Hip Hop News

Kanye West Was Once Told To ‘Stick To Making Beats’ By A Label Executive

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Kanye West may have been the second-highest paid celebrity of 2020, but he wasn’t always successful. In fact, Kanye faced a few major setbacks when he was coming up in his rap career, including being told by a label executive that his rap game wasn’t good enough.

On an episode of Story To Tell with Andrew Barber for The Coda Collection, Lupe Fiasco joined to discuss his early career. Touching on his relationship with Kanye, Fiasco recalled one instance when Kanye had his ego bruised in a major way by LA Reid, a label head who was recently forced to step down from his position at Epic Records following a sexual harassment case:

“We brought Ye into Arista to showcase for LA Reid before Roc-A-Fella. Stack Bundles was sitting there. Imagine it’s me, Stack Bundles, Kanye, and LA Reid in the office. When we stopped, LA was like, ‘Yo you should stick to making music, you stick to making beats.’ Real sh*t. So that’s why I always honor Ye, no matter how crazy he goes. I’ve seen that man struggle and him just working through it.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Fiasco discussed how he and Kanye have always had a working relationship. “I’ve been knowing Ye for a long ass time. I remember first meeting Ye when he first did ‘The Truth.’ We did a little speaking thing, I think at Columbia College. That’s when n**** had a ‘fro or some sh*t, it was weird. But I was working with Ye for years. I got Ye joints. I remember Ye used to come up to the crib and be like, ‘Hey man, what you think about this verse?’”

Watch Barber’s full conversation with Lupe Fiasco on The Coda Collection here.

DaBaby Was Sued For Assault After Having A Music Video Shoot Shut Down

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DaBaby’s pugilistic reputation has again reared its head as Variety reports the pugnacious rapper is being sued for assault after having a music video shut down. The owner of a Runyon Canyon rental property tried to stop DaBaby from shooting a video and the rapper allegedly got rough, knocking out the owner’s tooth, spitting on him, and stealing his phone and some “valuable kitchenware.”

In the lawsuit, the owner, Gary Pagar, says DaBaby rented the property on the condition that it would be occupied by no more than 12 people in keeping with COVID-19 safety regulations. DaBaby — who has flouted COVID safety in the past — supposedly brought 40 people to shoot his music video. Pagar says that when he arrived to put the kibosh on the proceedings, someone pushed him to the ground, DaBaby sucker-punched him in the mouth, taunted him by tossing his phone back-and-forth, and threatened him not to call the police. When someone else called the police, Pagar says DaBaby and company fled the scene, taking his phone and the kitchenware with them.

He also says they only paid a portion of the rental bill and left behind thousands of dollars of damage, including destroying a security camera in the hopes of keeping their activities a secret. Oh, and Jake Paul is allegedly involved because of course Jake Paul would be involved. He’s said to have been sitting in a car with DaBaby when Pagar arrived.

DaBaby is currently battling multiple assault cases, including ones stemming from a driver he allegedly attacked in Las Vegas, a Los Angeles hotel employee he supposedly beat up for filming him, and a woman from a Tampa club he struck while blinded by a camera flash.

Cardi B Says Being A Successful Stripper Made Her Feel ‘On Top Of The World’

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When it comes to her past, Cardi B is an open book. The rapper has often talked about growing up in the Bronx and how much work she put in before breaking out into mainstream. But one aspect of her life is oftentimes scrutinized due to the misogyny attached to the line of work: stripping. However, Cardi is an expert at shaking off critics who try to discredit her former job. In part, it’s stripping that allowed Cardi to earn enough money to start making moves in her rap career.

Cardi recently sat down for a conversation with Mariah Carey for Interview Magazine where they chatted about music, Cardi’s daily routine, and her past. Speaking about her time stripping, Cardi said the experience made her feel “on top of the world” because she was one of the most-requested dancers:

“The stripper attitude is, ‘I’m not ashamed of being a stripper because a lot of these b*tches don’t have sh*t. A lot of these b*tches don’t have a place to stay, don’t have no car, can’t afford this, can’t afford that. Y’all out here f*cking n****s for free, but y’all shaming me because I’m shaking my ass? Y’all hoes be showing y’all f*cking bodies on social media, and y’all not getting paid.’ That mentality stuck with me. I felt like, ‘You’re judging me, but I’m making more money than you.’ I felt like nobody could shame me for being a stripper. When I started stripping, I was making probably $500 a night. As I got bigger, I was making $2,000, maybe $5,000. When I got really popular on Instagram I was making $7,000 to $10,000 a week. I felt on top of the world. I felt so untouchable and so sexy, because there were rappers that all these girls lust over who would come to the strip club and request me to go to their section. They would request me. If I’m so trash, why are these guys requesting me? I’m getting paid for my looks. Nobody’s going to spend money on you if you’re ugly.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Cardi said that, although she has a big personality, she still can get quite nervous around other celebrities. “A lot of celebrities invite me to places, but I’m really shy,” she said. “We’re doing this over the phone, but if it was in person, I wouldn’t be able to look you in the eyes. That’s how nervous I get around celebrities.”

Read Cardi and Carey’s full conversation here.

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

Eminem & Dr. Dre Developed Chemistry On “Role Model”

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These days, it’s simply understood that Eminem and Dr. Dre have impeccable chemistry as collaborators. Yet there was once a time when the pair were still new to one another, back in 1999 when Eminem joined Dre’s Aftermath label to drop The Slim Shady LP. With the acclaimed album having officially turned twenty-two on this very day, it feels appropriate to revisit one of the project’s highlights in “Role Model,” a single that found Eminem spitting venomous bars over a hallucinogenic Dr. Dre instrumental.

To this day, the track holds up as a raw display of vintage Eminem, a simple formula that found him unleashing two extended verses lined with shocking punchlines and an emcee’s instinctual dexterity. All the while, Dre’s simple percussion blends beautifully with a slinking guitar loop, a bassline, and the ominous sound of a drowner’s final glug. While not quite as ubiquitous as some of Em’s other singles from that era, “Role Model” remains a fan favorite decades down the line. Happy anniversary to The Slim Shady LP! 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

I’m bout as normal as Norman Bates with deformative traits
A premature birth that was four minutes late
Mother, are you there? I love you
I never meant to hit you over the head with that shovel 
Will someone please explain to my brain
That I just severed the main vein with a chainsaw and I’m in pain?

Petition Pushes To Name New York Street After MF DOOM

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MF DOOM quietly passed away on Halloween of last year, although his wife did not officially announce his death until December 31st, nearly two months after he had passed. His death came as a shock wave to fans and friends of the influential British-American artist who were completely blindsided by his passing. Since then, a petition has been launched to name a New York Street after the enigmatic rapper.  


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In the change.org petition launched by Dr. Patrick Graham, the ‘KMD-MF DOOM Way Committee’ has requested that Long Beach City Council rename a block between Riverside Boulevard and Long Beach Road on East Hudson Street in Long Beach after the late rapper. DOOM, whose real name is Daniel Dumile, grew up in the city.

“Mr. Dumile represents the ability to grow through tragedy and unite people around common themes,” Dr. Graham said. “We need more individuals like him during this time of political and social divisions. Mr. Dumile still inspires many young people to view the potential of everyday life. Long Beach should be proud of its native son and honor him and his legacy on a street sign. Just as important, the city should embrace the unity Mr. Dumile represents for generations to come.”

It further stated, “Please sign this petition in support of KMD-MF Doom Way. As a native son of Long Beach, a professor, and a public and social sector leader, I know the importance of symbols.” The petition has since reached over 800 signatures and you can sign it here. 

The cause of the influential rapper’s death is still unknown, and his family has remained pretty private about his passing since. At the time. of his death, he was said to be “85 percent done” working on the follow-up to his 2004 project with Madlib Madvillainy. We once again extend our prayers out to his family. 

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Trippie Redd Speaks On Playboi Carti Trying To Sign Him: “I Had A Different Plan”

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Trippie Redd is one of the most individualistic rappers in the world. He’s developed a style that only works for him. His lane is impenetrable as one of rap’s premier rock stars, coming into his own in the last half-decade. We’ve watched Trippie grow from a bubbling SoundCloud rapper to an absolute superstar, and it’s been a joy to watch him rise up to new levels. 

The Ohio-raised recording artist recently took some time to speak with well-respected hip-hop journalist Shirley Ju, taking a step into Shirley’s Temple to christen her new show, speaking on everything from his memories with Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion, his respect for Detroit rapper Icewear Vezzo, his upcoming album Trip At Knight, and more, including the time Playboi Carti allegedly tried to sign him.

On Whole Lotta Red standout track “Punk Monk”, Playboi Carti unleashes a bunch of his secrets, including the fact that he attempted to sign Trippie Redd, Pi’erre Bourne, Lil Keed, and others to his label. It took a couple of months but Trippie is finally confirming that story.

“Yeah, man, shout out Playboi Carti. He tried to sign me. He tried it,” said Trippie. “I f*ck with bro, I love his music. I was listening to Carti when he was produced by ICYTWAT. I love his sh*t. Don’t get me wrong. He definitely tried to sign me but I had a different plan.”

When he was asked about anybody that did help him establish himself as an artist, Trippie gives Kodie Shane her flowers, noting that she went hard on promoting their song together, which effectively got him a lot of attention before he blew up.

Watch the new episode of Shirley’s Temple above at the 38:43 mark to hear Trippie speak about Carti.

Cardi B Breaks A New Female Rap Record

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Cardi B has only been in the game for a few years now, but thanks to the release of her debut album Invasion Of Privacy, she’s already one of the most commercially successful female rappers of all time. As it stands, the majority of the album’s tracks have been certified platinum, with lead single “Bodak Yellow” steadily approaching diamond status. Suffice it to say, there are still people keeping the project in heavy rotation, to the point where the New York rapper has hit a new milestone for female rappers.

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As indicated by the stat-tracking Twitter page Chart Data, Cardi’s Invasion Of Privacy has officially spent one-hundred-and-fifty weeks on the Billboard 200, the highest amount of chart time spent by a female rapper’s album in hip-hop history. Unsurprising, given that every single track has been certified either gold or platinum, with the majority falling under the latter category. It didn’t take long for Cardi to catch wind of the milestone, taking to Twitter to celebrate her dominance with an alliterated flex: “BIRKIN BAG BARDI BACK.”

At this point, few can dispute the fact that Cardi B is easily one of the most commercially dominant artists in the mainstream. When she ultimately does deliver her sophomore project, which is sure to include recent singles “WAP” and “Up,” expect her foothold on the charts to only strengthen in intensity. Clearly, Cardi’s album holds more longevity than some initially suspected — who knows how long the momentum will last. 

Chris Brown Salutes Bobby Shmurda: “King Of New York Sh*t”

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It’s been a long time coming but we’re ecstatic about the news of Bobby Shmurda’s release from prison. Since he shook the world with “Hot N***a,” the rapper’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially in the current drill renaissance happening across Brooklyn. Shmurda, along with Chief Keef, could both be regarded as the forefathers of the sound.

Rowdy Rebel hinted at Bobby’s release this week before many blogs and IG pages making the premature announcement that he was released on Monday morning. That wasn’t the case but he was released this morning. Quavo kept his word, picking up the Brooklyn rapper in a private jet. Plus, Shmurda’s mom shared footage of the rapper on FaceTime lighting a cigar in celebration of his release.

Chris Brown took to the ‘Gram earlier today where he shared a warm welcome to Bobby Shmurda in the wake of his release. Taking to his IG story, the rapper declared the return of the “King Of New York,” which Shmurda already suggested when he posted a clip of Christopher Walken from King Of New York.

“Shmurda Home King Of New York Shit!!!” Wrote Breezy. “Big Blood But I Salute A Real Loc.”

Prior to his release, Bobby confirmed the news that he would be out with a message to his fans expressing his gratitude for their loyalty throughout the tumultuous 6+ years that he’s been through. “Thank you for riding this six-year sentence out with me,” he wrote. “I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, Bod boy Bobby.” 


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Hopefully, we won’t be waiting too long to hear new music from Shmurda. The rapper’s mother told TMZ yesterday that his post-prison game plan includes some well-deserved time with family and studio time.  Looks like the rapper is ready to reclaim his rightful throne. 

Check Breezy’s welcome home post below. 

Bobby Shmurda Goes 5x Platinum After His Release

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Bobby Shmurda’s return home has been long-awaited by fans for years since being arrested on gang-related charges back in 2014 and ordered to serve seven years behind bars. Over the years, he was rumored to be making a return home “soon” numerous times. While nothing came to fruition, he remained in the hearts and speakers of many loyal fans. Shmurda was granted a conditional release and officially released from prison Tuesday morning, with his mother sharing the first video of the rapper out. 

In addition to celebrating being a free man, the “Hot N*gga” artist can also celebrate officially going 5x platinum with the smash hit following his release. Billboard chart aggregate data source Chart Data confirmed that the 2014 hit is now RIAA certified for having sold more than 5 million copies since its release.

This is a massive feat for Bobby considering he was arrested not long after the release of the single. Unsurprisingly, fans of the rapper have likely been revisiting his short discography in the wake of his release as they eagerly await for him to hit the studio again. 

“There are no words to explain the JOY in my [heart],” said the rapper’s mother in the Instagram caption of a Facetime video with the freed emcee. “God knows the way I Love my boys and I Thank him for bringing them both back to me in one piece the same way they left. I am so overwhelmed and in 6 years 2 months and 5 days and 5.5hrs I finally feel like myself again. God is so good and we are truly BLESSED!!!!”


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We’ll keep you posted on all things Bobby Shmurda post-prison-related.