Hip Hop News

Questlove Is Sharing Some Of His Myriad Musical Insights With A New MasterClass

by

Questlove is commonly regarded as one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to music and its history. Now, the drummer for The Roots (to grossly simplify everything he does in and beyond the group) is sharing some of his insight with a new MasterClass focused on music curation and DJing.

MasterClass has shared a trailer for the class today, and the description says students of the class can expect to “explore DJ techniques, expand your musical vocabulary, and learn how to glide from genre to genre — including hip-hop, neo-soul, jazz, R&B, and more — to curate your own perfect playlist.” Questlove says in the trailer, “To be honest with you, not drumming in the world’s funkiest group, not the book-writing, not being on late-night television… my first love is records. I’ve been listening [to] and analyzing records since the age of 5. I’ve never shared the method to my madness or my secrets or my creative process in DJing until right now.”

In a statement, Questlove also says, “It’s one thing to listen to music, but it’s another thing to embrace it and have it come to you. Nothing will take the place of the passion that I feel for music, and I hope my MasterClass will open up a portal in your heart so that you learn to love music, find it, and appreciate it.” MasterClass founder and CEO David Rogier also notes, “Questlove’s storied career and unparalleled knowledge and passion for music has made him a music icon and one of the most influential individuals in the industry. In his MasterClass, members will gain a deeper understanding of how to listen to and absorb music so they can deconstruct songs and gain a deeper appreciation of everything they hear.”

Check out the trailer for Questlove’s MasterClass above. The class is available now, so learn more about it here.

Flo Milli Reveals What Makes Her A Good Role Model In A New Documentary About Her Life Before Rap

by

Flo Milli is the latest partner for Spotify’s RADAR emerging artist program and the subject of a new mini-documentary about her life before rap courtesy of RADAR. The documentary focuses on interviews with the rising rapper’s family and closest associates, including her hairdresser Carlos Giles, her mom, her grandma, and her aunt. The matriarchs reminisce with Flo in a diner about her impressive academic achievements — her grandma notes that she graduated with honors and advanced diplomas — telling her that she sets a good example for young Black girls.

The doc also includes old performance footage of Flo turning up her high school assemblies, and features a fun story from the star herself about her first show. She booked the concert in Atlanta when she was just 16 years old but didn’t want to tell her family because she thought they might disapprove. Initially planning to catch the Megabus from her home in Mobile, Alamba to Atlanta, Georgia, she worried that something might happen to her so she told her mom — and got a ride from her supportive matron.

Flo Milli rose to stardom in 2019, thanks in part to the popularity of her songs “Beef FloMix” and “In The Party,” signing to RCA Records at just 19 years old. Her debut mixtape Ho, Why Is You Here? took the internet by storm in 2020, making her appear to be an overnight sensation to those who weren’t in the know. However, as the Spotify RADAR documentary shows, she put in the work to make it and has the pedigree and support to make it.

Russell Wilson’s Camp Reportedly Discussing Seahawks Trade

by

Russell Wilson is easily one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL and while the Seahawks haven’t had much playoff success as of late, there is no denying that Wilson is a top-five quarterback. This past season, Wilson had numerous problems with his offensive line, who were doing a poor job at protecting him. In the offseason, Wilson explained that he wants the team to improve that area of the roster, and according to reports, the Seahawks organization didn’t appreciate being called out.

While rumors of a trade have been floating around social media, it appears as though these rumors actually had legs. According to PFF, Wilson’s representatives are currently speaking to the Seahawks about a potential trade, which would immediately shake up the entire look of the league.

There are various teams in need of a quarterback and according to the tweet above, the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders could all be viable options for Wilson to go. At this point, it remains to be seen whether or not either side will want to go through with a deal, but for now, it’s on the table.

This will be a massive story to follow throughout the coming weeks so keep it locked to HNHH as we will be sure to keep you updated.

Russell Wilson

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Drake “CLB” Release Date: DJ Akademiks Drops Hints

by

Arguably the most anticipated album of the entire year, Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” is reportedly going to be released within the next two months according to DJ Akademiks, who says he got the information straight from the horse’s mouth.


John Phillips/Getty Images

After pushing back the album from its January release date, Drake hasn’t had very many updates regarding the long-awaited studio album. He delayed its release so he can continue to focus on his recovery from a knee injury and, while it appears as though he’s gotten back in the studio, fans are still waiting for any sort of indication that the album is on its way. There were rumblings that Certified Lover Boy could be dropping as a surprise release tonight but DJ Akademiks informed his live stream viewers that that isn’t the case, explaining what he knows about the release.

Akademiks CLB update from r/Drizzy

“CLB update. I’ve seen some people say, ‘oh, it was supposed to drop tonight’, as in Thursday night. No. No, it’s not dropping then,” said the hip-hop media personality. “Drake told me that it’s going to be dropping before April so he’s not waiting until summer to drop his sh*t. I don’t wanna say before April… April or before. But the reason why I’m saying it’s not dropping tonight, as in Thursday night, is because he’s spent so much time on this project that he’s not trying to put out a surprise project. He’s gonna let people know at least a week before, bro.”


Kevin Mazur/VF18/WireImage/Getty Images

It’s unclear if DJ Akademiks is to be trusted with this sort of information but, in the last few months, he’s proven to be a pretty reliable insider source. Ak was the first person to report on Playboi Carti’s release date for Whole Lotta Red, and we know that he has a friendly relationship with Drake. Could he be telling the truth?

For what it’s worth, Drake’s team previously warned us about this exact sort of thing, claiming that if the information isn’t coming straight from Drake, it’s probably not real.

If this is legit, that means Certified Lover Boy will be out within the next two months. Are you ready?

[via]

Jay-Z To Auction Rare Dussé Bottle For Charity

by

Jay-Z has fully embraced the billionaire mindset, continuously elevating his status through a series of impressive money moves. Most recently, the legendary rapper signed a partnership deal with Moët Hennessy, with the intention to elevate his “Ace Of Spades” champagne into a household name.

The deal earned widespread praise from the rap community, with artists like Dr. Dre and 2 Chainz celebrating Jay’s visionary mind with congratulatory IG messages. Now, Jay is back at it again with another new development, this time teaming with Sotheby’s to auction off an incredibly rare bottle of Dussé — all in the name of charity.

Jay-Z

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The bottle in question happens to be the first-ever bottle of Dussé’s Grande Champagne Cognac, aged for decades at the storied Château de Cognac in France. At this time, only two-hundred-and-eighty-bottles are available, each one numbered with an inscription for tracking purposes. For the purpose of the auction, Dussé is bringing out the number-one bottle, a surefire collector’s item for the wealthy connoisseur. Emphasis on wealthy, as Complex notes that the bottle’s estimated value sits between $25,000 and $75,000.

“When our Cellar Master, Michel Casavecchia, discovered the aged liquid at the Château de Cognac and explained how truly one of a kind it is, it was important to me to honor it by doing something that would celebrate its singularity,” explained Jay-Z, by way of an official press release. “Once that barrel is emptied, there’s no way the liquid can be recreated. The whole process behind the 1969 Anniversaire collection reminded me why I got involved in the spirits industry in the first place–to create something that will stand the test of time.”

The auction is set to go down on Sotheby’s official website right here, taking place on March 1st at 9 AM EST. All proceeds are set to go to Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation. 

Chloe x Halle Drop The Steamy Sci-Fi “Ungodly Hour” Music Video

by

Throughout the first two months of 2021, much of the Chloe x Halle-related news that’s been popping up has admittedly been about their split from each other on social media. While the two sisters have been named on TIME’s “100 Next” list, much of the fanfare surrounding the artists has been due to them branching off from their joint social media accounts and creating their own individual Instagram and Twitter profiles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chlöe (@chloebailey)

Now, Chloe and Halle have joined forces once again to treat fans to a new music video for one of the standout cuts from their sophomore album Ungodly Hour. Late last night, the duo shared the visual treatment for the titular track, “Ungodly Hour,” and fans of Chloe x Halle and their steamy social media content will definitely be pleased with the final result.

The “Ungodly Hour” video takes place in a hazy, science fiction-inspired set as Chloe and Halle perform glitchy and sensual choreography in an eclectic assortment of costumes, from blue skin-tight rubber suits to angelic shimmering gowns. The visuals also transport the Parkwood Entertainment artists to different fantastical locations, including an empty void as well an aqueous environment that lends a few steamy shots of the sisters.

How are you feeling Chloe x Halle’s steamy new sci-fi music video for “Ungodly Hour?”

NBA Youngboy’s Mom Calls Out Wendy Williams With Transphobic Remarks

by

Wendy Williams will always have something to say. It doesn’t matter if everybody in the industry ends up hating her– she will be on her death bed being messy and sharing her opinion on the latest pop culture drama. And that’s what we love her for.


Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

The talk show host is back at the office and she’s been doing what she always does, sharing her petty thoughts on all of the entertainment world’s hot topics. Of course, she got to talking about one of her preferred targets these days, Youngboy Never Broke Again and his ex-girlfriend Yaya Mayweather. Laughing about the rapper having his seventh child with Floyd Mayweather’s daughter, Wendy gave the rundown on everything that’s happened between Yaya and YB, including the time she allegedly stabbed another one of the artist’s baby’s mothers. The comments made their way to NBA Youngboy’s mother’s desk, and Sherhonda Gaulden couldn’t be more upset about them.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OnSite! (@its_onsite)

“This ugly b*tch don’t have nothing better to do than talk sh*t about people,” said Gaulden on Instagram in a since-deleted post. “Raise the dress up and let us see if you have a d*ck How you doing!!!!!!!!”

This isn’t the first time that anybody has made transphobic jokes about Wendy Williams. Those comments have unfortunately been following her for years, most often being spewed by 50 Cent and his fans. 

Do you think Wendy went too far with Youngboy Never Broke Again and Yaya Mayweather? Watch her comments at the 10:22 mark above.

Freeway & Nate Dogg Connected On “All My Life”

by

Though forever respected as a key member of the early-millennium Roc-a-Fella movement, Philadelphia emcee Freeway seldom gets the appreciation he deserves. On that note, there are many who would declare his 2003 debut album Philadelphia Freeway to be an undisputed classic, a highlight chapter from one of hip-hop’s most iconic dynasties. Seeing as the album has officially turned eighteen today, it feels appropriate to share a standout cut, one that finds the late, great King Of Hooks rising to the occasion.

The Bink-produced “All My Life” features some inspired rhyming from Freeway, whose unique flow and delivery are examined with clinical precision. Boasting rhyme schemes that seldom fall under the standard convention, Free is easily one of the most patient emcees there is, delaying his rhymes for as long as possible before resolution. Throw in a slick chorus from Nate Dogg, who was in the midst of an incredible feature run, and “All My Life” withstands the test of time as an essential piece of the Roc-a-Fella puzzle. 

Happy anniversary to Freeway’s Philadelphia Freeway. Would you say this project is worthy of classic status? 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Yeaaah, it’s the worlds most dangerous
Clique, the Roc, we get neck in Los Angeles
Chicks scandalous, it’s just a part of the plans
I smash, photograph it, send ’em home to they man

Post Malone Covered A Hootie And The Blowfish Classic For His ‘Pokémon’ Partnership

by

The Pokémon franchise is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year; While Pokémon Red and Blue, the first games released in the US, came out stateside in 1998, the original Japanese games, Red and Green, were released in 1996. Anyway, part of the celebration has included collaborating with Post Malone on a couple things. Malone is performing a virtual concert for Pokémon Day this weekend, but ahead of that, he has released a new cover tied to the partnership: a rendition of the Hootie And The Blowfish classic “Only Wanna Be With You.”

Malone keeps the cover mostly stylistically faithful to the original version, and even though the song doesn’t have any clear preexisting connection to Pokémon, Malone has turned in a fun recording nonetheless. He slightly tweaked the lyrics, shifting the focus of one line from the Miami Dolphins to his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, as he sings, “I’m such a baby ’cause the Cowboys make me cry.” Longtime Pokémon fans may have also noticed that the song has a sample from the second-generation Game Boy/Game Boy Color games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, specifically the music that plays in Ecruteak City.

Darius Rucker, who of course sang and co-wrote the ’90s classic, is over the moon about Malone’s rendition, tweeting of it this morning, “The smile in my face will not leave for a long time. This is awesome. My bro @PostMalone bringing it. Hell yes man!!!!!!!!!”

Listen to Malone’s rendition of “Only Wanna Be With You” above.