Hip Hop News

Rihanna Goes On Shopping Spree With A$AP Rocky After Reaching Billionaire Status

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Rihanna was spotted on a shopping spree in New York City, Wednesday, after Forbes announced that the Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty business mogul officially reached billionaire status. She was joined by A$AP Rocky, who she was been dating for several months.

Rihanna sported a pink furry hat, denim shorts, and a tube top, while Rocky went with an all-black outfit.

A$AP Rocky, Rihanna
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

The two hit up the Hat Club in NoHo, Forbidden Planet by Union Square, and several other spots before stopping for dinner at Wo Hop in Chinatown. Page Six reports that the restaurant owner did not recognize Rihanna and asked her to eat outside as the indoor area was full.

When asked by a reporter how it felt to be the “richest female musician,” Rihanna responded, “God is good.”

Forbes reported that Rihanna is now worth $1.7 billion dollars, despite not releasing a new album since 2016’s Anti. Most of her wealth comes from her aforementioned companies Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty.

In the wake of the Forbes piece, many fans online celebrated her success, praising her for her hard work, while others accused Rihanna of exploiting her workers’ for the surplus value of their labor and referenced allegations that Fenty Beauty uses child labor in India.

Check out pictures from Rihanna and Rocky’s spending spree below.

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Abstract Mindstate’s “Dreams Still Inspire” Is A Masterclass In Hip-Hip Fundamentals

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While Hip-Hop fans continue to express their frustration with Kanye West’s long-delayed tenth studio album DONDA, his fans do owe him credit for following through with another major release. A couple of weeks ago, Kanye’s fledgling offshoot, YZY SND, was officially confirmed, and it was revealed that the legendary Chicago Hip-Hop duo Abstract Mindstate would be its debut release.

True to YZY SND’s word, Abstract Mindstate’s first album since splitting up in 2005, titled Dreams Still Inspire, has finally arrived, reuniting Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P Da Hellcat over Kanye West production.

Greg "Olskool Ice-Gre" Lewis and Dapne "E.P Da Hellcat" Mitchell of Abstract Mindstate appear onstage at the Abstract Mindstate listening session and screening at IPIC Theaters at Colony Square on July 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Marcus Ingram/Getty Images

Three years after the unforgettable 2018 run in which Yeezy executive produced albums for Pusha T, Nas, Valee, and Teyana Taylor, Kanye West has returned to the helm of executive producer, but Abstract Mindstate’s Dreams Still Inspire falls closer in line with Ye’s early 2000s producer output like Common’s 2005 classic Be. With lyrics and production that perfectly complement each other, Abstract Mindstate’s reunion album is a masterclass in Hip-Hop fundamentals.

According to a press release, Olskool got a call on random Tuesday morning in 2018 that Ye wanted to reunite Abstract Mindstate for a full album on YZY SND, and within days, both he and E.P — who had switched careers and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst — were back in the thick of it, working on what would eventually become Dreams Still Inspire.

Check out the newly released video for “A Wise Tale” below, and scroll down further to listen to Abstract Mindstate’s nostalgic comeback album Dreams Still Inspire on your preferred streaming service.

Tracklist:

1. Salutations (Intro)
2. I Feel Good
3. A Wise Tale
4. YZY SND (Skit) (feat. Luka Sabbat)
5. Elevation
6. Move Yo Body (feat. Tony Williams)
7. Social Media
8. LamboTruck Podcast (Skit) (feat. Luka Sabbat)
9. Expository Mode
10. My Reality
11. Sound Off The Alarm
12. Voice Mail (Interlude) (feat. Deon Cole)
13. The Brenda Song (feat. Kanye West)
14. I Know You

Ben Simmons’ Potential Trade Destinations Get New Betting Odds

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Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers are heading towards a pretty bad breakup. Ever since the NBA Playoffs, Simmons has been ghosting the Sixers and he doesn’t seem to be interested in coming back to them. Simmons had a horrendous playoff showing with the Sixers and now there are questions about whether or not he is a point guard that can lead a championship roster. Fans are starting to get fed up with Simmons, and it only makes sense that the franchise would trade him.

Recently, it was reported that Simmons prefers to go to the Golden State Warriors, however, the Sixers would want a lot in return, including James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins. Despite this, the odds aren’t exactly in the Warriors’ favor. According to betonline.ag, the Portland Trail Blazers are the favorites to acquire Simmons at +150 odds. From there, the Toronto Raptors are second at +250.

Ben Simmons

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Warriors aren’t too far behind here as they are third at odds of +300. Some of the other teams on the list include the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, and even the Washington Wizards. For now, however, the Sixers are asking a bit too much for Simmons which has effectively shut down and real trade discussions.

This is a story that will continue to develop throughout the offseason, so keep it locked to HNHH as we will be sure to bring you all of the latest news and updates. 

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Damian Lillard Speaks On Blazers Free Agency Moves

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Damian Lillard has a lot to think about when it comes to his status with the Portland Trail Blazers. Over the years, they have failed to give him the best possible roster in order to be successful, and it has many fans wondering whether or not he will request a trade. After all, Lillard is one of the best players in the entire league, and he could certainly help a contending team become championship favorites.

The Blazers superstar has stated time and time again that he has no interest in requesting a trade and that he wants to evaluate the team’s offseason moves before making any big decisions. As of right now, Lillard is at the Olympics, and as he told reporters recently, he hasn’t been given time to process what the Blazers have done while he’s overseas.

Damian Lillard

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“Honestly I haven’t really dove too deep into it. I’ve really been focusing on here,” Lillard said. “There are a lot of things that are out of my control. When you go into free agency and things like this, you never know what’s going to happen. You never know where guys are going to end up and why they go there. You just try to have conversations and try to convince guys to be a part of our team.”

When Lillard comes back home, he will quickly find out that the Blazers have done nothing. They re-signed Norman Powell all while bringing Tony Snell on board, which doesn’t exactly move the needle. Having said that, Lillard could very well find himself in a state of discontent, even if he takes home a gold medal.

Damian Lillard

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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Vince Staples Releases Pokemon-Inspired Song “Got ‘Em”

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Fresh off the release of his new self-titled album, Vince Staples returns to the scene today with a new song called “Got ‘Em,” off the Pokémon 25: The Red EP that dropped today and also includes Cyn and Mabel.

“Like many kids, I grew up with Pokémon and I jumped at the chance to be part of P25 Music when I got the call,” Staples said about the record. “Now, I also get to be part its legacy in my own way by lending my voice and music to this big moment. My track ‘Got ‘Em’ wasn’t just inspired by Pokémon, it’s about Pokémon. I think it’s really going to be special for all the fans out there who were very into Pokémon as a kid and continue to appreciate it to this day like myself.”

This new release comes just a few days after Vince revealed that he’s hitting the road with Tyler The Creator for the upcoming “Call Me If You Get Lost” tour. Peep tour dates right here if you’re trying to see him live.

Take a listen to the new slow tempo song and let us know what you think!

Quotable Lyrics:

I’ma catch ’em, never stall out, yeah
Life a blessing, so I ball out 
I ain’t gotta tell ’em, they know what I’m all ’bout
Heavy stepping, tell ’em calm down

– Vince Staples

 

22Gz Asks Why He Was Left Off Summer Jam Lineup & Says He Created Brooklyn Drill

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Brooklyn rapper 22Gz called out Hot 97 for being left off of the Summer Jam festival lineup and said that he is the creator of Brooklyn drill, Thursday, on Instagram. Hot 97’s Summer Jam festival will be at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on August 22.

“Somebody explain how I ain’t on @hot97 SUMMERJAM AND I CREATED BROOKLYN DRILL #BLACKBALL #NEWHEATCOMINGSOON #BIASK,” he wrote.

He also asked fans “Is 22Gz the creator of Brooklyn Drill music?” in a poll on his IG story, which came back with over 70% saying yes.

Hot 97’s Summer Jam will feature a number of other popular New York rappers including  A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Bobby Shmurda, Rowdy Rebel, Sheff G, Conway, and Roc Marciano. Swizz Beatz will also perform a tribute to DMX during the festival.

The lineup is also still expected to include DaBaby, despite the rapper being dropped by numerous other festivals for his recent homophobic rant at Rolling Loud in Miami.  

While not performing at Summer Jam, 22Gz will still be embarking on the T.W.I.R.L. (The Winners In Real Life) Tour, this month, which is set to kick off on August 19 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Check out 22Gz’s post below.

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People Are Losing Their Minds Over Eminem’s Verse On Nas’ ‘EPMD 2’

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After previously shouting out the New York duo EPMD on his contribution to the Judas And The Black Messiah soundtrack, Nas is back giving props to them on his new King Disease II on “EPMD 2.” This time, though, he’s got both the duo themselves and Eminem in the pocket with him. This song marks the very first time Nas and Em have ever connected on a song together, and true to form, Eminem spit a fiery verse that has peers like 50 Cent exclaiming over his bars.

“No you can not front on this verse, you just gotta listen, shut the f*ck up and listen,” 50 wrote on Twitter. Of course, Em fans love to fawn over his incredibly fast bars, but even skeptics have to admit that he brought his best game for this collaboration. Em shouted out EPMD and Nas while sharing his verse, calling Nas “legendary” in the process:

That’s not the only rapper he shouts out, though, in the back half of his verse he goes through a litany of rappers he considers to be the highest echelon of rap, hoping he’ll claim his place among them. In his list he includes Kane (Big Daddy Kane), Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Ye (Kanye), Drake, J Dilla, Jada (Jadakiss), Cool J (LL Cool J, one of his biggest influences) and Nas himself.

“I just pray for the day when I’m able to say that I’m placed with the greats / And my name’s with the Kane’s, and the Wayne’s, and the Jay’s / And the Dre’s, and the Ye’s, and the Drake’s / And the J Dilla’s, Jada’s, Cool J’s, and the Ra’s / And amazin’ as Nas is, and praise to the Gods of this / Shout to the golden age of hip-hop and the name of this song is…”

He also shouts out rappers who have recently passed, including a line about hitting up 50 Cent on text just to make sure he’s told him he loves him. “R.I.P. out to DMX, Stezo, E and Nipsey / Ecstasy and Prince Markie Dee, MF DOOM / I hit 50 via text / Told him that I love him / ’cause I don’t even know when I’ma see him next / Tomorrow could be your death.”

Check out the verse on the song above and some fan reactions below.

Vince Staples’ New Song ‘Got ‘Em’ Shouts Out Pokémon Characters Mew And Raichu

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Though he’s just coming off the release of a new self-titled album, Vince Staples, the Long Beach rapper is sharing new music today. The new one-off track, “Got ‘Em,” is part of the a new collaborative EP that Capitol Records is releasing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon,, with another installment coming later this month. The Red EP also features contributions from Cyn, Mabel, and Zhu, and an accompanying album, Pokemon 25: The Album includes songs from Katy Perry and Post Malone, memorably covering Hootie And The Blowfish’s “Only Wanna Be With You.”

“I’ve always been a fan of Pokémon, so it was particularly special to be asked to take part in this 25th-anniversary celebration,” Vince Staples of the EP in a press release. “I’m excited for people to hear ‘Got ‘Em,’ and hope the song resonates with fans, especially those who grew up with Pokémon like I did.” The eerie but celebratory song slots nicely along the new music Staples has already shared this year, and shouts out Pokemon characters Mew and Raichu in the lyrics.

Hear the new song above and look for the The Blue EP out later this month, with the Pokemon 25: The Album coming this fall.

Andre Iguodala Is Coming Back To The Warriors

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Andre Iguodala is one of the most respected veterans in the entire NBA, and as he approaches the final stages of his career, he has had some big decisions to make. Just a couple of years ago, Iguodala was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies where he eventually forced his way out to play on the Miami Heat. Iguodala went on a deep playoff run with the Heat in the NBA bubble, and in 2021, he had another solid showing. Needless to say, Iguodala still has a lot left in him.

As a result, Iguodala was carefully weighing his options in free agency. Last night, it was reported by various sources that Iguodala had three teams at the top of his mind including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets.

Andre Iguodala

Eric Espada/Getty Images

Today, the New York Times has confirmed that Iggy will be heading back to the Bay area where he plans to call it a career. The star player has won three titles with the Warriors and now is a better time than ever to come back and finish things out with the franchise.

“Who would have thought I’d have the opportunity to go back to the place where I was able to have, whatever you want to call it, legacy years, in terms of the accomplishments, winning multiple championships, the relationships that I was able to build with some of my closest friends and teammates?” Iguodala said.

The Warriors will be getting Klay Thompson back this season and if they make some other moves, they could very well find themselves as contenders again this season. In many ways, this could be Iguodala’s own version of “The Last Dance.”

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