Hip Hop News

Flying Lotus Releases ‘Black Gold’ With Thundercat From His Upcoming Netflix Show, ‘Yasuke’

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Tim Saccenti

Netflix’s new samurai anime Yasuke premieres at the end of the month but today, the show’s executive producer Flying Lotus released two new songs from its soundtrack, including “Black Gold” featuring fellow anime fan Thundercat. FlyLo also shared “Between Memories” featuring Niki Randa today. You can listen to both via the Spotify embeds below.

YasukeThe Boondocks and another Netflix anime, Cannon Busters. Speaking with Apple Music about the new show, Flying Lotus credited the creation process with helping him get through the pandemic:

Honestly, it kept me sane. It was the best thing I could ask for because I had to be home. If I had touring and stuff, it would have been a little bit funky to really engage with the project like I was able to. I got to just really focus on it and just be a samurai for a while. It was really nice to just have that to run to, this universe, especially when all that Trumpy stuff was going on and things were getting all crazy. I was so glad just to shut that off and get to business. I knew when they were starting to deliver visuals and stuff that it was about to get intense. I was like, “Ah,” and I still had to try to figure out what I wanted it all to sound like. So it was a lot of meditating on the vibe, and I found a lot of parallels between the Yasuke story and being part of this thing. Trying to make music in the Japanese anime system, it’s a different experience than scoring something here in America. It’s just their way of doing things is so different to ours. It took a minute to grow and it took them to be willing to accept us, to work with our schedule, and take on our story as well. So it was a lot of love from both sides really on that.

Listen to “Black Gold” and “Between Memories” above.

Kanye West’s Presidential Campaign Financial Disclosures Got Rejected By The Office Of Government Ethics

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Getty Image

The fallout from Kanye West’s failed Presidential campaign simply refuses to settle. Not only was it cited as a big potential reason behind his divorce from Kim Kardashian but now, it seems his marriage to her is the reason behind some of his paperwork being rejected by federal campaign overseers. According to Business Insider, the Office of Government Ethics has rejected Kanye’s financial disclosure forms, as Kanye did not include Kim’s income and assets on the forms, citing a rare exemption in state law that officials found suspicious.

The law, which allows candidates to forego disclosing a spouse’s income if they have no knowledge of the income stream and do not expect to derive financial benefit from it, could hardly apply to Kanye, according to an insider at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Jordan Libowitz, CREW’s communications director, explained, It’s not just that he did not report it, but that he used an exemption, and a fairly rare one, to reporting. It said among things, that he had no knowledge of what her assets were or where her income came from. And that seems a little tough to believe.”

Remember, Forbes regularly reports on the entire Kardashian family’s financial successes often, including when both Kanye and Kim officially surpassed the billionaire mark (separately). Although the two did have a prenuptial agreement, which is making their divorce easier, apparently, government officials deemed it too much of a stretch to think that Kim’s income wasn’t at least partially tied to Kanye’s (to the point that Kanye’s $53 million debt turnaround in 2016 was subject to speculation that he received a “bailout” of sorts from Kim).

While the discrepancy is unlikely to result in prosecution, Kanye’s campaign was already fraught with numerous ethics and regulatory issues that make it another red flag for investigators looking into his campaign. As of now, it looks like he did spend his own money funding it — around $3 million just collecting signatures and over $6 million overall — but it looks like his last-minute, haphazard practices have continued causing him headaches long after his embarassing loss.

Wacotron Drops Debut Mixtape “SMOKIN TEXAS” With Executive Production From Southside

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Waco, Texas-raised rapper Wacotron has officially arrived with his debut mixtape. The rising artist has been working closely with 808 Mafia’s Southside, who is the executive producer of SMOKIN TEXAS. He picks up the majority of production credits on the mixtape. Marshmello also has a few production credits on SMOKIN TEXAS, as well as CuBeatz, Pyrex, and more.

The new mixtape comes following the release of the music video for “Umbrella,” Wacotron’s collaboration with G Herbo and Marshmello. G Herbo is the sole feature on SMOKIN TEXAS, so this is really an introduction to Waco’s brand and what he’s all about. 

While he may be a new-ish name in the game, Wacotron has been working his tail off for years and he’s ready for a more defined spotlight. Listen to SMOKIN TEXAS below and let us know your favorite song from it.

Tracklist:

1. Air It Out
2. Hold Up
3. Cut Me Up
4. Umbrella (feat. G Herbo)
5. Coastin
6. Speakin On Me
7. Take Off
8. Perfect Example
9. Gram And A Hoodie
10. Hole In A Cup
11. Toothpaste
12. Strapped

Flying Lotus & Thundercat Connect For “Black Gold”

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With Netflix set to launch the brand new original anime series Yasuke on April 29th, Flying Lotus has come through with a pair of new tracks from the soundtrack. As it happens, the Thundercat-assisted “Black Gold” is set to be the theme song, and curious listeners can check out the immersive groove right now. 

Implementing reverb-drenched synthesizers and faint falsetto vocals, Thundercat’s presence is swiftly felt as the bassline enters the mix. Lyrically, Thundercat reflects on themes of love and loyalty, themes that anime fans are certainly no stranger to. “Brought in a world, a world so brand new, endless possibilities,” he signs. “A whole new identity, can’t you see? Black gold of the sun, open up your eyes, open up your eyes.” All the while, Flying Lotus’ impeccable production conjures a lush atmosphere, which in itself is sure to imbue Yasuke with a distinctive personality. 

Check out “Black Gold” now, and look for Yasuke to hit Netflix at the end of the month. 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness
Because I’m strong, you see
Stronger than you’ll ever be
Loyal to the end, someone to call my friend
Whenevеr you need me, I’ll be right herе

Entertaining Weed Hip-Hop Lyrics to Celebrate 4/20

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Meek Mill Purchases His Grandmother A Brand New House

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Meek Mill often finds himself at the center of internet virality for different antics. Just last week he became the butt of many jokes on Twitter after he asked what a PH balance was. 

Despite his social media antics, Meek has proven in real life he has a pretty big heart. He recently scored a victory in Virginia in his fight for criminal justice reform with his REFORM alliance group. He’s now paying the love forward closer to home, purchasing his grandmother a brand new home. 


Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

He proudly shared the purchase on his Instagram account yesterday (April 19).  “Loyalty is not just a word, Kick ya feet up Grandmom. My dads mom #newcrib. I’m prada myself Ya definition of real not the same as mines! I get it!” he penned in the caption of a photo featuring himself and his grandmother lounging in her new home. 

If you recall, back in 2018, Meek’s grandmother’s Philadelphia home was vandalized with graffiti that read “White Privilege” on it. A man was caught on video committing the tasteless act with a spray can in hand in the Graduate Hospital section of the rapper’s hometown. 

His publicist at the time confirmed to news outlets he was seeking to press charges against the culprit. At the time, he shared footage of the ordeal on social media.

“A white man sprayed a racial remarks on my Grandmom’s house last night in south philly referencing white Privileged…. the crazy part is this was a all black neighborhood 20 years ago It was gentrified and now this! Just don’t let us catch you coward! T…” he penned. 

Shoutout to Meek for hooking his grandmother up!

Wiz Khalifa’s “Khalifa Kush” Extends Partnership With Tryke

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Wiz Khalifa’s Khalifa Kush has been among the rapper’s many lucrative business endeavors, and on this fateful 4/20, the rapper slash cannabis entrepreneur has announced a promising new development on that front. As of today, it has been confirmed that Khalifa Kush and Tryke Companies have extended their existing partnership with a ten-year deal, with the partnership set to bring Wiz’s signature bud to dispensaries across the Southwestern United States.

“We’re excited to expand our footprint of the Khalifa Kush brand ensuring quality, authentic Khalifa Kush products are on the shelves of all the top dispensaries in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah for the next decade,” says Wiz, in an official press release. 

Wiz Khalifa

 Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Tryke CEO Adam Ryan also shared a few words on the renewed partnership. “The entire Tryke team is thrilled to have this opportunity to expand our longstanding partnership,” he states. “The Khalifa Kush brand has consistently proven its ability to attract customers and drive sales, and our high-quality products have delivered on the lofty expectations of this premium brand. We look forward to introducing more KK products and strains in the years to come.”

The press release also outlines their focus on Arizona expansion, citing it as an “emerging recreational market.” In addition, Khalifa and Tryke are looking to further solidify the brand as a key player in the Southwestern cannabis market, teasing new and diverse products yet to come. Should you be interested in checking out more of what Khalifa Kush has to offer, check out the official website right here.

In the meantime, be sure to throw on our official 4/20 Wake & Bake playlist for all your smoking soundtrack needs. Bonus points if you’ve already sparked up some KK for good measure. 

Lil Nas X Claps Back After People Say He’s Gay “For Success”

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The fact that people are saying that Lil Nas X is only gay for success is pretty ridiculous because, historically, gay artists have been shunned by the music industry. Especially in hip-hop, you’re generally perceived as “less than” if you present as anything other than a cisgender heterosexual male. In the wake of his latest success with his #1 hit record “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” which is the rapper’s first song where he details a sexual relationship with another man, LNX is fighting back against the bigots saying he’s only using his sexuality as a means to elevate his fame and status.

“Y’all love saying i’m being gay for success but can’t name 5 successful gay male artists in the last 10 years to save your life,” said Lil Nas on Twitter. People love to claim that there’s an “agenda” pushing homosexuality and LGBTQ+ identity in the music industry, which is very easily combated by using Lil Nas’s argument. “I’m not dissing anyone. I’m acknowledging the fact that we aren’t usually as successful as our peers,” he explained in a later tweet. “It’s a million n***as in the industry that make nothing but songs about women and y’all don’t complain. but i make my first song about a n***a and now it’s my entire artistry. y’all crack me up man.”


Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

In other news surrounding the 22-year-old cultural phenom, he recently responded after fans criticized him for a video of his mother allegedly begging for food in the street. Lil Nas X said that he has cried himself to sleep countless nights because of his mother’s addiction, trying to help her multiple times without a successful result. 

Read through LNX’s latest tweets below.

Jack Harlow Basks In Glory Of Snoop Dogg Co-Sign

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Jack Harlow is one of the game’s rising stars, having seen a massive increase in reach following the release of his breakout single “What’s Poppin.” Since then, the rapper has gone on to secure a spot on the 2020 XXL Freshman Class, as well as delivering his major-label debut That’s What They All Say last December. 

Over the weekend, Harlow found himself involved in the Jake Paul vs Ben Askren fight, interviewing the former alongside Pete Davidson. That wasn’t everything Jack Harlow got up to during the Triller-hosted event, which brought no shortage of artists into the mix for live performances and more. At some point or another, the young emcee found himself crossing paths with the legendary Snoop Dogg, who was present to perform alongside his Mount Westmore groupmates. 

Jack Harlow

Prince Williams/Wireimage/Getty Images 

As it happens, Snoop and Harlow exchanged kind words during their encounter, with Snoop going so far as to dub young Jack “a bad muthafucka.” The praise left such a profound impact on Harlow that he quickly took to Twitter to share a few pictures from their link-up, declaring the moment to be “one of the greatest moments of his career.” Understandable, given the priceless value of a Snoop Dogg co-sign, which tends to be counted among hip-hop’s highest honors — literally, more often than not.

Check out Harlow’s reflections on Snoop Dogg’s praise, and sound off if you’d like to see the pair reconnecting in the studio at some point.