NIGO has released the tracklist for his forthcoming album I Know NIGO! The album is set for release on March 25. The tracklist features “Lost and Found Freestyle 2019,” “Heavy,” and “Functional Addict.” This is NIGO’s first album in over 20 years.
Joining NIGO on the album are Pharrell, Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg, Gunna, Clipse, and the TERIYAKI BOYZ.
Ahead of the drop of the tracklist, NIGO collaborated with Pusha T for “Hear Me Clearly.” Nigo, a Japanese cultural and fashion star, has already released two critically lauded songs off the highly anticipated album: “Want It Bad” with Kid Cudi and “Arya” with A$AP Rocky.
Lollapalooza is set to return to Chicago this July. The 2022 edition of the festival will be headlined by heavyweight Hip-Hop talent in J. Cole, Doja, Cat, and Lil Baby.
The 2022 lineup also includes Jazmine Sullivan, Big Sean, YG, Cordae, Don Toliver, Cordae, Machine Gun Kelly, Tinashe, and more. Tickets are currently on sale with four-day general admission tickets starting at $350. The festival is scheduled for July 28-31. You can learn more about the festival here.
Don’t look for Too $hort to retire anytime soon. During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the Oakland legend revealed why he still takes the stage in 2022 and beyond.
“I do it because, once upon a time, I announced that I was retiring,” Too Short said. “I was 30 years old, and it was a big promotional push behind, ‘Too $hort retiring’ – I was on my 10th album at the time and I remember DJ Red Alert said to me, ‘You don’t ever see jazz musicians retiring or blues? Diana Ross and Smokey (Robinson) – they’re still on the stage. Why does a rapper have to stop?’
“So when he said that, I never ever considered retirement ever again. And I think that, the more I get older and wiser, I’m thinking somebody’s got to keep doing this.”
During his time on Club Shay Shay, Too $hort also discussed rap beef, visiting Atlanta in the 90s, Biggie and Tupac, and more. You can check out the full episode below.
In case you missed it, Too $hort has released a new single called “Big Sexy Thang,” which is a modern take on Hot Chocolate’s iconic song “You Sexy Thing (I Believe In Miracles)” and will be featured on his future album. The new release features Lil Duval.
The news comes only one day after $hort debuted the tune at his critically lauded NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, highlighting his rap career longevity in honor of Black Music Month. The Bay Area legend, who is the only active hip-hop artist to have released albums in each of the last five decades, played a slew of classics from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 10s, and 20s, including “Big Sexy Thang,” “Blow The Whistle,” “The Ghetto,” and others.
Before releasing “Big Sexy Thang,” $hort debuted “Nasty Dance” at a virtual strip joint, thanks to a collaboration with Kid Cudi’s interactive live music app Encore. The two worked on “Live from Too $ hort’s Funhouse,” a series of augmented reality live concerts.
According to a post from his official Twitter page, Kid Cudi revealed he’ll be working on his directorial debut with Teddy, a comedy slated for Netflix later this year.
Based on the Cleveland native’s 2009 hit, Pursuit Of Happiness”, Teddy will not only be directed by Cudi, but the script was also wittten by Cudder, but will also star the “Day And Nite” rapper. The Netflix feature film also boasts Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and LeBron James as executive producers of the film.
Writing a message to his fans via social media, Cudi said, “I added a lot of my own personal struggles and experiences in it, so this film is very close to my heart,” he wrote. “I know that, deep down, this movie will help people the same ways music has… It’s trippy, it’s fun, it’s sad, it’s life.”
Multi-platinum selling rapper Trippie Redd, who began his career as one of the first signings to 10K Projects, one of the most successful independent record labels in the world, has signed a long-term deal that will keep him at the label for years to come.
Since his groundbreaking 2017 debut album, A Love Letter to You, Trippie Redd has continually defied genre boundaries, embedding his melodic take on rap with frenetic elements of rock-and-roll and heavy metal. In just five years, the artist has set a new standard for prolificness, releasing 4 studio albums, 6 mixtapes, 8 EPs and almost 3 dozen singles, amassing 15 Platinum and 8 Gold certifications in the process.
“We launched 10K Projects as a label where artists have complete creative freedom and the support to realize their vision,” said the label’s founder and CEO, Elliot Grainge. “Trippie Redd has thrived under these conditions, releasing a lifetime’s worth of music in just five short years and becoming a singular voice in contemporary music. I know I speak for everyone at the label when I say I am so honored and humbled to be able to continue our extraordinary partnership with Trippie for years to come.”
Trippie Redd commented, “Elliot signed me when I was 16. From the start he’s always pushed me to do everything on my own terms which is the most important thing to me. I’m grateful to have had him as a partner for this long and excited to make more hits with 10K and keep growing together.”
Current 10K Projects Co-Presidents Zach Friedman and Tony Talamo commented, “Trippie Redd is that very rare artist who is always pushing the boundaries of music genres, always surprising, always challenging. The fact that his unique approach has also been highly successful on a commercial level, just highlights what an exceptionally rare creative force he is.”
Peter Jideonwo, Trippie Redd’s manager, on the signing; “We’re grateful to continue to make history with Elliot and the 10K team, Zach, Tony, Molly, Sam & Hannah, through Trippie’s upcoming releases. Super proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far and I can’t wait for the unbelievable years to come.”
YBN Nahmir rose to fame in 2017 following the release of his single “Rubbin Off The Paint,” which debuted on Billboard 100 at number 79 and later rose to number 46. The song grew over 205 million views on Youtube and is one of the Alabama native’s most notable tracks.
While his breakout was quickly growing, alongside his friends, Cordae and Jay, who were once under the YBN moniker, things seemed to stall for the rapper. Fans have been wondering when he will release a new project since he released his debut studio album “VisionLand” in March of 2021.
In a series of tweets, the 22-year-old opened up about his battle with alcohol addiction. “Alright y’all, I feel like it’s best for me to just get this out my system. For 3 years I’ve been struggling with an alcoholic addiction. I’ve changed so much due to it, & not in the right ways. I’ve pushed so many of my love ones away & the people I care about because of it,” said the Opp Stoppa.
“I’ve constantly tried to slow down / stop myself from drinking, but it’s not easy at all. This year I want a new challenge & the challenge is for me to get clean. I never knew addiction was this hard. Before hand it was easy for me to block it out, but now it’s taking a toll.”
“If you’re struggling with addiction it’s best to seek help. That’s all I’m trying to do. I use to think this was just some ‘normal sh*t until I realized I’m NOT THE SAME ANYMORE. Sh*t is one of the worst feelings ever.”
As more artists become transparent about their addictions, we wish the best for YBN Nahmir and hope to see the rapper take down the charts once more. Check out the video to his breakout single below.
#YBNNahmir says for the past 3 years, he’s been struggling with alcohol addiction and is challenging himself to get clean.
Kanye West has already proven his versatility as an artist in the industry. With eleven studio albums, one compilation album, two live albums, two collaborative albums, four mixtapes, and his documentary, there is no doubt that Kanye was destined for stardom. While the 44-year-old rapper’s future is bright, recent events could have possibly been dimming the rapper’s light in a social media back and forth with Pete Davidson.
Kanye West’s most recent music video for his song “Eazy,” an animated Ye beat claymation version of Pete Davidson and buried the cartoon alive. Fans found the move to be highly disturbing as the two have been exchanging blows on the internet over the past few months. As if Pete Davidson wasn’t enough, Kanye Would then exchange words with DL Hughley, Kid Cudi, and Trevor Noah.
Kanye was blocked on Instagram for 24 hours following his antics with Skete and dumped from the GRAMMYs soon after. TMZ caught up with Erica Campbell, 1/2 of the singers in legendary gospel group Mary Mary where she says she feels the rapper should exhibit his faith all year round, not just on the infamous Sunday Service.
“I just think if you’re trying to be like God on Sunday, then you should be like him on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday [and Saturday] as well,” Campbell stated.
“Does that mean perfection? Not at all,” she continued. “It means your choices should be governed by what you believe. If you believe in faith and being kind and being gracious and understanding and being patient, then you have to be that way all week long…but you know, we all go through things. We don’t always get it right so prayers up for Kanye.”
Erica Campbell then acknowledged that the rapper is currently going through a divorce, and Davidson is now dating West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
“When you love somebody it doesn’t go away because you get divorced. That’s why they be so mad after, cause they still in love,” Campbell added. “My mother and father married each other three times. Cause they couldn’t…they just loved each other. Sometimes it’s that way, you try and it doesn’t work. That doesn’t mean the love goes away.”
Asian Doll has been consistent in the music industry since her first release of Da Rise of Barbie Doll Gang Empire in 2015. As the Dallas Texas rapper continues to make a name for herself, the 25-year-old artist is most notable for her singles such as First Off, Pull Up featuring the late King Von, and NunnadetSh*t.
Aside from her growth as an artist in the industry, fans of the rapper have also had to watch Asian grow as a person over the years. Following a few physical altercations and social media back and forths, it seems as though Asian Doll is putting the aggression in her pen on a new drill beat.
The rapper pens over a sample to Justin Beiber’s “Baby,” released in 2010 off of his My World 2.0 album. Asian would pen on her social media that she may release the single Friday after posting a snippet of the music visual. “Might Drop This Today For The Fans,” she penned before referring to herself as the “Queen of Drill.”
The comments sparked mixed reviews online on whether or not Asian Doll could qualify to the Queen of Drill. Check out some of the discussions below. What do you think?
2015 Asian Doll.. She is not new to this. So if she said she the Queen of Drill that’s just what it is! Who really been doing it like her for this period of time??? NOBODY. (The flow has been polished over the years through pure commitment to her craft #evolution) @AsianDaBratttpic.twitter.com/S9TiptNw8w
From winning Jermaine Dupri’s The Rap Game to selling out her first tour, Latto has been climbing the ladder in the music industry, releasing singles such as Big Energy, Wheelie, and Queen of Da Souf. The 23-year-old rapper will release her highly anticipated debut studio album on March 25th.
The 13 track album will feature appearances from Lil Durk, Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Nardo Wick, Kodak Black, and more. Aside from anticipating her album, Latto also has fans waiting on the remix to her single “Big Energy,” featuring an artist who has yet to be revealed. The remix to the single is expected to release on March 28th.
While people praise the Clayco rapper for her accomplishments, trolls on social media are also trying to come at Latto, stating that her venue for her tour with guest performers Saucy Santana and Asianae was too small.
“That lil ass stage,” someone commented on a video of Latto performing at the tour.
“Everybody start somewhere. I’m still selling out 1-3k capacity venues on my first tour. Doing a hour long set w amazing breath control & choreo. I came a long way. I counteract everything y’all say too btw. Watch the next tour,” Latto responded.
Everybody start somewhere. I’m still selling out 1-3k capacity venues on my first tour. Doing a hour long set w amazing breath control & choreo. I came a long way. I counteract everything y’all say too btw. Watch the next tour. https://t.co/iuUEN6fRaG
In her defense, prominent HIp-Hop manager TP pointed out that Playboi Carti and others were on the same stage in the early days of their career. “Y’all folks gotta stop hating on Latto and female rappers. Playboi Carti, Young Nudy and Gunna did that same exact stage in 2017 and nobody was calling it little. Stop the bullshit,” the fan wrote.
Y’all folks gotta stop hating on Latto and female rappers. Playboi Carti, Young Nudy and Gunna did that same exact stage in 2017 and nobody was calling it little. Stop the bullshit. pic.twitter.com/1e8DqE4ti4
Latto would respond to another fan stating, “Y’all be impressed by festival stages with tens of thousands of ppl that came to see 100 artists. These 1-3k ppl coming to see ME. Most new artists scared to do it cause they can’t sell hard tickets cause the internet hype don’t transfer over in real life.”
Y’all be impressed by festival stages with tens of thousands of ppl that came to see 100 artists. These 1-3k ppl coming to see ME. Most new artists scared to do it cause they can’t sell hard tickets cause the internet hype don’t transfer over in real life https://t.co/9tTfTvD9TP
Regardless of the size of the stage, Latto has been proving herself to be a talented emcee in the rap game. We cant wait to see the success of her debut album.
ANYWAYS… SOLD OUT DATES ON MY FIRST TOUR!! 7⃣7⃣7⃣ THIS FRIDAY!!
Billboard has launched the first-ever Afrobeats music chart in the United States, collaborating with Afro Nation, a music festival and global Afrobeats brand. The Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, which has 50 positions, ranks the country’s most popular Afrobeat songs using a weighted formula that includes official-only streams on subscription and ad-supported tiers of leading audio and video music services, as well as download sales from top music retailers. On March 29th, the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart will be available on billboard.com.
“The last decade has seen Afrobeats explode into a worldwide phenomenon, influencing culture and fashion across the globe and I am humbled to have made a contribution to growing the genre alongside many talented, passionate people,” said Afro Nation founder, Co-Head of UTA London and founder of Event Horizon Obi Asika. “There is still so much more potential within the scene and the community that has grown around it and I believe it is vital that with Billboard we now have a US chart that reflects this growth and provides a platform for emerging artists from every continent to showcase their talent to new audiences.”
“Billboard is excited to collaborate with Afro Nation on the launch of the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart,” said Billboard’s SVP of Charts and Development, Silvio Pietroluongo. “As with much of the world, Afrobeats has grown tremendously as a genre in America and we are proud to showcase the top songs and artists with this new weekly ranking.”
Afro Nation is one of several significant drivers to the sound’s development in the United States, with singers like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido set to perform at their festival in Puerto Rico in 2022. This latest move follows Afro Nation’s relationship with the Official Charts Company in the UK, which released the Top 20 Afrobeats Chart in July 2020. Through the groundbreaking Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, they are extending their influence to Billboard.
4-Day Tickets on sale today at 12pm CT. 
(@AsianDaBrattt) 
(@AsianDaGoat) 
(@Latto) 
