Hip Hop 50th Anniversary

Nas & Futura Team Up For Incredible Vinyl Record That Pays Homage To Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

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Hip Hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with a collaboration between Nas and Futura? Coming from Queensbridge, New York, Nas made his mark with his debut album, “Illmatic,” hailed as a classic that encapsulated the essence of 1990s East Coast hip-hop. Throughout his career, Nas has maintained a strong, authentic voice, addressing societal issues, personal struggles, and the urban experience. His legacy extends beyond his music; he’s an influential figure who has shaped the genre and inspired generations of artists, leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop culture.

Futura, also known as Futura 2000, is a renowned graffiti artist who emerged from the New York City street art scene in the 1970s. His distinct abstract and futuristic style, characterized by bold, flowing lines and vibrant colors, set him apart from his contemporaries. Futura’s work has transcended the streets, as he has collaborated with brands like Nike and The North Face, leaving his artistic imprint on fashion and pop culture. The two are teaming up on a special edition vinyl record to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop!

Read More: How “Yo! MTV Raps” Defined A Generation Of Hip Hop

Nas x Futura Vinyl Record “Edition 9”

12on12 Nas x Futura Vinyl Record "Edition 9"
12on12 Nas x Futura Vinyl Record “Edition 9” (Image via Stadium Goods)

The vinyl will feature 12 records, which Nas has deemed “genre-defining” tracks. The artwork, done by Futura himself, features graffiti (of course) that is meant to encapsulate the genre in an artistic way. This vinyl is a symbol of the massive impact that hip-hop has had on people. Also, having two legends like Nas and Futura come together to create such a piece of art is absolutely incredible. If you’ve been a fan of hip-hop, this vinyl is a must-purchase!

The Nas x Futura Vinyl Record “Edition 9” is available right now to purchase on Stadium Goods. Also, the retail price is about $250. Let us know what you think of this special edition vinyl, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the most significant releases from the biggest brands.

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Read More: Fat Joe To Host The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards

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Ebro Laments The Lack Of Artists Thanking Hip-Hop On Its 50th Birthday

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The foundation that sonic innovators and entertainers stand on is every bit as important as what these figures create from it. Ebro knows this, and expressed disappointment with many artists who didn’t take the time to acknowledge that. Moreover, this refers specifically to hip-hop recently celebrating its 50th birthday, and artists within the genre not releasing any statements or tributes about it. “Making all this $$$ because of HipHop and artists can’t even post a ‘Thank You’ …” the media personality wrote on Twitter on Monday (August 14). Whether his comments accurately reflect the response to the genre’s five decades in the cultural sphere is a debate for the comments.

After all, there have been plenty of MCs, producers, executives, and other hip-hop figures who celebrated this milestone. For example, there are tribute shows, media projects like music, film, and beyond, plus an avalanche of written or recorded testimonies on it. In fact, an age bias probably factors in here, since many artists that engaged with this history have more experience than contemporary leaders. Maybe Ebro is specifically calling out people who generally don’t make it clear how much they owe to past legends.

Read More: Ebro Darden Net Worth 2023: What Is The Radio Icon Worth?

Ebro Calls Out People Not Honoring Hip-Hop’s 50th

Regardless, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that the radio host is often dishing out reflections on the culture. Most recently, he caused an online stir when he called Drake out for not speaking out on more social issues. “Y’all know I’m the biggest Drake fan on this show,” Ebro told co-hosts on Apple’s Rap Life Review show. “Drake has never shown up to have anything to say about anything going on in society with Black folks or anything other than himself.”

Of course, plenty of people agreed with him, but a whole lot of folks were quick to push back, as well. Eventually, he clarified his comments and stated that he only compared the 6 God’s output to others because Drake criticized “This Is America” by Childish Gambino. Still, it made many think about what artists can do better when it comes to their platform, and the same can be said about honoring this genre. Stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Ebro, and for more on hip-hop history.

Read More: Ebro Darden Clarifies Viral Drake Comments: “We Don’t Need Him To Be Some Social Activist”

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Wu-Tang Clan Headlines SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration

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Legendary Hip-Hop group Wu-Tang Clan performed exclusively for SiriusXM and Pandora last night at the Knockdown Center in Queens as part of its “For the Love” Hip-Hop 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday, August 10. 

The night kicked off with opener Lola Brooke followed by headliners, Wu-Tang Clan, who were introduced on stage by iconic rapper Flavor Flav and SiriusXM host Sway Calloway. The group performed a set of their biggest hits to a packed audience of SiriusXM subscribers, Pandora listeners and fans.

SiriusXM and Pandora also partnered with Sneaker Con for a first of its kind activation and immersive experience at the event where audience members had the opportunity to win merch and some of the most sought after sneakers including artist collab sneakers, limited editions and more.

The post Wu-Tang Clan Headlines SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration first appeared on The Source.

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[WATCH] Bone Thugs N Harmony Gets Street Naming Ceremony In Cleveland On Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary

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Bone Thugs N Harmony

Video footage has surfaced from E. 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, where melodic Hip Hop quartet Bone Thugs N Harmony was honored with a street naming after the monumental group discovered by N.W.A. founder Eazy-E.

The City of Cleveland held a two-hour ceremony at the now coveted intersection, which has been renamed “Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Way’. The footage above shows Bizzy and Krayzie watch the new sign be unveiled as onlookers cheered.

This is an integral commemoration, being that today(August 11) marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop music and shows the expansion of a culture birthed in the South Bronx, which expanded to every city and town in the world.

The post [WATCH] Bone Thugs N Harmony Gets Street Naming Ceremony In Cleveland On Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Chuck D Teams Up With MLB As Music Ambassador And Content Architect For 50th Anniversary Yearlong Celebration Of Hip Hop

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As the milestone anniversary of Hip Hop is celebrated this week, MLB teams with music legend Chuck D for special content and programming to celebrate the connection and impact of music, culture and baseball.

During Friday’s highly anticipated Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium concert, the co-founder of pioneering musical group Public Enemy, will serve as MLB’s special correspondent, capturing the electric atmosphere in exclusive content for MLB’s platforms, including @MLB, @MLBLife social handles, MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB Network.

Additionally, the acclaimed lyricist, producer and author will collaborate with MLB on content, music and stories throughout the 50th anniversary year. Programming includes MLB’s social, MLB Network and in-stadium videos focused on the relationship between baseball and Hip Hop culture, and how its evolved through the years.

“As a longtime baseball fanatic, I am beyond honored to be the first Hip Hop artist to work with Major League Baseball in this exciting new way – connecting sound and culture to the stories of the game,” said Chuck D. “Thank you to MLB for adding me to the lineup…and the pitch is on the way.”

MLB launches its yearlong partnership with Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 this Friday, August 11 with Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium. The star-studded event is the opening activation to commemorate Hip Hop’s 50th birthday where it all began, the Bronx. As part of the continued partnership, MLB and its Clubs will create content, merchandise and giveaways to amplify promotions that connect to Hip Hop under this impactful banner through the 2024 season.

In 2013, Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2020, Public Enemy received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the GRAMMYs. In April 2023, Chuck D released his ode to the great American pastime with “We Wreck Stadiums,” a collection of songs that pays homage and salute to some baseball’s greats and the undeniable impact they’ve had on the game and the world. Most recently, he is developer and executive producer of “Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World,” Chuck D curated a powerful collection of voices on the evolution of the musical genre and its historical significance. The four-episode series premiered in the US on PBS in 2023.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Chuck D Teams Up With MLB As Music Ambassador And Content Architect For 50th Anniversary Yearlong Celebration Of Hip Hop first appeared on The Source.

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Fat Joe On MC Shan’s Nas Comments: “Our Pioneers Stand In The Way Of Their Own Bag”

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Last month, MC Shan hopped on Instagram to share some of his grievances with Nas. The artist made it clear that he wasn’t happy that Nas didn’t include him in any performances for the 50th anniversary of hip hop. “I’m sitting here hearing that Nas is doing these muthaf*ckin’ 50th anniversary shows, right? Nas, if you doing 50th anniversary shows and you ain’t holla at ya mans,” he explained. “Let me tell you something, my n***a, don’t never mention my muthaf*ckin’ name again.”

Though Nas has yet to respond to MC Shan’s comments, Fat Joe took it upon himself to weigh in. He explained that the reason he wasn’t included could involve how difficult he can be to work with. “I did my little one-two journalism, a.k.a. getting to the bottom of it, and they say [MC Shan] is kinda impossible to deal with,” Fat Joe explained. “They tried as much as they can… Sometimes, unfortunately, our pioneers stand in the way of their own bag.”

Read More: Fat Joe Admits He “Might Be Jealous” Of Drake

Fat Joe Gets To The Bottom Of It

He continues, “I do not know why. I have spoken to them over and over again … I’m doing just fine, but my pioneers — I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the pioneers. So sometimes when I can talk to them, I sit down and be like, ‘Yo, you can’t get the bag doing this and that.’” The New Yorker went on to share a story of another, unnamed artist who blew an opportunity by being too demanding.

“There was one pioneer who was getting a block named after him,” he began. “The day before … he said he wanted $50,000 cash in the bag to New York City, to the f*cking mayors and all that! If he don’t get $50,000 cash, he not showing up.“ “Well, guess what?” Fat Joe continued, “The next day, they showed up with a new sign that said ‘Hip Hop Boulevard’ or ‘Hip Hop Way,’ and he had a block that was gonna be named after him!”

Read More: Fat Joe Reflects On His Feud With 50 Cent: “Funeral Homes Was Making Bids”

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GloRilla Teases Fans With Her Upcoming Debut Album

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Last year, GloRilla has a bit of a breakout moment. Her song “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” became a breakout hit that powered her debut EP Anyways, Life’s Great... late in the year. She also adored a pretty substantial co-sign from Cardi B. The pair worked together on the song “Tomorrow 2” which also landed on her EP. Though her big 2022 netter her two Grammy nominations, she still hasn’t released a full-length project. Now, she became the most recent rapper to appear on Good Morning America in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and while there she had some thoughts on her upcoming debut album.

While the clip is light on details, GloRilla does at least explain what she wants to see in a debut album. “I’m excited about it. I plan on going number one. I gotta make another song that’s gonna have all the girls screaming — and another anthem,” she said. Going number one would be a pretty major milestone, especially for Glo’s first studio album. It took until the second half of 2023 for any rap album to his number one on the Billboard 200 when Lil Uzi’s Pink Tape did so. Earlier this week Travis Scott’s UTOPIA became the second rap album to hit number one this year and it could even spend a second week at the top spot.

GloRilla Wants All The Girls Screaming

GloRilla has been popping up all over the place in 2023. Last month she showed up at a Drake concert. In a hilarious video posted to social media fellow rapper Tierra Whack caught Glo eating chicken wings that she had snuck into the show. Earlier this year, Glo was named to the 2023 XXL Freshman class.

She is among the most accomplished and well-known of anybody in this year’s field though she did upset some fans by choosing to skip out on both the freestyle and cypher parts of the feature. Regardless she’s setting herself up for a major breakthrough on that inevitable debut album. What do you think of GloRilla’s ambitions for her debut album? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: NLE Choppa Says Backstage Prayer With Kodak Black And GloRilla

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Ladies First: Cheryl “Salt” James Talks Hip Hop’s 50th & What She Wants To See From Future Femcees

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There are several celebrations to be had within Hip Hop in 2023. The most obvious is the culture’s 50th anniversary, culminating in all its glory on August 11. Our OGs—from all five pillars of Hip Hop—have been receiving their flowers for their contributions to a genre that has weaved itself into the fabric of entertainment worldwide. A celebrated pioneer who has been a voice for generations is doubling up on the festivities, as Cheryl “Salt” James also rings in 30 years since the release of Salt-N-Pepa’s groundbreaking album, Very Necessary.

The New York City trio of James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Diedre “Spinderella” Roper would quickly become powerful voices in a male-dominated scene. The group’s first hit, 1985’s “I’ll Take Your Man,” saw them edge their way into mainstream conversations. Two years later, “Push It” followed, a song that was a B-side to their single “Tramp.” Soon, the ladies found themselves as the leaders of a new era, championing women’s empowerment and conversations about sex-positivity and safety during a time when the HIV-AIDS epidemic ran rampant.

cheryl salt james
American hip-hop trio Salt-n-Pepa, circa 1987. They are Cheryl ‘Salt’ James, Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton and DJ Spinderella. (Photo by Tim Roney/Getty Images)
Read More: Missy Elliott Reveals Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Diddy, Salt-N-Pepa Mentored Her

Although the beats and bars made for chart-topping hits, James recalls it being more than a cultural uprising in sex-centered spaces. It told the tales of strength in womanhood and defiance in the face of adversity. Very Necessary gave us anthems like “Whatta Man” and “Shoop,” heralding a new dawn for femcees. With five decades of Hip Hop behind us, we were curious about what a Hip Hop pioneer like Salt would like to see from the next 50 years.

Here are a few highlights from our upcoming interview with this giant force in Hip Hop. From her opinions on today’s generation of femcees to the women in her life who always held her down, check out standouts from our forthcoming conversation with Cheryl “Salt” James.

On The Women Who Inspired Salt-N-Pepa

Well, we were inspired by Roxanne Shante. For sure. We did the answer to Slick Rick and Dougie Fresh’s “The Show.” We did “The Showstopper,” you know, she did her answer records. So, that was the inspiration. And along the way, it’s been a few, but one that sticks out story-wise is Sparky Dee.

When we were going on stage, she could see we were visibly nervous. And she gave us a real pep talk. Like, you know, “Just like go out there and do you, be you know, go hard, be confident.” I remember that really helping back in the day, and we’re still friends. Sparky. MC Lyte is also a friend that I’m inspired by, even now with everything she’s doing outside of Hip Hop. She always talks about how “My Mic Sounds Nice” was like, the song that like lit her up. So, those would be the people for me.

Read More: The Rise of Women’s Empowerment In Hip-Hop

On Where She Would Like To See Hip Hop Evolve To Next

Um, I think the pendulum has swung really far in one direction. Balance again, you know, because when we were coming up, as you know, we had Lauryn Hill, who was The Educator. We also had Lil Kim, who was liberated sexually, we had Salt-N-Pepa, we brought fun fashion and femininity. Hip Hop, we had Latifah! Who was the Queen, Missy [Elliott], The Innovator. Like, there was so many choices, you know, and everybody was different, and everybody was authentic. I feel like we’re going in this kind of cookie-cutter direction. So, [I hope for] more authenticity, more balance, more opportunity for young people who have a different message than what’s popular to have a chance to be heard.

Advice She Has For The Next Generation

…I see so many artists Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, you know, the biggest artists, just be consumed by this, by this business. To the point that they feel stuck and they don’t feel like they can get out. So, I would say…I know this is a really long, deep answer [laughs]!

HNHH: No, it’s fine! I’m tuned in on a deeply personal level. [laughs]

[Laughs] Just, like, just don’t be consumed by the business. Don’t be consumed by it. Keep your identity, maintain who you are. So that no matter what happens, you’ll be alright.

Make sure to stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Pepa, and then another with the ladies together, celebrating 30 years of their culture-shifting album, Very Necessary.

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Pop Smoke, Rakim, LL Cool J & Cam’ron Featured On New MTA Metro Cards

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Hip-hop’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated everywhere- even on your subway trip to Midtown for work. Moreover, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Universal Music Enterprises collaborated on releasing 80,000 new metro cards across locations in New York City. What makes them special, though, are the Big Apple’s rap heroes that they feature, covering the three great eras so far of the genre. Rakim, LL Cool J, Cam’ron, and the late great Pop Smoke are on these new metro cards, honoring some of the city’s greatest MCs. Furthermore, the initiative is part of Universal’s “Hip Hop At 50 – Honoring 50 Years of Hip Hop: A Legacy of Rhythm, Revolution, and Soul” campaign.

“From standing on top of the Empire State Building to grabbing a slice at the corner pizza shop, NYC creates iconic moments that are recognized around the world,” Rakim stated of the team-up. “But it doesn’t get closer to real city life than swiping a metro card and standing clear of the closing doors. It’s an honor to be celebrating the 50th anniversary on the streets… and now below them… of the city where hip-hop was born.”

Read More: Cam’ron Announces New Mixtape & Hints At A Mase Collaboration

MTA Honors Hip-Hop’s 50th With New Metro Cards

“When I first started in hip-hop, we were using tokens and then in the 90’s the MetroCard came out,” LL Cool J remarked. “And through the pandemic, I remember riding the subway anonymously by myself. Now in 2023, I have my own limited-edition MetroCard in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. This is a beautiful full circle moment. Hip-hop is amazing!”

If you’re in the area and want to snag one of these, you can purchase the LL Cool J cards at the 71st Ave metro stop in Forest Hills. In addition, the Pop Smoke cards (in collaboration with the Shoot For The Stars Foundation) are available at Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy and New Lots Ave. Soon, the project will reveal locations for the Cam’ron and Rakim cards so you can collect them all if you’re in town. For more news and the latest updates on this monumental milestone for hip-hop, and on these legendary artists, keep checking in with HNHH.

Read More: Pop Smoke Has No More Music In The Vault, Rico Beats Confirms

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Nas Shows Off His Hennessy Collaboration

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Nas hopped on Instagram today (July 21), showing off a new collaboration he has with Hennessy. The French cognac producer is now offering a limited-edition “HenNASsy,” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop. The hitmaker shared a photo of himself sporting a sharp white suit and holding a glass of the spirit, noting that the collab also conveniently works to celebrate his own 50th birthday.

“In 2023, Hennessy V.S marks a unique cultural milestone, celebrating a half-century of Hip Hop with one of the genre’s most prolific talents, Nas. A long-term friend of Hennessy, the multi-hyphenate, multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning rapper and artist captures the movement and the moment in a vibrant limited edition cognac,” a message on Hennessy’s website reads.

Read More: Nas Reveals Interesting Tupac Story On New “Magic 2” Album

Nas Promotes “HenNASsy”

Nas also just premiered his latest album with Hit-Boy today, Magic 2. The sequel to 2021’s Magic features 21 Savage and 50 Cent. The artist teased the album for a short time prior to dropping it, with fans correctly guessing that it’d be a sequel. On the new album, Nas name-drops Hennessy on his track “Pistols On Your Album Cover,” revealing that he actually put 2Pac onto it. “I remember I put 2Pac onto that Henny. Howard University, Howard Homecoming, D.C. He’s like, ‘What’s this?’ He drank that sh*t though, word,” he says. He also goes on to give the late artist’s father, who passed away earlier this month, a shoutout. Mutulu Shakur died at the age of 72 following a battle with cancer.

In a recent interview with XXL, 50 Cent also reflected on his first time meeting his collaborator. He revealed that he quickly realized Nas was smarter than what he had previously thought based on his songs. “[Nas] was ahead of us,” he explained. “What he had, and I was looking at it going, ‘You gotta be careful’ because he was smarter than the music he was releasing… He was smarter than things he was saying on the records,” Fif continued.

Read More: Nas Unveils “Magic 2” Tracklist

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