Music industry pundits have long lamented that artist development has become a lost cause. The era of the overnight celebrity is the status quo when social media has cut out the middleman between art and the consumer. But for Latto, archival footage of her come-up dates back to when she was 13 years old with the bubblegum swag. Then came her appearance on The Rap Game, where she competed against other teenagers for a deal with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def. In the years that followed, she grew into her own as an artist and an adult, sharing her wins and losses on a highly publicized stage.
The release of her latest album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, proves how critical albums like Queen Of Da Souf and 777 were for shaping her trajectory. The former proved that she could make her mark as one of rap’s leading ladies. Add to the fact that earned a platinum and gold plaque off that album, she also had bragging rights as the first woman in hip-hop from Atlanta to reach such a feat. The arrival of 777 proved how well she could overcome the sophomore slump while facing pressure to rebrand in the face of controversy. Through this, she earned her first #1 hit with “Big Energy” and expanded her base through more pop-friendly bops, such as Jung Kook’s “Seven.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 19: Latto performs onstage during Day 1 of the Afro Nation Detroit Festival on August 19, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
On Sugar Honey Iced Tea, there’s a newfound sense of confidence in her sound and assurance of her spot in rap. Perhaps, it’s partially because the work she’s released over the past few years has seen her digging deeper into her potential. Her rapping abilities are unquestionable; songs like “Big Energy” showed her pop prowess; and recent releases, such as “Sunday Service” and “Put It On Da Floor” had the type of Southern swag to dominate the clubs and TikTok without feeling contrived.
Ultimately, Sugar Honey Iced Tea finds all of these elements of her artistry form into one, to various results. In many instances, the outcome leans into a Drake-esque sound, where the rap-sing delivery meets plaintive and icy trap production that opens up moments of surface-level introspection. Frankly, it seems less coincidental considering just days before, she appeared on Drake’s “Housekeeping Knows” records from the 100 Gigs leak. But, paired with her rendition of T.I.’s “24’s” on “Chicken Grease,” the same interpolation that Drake used on “Rich Flex,” it speaks to the undeniable musical lineage that’s been carried through decades and how Latto embodies these influences authentically.
More importantly, this album provides a vivid portrait of Latto as a woman, one who embodies the “Big Mama” persona to a tee. She can bring aggression on songs like the infectious bell-laden “Brokey” and “There You Go,” where she places a bullseye on her detractors. Then, she slips into decadent R&B vibes on records like “Copper Cove” ft. Hunxho and “Ear Candy” ft. Coco Jones, where embraces her femininity and shines as a vocalist. However, the moments where her bravado and feminity clash yield uneven results, such as “H&M” or the Playboi Carti-inspired, “Blicky.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 10: Latto attends Latto “Sugar Honey Iced Tea” Album Release Party on August 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
But for an album with as much ambition as Sugar Honey Iced Tea, it does sometimes feel like there’s more fluff than needed. The pressure to follow up the success of “Big Energy” results in a string of comparative sleepers in “Liquor,” the Megan Thee Stallion-assisted “Squeeze,” and “Good 2 You” ft. Ciara. Though both features are solid, with Megan delivering a particularly great verse, they sound less organic and break the fluidity of the sequence. However, these are simply a few flubs in an otherwise properly curated album that sees her reconnecting with Young Nudy on the uber-nasty “Shrimp & Grits” and showcasing her vocal range alongside Mariah The Scientist on “Look What You Did.”
Sugar Honey Iced Tea is an excellent display of Latto’s artistic prowess, from production choices to the vocal inflections that bring character to each record. But, she holds off the vulnerability for the closing record, “S/O To Me.” While the album as a whole feels like a celebration of everything Latto’s accomplished, the final song highlights her resilience, from manifesting her rap dreams as a young girl to navigating the predatory behavior of the music industry and knocking off her competitors in the rap game in a way that’s reminiscent of Drake’s timestamp records. “S/O To Me” is a reflection of her journey to date, the highs and lows, and the long road she took to claim her spot in hip-hop.
The physical editions of Everybody, Logic’s 2017 third album, came with a hidden message: “For the real fans reading this hidden message, my next album will be called Ultra 85, and it will be the conclusion to this saga.” The space Western-inspired story, started by Logic on The Incredible True Story in 2015 and brought to life by Steve Blum (Cowboy Bebop’s Spike Spiegel) and Kevin Randolph (of Cocaine 80s fame), was set to be put to rest. He also intended to retire upon the album’s release. Nearly nine years removed from The Incredible True Story and seven years on from the first time he announced Ultra 85, a lot has happened in Logic’s life. The Gaithersburg MC had his run with superstardom, becoming the hottest act signed to Def Jam for a time. He’s soon to be a father of two. He did actually retire… for a year. Ultra 85does not really end the saga he started years ago. However, Logic’s flows, beat selection, and cohesive, topical verses lead to one of the strongest rap albums of the year so far.
Logic Is As Self-Assured As Ever, Continues To Develop
Ultra 85 begins with “Paul Rodriguez,” featuring a story from Paul “P-Rod” Rodriguez, a legendary street skateboarder, about the first time Logic heard the song’s beat. The production across the album, handled primarily by 6ix and Logic, is outstanding. 6ix somehow continues to get better, often feeling inspired by Madlib and J Dilla these days.
P-Rod’s brief story gives way to nearly seven uninterrupted minutes of rapping. It revisits familiar subjects, including his troubled upbringing, the hip-hop legends that inspired him, and how his come up shaped him. In between are witty lines where Logic is in his element as a rapper (“we takin’ it back on these hip-hop heads like fitteds”). It is an excellent opener, with Logic’s confidence shining through on a lengthy “lyrical exercise” track.
The third track, “Deja Vu,” featuring additional talk from DJ Drama, is a redux of “Fade Away.” The beat is almost the exact same as the original track, but the main vocal sample is reversed. His lone verse deals with the pitfalls of stardom, but also acknowledges that his rise helped inspire people. “What can I say? I guess I won’t fade away,” the verse ends. It’s a very good song that effectively calls back to The Incredible True Story, while his bars illustrate how he and his career have changed since then.
Logic Brings In The Right Features At The Halfway Point
“Ghost In The Machine” features singer Robert Ivory and fellow Maryland native ADÉ. ADÉ steals the show, penning an introspective and heartfelt verse. He recalls how proud it made him to provide for his mother after she worked hard to provide for him, adding his own perspective to one of the album’s overarching themes of family.
“Interstellar,” featuring frequent collaborator Lucy Rose, is a standout. Rose is a wonderful vocalist, whose more subdued (but still powerful) vocals always work on a Logic song. They make the songs Eminem and Skylar Grey could make if they had musical chemistry. “Interstellar” also features one of Logic’s best performances on the album. His flow feels old-school, and he delivers a tightly written verse about mortality, passion, and self-care. Logic has often excelled at writing therapeutic tracks that detail his mental health. His vulnerability is a strength of his latest music.
Despite there being no bad tracks, one thing on Ultra 85 that does not always land is the skits. In isolation, they’re fine and they all move the story along. Though, at times, it feels like there are too many of them. At this point in his career, he has more interest in telling the story he wants to tell than chasing radio hits or playlist placements. Ultimately, the skits are not egregious enough to affect the overall quality of the album.
Track 16, “ANTIDOTE,” features ZelooperZ, who delivers a fun verse. Logic’s own verse is adequate, though it’s his weakest on Ultra 85. It’s a hollow verse on a bland trap beat after the introspection on many of the previous tracks. He talks about the problems that come with having money and also makes a generic “women love me” statement. Such a braggadocious song feels better suited for a Bobby Tarantinomixtape.
The next track, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood,” touches on how film shaped his life. Logic talks about how Kill Bill led to him discovering RZA. Those RZA-led soundtracks directly contributed to him discovering hip-hop, and eventually becoming a rapper himself. Early RZA-produced albums sound more like RZA-directed films, with skits and movie samples that turned those albums into cinematic experiences. It’s clear Logic took inspiration from RZA’s approach to album making, writing scripts and building narratives that hold his albums together almost as much as the rapping and beats do.
The final track, “Thank You For Believing In Me,” is a pleasant closer. Every Logic album has a track where he shows gratitude to his fans for their continued support, and this is among the better ones. He sing-raps over an indie rock-inspired beat, discussing how content he is with his life and thanking his fans for being there even when he doubted himself and his work. After Supermarket, he’s made progress as a singer. He’s still not the most technically impressive vocalist, but he’s a capable one. “See you on the next one, cowboy,” says Steve Blum’s character as the album concludes.
Ultra 85 is the most uniquely “Logic” album to date. This does still mean that it is prone to some of those “Logic-isms,” as every idea and every bar doesn’t land. However, there is so much to like about the album that harping on any negatives would be more like nitpicking. It is his most impressive individual effort in years. “How you follow up a classic? What’s the outcome?” Logic asks on the opening track. Based on the result, he was more than able to answer his own question.
Athletes are back with their loved ones following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but no one received as much attention upon landing on home soil as Rachel Gunn, known as “Raygun.” The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer joined a handful of her peers to compete in the first-ever breakdancing competition at this year’s Olympics. It was a historic moment for the culture, emerging from the streets of New York City decades ago to an international stage. It was a sight for Olympic fans across the globe, but Raygun stole attention for all the wrong reasons—and now, she’s being blamed for breakdancing being cut from the Olympics lineup in Los Angeles.
On August 9, Gunn showed off her moves in the B-Girl match, and it didn’t take long for her to go viral. Viewers took to social media with clips and questions, especially after Gunn received no points and placed last. Soon, it wasn’t just commentators looking for an explanation on how Raygun made it to the Olympics; breakdancers and those immersed in the culture were also puzzled. Then, rumors and speculation of corruption and Raygun cheating her way into the Paris Olympics flooded the internet. This further thrust the university professor into infamy, but her country—and the Australian breaking organization AUSBreak—have come to her defense.
By her resumé alone, it is clear that Gunn has a passion for breakdancing. She not only received her doctorate in media, music, cultural studies, and communications at Macquarie University, but she is also a professor there. Raygun is well-published on the art and history of breaking and Hip Hop, but it was her husband and coach, Samuel Free, who introduced her to the scene. He, too, is a breakdancer, and the two are well known throughout their country’s niche yet growing breaking community.
Although Raygun is popular in her area, especially considering her background in breaking academia, she seemed to have known she was out of her league. She told reporters after her performance, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves,” per NBC News. Gunn also referenced certain moves that were highly criticized, including, at one point, her doing the Bunny Hop and the Sprinkler. Things were so bad that some accused her of purposefully trolling the Olympics with a poor performance. “I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative, because how many chances do you get that in a lifetime to do that on an international stage.”
Meanwhile, Gunn has continued to take considerable hits online and in the media. Her talents and skills have certainly been up for discussion, but the ridicule has also been significant. At the Olympics, fellow Olympians uplifted Gunn, rallying around her in laughter, fun, and support. They hyped up her routine, and she broke out a few moves for a crowd after being lifted through the mass gathering on someone’s shoulders as if she’d taken home the Gold. Despite the global pushback against her Paris Olympics performance, Gunn seems to be taking it all in stride publicly. Moreover, the World DanceSport Federation reportedly has offered mental health support.
Like any hot topic, viral moment, many expected Gunn’s Olympic snafu to fade into oblivion by the next major news cycle. However, her time in the spotlight was extended after misconduct allegations permeated social media. Videos sprung up on TikTok detailing alleged double dealings behind the scenes that allowed Gunn to take to the Olympics stage. It was purported that Raygun and her husband founded the Australian Breaking Association. The gossip accused the couple of making it financially difficult for other breakdancers to enter qualifying competitions in Australia, opening roads for Gunn and her friends to become judges and participants. It was highlighted that the dancers allegedly omitted from participating were from marginalized communities.
After the rumors of corrupt dealings quickly traveled through online platforms, a Change.org petition to the Prime Minister of Australia was launched against Gunn. With almost 39,000 signatures at the time of this publication, the petition demanded an apology from the breakdancing professor, calling the process “unethical.” It stated, “Rachel Gunn, who set up her own governing body for breakdancing, has manipulated the selection process to her own advantage.”
It continued, “Despite the clear talent and qualification of other outstanding female breakdancers like G Clef and Holy Molly, they were unfairly overlooked. The NT Youlong Boys, a group of incredibly talented and underprivileged youth from the Northern Territory, were denied crucial funding by Dr. Gunn to attend the qualifiers—a decision that directly impacted their chance to showcase their skills on a national stage.”
LAustralia’s Rachael Gunn (L), known as Raygun gestures next to US’ Logan Edra, known as Logistx, during their battle as part of the Women’s Breaking dance Round robin of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Concorde in Paris, on August 9, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
This news not only spread like wildfire but also introduced a new level of vitriol against Gunn. While Raygun hasn’t made an official statement regarding the accusations, AUSBreak denied any wrongdoing in the Olympics selection procedure. “We condemn the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun,” they shared in a statement. “The pressure to perform on the Olympic stage is immense, especially against the opponents in her particular group. We stand in solidarity with Raygun.”
They added that the qualification process lasted over two days and adhered to the “World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) regulations, which align with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards, the process aimed to ensure a fair and transparent outcome.” AUSBreak further explained the vetting process. “The Oceania Olympic selection event (The QMS 2023 WDSF Oceania Breaking Championships) in October 2023 brought together the top Breakers, both Bgirls and Bboys. A panel of 9 international adjudicators, a head judge and a chairperson who oversaw the competition, using the same judging system at the Paris Games and trained to uphold the highest standards of impartiality. These judges are all highly respected in their respective communities and in the international Breaking scene.”
While Rachel Gunn has remained silent, she has been vindicated by officials. Moreover, her country, team, and fans stand with her. Australian Olympics chief Anna Meares said she loves Rachel and condemned the media for “giving air time” to the “trolls and keyboard warriors.” She added, “I absolutely love her courage. I love her character and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has… She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia.”
Meares seemingly also accused critics of being sexist. “Now you look at the history of what we have had as women athletes, have faced in terms of criticism, belittlement, judgement, and simple comments like ‘they shouldn’t be there,” she stated. “One-hundred years ago, leading into Paris 1924, Australia sent a team of 37 athletes – none were women. One-hundred years later, we have 256 women representing here.” However, the criticisms regarding Raygun intellectualizing Hip Hop and breaking culture without the fundamental ties to its origins and representing it at the Olympics continues to spark debates worldwide.
The vigorous demands of the industry only increase as an artist’s popularity rises, leading many of our favorites to back away from the limelight. This can come in many forms—retirement announcements, disappearing from social media, or simply letting the world know that they need time off. The most recent Hip-Hop-Affiliated artist to announce a break was SZA. The Top Dawg Entertainment songbird took to Xitter to share the news, which didn’t bode over well with her diehard fanbase.
“Yesterday was my last show for a while,” said SZA. “Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.” She didn’t specify what that meant, but SZA has been going almost nonstop since she took over the charts with her hit 2017 debut album, Ctrl. It would take over five years for SOS, her equally successful sophomore effort, to arrive—and there were plenty of frustrated updates from the singer about its execution. Her sold-out tours and packed festival performances have kept her busy, and it seems like SZA is ready for some “me” time.
Yesterday was my last show for a while . Finally bout to get my life together thank u God .
Many of SZA’s peers have also felt the pressure of successful careers, opting for a hiatus. Many of these rappers returned to their professions to earn greater accolades, solidifying themselves as legends. Others remained in the industry in different capacities, while some chose new vocations altogether. Which rapper on hiatus do you want to make a triumphant return?
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 27: Jay Z performs on stage at Air Canada Centre during his Magna Carter World Tour on January 27, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Sure, the Roc Nation mogul has appeared on a few tracks here and there in recent years, but Jay-Z has taken a step back from releasing albums to focus on other billionaire ventures. There was that time in 2003 when Hov shared he was officially retiring, but that only lasted a few years before he dropped Kingdom Come. “I was really burnt out that time. I was releasing an album every year — ’96, ’97, ’98. And then in between that, soundtracks, other people’s albums, Roc-A-Fella, touring back-to-back,” he recalled, according to PEOPLE. “And you know, I just looked up one day and I was like, ‘I’m tired.’ I had never been on a vacation until like, I want to say 2000. Like my whole life. And I was just really burnt out at that moment.”
Nicki Minaj
I was in full quarantine/hiatus mode. No social media. Had no clue what was going on in the music world.
She is hailed as a Rap GOAT and has a slew of hits under her belt, but after releasing Queen in 2018, Nicki Minaj went silent. Fans begged her for a follow-up, but the Head Barb-in-Charge was taking time to nurture and grow her family. She and her husband, Kenneth Petty, married in 2019, and in 2020, they welcomed their son, affectionately and publicly known as “Papa Bear.” In 2021, Minaj was back on Xitter answering fans’ questions, and someone wanted to know if the time off benefited her mental health.
“Great question. Yes. It was soooo needed for me,” the rapper responded. “I appreciate u guys so much for waiting. But yea, very much needed that zen for important bonding time w|my son, getting back fluid w|writing & smthn else I don’t want to discuss yet. If u know u know. .”
Eminem
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Eminem performs on stage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
An artist who has been transparent about his personal life struggles has been Eminem. Whether he’s opening up old wounds on wax or sitting down for compelling interviews, the Detroit icon has long shared how drug addiction curtailed his life plans for short periods. However, even during his sober journey, Em retreated from releasing music on several occasions. There was a five-year gap between Encore and Relapse, and three years between Recovery and The Marshall Mathers LP 2. It would be another four years before he arrived with Revival, and after dropping Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem waited another four years to give us The Death of Slim Shady, which hit streaming services last month. Some speculate that this most recent album may be his last.
She is currently taking over stages on her Out of This World Tour, continuing to amaze fans after successful decades in the industry. Missy Elliott is celebrated as a top-tier Hip Hop innovator, even being recognized with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She hasn’t necessarily taken a hiatus from music altogether, as her hotmaking production skills have remained essential for many of today’s top-selling artists. However, the last time she dropped a full-length album was 2005’s The Cookbook, and fans may have to wait a tad bit longer for her next arrival.
“When I create something, it’s gotta be special and it can’t just be to throw something out there because I feel like I’m Missy,” Elliott revealed while on The Yo Show. “I gotta feel like what I’m giving fans is 100 percent and that it’s game-changing. I don’t just throw out microwave records.” Nevertheless, Missy promised that new music is on the way. “I just ain’t telling nobody when.”
A beloved, yet controversial figure in Hip Hop is music maven Ms. Lauryn Hill. Emerging as the only woman emcee in The Fugees alongside Pras and Wyclef Jean, Hill would reach greater heights when she went solo. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her debut and only full-length release, continues to be hailed as the greatest Hip Hop album of all time. That title has been argued for decades, but Hill’s talents stay unmatched. While she has continued to perform worldwide, Hill’s reputation for canceling shows or showing up hours late has permeated the music industry. Most recently, The Fugees announced the cancelation of their tour just days before it was to begin. It’s unclear if Hill will deliver another record anytime soon, but with all that has transpired, some fans aren’t holding their breaths.
Mase
Former Bad Boy rapper Ma$e was at the top of his game in the late 1990s. His debut album, Harlem World, included some of his most memorable hits. Mase’s follow-up record, Double Up, didn’t reach the same success, but it was instrumental in his discography. Only two months before the sophomore album’s arrival, Mase announced his retirement from Rap. He would turn to religion, becoming a pastor and leading a congregation. However, Mase couldn’t stay away and returned to the mic in 2004 with his last album, Welcome Back. Rifts with Sean “Diddy” Combs about music rights would spill over for years, and it looks as if that tension has been settled. These days, Mase continues to enjoy his life outside of music, hosting a sports-centered podcast with former Hip Hop rival, Cam’ron.
Further, in an interview with Complex in March 2024, Mase reflected on his decision to escape the Rap game. Immediately, he said it was the best choice for his life. “Everything now that we see playing out was all the things I escaped. The car, the shine, the Loon, Puff Daddy… The Craig Mack, the Biggie Smalls. So even though I made those decisions and it cost me money, that’s why I got with Killer [Cam] and they gave me the money back. I didn’t lose no money. Destiny.”
Drake
To say that 2024 thus far has been rough for Drake is an understatement. The Pop-Rap icon has dominated the charts from the moment he stepped on the scene with co-signs from Lil Wayne, and he’s developed a career as one of the best in the game. Yet, his beef with Kendrick Lamar became an international moment, resulting in the Pulitzer Prize winner towering with his hit diss track single, “Not Like Us.” Prior to the K.Dot vs. Drizzy Drake whirlwind, the latter had expressed wanting to take a break.
“I probably won’t make music for a little bit,” Drake said while visiting Table for One in October 2023, per Forbes. “I’m going to be real with you. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and I’ll talk about that soon enough.” He added, “I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach,” and shared he will “focus on my health, and I need to get [that] right… I’ma lock the door in the studio for a little bit.”
Beyoncé
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 01: (Editorial Use Only) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at SoFi Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
As one of the biggest stars in the world, it’s only natural that Beyoncé would retreat every so often. The superstar releases a new project every two to three years, working diligently to maintain her reputation as one of the hardest-working entertainers in the business. Her schedule keeps her moving around the world with her entourage in tow—but the mother of three admitted balancing her career and parenthood has been a struggle. The mother of three and her husband, Jay-Z, are billionaires with several other money-making efforts. In 2019, Beyoncé explained to Elle why she needed a year to regroup.
“After having a difficult pregnancy, I took a year to focus on my health,” she revealed. “I have researched information on homeopathic medicines. I don’t just put any prescription in my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises.” Beyoncé added, “The more I mature, the more I understand my value. I realized I had to take control of my work and my legacy because I wanted to be able to speak directly to my fans in an honest way. I wanted my words and my art to come directly from me. There were things in my career that I did because I didn’t understand that I could say no. We all have more power than we realize.”
Logic
Another rapper to pull a pump fake on his retirement is Logic, who elaborately shared with the world in 2020 that he was withdrawing. However, like many of his peers, this retirement was short-lived. Less than a year later, Logic was back to making music. Then, he finished his contract with Def Jam with the release of Vinyl Days. “I really just wanted to be off Def Jam, to be frank,” he told Variety in 2022.
“I did retire, for a little bit, at least in my mind, from the bullsh*t of the music industry. Then, I came to realize that none of this sh*t matters, that I can make music on my terms. So, let’s do that. That’s when I decided to come back from retirement. Last year, I released Bobby Tarantino III, just to get together songs I had, and put them out, then released this new album because I needed to fulfill my deal with Def Jam. With Vinyl Days, I did it in 12 days, and just wanted to have fun.”
PartyNextDoor has seemingly underestimated his star power over the years; a nonchalant pioneer of our time. His impact is undoubted, as we’ve seen the soundscape of R&B evolve alongside him, whether through the seductive bedroom gems that he unleashed on Soundcloud or bodies of work, like the first three installments of the PND series, that shifted R&B each time through nocturnal soundscapes or island-flavored hits that dominated summers. Or even the diamond and soon-to-be-diamond hits he wrote like Rihanna’s “Work” and DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts.”
His mystique has played into certain narratives, such as those that suggest his role at OVO is to primarily pen Drake’s music. But the reality is that Party earned the luxury of being a reclusive auteur who works on his own time rather than becoming a machine churning out hits, which he’s more than capable of doing. “I get into relationships and then music becomes second,” he told Billboard earlier this year. “I think I’m going to take a break from relationships, a long break, and just get back to making music.”
With the release of P4earlier this year, PartyNextDoor is sticking to the course. As understated of a project that P4 might be in the grander discourse of 2024 releases, its impact didn’t miss the OVO Stans who patiently waited four years between PartyMobile and his latest album. On Monday, he touched down in Montreal for the first time in eight years for the Sorry I’m Outside tour. It marked the first of two back-to-back sold-out shows at MTelus, a venue with a capacity of 2,300 – an indication that he miscalculated his demand. In fact, by the end of Monday’s show, he acknowledged that he’d book a bigger room for the next time he hits the road… whenever that might be.
Photo Credit: Fouad Jreige
With the backing of a keyboardist, guitarist, and drummer, he emerged onto the fog-filled stage from an oval-shaped portal to the subdued DMX sample from his single, “Lose My Mind.” The quartet of dancers that accompanied him, dubbed the Angels Girls, appeared at the fore of the stage as he played the background and breezed through records like “Cheers,” “For Certain,” and the tour’s namesake, “Sorry But I’m Outside.” But without exerting much command of the stage, the crowd ate from the palm of his hands. The Angel Girls get plenty of credit, though. They served as a personification of the muses that inspired his catalog of heartbreak and lust when he serenaded them.
Though the records off of his latest album brought him on tour, the bulk of his fans have been around for over a decade anxiously awaiting the records that catapulted him to this stage in his career. Party’s catalog from 2013 and 2017 secured him a cult-like following, so records from PartyNextDoor 1, including “Break From Toronto” and “Wus Good/Curious,” washed the crowd over with elation as much as his collaborations with Drake, whom he’s reportedly working with currently on a collaborative album. “Wednesday Night Interlude,” for example, served as a mid-show break for the band to shine, while P’s recorded vocals led a karaoke-like portion of the evening. But by the time he re-emerged after the IYRTITL cut, it was like he snapped into a comfort zone that found him gravitating even deeper toward the crowd’s energy.
Photo Credit: Fouad Jreige
The band was the MVP of the evening, amplifying the songs into their anthemic qualities from their original Soundcloud-ready forms, and providing smooth transitions through each song that didn’t allow much of a break and limited the amount of crowd interactions that PartyNextDoor had in the night. Songs like “Loyal” closed out with an electrifying solo and heavily distorted guitar riffs gave “Make It To The Morning” stadium rock-like qualities that shook through the theatre. But, as much as Party’s vocal prowess shone brighter, with or without auto-tune, across his set, the moments where backing tracks played out had mixed effects. In some cases, like “No Chill,” his raw vocals began to clash with the recording and the crowd. In others, it allowed him to dive into different pockets through ad-libs and harmonies that added more depth to the original record.
For day-one PartyNextDoor fans, the Sorry I’m Outside tour marks an appropriate celebration of his career to date and a catalog that’s had a distinct impact in R&B. Perhaps not a groundbreaking trek by any measure, it’s a refreshing one that sees one of the most mysterious figures in R&B finally step into the spotlight and celebrate a catalog that few of his R&B contemporaries could rival. His core fans were treated to several records that never saw the Billboard charts under his name, such as “Persian Rugs” or his reference track for “Work.” Meanwhile, hit records off of P4, Partymobile, and previous albums were given a facelift that matched the exuberant energy of a crowd who used his catalog as a gospel to summer flings and relationship woes.
Synthetic drugs have long wreaked havoc on communities worldwide, and “Tuci” or “Tusi,” also known as “Pink Cocaine,” is the latest substance to surge in the market. Originating in Colombia, Tusi became a hot topic of conversation after the drug was mentioned in Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr.’s lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Jones made shocking allegations in court documents, including accusing Diddy of hosting wild, drug-fueled parties where sexual assaults took place.
According to Jones, Diddy hired a “mule” named Brendan Paul who “procured, transported and distributed ecstasy, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, marijuana, mushrooms, and tuci by packing these substances in their carry-on luggage and going through TSA.” Further, Jones named Yung Miami as someone who helped transport the drug to the Bad Boy mogul. The bright pink substance’s look appeals to users, but because it is a relatively newer drug, its long-term effects have yet to be studied.
What Exactly Is Tusi?
A man prepares a powder known as Tussi or pink cocaine in Medellin, Colombia, on April 2, 2022. – Three decades after Pablo Escobar’s shot body was left on a Medellin rooftop, drug trafficking continues and, at present, markets for flavored cocaine, local crack, pharmaceutical drugs and ketamine-based hallucinogens are rife for in his hometown. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Pink cocaine may have surfaced in Colombia, but its ties to Europe can’t be ignored. The National Library of Medicine reported that tusi is named after “2C,” a list of psychedelic phenethylamines that “rarely contains 2C series drugs.” They write, “The majority of tusi samples contain ketamine, often combined with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, and/or new psychoactive substances.” Fentanyl is also used to make the mixture. Moreover, even someone who had “unintentional exposure” is at risk.
Those “new psychoactive substances” mentioned, or NPS, have also puzzled authorities. WebMD reports that NPS drugs are challenging to test because their chemical makeup differs. Because of the nickname “Pink Cocaine,” some have simply believed the drug is a food-coloring version of the typically white drug. However, researchers say tusi may not be cocaine at all, but it will definitely be a combination of some of the most popular and dangerous street drugs. “Certainly, any customer would assume that there would be cocaine in something marketed as ‘pink cocaine,’” New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said, per Newsweek. “But it’s interesting how rarely we actually find it.” There is also evidence that tusi can contain bath salts, caffeine, LSD, or mescaline.
How Does The Drug Make Users Feel?
Brennan added that “the primary concern is for the users,” especially considering the drug isn’t consistent in its makeup. Tusi contains both depressants and stimulants, shocking one’s system and causing a series of potentially deadly effects. “Cocaine is a stimulant, and someone who is expecting to get cocaine may know how it affects their body or their tolerance,” said Brennan of the “speedball” concoction. “Ketamine is something completely different. It’s an anesthetic, a sedative and it has hallucinogenic properties as well.”
Additionally, it’s reported that a tusi “high” stays anywhere from one to three hours but could last as long as eight. Users have noted that the illegal drug intensifies their senses, makes them feel elated, and quickens heart rates. These observations vary due to the unknown makeup of each batch of the drugs.
The Side Effects Of Tusi
A man prepares a powder known as Tussi or pink cocaine in Medellin, Colombia, on April 2, 2022. – Three decades after Pablo Escobar’s shot body was left on a Medellin rooftop, drug trafficking continues and, at present, markets for flavored cocaine, local crack, pharmaceutical drugs and ketamine-based hallucinogens are rife for in his hometown. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Like all street drugs, the side effects of tusi can be fatal. Factors including drug tolerance, physical stature, how much is used (and frequency), as well as what is in tusi can influence these harmful effects. Aside from the “happy high” that tusi provides, the downsides include confusion, stomach sickness, hallucinations, changes in breathing, a drop in body temperature, feeling agitated, or even seizures. Long-term use can also cause changes in your brain and permanent impairment of blood vessels. Cardiac arrests have also been reported, primarily caused by “excited delirium.”
“The person who thinks they’re getting cocaine and ends up getting a pretty strong dose of ketamine may be completely knocked out,” Brennan said. “The effect on them is not going to be what they would’ve expected, and they may not be prepared in any way shape or form for that kind of reaction. It’s dangerous.” Further, prolonged tusi use can also result in depression, anxiety, personality shifts, and changes in sleep patterns.
Huge Drug Busts Are Increasing
Over the last few years, there have been increasing raids and arrests connected with pink cocaine. Reports state that California and New York were locations of crackdowns as the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America were monitored for four months this year. Over 140 pounds of tusi was seized during this time. The U.S. Coast Guard has been diligent in these patrols, capturing several illicit drugs, including tusi, worth upward of $2 billion on the streets.
The February and March busts resulted in the arrests of five people who face federal charges. The Coast Guard’s 11th district commander, Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, said in a statement, “The effort put in while interdicting more than 33,000 pounds of cocaine in a few weeks’ time is unparalleled.” He added, “We will continue our commitment to stopping these criminals and the vast amounts of drugs they attempt to bring into our country.”
Meanwhile, Brennan detailed her first run-in with tusi when 51-year-old Carlos Asturias was arrested in January 2023. He was reportedly pulled over for a traffic stop and found to have 10 pounds of pink cocaine in a bag. However, further testing showed that the drug was pure ketamine.
Authorities Have Linked Tusi Trafficking To A Venezuelan Gang
Yesterday, it was reported out of Denver, Colorado, that a jewelry heist was connected to Tren de Argua, an infamous gang out of Venezuela. Several men were said to have held up the family-owned business at gunpoint, beating two women who worked at the location and dragging them by their hair. It’s believed the same gang is also a major player in trafficking tusi into the U.S. Law enforcement officials also claim that the drug is moving quickly underground through clubs and concerts.
There is also speculation about a Mexican cartel distributing the drug as well. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated in a threat examination, “The Mexican government has not disclosed the seizure of any tusi labs in Mexico, but the Sinaloa Cartel is capable of importing large quantities of ketamine from China to facilitate tusi production in Mexico.” It is also believed that traffickers are organizing music events for the sole purpose of dispersing tusi to the masses.
A Teen Died After His Drink Was Spiked With Tusi
Several global reports have also highlighted a particularly devastating incident out of Spain. It has been shared that a 14-year-old boy and two friends encountered someone on Instagram and later scheduled an in-person meeting in Madrid. While there, the teen drank a Red Bull that was spiked with tusi, resulting in their death. This further emphasizes the dangers of tusi, as it can also be administered against someone’s will, causing concern about it also becoming an attack on the unsuspecting.
Florida has had the rap game on lock but Bossman Dlow is truly the one to watch right now. The Florida-based rapper’s cool demeanor and relaxed cadence have turned him into a viral sensation. “Mr. Pot Scraper,” for example, is undoubtedly one of the songs of summer 2024. However, footage of his alleged arrest this week put a new spotlight on his name. So, if you’re unfamiliar with him, here’s what you need to know about Bossman Dlow.
Born Devante McCreary on August 31, 1998, in Port Salerno, Florida, DLow’s journey from a small town to the national stage has been driven by both talent and tenacity. McCreary grew up in Port Salerno, Florida, a small town where opportunities in the music industry were scarce. His father worked as a truck driver, and DLow has credited his brother Tory with inspiring him to pursue music. It wasn’t until 2019 that DLow began rapping seriously, adopting the stage name Bossman DLow. However, his journey took a detour when he briefly served time in county jail on charges related to selling and possessing cocaine. Despite this setback, DLow remained focused on his music and used his experiences as fuel for his creative fire.
The Rise Of Bossman DLow
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage via Getty Images)
Bossman DLow’s music initially gained popularity in Tallahassee before spreading to other parts of Florida. In January 2023, he released his debut mixtape Too Slippery, which quickly gained traction on TikTok. The buzz around DLow caught the attention of Alamo Records. By the summer of 2023, he had signed a record deal with the label. Alamo re-released his debut mixtape as 2 Slippery in December 2023, setting the stage for his rise in 2024.
The Breakthrough: “Get In With Me” & “Mr Pot Scraper”
Bossman DLow’s big break came with the release of his single “Get In With Me” in January 2024. Originally performed as a freestyle on the Jacksonville-based series Kreepin Through the Streetz, the track was released through Alamo Records and quickly became a hit on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The song gained additional attention during a public feud between Rick Ross’s ex-partner, Tia Kemp, and his daughter, Toie Roberts, who used the song in a viral video. This exposure helped “Get In With Me” debut on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, where it peaked at number 49 after five weeks.
In February 2024, DLow released “Mr Pot Scraper,” a single that would further cement his status as a rising star. The track quickly became popular, showcasing DLow’s signature blend of catchy hooks and streetwise lyrics. The success of these singles was followed by the release of his third mixtape, Mr Beat the Road, in March 2024, which featured “Get In With Me,” “Mr Pot Scraper,” and another single, “Piss Me Off.” Later, DLow collaborated with rapper GloRilla on a remix of his song “Finesse,” originally from his mixtape 2 Slippery.
Musical Style & Influences
(Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)
Bossman DLow’s music is heavily influenced by a mix of classic and contemporary hip-hop artists. He has cited Wiz Khalifa, Babyface Ray, Yo Gotti, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Plies, and Future as key inspirations for his sound. DLow’s style is characterized by its gritty realism and motivational undertones, which he describes as motivation music. His ability to blend hard-hitting beats with relatable, often personal lyrics has resonated with a growing audience, making him a standout in the crowded hip-hop scene.
The Road Ahead
With the success of “Mr Pot Scraper” and his subsequent releases, Bossman DLow has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His journey from Port Salerno to the national stage is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. As he continues to build on his success, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what he will do next. Whether it’s through new music, collaborations, or live performances, one thing is certain: Bossman DLow is here to stay.
Darren Waller shocked the football world when he announced his decision to retire from the league after nine years. But what’s maybe a bit more shocking is that he walked off the field indefinitely to pursue a music career. It’s nothing new to him, though. He released two albums while in the league, and within that time, earned some encouraging words from none other than Lil Wayne.
“I was just shooting him shit that I would drop. This is a few years ago, and he was just like, ‘Keep going, keep going. It’s hard. Keep going. Keep going,’” Darren Waller recalls Lil Wayne telling him during a Zoom conversation with HotNewHipHop. In many ways, it feels like Lil Wayne helped plant a seed for Waller’s trajectory in music these days. Following a divorce and his retirement, he decided to fully commit to music without compromising his values or authenticity. His recent releases, including the viral single “Who Knew” and his recent two-pack, Mind Games: It’s All In Your Head, have shown the former tight end of the Raiders’ vulnerability as he delves into heartbreak, self-reflection, and staying true to himself. As it is with art, people’s visceral reactions often take to the fore. In his case, it was the same sports talk show pundits that either praised or criticized him during his time in the NFL that had just as much to say about his latest music video.
“I took that opportunity as a unique – extremely unique – way to express what I was going through, and I don’t even think people really understood, like, through the video that the song title was like, who knew her perspective,” Waller told HotNewHipHop about the “Who Knew” music video. “In the video, I was really her. You see what she posted, like that she was devastated and whatnot, but it was me taking on that role and experiencing the pain of the females in relationships that I had been in my whole life. I don’t even think people understood that but it wasn’t even put out for me to even be understood.”
In this in-depth conversation with Darren Waller, he touched on how his musical career parallels his return to the league after his year-long suspension, his spiritual journey, and his top 5 rappers dead or alive.
Photo credit: ARod2Up
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop:You’ve released two projects in the past, Delusions Of Clarity, and Walking Miracle, while you were still in the NFL. With the influx of music you’ve been releasing lately, what defines the music that’s now coming from you post-retirement?
Darren Waller: Yeah, man, it’s just authentic music. Sh*t that I’m really experiencing, sh*t that I’m really feeling, from the “Who Knew” record to “Mind Games” and “All In Your Head.” Like, it’s all stuff that I’ve experienced in my life, and just, such a wealth of different experiences in my life that I feel like is important to share with people. I just love different genres of music and styles of music so like, you’ll get bars from me at some point, you will get R&B at some point. Everything that I’m experiencing and walking through mentally and physically is what I’m trying to put into music.
It was like a cumulative decision. This decision was fully made later on, like, right around when I announced it but you know, it was just a constant weighing process. I feel like when the season ended, I was leaning more towards retiring but not the whole way and just like trying to stay in that balanced perspective of “a lot alright, like, what do I want to do here?” Like, let’s just weigh the pros and the cons. I never really fully leaned much more away from retiring. That’s how I knew, like, okay, like this is the decision that’s for me because if I’m going back, I don’t think I’m going back for me. So that was enough for me to decide.
Coming from Georgia, who were rappers that inspired and influenced you during your formative years?
Man, it’s all over the place. My dad’s from New York, so it was a lot of Mos Def, Gang Starr, Wu-Tang Clan – Ol’ Dirty Bastard, like a lot of New York. Mobb Deep. The Infamous Mobb Deep was one of my favorite CDs. I actually stole that from my dad and took it to my car. I love Ludacris, Jay-Z. Those were some of the ones I started to come across myself. Kanye, those are probably the main ones. And then when I hit middle school, freshman year of high school, it was a big Gucci Mane phase. Like, listening to nothing but Gucci being in Atlanta. And that’s the time when I started getting active in the sh*t that I was doing. But yeah, a mixture of all of those, so that’s why I feel like my sound is all over the place.
Photo Credit: ARod2Up
In what ways does music fulfill you in the way that football didn’t at that point in your career?
Football was very, you know serious. There are a lot of fun moments, but you know, business is business, man. We need those bottom lines, we need you to produce, so there’s a lot of pressure in that. A lot of exhaustion, and a lot of ups and downs that I’ve seen in the game. Music was, you know, it was just what I found myself doing when I didn’t feel pressure to do anything else or it didn’t feel like I should be doing anything else. It was just like, music was something that I naturally gravitated towards, and got that child-like joy out of and I’m just like, fucking giggling and cackling when I’m putting the beat together and ideas coming together, or I hear how a song is coming together. You put a harmony on something that you weren’t even expecting to come out of your own body. It’s just like, that level of joy. Nobody’s got to force me, there’s doesn’t got to be any pressure on me. I’m gonna make music and have a good time and smile, regardless of what’s going on. And that’s kind of what it is for me.
You mentioned in your Breakfast Club interview that you never felt like you fit in growing up, which led to some of the troubles you found yourself facing later on in life. But, from leaving the NFL to entering the music industry, how do you think the balance between sports and entertainment is working in your favor?
Yeah, man, that’s a great question. I really see this time for me, musically, as the same exact time it was for me when I got reinstated into the league for my year-long suspension, and it was just like, I would have been a fool to expect that something great was going to come from that right away. Because I was just in a position where nobody was really going to trust me. If I was lucky, I get back to the Ravens, maybe be on the practice squad, stuff like that. So it was just more so me being in the space of, like, “Alright, ain’t no one checking for me. I feel like there’s still a future for me in this, I feel like God has pushed me back into this.” So I’m gonna just work on my craft and get better and get better and get better. The rate at which I got better at my craft, allowed me to take advantage of the first opportunity given to me and, and go from there.
But you know, I’m seeing as the same way. It’s just like, you know, we back to grind mode, man. Oh, man. Get better at your craft, don’t worry about what the future holds, or what people are thinking but just continue to try to make quality sh*t that is authentic, that’s real, that people can relate to and they sit down and tap in. The results, we leave up to God, man. Just enjoy the ride.
You described “Who Knew” as taking a risk because you had to show your vulnerability after your divorce but more importantly, the self-reflection that followed. How would you describe the pressure you face when releasing something as personal compared to the pressure you face on the field?
It’s similar, bruh. Because in a football situation, there’s been ups and downs in my career. There have been times in my career where I could do no wrong, bruh. I was like Jesus walking on water with the way that I was playing. Then there are times when people are like, “What the f*ck?” like, you can’t catch a break, and people are on your neck on the internet. And at the end of the day, if you let either one really define you – at the end of the day, it’s all noise, man. It’s all external, so you got to be defined by what you think it is, man.
I took that opportunity as a unique – extremely unique – way to express what I was going through, and I don’t even think people really understood, like, through the video that the song title was like, “Who Knew (Her Perspective).” In the video, I was really her. You see what she posted, like that she was devastated and whatnot, but it was me taking on that role and experiencing the pain of the females in relationships that I had been in my whole life. I don’t even think people understood that but it wasn’t even put out for me to even be understood. I knew it might be misunderstood by putting it out.
You know, I committed not too long before that. I was like, “Okay, if I’m going to go this music route, I’m going to be authentic and really put sh*t out that is real and true to my life,” and that’s what I did. And I’m sure I’ve gotten cooked numerous times. I’m sure some people liked it, and that’s kind of how this thing goes. If you’re doing shit different, you’re gonna have people that are bold on each side, but I think that’s just the beauty of it, man. People are entitled to their own opinions.
Even as you enter music and leave the NFL, you’re still facing criticism from sports commentators for your work outside of football. Steven A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, specifically, chimed in on the release of “Who Knew.” How do you respond to those critics? How do you take that criticism without feeling like it’s personal?
Well, one, I have a phone, it’s called a light phone, so I’m not even really on social media like that, or really searching the internet. I couldn’t even tell you what those dudes even said. Like I said, I’m sure there were plenty of people who were like, this dude is probably tweaking right now. So, I don’t really know what they said. But for me, one way of that is not even giving myself access to that noise. And then two, it’s like me being authentic – I feel like I spent a lot of my life trying to do things [to] get validation from people for the way that I was moving. But now it’s like, alright, that’s a move I chose to make. Some people could say that move was stupid. Some people could say it’s a beautiful way to encapsulate a chapter of a journey. You got to have thick skin and be willing to live with whatever comes with it. I’m sure they have their opinions. It’s not my first time with people having opinions about decisions that I may have made, and that’s okay. Because at the end of the day, I know putting “Who Knew” out, I didn’t mean any harm. I wasn’t trying to do anything to anybody. It was just me expressing what I was going through and what other people have to say about it is what they got to say about it, you know?
What’s your end goal with music? As an athlete in the NFL, there’s a goal each year to make it to the Super Bowl and win the Lombardi but it’s not as linear in music.
It’s funny you say that because I feel like my success in football came from me taking away the linear approach myself. The seasons where I was playing the best and doing all that, there was no thought of “I need this amount of stats, need this amount of yards, I need my team to go here.” It’s just one day at a time, as long as I continue to get better and hold myself to the standard of excellence in the way that I play, the way that I run my routes, and the way that I am as a teammate and a leader, I feel like things are gonna go well.
I try to carry that same stuff over to music because like you said, people’s definitions of success are different. For some people, it’s like platinums and number ones and all this. It’s like that’s not really why I’m doing this. Like I said, I’ll be cooking up until my fingers fall off. Even if I get 100 plays on Spotify, I’ll still keep doing this shit. It’s really about how do I grow and fully embody the sound that I want and the musical gifts that I have. Because it’s obviously been passed down from my great-grandfather, and there’s a journey, a spiritual journey in this for me, regardless of how it ends. So for me, it’s like if I continue to have the same approach that I did when I was playing football, I feel like lives are going to be impacted by what I have to say and the art that I create. And I feel like that right there is the ultimate success.
You released a quick two-pack recently, Mind Games: It’s All In Your Head. What’s the significance of that title?
I just had this random idea. I don’t even know what the f*ck I was doing. Ideas just come to me randomly but I was like, I feel like that’s the title, Mind Games: It’s All In Your Head. Because it is. You’ll play mind games with yourself and be stuck in your head when really like you’ll be questioning if people f*ck with you or like what you got going on and you’re just picking yourself apart when there are people out there that love what you got going on and love what you stand for. I feel like it’s just the play on just the mental aspect of things is a big thing for me and I know it’s a big thing for people so I feel like people can relate.
I’m sure you’re working on a full-length album. When could we expect something like that?
I feel like there’s been a lot of stuff I’ve been working on this summer that I want to continue to drop in little quick-hitting fashions. They’re like two or three packs. But yeah, there’s definitely an album in store. Like, I’m a guy that grew up on projects and listened to full CDs. You didn’t really have a choice or like a music library on the streaming platforms so like I’m pro-project, for sure, so definitely that’s in the works.
Is there a title for it?
I don’t have a date for you but the name of the album will be I’m Not Even Who I Am Yet.
Who would you dream collaboration? Dead or alive.
Kendrick Lamar, man. I feel like just the level of… just everything that he embodies. I remember him coming up when his sh*t was on Live Mixtapes. He was really just like trying to make some shit shake and see where he is now and how he never really compromised his values, still moved the way that he wanted to move. That is just fucking inspiring to me. So Kendrick Lamar, I’ll say Jay-Z. If you want to go a different genre, I’m a big Coldplay fan. And there’s this band called Khruangbin that I really like. They be jammin’ they ass off. So I would say some of them.
Photo Credit: ARod2Up
You were part of that viral moment when Lil Wayne was asked to recall his lyrics from “Lollipop (Remix).” What did that moment of him not even being able to remember his lyrics tell you about the work ethic required for a career in music?
Oh yeah, I remember back then, just because I’ve been following his whole career, like I’m that old. I know he records at an insane rate. People were like, “Oh, he couldn’t remember the words.” I’m like, “No sh*t he can’t remember the words. He records a lot.” And I’m recording a lot now. Probably, this summer, I’ve probably recorded over 50 songs or something like that, which is probably not even anything compared to the rate he works at. I’ll go back to some songs like dang, I don’t even remember the words. So it just makes sense now ‘cause I actually have the experience of probably not the same volume of catalog and I’m like, okay, I have to sit down and listen to this again to remember the words. Of course this dude, recording at the rate that probably nobody ever has would forget songs. But yeah, that was a funny moment. I was like people making a big deal out of it but this dude is – he literally tells you how many songs he’s recording.
Do you still have a relationship with Lil Wayne? You previously collaborated with Euroz before but has Wayne given you any feedback on your music?
Yeah, man. He was very encouraging of me. I was just shooting him shit that I would drop. This is a few years ago, and he was just like, “Keep going, keep going. It’s hard. Keep going. Keep going.” Just to hear that, man, because it’s like, I’m not somebody that wants something from him just because I have access to him. The fact that I’ll share it with him and he’d respond and be like, “Hell yeah, keep your sh*t going.” It’s like, alright, man, like, yeah, Wayne said he f*ckin with me, like, I can hold on to that. If 999,000 People are like this n***a sucks, I could hold on to the days where Wayne was like, “Bro, keep going. You on the right track.”
Final question: where does Lil Wayne sit in your top 5 rappers dead or alive? And if not him, then who else is making that ranking?
Man, this is the ultimate setup question. I feel like these top rankings are all subjective and somebody’s gonna be cooked for whatever they say. Off of my world, in the world that I grew up in and the area that I grew up in and the impact that Wayne had on literally everybody that I was ever around, just in my world, he is easily in just the top three off of impact. Then, if you look at Young Thug. You look at all the people who are inspired by Young Thug – Young Thug says he’s inspired by Wayne. Just growing up in Atlanta in those times and, how many Atlanta artists [Young Thug] spawned. If you look at it from a stage of impact – like, I’m sure people can make all these different categories and criteria up to find a way to not put him in and that’s okay. But just in my world, I feel like he got to be top three.
Whether in the top 3 or top 5, who else is accompanying Lil Wayne?
I mean, Jay Z, for sure. Kanye’s definitely on my top five. I mean, my life was soundtracked when I was a kid with my CD player with The Black Album by Jay Z and Graduation by Kanye. Those two gotta be up there. Damn, there’s so many good rappers. Fuck, I hate this question. Kendrick Lamar, he up there. I mean, I remember listening to Nas Illmatic riding around with my pops. I got to put Nas in there, man.
It felt like L.A. was about to explode into an R&B party when Chris Brown’s 11:11 tour hit the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, August 6. As the second-to-last stop on the tour, anticipation filled the air over what Chris Brown might have up his sleeves. For the last two months, social media has been filled with hype-worthy and viral moments from the tour, whether it’s the iconic meet-and-greet photos or some of the stunts he pulled on stage.
From the moment fans gathered inside the area, the energy was high. Breakthrough R&B artists Maeta and Muni Long warmed the crowd up as the opening acts. Following their performance, Chris Brown emerged and delivered a set that satisfied his fans, both old and new. With a setlist consisting of over 40 songs over two hours, Chris Brown certainly delivered on all fronts. He leaped into the classic hits that turned him into a star, as well as recent songs that we’ve had on consistent rotation.
Adam Pantozzi / Andrew D. Bernstein Associates Photography, Inc.
Around the 9 p.m. mark of the night, the lights dimmed and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch when the LED screen behind the stage began its countdown. As the final seconds ticked away, the arena was plunged into darkness. Then, a single, dramatic beam of light illuminated Chris Brown on a raised platform. As the platform descended, he opened with “Angel Numbers / Ten Toes.” Fire and sparks erupted around the stage, and cheers roared throughout the stadium. The audience was clearly captivated from the get-go and all eyes were on Chris to see what was next.
The concert was thoughtfully segmented into four thematic acts: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each element was specifically crafted to highlight different aspects and songs of Brown’s catalog. This created a cohesive visual experience that left fans guessing which songs would appear in each act. The screen behind the stage projected stunning and immersive visuals that complemented the theme.
The first act, “Fire,” ignited the night with high-energy tracks and fiery visuals. With the crowd—mostly women—screaming their hearts out and backup dancers giving it their all, the energy could quite literally be described as explosive. During this set, he performed songs such as “Heat,” “Party,” “New Flame,” “Ayo,” “Summer Too Hot,” and more.
As the concert transitioned into the “Water” act, the energy shifted to something more fluid and moody. The visuals consisted of underwater scenes that contrasted with the fiery visuals of the previous act. He leaned into the more sultry records in his catalog during the “Water” act, including “Liquor,” “Privacy,” “Wrist,” “Wet The Bed,” “Take You Down,” and “Under The Influence.” During this part of the evening, he was suspended mid-air on a floating platform.
Chris and his dancers delivered tight choreography on the circular platform, impressing the audience with his highly sensual moves. In between these acts, DJ Fresh kept the crowd energized with a mix of party classics and some of Chris Brown’s deeper cuts, keeping the crowd moving from start to finish.
Accompanying the third act, “Air,” was atmospheric, ethereal visuals and records like “Press Me,” “She Ain’t You,” “No Air,” and “Don’t Judge Me.” This part of the show saw Breezy continuing to hover over the crowd as he was suspended mid-air. Though the majority of the show saw the crowd dancing along to his infectious hits, this set offered the audience a chance to catch their breath before the finale.
Chris concluded with the “Earth” act, which grounded the night with a return to more of his upbeat tracks. For this section, where the visuals became more earth and organic, he reserved some of his biggest hits to date. Songs like “No Guidance,” “Call Me Every Day,” “Sensational,” and “Loyal,” lit the arena up before he concluded with “Grass Ain’t Greener.” For roughly two hours, Chris Brown worked like a machine, maintaining high energy levels without missing a single beat of choreography.
The final act succinctly captured the evolution of his career, paying homage to his roots and celebrating his longevity with recent hits. During the final moments on stage, he took a bow and brought his two daughters, Royalty and Lovely, on stage. The 11:11 tour’s LA stop was undoubtedly a testament to Brown’s artistry, longevity, charisma, and sheer talent. For those fortunate enough to attend, it was a night to remember.
The trial of Freddie Trone and his son Tremont Jones concluded on Wednesday, August 7. Finally, fans and his family were able to gain a sense of closure to the tragic murder of Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock. The jury deliberated for less than four hours before delivering a verdict that found Trone guilty of multiple charges. Meanwhile, Jones was found guilty of robbery and conspiracy. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the crime. PnB Rock was killed on September 12, 2022, at Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles in South Los Angeles. Here’s a breakdown of what we know about the trial and its outcomes.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: PnB Rock performs onstage at the STAPLES Center Concert Sponsored By Sprite during BET Experience at Staples Center on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for BET)
After a brief jury deliberation, Freddie Trone was found guilty of murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of conspiracy. Tremont Jones was found guilty of robbery and conspiracy. The verdict was reported by Rolling Stone journalist Nancy Dillon. Trone’s defense argued that he had no part in planning or executing the robbery. They claimed he only became involved after the fact. However, the jury was unconvinced, resulting in Trone’s conviction on all counts.
Details Of The Crime
The prosecution presented evidence that Trone and his 17-year-old son, who was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial, were tipped off by Tremont Jones about PnB Rock’s presence at the restaurant. According to the State, Trone instructed his son to rob the rapper. The prosecutors alleged that this led to the tragic shooting and robbery of PnB Rock in front of his fiancée, Stephanie Sibounheuang, and other diners. The defense’s claims that Trone was not involved were ultimately rejected by the jury.
Following the verdict, PnB Rock’s mother, Deannea Allen, expressed her elation and relief. Allen has been a consistent presence throughout the trial, seeking justice for her son. She told Rolling Stone, “I’m here to get justice. I want justice. This was my son, my child. I want the jury to know he has a family who loves him and wants to support him.”
Emotional Testimonies & Courtroom Revelations
PnB Rock’s fiancée Stephanie Sibounheuang gave harrowing testimony Tues. at trial over his 2022 murder
Outside court, Sibounheuang called PnB Rock “heroic” for pushing her under table after shooter threatened to “blow her head off”
During the trial, PnB Rock’s mother averted her eyes and wiped away tears as a prosecutor displayed an autopsy photo of her son. “I wasn’t prepared for those pictures. It’s very devastating. I never wanted to see those pictures,” Deannea Allen said after the court session. Allen learned about the trial’s start from social media and traveled from Philadelphia to attend in person.
Stephanie Sibounheuang’s testimony was a critical moment in the trial as she recounted how the rapper saved her life. She described the gunman’s demand for their jewelry and the subsequent shooting. Moreover, Sibounheuang testified that the shooter threatened to execute her if PnB Rock did not comply. Her vivid recount of the incident highlighted the terror of that day, along with PnB’s heroism to protect her.
Prosecution’s Argument & Defense’s Claims
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson argued that Freddie Trone knew his son was “impulsive” and “dangerous,” yet still sent him to rob the rapper with a loaded semi-automatic firearm. In response, Trone’s defense lawyer, Winston McKesson, said that Trone was not the getaway driver and had no involvement in the robbery. Trone testified that he left the parking lot before the incident and that a different driver brought his son back to the restaurant. The defense also claimed that the object handed to Trone by Jones was a bag of marijuana, not a gun, as the prosecution alleged.
Sentencing & Further Legal Actions
Freddie Trone and Tremont Jones will be sentenced at a later date, with the legal system now focusing on the appropriate punishments for their crimes. Additionally, Trone’s wife and a reported mistress were charged as accessories after the fact, having pleaded no contest before the trial began. The case continues to resonate with fans and the music community, as justice for PnB Rock is finally served.
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