Hip Hop News

There’s about to be a blast from MTV and VH1’s pasts featured on the new streaming service, Paramount+. As studios and companies are investing more into online streaming, we’re finding that there aren’t just first-generation series popping up, but reboots are breathing new life into old favorites. It was announced today at the ViacomCBS Streaming Event presentation that Behind the Music, MTV’s Unplugged, and Yo! MTV Raps will be returning to the small screen via Paramount+. Additionally, a new unscripted series From Cradle to Stage will be premiering, as well.

“We are thrilled to re-invent some of our most storied and impactful music franchises, including Behind the Music and Yo! MTV Raps, for Paramount+,” said Bruce Gilmer, ViacomCBS President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events. “In addition, we will partner with some of the biggest names across the music industry to bring exclusive and unique content to the platform, such as Dave Grohl’s Cradle to Stage based on his mom’s critically-acclaimed book, and many more to come.”

For those that aren’t familiar with the rebooted shows, Behind the Music was a docuseries that gave insight into the lives and careers of some of our favorite artists. MTV’s Unplugged is currently airing, and is a platform for some of the most praised, stripped-down performances from popular artists; and 33 years after its initial premiere, Yo! MTV Raps returns with cyphers, live performances, and conversations about the current state of Hip Hop.

Meanwhile, the new show From Cradle to Stage arrives courtesy of Dave Grohl and is a six-part series inspired by his mother, Virginia Hanlon Grohl. It’s said to be based on her critically-acclaimed book, From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars. The series will feature famed rock stars and their mothers as they take a deep dive into their relationships and stardom.

Will you be tuning in to watch any of these shows?

Another artist has taken issue with their label. For as long as the music industry has existed, so have stories about artists being at odds with their labels, management teams, or agencies. Doja Cat called out her label over incorrect lyrics, Tory Lanez put Interscope on blast back in 2019, Summer Walker stated that her label didn’t approve on her posts about protests, and now Smokepurpp has a bone to pick with Alamo Records.

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The rapper recently shared his Psycho EP earlier this month and has been pushing his singles and music videos to support the project, but something behind-the-scenes has the rapper unnerved. “@alamorecords y’all got 24 hrs before I expose everything you guys do and how y’all do Your ‘artist,'” wrote Purpp. “If this post gets deleted y’all know exactly who it was. STOP TAKING THIS POST DOWN B4 I GO LIVE.”

The rapper also added, “Go tell them b*tch ass n*ggas @alamorecords f*ck you and free purpp.” He didn’t specify why he’s airing out his contention with his label, but his posts have been taken down. It’s unclear if he’ll make good on going Live to discuss his issue. Check out the posts below.

The allegations recently made against T.I. and his wife Tiny are serious, and the couple isn’t taking them lightly. However, they’ve remained adamant that they never were involved in forcing anyone to do anything non-consensual, and while they were ridiculed in the headlines and on social media apps, we recently reported that there aren’t any lawsuits against or investigations into the famed Hip Hop couple. Their reality series, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, has been placed on pause for the time being, and once again T.I. has come forward with a message about facts and fiction.

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He recently caught up with The Shade Room for a virtual interview where he was asked how he manages his presence in the media, whether it be good or bad. “Focus on my truth and my purpose,” said T.I. “You know what I’m sayin’? Can’t nobody tell me about me. You dig what I’m sayin’? Your opinion of me will never overrule my opinion of myself. Your fantasy of me will never overrule my fact of myself. The facts that I know about me, about my life. That’s what I’m gon’—I’ll never—the tail shall never wag the dog, ya dig.”

“I think that, you know, one thing social media has shown us, and society at large, is one, that anytime a Black man is in a position of power and he uses his platform to speak on behalf of the community and to help people who need the most help…that’s gon’ be objected to, challenged, ridiculed,” T.I. continued.

“I mean, from Malcolm X to John Africa to anybody. To Fred Hampton, it’s gon’ always be challenged as long as you tryin’ to be a voice for the voiceless. You just gotta believe enough in your purpose. Stand up, and go on through it. But other people’s fantasies and fiction of me will never overrule the facts I know of myself.” Do you agree with him?

Check out his clip below.

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