Hip Hop News

Travis Porter Explain How They Fell Off

by

Travis Porter, the Atlanta rap trio made up of Ali, Quez, and Strap, had a period of a few years when they were ruling the club scene. Their music is still jumping, but they haven’t had the same attention in a minute. At this point, they’ve had enough time to reflect on what went wrong, and they’re being open and honest about how they fell off, speaking with No Jumper’s Adam22 about their rise and fall during a recent interview.

Catching up with the guys for the No Jumper podcast, Adam22 asked Travis Porter what happened to cause them to completely fall off in terms of relevance, and they had a few different theories. The first directly involves Bankroll Fresh and his passing.


Paras Griffin/Getty Images

“To be a thousand, our last joint that we really put out was a song with our homie Bankroll Fresh. It was called “Walked In”. That was really like when everyone was like, ‘damn’,” they said. “It was kind of one of those really heartbreaking situations where someone is with you every day.” Quez said that, after Fresh passed away, he wasn’t inspired to hit the studio for a long time. They were working on a collaborative project with the late rapper.

Of course, their label situation also had something to do with their falling off. Ali suggests that the group’s demise was mostly their fault though, saying, “We wasn’t really just in tune all the way, or I wasn’t,” he said. “Just everything. And, you know, the label [Jive] collapsed and we had to go be with some label that didn’t really f*ck with us.”

The three guys agree that that was a big part of their falling off, saying that the people that were assigned to work for them didn’t really care much about pushing them to a new level. They said that RCA tried to change them, saying that they wanted “corny” poppy music from them. 

Listen to what Travis Porter had to say above.

Coolio Returns With Comeback Track “Out Fa The Bag”

by

It’s been a minute, but Coolio has officially returned to the game. Though it’s been a minute since the “Gangsta’s Paradise” legend was active on the scene, it would appear he’s ready to launch a full-blown comeback, going so far as to resign with his former label Tommy Boy Records. And while he certainly made his mark during his heydey, it seems as if the veteran Compton emcee has done his part to adjust to the modern musical climate, as evidenced by his brand new single “Out Fa The Bag.” 

Featuring an assist from Al and C.L.A.Y, Coolio’s latest may very well raise eyebrows from some listeners, if only for the major stylistic shift. Taking to an up-tempo instrumental from DJ Wino, Coolio slides in with a reliable flow and a simple goal in mind: securing the bag. “Whatup to my killers and all my bitches,” he raps, his delivery rugged. “I hope ya’ll ready to get these riches / stack that guap those dividends / me and Wino pimpin’ in an all blue Benz.” 

While it’s unclear as to whether Coolio intends on following through with a new album, this return, unexpected though it may be, is welcome news for longtime fans of the beloved rap figure. Check it out for yourself now.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Whatup to my killers and all my bitches,
I hope ya’ll ready to get these riches
Stack that guap those dividends
Me and Wino pimpin’ in an all-blue Benz

Jeremy Lin Divulges On Being Called “Coronavirus” During Games

by

Jeremy Lin has been extremely open about his struggles during his time in the NBA, and how difficult it has been to be the only Asian-American player on the court. Over the years, Lin has bounced around the league and after a brief stint in China, he is now playing for the Golden State Warriors’ G-League team in Santa Cruz. So far, Lin has been displaying a ton of promise although he hasn’t gone without some hardships on the court, as he has experienced racism at times.

In a new post on Facebook, Lin got real about some of the taunts he has heard throughout his time in basketball and that with the COVID-19 pandemic, things have only gotten worse. In fact, Lin claims he was called “Coronavirus” during a game, which is truly unacceptable.

Something is changing in this generation of Asian Americans. We are tired of being told that we don’t experience racism,…

Posted by Jeremy Lin 林書豪 on Thursday, February 25, 2021

“Something is changing in this generation of Asian Americans,” Lin wrote. “We are tired of being told that we don’t experience racism, we are tired of being told to keep our heads down and not make trouble. We are tired of Asian American kids growing up and being asked where they’re REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we’re inherently unattractive. We are tired of the stereotypes in Hollywood affecting our psyche and limiting who we think we can be. We are tired of being invisible, of being mistaken for our colleague or told our struggles aren’t as real.

Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn’t protect me from being called “coronavirus” on the court.”

These are certainly massive hardships to go through, and Lin is remaining strong through all of it, which is great to see. Lin has inspired many young basketball players around the world, and his words during these difficult times mean a lot to so many.

Jeremy Lin

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ice Cube Calls Out Warner For Restricting “Friday” Sequels

by

Friday is one of the most quoted movies of all time. Starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, and more, the 1995 film is celebrated as one of the pinnacles of buddy-comedy stoner films, but for some reason, the latest sequel has been stuck in development for years. Ice Cube is tired of waiting, and he’s doing what he can to get the ball rolling on the fourth installment.


Jean-Paul Aussenard/Getty Images

We’ve been hearing about Last Friday for years. The tentative title for the fourth sequel to Friday has been bounced around but Warner Bros doesn’t seem keen on moving forward with it. Ice Cube, the writer and lead actor of the series, is calling out the studio in an attempt to green-light it for production elsewhere, effectively trying to free Friday from their grip.

“#freefriday from the jaws of Warner Bros. who refuses to make more sequels,” wrote Cube on Instagram, sharing an animated cartoon of the characters from the movie. “They have hi-jacked the happiness of the culture.”

As Cube says, this film shifted the culture, marking a huge moment in Black cinema. It’s a moving moment in a lot of people’s lives, and another sequel would surely bring a lot of money to the studio. So why isn’t it being made?


Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Hopefully, this push from Ice Cube gets something moving on Last Friday. It’s long overdue.

Fred The Godson’s “Gracias (Ascension Theme)” Arrives Alongside His Final Music Video

by

It has been nearly a year since the tragic passing of Fred The Godson, who sadly succumbed to COVID-19 last April. Fred’s presence is still felt throughout Hip-Hop and the Bronx, as seen earlier this week with a South Bronx street being named after him as well as his first posthumous album Ascension. Now, Fred’s estate is sharing the visuals for the album opener to his new posthumous release, which also happens to be the final music video ever filmed by Fred The Godson before his untimely death.

As mentioned under the music video’s description, “Gracias (Ascension Theme)” illustrates “the creative high” that Fred was on prior to his passing. In the roughly three-minute album intro, Fred unleashes a barrage of bars that serve as a prime example of the late artist’s characteristic intricate lyricism, witty punchlines, and passionate delivery.  

“Gracias (Ascension Theme)” and Ascension are both available now on several streaming platforms, and according to HipHopDX, Fred the Godson’s Ascension with also soon be available on vinyl and CD, giving fans the opportunity to purchase physical memorabilia in honor of the fallen artist.

Quotable Lyrics

Ready to die, number 5 this is your warning
Sendin’ heat to your crib, this not house warming
Shoot the walls in, see we move with the pound
We warring, G, I’ll catch you snoopin’ around

[via]

Kyle Reassures His Dream Girl On The Lighthearted ‘But Cha’ With Josh Golden

by

Ventura rapper Kyle takes a poppy turn on his newest song, “But Cha” featuring singer/songwriter Josh Golden. Released with an anime-inspired lyrics video, “But Cha” finds Kyle serenading his dream girl, reassuring her that he intends to stick with her for the long haul. “Your stock is goin’ through the roof and I’m investin’,” he winks. “No multiple-choice, ain’t nobody to choose.”

Kyle’s latest arrives eight months after his last album, 2020’s See You When I Am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!, his second major-label album after 2018’s Light Of Mine. While Kyle has always embraced sunnier production and heartfelt themes, “But Cha” focuses even more on melody and lighter tones, much like Famous lead single “What It Is” minus the melancholy.

The turnaround time on his new song is impressive, considering he spent much of the year promoting Famous with videos like “Money Now” and “See You When I’m Famous” in the midst of pandemic precautions. He also managed to find time to work on season two of his surreal animated variety show Sugar & Toys, so being able to start prepping a new project just goes to show how committed he’s been through the past, wild year.

Listen to “But Cha” above.

Kyle is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tobe Nwigwe Makes His Late-Night Debut With An Elaborate Performance Of ‘Eat’ On ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

by

Six months ago, Tobe Nwigwe debuted the video for his song “Eat” as part of an extensive and seemingly endless string of self-released singles showcasing the self-contained creative factory he’s created with his wife Fat, business partner/producer Lanell Grant, and director Nate Edwards. Last night, they brought their elaborate creations to late-night television for the first time, performing “Eat” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and making sure it was an experience none of the show’s viewers will ever forget.

The performance, which was pre-taped due to COVID-19 restrictions, featured an eye-catching mod look, placing each of Tobe’s band members on a separate, social-distancing-approved circular stage, as masked models cat-walked through the background, then hit the spacious floor for another of Tobe’s elegantly-choreographed routines. Meanwhile, Tobe’s fit did as much talking as his bars did, as he flexed a massive puffer trench bearing the likenesses of Breonna Taylor and revolutionary Fred Hampton under the slogan “It’s hard to sleep these days.” Both Hampton and Taylor were killed by law enforcement officers in their sleep during raids on their homes.

Tobe’s ongoing release campaign has so far included songs like “The Truth,” “Pistol,” and “Tundah Fiyah” and featured guests like Big KRIT, Black Thought, Bun B, D Smoke, and Trae The Truth. Tobe also performed a cover of Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes’ 1975 classic “Wake Up Everybody.” You can watch below.

Watch Tobe’s late-night debut above.

Floyd Mayweather Gifted Rare Kobe Bryant-LeBron James Card

by

Back in 2008, many NBA fans were hoping for LeBron James and Kobe Bryant to play each other in the NBA Finals. Instead, the Cleveland Cavaliers faltered against the Boston Celtics, which led to a showdown between Kobe and the likes of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. In the end, the Celtics came away victorious, while the Lakers would go on to win the next two NBA championships.

To commemorate what could have been, Topps created a rare LeBron-Kobe card that now sells for a wild price of $15,000 USD. According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy.com, legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather was actually gifted the card for his 44th birthday which went down on Wednesday. 

Trading cards have grown exponentially in value throughout the pandemic, as collectors delve back into their hobby. These cards continue to increase in value, which makes them a sound investment for those looking to diversify their portfolio. Some people are even taking out loans to buy these cards, as they are confident the leveraged purchase will lead to some massive gains.

While Mayweather certainly doesn’t need the money, there is no doubt that this card is an asset that will continue to balloon in value, and he will be best served to keep it protected. In decades from now, the card could very well be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

LeBron James
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Kobe Bryant
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

2KBABY Remembers His First Time Ever Getting High On “How To Roll”

by

2KBABY is one of the hottest rappers coming out of Louisville, Kentucky, and today, the 20-year-old rising star released one of his biggest songs to date. Last month, the “Old Streets” rapper came through with his THE 2K STIMULUS two-pack and this week, he delivered his latest single “Like This” with Marshmello.

In addition to his new single, 2KBABY is also starring on the brand new episode of How To Roll, which marks the first episode of the fan-favorite series since December, and it’s kicking us off for this year. 

The up-and-coming star goes through his weed-smoking habit in the new episode, showing us how he rolls up and delivering some wisdom, telling his fans that one of his secrets is to always rinse the Backwoods after you’re done rolling it. “Definitely rinse ’em off,” said 2KBABY. “I used to not rinse them off and I ain’t gonna say I always rinse them off now, I do rinse ’em off. I roll so much that just getting up to go rinse them off be annoying.”

On this given day, 2K didn’t have the energy to rinse off the blunt. He goes on to speak about his first time ever getting high, which happened after he made $10 from his first time selling. He says that he got back home, figured out to create a homemade bong, and tried out his product. He got super high, reflecting on the moment a few years later.

Watch the brand new episode of 2KBABY on How To Roll above and be sure to listen to his new single with Marshmello, titled “Like This”, here.