female artists

Ice Spice Lands On The Cover Of “Billboard,” Discusses Her Sudden Skyrocket To Fame & More

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In the early days of her career (which weren’t all that long ago, if we’re being frank), Ice Spice was faced with near-constant accusations of being an industry plant, or a “one-hit-wonder.” She’s since shut down those claims, quickly proving herself to be one of the most ambitious young rhymers working today. Less than a year after the arrival of her debut single, “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the 23-year-old landed her debut collaboration in the form of the “Princess Diana (Remix)” with Nicki Minaj. Following that, we saw her debut at the Met Gala, and now, she’s gracing the cover of Billboard‘s latest issue.

For her photoshoot with the outlet, Spice donned a variety of vibrant looks, from an all-purple ensemble that served major Daphne Blake vibes to showing off her curves in a tight pink catsuit, the “Bikini Bottom” lyricist proved that there’s no shortage of styles she’s able to pull off. Cleverly titled, “The Ice Age,” the accompanying interview details the New York native’s rapid rise to fame, as well as her plans for the future. “The first time I met her, I knew she was special. I got that tingling feeling [I get] every time when you meet that [kind of] artist,” CEO/chair of Capitol Music Group, Michelle Jubelirer, told Billboard of Isis Gaston.

Read More: Ice Spice Speaks On Signing To A Major Label

Isis Gaston Shines Bright on Billboard‘s Latest Cover

As you may recall, the redhead first began gaining serious attention online after her “Buss It” challenge video went viral. At the time, she was playing around with the idea of writing raps, but after connecting with RIOTUSA while studying in college, Spice realized the potential she had to blow up online while twerking along to a track of her own. Her debut single, “Bully Freestyle” arrived in March 2021, and by August of last year, Drake had caught wind of “Munch.” The Canadian gave Gaston a major co-sign by playing it on his Sound 42 Sirius XM channel, only boosting the fashionista to further fame.

Growing up, the Like..? artist had the influence of her father, an underground rapper, to look up to, though she said she didn’t feel pressure to follow in his footsteps. Still, he did give her a taste of what life in the studio is like while putting her on to huge names like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Wu-Tang Clan at an early age. Check out the stunning photos from Spice’s Billboard cover shoot above, and read her full interview with the outlet here. For more hip-hop and pop culture news updates, be sure to tap back in with HNHH later.

Read More: Ice Spice Rejects YouTuber After Answering NSFW Questions In Resurfaced Video

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Janelle Monáe Returns With “Lipstick Lover” Single, Confirms New Album Coming Soon

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It’s been a long five years since Janelle Monáe delivered her Dirty Computer project, featuring appearances from Grimes, Pharrell Williams, Zoë Kravitz, and more. To kick off 2023, she shared a single called “Float” with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, and now, she’s following that with more heat. After announcing her latest release with a tantalizing wet t-shirt video on Twitter, Monáe has now unveiled her “Lipstick Lover” single, along with the announcement of her next album.

While speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the 37-year-old admitted she wishes she wrote the song sooner. “Today, I don’t have on any red lipstick, but I’m always in red lipstick. And there have been so many instances where I’ve made out with somebody at a party and it’s dark. Nobody notices it. But when the lights come on, whoever I’ve made out with, lipstick all over their face,” she explained to the host.

Read More: Janelle Monáe’s Wet T-Shirt Video Tantalizes Twitter As She Promotes New Music: Watch

Janelle Monáe Glows in New “Lipstick Lover” Visual

Elsewhere in her chat with Lowe, Monáe dished on her upcoming album, The Age of Pleasure, noting that every song on the tracklist was “written from such an honest space.” The Kansas City native went on to say, “Listen, I’ve had my age of depression. I’ve had my age of anxiety. I’ve had my age of struggle. And again, it’s not like life is pleasurable every single day, but I think I have actively just sought out… How do I create a space for myself? How do I redirect my mind on how I’m thinking about things?”

“How do I realize that right now in this present moment, moments that we’ll never get back, this is where you need to find your pleasure? This is your moment. Don’t let it get confused that five minutes later, we’re going to try to go into doing something different,” she advised listeners. Check out Janelle Monáe’s “Lipstick Lover” visual on YouTube above, or add the catchy track to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Are you looking forward to the R&B starlet’s upcoming LP? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later this weekend for more HNHH release recommendations.

Read More: Janelle Monáe’s Got Bars On “Float” Ft. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

Quotable Lyrics:

I like lipstick on my neck
Leave a sticky hickey in a place I won’t forget
I like lipstick on my neck
Baby, I’m obsessed, get me undressed

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“Super Freaky Girl” Goes Double Platinum, Nicki Minaj Celebrates

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No one goes harder for Nicki Minaj than The Barbz, but that doesn’t mean the “Barbie Dreams” lyricist doesn’t ride for them too. An artist would be nothing without their loyal fans, and the mother of one made that abundantly clear when celebrating a new record set by her “Super Freaky Girl” single this week. Less than a year after it first landed on DSPS, the Rick James-sampling hit has achieved double-platinum status after amassing upwards of 390M streams on Spotify alone.

Upon hearing the news, Minaj shared a tweet from @chartdata with her followers to celebrate. “In a matter of months? Omg, Barbz, the bad btchs that you are!!!!!!” the 40-year-old praised those who endlessly stream her music. “Ugh! Your minds!!!!! #DOUBLEPLATINUM 1st #1 SOLO female rap debut since Lauryn Hill,” she further bragged. Interestingly, Nick Cannon recently included both The Fugees alum and Nicki in his female rap Mount Rushmore, even referring to the latter as “the GOAT.”

Read More: Nicki Minaj Reacts After Nick Cannon Calls Her “The GOAT”

Nicki Minaj Praises The Barbz for “Super Freaky Girl” Milestone

“Last solo debut since… Well, since me!” the former Young Money starlet further quipped, recollecting her numerous accomplishments. “Oh Barbz, you’ll always be famous 😉. Thank you, I love you so 🎀🦄💫,” Minaj’s message ended. Clearly, the achievement means a lot to her, and it’s certainly not the only one she’s accomplished as of late.

Just last month, the Trinidadian artist joined Ice Spice for the remix of her “Princess Diana” cut, which not only earned them plenty of praise but has also been doing numbers. At the start of the month, it was reported that the New York baddies’ first joint effort has already gone gold, and is likely to only continue earning more certifications into the summer as music lovers add it to their summer party playlists. Are you a fan of Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl”? Let us know in the comments below, and tap back in with HNHH later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Says Her Legacy “Can Never Be Undone”

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Janelle Monáe’s Wet T-Shirt Video Tantalizes Twitter As She Promotes New Music: Watch

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After recently being dissed for “dressing like the Monopoly Man,” by a Twitter troll, Janelle Monáe has made it her personal mission to remind the world of her sex appeal. To begin the month of May, the R&B singer previously joined countless other famous faces in New York at the Met Gala, using her time walking on the red carpet to do a dramatic outfit reveal that left her nearly naked under a see-through, structured dress. Later that evening, cameras caught her dancing up a storm in nothing more than a bikini while standing on a bar at an after-party, clearly having the time of her life.

Now that the buzz from Anna Wintour’s annual event has died down, Monáe is taking more steps to keep all eyes on her. On Tuesday (May 9) morning, the 37-year-old posted a video on her Twitter page, which begins on a wholesome note as she strums at her guitar and croons out a song she plans to release later this week. In the final 15 seconds of the clip, we see Janelle soaking in the clear blue pool water, wearing a skintight white t-shirt, with the word “PLEASURE” written across the front.

Read More: Janelle Monáe Dances On Bar In Bikini At Met Gala Afterparty

Janelle Monáe Dropping “Lipstick Lover” This Week

As she maintains eye contact with the camera, Monae saucily saunters out of the pool, her chest obviously on full display under the soaked shirt. As she flaunts what she’s got, her beautiful voice continues to play in the background, as well as confirmation of her upcoming single’s title and release date. According to this morning’s tweet, “Lipstick Lover” will arrive on DSPs this Thursday (May 11).

The solo effort will be the Kansas native’s second release of 2023, following her work with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 on “Float,” which has also since seen numerous remixes arrive online. Are you looking forward to hearing Janelle Monáe’s “Lipstick Lover” single later this week? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture/hip-hop news updates.

Read More: Janelle Monáe’s Best Rap-Centered Songs

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Beyoncé’s “RENAISSANCE” Tour Could Earn Over $2 Billion From Ticket Sales Alone

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Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE tour has yet to begin, but already, Forbes is reporting that the mother of three could bring in some serious cash after her time on the road. On Monday (May 8), the publication revealed that Queen B is expecting to clear as much as $2.1 billion from her trip around the world. This means she would outsell Taylor Swift’s Eras tour by approximately $500 million. The country-turned-popstar will likely take home $1.6 billion from her latest venture.

The estimated numbers are optimistic in favour of both singers. The outlet says that they’re based on the number of tickets sold so far, as well as the average price of nearly $700 per seat. In addition, Forbes has considered that both Beyoncé and Swift would be taking home a considerable share of merchandise proceeds while paying tour expenses that would be equal to roughly 20% of their revenue.

Read More: Beyoncé Tour Ticket Prices Reportedly Prompt U.S. Fans To Travel To Europe

Beyoncé On Pace to Outsell Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé attend The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

By the time she wraps things up in September, Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE world tour could gross anywhere from $275M to $2.4B from ticket sales alone. The “I’m That Girl” hitmaker’s highest potential estimate is notably well above the $1.9B box office projection that’s been placed on the Eras tour. Aside from her pricey tickets, the Houston native also offered VIP packages to fans with serious cash to spare, ranging in price from $3750 to $5000.

As DailyMail points out, the last time The Lion King actress hit the road was in 2016 as a solo act. In 2018, she and her husband Jay-Z headed out to support their The Carters joint effort, much to the pleasure of their fans. The only performance Beyoncé has given so far in 2023 took place in Dubai, where her beautiful vocals helped to commemorate the opening of a new hotel in the luxurious country. While cameras were meant to be prohibited from the event, clips still managed to surface online, giving a preview of what’s to come later this summer. Are you checking out any of the RENAISSANCE concert dates? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

Read More: Beyoncé Unveils Balmain x “RENAISSANCE” Couture

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Doja Cat Filming Music Video In Los Angeles Ahead Of “Hellmouth” Album

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If the Met Gala belonged to anyone this year, it may have just been Doja Cat. The California-born starlet made her debut at the fashion-forward event in 2023, choosing to honour Karl Lagerfeld by showing up dressed as his beloved cat, Choupette. The genre-bending artist took her feline duties very seriously, meowing the entire way through a red carpet interview with Emma Chamberlain. What she took far less seriously, however, was Anna Wintour’s no-smoking rule. Cameras caught Doja hitting her vape while waiting to chat with the press, earning her both plenty of laughs and some backlash.

Now that the Met Gala (and the after-party the “Woman” songstress hosted with Diddy) has concluded, she’s been free to focus on other endeavours. Among them is her upcoming Hellmouth album, which she’s long been teasing on social media, though her hints have often provided more confusion than clarity. We have yet to hear any of the songs from the tracklist, though Doja has teased some potential titles. It’s become clear that the release date is quickly arriving, as the 27-year-old was spotted filming a music video in Los Angeles this week.

Doja Cat Takes Over Los Angeles Streets for Visual Shoot

It remains unclear what song the visual will accompany, though it shows Doja taking over the city streets in an ultra-cropped top and low-rise jeans, cameras capturing her every move. Just a few days ago, her Instagram feed lit up with a carousel that appears to contain still images from the same shoot, in which the Grammy Award winner’s neck is covered in an impressive collection of flashy silver chains.

Seeing as her caption provided little more information than a stopwatch emoji, we remain without a release date for the time being. Still, the visual era leading up to her project’s premiere has been gearing fans up for the new, more confident persona the “Kiss Me More” collaborator has been stepping into as of late. Are you eager to hear what Doja Cat has in store for her Hellmouth album? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture/hip-hop news updates.

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Nicki Minaj Serves Skintight Looks With Kim Petras In “Alone” Music Video

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She may have failed to show at the 2023 Met Gala last night (May 1), but that doesn’t mean Nicki Minaj isn’t coming through with serves for The Barbz this week. Earlier today, her Instagram feed lit up with a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld – who this year’s fashion event was honouring – that caught our attention. This afternoon, the mother of one is back again, teaming up with Kim Petras to share the music video for their recent “Alone” single.

The song arrived in the latter half of April, and as Uproxx notes, it samples Alice Deejay’s “Better Off Alone” from 1999. Minaj has been frequently referring back to hits from past decades for her own recent releases, such as “Super Freaky Girl” and “Red Ruby Da Sleaze.” In her latest visual, the Queen of Rap dons a selection of skintight looks, putting her ample curves on display while performing with Petras.

Nicki Minaj Continues to Kill It

Nicki Minaj speaks onstage at the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on August 28, 2022, in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

The visual for “Alone” follows an equally as salacious one for the “Princess Diana (Remix),” which Minaj worked on with Ice Spice. Aside from that, we’ve also heard her on NBA YoungBoy’s “WTF” which landed ahead of his Don’t Try This At Home album. Her own music has certainly been impressive as of late, but the “Moment 4 Life” lyricist announced earlier this year that she’ll be channelling more of her energy into helping other artists with their come up.

She’s officially the first female artist to have their own label, which already boasts signees like London Hill and Nana Fofie. There’s also been talk about her taking Spice under her wing (their remix was released under Minaj), though nothing has been confirmed just yet. The last time we received an album from the 40-year-old was in 2018 with Queen, and fans are undoubtedly itching for more at this point. Which of Nicki Minaj’s 2023 collaborative efforts has been your favourite so far? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture and hip-hop news updates.

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DaniLeigh Is Back With A “Tasty” New Single: Stream

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The early months of DaniLeigh’s first venture into motherhood were plagued by her social media debacle with DaBaby. Thankfully, she’s since taken time to recover and heal from that. We heard the 28-year-old vent her feelings on “Dead To Me” last summer. That was followed by another single, “Heartbreaker,” before the arrival of her My Side project. Things have been relatively quiet on her front since then. However, she’s back today (April 28), with a sultry new song called “Tasty.”

DaniLeigh tapped Bongo and Rance to assist her with production, over which she shares plenty of sexual fantasies. “Sweet as crème brûlée, eat it ’til it’s sorbet / Shit ain’t minute maid, you should let it marinate,” she croons on the pre-chorus. “Put it on my plate, that’s a dinner date / I’ma grab your face in between these legs,” she adds, turning up the heat more and more as “Tasty” continues.

Stream DaniLeigh’s “Tasty” Track on YouTube

While celebrating the track’s success on social media, DaniLeigh has asked fans to share videos dancing and singing along to “Tasty.” Aside from her vocal talents, the mother of one is also well-known for her choreography skills, which previously found her working alongside the likes of Prince. The song may be the Miami native’s boldest release to date, but it seems that she’s only just getting started.

Plans for the future remain unclear at this time, but a press release notes that her first single of the year is kicking off the starlet’s “most confident and charismatic chapter yet.” Fans are undeniably eager to get a taste of what’s to come (no pun intended) from DaniLeigh. Check out “Tasty” on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the salacious single in the comments. For more HNHH release recommendations, tap back in later this weekend to stream our Fire Emoji and R&B Season playlists.

Quotable Lyrics:

Sweet as crème brûlée, eat it ’til it’s sorbet
Shit ain’t minute maid, you should let it marinate
Put it on my plate, that’s a dinner date
I’ma grab your face in between these legs

Lola Brooke’s “Just Relax” Single & Music Video Are Seriously Nostalgic: Watch

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Like so many of our favourite female rap divas, Lola Brooke’s 2023 is off to a seriously impressive start. She began by collaborating with Maiya The Don on the remix of Flo Milli’s “Conceited,” which came shortly before a solo effort called “So DISRESPECTFUL.” Following that we’ve heard several other remixes, including Hitkidd’s “Shabooya,” “Don’t Play With It” featuring Latto and Yung Miami, and finally, Ciara’s “Da Girls” alongside Lady London.

For her latest featureless release, Brooke shared “Just Relax” on New Music Friday (April 28), much to her fan’s pleasure. As REVOLT notes, the Reefa and Teddy Da Don-produced beat samples Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours,” taking us back in time. To match those vibes, the New Yorker filmed a throwback-inspired video, directed by Shanghaii, which sees her letting loose at a house party with plenty of friends.

Lola Brooke Returns with “Just Relax” Visual

“Bitches wan’ be this, ’cause I was always that / N*ggas say they rich? Let’s keep it a stack,” she confidently raps on the chorus. Brooke’s clever bars later continue with “Fresh out the jeweller, gotta keep it on ice / I ain’t your type, me and your bitch not alike,” and “Just know I’m picky, n*ggas never in my tax bracket / Gettin’ busy with these hands, I let a bitch have it.”

Earlier this month, the 29-year-old made an appearance at Nav’s hometown show in Toronto, at which time he also brought out Travis Scott and Meek Mill. Since she first blew up with “Don’t Play With It,” her audience has only continued to expand and admire her more. Tap into Lola Brooke’s “Just Relax” visual on YouTube above, or add the new arrival to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Are you a fan of the single? Let us know in the comments, and check back later this weekend for more HNHH release recommendations on our Fire Emoji and R&B Season playlists.

Quotable Lyrics:

You know I’m back at it (Back at it), I’m lookin’ back at it (Back at it)
Goin’ crazy in Chanelly, that’s a bad habit
Just know I’m picky, n*ggas never in my tax bracket
Gettin’ busy with these hands, I let a bitch have it

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Chlöe Twerks Like Crazy During Atlanta “In Pieces” Concert: Watch

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With every stop she makes on her In Pieces tour, Chlöe Bailey further proves that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her numbers may not have reached the levels critics would like, but regardless, the 24-year-old’s vocal talent and dedication to her craft clearly shine through on stage. Just a few days ago, she gave a legendary performance in her hometown of Atlanta. Afterward, she was surprisingly partying with Quavo at the club.

Not only did the Praise This starlet link up with the Migos alum, but she also brought out little sister Halle Bailey to join her. “ATL I love y’all so much 💕,” she wrote in the caption of her commemorative Instagram post. “I got to reunite with my best friend on stage and even have my own national day now,” Chlöe later added, reminding her followers that April 22 is now officially dedicated to her in the city.

Chlöe’s Hometown In Pieces Show Was a Hit

As per usual, Bailey looked stunning in her outfit for the show, this time donning her hourglass figure in a cobalt blue look. The halter neckline perfectly flattered her chest, on which she wore a dainty cross necklace. Throughout the bodysuit, various sheer panels of fabric show off the “Have Mercy” hitmaker’s smooth skin and toned body. In the latter half of her photo dump, she snuck in a video that finds her twerking like crazy on stage as her audience went wild. She also linked up with the legendary Missy Elliott and received praise from countless other noteworthy figures.

Bailey’s next concert is set to take place today (April 25) in Houston. Tomorrow, she’ll light up the stage in Dallas, and on the final day of the month, you can catch her in Sacramento. After that, your last chance to catch the fashionista will be on May 3 at The Novo in Los Angeles, where she’ll be concluding this trip around the country. Keep scrolling to see more of our favourite outfits from Chlöe’s In Pieces tour, and tap back in later for more pop culture news updates.

More Tantalizing Tour Looks

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