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[WATCH] Conway The Machine Drops Visuals For “Quarters/Brucifix” Feat. Westside Gunn

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The road to Conway The Machine’s major label Shady/Interscope Records debut, God Don’t Make Mistakes, was undeniably impactful and incredibly redemptive.  Universally hailed by critics and fans alike, the album was also his commercial breakthrough, as God Don’t Make Mistakes rose to the top of DSP charts and was also his highest-charting Billboard project to date.

While God Don’t Make Mistakes was Conway’s de-facto origin story, it will also serve as the bridge to the next phase of his already decorated career; which begins with his next album Won’t He Do It. 

After sharing the album’s first single, “Super Bowl,” which featured Sauce Walka and Juicy J, Conway The Machine releases Won’t He Do It’s second single and first visual “Quarters/Brucifix” featuring Westside Gunn.  Filmed on location in Paris, the dual single features production from Khrysis on “Quarters,” (which also includes a vocal clip from the late Combat Jack—RIP) along with the Westside Gunn assisted, and Daringer produced “Brucifix.” 

In addition to the release of Won’t He Do It’s second single. Conway also announced the Won’t He Do It Spring Tour featuring Sauce Walka and his fellow Drumwork artist Jae Skeese, which will touch down in 18 cities starting on 5-26 in Chicago.  You can visit Conway’s digital HQ for all corresponding tour dates.

“I wanted to tap back in with my bro, Khrysis, and give em that feel that my fans know me for providing” Conway commented to Complex.  I also wanted to set the tone for my new album.” 

Conway The Machine’s new solo album, Won’t He Do It, will be released this spring. 

“Quarters”is now available at all DSP’s via Drumwork Music Group/EMPIRE

The post [WATCH] Conway The Machine Drops Visuals For “Quarters/Brucifix” Feat. Westside Gunn appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Public Enemy’s ‘Fear Of A Black Planet’ Was Released 33 Years Ago

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April 10, 1990 was the release date of a cornerstone in hip hop music: Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet. Still known as one of the most empowering albums of its time, the album was written during a pivotal era both in America and music: the Golden Age of Hip Hop.

Preceding the time where samples required clearance and approval to be used in sample-based music, the album is layered heavily with elements providing space and depth to levels of complexity previously unheard. Fear of a Black Planet‘s production team, The Bomb Squad, worked tirelessly to bring their signature sound to the album.  As Rolling Stone’s Christopher Weingarten said in an interview late last year with leading Public Enemy MC Chuck D, it was one of the…

“most sonically adventurous and politically stirring records of all time.”

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Examples of some of the known samples, these from the 20th track on the album “Fight The Power”. Bomb Squad producer Hank Shocklee claimed in an interview this year there are still many more samples he’s never spoken of.
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Within the first week of release, the album sold more than a million copies, coming in at number 10 on Billboard’s Top Pop Albums chart.  Commenting on several racially and politically engaging topics was the goal of the album, and the track that said it best was “Fight The Power.”  The deep rhymes and intense verbage used by Chuck in revolutionary poetry made the track not only what the group became known for, but also their critically acclaimed anthem.

Used by director Spike Lee for his film Do The Right Thing, who also filmed this music video, this track alone could be used to describe this legendary album.  Fear of a Black Planet was later listed as Rolling Stone’s 300th greatest record of all time.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Public Enemy’s ‘Fear Of A Black Planet’ Was Released 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

[LISTEN] Joe Budden Rips Former Co-Hosts Rory & Mal Over Recent Comments

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Joe Budden and his former co-hosts are back at it again.
Podcasters Rory and Mal recently called the New Jersey native a “thief” and “cat burglar” for the alleged financial issues they had host, which ultimately ended their relationship.

Budden has fired back and referred to them as the “bare minimum” boys — a  reference to Drake’s track “BackOutsideBoyz” from his and 21 Savage’s Her Loss album. Although Budden appears to throw subliminals at Rory and Mal, he never says their names.

“To whom this may concern,” he began. “This is not even on page one of the manual, ’cause you n-ggas ain’t in the bookstore. Instead of critiquing people’s placement on this list, we need more critiquing on why you’re not on it. To everyone not on it, shut the fuck up. There’s some steps that you n-ggas have missed.

“To whom it may concern, stop holding a microphone. I’m just giving out podcast advice. It’s certain n-ggas, y’all can’t speak to me, y’all didn’t do the work yet. You didn’t go to the bookstore.”

“Hire the editors. Get people to help. Invest in the staff. Pay the staff. Get more staff. Stop check chasing. Stop doing the bare minimum and expecting that to yield results. You n-ggas are the bare minimum boys.”

Mal has previously said there’s no chance of reconciliation for the former friends.
“I don’t respect him at all,” Mal stated. “Shake his hand? I’ll shake the room before I shake his hand. That’s just what it is. It’s not even about the business or the money. It’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of money, bro, that me and Rory walked away from. It’s a lot of money that was taken out of our pockets. It’s a lot of money that still to this day, we don’t have no lawyers going after it. Keep it. We got our own bag.”

He continued: “But, with that money that we walked away from, with that, what was owed to us that we walked away from, that was also me walking away from a relationship and a chapter of life that, once I walk away, you know, that door never opens again.”

Listen to Budden’s comments around the 1:27:33 mark below.

Listen to Rory and Mal’s comments below.

The post [LISTEN] Joe Budden Rips Former Co-Hosts Rory & Mal Over Recent Comments appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Keke Palmer Shows Off New Post-Baby Body

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We all marveled over Keke Palmer as Akeelah and the Bee and have witnessed her growth. The actress has become a force to reckon with in Hollywood since the early 2000s.

So, when she announced that she was having her first child on Saturday Night Live in 2022, it seemed like all of us welcomed the birth of our new little cousin.

Now, the multi-talented Virgo has it all: a healthy relationship, a beautiful baby, and even credits her baby with clearing her acne. Now she’s busting out on the gram boasting her new voluptuous body.

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The former talk show host took to Instagram to show off her new natural curves, courtesy of her fitness instructor and her new son Leodis Andrellton Jackson,

She captioned the post: “Hips? NEVER HAD EM’! Boobs? Never had em’! Booty? BARELY. Thanks son.”

In a video, she says, “Last time I spoke to y’all. I was letting you know that my son cleared my skin up. Skin is still skinning!”

Adding, “And now I’m about to let y’all know that he gave me something else: Body down! Get into it … Get into it …because period period period period period period!”

Watch the clip below.

The post [WATCH] Keke Palmer Shows Off New Post-Baby Body appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Released “Deep Cover” Single, Introduced Snoop Doggy Dogg 31 Years Ago

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On this date in 1992, Dr. Dre took the first step in his successful solo journey and released this single 31 years ago today

On April 9th, 1992, the premiere single from the silver screen blockbuster Deep Cover was released and it featured the former producer from “the world’s most dangerous group” and a fresh 21-year-old Crip from Long Beach known then only as “Snoop”.

After the very public and messy break up of N.W.A., Dr. Dre and his behind the boards prowess were invited to create the musical score of the dirty cop flick starring Larry Fishburne. He brought along one of his little brother Warren G’s homies and the rest was history. The song became a hit and the track continues to be recognized as one of the best-crafted tracks in Hip Hop history. Fat Joe and the late Big Pun even created a classic remix of the joint that featured Dre and Snoop in the video entitled “Twinz”(Deep Cover ’98).

Salute to Dre and Snoop for this timeless gem and look forward to another one from them in another 29 years! Peace!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Released “Deep Cover” Single, Introduced Snoop Doggy Dogg 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Singer/Musician H.E.R. Credits Q-Tip As Her Favorite MC: ‘He Put Me On To So Much Music’

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The intricately talented musician H.E.R.—one of the fastest rising young stars has labeled her favorite rapper –of all time. H.E.R. crowned Q-Tip the Abstract of the infamous group A Tribe Called Quest her number one emcee.

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Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest

Currently showcasing an immense creativity holding an Academy Award, an Emmy and five Grammys, she has also recently launched her acting career, starring as Belle in the recent ABC special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration. She will join the all-star cast of “The Color Purple” musical film adaptation as “Squeak” later this year.

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H.E.R. at Disney Dreamers Academy 20023

H.E.R. recently lended her time to inspire 100 students from around the world at Disney Dreamers Academy 20023 and surprised three teens pursuing music with an autographed guitar.

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H.E.R. Surprises Disney Dreamers Academy Students

The Source Magazine caught up with the singer/songwriter and asked her what artist she relates to the most. In true fashion of someone with an old soul, the 25-year old instrumentalist revealed more.

“I don’t know who I relate to the most, but one of my favorite rappers of all time is Q-Tip…. I actually got to meet him one time and he put me onto so much music. And I didn’t realize how much music he was inspired by outside of hip hop. He to me just focuses on having fun with the music and making people feel something without kind of trying.Just kind of being him.”

The post Singer/Musician H.E.R. Credits Q-Tip As Her Favorite MC: ‘He Put Me On To So Much Music’ appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Latocha Confronts Xscape, Stealing Money From Her Sister And More In New Video “Afraid”

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Powerhouse singer/songwriter LaTocha from the multi-platinum selling group Xscape releases her music video for her latest single “Afraid,” out today. The video showcases a vulnerable LaTocha in rare form as she calls out for God to help her in her most dire time of need.

The self-directed visual (co-directed by JMo Horton & Rich Laru) begins with LaTocha returning home from a night out, wearing what has now become known as the “infamous” green dress. As LaTocha enters her home on an incredible high, her spirit is instantly deflated as she begins to receive an overload of notifications with the headline “LaTocha Scott sends Xscape into a fashion frenzy,” followed by another that proclaims her husband has a secret love child on the way.

“I’m afraid to trust again, I’ve been lost so pull me in, I still need you, so don’t move, ‘cuz I can’t live this life by myself,” LaTocha professes in the chorus.

She is seen almost in a state of spiritual surrender, questioning why God has put her through so much and how she is going to make it out alive. As LaTocha sings, her frustration and pain is palpable, and her words take on a new level of meaning. She pleads with God to help her through her most difficult time – to provide strength, courage and resilience.

The post [WATCH] Latocha Confronts Xscape, Stealing Money From Her Sister And More In New Video “Afraid” appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Are Silicon Shots And BBL’s A Trend Of The Past?

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The boom of the Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, has been a hot topic in recent years as obtaining a round-hippy bottom has become more popular. Back in 2012, I wrote a featured story for The Source Magazine–Issue #252 titled ‘The Bottom Line’ where I investigated the rise of the silicon injection phase. Now 11-years later we have witnessed the long-term results from women who have had to remove their injections. 

But, in recent months, there appears to have been a shift where several of these butt-enhancement trends are being denounced and some labeled dangerous. A popular topic on social media has been ‘who’ has reversed their procedures. Some of the Kardashians have been hush about specific surgeries while celebrities, such as R&B singer K Michelle and recently Blac Chyna, have also exposed the dangers of these procedures.

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Angela White fka Blac Chyna

Many influencers who once flaunted gargantuan booties are now sharing their journeys about botched surgeries and more. Winter from the Bad Girls Club showed her ‘Dorito’ shaped bottom and showed the horrific recovery process to remove. Blac Chyna recently dissolved the fillers in her face saying she was ‘tired of the look’. Now known as Angela White, the influencer revealed that her bottom would get hot and she would get sick from the silicon. Rapper Dream Doll who boasted about her ‘plastic’ body also shared her removal journey and opened up about going back and forth to the surgeon. She said, ‘it hurt and the pain made her want it out and she’s gone back 4 times to remove it’. Bad Girls Club Meghan James also explained how peer pressure encouraged her changes during her time on BasketBall Wives.

Do you think the trend will soon come to an end?

Watch the video below.

The post [WATCH] Are Silicon Shots And BBL’s A Trend Of The Past? appeared first on The Source.

Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Alleged Attackers Released From Jail

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According t several reports, the father and son who was allegedly recorded beating and robbing disgraced Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine have been released from jail.

43-year-old Rafael Medina Jr. and his 23-year-old son Octavius Medina have been released on house arrest in Palm County after signing a promissory note with a bail bond company. Rafael was released on a $52K bond while his son was cut loose on a $22K surety bond. Their co-defendant, 25-year-old Anthony Maldonado, signed a $22K surety bond as well, but remans in custody at Palm Beach County’s Main Detention Center, according to court records.

All three were charged with battery and robbery of the “Gummo” rapper and are slated for court appearances next month.

On March 30, Maldonado and the father/son team were arrested on suspicion of assaulting Tekashi, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, inside an LA Fitness gym in Palm Beach County, Florida and recorded the entire ordeal.

Tekashi gave a statement to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s investigators, telling them that his attackers took the key fob to his Lambo, Balenciaga sneakers and an iPhone.

Rumors have circulated that the attack was due to 6ix9ine’s allegiance to Mexico over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic last month, but authorities say that Medina Jr. is a high ranking member of the Latin King, which is an ally to the Bloods gang. Tekashi famously aided federal prosecutors to convict several of his Blood co-defendants of racketeering and violent crimes, resulting in a sentence of jail and house arrest. 

As part of the conditions of release from jail, the three defendants signed papers agreeing to obey all laws, not possess weapons, and appear for scheduled court hearings. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s website says its house arrest program allows participants to obtain employment and requires them to wear an ankle monitor. 

The post Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Alleged Attackers Released From Jail appeared first on The Source.

Happy Heavenly Birthday To “The Human Orchestra” Biz Markie! (R.I.P.)

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Biz Markie (real name Marcel Theo Hall), one of the most respected and successful DJs in Hip Hop, was born. Growing up in Harlem, New York, The Biz has been moving the crowd with his unique style of rhyming since he was 14. From his earliest gig as Roxanne Shante‘s beat boxer to a headliner at Grammy Awards after parties, he’s done it all. Whether it be on screen, on the mic, or on the 1s and 2s, The Biz has remained a consistent brand in entertainment booking, averaging 175 shows a year across the globe.

Over the past four decades, Biz Markie has established himself as one of the most prolific rappers/DJs in music. Since his 1988 debut Goin’ Off (which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200), he has grabbed hold of the hearts and ears of Hip Hop lovers everywhere. His second album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, contains his timeless hit “Just a Friend,” which has made a permanent impact on pop culture.

During the ’90s, The Biz retained his place as an icon. His third LP, I Need A Haircut, unintentionallychanged the scope of Hip Hop forever. The closing track from the album, “Alone Again,” contains a sample of the song “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O’Sullivan, which had not been cleared by Warner Bros. Records. In turn, Warner Bros. sued The Biz for his unlawful use of the sample, causing the courts to rule all samples must be cleared by the owning party before reuse from then on. The lawsuit prompted the title of Markie’s fourth LP All Samples Cleared!.

As the new millennium approached, Markie never saw much of a decline in popularity. In 2002, he made his first major motion picture appearance in Men in Black 2. From then, he continued to make a plethora of television and big screen appearances. From Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out to Grand Theft Auto, The Biz is seen and heard throughout visual media.

During this decade, he also started his endeavors as a child educator through the children’s program Yo Gabba Gabba. Through entertainment, Markie has helped educate young children on music and artistic expression on the Nick Jr. hit show.

Biz lost his battle with diabetes in the summer of 202. He was 57 years old. Even though he is gone physically, the music and legacy of the human orchestra will live on forever!

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