hip-hop culture

T.I. Names His Top Five Rappers Turned Actors

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While a lot of rappers stick to what they blew up with, it’s more common by the day to see them venture into other fields. T.I. just shared his top five list of rappers turned actors with Jalen Rose on the Renaissance Man podcast. Moreover, his list includes a lot of the classic heavy hitters that can’t escape a mention.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: Rapper T.I. attends the world premiere of “Fear” at Directors Guild Of America on January 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)

“Name me your top five rappers turned actors,” Rose asked the Atlanta MC, who laughed at the question

“Damn,” the rapper began. “Tupac, Will Smith, Cube, Ice-T… man, Queen Latifah.”

To give credit where it’s due, it seemed like T.I. had his answers on lock quite quickly. Furthermore, all those names are legendary when it comes to crossing mediums over. Also, it’s funny to hear the 42-year-old talk about acting considering Morgan Freeman got him fired from a movie.

T.I.’s (Almost) Big Break

However, to be fair, T.I. almost made it big in that industry, as well. During a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe, he talked about how he was almost cast for Nick Cannon’s role in the film Drumline.

“[Dallas Austin] was telling me about his first film,” he said. “I was always like, ‘Yo bruh, put me in it.’ And he was like, ‘Aight, yeah man. Say less.’ He sent me to go read and I read and they were like, ‘Man, you got to learn how to play the drums.’ And I was like, ‘I could play like I could play the drums.’ They were like, ‘Nah, you gotta learn how.’ I was like, ‘Man, I don’t wanna do that.’

“I just didn’t want to commit myself to it at the time. It wasn’t there,” the “Live Your Life” star continued. “But I read, and I didn’t get it, and that movie went on to be Drumline. Yeah, I was reading for Nick Cannon’s part.

“Look, that opened the door for me to do ATL,” he added. “After I didn’t get the role for Drumline, I went back to Dallas and said, ‘Man, next time, bruh, just give me the role. I ain’t going to read or nothing. Just give me the role.’ And he was like, ‘Cool,’ and he just gave the role for Rashad in ATL.”

Still, what do you think of T.I.’s top five rappers turned actors list? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, log back into HNHH for the latest lists and ranking of the game’s best from the game’s best.

Tony Yayo Speaks On 50 Cent And Other Rappers Being “Damaged”

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Tony Yayo recently spoke about how 50 Cent is one of many damaged rappers working in the industry today. While many consult the New York rapper for his interesting takes and stories, he opened up about the struggle many rappers face. During an interview with DJ Vlad, he explained how artists who come from the streets face an uphill battle.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 30: Tony Yayo attends Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Star Ceremony on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Yayo used the “In Da Club” rapper as an example.

“Listen [50] didn’t know who his father was, and his moms was in the streets, and she got killed,” he remarked. “There’s no parents there, your grandparents are older, you’re damaged, bro. You was outside, the streets taught n***as. A lot of shootings you see… You see an 18-year-old kid stab his 16-year-old girlfriend somewhere in New York because he thought she was cheating.

“It’s what they see from parents,” he continued. “It’s f***ed up for certain places. Sometimes, you want to help and try to fix people, your mans say he do s**t for the youth. That’s real s**t. ‘Cause that’s where it starts at, trying to help them, but some people can’t be helped. They just f***in’ bad seeds, bruh.”

However, in the same interview with VladTV, he also remarked a lighter story about 50 spitting his first verse.

“‘Son said he was from O.T., sold ‘leven at O.Z.,’” he continued rapping. “‘His man brought him to me, but he ain’t really know B. Said it was time, dude was a cop, he was just trying to pop to put the new beams on the drop.’ That’s all I remember. But that rhyme to me was like, that’s when I was like, “Nah.” He had other s**t, but that was in my man’s basement… and I was just like ‘Yo, this n***a’s getting better by the minute.”

Still, what did you think of Tony Yayo’s remarks about damaged rappers? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay logged into HNHH for the latest insights, reflections, and tough conversations from titans of the hip-hop game.

Rock The Bells Announces Lineup For First-Ever Hip-Hop Cruise

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LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells just announced the lineup for their upcoming hip-hop experience cruise. Moreover, the global platform dedicated to hip-hop culture partnered with Sixthman, known in the industry for their on-seas experiences. While the lineup is incredibly extensive, performances won’t be all that patrons have to look forward to from November 13th to 17th this year.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 06: Rick Ross attends Rock The Bells at Forest Hills Stadium on August 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Furthermore, the lineup includes many legends of the game, plus some names who still engage actively with it. Some are Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, and Slick Rick. Also included are DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Pete Rock, EPMD, Bun B, and many more. Moreover, Roxanne Shanté and Torae will host, with a Kid Capri-led pool deck party series.

“How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat?” Shanté stated. “LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Furthermore, Too $hort added “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”

Unfortunately, though, tickets for the cruise experience already sold out. Still, not all hope is lost if you didn’t snag your reservation. Moreover, fans can go to rockthebellscruise.com and sign up for a waiting list to wait for rooms as they become available.

“See, that’s the difference between the Rock The Bells Festival and any other festivals,” Shanté told us about Rock The Bells Festival last year. “Most festivals are thrown together by people who, you know, they pick some hot artists, but for us, this is more than that—this is a family reunion, and we’re looking so forward to having the family come together, especially after the pandemic. So, being able to do this…phenomenal. I tell everybody, ‘This right here, if you have ever felt that you were not a part of Hip Hop history, then this is your chance to be a part of Hip Hop history.’”

Still, what do you think of the lineup for the Rock The Bells cruise? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the most exciting upcoming live experiences in hip-hop.

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Ice Spice Says She & Drake Are “Cool”

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In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ice Spice said that she and Drake are “cool.” Moreover, an interest in said relationship comes from the two rappers’ curious history together. Last time they crossed over was when Drake seemingly dissed the Bronx MC on his Her Loss cut, “BackOutsideBoyz.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 06: Ice Spice visits SiriusXM Studios on October 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

Furthermore, NYT asked the “Munch” artist about Drake in their conversation together.

“We’re cool,” she expressed. “We spoke after that a couple times and we’re good. There’s no beef.”

Moreover, lines like “She a ten trying to rap, it’s good on mute” on “BackOutsideBoyz” pointed fans toward a potential Ice Spice diss. The track appeared on the 6 God’s collaborative album with 21 Savage, Her Loss. Meanwhile, Spice went viral last year with some huge hits, and the two were spotted together.

However, things got a bit murky from there. After Drake unfollowed Ice Spice on Instagram, many wondered what could’ve gone down between them. Still, she had a cheeky Twitter response to his presumed diss that fans took a liking to.

“At least ima 10,” she wrote with shrugging and laughing emojis.

What’s more is that Spice has bigger fish to fry these days. Moreover, she just dropped her debut project, the Like…? EP, to much buzz and acclaim. Also, it features her biggest hits like “Bikini Bottom” and her hotly anticipated cut with Lil Tjay, “Gangsta Boo.” Regardless of any viral moments or speculative industry hearsay, she’s definitely setting up big things for herself in 2023.

Meanwhile, the “Nice For What” star built up some hype of his own this week. For example, rumors swirled recently around him and 21 Savage going on a summer tour this year. While they’ve made no official announcements, some alleged ticketing service leaks suggest they’re hitting the road. Even as Drake throws rumored subs at Ice Spice and other rappers, his star power just doesn’t fizzle out.

Still, what do you think about Ice Spice and Drake being “cool” now? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for more reconciled issues and movements in the game.

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