Hip Hop News
Joey Badass Announces ‘2000’ Album, Drops Funk Flex Freestyle
Chloe Confirms That Her Debut Solo Album Will Be Self-Titled
Ever since Chloe Bailey dropped the video for her bedeviling, bootylicious debut solo single, “Have Mercy,” fans have waited on tenterhooks for more information on the solo album that she promised was sure to follow. While details on the overall project had been scant until now, in a new interview with Allure, she confirms the title at last. As befits a solo album from a performer who was until recently part of a sister act, it’ll be titled Chloe. She also shared some details of the writing process, which she previously said was “90 percent done.”
Speaking on how her writing process — which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns — has changed, she said, “Music saved me. I was at a low moment where I felt lost — like I didn’t have any sense of who I was.” This was, she admitted, a result of separation anxiety as her sibling and musical partner, Halle, was in London to film Disney’s live-action reboot of The Little Mermaid and couldn’t return to the States due to COVID restrictions. “In the beginning, you can tell that [the person] who is singing is like a bird with broken wings. As time went on, you can hear me finding my strength and confidence. I didn’t want to lose that story as I pieced the [songs] together.”
Since then, she has released both “Have Mercy” and its follow-up, the equally erotic “Treat Me,” and said that the album was influenced by artists such as Imogen Heap and Kelis. Meanwhile, she’s remained busy; with at least four screen roles, including one in a project Donald Glover has been shooting for Amazon co-starring Snowfall‘s Damson Idris and Dominique Fishback from Judas And The Black Messiah. When Chloe will have time to also promote an album in all of this is beyond me but that’s why she’s the star and I’m just writing about her.
Blxst Puts The ‘L’ In ‘Love’ In His New ‘Never Was Wrong’ Video
Blxst’s growing popularity comes with many perks, but in the new “Never Was Wrong” video, he shows that sometimes things aren’t always peachy when it comes to matters of the heart. The visual shows the California rapper-singer hosting a party and commanding the attention of many of its attendees. His lady approaches his section and tries to start a conversation, only to be signaled “one second” but ignored for longer than that.
Blxst mingles throughout the party and pours shots for other women, all while his partner stands by angrily. When the Before You Go artist finally notices she is crying, he attempts a grand gesture to regain her favor by performing the chorus on “Never Was Wrong,” where he takes accountability for the moments he is wrong to her. Just when it seems everything may be okay as he walks toward her, a crowd of people appears between them, and the anticipated romantic reconciliation is spoiled. Blxst returns home to find her leaving him for good with the help of her friends who have no issue expressing their disdain for him.
This video supports the April release of Blxst’s debut album Before You Go, anchored by singles “About You” and the Zacari-assisted “Sometimes.” Before You Go peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
Bow Wow And Rich Homie Quan Link Up In The Studio
Bow Wow’s been busy on IG recently. After teasing Angela Simmons over her thirst trap, the rapper shared a video with Rich Homie Quan in the studio. Bow Wow’s been alluding to his final album for a while now, and this post seems to indicate that something indeed is in the works.
In the brief black and white video, Bow Wow introduces Quan, and Quan rubs his hands together, saying, “What’s going on, what’s going on… I know they didn’t expect this but this is what’s going on.” The video cuts just as what sounds like a beat begins to play.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images
This isn’t the first hint at a collab that Bow Wow’s made. In March, the 35-year-old rapper name dropped Snoop Dogg as another potential collaborator, saying they might “do something crazy together.” Bow Wow has claimed his upcoming album will be his last, and that it will be dropped on Death Row Records, which Snoop acquired earlier this year.
Bow Wow’s last full length album was his collab with Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, “Ignorant Shit,” which came out way back in 2016. Since then, he’s released a few brief instrumental albums with the producer Pimpin’.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Rich Homie Quan as well– though he released a few singles last year, he hasn’t released a full length album since 2019’s “Coma.”
Check out the video of Bow Wow and Quan below.
Between Rich Homie Quan and Snoop, it looks like Bow Wow is getting quite the roster together.
Ludacris Receives Degree From Georgia State University; Buys Himself A Private Jet
On May 4, Ludacris received an honorary degree from Georgia State University, a public college located in Atlanta, Georgia. The 44-year-old got his Bachelor of Science in Music Management. He attended GSU back in 1998 but left to pursue his music career– which paid off, as he is still one of the most notable rappers in the industry.
After being recognized for his philanthropy and entrepreneurship, he was given a large plaque with his name on it– Christopher Brian Bridges. He then took the podium to speak about his accomplishment. “My time on campus sharpened my skills,” the Fast & Furious actor started, “It gave me confidence that my path was preordained. That I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.”
Reflecting on leaving the college initially, he stated, “My heart never strayed far from its steps and my commitment to someday return, and finish, was ever-present.” He went on to express his gratitude for the school and promised to give back to it as much as he possibly could.
Luda made numerous posts surrounding his big day, but he has not stopped celebrating quite yet. In a recent video posted by the media mogul, he shared that he had bought himself a special present in honor of his achievement.
After smiling at the camera, he pivoted to his side and revealed a private jet. The caption read, “Bought myself a little graduation gift.” He then took his 13 million followers inside the aircraft to see the interior.
While showing off its tan interior and leather seats, the artist began singing The Jeffersons theme song– “We’re moving on up. To the east side. To a deluxe apartment in the sky.”
Check it out below.
Adrien Broner Begs For Young Thug And Gunna’s Freedom On IG
On Monday (May 9), Young Thug was taken into custody following a raid by law officials. He was taken to Fulton County Jail on charges of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Gunna was also taken into custody among the handful of individuals that were listed in a 56-count indictment.
As fans and celebrities alike clamor to social media to give their take on Thugger and Gunna’s arrests, Adrien Broner took to his own IG to beg for their freedom. Broner posted a short clip of what appears to be him crying with the caption Please let @thuggerthugger1 and @gunna out how the f*ck we posted to get thru the summer!!!!!”
Michelle Tullberg/Getty Images
Since their arrest, a judge has denied both artists’ bonds. After hearing arguments from the prosecution and Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, Judge Wolf declined his bond request. Judge Wolf considered Thugger to be a flight risk and agreed with concerns about him committing further felonies. The judge also did not want to complicate matters in the bond hearing for his RICO charges, which will be presented in front of another judge on a later day.
Despite Thug and his attorney agreeing to surrender his passport and wear an ankle monitor, the judge ultimately denied him bail. Gunna’s legal team is also fighting for his innocence. His attorneys told TMZ, “Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy. Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him.”
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Team ROC Announces United Justice Coalition Summer Summit
Team ROC has announced details for the United Justice Coalition (UJC)’s inaugural social justice summit, set to take place in New York City on July 23. The UJC charitable organization furthers Team ROC’s efforts to produce widespread criminal justice reform.
Considered the first of its kind, the UJC’s summer event will include speakers on a number of topics including criminal justice reform, public safety, mental health, and more.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
“The United Justice Coalition started as an informal meeting of the minds, but it has quickly evolved into a more purposeful initiative to create change in our communities,” Dania Diaz, Team ROC and UJC founding member, said in a press release. “Our goal for this summit is to spark discussion and collaboration and take a solution-oriented approach to reforming America’s antiquated policies. At the end of the day, we are all bonded by one common goal – to eradicate injustice.”
The founding advisory board members include Roc Nation’s philanthropic arm Team ROC, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, journalist Gayle King, Charlamagne that God, and involvement from families of victims of police brutality.
The United Justice Coalition’s social justice summit will be held at Center415 on July 23. Additional info including guest speakers and other participants is yet to be announced.
Team ROC has been focusing heavily on bringing awareness and justice to the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department. The social justice organization claims that there is more than enough evidence of systemic police misconduct that shouldn’t go unnoticed. The social arm of JAY-Z continues to address socio-political injustices and inconsistencies within the social justice system.
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Chloe Bailey Shares Cover Of “Gyalis”
Chloe Bailey gets a lot of praise for her song covers. The 23-year-old is capable of making any track her own by adding captivating lyrics and using her wide range of singing abilities. She’s sung over records by artists like Adele, Rihanna, Beyonce, and countless other talented musicians.
Her most recent remix was done on Capella Grey’s hit, “Gyalis.” The title, according to Wiwords, can be described as “a man who obsessively seduces and deceives women.” This reigns true because the song is all about wanting multiple relationships at a time and getting anyone to submit.
Of course, Chloe had to take on the record from a different angle– and her version was the exact opposite. Instead of singing about being crazy over a man, the “Treat Me” artist sang about knowing her worth and not sticking around for someone who is unloyal.
Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images
As she sat in front of a mic wearing a black, crochet two-piece set and gold Louis Vuitton earrings, she sang, “You gotta come correct when you next to me/You said that you can handle it/It’s hard to believe.”
She also talked about having multiple options and not having to settle for someone like other women do. “I ain’t the b*tch that you can lie to/I ain’t the b*tch you gonna cry to/I ain’t the b*tch that you can front online/Like you been doing right/When I know the timing you on.”
The video now sits at over three million views and is filled with comments from people admiring her version. Celebs like SZA, Tamar Braxton, and Fivio Foreign were among many hyping up the songstress.
Watch her entire cover below.
Post Malone and Roddy Ricch Team Up on ‘Cooped Up’
Nearly three years since his last album, Post Malone pulls up with his new single “Cooped Up” featuring Roddy Ricch.
On the soaring anthem, co-produced by Louis Bell, Post officially kicks off Posty season.
“I’m about to pull up, hit switch, pull curtain / And I been waitin’ so long, now I gotta resurface,” he sings, while Roddy pays tribute to his collaborator. “And Posty took me on his first damn tour date / He had me rocking every night sold-out arenas.”
“Cooped Up” marks the second collaboration between Post and Roddy following 2019’s “wow.”
“He’s just such an incredible man and just a natural performer and vocalist and lyricist,” Post told Apple Music of his collaborator. “And he just gets after it, and it’s so cool. Dude, and just to watch him grow. And he’s such a beautiful, beautiful man. And so talented, man. I’m so pumped.”
On June 3, Post will release his new album Twelve Carat Toothache, which will also feature collaborations with Doja Cat and The Kid LAROI.
“That’s what the whole record is about. It’s the bipolar aspect and the duality of everything,” he explained. “And so, there’s a lot of things very much so on this record that are tongue-in-cheek. And I think this whole record is the most honest record I’ve made, and I’m so pumped for people to hear it. But every song in there tells a story, so this is kind of like, ‘Here’s the life that we live, but there’s always something going on in the background.’”
This weekend, Post will perform “Cooped Up” for the first time on “Saturday Night Live.”