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Wizkid No Longer Wants To ‘Labeled’ As ‘Just An Afrobeats Artist,’ But Users Online Aren’t Pleased With His Creative Wishes
Despite what Drake says, he was not the driving force behind Afrobeats’ popularity across the US. That honor belongs to international sensations Davido, Burna Boy, Tems, and, of course, Wizkid.
But it looks like Wizkid no longer wants to be tethered to the genre. After a clip from his 2023 interview with Apple Music resurfaced, the “Money & Love” musician doubled down on his older statements.
While promoting his More Love, Less Ego album, Wizkid,
“I am not a f*cking Afrobeats artiste,” he wrote. “Don’t call me that hoe!”
“I’m not Afro anything b*tch,” he wrote. “And if you like Afrobeats, please don’t download my album.”
“If you like Afrobeats please don’t download my album, I’m not Afro anything”
– Wizkid pic.twitter.com/1Mec6CBk95
— BASITO (@itzbasito) March 15, 2024
In another posted screenshot by ThatGrapeJuice, he went on to clarify his initial statement. “Listen, am I African? Yes,” he wrote. “But I do make all sorts of music. I don’t want to be labeled just Afrobeats. That’s like saying every American artist makes rap.”
Lil Yachty made a similar point when he began to explore rock via his album Let’s Start Here. Still, users online weren’t pleased with Wizkid’s statement. View the mixed response from users online below.
Outsiders : you cannot box Burna Boy into just afrobeats… He does so many genres effortlessly
Nigerians… He should shut up.. Let’s see how long he can go alone
Wizkid : im not an afrobeats artist
Nigerians : you can’t box him into just afrobeats
Outsiders : but…
Stupid… pic.twitter.com/HN4NaikOwE
— YaY (@blaiirre) March 17, 2024
Afrobeat una…wizkid isn’t afrobeat artist he does every sound…he have done countless genres and even most of his albums speak for him…he have won countless awards in different genre is music category and also charted songs there. pic.twitter.com/InYimdAKXl
— Young hova (@kmqkg28dxg) March 17, 2024
BURNA BOY: Afrobeat has no substance
WIZKID: Afrobeat is DEAD
MEANWHILE DAVIDO:
And you say mah nur STAN this MAN pic.twitter.com/1KWWQxlRML
— Perry (@Successful4665) March 16, 2024
What will he say now that Wizkid has rejected being an Afrobeat artist or Afro anything pic.twitter.com/GserGOcpi0
— Namzy (@namzyvibez) March 16, 2024
“Afrobeat artist are all family. I want to see everyone win”— Wizkidpic.twitter.com/XFIuA8IHMI
— Gist Ng (@_Gist_Ng) March 16, 2024
Burna boy: i am not an afrobeat Artist.
twitter fans: Burna is shittin’ on afrobeat.
Wizkid: i am not an afrobeat Artist, i am not an Afro anything. You höë and B!!tchs
Twitter fans: wizkid stop being afrobeat Artist when he releases S2 bla bla bla
pic.twitter.com/KdDLGIWEhF— MARVIS (@marvis_101) March 16, 2024
No bro you are getting it wrong again. Remove the “afro” whatever… wizkid is pop/r&b, burna is rap/reggae pop… We simply just call these guys afrobeat cos they are Africans, they just want it to stop. We even call Blaqbonez afrobeat artiste even tho blud does rap. https://t.co/13WhkjAX0o
— Cruise KT (@michaelkitan) March 16, 2024
Wizkid literally doing Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat and say he is not an Afrobeat artist. Ok either or you both an Afrobeat Artist & an Afrobeats artist.
— H.D (@HMANCOKER) March 17, 2024
Once again Respect DAVIDO.
seeing F00lz like Wizkid and Burnaboy,talking down on Afrobeat which made them…Lol
— Abk jahgo (@AbkJahgo) March 15, 2024
Nothing wrong with what Wizkid is trying to drive home. It doesn’t make sense that every artiste is boxed under Afrobeat. Especially if you’re versatile with your craft. If you have the range to try something new it’s okay to leave the umbrella of Afrobeat and create your sound.
— KHAN’ (@khanofkhans11_) March 16, 2024
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Tyla Reveals Debut Album Tracklist Featuring Travis Scott, Gunna, & More
Tyla has revealed the tracklist to her upcoming eponymous debut studio album, which features collaborations with Travis Scott, Gunna, and several more noteworthy artists. Scott is set to appear on a remix of her breakthrough hit single, “Water,” to close out the project. The original version of “Water” was the first song by a South African solo artist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years when it dropped, last year. The track netted her the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024.
Speaking with Rolling Stone in 2023, she said of the track: “As soon as I heard ‘Water,’ I said, ‘It’s over.’ We have the song. I would describe ‘Water’ as the song of the year … it’s the sound of Africa. It’s not only for Africa, but it’s for the world … It’s literally me bringing Africa to the world.”
Read More: Tyla “Heartbroken” As She Cancels Tour Over Health Concerns
Tyla Performs In Times Square For New Year’s Eve
In making the tracklist announcement on Instagram, she wrote: “This Friday, it’s a party!!!!!!” Fans shared their excitement in the comments section. “Tems and Becky G ??!?? oh we won,” one user wrote. Another added: “The collabs are so brilliant and strategic! She is crossing over into so many demos and markets with these features! (k pop, Latin, hip hop, & also solidifying African roots) She really is aiming to be a global star. I’m here for it. I see the big picture Tyla girl.” Tyla’s eponymous album will be releasing on March 22. Be on the lookout for further updates on Tyla and her upcoming album on HotNewHipHop. Check out the full tracklist for the project below.
Tyla’s Tracklist For Debut Album
1. “Water” featuring Kelvin Momo
2. “Safer”
3. “Water”
4. “Truth or Dare”
5. “No. 1” featuring Tems
6. “Breathe Me”
7. “Butterflies”
8. “On and On”
9. “Jump” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng
10. “Art”
11. “On My Body” featuring Becky G
12. “Priorities”
13. “To Last”
14. “Water (Remix)” featuring Travis Scott
Read More: Tyla Releases Official Music Video For “Truth Or Dare”
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North West Discusses “Elementary School Dropout” Plans With Jazzys World TV During 1st Ever On-Screen Interview
North West spoke with Jazzys World TV at Rolling Loud, last week, when her father and Ty Dolla Sign performed at the event. In doing so she discussed her upcoming debut studio album, Elementary School Dropout. She previously announced the project during a Vultures listening party in Phoenix, earlier this month.
“It’s gonna be great,” North said. As for when fans can expect the new album, she answered: “Like… I don’t know.” She also didn’t provide any details on whether she’ll have any collaborations on the tracklist. “Maybe! We don’t know yet!” she said. Fans loved the interview when Jazzy shared it on Instagram. “I think you made history being the first reporter to interview North! Go Jazzy,” one wrote. Another added: “Jazzy really born for this… North West wasn’t ready for all these questions but Jazzy switch up quick and made her more comfortable.”
Read More: 5 Things We Want From North West’s Debut Album
North West Speaks At “Yeezy Season 8” Fashion Show
At the Vultures listening party, North shared: “I’ve been working on an album. And it’s called Elementary School Dropout.” The title is a clear reference to her father’s 2004 studio album, College Dropout. Speaking of her father, Kanye’s Rolling Loud set proved incredibly controversial, as he simply stood on stage while pre-recorded music played from the speakers. Speaking with Big Boy for an interview published the next morning, he defended himself by saying: “People just came for the experience.”
North West Speaks With Jazzy At Rolling Loud
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Check out North’s interview with Jazzys World TV above. Be on the lookout for further updates on North West as well as her father on HotNewHipHop.
Read More: Kanye West’s Friend Says Rapper Is Going All In For North West’s Debut Album
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Dame Dash Recalls Smacking Steve Stoute, Responds To “Club Shay Shay” Comments
Dame Dash has fired back at music executive Steve Stoute for his recent comments with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay. Appearing on Friday’s episode of the Relate to Great podcast, Dame recalled smacking Stoute at the Roc-A-Fella offices.
“To be honest, I’m sick of these n***as. I’m sick of it because you would think that after a while n***as would leave you alone,” Dame said. “But this consistent thing where people feel comfortable saying that they’re going to do whatever they want to do or can do to keep me out of business, talk bad about me to other people you know come together and make a certain narrative and then get on TV and then have the nerve to speak on it…I’m sick of that s**t.”
Read More: Dame Dash Rips Steve Stoute To Shreds For Commenting On Jay-Z Feud
Dame Dash Speaks At InvestFest
From there, he explained that Stoue once owed him $18,000 and refused to pay him back. “I smacked him and s**t and I gave him an opportunity to have a fair one,” Dame recalled. “So like—pop!—smacked him. He asked me, he said, ‘Yo, did you just smack me?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, n***a and ain’t nothing between us but the wind. I’ll give you a fair one.’ I had a Franck Muller [watch] on my [left arm]—crack!—and s**t just broke.” Check out Dame’s full comments on working with Stoute below.
Dame Dash Calls Out Steve Stoute
As for what Stoute had to say about Dame on Club Shay Shay, he placed the blame for the fall of Roc-A-Fella Records on Dame and his erratic behavior. Stoute said that “while he was building businesses, he would go off all around the world with cameras and girls and all kinds of crazy sh*t, and then come back flipping on everybody as if [they were wrong].” Be on the lookout for further updates on Dame Dash on HotNewHipHop.
Read More: Dame Dash “Blew It” With His Gigantic Ego, Steve Stoute Argues
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Does Meek Mill Have A Podcast Deal?
For years, Meek Mill has been the voice of the streets. The “Shaq & Kobe” rapper has used his time in the booth to shed light on the issues plaguing his hometown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. But in recent times, he’s taken his advocacy out of the booth and into the political sphere (see his influence in the state’s Probation Reform Bill).
Now, Meek appears to be gearing up to expand his voice with a formal podcast. Continue below for more information.
Does Meek Mill Have A Podcast Deal?
Long story short, the answer is no. Well, at least not one that he’s willing to sign. On March 16, Meek put the bug out there on his official X (formerly Twitter) page. “I want a podcast deal. I have a lot to say on many different levels,” he wrote. “If you have a podcast business moving slowly, I can reverse that! I’ve always been my own media, and I wanna join the culture of black media!”
I want a podcast deal I have a a lot to say on many different levels! If you have a podcast business moving slow I can reverse that! From – meek mill – I’ve always been my own media and I wanna join the culture of black media!
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 16, 2024
Immediately after Meek announced his interest, his foe Akademiks chimed in. Instead of trolling as usual, Akademiks offered Meek a one-million-dollar production deal through his company. However, Meek quickly shot it down.
“Not like a finance podcast deal thing, LOL,” he wrote. “I hang around all billionaires, and I’m caked up… You streaming for your chair getting drunk … I’m changing laws and stopping major hood beefs and trying to uplift the culture!”
Not like a finance podcast deal thing lol I hang around all billionaires and I’m caked up … you streaming for your chair getting drunk … I’m changing laws and stopping major hood beefs and trying to uplift the culture! https://t.co/EA10uxkQob
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 17, 2024
If Akademiks is willing to throw up seven figures to fund Meek, we’re sure another company will place their bid soon enough. As of today (March 17), this venture is just a dream. But Meek has already shared the working name and mission of the audio project.
I wanna partner with somebody already good in the business not just dive in! 2 episodes a month!
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 16, 2024
Yeah just a podcast deal my boy…. I just wanna get in media now and rap to tell reforms stories about the system let others share their stories and address all propraganda … uplift the black culture … stop beefs publicly .. it’s gonna be called “culture currency” https://t.co/hQdr6yjcmw
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 16, 2024
Teach the level of business knowledge I know from the streets to being around extreme wealth! Like how you had the show on Spotify but fueling street beefs I want that type of opportunity!
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 16, 2024
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Yelawolf Drops New Single, “Make You Love Me,” Ahead Of Upcoming Album
Yelawolf is continuing to build up excitement for his upcoming album, War Story, with the release of his second single from the project, “Make You Love Me.” The 44-year-old rapper shared the track as well as an accompanying music video, last Friday.
Fans in the comments section on YouTube were ecstatic about the new release. One fan commented: “Thank you for the new song, YELA! It helps me so much and motivates me when I need to be strong to continue living and writing new songs during the war and sirens every day.” Another fan expressed their excitement for his new album. “I’ve listened to it 4 times already… If this is the theme of ‘War Story’ then I’m absolutely hype… It’s gonna be one hell of follow-up to love story,” they wrote. Check out the new song on YouTube below.
Read More: Yelawolf Is Hungry As Ever On New Lead Single “Everything”
Yelawolf Stars In “Make You Love Me” Music Video
Yelawolf previously discussed his upcoming project and the decision to return to his hip-hop roots during an interview with SPIN in November. “I was just so fueled to rap again. My tank got refilled, so to speak, and it turned out I had a lot to say,” he told the outlet. “I would love to see a place in Hip Hop for me to elevate and to bring the quality of the music and what we’ve put together to the forefront of the mainstream.” Yelawolf added: “I would like for Drake fans, Kendrick Lamar fans, Three 6 Mafia fans, Future fans, XXXTentacion fans — I think it would be rad for me if the younger generation would take a hold of the project.” Prior to the first single from War Story, “Everything,” Yelawolf had been making rock music for a number of years.
War Story is expected to release in May of this year. It’ll be his first studio album since dropping Sometimes Y in 2022. Be on the lookout for further updates on Yelawolf and the upcoming project on HotNewHipHop.
Read More: Erika De Casier, REALYUNGPHIL, & THERAVADA: Three Artists You Need To Listen To Right Now
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Drake Gifts Pregnant Fan $25,000 & An Invite Into The VIP Section
Drake has made it a habit to help out his fans in need during his ongoing It’s All A Blur Tour — Big As The What? tour. On the latest stop, the Toronto rapper offered to gift a pregnant fan $25,000 and even had security escort them out of the pit and into the V.I.P. section. She had been holding up a sign referencing his song, “Rich Baby Daddy.”
“She’s got a sign that says, ‘I’m five months pregnant, can you be my rich baby daddy.’ Well, first of all, I don’t want to offend your real baby daddy, but I would love to, first of all, get you out of the pit so we could put you somewhere safe like the V.I.P. or some sh*t. Because you can’t be pregnant and bouncing around,” Drake said. “When I start playing something, we can’t have you getting pushed around. Second of all, I’d love to give you $25,000.”
Read More: Drake Offers To Pay For Fan’s Surgery During Concert
Drake Attends Cavaliers-Rockets Game In Houston
During a previous stop on the tour, Drake teased that he’s getting back in the studio and working on new music. “You know, I said I was taking a break and all that sh*t, but I’m right back on the road again,” he told the crowd at one show. “It’s hard for me to stay away from y’all — I really do love you. You never know. I might get bored and start making some new music on the road, see where it goes in the next little while.” He had previously told fans he’d be taking a lengthy break after the release of For All The Dogs. He’s since teamed up with 4batz for a remix to “act ii: date @ 8.”
Drake Offers To Help Pregnant Fan
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Drake has been performing with J. Cole and Lil Durk on the It’s All A Blur Tour — Big As The What? tour. Be on the lookout for further updates on Drake on HotNewHipHop.
Read More: Drake “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” 9th Anniversary: Revisit The Classic “Know Yourself”
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NCAA Tournament Bracket Revealed: UConn, Houston, Purdue, UNC, Land No. 1 Seeds
The full list of 68 schools that made the NCAA Tournament has been revealed with UConn, Houston, Purdue, and North Carolina taking the No. 1 seeds. While UConn is coming off of a Big East Tournament win, the remaining three top seeds all lost in the semifinals or finals of their respective conference tournaments. North Carolina is perhaps the most controversial of the No. 1 seeds.
“There was a lot of discussion, obviously, North Carolina got it. We looked at some head to heads, but overall, North Carolina had a magnificent season,” Dr. Charles McClelland, the chair of the selection committee, said on CBS‘ selection show, as caught by ESPN. “They did what they were supposed to do in the regular season.” The team finished 27-7 on the year but lost to NC State in the ACC Tournament.
Read More: Long Beach State Reaches March Madness Despite Firing Coach
UConn Celebrates Winning The Big East Tournament
While UConn represented the Big East at the top of the bracket, it was an uncharacteristically disappointing performance for the conference overall in terms of representation. In addition to UConn, only Marquette and Creighton made the cut. St. John’s and Rick Pitino finished the year with a six-game win streak before dropping to UConn in the Big East semi-final by just five points. Still, they are on the outside looking in along with a number of other disappointed teams.
The Bracket Is Here
THE BRACKET IS SET
let the madness begin pic.twitter.com/dF2y29XrEa
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 17, 2024
Check out the full seeding for the bracket above. The first games will be tipping off on Tuesday. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NCAA Tournament on HotNewHipHop.
Read More: South Carolina & LSU Bench-Clearing Brawl Leads To Several Ejections & An Arrest
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