You all know the deal by now when it comes to Erica Mena and Safaree’s damaged relationship. After the two reality stars split from one another in 2022 it’s been nothing but constant bickering and disagreements between them. For example, Mena recently made a formal and public apology to one of her ex’s highest-profile partners, Nicki Minaj. After hating on the Trinidadian femcee for years during her and Safaree’s time together, she realized that she was not the problem. “It’s funny how life comes full circle. Because the same thing he did to her, he’s doing to me.”
That same thing she claims is how he’s portrayed himself as the victim both relationships “I remember him pouring his heart out to me about all the stuff she did to him,” Mena recalled. “I didn’t think to ask, ‘What did you do to her?’…” “I owe this woman an apology,” she said in short. Safaree has of course retaliated and tried to disprove Mena’s claims time and time again. Overall, it’s hard to take either of their words as the truth, with fans acknowledging that as well.
There saga may never end, and we are convinced of that with them trading shots once again. The Neighborhood Talk was able to collect video and photo evidence on Mena and Safaree arguing about the “deadbeat dad” storyline. She’s persisted to push this narrative about him, recently stating that he hasn’t seen their children in six months. For context, Safaree had said that he hasn’t seen them due to him trying to finalize a visitation schedule legally.
Safaree started by sharing screenshots of him trying to text his four-year-old daughter on her iPad for holiday time. He sent multiple messages, but to no avail. He suggests that Erica blocked his number, writing, “I didn’t know 4 year olds know how to block people. It’s hard being a deadbeat.. but I’m sure after this I’ll somehow magically get unblocked.” Mena then clapped back with a video of their daughter’s iPad being dead, suggesting that was the real reason why she wasn’t responding. She captioned the post in short with, “I guess the photo opportunity is more important now than the once a week parenting time that’s been court ordered since 2022.”
Earlier this year, during a sit-down interview with Kendrick Lamar for Harper’s BAZAAR, Solána Imani Rowe confessed a roadblock that impacts many vulnerable artistic minds like hers. “When I’m in the studio, it hurts too much sometimes. Maybe that’s why I tap in and pretend to be other people.” For anyone familiar with SZA’s catalog, this may sound like complete blasphemy. She’s always been very forthright about her feelings, even the ones that she acknowledges – whether intentionally or not – as hazy, brash, primal, or lost. But a closer look at projects like SOS reveal slow but sure inspections of these insecurities and this difficult relationship between artistry, emotional honesty, accountability, and being one of music’s biggest superstars right now. As such, it’s no surprise that LANA, the deluxe expansion of this beloved behemoth of a 2022 album, addresses this even more directly through its leftovers.
For whatever reason, these 15 tracks didn’t make the original SOS album, but songs like “BMF” are cuts that SZA really believed in and wanted to share with fans. Whether due to their songwriting, lyrical topics, production choices, or just a preference for other records, these vault picks spent years locked away before revealing themselves last week as catchy, bubbly, low-key, and often whimsical jams. Therefore, they represent that bottled-up balance in her mind. LANA manages to sum up everything that fans loved about SOS not just through their creation in that mindset, but through the St. Louis native’s consistently sharp hooks, malleable verse melodies, and vocal versatility. Of course, more introspective and moody moments appear to balance out her highs, and in fact, they take center stage as soon as you press play.
LANA opens with “No More Hiding,” a wondrous but chilly plea for “the real” with evocative acoustic guitar, icy synthesizers, and soothing rainfall. Furthermore, this project seeks genuine emotional connection that doesn’t lead to betrayal. Thanks to conflicted slow-burners like “What Do I Do” and the frustrating need for peace and quiet on “Chill Baby,” SZA continues her trademark breakdowns of giving too much love to something you can’t trust, feeling like your muse isn’t reciprocating that dedication, learning to establish your desired boundaries, and putting your own well-being first. While some moments like the self-affirming “My Turn” or the firm daydreaming of “Another Life” reach more conclusive revelations, most of LANA sonically support this vague and cloudy emotional state. Most importantly, the 35-year-old communicates that struggle beyond words, and has even more on the way.
Singles like “Saturn” proved that this SOS deluxe edition would also boast some sticky and addictive ear candy that lives up to the original’s dominant run in 2023. Across this push-and-pull in the emotional pallet, SZA is sultrily provocative on “Diamond Boy (DTM)” in a way that makes her urges and vices on LANA infectiously relatable (“You make my thoughts stop / You make being me less hard“). For as overwhelming as her mind becomes on the acoustic boiling point “Drive,” she masters some engaging flow switches and different melodic approaches that make a bare instrumental truly come alive. The TDE superstar doesn’t compromise on the gut-punches, though, thanks to lines like “I keep pretеnding everyone’s as good as mе / S**t’s so weird I cannot speak.” Overall, even the more fun moments on here, like the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “30 For 30,” embrace distraughtly personal corners.
The same is true of LANA‘s production, which ranges from glimmering bliss and lust to more raw and cold valleys. However, it’s also where this SOSdeluxe edition falters in its potential. There are certainly more highlights than lowlights, especially since SZA’s ever-pleasant, passionate, and ethereally calming vocal performances fill in their occasional gaps very well. Still, “Scorsese Baby Daddy” depends on her melodies to elevate a generic rock beat. Fortunately, this more basic genre excursion is minimal when compared to more solid tones of acoustic balladry, tender soul, and woozy R&B throughout. But the generally washed-out, heavily atmospheric, and relatively simple treatments when it comes to the production could’ve benefitted from more clear or bright tones. For example, “Love Me For Me” is a great tune that could’ve been that much better if some of its outro embellishments were more present in the mix.
Nevertheless, perhaps you could say the same about SOS, which brings things to a key question. As a deluxe version, LANA does not carry the same pressures as other albums to evolve sounds or present something new… Even if it is a whopping 15 tracks that make it a full-length experience of its own. Instead, it delivers on its main promise of even more amazing SZA songs. “Kitchen” has one of her most unique chorus performances with the most gorgeously sweet instrumental on here, “Crybaby” is among her best and most dynamic vocal performances and emotional narratives, and the “Get Behind Me” interlude switches things up with warm percussion and the most triumphant moment on this deluxe version that fully escapes its melancholy. Yet if you didn’t like the original, we can’t say that LANA will convince you.
Regardless of that, SZA has a lot to be proud of with this release, especially given the long wait in between LANA and SOS and the agonizing years between that and Ctrl. It takes her established and still-impressive artistry in a more formless, abstract, and ephemeral sonic direction that, if tinkered with here and there, could yield her most forward-thinking material. We hope that whatever comes next, even if it hurts, leads Solána to continually find who she really is and, perhaps through a more propulsive and fresh musical evolution, treasure the search for something worth saving.
We may mostly focus on hip-hop and R&B, but the Afrobeats genre has been on our radar all year as well. That’s thanks in part to Johannesburg import Tyla, and Lagos native, Tems. They are two of the sound’s biggest voices right now, with both of them dropping major records. “The pretty girl from Joburg” was first to make waves with her self-titled debut album. It was led by her viral 2023 single “Water,” which went on to receive a subsequent remix with Travis Scott. However, the project also spawned multiple hits over time, including “ART,” “Jump,” “Butterflies,” and more. Additionally, she built upon it with an October deluxe, TYLA +.
Then, Tems –who was also a feature on her contemporary’s LP– kept the momentum going for the genre in June with Born in the Wild. “Me & U.” Love Me JeJe,” “Burning,” and “Free Fall” were the standouts from her respective tape. Because of it, she’s up for three awards at next year’s GRAMMYs. With all of that said, these two leading international women look like they have what it takes to carry their respective culture forward for years to come.
Usually, when you achieve so much in such a short span, you typically celebrate. Well, it seems that Tyla and Tems were doing some of that recently and together no less. A clip of them dancing at a club is gaining some traction online right now and for reasons you may assume. Tems is seen backing it up on her younger counterpart, with Tyla vibing as well.
They hype each other up a bit and it’s a sweet moment. However, some fans just cannot control their fascination with each of the singer’s moves and looks. “Tems know she that girl ” one IG user points out. “Tems is like wow,” another adds. “Pretty girls vibing ,” one more says. It’s safe to say that a lot of folks are going to keep their eye on them going forward and for multiple reasons.
YSL Woody was a very prominent figure as it pertained to the YSL RICO Trial. He was one of the main witnesses who took to the stand and for the most part, he gave prosecutors the rope a dope. Although some are still mad that he testified at all, others understand that he had a huge part in the fact that Young Thug was eventually able to escape with a deal. Moreover, people like Yak Gotti were eventually acquitted on various charges.
Unfortunately for Gotti, he has yet to be released from the Fulton County Jai. Although he was supposed to be released by now, it just hasn’t happened yet. Why? Well, it all has to do with an outstanding warrant. There has been very little leeway given to Gotti, and some are seeing this as a massive injustice that must be resolved sooner rather than later. In fact, it seems as though this is exactly how YSL Woody feels, because he was on the streets today, protesting on the artist’s behalf.
As you can see, YSL Woody was outside holding a “Free Yak Gotti” sign. Meanwhile, another sign said “Free Yak Gotti from the Fulton County Trap House/Jail.” There is no telling whether or not this is a strategy that is actually going to work or not. What we do know, however, is that YSL Woody is someone who has become a bit of a social media star as of late, and he seems prepared to do anything to maintain his fame. Whether or not his advocacy for Gotti is genuine, remains to be seen.
Either way, hopefully Yak Gotti is able to find a solution to the current roadblocks he is facing. The entire YSL case has been a fiasco from start to finish, and it seems like nothing ever changes. Only time will tell whether or not he gets out soon.
Just a few days ago, Brooklyn rapper, singer, and actor Joey Bada$$ was given his own day. The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, made an official declaration that December 20 be Joey Bada$$ Day. He made the announcement at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s second annual Hip-Hop Holiday Giveaway. The DYCD Commissioner, Keith Howard said in part, “We are thrilled to honor artist Joey Bada$$ for his commitment to DYCD and youth, and his ImpactMENtorship program.” Speaking of the latter, Joey’s foundation also turned two years old. That program assists boys of color, ages 18 and up, to take the steps toward financial and professional success.
However, this amazing accomplishment is soured a bit due to an unfortunate encounter. Right now, there is photo and video evidence of Joey Bada$$ allegedly getting into a tense scuffle. Folks online are saying that this all went down at a New York City clothing store. The “Devastated” rapper appears to be the man in all black and he seems to get into some disagreement with the man in the dark gray hoodie.
About 30 seconds into the video, Joey Bada$$ looks to be getting ready to exit the store before things get out of hand. However, they do just moments later. It looks things escalate with the random man putting his mitts on the Pro Era act first. Of course, Joey pushes back, mostly to get the dude off of him.
But the stranger didn’t like that, and he winds laying a punch around the artist’s face. It turns into an all-out brawl with the two holding on to each other and landing some swings in the process. A bodyguard or security guard of sorts tries to separate them, but to no avail. They eventually wind up on the ground and the clip cuts out after that. Due to their being no audio, it’s hard to tell who or what instigated this situation. No arrests, injuries, or hospitalizations appear to have been reported yet.
Adin Ross is breaking his streaming hiatus with a massive guest appearance from Drake. On Monday (Dec. 23) night, the pair announced their “Drizzmas Giveaway,” slated to take place via Kick on Thursday (Dec. 26) at 8 p.m. ET.
As Netflix enters its live sports streaming era — which was the plan all along — viewers have been decidedly unimpressed by the platform’s inability to maintain stable streams during events like its celebrity golf tournament and that odd boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
So, needless to say, fans of Beyoncé looking forward to the Cowboy Carter singer’s halftime performance during the Ravens vs. Texans game on Sunday have their doubts about the stream quality. Beyoncé and Netflix acknowledged those worries in their latest teaser for the concert, cheekily predicting buffering issues.
All jokes aside, though, Netflix had better be ready for an influx of angry BeyHive posts if things don’t go exactly as planned. Arguments about the efficacy of the self-deprecating promo aside, the NFL is certainly hoping things go off without a hitch; in addition to encroaching on the NBA’s traditional territory on Christmas day, the league’s partnership with Bey’s husband Jay-Z has come under some scrutiny recently.
But all may be forgiven — or at least, temporarily forgotten — if Beyoncé’s performance pulls down the sort of streaming numbers Netflix hopes (and will probably massage well to ensure it all at least looks like a success).
You can watch the teaser above and catch Beyoncé’s performance at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, which kicks off at 1:30 PT / 4:30 ET.
SZA is fresh off of dropping her brand-new album LANA. This is a deluxe version of her SOS project from 2022. Overall, fans are loving the 15 new tracks, and it appears as though we might be getting some more on Christmas Day. In fact, SZA has been taking about changing some of the mixes as well, as she isn’t totally happy with what was put out last week. Whatever the case may be, it is great to see that the songstress is back and cooking up new tunes for the world to hear.
Something that fans have really been excited about is her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, “30 For 30.” In fact, SZA has done plenty of songs with Kendrick over the years. From “All The Stars” to “Luther,” these two have a ton of chemistry and their songwriting ability just meshes well. They can crank out the hits, and the fans would love to see a collaborative project from the pair, even if that seems like a pipe dream at this point. Well, don’t be so sure. Recently, SZA made it seem like she is interested in making one.
While taking to her Instagram story, SZA replied to someone saying that they needed an entire project of her and Kendrick. She offered a simple reply, stating “Gotta ask the big guy.” Overall, this seems like an admission that the singer would love to make it happen. However, it is all up to Kendrick, who is known for being mysterious and hard to reach at times.
If these two ever did make an album together, it would immediately be a huge success. After all, they are going on tour together. Consequently, it would allow the opportunity for plenty of fantastic duets. For now, fans will just have to dream and pretend it exists. Or, they can be patient and hope that the big guy eventually comes around.
It’s been almost two months since Young Thug became a free man, but his time in prison is apparently far from behind him. On Monday (Dec. 23), an unseen jail call between the “Digits” artist and Instagram model Leena Sayed — who shares a child with boxer Devin Haney — made its way online.
When compiling a list of the hottest hip-hop songs of 2024, you don’t have to dig too deep into the well to find great songs. Overall, rap’s biggest stars showed up and showed out this year. Of course, the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake gave us lots of new material, with the former making some of the catchiest records of his career. Meanwhile, we had breakout stars like Doechii show the world just how lyrically gifted she is. Additionally, albums like Dark Times, Blue Lips, and Chromakopia gave us tons of phenomenal songs to sink our teeth into.
Simply put, 2024 was a phenomenal year for hip-hop. Despite so many calling the genre’s demise, it is clear that hip-hop is still very much alive and well. With that being said, it is finally time to countdown HotNewHipHop’s hottest hip-hop songs of 2024. Enjoy!
” one IG user points out. “Tems is like wow,” another adds. “Pretty girls vibing 
