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Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 30 Years Ago

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day in Hip Hop history three decades ago, OutKast, the duo that helped pioneer putting southern Hip Hop on the map, released their debut classic LP, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

This Dungeon Family masterpiece recorded by Andre 3000 and Big Boi paved the way for Atlanta and the rest of the Dirty South to have their unique voice in Hip Hop. Before this album, there weren’t many hit records coming from anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line. Peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200 and being certified platinum less than a year after its release, this album’s achievements speak for themselves.

Produced entirely by OutKast and Organized Noize, this project was like none before. Its sound is perfectly described as southern rap. Everything about this album screams Atlanta, from the dialect to the instruments used to the references. The smooth blues and marching band-influenced beats blend with Big Boi and Andre 3000’s flows, creating something new that rippled the tide of an industry saturated with G-Funk or New York Hip Hop.

Both commercially and critically, this album was immensely successful. It peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. This album was also the reason OutKast received the Best Newcomer Award at the 1995 Source Awards, which, as we all know, was met with controversy. Regardless of the haters, this album came at the beginning of the career of two rappers who changed the game forever.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 30 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 30 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: 50 Cent Dropped His ‘Guess Who’s Back?’ Mixtape 22 Years Ago

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Today in 2002, 50 Cent released Guess Who’s Back?, his first official mixtape following the Power of the Dollar LP on the Full Clip Records indie imprint.

It was this offering that would catapult Curtis Jackson into the public eye. Eventually, the project would gain the attention of Eminem via his attorney/manager Paul Rosenberg and Shady would ultimately sign 50 Cent to Shady Records/Interscope and a new Hip Hop icon would be born.

Guess Who’s Back features production from Trackmasters, Clark Kent, Sha Money Xl, and featured street anthems like, “Your Life’s On The Line”. It also had the controversial song, “Ghetto Qu’ran” which allegedly led to his almost deadly shooting in 2000.

The album charted on Billboard setting up the G-Unit era and a lengthy career that continues today. 50 Cent would go on to release his mega Interscope debut, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” and become a top charting and live show sellout artist.

Salute to Fif for this timeless and necessary piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 50 Cent Dropped His ‘Guess Who’s Back?’ Mixtape 22 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 50 Cent Dropped His ‘Guess Who’s Back?’ Mixtape 22 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Timbaland Once Warned Wendy Williams About Aaliyah Biopic Backlash

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Wendy Williams, known for her boldness in addressing controversial topics, found herself at the center of a storm when she took on the production of the Lifetime movie “Aaliyah: The Princess of R & B” in 2014. Chronicling the life and journey of the late singer Aaliyah, the biopic aimed to shed light on the iconic artist’s rise to superstardom, her relationships with industry figures like R. Kelly, Missy Elliot, and Timbaland.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Williams defended her involvement in the project, emphasizing the importance of accurately portraying Aaliyah’s story. Despite her awareness of potential controversy, Williams believed the film would do justice to Aaliyah’s legacy and satisfy the curiosity of fans eager for insight into the singer’s life.

However, the movie faced significant criticism both before and after its release. Aaliyah’s family vehemently opposed the project, refusing to grant permission for the use of her original songs. Fans and celebrities alike expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the biopic, from its depiction of Aaliyah’s relationship with R. Kelly to concerns about casting choices.

Zendaya, initially cast as Aaliyah, withdrew from the project due to doubts about its quality, leading to her replacement by Alexandra Shipp. Timbaland, a close friend of Aaliyah, refused to watch the biopic and warned Williams to brace herself for the backlash it would inevitably bring.

‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ New Documentary Trailer From Lifetime Following End of Talk Show

Despite the negative feedback, Williams remained steadfast in her belief that the project honored Aaliyah’s legacy. She emphasized that the biopic was inspired by a book focusing on Aaliyah’s life rather than her tragic death, aiming to present a balanced portrayal while respecting the family’s sensitivities.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the biopic did not deter viewership, with 3.2 million tuning in to watch, making it the second-highest-rated television film of 2014.

The post Timbaland Once Warned Wendy Williams About Aaliyah Biopic Backlash first appeared on The Source.

The post Timbaland Once Warned Wendy Williams About Aaliyah Biopic Backlash appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Brian McKnight to Perform National Anthem at 2023 MLS All-Star Game

R&B singer Brian McKnight stirred up controversy last week after he made comments about his children ‘made out of sin’ and his estranged son’s battle with cancer. Now, McKnight is claiming that his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, prevented him from offering assistance to their son Niko, who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer.

During his weekly Q&A session on Instagram, McKnight responded to a fan suggestion about writing a song for his son, stating, “Six months ago, we found out about this [Niko’s cancer diagnosis]. We called him. We talked to him, we talked to his wife. She told us that she was all alone and handling everything all by herself.”

McKnight, 54, went on to describe how he and his current wife, Leilani Mendoza, took proactive steps to help Niko by seeking out medical specialists and securing treatment facilities. However, McKnight claimed that his efforts were halted by Julie, who allegedly made a hostile phone call demanding him to cease his assistance.

“I can only imagine that if that help came from me, that it would go against the strong narrative that’s being pushed out there about me,” McKnight stated, referring to claims of him being a deadbeat father. “So what are we doing? We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it.”

Following McKnight’s statements, Julie provided a statement to Page Six, calling him a liar and accusing him of attempting to manipulate the situation for his own narrative.

The allegations have sparked outrage among fans and critics alike, who have condemned McKnight’s behavior as insensitive, particularly given Niko’s health struggles. Many have expressed disbelief at McKnight’s decision to publicly discuss such sensitive family matters and have called for him to prioritize his son’s well-being over personal disputes.

“So what are we doing?” The 17-time Grammy nominee added, “We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it.”

Brian concluded his response by saying he and his wife are “praying” for Niko.

The post Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Killed In Car Crash 22 Years Ago

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

the source lisa left eye lopes greatest style moments

On this date in 2002, the frontwoman of legendary R&B/Hip Hop trio TLC, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was killed in an automobile crash in Honduras when he SUV swerved out of control, discharging all four passengers in the vehicle. Lopes was the only fatality in the accident. She was 30 years old.

Left Eye was undoubtedly one of the major creative forces of the group. She was responsible for the group’s image, album titles, artwork, music videos, and received the majority of the co-writing credits. The group received four Grammys for Best R&B album for CrazySexyCool in 1996, Best R&B Performance By Group With Vocals of “Creep” in 1996, Best R&B Album for Fan Mail in 2000, and Best R&B Performance By Group With Vocals for “Scrubs” in 2000.

Left Eye went on to pursue a short solo career, scoring two top ten singles for “Not Tonight” and “U Know What’s Up”, and a #1 UK single for “Never Be The Same Again”. Lisa is still the only TLC member to release a solo album.

The last moments of left Eye’s life were captured in a documentary titled The Last Days of Left Eye showing the artist’s last 27 days alive, which aired in May 2007.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Killed In Car Crash 22 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Killed In Car Crash 22 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 69th Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Coke La Rock!

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date, we celebrate the born day of the very first person to be considered an emcee in the culture we now call Hip Hop; Coke La Rock.

“Now way back in the days when hip-hop began
With Coke La Rock, Kool Herc, and then Bam” – KRS-1 “South Bronx”

Today marks the 69th birthday of Coke La Rock, the man recognized as the very first emcee to rock the mic. He can tell you about the very first party that DJ Kool Herc threw for his sister on August 11, 1973, the day distinguished as Hip-Hop’s birthday. He was there because he was an original member of the Herculoids crew and his job was to be the Master of the Ceremony.

Two Hip-Hop staples that originated with the king are party chants you have definitely heard before. They are, “You rock and you don’t stop” and “Hotel, motel, you don’t tell, we won’t tell.” Most people believe that these lines were originated by the Sugar Hill Gang, but just like they stole lyrics from Grandmaster Caz, they also swipe these transitional hooks from La Rock.

Other people inspired by him (and you can tell this by their names) were the late Scott La Rock of BDP and T La Rock.

Happy birthday to this legend on his birthday and wish him many more hereafter!!

The post Happy 69th Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Coke La Rock! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 69th Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Coke La Rock! appeared first on The Source.

Kid Cudi Cancels World Tour After Freak Accident at Coachella

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kid Cudi officially canceled his Insane World Tour following the freak accident where he broke his ankle during his recent set at Coachella this past Sunday.

The rapper broke the news, and no pun was intended in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Here’s what he said on the post:

“Guys, so, I have a broken calcaneus,” he wrote. “I’m headed to surgery now and there’s gonna be a long recovery time. We have to cancel the tour so I can focus on getting better to be out there in top shape to rage with you all. Theres just no way I can bounce back in time to give 100%. The injury is much more serious than I thought. Anyone who bought tickets will get a full refund, you’ll get an email soon. We will be back with new tour dates as soon as possible, and I can’t wait to get back out there with you guys and turn up how we do. I’m so sorry fam and I love you all so much, thanks for the endless love and support. Im really disappointed as I’m sure you guys are too, but I will be back. Thats a promise. Im ok, just a lil soreness, but I’m in good spirits.”

The crazy part is that Kid Cudi was a last-minute addition to Coachella’s star-studded lineup. It was all fine during his performance in the Sahara Tent until he decided to jump off the stage. That’s when things took a turn, and he collapsed after he clearly got hurt.

“Hey guys, so I broke my foot today at the show,” he then posted on X not too long after the incident. “Just leavin the hospital. Never broken a bone before so this is all a bit crazy. I wanna thank u all for ur concerns and well wishes!! I love yall man. I heard yall still ragin when I was offstage. Made me smile big.”

It’s sad because Cudi’s last appearance at Coachella was in 2019. There, he performed songs from “Kids See Ghosts” alongside Kanye West, who now goes by Ye.

The Insano world tour was scheduled to kick off on July 28 in Austin, Texas, with 43 dates and was going to have support from Pusha T, Jaden, and Earthgang. Damn.

The post Kid Cudi Cancels World Tour After Freak Accident at Coachella first appeared on The Source.

The post Kid Cudi Cancels World Tour After Freak Accident at Coachella appeared first on The Source.