J.I.D. Returns With New Single “Skeegee”

J.I.D’s The Forever Story, should that indeed be the title of his forthcoming solo album, remains one of the year’s more anticipated projects. At least, to those who boast distinguished and respectable tastes. And while details surrounding the potential release date are scarce, it would appear that J.I.D is, at the very least, granting fans something to tide them over. That gift is “Skeegee,” which arrives complete with a music video filmed in Tuskgee, Alabama.

“Dear everybody who fuck wit my music,” he writes, to those whom it concerns. “Thank ya’ll n***az for your patience while I finish up the album and shit. We all know black history is every month but I wanted to drop something to highlight this month specifically and also celebrate 500k+ subscribers on YouTube.” And while “album soon” could mean damn near anything at this point, “Skeegee” is a worthy holdover, highlighting the many different reasons J.I.D. remains such a fan favorite — including but not exclusive to his storytelling prowess and slick flow, both of which shine throughout. 

Check it out for yourself now, and sound off if you’re looking forward to The Forever Story.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Way back when I was puttin’ on my football cap
This institution came recruitin’, lit a root for the stats
They sat me in a room with my dad
And it was cool but when they left I was glad
And my pops was too, he said that’s good-ass parenting
Reminding me ’bout that school that did them ni**ga experiments

Quavo Picks Up Bobby Shmurda From Prison In A Private Jet

It’s been a pretty sweet start to the day for hip-hop fans as New York rapper Bobby Shmurda, who was sentenced to seven years in prison, was finally released ten months earlier than anticipated. His release is being celebrated across social media as fans rush to stream his music, expressing their excitement for his upcoming records. 


Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

On Monday afternoon, Quavo of the Migos revealed that he was planning on picking up the rapper once he got out. While some accused the superstar of chasing clout, others pointed out that Quavo and Bobby have a long working relationship, coming together in 2015 for their ShMigo Gang collaboration. Bobby had even planned to release a full mixtape with the Migos. The full-circle moment happened on Tuesday morning as Quavo happily met Bobby with a private jet as he picked him up from the correctional facility, welcoming him home.

“Did Six And Didn’t Switch Welcome Home,” wrote Quavo on Instagram, posting a video of them walking off the jet together. Bobby walked with his custom “Shmurda” briefcase, which we can only imagine what sort of goodies were packed inside. If Quavo’s recent gift to Rowdy Rebel, Bobby’s partner, is any indication, the New York artist likely got a care package complete with thousands in cash, jewelry, and more.


Brad Barket/Getty Images

Welcome home to a real one, Bobby Shmurda. Are you excited for his “First Day Out” release?

A$AP Rocky Is Working On His Next Album

It has been some time since we’ve heard brand new solo material from A$AP Rocky aside from non-album loosies–since 2018 to be exact. Since the release of his third studio album Testing, the Harlem style King with other endeavors, particularly his fashion collaborations and modeling. He’s been spending some time relaxing with his new beau Rihanna as well, packing on the PDA in paparazzi shots of the two. The “Sundress” artist revealed to fans on Twitter that despite the long wait, he’s currently working on his upcoming fourth LP. 


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While interacting with fans on Twitter, the self-proclaimed “Pretty Mother F*cker” (yes–he seriously told Swedish police that was his nickname), let fans know that LP4 was en route. After a fellow verified account asked the rapper, “when you dropping a album Bruv ??,” Rocky responded with a simple “WORKING ON IT RN.” 

At the time, not much is known about the forthcoming project nor the estimated time it is slated to be released. Back in 2019, Juicy J suggested that Rocky had already begun working on his upcoming album All Smiles. Since then, no further developments about the album have been made, but it has been suggested the 2018 single “Sundress” was meant to kick off the roll out of the project. 

The upcoming album will serve as his first release since his unjust detainment in a Swedish prison after he was arrested for assault. The outpouring of support from the hiph-hop community and Donald Trump alike helped contributed to his eventual release. 

Offset Looks To Nipsey Hussle & Kobe Bryant For Inspiration

Though Offset initially made a name for himself as a lover of opulence, a hedonistic lifestyle, and the occasional bout of Draco-induced violence, the Migos lyricist has since attempted to position himself as an inspirational role model. As such, his first and only album — 2019’s Father Of 4 — found him exploring a more introspective side, one that understood the value of growth and self-analysis. Now, with Migos set to return with Culture 3 in the near future, Offset took a moment to reflect on his current goal.

Offset

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Standing beneath a mural of two iconic figures — Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant, who both passed away in 2019 and 2020 respectively — Offset shared a few words of encouragement. “Motivate the youth in a positive way!!!” he captions, suggesting his own intention to step up as an influential figure for his young fans, though it’s unclear as to whether or not that will have an impact on his lyricism as a whole. Not that it should, as the ability to differentiate between music and real life is a skill that many young people should actively hone.

At this point, it goes without saying that Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle will be immortalized as icons, and one has to wonder if Offset holds the same ambition. Perhaps we’ll see further insight into his mentality when Culture 3 drops, or if he does indeed follow-up Father Of 4 with another solo album. 

Bobby Shmurda Fans Celebrate His Release From Prison

It’s the headline that we’ve all waited to read for years and finally, we’re overjoyed to report that New York rapper Bobby Shmurda is a free man. The “Hot N***a” hitmaker was released from prison on Tuesday morning, getting picked up in a private jet by Quavo of the Migos and reconnecting with his mother via FaceTime. His current plan is reportedly to have a chilled day with family, enjoying a home-cooked meal with his loved ones and getting back to the studio tonight. 

After his release was widely reported across most major hip-hop news outlets, social media was quick to react to the 26-year-old man’s newfound freedom, celebrating with congratulatory messages and statements. Of course, the memes are also quickly circulating as people theorize that Bobby’s cap from the “Hot N***a” video is preparing itself to land back on the rapper’s head after he threw it seven years ago. 

A few weeks ago, Bobby’s partner Rowdy Rebel was also released from prison, being welcomed back with open arms from the rap community. Now that they’re both free men, many are expecting them to link up in the studio for a “First Day Out” record. Hopefully, that arrives soon because, when it does, it will be sure to generate a ton of attention.

Welcome home, Bobby. Let us know how you feel about his release from prison in the comments section.

Meek Mill Ripped Apart On Twitter After Vanessa Bryant Checks Him

Twitter has proven time and time again to be the best platform for real-time reactions to the hottest topics in pop culture. In case you’ve missed it, Meek Mill has once against become the subject of intense scrutiny on the platform for a poorly executed lyric about Kobe Bryant in a leaked snippet of a collaboration with Lil Baby. “And if I ever lack I’m going out with my choppa it be another Kobe / Sh*t I can tell they ain’t never know me,” rapped Meek on the track, which earned him major backlash for its insensitivity. 


Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company

The backlash heightened when Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant checked the Philadelphia rapper yesterday (February 22) in an Instagram story post where she referred to the lyric as “disrespectful.” Social media users chimed in once again, with many pointing out that he may have gone too far this time.

One user penned, “Vanessa Bryant told Meek “I’m not familiar with any of your music” This a terrible two weeks for Meek.” Earlier in the month, Meek Mill and 6ix9ine almost got into a scuffle outside of a club that both parties recorded. Another user joked, “Ion think Meek will ever recover from that Kobe reference lmao he was already on thin ice from the fries on his lap in a pool.” 

Some expressed disbelief that Vanessa added she didn’t know a single song by Meek in her call-out post. In response to this, one user noted that, “Girl they’re insane and especially given her age. Meek don’t music for her. Sh*t that n*gga don’t make music for my damn self.”

As many Twitter users pointed out, Meek is going to have to do some major damage control if he hopes to ever fully recover from this controversy. Check out some more reactions to Vanessa’s call-out post below. 

Drakeo The Ruler & Drake Unite On “Talk To Me”

Drakeo The Ruler is, in the eyes of many, befitting of The People’s Champ title. Having been falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, unjustly incarcerated, and targeted by a vengeful district attorney, The Ruler has since bounced back from his prison stint and continues to keep the momentum rolling. Following the news that he had connected with Drake for a collaboration, the song has officially arrived in full glory today, as Drakeo took to Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio to premiere “Talk To Me.”

As he explains to the host, the song came to be after he hit Drake up on Instagram only to find that the 6ix God was already working on a possible collaboration. “I hit him up, I’m like, “Let’s do something.” And then he’s like, “What’s your number? I got this song I did for you,'” explains Drakeo. “I’m like, “Dang.” At first, I was like, “That’s kind of different, but I’m like, nah. This Drake. I’m finna do whatever.” But at first, I’m like I don’t usually really do something like that. But then when I got on it, I’m like, “Oh yeah, this hard.” I’m just like “Drake bro!'” 

Though some have probably already heard “Talk To Me” in full, those eager to hear what a Drakeo and Drake duet sounds like can check it out right here. The track is set to appear on The Ruler’s upcoming album Truth Hurts, which also includes his new single “Long Live The Greatest,” a tribute to the late Ketchy The Great.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

We just cool bro, you gettin’ too excited?
Ain’t seen your face when I was up on that indictment
Ain’t get a letter, I was strugglin’ and fightin’
With these peoples, they was demons
Tried to put me in a cage, was sayin’ “free me”

Meek Mill Privately Spoke To Vanessa Bryant

Meek Mill Philadelphia Racism

Maybach Music Group’s Meek Mill is trying to make things right. The hip-hop veteran has come forward to address late NBA icon Kobe Bryant‘s wife Vanessa calling him out for a disrespectful leaked lyric referencing her husband’s death. Meek Mill Apologized To Kobe’s Wife MM went to his Twitter page to acknowledge the aftermath of […]

The post Meek Mill Privately Spoke To Vanessa Bryant appeared first on SOHH.com.

2 Chainz Explains Why He’s Still Inspired By Jay-Z

Though 2 Chainz has long given up on securing a feature from Jay-Z, having addressed the futility of his efforts during a Breakfast Club interview, that hasn’t stopped Tity Boi from drawing inspiration from the Roc Nation icon. In fact, it would appear that he perceives Jay-Z to be a kindred spirit of sorts, as evidenced by his homage “Southside Hov,” a highlight track from his latest album So Help Me God. 

2 Chainz Jay-Z

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Today, 2 Chainz doubled down on his appreciation for the rap legend through a congratulatory Instagram post, praising Jay’s business acumen following a new partnership with Moët Hennessy. “See people don’t hold their nuts on HOV because they expect him to win,” begins Toni, addressing the myriad fans who view Jay to be the GOAT. “because he is older or maybe because he been setting the pace for so long he is such a beacon of light and change for so many like myself who graduated from the streets. He did the nba , nfl , shoes ,apparel, alcohol , tech , cannabis, real estate , reform etc ….you gone either hate or be inspired!”

“You know what side im on,” he continues, taking a moment to flex the scope of his own empire. “Entrepreneur , restaurants ,real estate , Gleague team, beverages, nail spa ,dispensaries etc ..Toni been a student of the game!!! Congrats Hov!” While it’s unclear as to whether or not this will revitalize his now-inactive quest for a Jay-Z feature, it’s always welcome to catch a glimpse into the mind of an entrepreneurial emcee, especially one of 2 Chainz’ caliber. Check out his message below.

Idris Elba Has A Song With Megan Thee Stallion And Wants To Work With Taylor Swift Next

Idris Elba is best known for his acting work, but he’s also well-established in the music world. He performed at Coachella in 2019, he co-starred in a Stormzy video later that year, and also in 2019, he dropped a mixtape. In recent times, he’s been working on music and it looks like he has a Megan Thee Stallion collaboration on the way.

In an interview with CapitalFM’s The All-New Capital Weekender (as Billboard notes), Elba revealed he has a track with Meg and Davido on the way: “I’m putting out quite a bit of music, man. I’ve been really focused in coming out of last year into this year, trying to put more music out, so expect more. I’ve got a tune with Frankie Wah coming, I think it’s gonna be good. […] I got a sneaky tune with Meg Thee Stallion and Davido, shout out to the fanatics.”

He also added that he hopes to get on a track with his Cats co-star Taylor Swift, saying, “I’ve known Taylor a few years. People see the album sales, the awards. What they don’t see is the hard work. She is an incredibly hard-working person, she isn’t resting on her achievements. To perform live with her would be fun and hopefully we can make that happen.”

Watch Elba talk about his upcoming projects below.

Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.