and employing an illicit messaging system known as ContactMeASAP.

Through these methods, Combs allegedly communicated with individuals not on his approved contact list, including attorneys and potential witnesses. Additionally, the filing accuses Combs of compensating inmates for access to their PAC numbers through cash apps and commissary deposits.

Social Media Campaign Featuring His Children

One of the most damning allegations involves Combs’ use of his children to influence public perception. Prosecutors allege that for his birthday on Nov. 4, Combs coordinated a social media campaign featuring his children.

A video posted by his son Justin showed the family calling Combs in prison to wish him a happy birthday. Prosecutors claim Combs carefully monitored the analytics of the video and explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure it impacted potential jurors.

The filing states that Combs’ efforts extended to anonymously leaking “favorable video” to further shape public opinion.

Prosecution’s Arguments Against Bail

Prosecutors maintain that Combs remains a “danger to others” and has both the resources and incentive to flee. They argue that his continued attempts to contact potential witnesses—some of whom are alleged victims—demonstrate a pattern of intimidation and manipulation.

His latest proposed bail package, according to the opposition, is insufficient to address these concerns.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case against Diddy has only intensified. With his bail requests repeatedly denied and prosecutors painting a picture of ongoing obstruction, the music mogul’s future remains uncertain.

While his legal team has yet to respond to these latest allegations, the developments highlight the increasing scrutiny surrounding Combs’ actions both inside and outside prison walls. For now, his fate rests in the hands of the court, with prosecutors pushing for the case to proceed without further delays or distractions.

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Young Thug Reportedly Defaulted On Loan After Making $16M From Pub Deal

November 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s not all sunny for Young Thug post jail release. The recently freed rapper is facing serious legal trouble over an alleged breach of contract with entertainment giant AEG. The company claims that Williams unlawfully sold the rights to over 400 of his songs for $16 million, violating an agreement to use those music copyrights as collateral for an outstanding loan.

So what we know is the dispute dates back to 2017 when AEG extended a $5.25 million loan to Young Thug’s label, YSL (Young Stoner Life), in exchange for exclusive rights to promote his live shows. In return, YSL and Williams agreed to repay the loan with interest, along with sharing a portion of their concert profits with AEG.

What’s more, by 2019, AEG alleges that YSL and Williams defaulted on the loan, leaving a balance of $5 million still owed. AEG also claims that Williams misrepresented his financial situation during the repayment process, further complicating the matter.

ICYMI, back in 2021, while still grappling with legal issues, Young Thug began selling off portions of his music publishing rights—reportedly without informing AEG. Despite his ongoing legal battles, including charges unrelated to this case, Williams allegedly sold over $16 million worth of his song catalog. This sale made the ownership of the copyrights “particularly fluid,” according to court documents, raising doubts about who ultimately owns the rights to these songs.

Get this, AEG insists that these actions violated the terms of their agreement and were “false and misleading” to the buyers regarding the legal status of the works. The company is now seeking to recover both the original loan amount and all profits generated from the sale of the music rights.

When tracing the financial path of the sale, AEG has begun issuing subpoenas to those involved in the transaction and is investigating public records to follow the money trail. The company plans to determine within the next six months whether it will pursue further legal action or other avenues to reclaim the collateral tied to Young Thug’s music catalog.

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