Hip Hop News

Vince Staples’ Relaxed ‘Law Of Averages’ Is The Long-Awaited Start Towards His Third Album

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Vince Staples hasn’t exactly disappeared since releasing his 2018 project, FM!. The Long Beach rapper has been and remains a comical presence on social media while contributing guest verses to artists that include Tiana Major9, Lil Yachty, and Reason. However, in the nearly three years since FM!, supporters of Vince have sought and remained patient for the arrival of his third album. Luckily for them, the rapper revealed that he actually has two projects on the way, one titled Ramona Park Broke My Heart and another Vince Staples. It’ll be a while until either of those arrive, but thankfully, Vince begins the rollout for it with his brand new single, “Law Of Averages.”

The track arrives with a grainy video that captures Vince posted up with the homies in his neighborhood as he raps over the track’s soulful production. There’s good reason to be excited about Vince’s upcoming self-titled album and Ramona Park Broke My Heart. The former is an effort that features heavy production from Kenny Beats, who has a great resume filled with impressive work with a wide array of acts.

“[Kenny] sent me a beat that I recorded on, and it just went from there,” Vince said about the project. “We didn’t go into it intentionally thinking that we would end up with as much as we had. We ended up working two days a week for a month, from after Thanksgiving until before Christmas in 2020. A couple of weeks in, we looked up, and we had some stuff.”

Prior to that, Killer Mike had nothing but positive words to say about one of Vince’s upcoming albums. Every time I C @vincestaples my spirit is lifted,” he wrote in an Instagram post. He added, “After hearing his new project I repeat and repeat he beyond ‘Gifted’. Love & Respect always!”

You can listen to “Law Of Averages” in the video above.

Vince Staples Sets Fire To “Law Of Averages,” Announces Album & Release Date

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We haven’t received an album from Vince Staples since his 2018 offering FM!, but the Los Angeles rapper has officially announced that he has another project on the way. Staples’s self-titled album is slated to arrive on July 9 and to kick off the rollout, the acclaimed emcee shares the record’s first single, “Law of Averages.” Along with the single’s arrival comes a poignant visual where Staples collects his crew and gathers in his familiar Long Beach neighborhood.

Vince’s forthcoming album was reportedly produced by Kenny Beats and he recently explained the concept behind the record. He reportedly said “it really gives much more information about me that wasn’t out there before. That’s why I went with that title. I feel like I’ve been trying to tell the same story. As you go on in life, your point of view changes. This is another take on myself that I might not have had before.”

“I’m a mind more than I am an entertainer to a lot of people,” he added. “I appreciate that my fanbase is willing to go on this ride with me. I’m ready to diversify what we’re doing and see how we affect the world.” Stream “Law of Averages” and let us know your thoughts.

Quotable Lyrics

F*ck a b*tch, I don’t trust no b*tch with my government
F*ck a friend, I don’t want no friends with no open hands
Count my bands, all alone at home, don’t you call my phone
Everyone that I’ve ever known asked me for a loan
Leave me ‘lone, .44 Stallone, get a n*gga a gone
Raging Bull, this not Paid in Full but I kill my own
Yes, I love you ’cause you Black but don’t love your ass like that
I will put you on a shirt if you f*ck me out my racks

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Logic Explains His Return To The Rap Game On “Intro”

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Twenty-four hours after sharing that he’s “back,” Logic has delivered his second solo single of the year. The first was “Tired in Malibu,” a track that was just one of several singles released by the rapper since he announced his retirement last summer. Logic told his fans that No Pressure would be his final album before he retreated into the shadows of retirement, but yesterday (June 17), he popped up on Twitter with a new declaration that was inspired by Michael Jordan’s famous 1995 message.

“The following statement was released today by Logic, through his attorney Paul Rothenberg Partner of Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP located in NYC, in response to questions about his future career plans: ‘I’m back,'” wrote Logic. On Friday (June 18), he gave his fans his latest single “Intro” where he reintroduces himself and explains his return following a brief hiatus. This is “the life [he] wants forever,” so it doesn’t seem that he’s even close to the end of his Rap career.

Stream “Intro” and let us know what you think.

Quotable Lyrics

I got rent, I got bills
But I want a record deal
Don’t wanna give up on my dreams
‘Cause I know I got skills
People sayin’ I won’t make it
Sometimes that’s how it feels

Jacquees & Queen Naija Drop Silky R&B Single “Bed Friend”

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Best friends become lovers in this smooth R&B offering from Jacquees. The self-professed “King of R&B” was recently embroiled in a scandal after a video circulated showing that the singer and his rapper girlfriend Dreezy were involved in a physical altercation with a man while on vacation. After the man tossed around accusations about the couple, both Jacquees and Dreezy returned to social media to set the record straight.

With that latest controversy behind him, Jacquees tapped Queen Naija to complete “Bed Friend,” and track that spins a tale about two people who are walking the fine line of being homie-lover-friends. The pair of celebrated singers croon through their sides of the story on the silky single about two people that “started out as best friends” but now, can’t get enough of one another.

Stream Jacquees’s “Bed Friend” featuring Queen Naija and let us know what you think bout this collaboration.

Quotable Lyrics

Started off as your best friend (Best friend)
Now I’m worried, can’t question (Hmm)
How the hell did we go from kicking it to sexing? (Ah, ooh)
It’s a very risky situation (Oh)
Can’t let my emotions overtake me
First was innocently (Ahh)

Majid Jordan Floats Through R&B Single “Been Through That”

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Following the success of their April release “Waves of Blue,” Majid Jordan returns with another single. The OVO Sound R&B duo are said to be working on an album that’s slated for release sometime this year, but for now, they’re keeping details regarding that project close to the chest. On Friday (June 18), they delivered “Been Through That,” a track that they say is “perfect to dance to in warm weather and sunshine.”

“We made it so that we could bring people back together as the world opens up after the pandemic. People have been through so much over these two years and we wanted to give them something to sing along to together,” the pair shared in a joint statement.

“Although it sounds like we’re addressing someone in the verse the truth is we have been both the speaker and listener in all the situations that the song talks about,” they continued. “We have been through that, overstretched ourselves, gotten burnt out, acted for the wrong reasons, but we eventually found our feet and now we’re dancing our way out of it.”

Stream Majid Jordan’s “Been Through That” and let us know your thoughts.

Quotable Lyrics

I can tell you feel a way, is that why you stay away? (Stay away)
Sell you dreams on day to day, is that why you stay away? (Stay away)
You fell for it all before, it’s got you stuck in a daze
Always sacrifice ’cause you wanna save face, but you never saved

Wale Samples A Diddy Classic For “Angles” Ft. Chris Brown

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They were spotted filming a music video and now you can hear their latest collaboration. Wale and Chris Brown have linked up for a track poised to be a summer favorite as they join on “Angles,” a song described in a press release as a “sunny, romantic rap hit.” Famed producer OG Parker is the man behind the beat that borrows from the classic Hip Hop hit “I Need a Girl” by Diddy, Loon, and Usher.

Wale spins clever rhymes regarding his affections for his leading lady, some that are more light-hearted while other bars take a more serious tone. C. Breezy holds down the hook on a single that will surely be quickly added to romance-centered playlists. On Instagram, Wale hyped his followers by sharing a brief video.

“Hey y’all, it’s time to go. Single drop tonight,” he said. “F*ck with me.” Stream Wale’s “Angles” featuring Chris Brown and let us know what you think.

Quotable Lyrics

Okay, this energy’s givin’ me sex symbol
Pose for me, girl, I think I’m the best with you
Pose for me more, I think you’re the best for me
Now post when I’m done, ain’t credit your ex nigga
Hey, you petty, you flex different
You know I be the plug, the one that connect with you

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Gucci Mane Shares “Ice Daddy” Ft. Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, Pooh Shiesty, Lil Uzi Vert, E-40

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With his son donning the cover of the album, Gucci Mane is back with another project. The Rap icon has been teasing this record since the end of April when he surfaced on social media with the cover art to Ice Daddy. The announcement came four months after Gucci and wife Keyshia Ka’oir welcomed their son Ice Davis into the world, and the proud father wanted to honor his youngest child, who also acts as executive producer.

Fans will find Gucci Mane once again settling into the trap sound that he’s dominated throughout his career and he’s partnered with several artists to help round out the album. Features on Ice Daddy include looks from Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, 2 Chainz, E-40, Project Pat, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Pooh Shiesty, BIG30, Young Dolph, BigWalkDog, and Peewee Longway.

Stream Gucci Mane’s Ice Daddy and let us know what you think.

Tracklist

1. Poppin with BigWalkDog
2. Posse on Bouldercrest ft. Pooh Shiesty & Sir Mix-A-Lot
3. Sh*t Crazy ft. BIG30
4. Like 34 & 8 ft. Pooh Shiesty
5. Dboy Style
6. Trap Sh*t ft. Lil Baby
7. I Got It ft. Lil Uzi Vert
8. Rich Ngga Sh*t 
9. Top of Sh*t ft. 2 Chainz & Young Dolph
10. Never Runnin Out of Money ft. E-40
11. Fold Dat Money Up ft. Project Pat
12. Gucci Coming 4 You
13. Invoices
14. Live at the Red Carpet ft. Peewee Longway
15. Bust Down
16. Lately
17. How I See It

Victoria’s Secret Rebrands & Retires Their “Angels”

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The brand that became known for its sexy and modelesque “Angels” is taking a turn to adapt to modern times.

To begin to become a more inclusive company, the “Angels” promotional materials will begin to disappear while being replaced by mannequins of diverse body types and new sportswear offerings alongside the lingerie. 

The most unique effort is that their model ambassadors are being replaced by a diverse collective comprising of actress and producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, model Adut Akech, freestyle skier Eileen Gu, transgender model Valentina Sampaio, plus-size model Paloma Elesser, photographer Amanda de Cadenet, and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe.


Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Victoria’s Secret’s huge change in approach received mixed reactions from fans on social media. Some were glad to see the refreshing change, one commenter stating, “This is a great, strong range of women. Looking forward to more from #TheVSCollective.” 

Another wrote a lengthy essay disapproving of the change, saying, “VS is not a leader in the industry and officially became a follower. There are ways to still instill change while keeping angels and some sort of show/event alive. I will always support, but this was a wrong move. Good luck.” 

Some also called the brand fake, with one saying, “I worked with the brand for several years and raved about it – unfortunately, this rings pandering and insincere to me; I also find the product assortment to be inferior to what is used to. Unfollowing.”


Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Let us know what you think about the switch below. 

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6ix9ine Trolls Gucci Mane Over Pooh Shiesty’s Case: “Your Man Got Robbed In The Club”

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Never on to miss an opportunity at trolling his fellow rappers, Tekashi 6ix9ine has once again emerged to kick a man while he’s down. The New York rapper has faced scrutiny and “cancelation” due to turning federal informant, but since he was released from prison, 6ix9ine has proven that his infamy can be a money-maker.

Still, there have been artists who have spoken out against him, and last year, it was believed that Gucci Mane sent a subliminal message to 6ix9ine. Tekashi would later bite back by calling Guwop “washed up,” and he reignited the beef on the heel of the news that Pooh Shiesty’s bond has been denied. Shiesty was arrested for allegedly shooting a King of Diamonds security guard who later recanted his statement to police, saying he was on painkillers at the time and didn’t remember speaking with authorities.

After Akademiks reported on Pooh Shiesty’s unfortunate news, 6ix9ine hopped in the comments. “@laflar107 your man got robbed in the club while performing and got mad and took out his gun for the cameras [sideways crying laughing emoji],” 6ix9ine wrote, misspelling Gucci’s Instagram handle. “Now his mom lost both her sons one dead the other in jail after getting robbed. Smh she in my prayers.”

The rapper’s remarks have been criticized by the public for being insensitive, but it seems to be 6ix9ine’s modus operandi. Check out the posts below.

Pooh Shiesty, 6ix9ine
Instagram