Hip Hop News

Musically, Kodak Black may be a little rough around the edges, a far cry from what you tend to expect on the mainstream stage. Yet there’s something about the Floridian’s undeniably honest approach that has resonated with the masses, culminating in an impressive tally of nineteen RIAA certified gold and platinum plaques.

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Today, one of Kodak’s biggest hits — the XXXTentacion-assisted “Roll In Peace,” produced by London On Da Track — has officially reached the next level. A glimpse at the RIAA page confirms that the track has now hit the triple-platinum milestone, having sold over three million album-equivalent units since its release on 2017’s Project Baby Two. 

It’s not entirely surprising to see “Roll In Peace” achieving such sustained success, as it features a guest appearance from one of the new generation’s most beloved entertainers: the late XXXTentacion. Boasting an impressive Midas touch of his own, what with a grand total of thirty two gold and platinum certifications to his name. That’s not to suggest that his presence steered “Roll In Peace” to the lofty position it currently holds, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

Either way, it’s a big win for Kodak Black, who has been steadily grinding since being released from prison on a Presidential Pardon from Donald Trump. With over one hundred and sixty songs tucked away in the reserves for an eventual album — or several — Kodak kept the ball rolling with the recent posse cut “Righteous Reapers,” teaming up with Sykobob, WizDaWizard, and Wam SpinThaBin. Congratulations to the Sniper Gang leader on this latest achievement. 

With the pandemic finally slowing down, it seems as though we’re nearing a return to normal. As more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, people are getting excited about a return outside this summer. At the rate people are being vaccinated, it looks like music festivals are ready to return this summer. On Tuesday, the lineup for California’s HARD Summer Music Festival was announced and today, Bonnaroo 2021 is revealing its lineup.

The Manchester, Tennessee festival is a favorite for music fans across the nation. After being forced to suspend operations for a year, Bonnaroo is returning with a solid lineup for the upcoming four-day festival, which takes place September 2-5, 2021. The first day doesn’t present many opportunities for hip-hop fans to have fun but on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, there are plenty of acts to keep you entertained.

On the first big day of the festival, Megan Thee Stallion is headlining with additional performances from Run The Jewels, Janelle Monáe, Young Thug, Jack Harlow, Nelly, Omar Apollo, and more. On Saturday, Lizzo and Tame Impala are headlining with openers G-Eazy, Kevin Gates, J.I.D, and more. For the final day, there will be performances from Tyler, The Creator, Lil Baby, Leon Bridges, Flo Milli, Jamila Woods, and others.

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While it may feel premature to announce a major festival return like this, by September, many of us will be vaccinated fully so this could end up being safe. However, with COVID mutations continuing to pop up, current vaccines may be rendered useless by the end of the year. Read more about that here.

Will you be buying a ticket to Bonnaroo 2021? Tickets start at only $35 down.

Justin Bieber’s latest studio album Justice, while self-described by the Ontario-born pop star as a record meant to “provide comfort” amidst “suffering, injustice and pain,” has been courting criticism and even legal action since its release on March 19. In addition to the French dance duo Justice sending Justin a cease-and-desist letter over an alleged trademark infringement in the days leading up to Justice, the album itself has also received backlash for its use of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speeches. 

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Many have criticized Justin’s use of the MLK samples mainly because the album’s lyrical content doesn’t seem to match up to the messages in MLK’s speeches, and some fans have even called out the singer-songwriter for possibly drawing a parallel between himself and the legendary civil rights activist. According to Uproxx, Justin recently hopped on the emerging social media app Clubhouse to set the record straight about the MLK snippets.

“I want to keep growing and learning about just all social injustices and what it looks like for me to be better, what it looks like for my friends to be better. And I know I have a long way to go,” he revealed. “I love that when people are listening to my album, these conversations are coming up and they’re like, ‘Well, how is he going from Martin Luther King into a love song?’ I’m not trying to make a connection between me and Martin Luther King.”

Justin further explained his decision to use the MLK speeches on Justice by saying, “That’s why I never try to talk about social injustice or I didn’t want to be the one to talk about it because I just have so much more learning to do. But I have this man who was ready to die and what he believed to be true. If I’m not willing to face some sort of ridicule or judgment of people wondering my motives or whatever that is for me, it was a no-brainer.”

Despite the disconnect surrounding the MLK snippets, Justice and its standout track “Peaches” have both been performing well, with both the album and single hitting the top spots on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100, respectively.

Have you been listening to Justin Bieber’s new album Justice?

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Just as the story was beginning to die down, Saweetie and Quavo’s high-profile split was back in the news after a video was released showing a physical altercation that reportedly took place while they were still together. In the video, which was filmed in an elevator in North Hollywood, Saweetie attempts to throw a punch at Quavo, which the rapper dodges. Then, he physically drags Saweetie into the elevator as they struggle over an orange Call of Duty briefcase. Quavo gains control as Saweetie stays on the ground for over a minute before limping out of the elevator. 

People have been reacting to the video for the last day on social media, calling out Quavo for his alleged abuse. DJ Akademiks called their relationship “toxic and abusive”, which is something that many people have agreed with. Rappers Trouble and Bandhunta Izzy defended Quavo, saying that the man is innocent and didn’t do anything to harm his girlfriend in the video. Trouble even posted a video explaining why he doesn’t see this as abuse, which Quavo’s Migos partner Offset ended up “liking”.

“@quavohuncho innocent,” said Trouble in the statement that Offset co-signed. “Ain gon say it noooo mo!… Afta she swung on em dawg even used da same call of duty case to hold da door open for da lady to get up an walk out. Yall Brazy af man.”

It makes sense that Offset would try and back his family up by “liking” this kind of post. The Migos have not issued a statement on the video, nor has Saweetie. We’ll keep you posted on what happens next.

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50 Cent’s accomplishments continue to grow, and though he’s largely left the rap game behind, his television empire has been truly impressive to behold. With his upcoming BMF series currently in production, 50 Cent took a moment to announce that he’ll be returning to the director’s chair to helm the seventh episode of the debut season. 

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“Oh yeah I’m directing again, you already know,” captions Fif, sharing a peek at the screenplay’s cover page. “BMF Green Light Gang.” From the look of it, the episode he’ll be directing is titled “All In The Family,” written by executive producer Terri Kop. It’s not the first time Fif has stepped behind the camera to call the shots, as he previously directed the sixth season Power episode “Forgot About Dre” in 2019.

It’s certainly a good look for Fif, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue to grow as a director throughout the coming years. After all, he has given no indication of slowing down his television output, and should BMF follow Power’s example and run for several seasons, there will be plenty of time for the legendary rapper to ply his trade. Those interested in the cinematic arts should pay special attention to “All In The Family” when it eventually airs, as it should be exciting to observe 50’s directorial habits and stylistic inclinations. 

Check out the big BMF announcement below, and sound off if you’re excited to see 50 in the director’s chair once again.