Today In Hip Hop History: Nas’ Third LP ‘I Am’ Turns 25 Years Old!

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Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.

Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.

Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).

This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.

After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.

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GloRilla Releases New ‘Ehhthang Ehhthang’ Mixtape And Video With Megan Thee Stallion

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Today, GRAMMY-nominated artist GloRilla (CMG/Interscope Records) releases her highly-anticipated, new mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang, which boasts big-name features, ranging from her long-awaited collaboration with Grammy-Award Winning artist Megan The Stallion on “Wanna Be” to her team-up with CMG running-mate MoneyBagg Yo on “All Dere”

Along with the release of Ehhthang, Ehhthang, GloRilla and Megan unleash the video for “Wanna Be.” The girls take over the frat house with no repercussions, pouring our shots and partying until the wee hours of the morning in the visual directed by Benny Boom.

GloRilla’s momentum is peaking, as she prepares for a fiery summer run, especially after presenting TLC with the Landmark Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. She also enjoyed viral moments from press interviews, including captivating conversations with Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay Podcast and Tamron Hall on her nationally televised, The Tamron Hall Show.

Glo’s new offering comes after the CMG upstart made her return earlier this year with “Yeah Glo!” The song continues to rise on the Billboard Hot 100, recently peaking at No. 35 and getting the attention of President Joe Biden, who invited her to the White House for a Women’s History Month in March.

Prior to receiving acknowledgement from the President, GloRilla also recently received a co-sign from Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who played her hit song in a viral workout video. The pair ended up meeting shortly thereafter at a Lakers game.

The new mixtapefollows the release of her celebrated 2022 EP Anyways, Life’s Great, which featured her blockbuster hits “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and “Tomorrow 2.” 

Ehhthang, Ehhthang Track List

  1. Yeah Glo!
  2. All Dere (Ft. Moneybagg Yo)
  3. Nun Of Dem
  4. No Bih
  5. Wanna Be (Ft. Megan Thee Stallion)
  6. Opp Shit 
  7. Aite (Ft. Kevo Muney)
  8. Bad Bih 4 Ya (Ft. Boston Richey)
  9. Finesse Da Glo (Ft. Finesse 2x)
  10. High AF
  11. GMFU pt. 2
  12. In Dat Mode

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LaTocha Scott Takes Legal Action Against Mona Scott Young and Live Nation Over Xscape Tour

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LaTocha Scott, one-fourth of the iconic R&B group Xscape, has taken legal action against TV producer Mona Scott Young and Live Nation over the group’s upcoming tour with SWV.

Last month, Mona Scott Young announced that Xscape, excluding LaTocha Scott, would be hitting the road for a nationwide tour alongside SWV. However, LaTocha is not going down without a fight.

According to a report from Straight From The A, LaTocha, through her attorney Leron E. Rogers, is alleging that Live Nation and Mona Scott Young’s Monami Entertainment Group are infringing upon her rights as one-half of the trademark owner of the Xscape brand.

The letter sent by LaTocha’s attorney states that she was blindsided by the news of Xscape signing a contract for a tour without her consent. It further accuses Live Nation and Monami Entertainment of publicly advertising the Xscape brand for the tour without LaTocha’s approval or discussion of financial terms.

The letter also implicates Mona Scott Young, alleging that she was well aware of the trademark situation and intentionally chose to interfere with LaTocha’s rights. Given Scott Young’s past involvement as Xscape’s management, LaTocha feels that the oversight was deliberate.

LaTocha’s attorney has demanded that Mona Scott Young/Monami Entertainment and Live Nation contact them within five days to secure the proper licensing for the use of the Xscape trademark.

The trademark was secured by LaTocha and her sister Tameka Scott during a period when Kandi Burruss was not planning to rejoin the group. Throughout the drama, LaTocha has maintained that her intention was never to leave Xscape permanently but rather to take a break to pursue other interests.

In addition to the legal action against Mona Scott Young and Monami Entertainment, LaTocha has also sent a similar letter to Live Nation regarding the use of the Xscape trademark at the Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas.

Thoughts?

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Saigon And Onyx’s Fredro Starr Featuring Kool G Rap “Make Money”

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In conjunction with the celebration of Hip-Hop’s landmark 50th anniversary, legendary rapper Saigon & and Swedish multi-platinum producer Fredro have joined forces to create a love letter to Hip-Hop.  Specifically, 1986-1996, a/k/a The Jordan Era.  They have also tapped many other legendary voices to help join their celebration. 

After announcing their new album, and releasing the project’s first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” which featured one of Hip-Hop’s “holy trinity of emcees” in Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), Saigon and Fredro have continued to roll out singles that require the presence of legends only, following up with “Get Loose” featuring Pete Rock and “Think Twice” featuring Grand Puba. 

Now, with their latest single, “Make Money,” Saigon and Fredro collaborate with yet another legend, who is inarguably, one of the culture’s most influential and respected emcees in Kool G Rap (who was also recently inducted into the National Hip Hop Museum). 

“G Rap and I have a long-standing artistic history and I’m beyond impressed how he has been this dope, for this long” Saigon marvels.  “He is my favorite rapper, so it’s always a blessing to rap alongside him.  He doesn’t miss a step.” 

Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era, is produced in its entirety by Fredro, and features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features to be unveiled. 

Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album will be released on 5-3-24 via the iconic Payday Records

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J. Cole Responds to Kendrick Lamar in New Song “7 Minute Drill”

J. Cole Drops "Procrastination (Broke)" Loosie Using Fan-Created Beat He Found on YouTube

J. Cole has answered Kendrick Lamar. Overnight, Cole dropped off a surprise mixtape, Might Delete Later, where he closed with “7 Minute Drill,” aiming at his former friend.

“Your first shit was classic, your last shit was tragic
Your second shit put n-ggas to sleep, but they gassed it
Your third shit was massive and that was your prime
I was trailin’ right behind and I just now hit mine.”

Cole also evoked some of JAY-Z’s bars to Nas, rapping”

I’m hesitant, I love my brother, but I’m not gonna lie
I’m powered up for real, that shit would feel like swattin’ a fly
Four albums in twelve years, nigga, I can divide
Shit, if this is what you want, I’m indulgin’ in violence

You can hear the full song below.

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Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake Rocks Northeastern United States, Prompting Widespread Alarm

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A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 struck the coast of the northeastern United States on Friday morning, sending shockwaves from Boston down to Baltimore. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was detected approximately 4.5 miles north, northeast of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

The tremors rattled residents and travelers across the region, prompting widespread concern and precautionary measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that incoming flights at major airports in and around New York City were being diverted from landing, citing safety precautions in response to the seismic activity.

“Everyone @NYSE just gave each other a big look,” tweeted CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla from the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan, underscoring the palpable impact of the earthquake on financial and commercial centers.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to Twitter to address the situation, stating, “My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day.” The governor’s message reassured residents that authorities were actively monitoring the situation and would provide updates as necessary.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and its potential to disrupt daily life. While no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries were available, the event highlights the importance of being prepared and response protocols in regions susceptible to earthquakes.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Erykah Badu Extends Congratulations to Beyoncé Amidst Viral Aesthetic Dispute

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Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, known for her soulful tunes and distinctive style, sparked controversy last month when she accused Beyoncé of mirroring her aesthetic. However, this week, Badu took to social media to extend her congratulations to Queen Bey for her monumental achievement of breaking Amazon streaming records with the release of her Cowboy Carter album.

The unexpected turn of events began when Erykah Badu known for her artistic originality, made waves online with her claims of Beyoncé’s aesthetic emulation. However, in a surprising gesture of support, Badu publicly acknowledged Beyoncé’s record-breaking success on Amazon’s streaming platform.

On social media platforms, Erykah Badu reshared Beyoncé’s remarkable accomplishment with a succinct yet powerful caption: “GET EM’.” This message, while brief, conveyed Badu’s recognition of Beyoncé’s achievement and signaled a departure from the recent controversy surrounding their respective artistic styles.

Despite the previous tensions between Badu and Beyoncé, this recent gesture of support from Erykah Badu underscores the notion that, in the world of music, there is room for both competition and camaraderie. It highlights the mutual respect and admiration that artists can share, regardless of any past disagreements or controversies.

See the post below.

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Bryson Tiller Drops Highly Anticipated Self-Titled Album

Bryson Tiller Drops Highly Anticipated Self-Titled Album

Contemporary R&B/Hip-Hop sensation Bryson Tiller has made a triumphant return with the release of his long-awaited album, Bryson Tiller. This latest project, released under Trapsoul/RCA Records, signifies a significant evolution in Tiller’s musical journey.

Fans eagerly awaiting his comeback are treated to a new phase in Tiller’s artistry while staying true to the trap R&B essence that defines his style. With hit singles like “Calypso” and “Whatever She Wants” setting the stage, the album promises to captivate listeners with its soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. Tiller’s loyal fan base can now immerse themselves in the sonic landscape of “Bryson Tiller,” witnessing the artist’s growth and creativity firsthand.

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Soulja Boy Fights $10 Million Judgment in Legal Battle with Ex-Girlfriend

Soulja Boy Millennium Tour

Rapper Soulja Boy finds himself embroiled in a legal battle with his ex-girlfriend, Nia Riley, after a default judgment ordering him to pay $10 million was issued last month. The judgment came as a result of Soulja Boy’s failure to appear in court, prompting him to fight back against the ruling, citing a lack of awareness of the proceedings.

According to reports from Radar Online, Soulja Boy informed the judge that his busy touring schedule left him unaware of the developments in the lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend. Court documents reveal that Soulja Boy claimed he was not informed about the court’s decision to issue sanctions over his failure to attend a deposition in the case.

Nia Riley, Soulja Boy’s ex-girlfriend, previously requested $5 million for pain and suffering and an additional $5 million for emotional distress. Despite Soulja Boy’s absence from court proceedings, the judge allowed Riley to seek a default judgment against him while granting the rapper time to respond.

In a new motion filed by his new lawyer, Soulja Boy asserted that he was unaware of the recent developments in the case until he learned about them through the news. He explained that he had been without legal representation for a year and was touring extensively both in the United States and internationally during that time.

Soulja Boy stated that he had been in the process of interviewing new lawyers after his previous legal representation dropped out of the case. He claimed to have hired his new lawyer just last month. Additionally, Soulja Boy argued that he was not properly served with notice of the court hearings, further complicating his ability to respond effectively to the lawsuit.

As the legal battle continues, the judge has yet to rule on Soulja Boy’s plea to allow him to continue fighting the case.

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SiR Announces ‘The Bad Karma Tour’ with Special Guest Zacari

SiR Announces 'The Bad Karma Tour' with Special Guest Zacari


Grammy-nominated R&B artist SiR is hitting the road with The Bad Karma Tour, spanning 18 cities across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the tour supports his latest album, “Heavy”, which has garnered critical acclaim. The tour kicks off on July 23 at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD, and includes stops in Brooklyn, Toronto, Austin, San Francisco, and concludes with a hometown show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA. SiR will be joined by special guest Zacari for all dates.

Tickets for the tour will go on sale starting April 4, with presales, followed by the general on-sale on April 5 at 10 AM local time via inglewoodsir.com.

Fans also have the opportunity to purchase VIP packages, offering perks such as priority access to the floor, meet & greet/photo op with SiR, exclusive VIP merchandise, and more. VIP package details vary based on the selected offer. For additional information, visit vipnation.com.

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