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Today In Hip Hop History: Method Man’s Debut Album ‘Tical’ Turns 30 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Method Man released his debut solo LP Tical. Sticking to RZA’s plan on industry domination, Method was the first to roll out his solo LP after the ridiculous success group debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). In the early years of the Wu, Method Man had grown become the public face of the group. His larger than life persona and a multitude of styles won over the hearts and ears of fans after the groups first single “Protect Ya Neck” had “Method Man” on it’s B-side.

Tical delves deeper into the sinister villainous style previewed on 36 Chambers. Method Man creates a dark anti-hero on this album who hungers for the career of wack rappers and perpetrators. It was truly a violent introduction to one of the most outrageous members of the Wu, second only to ODB in theatrical personality.

Considered a “two-man show” by critics, the album was almost entirely produced by RZA. As the Wu’s architect, RZA created specific sounds for each member. Method unique sonic was the most film inspired. Meth continued to build a character likened to the many crime bosses and master villains that starred in his beloved Kung-Fu flicks. Aside from the image, lyrically the album is on another level. Method Man flawlessly juggles synonyms and metaphors with a flow that weaves in and out of the beat to create a hardcore symphony of Shaolin style.

Commercially, the album was a hit and only added on to the cipher of success revolving around the Wu-Tang Clan. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart selling a million copies within a year of its release. It kick-started a wave of successful solo albums and keep afloat RZA’s five-year plan to becoming the greatest rap group in history.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 38 Years Ago

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On this date 38 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill, on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.

On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow-up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.

Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”

Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.

Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!

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Lil Baby Returns With Two New Tracks “5AM” And “Insecurities”

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Earlier this morning, Grammy-Award winning superstar Lil Baby’s (Quality Control Music/Motown) made his triumphant return to rap supremacy with “5 AM.” Directed by Skeeboe, “5 AM” highlights the Atlanta superstar’s charisma and Teflon’s resiliency, which are ultimately the driving forces of the track. “Ain’t it crazy how they try to play me like I ain’t the one / Ain’t said it, but you know without me, this shit would be none,” the diamond-certified rapper says on the chorus, his flow pulsating with frenetic energy.

Whether driving exotic cars or putting pen to paper in the studio, Baby’s lyrical fortitude swells when his back is against the wall, and pressure comes at him from every angle. Despite the constant attacks from his adversaries, Baby is unfazed, reminding fans of his unwavering determination to reclaim his spot in the game as one of rap’s elite storytellers.

Following the release of “5 AM, Baby charged back with his official new single “Insecurities” Directed by Hidji, Baby lays out the reasons why he should be anyone’s plan A, offering top-of-the-line quality across the board. Baby’s onslaught reaches new levels when he raps: “I know it gets tight paying bills, I’ll take care of that / I know you been wanting to tour the world, we can go anywhere. “Insecurities” finds Baby showcasing why he’s the best option for women looking to secure a real man.

Lil Baby continues to keep his fans on high alert with more buzzy and noteworthy collaborations. Billboards in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta and Chicago have read: “Whatever Wham Say Goes,” referring to Young Thug’s famous tweet from last June.

This isn’t surprising as Baby’s searing run as a perennial features artist remains his calling card after churning out hits for Central Cee (“BAND4BAND”), Future and Metro Boomin’ (“All My Life”), Rod Wave (“F–k The Fame”), further solidifying his status as one of the all-time leaders on the Billboard Hot 100. With Baby now shifting the focus back to himself, he’s readying the release for his forthcoming album – his first in two years since his platinum-selling No. 1 album It’s Only Me.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Prodigy Dropped His Debut Solo Album ‘H.N.I.C.’ 24 Years Ago

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TodayInHipHopHistory:ProdigyReleasesHisDebutSoloAlbum'H.N.I.C.'YearsAgo

TodayInHipHopHistory:ProdigyReleasesHisDebutSoloAlbum'H.N.I.C.'YearsAgo

On this day at the turn of the century, Prodigy, the lyrical half of the legendary QB duo Mobb Deep, dropped his debut LP, H.N.I.C., released under the Loud/Violator/Steve Rifkind Co./Infamous Records imprints.

Produced by behind-the-board experts like his partner Havoc, The Alchemist, Rockwilder, and Just Blaze, this album became the first part of the P’s H.N.I.C. (Head Nigga In Charge) trilogy. It also inspired other similar album titles in the 21st century from premiere artists such as Kendrick Lamar (Y.H.N.I.C.) and Wiz Khalifa (O.H.N.I.C.).

Prodigy showed off his versatility on this project, which included love songs(“Trials Of Love”), renewed history tracks (“Infamous Minded”), crew love tracks(“Can’t Complain”, “Dealt With The Bullshit”), and of course, the album-leading, no chorus having “Keep It Thoro”.

Salute to Prodigy in his physical absence, however, his music will forever be etched in Hip Hop History!

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GloRilla Finds The Love Of Her Life In New Video “I LUV HER” Feat. T-Pain

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Today, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and CMG signee GloRilla released her new video for “I LUV HER” featuring T-Pain. Directed by Benny Boom, GloRilla meets the love of her life in actor Da’Vinchi (known for his roles in All American & BMF) in an alternate universe, where the two become inseparable.

From dinner dates to having a baby, Glo and Da’Vinchi become the power couple they’ve always envisioned they could be. Unfortunately, for them both, it was merely a figment of their imagination, leaving both to ponder the potential possibilities. “I LUV HER” resides on Glo’s debut album GLORIOUS, which remains a strong player on the Billboard 200 after debuting at No. 5 during its opening week in October.

The new visual comes after GloRilla landed two Grammy nominations for her double platinum single “Yeah Glo!” in the Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance categories, solidifying her stellar run this year. Most recently, she also earned the second Billboard Hot 100 top 10 song of her career as a feature on Tyler, The Creator’s “Sticky.”

Under the tutelage of CMG founder and CEO Yo Gotti, Big Glo continues to be a force in hip-hop after the release of her debut album, GLORIOUS. The star-studded album includes features from Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Sexyy Red, Kirk Franklin, Bossman Dlo, Fridayy, T-Pain, Muni Long, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Chandler Moore.

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Meek Mill Says He is ‘No Diddy Gang,’ Justin Combs Reacts

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Well, this is a switch-up. With Diddy news swirling online, one of his biggest friends, Meek Mill, has joined the “No Diddy” trend. A video has hit online showing Meek claiming he is “No Diddy Gang.”

“No Diddy Gang, Meek Milly in real life — don’t ever disrespect me, ya heard?” Meek said.

One of Diddy’s sons, Justin COmbs, saw the message and had a swift response: “SMH [facepalm emoji}”

This past September, Meek Mill wanted his name cleared. Hitting X offered $100,000 to an investigative team to find evidence linking him to Diddy’s legal troubles. The message came in response to frequent accusations and jokes flying across social media.

“I wanna hire an investigative team 100k cash to find out every specific detail involving meek mill name to ‘Diddy’ case,” Meek wrote. “I also want them to look at who is powering the media involving ‘meek’ anything to do with buddy!

“‘Something not right,’” he finished.

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Quincy Jones Cause of Death Revealed as Pancreatic Cancer

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Quincy Jones Didn't Want To Work With Elvis Because He Was 'Racist'

Quincy Jones Didn't Want To Work With Elvis Because He Was 'Racist'
Michael Buckner/Variety/Shutterstock

Quincy Jones’s cause of death has been revealed to be pancreatic cancer. According to TMZ, Jones’ death was confirmed by death certificate to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

There were no additional factors listed as a cause of death.

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones was laid to rest in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles a week after his passing at age 91.

According to The Associated Press, the 28-time Grammy-winning composer and arranger was remembered by his family in a small, private gathering that included his seven children, his brother, two sisters, and close relatives. While the location of his burial remains undisclosed, the family expressed deep appreciation for the global tributes and condolences received.

The family shared in a statement they are “enormously grateful for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from his friends and fans from around the world. Details for a memorial celebration of Mr. Jones’ life will be announced at a later date.”

Jones, whose profound impact on music stretched across genres and decades, died peacefully at his Bel Air home on Nov. 3, surrounded by loved ones.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family said. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Jones infused his genius into jazz, pop, film, and television, leaving an indelible mark on modern music and culture. Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most prolific and respected producers, composers, and arrangers in music history. As a young man, Jones attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston but left early to pursue his dreams. He began his career as a jazz trumpeter, working with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, before transitioning into arranging and conducting, which would become his true calling.

Jones was instrumental in crafting the sounds of numerous artists and producing some of the most influential albums of the 20th century. His work with Michael Jackson remains legendary, especially their collaborations on Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987), albums that redefined pop music and made Jackson a global superstar. Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, solidifying Jones’ reputation as a producer with an unparalleled ear for hits.

Beyond his work in pop, Jones was an accomplished film and television composer, scoring notable films such as The Color Purple (1985) and In the Heat of the Night (1967) and the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His groundbreaking arrangements and compositions earned him 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, making him one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history.

Jones was also a pioneering advocate for social change, using his platform to support civil rights and champion diversity in the entertainment industry. His influence transcended music; he was a mentor, a cultural ambassador, and a visionary who brought together artists from all walks of life. In 1993, he was awarded the Grammy Legend Award, a fitting tribute to his status as one of the most transformative figures in music.

Rest in peace to Quincy Jones.

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50 Cent’s Shreveport Film Studio Plans In Jeopardy Amid Louisiana’s Potential Tax Credit Changes

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Haute Living Celebrates Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

Haute Living Celebrates Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

Plans for 50 Cent’s new G-Unit Film & TV Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, have hit a snag due to potential changes in the state’s tax credit policies. Louisiana lawmakers are considering ending a tax credit program that offers a 40% rebate on in-state film and TV production expenditures. On Wednesday (November 13), the Louisiana House of Representatives voted to phase out this program by June 2025 as part of a broader tax system overhaul.

The proposed bill will now advance to the Senate, where it awaits a vote. Louisiana’s film and TV production tax credits played a significant role in 50 Cent’s decision to establish his base in Shreveport, a move he announced earlier this year with plans to boost local industry and community.

Reacting to the news on Instagram, 50 Cent expressed mixed emotions. “This doesn’t feel good, but it could be great for Louisiana. Patience—let’s see how it plays out.” He followed up with another post, acknowledging the challenges. “I know people in Shreveport are sick right now. Stay positive; everything happens for a reason. I want to thank you all for supporting me. Humor Harmony recorded zero violent crimes for 16 days, which turned it into one of my biggest accomplishments.”

Beyond the film studio, 50 Cent had ambitious plans to invest in Shreveport’s housing. He has already initiated efforts to revitalize several properties in the downtown area. Gerod Durden, a real estate broker involved with G-Unit’s projects, stated that 50 Cent intends to purchase and renovate approximately two dozen commercial properties as part of a three-phase initiative. According to local NBC affiliate KTAL, this project aims to bring significant investments to Shreveport’s economy and uplift the community.

“He is very passionate about the city,” Durden said. “I would say 10 or more properties that we’ve already closed a few of this week. It’ll be an additional 10 or so. These are all-cash offers. You know, there, there’s quite a few entertainment spots for not only adults and kids.”

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Happy 60th Birthday To Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons Of Run-D.M.C.!

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Today marks the 60th birthday of one of America’s favorite television dads as well as one of the most influential emcees ever! Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons of the legendary Run-D.M.C. is one of Hip Hop’s most recognizable figures, beginning his career as DJ Run “The Son of Kurtis Blow” before joining forces with Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell and forming the Grammy Award winning trio. He is also the younger brother of Hip Hop’s first mogul and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Russel Simmons.

Run has appeared in three feature Hip Hop films as himself alongside D.M.C. and JMJ; 1985’s Krush Groove, 1988’s Tougher Than Leather and the 1993 Hip Hop comedy Who’s The Man? In 2004, Run was ordained as a Pentecostal minister by Hollis Queens’ Rev. E. Bernard Jordan and adopted the moniker “Reverend Run”. After his ery public life transformation, Run appeared on several reality shows with his family, starting with MTV’s Run’s House, which featured his family and their everyday life. The show was a fan favorite, living on MTV for four seasons. Simmons has also created three other cable series, two premiered in 2014; Rev Run’s Renovation which runs on both the DIY Network and HGTV, and Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers for Cooking Channel, the other Rev Runs Around the World premiered on the Travel Channel in 2016.

Run is also an esteemed member of the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame after being nominated and voted in unanimously in 2009.

Salute to Rev Run on his born day and may he be granted many more birthdays hereafter!

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Today In Hip Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped ‘The Black Album’ 21 Years Ago

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TodayinHip HopHistory:JAY ZDropped'TheBlackAlbum'YearsAgo

TodayinHip HopHistory:JAY ZDropped'TheBlackAlbum'YearsAgo

On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z released he would-be retirement album The Black Album. Although there was virtually no pause between The Black Album and new Jay-Z music (collaboration albums with both R. Kelly and Linkin Park were released the following year), this album is easily the greatest retirement project of all time.

In its entirety, this album sounds more like a greatest hits album than the eighth project of an illustrious career. Starting with the first track, “December 4th”, this album takes the listener on a nostalgic journey. This opening tale of Hov’s origin sets the tone of the album and properly introduces Jay to an industry that he feels has taken him for granted. This album is an opus to Jay’s distaste with the rap game as a whole. On numerous tracks, specifically “Encore” and “What More Can I Say”, Hov can be heard stating his frustration with being the one punch man (a fictional superhero who can defeat any opponent with merely one punch causing him to become bored with superhero work) of Hip Hop.

Aside from staking his claim as the greatest, Hov spent this album perfectly juggling his unique brand of bragging with the dropping of street knowledge you couldn’t pay for. Singles “Change Clothes” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” are perfect examples of the particular swagger Jay-Z brought to rap. His mature yet flamboyant lyricism is on par with the life described by Robin Leach. As the album progresses, Jay begins more and more to put his would-be competition in its place with sheer willpower. From “Threats” to “Lucifer” it seems Jay is directly challenging the rest of the rap world to get on his level before they never again get the chance.

The album ends with two songs that could interchangeably be used as an outro. Both “Allure” and “My 1st Song” show Jay-Z coming to terms with the final chapter of his career coming to a close, even if he was planning a comeback.

Featuring production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, Rick Rubin, DJ Quik, and even Eminem, it’s easy to see why this album is as amazing as it is. Aside from the prolific production team, Jay-Z put together one of his most successful albums without any features (aside from a hook sung by Pharrell). Commercially, the album peaked at #1 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the Billboard 200 chart (where it appeared twice, each for a week). The album also went triple platinum in the United States and made appearances on music charts of eight different countries.

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