Hip-Hop History

Tupac Confronted Biggie At Soul Train Awards, Recalls Big Gipp

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Veteran artists often revisit times Rap’s Golden era when Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were dominating the culture. Both rappers were killed in drive-by-related shootings six months apart, and their memories are regularly honored by the friends who knew them well.

Goodie Mob’s Big Gipp visited the Bad Speakers Podcast and was asked about his relationship with Tupac. He shared tales of getting kicked out of strip clubs and partying with the beloved star.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Answers Where Tupac & Biggie Would Be If They Were Still Alive

“That’s when he was in the city ’round here raising hell,” Gipp recalled. “Pac was like that. You ever got your homeboy, it’s almost like he ain’t scared of nothin’? It’s like, this n*gga here, he fool scary. He ain’t scared of nothin’, but you like, I’mma sit back and think about the situation. But shawty just gon’ react.”

“If you with him, and he do somethin’, then you with him,” he continued. Gipp also remembered watching Tupac in the studio, rapping “with a cup of Hennessy and a cigarette in [his] mouth.”

“Rapped that sh*t like water. He was just so much fun.”

NEW YORK – JULY 23: Rappers Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls (Christoper Wallace) and Puff Daddy (sean Combes) perform onstage at the Palladium on July 23, 1993 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Read More: Ab-Soul Eviscerates L.A. Leakers Freestyle Over Tupac & Biggie Beats

Gipp laughed about how the late rapper would “show out” wherever he went. Further, he spoke on The Soul Train Awards when Pac created a scene.

“Just imagine, we get out there to The Soul Train Awards. We giving out an award, when we give out the award, it go to commercial break,” said Gipp. It was then that Tupac, Suge Knight, and their crew interrupted the ceremony by kicking in the door and making a grand entrance.

“Just kick open, boom! It’s Tupac. He come down the middle of the road like, ‘Yeah! What’s up shawty! He got on all the camouflage, Big Suge with him. Ran right after Biggie and them.”

“So, when they show the movie, when Pac comes backstage and is going off on Biggie, Goodie Mob’s standing in the middle of them.”

Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)
Read More: Tupac Shakur’s “Dear Mama” Docuseries Premieres In April

Soon, the world will receive an inside look at Tupac’s relationship with his mother, Afeni Shakur. Dear Mama will reportedly premiere in April.

Check out Big Gipp revisiting his memories above.

Jay-Z Turned Down The Beat For Big Pun’s “Still Not A Player,” Hip Hop Says

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Jay-Z once turned down the beat for Big Pun’s “Still Not A Player,” according to Joshua “Hip Hop” Kyambo.

The former Roc-A-Fella A&R recently appeared on the R.O.A.D podcast where he delved into his history with the legendary label, working with Jay-Z, and defining the label’s distinct production style. Hip Hop deserves the credit for some of the biggest records in Jay’s catalog since the signature sound of the label heavily depended on his ear for production.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: (L-R) Kareem Biggs Burke, Jay Z, and Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua at Fourth of November presents 20th Anniversary of Reasonable Doubt on June 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

While he shared some tales of Jay’s studio sessions, he also dived into a few songs that he turned down. Some of them included massive records that have withstood the test of time.

Hip-Hop presented the beat for “Still Not A Player” before it ultimately landed in Big Pun’s lap. He also tried to get Jay-Z on “Whoa!” which wound up becoming Black Rob’s biggest hit. Finally, he revealed that he tried to get Jay-Z to rap on the beat for Mr. Cheeks’ “Lights, Camera, Action.”

“He said it was too slow,” Hip-Hop recalled of Jay’s reaction to “Lights, Camera, Action.” “I was like ‘Whatchu mean it’s too slow?’”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 01: Jay-Z is seen out and about in Manhattan on August 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)

The hosts then asked how he felt about the success of the song. He explained that he didn’t feel any way about Jay turning the beat down.

“Nah, it’s like whatever is best for the record,” he said. And I know that a record just got to motivate [Jay-Z].”

Check out the clip below and let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Just Blaze Teases Unreleased Music From Jay-Z, Ghostface Killah & More

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Just Blaze’s vault is unlike many producers, especially since he’s holding onto unreleased gems from the GOATs.

The legendary producer revealed that he discovered a handful of CDs while cleaning out storage. The CDs included unheard material from Jay-Z, The Neptunes, Ghostface Killah, and more.

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Just Blaze, Memphis Bleek and Young Guru attend the Roc-A-Fella Reunion at Gramercy Theatre on December 19, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“Back at storage cleaning out. Found some heavy sessions today. Last slide is a doozy. RIP @staticmajor_ and our brother Kamel,” Just Blaze captioned the post.

The collection of photos reveals some of the unreleased joints that are in his possession including The Neptunes “Christie” and “Operator,” a collab from Timbaland and Static Major, as well as “Missing Audio Files,” a collaboration between Just Blaze and Ghostface Killah.

In addition, Just Blaze unveiled that he had unreleased music from Jay-Z including a collab with M.O.P, another with Madlib, and the song “Hello Young Lady.” Blaze previously discussed “Hello Young Lady,” explaining it was left off of The Black Album and Magna Carta Holy Grail because it shared similarities to “Song Cry.”

A fan also wrote that the song with Madlib was likely the producer’s remix of “Threats.” However, Just Blaze confirmed that Jay and Beat Konducta have other unreleased music together.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: Just Blaze attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images,,)

Just Blaze’s discovery led to plenty of reactions. Young Guru simply wrote, “Memories.” Drake slid into the comments where he reflected on the amount of unreleased music that the world hasn’t heard.

“Imagine how much incredible music has just never been heard,” he wrote. “like beats and songs that are sitting somewhere…it’s like the ocean we just don’t know what’s there.”

Check the comments below.

The Game Shouts Out 50 Cent & Dr. Dre On “The Documentary” Anniversary

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The Game celebrates 18 years since his debut album, The Documentary today. The album propelled The Game to stardom with the supporter of singles like “How We Do It ” and “Hate It Or Love It” — both featuring 50 Cent.

Following 50 Cent’s ascent, The Game became the latest rapper to add to Aftermath’s successful track record. At the same time, he became 50 Cent’s most successful artist under the G-Unit banner.’ latest rapper under the Aftermath umbrella to emerge into mainstream consciousness. At the same time, he became 50 Cent’s most successful artist under the G-Unit banner.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 18: Producer Dr. Dre (L) and rapper The Game on stage at “The Documentary” 10th anniversary party and concert on January 18, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

The Game’s issues with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent have been highly publicized in the past. However, he put his issues with them aside for the anniversary to genuinely express his gratitude. He also thanked Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes for their support at the time.

“18 years ago today…. A hip hop classic was born. All I wanted to do was tell my story & make sure my son would never live the life I did,” he wrote. “@snoopdogg passed me the torch, @bustarhymes kept me focused… @drdre laid the foundation & @50cent helped put the puzzle together.”

The Game also provided the backstory to the iconic photos that emerged as part of The Documentary‘s album art.

NEW YORK – MARCH 9: (L-R) Rappers 50 Cent and The Game make an appearance at the Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture to announce they will put their differences aside and make amends on March 9, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images

“I took @jonathanmannion to the depths of Compton, California & showed him the heart of what I survived. He captured the essence of my city, my hood & brought to the world my vision,” he added. “Always remember, it is no longer a dream once it becomes reality.”

Check out The Game’s post below.

Bun B Shares Reaction To Jay-Z Using His Lyrics On “99 Problems”

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Only a few might recognize Jay-Z’s reference to UGK in “99 Problems” but Bun B doesn’t seem to take any issue with that. During a recent interview on The People’s Party With Talib Kweli, Bun B reflected on Jay-Z using his bars from “Touched” on The Black Album highlight.

Kweli noted that not everyone is aware that Jay used his bars on the third verse of “99 Problems.” However, Bun B said he feels it was a way that Jay-Z showed respect to him and Pimp C.

Young Jeezy, Bun B, Jay Z and Bernard Hopkins during Young Jeezy Launch Party at the Hugh Hefner Suite in the Palm Hotel at Hugh Hefner Suite in the Palm Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“But I don’t feel like it’s that big of a deal. I would call it mutual respect,” he said. “We do this a lot in Hip Hop, right? Where we have artists who have said, ‘Fuck that was dope, the way he said that.’ And sometimes you wanna pay homage to that wordplay. How many songs, Kweli, have you listened to and been like, ‘I woulda rhymed that last part like this.’”

Bun went on to explain that Jay-Z ultimately put more people onto UGK’s Ridin’ Dirty hit by using his lyrics.

HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 07: Bun B performs during Future and Friends One Big Party Tour at Toyota Center on January 07, 2023 in Houston, Texas.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“I think you feel like, ‘This is a dope rhyme, I don’t think enough people heard this shit. I’m finna drop this shit in here.’ Sometimes you take a dope rhyme and make it a hook, and then people gotta go back and figure it out,” he continued. “But nah, I don’t think a lot of people know that. I don’t think it’s a big deal that they don’t know or a big deal if they do.”

Check out the clip below.

Jordin Sparks Suggests Chris Brown & Rihanna Beef Caused “No Air” Grammys Snub: Watch

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It’s been 15 years since Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown came together to make magic on “No Air.“ To this day, though, the American Idol alum continues to defend her friend. In the past, she’s shut down those who continue to bring up the father of three’s prior allegations of abuse – even though they may have cost her a Grammy.

Earlier this month, the “One Step At A Time” hitmaker appeared on Cut’s “Truth or Drink” video series. During the interview, the host couldn’t help but go back in time to the 2009 award ceremony. At the time, Breezy was arrested due to an altercation with his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.

Singers Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown in the audience during the 2007 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on November 18, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/AMA/Getty Images for AMA)

According to Sparks, she found out about the incident “like everybody else [did].” As she recalls, label publicists approached her on the red carpet, telling the singer, “You know nothing.”

At the time, she had no idea about what happened, just that “No Air” was up for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the Grammys. Under normal circumstances, the night would’ve been a dream come true. However, it obviously took a turn for the worse after Breezy’s arrest.

Sparks says she found out the truth during the ceremony. At first, she was confident that they “had a really good chance of winning.” Ultimately, though, it was Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ work on “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)” that took the trophy.

“I couldn’t believe it,” the 33-year-old told Cut. “A lot of stuff that happened after that was not me. I think a lot of the powers that had a hand in, like… [I] didn’t know the ins and outs of the industry,” she further explained.

Reliving what could’ve been with “No Air” is never easy. Luckily, the interview also found Sparks happily discussing her solo music and her relationship. “Have you ever done the nasty while listening to your own music?” the host asked her.

From off-camera, her husband, Dana Isaiah quickly answers for her, “Yes.” As his wife laughs, she jokes, “I don’t even get to take a shot, damn it!” Afterward, she says the track of choice for the bedroom is “Silhouette” from her Right Here Right Now album.

Check out Jordin Sparks’ full “Truth or Drink” episode below, and check back later for more music news updates.

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Dr. Dre Wanted 50 Cent To Leave “21 Questions” Off Of “Get Rich Or Die Tryin”

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50 Cent pushed to have “21 Questions” included on his debut album, despite Dr. Dre’s hesitancy.

During a recent visit to Big Boy’s Neighborhood, 50 Cent revealed how Dr. Dre pushed back against the release of one of his biggest hits. Fif explained that Dre wasn’t totally convinced about releasing “21 Questions” ft. Nate Dogg, largely because it didn’t fit the mold of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Rappers 50 Cent (R) and Dr. Dre arrive at the Shady National Convention to launch Shade 45, a new satellite radio station, at the Roseland Ballroom October 28, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

“He said, ‘I don’t know why you want it?’ Why I wanted the record,” he explained. “I’m like, ‘Damn, man, I gotta do all these muthafuckin’ push-ups,’” Fif added. “I want the girls to like me.”

50 Cent explained that he felt as though Dr. Dre wanted him to follow a similar blueprint to N.W.A., who didn’t rely on catering to certain demographics to expand their reach.

“Like they didn’t have to reach to make a commercial record or anything that sounded like a commercial record,” 50 Cent continued. “And that’s just in his DNA. Like on his path, he’s like, ‘We don’t need that.’”

Inglewood, CA – February 13:50 Cent Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar perform during halftime of the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 in Inglewood, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Despite the pushback, the BMF exec. pushed for the record and the results speak for themselves. “21 Questions,” produced by Dirty Swifty, became a massive hit once it dropped. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking yet another #1 single in his career.

Check out 50 Cent’s comments below and let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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GloRilla Attends Gangsta Boo’s Funeral, Wants To “Keep Representing” Her

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When news broke of Memphis legend Gangsta Boo’s passing, sympathizers and artists like GloRilla attended her funeral with heavy hearts. As the hip-hop world and beyond mourns her loss, the next generation is recognizing the importance of legacy. Furthermore, GloRilla spoke at the proceedings about her commitment to keeping the Three 6 Mafia queen’s spirit alive.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 05: Gangsta Boo attends the Grand Opening for My Fish Stop Mississippi Soul Fish North Hollywood at My Fish Stop on May 05, 2022 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)

“She’s still alive. You know what I’m saying?” she said at the funeral. Also, she reposted clips of talking to reporters on her Instagram story. “Big Memphis. We gonna keep representing her.” In another snippet, the 23-year-old added “Long live Lola. Big Memphis. Let’s go!”

Moreover, the two Memphis MCs collaborated with Latto on their song “FTCU.” After Boo was found dead in her native city on New Year’s Day at the age of 43, an official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Given the shocking news, many wanted and still want to pay their respects. After her passing was shared with the world, she was laid to rest on Saturday, January 14th. Furthermore, family and friends held the funeral at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. According to The Commercial Appeal and Action News 5, she rests about 15 minutes south of her hometown.

Meanwhile, Boo’s other “FTCU” collaborator Latto shared her grief over the rapper’s loss. “The one hit different,” the “Big Energy” rapper wrote. “I’m just glad I got to feel your embrace & give u ur flowers before u left us. BIG BOO 4L.”

While the city of Memphis is hurting right now, the success of artists like GloRilla is forever indebted to the ground Gangsta Boo paved. Moreover, fellow Memphis star Moneybagg Yo just dropped “On Wat U On” featuring Glo. As two of the hottest rappers of the moment, they haven’t lost sight of the city that birthed them. That being said, we will see how Boo’s passing impacts the art the city creates in the future.

What do you think of GloRilla’s words at Gangsta Boo’s funeral? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH to continue celebrating Gangsta Boo’s life and impact.

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50 Greatest Rappers Of All Time List Shared Via Partnership Between Billboard & Vibe

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Creating a list of the 50 greatest rappers of all time is certainly no easy feat. There are so many artists who deserve a mention for their contributions to the genre and the culture. However, with only 50 spots, there will evidently have to be some notable exclusions.

In a new partnership between Billboard and Vibe, the duo of magazines are sharing their collaborative list of the 50 best rappers ever. On Wednesday (January 11), they shared the first 10, #50-41.

The #50 spot goes to Rick Ross, with Rev Run and Melle Mel above him at #49 and #48 respectively. MC Lyte comes in at #47, Jadakiss at #46 and the 45th spot belongs to Ice-T. Queen Latifah, Bun B and Redman follow, as they take the 44th-42nd spots in order. E-40 is the last rapper to make the first instalment of the list, coming in at #41.

Furthermore, the Bay Area legend is one rapper who took to his Twitter account to express his gratitude for his inclusion on the list. “Appreciate the recognition from @billboard & @VibeMagazine for their 50 Greatest Rappers of All-Time list[.] Still feel underrated nationally but nobody can deny my longevity, independent hustle, my unorthodox style and creative slang in this rap game!!” writes the 55-year-old.

However, it’s certainly inspiring some interesting reactions and responses on social media. Specifically, some fans seemingly disagree with Jadakiss being in the bottom 10. “E-40 ranked higher over Jadakiss on this 50 greatest rappers list,” writes one fan on Twitter.

“How you got a top 50 rappers list and Jadakiss is at the bottom of the list?” questions brokencool in his own response.

The list serves as a celebration of hip-hop correspondingly turning 50 years old this year. Each week, they’ll be further announcing the list’s next 10 rappers. The final top 10 will eventually be unveiled during the week of February 6. It will certainly be interesting to see who they rank where.

What do you think of #50-41? Do you agree or disagree with any of the placements? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure you stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates.

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Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne & Missy Elliott To Receive Recording Academy Global Impact Award

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The Recording Academy Honors will be acknowledging Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott and music executive Sylvia Rhone for their achievements within the music industry. The Black Music Collective will be presenting the event and award during the 2023 Grammy week.

The three rappers and Rhone will all receive the Recording Academy Global Impact Award. Last year, John Legend became the very first artist to receive the acknowledgement for both his personal and professional achievements.

Lil Wayne performs onstage at the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Dr. Dre has taken home seven Grammy awards throughout his decorated career, while Lil Wayne has won five. Missy Elliott is the winner of four different Grammy awards and a pioneer for women in hip-hop.

The 65th annual Grammy Awards are less than a month away. On February 5, the award show will take place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The nominees for Best Rap Album this year are Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Pusha T’s It’s Almost Dry, Future’s I NEVER LIKED YOU, Jack Harlow’s Come Home The Kids Miss You and DJ Khaled’s GOD DID.

This category evidently received some backlash for the Academy’s choices in nominees this year. One person who didn’t hold back in calling them out is Denzel Curry. “But For The Rap Album Category I can literally Name you 10 other albums that were actually good[.] congrats to kdot and push but all that other sh*t come on bruh…” he writes in his tweet from November.

The five tracks up for Best Rap Song at this year’s awards are Kendrick’s “The Heart Part 5,” Future’s “WAIT FOR U,” Gunna’s “pushin P,” Jack Harlow’s “Churchill Downs” and DJ Khaled’s star-studded single, “GOD DID.” Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre both receive a nomination for their appearances on Khaled’s nominated album.

Furthermore, Beyoncé leads the way with nine separate nominations at this year’s award show. Among them are Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Dance Recording for “Break My Soul.”

This subsequently ties her with her husband, JAY Z, for for the most nominations ever at 88 each.

Who do you think will be the winners in the hip-hop categories this year? Comment your predictions down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases.

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