Hip Hop News

Questlove Hopes ‘Black Nerds’ See Themselves In His ‘The Rhythm Of Time’ Book

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Questlove released The Rhythm Of Time on Tuesday, April 18, shortly after he launched Auwa Books, his imprint with MCD Books. The book is aimed toward preteen readers, but Questlove wrote it with one very specific kid in mind. He dedicated the book to his nine-year-old self, as he explained on The View this week.

“When I would travel with my parents, my father and mother, we were like basically the Black Partridge Family,” he said on the talk show. “My father was an oldies doo-wop legend back in the ’50s. I’d often read to them. Well, they would trick me into reading to them, and oftentimes, I’d pick books in which I didn’t see myself.”

He continued, “There’s a term, ‘alt-Black kids,’ where you might not talk the right language or you just look weird. I had weird hair, and I dressed weird. I wanted Black nerds to see themselves as well, so that’s kind of why I wrote the book.”

The Rhythm Of Time‘s official listing on Penguin Random House lays out the intricate plot:

“Seventh grader Rahim Reynolds loves testing out the gadgets invented by his brilliant friend Kasia Collins. First there were the X-ray glasses and all the trouble they caused. Now there’s the new cell phone she built for his birthday, even though his parents won’t let him have one. But Rahim is excited to use the phone to search for videos of his favorite old-school rap group. What he doesn’t know is the phone has a special battery that interfaces with a secret government satellite, which spells trouble when the phone transports him back to 1997. Almost immediately, he learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. With Kasia as his only lifeline to the present, Rahim works with her to get home unscathed, all the while dodging bullies (on his end) and suspicious government agents (on hers).

Philadelphia in the late nineties is a new world for Rahim and Kasia, but it is a familiar place for Questlove, who, alongside S. A. Cosby, delivers a high-velocity tale where two best friends discover that sometimes the best beat is the one that brings you back home.”

Questlove further explained why The Rhythm Of Time is “the book I been dying to make for a decade” in an Instagram post:

Watch Questlove’s appearance on The View above.

The Rhythm Of Time is out now via Penguin Random House. Find more information here.

Moneybagg Yo’s High-Flying ‘Motion God’ Video Celebrates With His Bread Gang Brothers

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With his new album Hard To Love coming soon, Moneybagg Yo rolls out his latest single, the Cash Money-inspired “Motion God.” The song, produced by T-Head and Skywalker OG, employs a throwback bounce-inflected beat, while Bagg boasts, “Plenty fancy cars / It’s a whole lot of motion involved / Diamonds and tattoos cover my scars / New Cadillac bulletproof, cost three-hundred large.”

The video sees Bagg celebrating his Bread Gang compatriots, setting up a “Last Supper”-esque spread outside of a Miami mansion, where the crew flashes stacks of cash and big chains while low-key cosplaying as Cash Money Records rappers circa “the ’99 and the 2000.” In separate scenes, Bagg shows off his cars and a motorcycle (adorned by two bikini-clad beauties, naturally), and even raps in front of a helicopter while repping his hometown Grizzlies with a throwback jersey from their Vancouver days. The Grizz are currently tied 1-1 with the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, so maybe this will give them the extra boost they need to overcome.

Although Hard To Love doesn’t have a release date yet, Moneybagg has already released the singles “Quickie” and “On Wat U On.” In his Uproxx cover story, Bagg said the album “is really personal, but I know the world is going to relate to it because of the stuff I’m saying, the subject matter, I know people going through what I went through across the globe.”

Watch the video for “Motion God” above.

Coi Leray Lends Her ‘Pretty B*tch Energy’ To RAYE’s ‘Flip A Switch.’ Remix

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British singer RAYE is only a couple of months removed from the release of her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, but is already dropping new music. Her latest release is a remix of “Flip A Switch” from the album, this time with Coi Leray contributing a verse.

The track is about cutting off a disinterested partner, as in: “Flip a switch on a prick, then I / Come alive in the nighttime.” RAYE is through with this noncommital jerk, so she hits the club to dance her cares away. She’s also willing to sic her gangster girlfriends on him, warning, “Got bitches, if they see you in the street, you’re gettin’ slapped.”

On the remix, Coi jumps in to reinforce the anti-f*ckboy energy, turning up the threats while sticking to the theme of “flipping the switch”: “Diamonds look like Cape Cod / We attach the switch if they come and try to take ours.” Illegal weapons modifications aside, Coi makes the perfect partner on RAYE’s boundary-setting, bad boy-blocking anthem.

Coi Leray set a boundary of her own upon hearing Latto’s new single “Put It On Da Floor.” In the song, Latto boasts that she’s “Smokin’ on that gas, blunt big as Coi Leray.” Coi seemed to take it personally, responding via Twitter, “Latto bye. Here you go taking about my body. Please do not come on here and talk about nobody BODY.”

Of course, considering her emphasis on reiterating the term “body” over and over again, along with the fact that she’s currently promoting an upcoming single titled “Body,” it could just be that she’s using the moment to feed her promotion cycle. After all, beef before a new release is a time-honored tradition.

Listen to the “Flip A Switch.” remix above.

KRS-One Launches New Series For Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

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KRS-One, is paying it forward to Hip Hop by launching an in-person event series and website for its 50th anniversary. The website Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc will host a Hip Hop masterclass and pop-up exhibits at the Community Center, the birthplace of Hip Hop, August 11th. The location 1520 Sedgewick Ave was home to DJ Kool Herc’s Back To School Jam in August 1973. The party played a critical role as the origin story for the birth of Hip Hop. In a statement, KRS said the 50th anniversary is a global movement that celebrates the grit, voice, and power that brought culture to life.

Secondly, the rap legend will launch a logo competition on April 28th. Inviting creatives, designers, and graffiti artists to create the official logo of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. KRS-One’s Birthplaceofhiphopnyc.com will serve as a community-based initiative. It’ll showcase Hip Hop’s origins and inspire future generations to continue to grow the genre and push the culture forward. Furthermore, the Hip Hop masterclass and pop-up exhibits will help educate everyone on the culture’s roots and how it became a global movement. Not only that, but the visual arts competition will also inspire creatives to showcase their best representation of Hip Hop in the official logo of the 50th anniversary.

KRS-One Gives Back To Hip Hop

KRS 1, Fat Joe and Big Daddy Kane attend TrillerVerz Featuring KRS 1 vs Big Daddy Kane at Barclays Center on October 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)

While KRS has been giving back to Hip Hop, Hip Hop has also given back to KRS-One. Early this year the Hip Hop forefather received his own mural in the neighborhood where he was once homeless. Moreover, the mural was painted by Italian artist Jorit at 2nd St. near 1st Ave. In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, the mural depicts the rapper’s image and is a testament to his success and roots. KRS told Fox NY that despite all the success, nothing compares to being immortalized in a mural.

Overall, KRS-One’s contributions to Hip Hop are nothing shy of major and significant. This initiative to celebrate Hip Hop turning 50 is a great opportunity for novices and enthusiasts to learn about the culture. Not only that creatives and artists alike will showcase their talent and celebrate Hip Hop’s origins. Are you excited about this new initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Shannon Sharpe On Joel Embiid’s Actions

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Shannon Sharpe made Joel Embiid’s actions on Thursday night a topic of discussion on Friday. During Friday’s edition of Undisputed, Sharpe shared his thoughts on Embiid’s now-infamous kick. The Sixers big man kicked Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. Causing everyone in the NBA community to question why Embiid would do something like this. Embiid was not ejected from the game. Which has already drawn irritation from those in the Golden State Warriors fanbase.

However, Sharpe didn’t mince his words when discussing Embiid’s actions. “It was unnecessary, excessive, and he deserved a flagrant 2! He kicked a guy!” Indeed many have felt like the kick should have drawn Embiid’s ejection from the game. Instead, the officials later ejected James Harden from the game for a less than-abusive move than Emmbiid. Then later ejected Claxton for just staring down Embiid after a great play. Check out Sharpe’s full comments in the video below.

Shannon Sharpe Expects Punishment For Embiid

If anything, the biggest story of this game may be the officiating. The decision-making by the officials in the three most significant situations of the game felt way off. However, Sharpe still believes the NBA could take action with Embiid. Draymond Green was suspended for a much similar action when he stomped Kings big Domantas Sabonis. Many, including Charles Barkley, believe that Embiid’s actions were worse than Green’s. No matter the case, it feels as if the incident with Embiid is far from over. But, there has yet to be a comment made from the NBA on his actions.

Not only is Embiid now embroiled in this incident, but the Philly big man also suffered an injury in Thursday night’s game. Embiid had to leave the game but later returned with a back injury. After his return, it was visibly noticeable that the potential NBA MVP was in a lot of pain. So, do you agree with Shannon Sharpe on Embiid’s actions being unnecessary? Do you believe the NBA will suspend Embiid for Game 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Cardi B Looks To Seize Tasha K’s Property

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Cardi B reportedly took a huge step towards collecting her $4 million defamation judgement from Tasha K- and it’s not pretty. Moreover, the court reportedly issued a “writ of execution” to the blogger and Kebe Studios LLC in Georgia on Thursday (April 20), according to AllHipHop. Said judgement permits Cardi to seize Tasha K’s property in order to gain the money owed from the rapper’s victorious case. Following a 2019 lawsuit, the court found Tasha guilty of invasion of privacy, defamation, and deliberate infliction of emotional distress in 2022. While she could seize more assets than just property, it’s still quite the aggressive turn for the case.

On that note, people online are split between seeing this as righteous retribution or going a little too far. “I love how Cardi not letting up on Tasha K! Shouldn’t have been talking s**t,” one user wrote on Twitter. Another differed; “I wish Cardi B would let that shid go…. I’m getting so tired of seeing this back and forth shid with Tasha K… Now she tryna take that woman house…. b***h you got money and a few houses Let it tf go!!! Got damn!!!”

Cardi B Wants Her $4 Million Defamation Judgement

Given that Cardi B even checked to see if she got the payment, apparently that wasn’t the case. Also, Tasha K apparently responded to this new development on her Twitter account. Previously, she apologized to the 30-year-old after losing her appeal. Now, her response seemed to lightly refer to her other debts and hinted towards a payment queue. “Look! Sis & Law I Know you need that cause work is slow for all of us right now, but right now, I ain’t got it!” she tweeted. “But let your lawyers know that when I’m up, you gone be up & stuck… You get first dibs after this irs bill gets paid…”

Meanwhile, this is far from the only controversy Tasha K got into with a celebrity, although it’s certainly the most high-profile. For example, R. Kelly claimed that the blogger tampered with witnesses in his case. With all this in mind, hopefully these legal troubles find resolution in more amicable ways. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Cardi B and Tasha K. In addition, check out the latter’s apparent response to Cardi potentially seizing her property down below.

Tasha K Responds

Screenshot via Twitter @unwinewithtasha

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith went all in on Kawhi Leonard during Friday’s edition of First Take. When discussing the current NBA playoffs series between the Suns and Clippers, Smith took a moment to talk about Leonard. Leonard was ruled out of the Clippers Game 3 loss with a knee sprain. While Smith admitted to believing in Leonard’s injury. However, trusting Leonard to be available for the big games is the biggest issue Smith has with the superstar. Smith even went as far as to call Leonard one of the worst superstars in league history.

Obviously, Smith isn’t denying Leonard’s greatness. The Clippers star is a multi-time Finals MVP and has proven time and time again how great he can be in the post-season. However, in his tenure with the Clippers, Leonard’s problem is that he hasn’t been available. Injuries are a tough deal and sadly, a part of the game. But that isn’t the argument Smith is making. The legendary media personality wants to know how Leonard takes the load management he is offered during the regular season. But still isn’t available during the time his team needs him most.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Leonard’s Durability

Leonard has become one of the post-season players of his generation. But the Clippers haven’t seen the Leonard they thought they were getting when he arrived. Smith questioned Leonard’s reliability when it comes to performing for his team. The Clippers are already without Paul George. So losing Leonard has put the team behind massively. Now the questions are starting to be asked is Leonard even worth being on the team if he can’t play in the big moments?

Leonard’s availability for Game 4 of the series has not been made available. However, a knee sprain is not going to heal overnight. The Suns win on Thursday night put Phoenix up 2-1 in the series. Without Leonard, the Clippers will face a near-impossible task in coming back to advance past the first round. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on Leonard’s legacy? Or do you believe Leonard has just suffered unfortunate timing with injuries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Lil Baby Allegedly Fathered IG Model Daliesha Keys’ Infant Son, She Exposes DNA Test

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On his Instagram page, Lil Baby is frequently seen spending time with and spoiling his two sons – Jason and Loyal. While the Atlanta native lives a busy life as one of the most recognizable rappers out right now, he’s sure to include his young boys in his celebrity lifestyle by bringing them along to red-carpet events or icing them out with luxurious jewelry. He’s obviously established a strong co-parenting relationship with both of his baby mamas, but now, it seems a third woman is trying to enter the picture with claims that Baby fathered her infant child.

Earlier this week, an Instagram model, Daliesha Keys, unveiled a DNA test for her son, which claims that Dominique Jones – the My Turn artist’s real name – is a 99.99% match for paternity. The document is in Spanish, but regardless of the language, numbers simply don’t lie. Of course, there are still a lot of pieces missing from the puzzle, but the social media starlet celebrated her apparent win by posting photos of the little one on her Instagram feed. “For all the haters and everyone who was trying to silence me, the truth out now🧬,” she wrote in the caption.

Is Lil Baby a Father of Three?

In the comment section, internet trolls pointed out that Keys previously pulled a similar stunt with another rapper, making her allegations slightly harder to believe this time around. “First Durk, now Baby😂😂,” they wrote. “Tryna come for the voice of the [heroes] 😂.” Someone else pointed out another potential issue with the DNA test’s legitimacy, noting that, “Lmaoooo ma’am it [says] North Carolina but it’s in Spanish. BFFR!!!!!!”

Elsewhere in the comments, others speculated how Baby’s second son’s mother, Jayda Cheaves will react to the drama. The former couple has been spending plenty of time together again as of late, though it remains unclear if they’ve rekindled their romance just yet. “Jayda ’bout to post her whole Chanel collection with this one,” one user quipped. “One thing we know post-COVID is ANYBODY can create a form😂😂😂,” another funny comment reads. Do you think Daliesha Keys’ allegations about Lil Baby are legit? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.

Daliesha Keys Posts Alleged DNA Test

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Five NFL Players Suspended For Betting Offenses

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The NFL has always had a somewhat awkward relationship with sports betting. As more and more states have legalized the practice, the NFL has cautiously opened itself up to the lucrative industry. In 2021, the league announced agreements with four sportsbook operators. However, the NFL has been careful not to officially endorse any one operator through an official partnership. Sports betting revenue hit $7.5 billion in 2022.

However, an area where the NFL has held firm is betting on the part of its players. Like most professional sports leagues in the US, the NFL forbids players from betting in any capacity. The most notable casualty of this is Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for the 2022 season for betting on games during the 2021 season. That suspension led to Ridley’s release from the Falcons, as well as criticisms that the NFL was harsher on gambling than issues such as sexual assault.

Four Lions, One Commander Handed Suspensions

On April 21, the NFL officially suspended five players for betting-related offenses. Wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, both of the Lions, and defensive end Shaka Toney of the Commanders received indefinite suspensions for betting on NFL games. Wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, also both of the Lions, were suspended for six games each for placing bets not related to the NFL. The Lions have since reported that Cephus and Moore have been released from the team. Toney remains on the Commanders at the time of writing.

Williams is the biggest name of the five who were suspended. The twelfth overall pick in the 2022 Draft, Williams spent most of the season rehabbing from an ACL tear sustained in the 2022 College National Championship game. However, he was expected to be a major part of the Lions’ offense this season. Of the other Lions suspended, Cephus was a 2020 fifth-rounder who has played in 22 games over the last three seasons. Moore went undrafted in 2019 but has made 48 tackles in 56 games for the Lions. Berryhill went undrafted in 2022 and made four appearances for the team last year. Shaka Toney was a 2021 seventh-rounder who appeared in 26 games for the Commanders.

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