Hip Hop News

Bruno Mars Has The Most Diamond Singles In History

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Diamond singles aren’t exactly common in the music industry, with the required criteria being ten million in total sales. For an artist to reach such lofty heights, that artist must reach the pinnacle of commercial stardom and accessibility. Being that he’s no stranger to those very qualities, it’s not entirely surprising to see that the multitalented Bruno Mars has hit an incredible new milestone, making history as the first artist ever to secure five diamond-certified singles.

HHNM reports that Mars recently secured a pair of diamond certifications for “That’s What I Like” and “When I Was Your Man,” which officially brings his total to the record-setting five. The new additions to his collection join “Grenade,” “Just The Way You Are,” and the Mark Ronson-assisted “Uptown Funk.”

Bruno Mars

 Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

The news was confirmed by way of an RIAA press release, along with a celebratory message from Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier. “Congratulations to Bruno Mars – the first artist with five Diamond Single Awards in the history of RIAA’s Gold and Platinum Program!” praises Glazier. “This milestone is a testament to Bruno’s unstoppable creative genius and the incredible partnership he has built with the team at Atlantic Records. What Bruno has accomplished is just extraordinary. Fewer than 60 Diamond Single Awards have ever been awarded – and Bruno now has five of them!”

What’s even more impressive about the already impressive feat is the fact that Bruno is all-but-guaranteed to have more on the way. One has to wonder what commercial potential Silk Sonic truly has, as he and Anderson .Paak’s “Leave The Door Open” has already proven to be a mainstay on the charts.

Congratulations Bruno Mars! Do you think he’s one of the greatest to ever do it? 

LeBron James Quotes Theodore Roosevelt With Latest IG Post

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LeBron James remains one of the best players in the NBA, even at the age of 36. So many analysts and fans have counted him out over the years although it is very clear that he still has what it takes to be a champion and that for years to come, it is going to be impossible to ever bet against him. The Lakers are now going to the NBA playoffs because of his heroics and fans cannot wait to see what he’s able to do in the first round against the Phoenix Suns.

After the Lakers’ huge win against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, LeBron decided to take to Instagram where he channeled Theodore Roosevelt’s infamous “Man In The Arena” speech. It was a powerful statement on Bron’s career and at this point, it’s clear that James is bringing the heat.

Per Theodore Roosevelt:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

With the playoffs beginning this weekend, we will get a true sense of whether or not this Lakers team is ready to make a deep run. It’s been a difficult season but they certainly have the pieces required to repeat as champions.

LeBron James

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Stevie J Has A PSA For “Soulless” Artists & “Non-Talented” Executives

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Stevie J isn’t feeling the current state of the music industry, and he’s apparently tired of holding his tongue. In a recent post to Instagram, the Love & Hip-Hop star slammed the music industry for allowing such an excessive amount of untalented artists and record executives to rise to prominence. In light of his frustration, Stevie J also reveals that he will be going on Instagram Live to air out his grievances. 

Stevie J. celebrates the "Biggie Inspires" Art Exhibit & Celebration at William Vale Hotel on September 13, 2019 in New York City.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

“I’m here for the real gifted x talented individuals not for the hype,” the hitmaker says in the post’s caption. “Stop signing your non talented homies, game is turning to trash. Real music, musicians x true artist only!”

In the actual picture that he shared with his 2.3 million Instagram followers, Stevie J writes, “This music industry is full of non talented individuals. I’m respectfully going live tomorrow dissecting these wack, soulless x non talented artist x these trash non talented executives. Enuff is Enough.”

While he didn’t name anyone in particular, there are a number of Hip-Hop artists who have made a practice of signing people close to them, so it will be interesting to hear which specific artists he is referring to. Stay tuned to see what Stevie J has to say when he goes on Instagram Live later today.

Bobby Sessions Unites Freddie Gibbs & Benny The Butcher On “Gold Rolex”

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Bobby Sessions continues his streak of uniting with elite lyricists, following a powerful collaboration with Royce Da 5’9″, by linking up with two of the game’s deadliest — Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher. Curiously enough, Freddie and Benny were recently working together in the studio, and one has to wonder if this one emerged during those undoubtedly productive sessions.

Speaking of Sessions, Bobby keeps stride with some slick opening bars, proving that he’s more than capable of hanging with the heavy-hitters; there’s even a case to be made that he ran away with the best verse, depending on what criteria one might apply. That’s in no way to speak down on The Butcher or Gibbs, both of whom do exactly as they’re supposed to over the smooth and soulful instrumental. All in all, it’s a welcome posse cut from Sessions and further proof that he should be kept on the radar as one to watch moving forward.

Check out “Gold Rolex” now, and sound off with your pick for the standout verse. Keep an eye out for Bobby Sessions’ upcoming album Manifest, set to be released at some point this year. 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Walking like a pimp with a cane and a limp
Mesmerize your bitch she watch my dick swing to the left.
Pop my trunk and then I dip, Donald Trump a bitch
Texas n***a Pleasant Grove, you better know that I’m legit

Latto Explains Why She Changed Her Name On “The Biggest”

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She’s been misunderstood for the last few years as one of the most promising young women in rap so she’s making it official. After performing as “Mulatto” to start off her career, achieving serious levels of success as the first solo female rap act to go platinum from her city, Latto has officially changed her name. She unpacks her decision to part ways with the controversial name in her brand new music video for “The Biggest.”

Breaking out last year as part of a marquee effort to take over the game, Latto has returned with her hard-hitting single produced by Supah Mario and Akachi. “Tried to turn the negative to a positive, but now I see the big deal/How you choose a name like that in a world where your people getting killed,” raps Latto on the song, explaining why it was so important for her to change her stage moniker.

In the video, Latto speaks out at a press conference and rewinds to some of the biggest highlights in her career, including her first billboard in Times Square, her first gold plaque, and more. 

Watch the video above and let us know what you think in the comments.

J. Cole Releases An ‘Off-Season’ Colorway Of His Puma RS-Dreamer 2

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J. Cole

Although J. Cole’s new album The Off-Season has now officially been out for over a week, the unusual rollout for the long-awaited album continues — and keeps to the established theme of “rap as basketball.” With a cover featuring a burning basketball hoop, a documentary detailing his “training” for the new album, a cover story in Slam magazine, and a professional basketball career in Rwanda, Cole’s been using The Off-Season to reinforce the long-held parallels between basketball and hip-hop.

Today, he and his Dreamville crew revealed the latest version of his Puma basketball sneaker, the RS-Dreamer 2, in a new colorway, fittingly titled the “Off-Season Reds.” The shoes are modeled in the campaign shots by the NBA’s Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers and the WNBA’s Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Phoenix Mercury.

In his debut game for the Rwanda Patriots of the Basketball Africa League against the Nigeria Rivers Hoopers, J. Cole put up a respectable rookie box score (3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) and played admirable defense, earning plenty of accolades from other pro hoopers who were simply impressed to see the 36-year-old pursue his hoop dreams and keep up with the best players the continent has to offer.

You can pick up the “Off-Season” red RS-Dreamer 2 here.

YG And Mozzy’s Thrilling ‘Gangsta’ Video Flexes Their Hood Credentials

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YG and Mozzy’s joint album Kommunity Service has arrived and with it, the video for “Gangsta,” the project’s intro and third single. Borrowing the loop from 50 Cent’s 2002 breakout hit “Wanksta,” the two West Coast native flash their hood passes and talk major cash, taunting phony gangbangers and reiterating their own credentials. YG steals the show with a double-time flow on the back half of his verse, showing off a newly polished flow that shows he’s been on the J. Cole rap writing workout plan.

Speaking of stealing things, the video is a tongue-in-cheek affair, as YG and Mozzy recruit a team of lingerie-clad honeypots to infiltrate a mark’s mansion, tying him down and opening the door for YG, Mozzy, and their goons to enjoy an illicit shopping spree at the rich man’s expense. It shouldn’t be funny, but with veteran actor De’Aundre Bonds (aka Stacey from The Wood and Dope and Skully from Snowfall) playing the victim, there’s plenty of humor imparted to the proceeds thanks to his portrayal as more annoyed than frightened.

“Gangsta” was preceded by videos for “Bompton To Oak Park,” which kicked off the rollout for Kommunity Service, and “Perfect Timing” with Blxst, which showed things wouldn’t be all gangbanging on the duo’s collaboration.

Watch YG & Mozzy’s “Gangsta” video above.

Kommunity Service is out now on Empire. Get it here.

Travis Scott’s Back W/ Kylie Jenner But There’s A Huge Twist

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Travis Scott's Bae Kylie Jenner Bikini Flex Is Dedicated To Fall Season

Houston rapper Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner really want to ride or die together even if there’s more people involved. The on-again, off-again couple have reportedly decided to give love a chance with some pretty big open boundaries. Travis Scott’s Back W/ Kylie Jenner According to reports, there’s a massive twist to Scott and Jenner […]

The post Travis Scott’s Back W/ Kylie Jenner But There’s A Huge Twist appeared first on SOHH.com.

Rudy Gobert Explains What He Plans To Do After Winning NBA Title

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Rudy Gobert is a player that typically gets a lot of hate from fans. While he remains of the best defensive players in the entire league, there are some out there who feel like Gobert isn’t what he’s cracked up to be. Not to mention, his role in the NBA shut down last year has left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. Regardless, Gobert and his Utah Jazz teammates are sitting in first place in the Western Conference and they have as good of a shot as ever to make a deep run in the playoffs.

During a recent interview with Olympics.com, Gobert spoke about how he believes his team is well on its way to a championship and that he plans on repping France in the Olympics very soon after.

Rudy Gobert

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

“Straight after the game, I’ll get on the plane with the NBA trophy in my hand,” Gobert said jokingly. “No, no, we’ll see… I may miss the Opening Ceremony but the most important thing is that I’m ready for the team. For now, my focus is on the NBA and then it will be Olympic gold.” […] I’m afraid of nobody and my team is afraid of nobody. I never feared anyone, and it won’t change today. The harder the challenge is, the more motivated I am. And I think it’s the same for my teammates. We hope they have the best team possible, but we know that other teams are strong also. It will be up to us to play our best basketball. As simple as that.”

The Olympics begin at around the same time as the final game of the NBA Finals, which means Gobert is going to have to make a very quick turnaround if his team gets that far. France is a team that typically does well at these tournaments, and Gobert is certainly among the country’s best players.

As for the Jazz, time will tell whether or not they can get the job done.

Rudy Gobert

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

[Via]

Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh Drop Off “Trust The Sopranos”

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Benny The Butcher’s Black Soprano Family has joined forces with 38 Spesh’s Trust Gang for the aptly titled Trust The Sopranos, a new compilation project featuring talents from both lyrically sharp camps. Featuring contributions from Benny, Spesh, El Camino, Klass Murda, Ransom, Ampichino, Heem, Rick Hyde, Che Noir, and Chase Fetti, the album is yet another dose of quality hip-hop that further bolsters the narrative that the golden era is alive and well.

Though the album features plenty of inspired performances across the board, Che Noir leaves one hell of an impact on the haunting highlight “Price Of Fame.” “Look they put a black person for sale,” she spits. “Use churches and tell that the man we worship is pale / if you can read that’s why they murdered the males / now it’s ironic how these ni*gas catch a sentence fo they learn how to spell.”

Though the lack of a consistent lineup keeps Trust The Sopranos from true cohesion, there’s enough chemistry and common ground to keep things moving. It’s also a worthy showcase of the BSF and Trust Gang rosters, both of whom boast some stellar talent worthy of further spotlight. If you’ve come to value what The Butcher and Spesh have brought to the table thus far, do yourself a solid and add Trust The Sopranos to your rotation — if so, be sure to share your highlight tracks in the comments below.