Sexyy Red and GloRilla interviewed each other for a new piece from XXL and discussed a wide range of topics. One moment from the video, however, has been going viral on social media. At one point, GloRilla brings up the criticism of female rappers for behaving “too sexual.”
“I think y’all [are] some haters. I think y’all don’t want y’all b**ch to shine because y’all [are] insecure,” Sexyy Red responded. She also complained about no one caring when men have their “drawls sagging.” She explained: “It’s not a problem when y’all do it, but y’all [are] stealing our style. [Why is it] wrong when we do it?”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 14: American rapper Sexyy Red performs onstage during day 2 of Rolling Loud Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on December 14, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
As the clip has circulated on social media, fans have been having mixed reactions. When The Neighborhood Talk shared it on Instagram, one user wrote: “Girl, what are you talking about? While self and sexual expression are common in female rap, people judging the actual music based on the content is very different than people hating on women for being secure and comfortable with their identity and self-expression. I lost a lil’ brain cells listening to her, but she tried tho.” Another added: “She is a plant and was placed here just to spew this message. They always have it planned out who next up. She was linked with Drake for a reason.” Others chimed in with support for the rappers.
Sexyy Red Speaks With GloRilla
Elsewhere in their interview, Sexyy and GloRilla discussed the possibility of teaming up for a collaborative project. “It’s gon’ be some super ratchet s**t,” Sexyy said. “The n****s [are] gon’ hate us. No, I mean the men gon’ hate us.” They also spoke on the experience of motherhood, celibacy, and more. Check out Sexyy Red and GloRilla’s full conversation below.
It’s no secret that Akbar V’s love for Nicki Minaj goes way back. For this reason, it doesn’t come as a major surprise that the femcee took to social media today to wish the “FTCU” rapper a happy birthday. She turns 42 today, and in honor of the occasion, Akbar wrote her a heartfelt message on X. In it, she refers to Nicki as her big sister, and thanks her for all she’s done.
“Happy birthday to my big sister @NICKIMINAJ i love you thank you for all you do for female rap thank you for the tips behind the scenes you have given me thank you for not being who they try to [portray] you to be,” she wrote. “Love you.”
This is far from the first time Akbar V has honored Nicki, however. Last summer, she even dropped a song seemingly dedicated to her, which sparked some controversy among fans. While some thought it was a nice gesture, others thought she took things too far. Regardless, she stood by the track and came to her own defense on X. “The fact that folks think she gotta like my post or comment is cr*zy. I’m a fan of hers. I want to follow in her steps in music, period. I love her, I’m inspired [and] [I] don’t care who says it’s [d**k] riding. I don’t care, I rap. I’m a rapper. I looked up to her and still do, every rap [b**ch] [does],” she wrote at the time.
“They just don’t like to admit [it] [because] [they’re] so obsessed with the ‘Nicki hate train,’” she continued. “Nicki never told me to do [nothing] just like when I was in the streets, my friends never told me to dislike people If they didn’t like them… Me, Akbar V is loyal and always will be.”
It’s been a huge year for both Ice Spice and Sexyy Red. Ice Spice unleashed her debut studio album Y2K, took part in various high-profile collabs, and more. Sexyy Red dropped her third mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, and has been making her way across the U.S. on her “Sexyy Red 4 President” tour. Recently, the two artists even decided to link up to give their supporters the best of both worlds.
During Sexyy Red’s recent stop in Ice Spice’s hometown, she brought out the Bronx-born rapper for a performance of “Deli.” Of course, the NYC crowd went wild. She shared a fun clip of the moment on Instagram earlier this week, showing herself sporting her signature hairstyle.
While fans were certainly glad to see Sexyy Red team up with Ice Spice, she’s far from the only special guest to join her on tour so far. Earlier this month, she performed in her own hometown of St. Louis and brought out Lil Durk. Kodak Black has also hopped on the tour, resulting in plenty of onstage antics involving him and the “Pound Town” performer. Unfortunately, however, not all of the headlines surrounding Sexyy’s tour have been positive.
In August, it was reported that she canceled multiple tour stops due to low ticket sales. She later denied this, making it clear that she felt like the false reports were an attempt to sabotage her. “Dis how Dey try to do u wen u go wit an independent promoter n the bigger companies try to sabotage u we not cancelling sht,” she explained at the time. What do you think of Sexyy Red bringing out Ice Spice during her recent performance in New York? Are you hoping for a collab? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Eve will release her memoir Who’s That Girl? tomorrow (Tuesday, September 17), and we just got a sneak peek at the tea within. Moreover, she recently spoke to The Times for an interview, reflecting on her experiences with misogyny in the industry. The femcee talks about much of this in the book, but she elaborated on some details. For example, the memoir reportedly recalled the day that her debut album Let There Be Eve… The Ruff Ryders First Lady in 1999, an album that sold 213K first week and over 2 million units since. The Philly native alleged that Jay-Z called her to congratulate her, but also told her to diminish her expectations because female rappers “don’t really do that well.”
This comes after another Jay-Z versus femcee conversation, as Nicki Minaj recently blasted the team behind the Super Bowl halftime show next year. She feels, like many fans, that it should’ve been Lil Wayne instead of Kendrick Lamar given its New Orleans stage. No matter where you fall on that debate, this opened up old wounds between Young Money and the Roc… Or at least, the few wounds in between their many associations and mutual praises. We wonder what Eve would say about all this.
We ask because she’s been nothing short of a star since her debut. Beyond the celebrity and career, though, the contributions run much deeper. Eve recently announced that she will be a Scholar-In-Residence at NYU this year. “We are thrilled to be hosting Eve as our 2024-25 Scholar in Residence,” the Steinhardt school’s Dean Jack H. Knott expressed. “She will share the expertise she’s gained as an award-winning artist in music, film, and television, as well as a philanthropist working with young people in the arts. I know our students and faculty will learn from her engagement and support of our efforts to advance equity, belonging, and innovation.”
“Ya’ll, I can’t believe I am saying this. But I am thrilled to announce I will be joining the 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development,” Eve stated on social media. “My year-long residency kicks off September 21 with a welcoming event at NYU. I want people to get an understanding of who I am as a person outside of music. I am looking forward to getting to know the NYU community.”
The release of Doechii’s debut mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal has cemented the ascent of a brand-new rap superstar. Unfortunately, it also resurrected a tired, misogynistic conversation among rap fans – one that seems to resurface every time a new woman in rap asserts herself with a lyrics-forward project or a virtuoso demonstration of wordplay.
Ironically, it’s often the most enthusiastic fans of the new kid on the block who resuscitate the decrepit discourse that pits women in rap against one another. In their rush to praise an exciting young talent, they often end up downplaying the past accomplishments of dozens of artists in the sisterhood of hip-hop and denigrating the efforts of their newfound faves’ contemporaries and peers.
But don’t get it twisted; women have always been rapping — and if you think otherwise, you haven’t been listening.
Alligator Bites Never Heal rightly has fans uplifting Doechii’s rap skills. All across social media over the weekend, rap fans have extolled the Florida rapper’s delivery and gift for wordplay. Songs like “Bullfrog,” “Boiled Peanuts,” and “Denial Is A River,” have fans proclaiming that Doechii’s project isn’t just a stellar debut worthy of Doechii’s label, but is also one of, if not the best rap projects of the year.
However, as they’ve become more profuse with their praise for Doechii, some have become dismissive of her contemporaries. In one example, a fan wrote, “It’s time we celebrate the females in hip-hop who actually can RAP RAP and not the others.” Another wrote, “Doechii is an example of what REAL female hip hop should sound like.”
What these posters and others are really saying is evident in what they’re NOT saying. What “female hip-hop” should be, to coin a popular phrase, is demure, buttoned up, chaste — the opposite of the “others” who “can’t” RAP RAP. By the way, what a horrid way to segregate women and suggest that such classification is also somehow inferior to “default” hip-hop, which, per this phrasing, means “men.”
It’s no secret that the success of sex-positive rappers — like GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, or Sexyy Red (all of whom have released projects this year) — bothers lots of men. These women don’t submit to social standards based on men’s preferences; they encourage women to get their own or turn the tables on men seeking transactional relationships. They turn the male gaze against itself. “If you want some of this,” they say, “You’re going to pay for it.”
Here’s the thing, though. It’s not just them. Rappers like Lola Brooke, Rapsody, and Tierra Whack have also released projects this year preaching self-determination. Please Don’t Cry, Rapsody’s fourth album, foregrounded the North Carolina rapper’s learnings from therapy; Tierra Whack’s World Wide Whack addressed the survivor’s guilt of fame. They all embraced wordplay and delivery and breath control and performance — as did projects from Baby Tate, Flo Milli, and more.
Criticizing rappers like Glo, Latto, and Meg for “sexy” content, only to ignore the “thoughtful” releases from Brooke, Rap, and Whack proves that it’s not about the “right” kind of hip-hop for those fans who do so — it’s about putting women down. It’s about proving them inferior to male rappers — all of whom rap about the same stuff, just from a male perspective — by moving the goalposts.
The sad part is that women have been dealing with this since hip-hop’s inception. MC Lyte — who has a new album coming out this month, by the way — was criticized for being too masculine, but contemporary group Salt N’ Pepa were equally criticized for sexual content. Lil Kim and Foxy Brown were derided for raunchy raps, but Missy Elliott was demeaned for not conforming to beauty standards. Eve, Da Brat, and Trina all fell somewhere along the spectrum, earning attention and album sales for their skills, only to be forgotten anytime the opportunity arose to frame women in rap as one of two dichotomous “types” that were both somehow unappealing.
Those who complain about the “style” of the Cardi Bs and Meg Thee Stallions against the “substance” of Rapsody and Doechii, ironically spend way too much time focusing on the style and overlooking the substance of all of them. These women don’t fit neatly into boxes; Rapsody and Doechii both rap extensively about sex and Doechii’s worn her fair share of risqué fits — including nothing at all in one music video.
Meanwhile, songs like Latto’s “S/O To Me” or Meg’s “Hiss” prove the versatility of women who lead with their looks. While it’s great that so many people are catching onto the talent displayed by Doechii, that talent isn’t as isolated or singular as some have made it out to be. There are plenty of women rapping with plenty to say, and a wide array of ways to say it. There always have been, and there’s more than enough credit to go around.
Uncle Luke dishes out hot takes on the current rap landscape every once in a while, but don’t forget that he’s one of hip-hop’s pioneers. Moreover, his work with 2 Live Crew influenced multiple generations of the art form with its lewd and explicit content, even setting legal precedents for lyrical standards and freedom of speech within the genre. Furthermore, it’s no wonder that the Miami artist sees his influence in the current brand of salacious and sexually liberated femcees (only one part of the wide spectrum of female rap). In fact, he recently name-dropped a few of them while asking for a check from multiple of them for paving the way for their superstar success, while dissing the boys in the process. A check is probably going too far, but is the 63-year-old that wrong in his assessment?
“Male rap is on some bulls**t right now,” Uncle Luke kicked his remarks off. “I’m sorry. The females are winning. They’re doing everything that I did. I’m still waiting for these girls to send me a f***ing check. I need a check from Ice Spice who turn her a** around. Dropping it like it’s hot and doo-doo browning. I need a check from her, I need a check from Sexyy Red. Nah, that Red’s my friend. My man Stan. Shouts out to Stan, Stan the man. I don’t need a check from him. That’s my dog, that’s his record company.
“All the f***ing girls,” Uncle Luke continued. “Megan Thee Stallion, anybody that’s running around shaking their a**es, talking about p***y and d**k on the record, y’all need to send me a check. Send me a check. Just stop by with the check and say, ‘Thank you, Uncle Luke, for fighting, going to the Supreme Court, allowing us to be able to say what we saying on the records, and we’re whooping these men’s a**es right now ’cause we doing our thing.’ That’s going to go viral.” At least he admitted this would be a nice little engagement farm.
Elsewhere, Uncle Luke recently spoke on his failed attempts to squash Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur’s fatal feud. “I remember when Tupac and Biggie had the beef going on,” he shared on Instagram Live. “Now, mind you, I tried to get in the middle of it and squash it. I kind of cooled it off, but it was a little too late. Outside people got involved. Man, I remember going to St. Louis doing a show with Biggie. I went on before him and by the time he got to the stage, them people were screaming ‘Tupac!’ They was singing Tupac songs. That is the most discouraging thing when you in a battle, when you in the heat of a battle on tour, that people would go to the stadium and don’t even wanna hear your songs.”
Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla are very much kindred spirits in the world of femcees (and all rappers) today. Moreover, they went on tour together, have multiple collaborations, seem to love each other’s company, and are proud of their Southern roots (Houston and Memphis, respectively). During what seems like a recent sit-down podcast conversation for Instagram, they discussed how they bonded and their similarities. In addition, Megan remarked on how she feels like they were among the first huge female hip-hop stars from the South of their generation, a sentiment that Glo seemed to agree with. Many misinterpreted her comments to mean “of all time” and not “of [their] time,” like Meg actually said, so make that distinction clear before you proceed.
“Like, I just wanted to go by myself,” Megan Thee Stallion’s comments on her tour alongside GloRilla began. “It was my first time going on my own tour. But I really like your music! I really felt like, you know, it’s the ‘Hot Girl Summer’ tour. We need girls. Like, we need to have a good time, we need to have a blast. And then I started thinking about who I feel like I would have a blast with. I feel like we are doing something very unique for the South. Like, having big female rappers from the South, I feel like we really the first of our time that really took off with it. So I was like, ‘I gotta bring Glo.’”
Elsewhere during their conversation, Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla spoke on their creative and personal synergies and about how great of a time they had. As for their Southern femcees comments, the list is definitely longer, and they would also agree. After all, they’ve worked with the likes of Atlanta’s Latto (who just dropped her new Sugar Honey Iced Tea album) and Alabama’s Flo Milli (who dropped Fine H*, Stay this year, too).
As such, we’re sure that Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla would add more to that list, especially if they’re bringing it back to an all-time conversation. Speaking of which, Complex just released their Top 50 Atlanta Rappers list. It’s about as divisive as these thoughts on Southern femcees, so let us know what you think about all that down in the comments section below.
There are a whole host of legendary female rappers that have graced the mic over the genre’s history. Each one has had a unique impact on the game. However, there may never be no one more influential than Nicki Minaj. Many credit her for the trends that exist in the current landscape, and rightfully so. It seems every female star today takes some sort of inspiration from Onika. Sometimes, the Barbz can shove in your face a little too much, but that will never truly take away from her looming presence over the latest crop of talent. These reasons are why fans, including Summer Walker, are confused and upset with Spotify over a recent omission.
According to AllHipHop, the streaming giant put together a special exhibit called The Gold Standard Exhibition in New York City. It features tons of stunning portraits of all of the “ladies setting the bar for hip-hop”. Present faces such as Latto, Flo Milli, Sexyy Red, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and more were featured. However, Summer Walker was quick to point out the exclusion of Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott in the comments.
“I don’t even listen to hella Nicki cause I’m a r&b lover. But where is the Queen.. or Lil Kim at least or Missy Elliott… this mad disrespectful. This why I make my music n go home the industry weird”, Walker said. Fans were equally thrown off, too. “Kim, Nicki, Foxy, Lauryn, Eve, Trina, Missy, Da Brat, Left Eye, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shonte, Queen Latifah, YoYo. I’m sure I’m missing more but the disrespect”, another adds. This is certainly alarming, but it could be only one way to view it. There’s a chance that Spotify made this for the new generation looking to take over and carry the torch of the Nickis, Kims, Hills, and etc. It seems that was the case, but if not, then this is certainly a massive misstep.
What are your thoughts on Summer Walker calling out Spotify for the omission of several female rap greats at The Gold Standard Exhibition? Do you think the streaming platform was highlighting the new stars of hip-hop, or did they just screw up? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Summer Walker and Nicki Minaj. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
From the vibrant streets of the Bay Area to the top of the charts, Saweetie has become a force to be reckoned with. Known offstage as Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, her charismatic presence and undeniable sense of style carved out her unique space in a crowded industry. Her music is a fusion of confident anthems and women empowerment, making her a standout artist.
Since her debut, Saweetie has consistently delivered tracks that dominate the charts and become cultural staples. Her music often celebrates confidence and fun, making her a favorite among listeners. We’ll explore five essential songs that capture the essence of Saweetie’s artistry and highlight her journey from a rising star to a household name in hip-hop.
1. “Icy Grl” (2017)
“Icy Grl” is the track that put Saweetie on the map. Released in 2017, this debut single became an instant hit. Sampling Khia’s “My Neck, My Back,” Saweetie flips the narrative into an anthem of empowerment and self-confidence. Further, the song’s success is also about Saweetie’s unapologetic embrace of her ambitions and lifestyle. “Icy Grl” serves as an introduction to her persona—cool, ambitious, and self-assured. It laid the foundation for her brand, with the “icy” theme becoming a signature aspect of her image, symbolizing her love for bling and her cool, composed demeanor in the face of challenges. Saweetie’s clever use of social media helped “Icy Grl” go viral. It also earned her a deal with Warner Records and set the stage for her subsequent hits. The song’s impact is undeniable, marking the beginning of her journey to becoming a household name in hip-hop.
2. “My Type” (2019)
Saweetie’s 2019 hit “My Type” brought her into the mainstream spotlight with its unmistakable energy. Sampling Petey Pablo’s “Freek-a-Leek,” the track boasts a catchy hook that quickly became a fan favorite. Its bold, unapologetic celebration of knowing one’s worth struck a chord with listeners, propelling the song up the charts. The track peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum, further cementing Saweetie’s place in the music industry.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “My Type” had a significant cultural impact. It became a summer anthem, dominating clubs, parties, and social media. Fans and influencers took to platforms like TikTok to create dance challenges and viral videos. This further spread the song’s influence even further. The playful yet assertive lyrics showcase Saweetie’s talent for blending humor with empowerment. “My Type” exemplifies Saweetie’s ability to craft entertaining and empowering music, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
3. “Tap In” (2020)
With “Tap In,” Saweetie tapped into the essence of her Bay Area roots. She delivered a track that is both a nod to her origins and a testament to her growing influence in hip-hop. Released in 2020, the song samples Too $hort’s classic “Blow the Whistle,” blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist. Further, “Tap In” quickly became a summer hit. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification. Its production made it a favorite for radio play and social media challenges.
Moreover, the resonance of “Tap In” extended beyond its chart performance. The track’s message resonated with a wide audience, especially those familiar with the Bay Area’s unique sound. “Tap In” celebrates Saweetie’s heritage and her ability to bring regional sounds to a global audience, further solidifying her status as a versatile and influential artist in the contemporary music scene.
“Best Friend,” featuring Doja Cat, is a vibrant anthem celebrating friendship and women empowerment. Released in early 2021, this collaboration between two of hip-hop’s rising stars quickly captured the public’s imagination. The song’s beat, playful lyrics, and undeniable chemistry between Saweetie and Doja Cat made it an instant hit. This track also peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple platinum certifications.
Additionally, the track’s impact goes beyond its commercial success. “Best Friend” became a phenomenon, inspiring countless TikTok challenges, memes, and social media posts. Its message and a fun and carefree vibe echoed particularly with young women. Saweetie and Doja Cat’s dynamic performance in the music video, filled with luxury, humor, and camaraderie, further cemented the song’s place as a feel-good hit of the year. “Best Friend” exemplifies Saweetie’s ability to craft entertaining and meaningful songs, reinforcing her position as a key voice in contemporary hip-hop.
5. “Back To The Streets” (Feat. Jhené Aiko) (2020)
“Back to the Streets,” featuring Jhené Aiko, showcases Saweetie’s more introspective side. Released in late 2020, this track diverges from her typical high-energy anthems, offering a smooth and soulful vibe highlighting her versatility as an artist. The collaboration with Jhené Aiko, known for her ethereal voice and serene presence, adds depth and harmony to the song, making it a standout in Saweetie’s discography.
The song’s lyrics tell a story of moving on and reclaiming one’s independence after a relationship, resonating with anyone who has experienced the complexities of letting go. Saweetie’s lyrical delivery is reflective and empowering, while Jhené Aiko’s soothing vocals perfectly complement the theme. “Back to the Streets” received critical acclaim for its mature and nuanced approach to self-worth and personal growth themes. The track broadened Saweetie’s musical range and reinforced her ability to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level.
There’s been a flurry of new Cardi B news this week as fans are having their expectations of a new album dragged back and forth. That started when Cardi took to twitter to claim that her long-awaited second studio effort wouldn’t actually come out this year. It’s been 6 years since her debut Invasion Of Privacy dropped back in 2018. Fans were hoping that the release of two singles earlier this year, “Like What (Freestyle)” and “Enough (Miami),” would lead to the release of the highly-anticipated follow-up.
But after Cardi claimed on Twitter that she was taking the time to relax instead of releasing a new album those hopes seemed dashed. The first good news for fans came when she deleted the tweet where she makes the claim, seemingly hinting that it may not be true after all. Even better news came earlier today when Atlantic Records tweeted in response to the new Rolling Stone story. They claimed that there was very much still a new Cardi album dropping this year, seemingly contradicting her now-deleted tweet. News on the potential release of new music is currently as imprecise as it’s ever been, but that hasn’t stopped fans from unpacking the details of her new cover story. Check out one of the most attention-grabbing claims she makes below.
In one particular moment of the interview, Cardi makes a bold claim about her influencing labels to sign female rappers. “People from every single label have f*cking told me this sh*t in my face. THey started signing new female rappers after I got signed,” she claims. Elsewhere in the interview she also claimed that she’s skipping voting in the next American elections as she doesn’t like either candidate.
What do you think of Cardi B claiming that she inspired labels to sign more female artists in the wake of her successful debut album? Do you agree with her that she’s the reason for the influx of new female rappers? Let us know in the comment section below.
