Hip Hop News

The Grammy Awards were much different last night in comparison to previous years. For one, there were strict COVID-19 regulations to ensure that everyone involved in the show was kept safe. However, there was also a larger focus than most years on social issues, specifically representation for Black artists who’ve often been underrepresented and snubbed at major awards like the Grammys.

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Lil Baby’s performance at the Grammys last night was arguably the most talked about. The jarring visuals depicting police brutality against African-Americans opened up his set before delving into a grandiose performance of “The Bigger Picture.” The rapper was assisted by Killer Mike who rapped a portion of Run The Jewels’ “walking in the snow.” Activist Tamika Mallory also appeared during Baby’s performance with a powerful message calling on Joe Biden to lead the change.

Not everyone was happy with the performance, specifically, the mother of Tamir Rice, Samaria, who called out Tamika in a post shared to her Facebook page, Complex reports. Samaria Rice shared a video of Baby’s performance, writing, “Look at this clout chaser[.] Did she lose something in this fight[?] I don’t think so. That’s the problem[.] They take us for a joke[.] That’s why we never have justice ’cause of shit like this.” She added in another post, “FUCK A GRAMMY WHEN MY SON IS DEAD. FUCK ALL PIGS COPS.”

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

In a follow-up post, she elaborated on her criticism of Tamika Mallory, as well as civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merrick. “[Tamika] and the crew you bitches chasing clout along with, Sonney, Crump, and Lee… Y’all have literally fuck out fight up I hope not another family soul used yall to represent them.”

Following the performance, Lil Baby shared a statement via press release explaining the significance of his performance and why it meant more to him than actually being nominated for an award.

“My performance is important to me and I had to make sure it was right. Nominations aside, actually performing ‘The Bigger Picture’ means the most to me. I paint pictures with my songs and wanted the performance to bring that picture to life. Just like with the song, this performance had to reflect the real. No sugar-coating. My family, my fans and my city know who I do this for,” he said. 

[Via]

Virgil Abloh is easily one of the most famous fashion designers on the planet, and sneakerheads love him due to all of the work he has done with Nike. Over the past couple of years, Abloh has been known to work on the Nike Dunk Low, which is a silhouette that continues to bring in big money for Nike. With this in mind, it shouldn’t be a surprise that many are already anticipating what other Nike Dunk Low colorways Virgil will create next.

Recently, @pyleaks on Twitter claimed that Abloh would be releasing 20 new colorways that would be dropping throughout the year, starting in the Fall. These offerings were met with differing opinions, with others saying Virgil was milking the silhouette. In fact, Virgil himself weighed in saying “I couldn’t pick this many bad colorways if I tried.”

At this point, it’s unknown whether or not the collection is, indeed, happening. However, it’s clear that Virgil is not feeling any of these mockups which just goes to show that the colorways shown above should be taken with a grain of salt, at least for now.

Over the coming months, new information should be coming to light, so keep it locked to HNHH for any new details.

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images for LuisaViaRoma

Drakeo The Ruler is going off on social media, letting go of a few bombs. The Los Angeles-based rapper is fresh out of prison, beating serious charges and experiencing a massive welcome-home party in November 2020. People love Drakeo on the West Coast, and his appeal became even more international when he finally collaborated on a song with Drake this year. 

Perhaps the collaboration has gotten to his head, or perhaps he’s got somewhat of a point because, on Monday morning, Drakeo The Ruler shook things up by declaring himself the best rapper alive from the entire state of California, effectively challenging Kendrick Lamar and other LA-based rappers to step up their games.

“I AM THE BEST RAPPER ALIVE TO EVER COME OUT OF CALIFORNIA AND ITS NOT UP FOR DEBATE,” wrote Drakeo on Twitter. “F*CC WHOEVER FEEL SOME TYPE OF WAY. AINT NO N***A BEEN MORE INFLUENTIAL THAN MAN AND BEEN SUCESSFULL. I LITERALLY HAVE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF N***AS TRYNA RAP LIKE ME.”

His tweets continued, eventually calling out rappers like Snoop Dogg, who he says is no longer influential. “I DONT CARE WHO YOU BRING UP OG RAPPER NEW SCHOOL RAPPER YOU CANT NAME ONE RAPPER THATS MORE INFLUENTIAL THAN ME IN CALIFORNIA,” he said before calling out Snoop. “NO NAME ONE N***A age 14 to 28 THAT LISTENS TO SNOOP DOGG BRO,” he responded to someone that said he was less impactful then the legend.

Do you think Drakeo The Ruler is the best rapper from California? Or is this cap?

Kerrion Franklin, the 33-year-old estranged son of recording artist Kirk Franklin, came forward over the weekend and accused his father of verbal abuse, leaking an explicit phone call that they allegedly had recently. During the call, Kirk allegedly threatens his son and tells him, “I’ll put a foot in your ass”. The heated exchange has resulted in a media circus surrounding the allegations, which continues on Monday with Kerrion’s latest claims.

On Monday afternoon, Kirk Franklin’s estranged son claimed that his father has also been physically abusive, explaining that their counseling didn’t work because of his dad’s abuse.

“Let’s dive deeper into the tape since my father won’t post it himself,” wrote Kerrion on Instagram in a new post. “He has been recording me for many conversations. He has his own files. Let’s talk about why counseling stopped because you caused #Battery i still didn’t press charges and you quit counseling.”

The post was directed at radio host Ricky Smiley, who allegedly commented on the matter during his show on Monday. “All the money you ever spent can’t replace the lack of effort,” added Kerrion. “Threatening to beat my ass in front of TMZ too? Call me a liar again and I’ll release more tape. I’m giving you a chance to leave me alone. I said I was done, and here yaw come. Everyone except my family. Now I face the world. I am bringing awareness to #ParentalAbuse this was never about canceling My dad this was never to sabotage his entire career. This was a call to treat me better.”

Plies recently cracked jokes about this situation, saying that he needs to have Kirk Franklin on his next album because of it. “He Sounded Just Like Me On That Phone Bih,” laughed the pearly-toothed rapper. 

What do you make of Kerrion Franklin’s latest claims?

Jayson Tatum is one of the biggest basketball players signed to Jordan Brand right now and with his new deal comes some pretty dope player exclusives. Tatum has been wearing the Air Jordan 35 on the court this season, and he has shown off some pretty colorful models, including one that was originally called “Women In Power.” Now, the sneaker is called “Greatest Gift” and it will actually be receiving its own proper release.

In the images below, you can see that the “Greatest Gift” Air Jordan 35 is full of vibrant colors and even some patent leather. Bright blue serves as the base of the sneaker, with green placed on the sides and the heel-tongue tabs. From there, vibrant red is found right in the middle as it goes all the way up through the tongue. Overall, this is easily one of the most ambitious colorways of the Air Jordan 35 yet, and if you want to stand out, these are a must-grab.

If you’re planning on grabbing a pair, you will be able to do so as of Friday, March 19th when these drop on the Nike SNKRS App for $180 USD. As always, keep it locked to HNHH for all of the latest sneaker news.

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Drake’s a record-breaking machine. Sure, that wasn’t reflected with a Grammy win last night but let’s be real, the Grammys hardly get it right. However, accomplishing things on the Billboard charts that none of last night’s winners can say they’ve done.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Last week, the Canadian rapper emerged with a quick 3-track package, Scary Hours 2. The lead single, “What’s Next” actually leaked a few weeks before the video and song were officially released but that didn’t really affect its success in any way. As expected, the song debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Drake’s eighth chart-topper. Additionally, he’s now the only artist who has the bragging rights to say that they’ve debuted three songs on the Billboard Hot 100. “Wants and Needs” ft. Lil Baby entered the charts at #2 while “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” with Rick Ross followed suit at #3.

Though The Beatles and Ariana Grande are the only other musical acts to occupy the top three spots on the chart in the past, Drake’s the only artist to debut at #1 and #2. “Lemon Pepper Freestyle’s” debut at #3 will make it nearly impossible for any artist to accomplish a similar feat.

Hopefully, his latest three singles are an indication of where he’s heading on Certified Lover Boy. What are your thoughts on Scary Hours 2? Sound off in the comments. 

This coming Friday, March 19th, Disney+ will premiere the first episode of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, the second MCU series to hit the streaming service. The six-part series will find Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprising their roles as Sam “Falcon” Wilson and Bucky “The Winter Soldier” Barnes, respectively. With the launch only days away, Marvel has come through with the final trailer, which provides a close look at some of the action and thematic throughlines to come.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

In the early moments of the trailer, Falcon and Bucky discuss the importance of Captain America’s signature shield, which suggests that honoring Cap’s legacy will be a driving thematic theme throughout the series. “Symbols are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning,” explains Falcon, as the ramifications of a post-Captain America landscape begin to sink in.

Of course, with the presence of heroes comes the inevitability of villains, here represented by the return of Civil War’s Zemo and more. Though the main conflict isn’t quite revealed, the trailer does indicate that there will be plenty of explosive action setpieces displaying the martial prowess of both titular heroes. And as is always the case when two alpha dogs are forced by circumstance to partner up, expect no shortage of reluctant camaraderie and brotherly banter. 

Check out the final trailer below, and look for The Falcon And The Winter Soldier to hit Disney+ this Friday, March 19th.