Hip Hop News

Bow Wow Songs: His Best Hits

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Say what you want about Bow Wow, but you can’t deny his music career. Kids today may know the Ohio native from his social media antics, but that’s not who he is. Bow Wow is one of the original kid superstars. He has songs with some of the biggest rappers in Hip Hop. In case you didn’t know, Snoop Dogg is his godfather. Bow Wow was always in good hands.

After being discovered by Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow became the hottest thing in Hip Hop. In fact, many rappers wanted to be Bow Wow as rappers started putting “Lil” before their monikers. Bow decided to drop his after other artists were copying his style. Early in his rap career, Bow crossed over into Hollywood. After releasing his second album, he even starred in the basketball movie, Like Mike.

Along with filming movies and TV shows, he also spent time being the host of BET’s 106 & Park. Bow has done a lot in his career and remains relevant today. His music cannot go unnoticed, though, as he is vital to Hip Hop. Let’s look at some of his best songs, in no particular order.

“Fresh Azimiz” ft. Mike Jones (2005)

Bow Wow has always rapped a big game even when he had the “Lil” in front of his name. It’s no different here in “Fresh Azimiz.” The way Bow raps the chorus makes for a catchy phrase to use. “You ain’t fresh as I’m issss” was a popular saying after this song was released, and it’s still remembered today. Additionally, this track scored Bow another Top 40 hit. It originally had three verses from Bow, but Mike Jones is featured, substituting his second verse.

6. “Ain’t Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” ft. Chris Brown (2010)

Besides making hits with Omarion, Bow Wow also sees success with Chris Brown. A few years after “Shortie Like Mine,” they both linked up for “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You.” This song differs from what we usually hear from these two. Instead of catering to the ladies, Bow Wow and Breezy make an anthem for the fellas. In what can be labeled a breakup anthem, neither artist thinks about their failed relationship. “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You” is the first single Bow released as a Cash Money artist.

5. “Bounce With Me” ft. Xscape (2000)

“Bounce With Me” is our introduction to Bow Wow. Later, we realize he was one of the kids at the beginning of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” video. That was just a cameo, but he showed off in his debut. “Bounce With Me” set the tone for his debut album, Beware of Dog. It was also a lead song for the movie Big Momma’s House.

Clearly, Jermaine Dupri knew what he was doing with Bow Wow. After discovering Kriss Kross, JD knew how to make records everyone enjoyed. Kids, teens, and adults danced to this song. The young star rolls through the neighborhood in the video as everyone enjoys the song. It gave Bow Wow his first No. 1 on the Billboard Rap chart.

4. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” ft. Snoop Dogg (2000)

Bow Wow must be one of the biggest kid stars ever! He was just a phenomenon. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” told you all you needed to know about the young rapper. Out the gate, Snoop and Dupri’s protégé lets it be known that he’s the hottest thing in music. Move over, Backstreet Boys!

The video was even better as he ran around town, away from the crowd of people chasing him. He transforms into a dog at points in the video, making this his signature that mirrors Snoop. The visual appeared on BET’s 106 & Park so much it was retired from the network’s popular show.

3. “Let Me Hold You” ft. Omarion (2005)

There were a lot of hits off Bow Wow’s fourth studio album, Wanted. “Let Me Hold You” is another one. This is the first time he joins forces with Omarion. The platinum record reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Once again, Bow Wow always manages to speak to the ladies. He continues to grow up right before our eyes. The lane he is in with creating timeless R&B/Hip Hop hits suits him well. “Let Me Hold You” shows Bow makes these songs with ease.

2. “Like You” ft. Ciara (2005)

Ciara and Bow Wow collaborated for a massive R&B-Hip Hop hit. Off Bow Wow’s Wanted album, “Like You” is the perfect song for a young couple in love. This is precisely what Bow Wow and Ciara were.  At this time, Bow and CiCi were dating, and the media loved them. They were at the top of their careers, and this song gave both artists another Top 10 hit. It was reported that the two were engaged for a short stint.

This song is still Bow Wow’s highest-charting song to date. The Ohio native has been a favorite amongst the ladies since he started. He continues to make songs catered to them and excels at it. “Like You” is undoubtedly one of the more popular tracks of the 2000s.

1. “Shortie Like Mine” ft. Chris Brown & Johntá Austin (2006)

Bow Wow knows how to make a hit. He grabbed Chris Brown and Johntá Austin for “Shortie Like Mine.” He adds another ballad for the ladies to his catalog as he praises his special woman throughout the song. Actually, “Shortie Like Mine” is one of the first videos to integrate social media. At this time, MySpace was huge, and the music video incorporated similar Myspace features. Bow Wow was ahead of his time with this one.

Rappers React To Elon Musk Revoking Blue Twitter Checks

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Twitter has been a huge mess for a minute. Ever since Elon Musk took over, the complaints have been nearly non-stop. You can hardly blame those complaining, however. Twitter had established itself as one of the most influential social media outlets ever, and it was extremely functional. Now that Musk is in charge, there seems to be a new issue every day, from dodgy rollouts of new features to straight up trolling. Clearly, Elon Musk was not well-equipped for the kind of position he took on. However, what’s done is done, and his word is the law when it comes to Twitter.

Now, as Musk promised, he has officially removed all blue verification checks from anyone who is not currently paying for them. That includes any and all celebrities and notable figures that may have had them. Kim Kardashian, Drake, and even Beyoncé were all stripped of their verification badges. The only one who seems to have escaped the situation unscathed is LeBron James. Some fine the situation funny, but others think it’s ridiculous. Doja Cat, for example, lost her verification some time ago.

Elon Musk Wants His Bag

When Doja lost her blue check, she did not respond well. “Having a blue tick now means theres a higher chance that you’re a complete loser and that you’re desperate for validation from famous people,” Doja tweeted. Her fans took the chance to troll the singer for losing her check. “Wait ew ur not verified go away normie,” one tweeted. “Since u ain’t famous anymore follow back don’t be shy,” another said. Doja has since pretty much ignored the subject and has gone back to her usual odd tweeting behaviors. She wasn’t the only one who took issue with Elon Musk’s decision, though. Akon also had some choice words.

“Back in the day, Twitter was begging musicians to stay on cause they didn’t have traffic. They came up with a verification process to protect accounts from fakes ones, now @elonmusk is taking that away and forcing us to pay,” Akon’s account tweeted. “FYI, I ain’t paying shit for something we helped build.” However, the singer claimed that his account was hacked. Today, after a sweeping removal of all unpaid blue checks, many rappers have tweeted out their opinions on the matter. What do you think about the outrage? Is it justified or are celebrities just throwing a fit because they no longer feel special? Let us know in the comments!

Rappers React

Twitter Reacts To Joel Embiid Kicking Nic Claxton

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Joel Embiid has now entered the debate of physical play in the post-season. On Thursday night, Embiid kicked Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton after Claxton decided to stand over the Philly big man. With kicking becoming a massive topic of discussion this week in the NBA, Embiid may regret taking part in the action. Although an Embiid-Draymond vs. Young Bucks match for the ownership of the super kick would be pretty epic. However, the officials quickly took control of the game.

Embiid was not tossed from the game. But something tells me that this situation is far from over. Draymond Green has been suspended for Game 3 of the Warriors and Kings. Stemming from his stomping incident with Domantas Sabonis. A kick and a stomp are different. Maybe Green will change Seth Rollins instead of challenging the Young Bucks. However, Embiid not being ejected for his actions will more than likely have everyone in Golden State on edge. Check out some of Twitter’s best reactions below.

Joel Embiid Not Ejected For Kick

More than likely, NBA will hear some type of punishment on Friday. It took over 24 hours to announce they had suspended Green without pay. However, Embiid not being tossed from Game 3 does seem to bring up a double standard. In Green’s case, one could make the argument that the stomp was a reaction. Even though a terrible reaction, it could still be considered that. However, Embiid’s action was brought on by a taunt. Something that should’ve never brought that kind of reaction.

Not only is Embiid going to be dealing with the kick. The Sixers big man has gone to the locker room in the middle of the game due to injury. He has since returned. Although he doesn’t look to be 100%. Twitter is still attempting to digest the actions made by Embiid. Where do you stand on the kick? Should Joel Embiid have been ejected for the kick? What will this mean for Green’s suspension? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Conway The Machine Songs: Rapper’s Best Collabs

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Conway The Machine has created well over a thousand songs throughout his career. An American rapper based out of Buffalo, New York, he’s a member of the famous Griselda crew. The group has spearheaded the revival of the East Coast underground scene alongside the likes of Westside Gunn and Benny the Butcher. Spending time in jail at the age of 23, Conway used the experience as motivation to spur his rap career. He has utilized collaborations throughout his career, working with rappers that capitalize a sound rooted in the streets of New York.

There’s no doubt that New York no longer runs the American hip-hop scene. With the bling era coming to a close, much of the allure of the Big Apple’s sound died with it. However, there are still pockets of rappers who provide a modern take on the ’90s era of New York hip-hop. One of these pockets was founded in 2014, when Westside Gunn created Griselda Records. Thirty-two-years-old at the time, Conway was the first rapper that Westside Gunn would bring on.

Griselda Records’ lyrical heavyweight released God Don’t Make Mistakes, in March of 2022. Conway was as vulnerable as ever on the record, picturing his trying childhood. He references the deaths of his son and cousin, personal bouts with alcoholism, and being abused at 10 months old. In fact, Conway The Machine has long been one of the more lyrically compelling rappers out. In an interview with Billboard, he stated, “I’m usually more bottled up and keep my personal stuff and shortcomings in life to myself personally, but this was the album for me to (not) do that.” With fans soon anticipating a new record, we’re going to take a look at some of Conway The Machine’s best collaborations on songs to date.

“Chanel Pearls” ft. Jill Scott (2022)

Predominately known for collaborating with other rappers, “Chanel Pearls” saw Conway push his boundaries by working with an iconic female vocalist. Scott made her name in the late ’90s to early ’00s, curating groovy soul cuts such as “Golden” and “A Long Walk.” She was best-known for creating slow and sensual music in the R&B space, releasing multiple multi-platinum projects.

However, the track sees Scott detour from her usual style. Rather than utilizing her booming vocals, she meets Conway’s energy with an energetic rap verse. The two rap about their shared hardships growing up. Conway states, “My life a series of drama just like them HBO shows / When I die, I’m goin’ out like the pharoah, drape me in gold.”

“John Woo Flick” ft. Benny The Butcher & Westside Gunn” (2022)

The most commercially successful track off of God Don’t Make Mistakes, the Griselda heavy hitters came together for yet another iconic song. “John Woo Flick” pays direct homage to the legendary Hong Kong action movie director. Featuring a looping sample and an incumbered drum pattern, the lyricism of the trio takes the forefront. The three flex about their wealth on the song, reflecting on how far they’ve each come. Conway states, “Now I’m in the Mayback sippin’ a Spade mimosa.” Standing on top of New York, it’s an iconic rags to riches anthem.

With Conway branching out with Drumwork Music Group, he had recently left Griselda Records. “John Woo Flick” shut down reports that his relationship with Westside Gunn was strained. While the two are no longer under the same label, they’ve made it clear that they’re still brothers for life.

“Scatter Brain” ft. J.I.D & Ludacris (2021)

Conway The Machine’s most commercially successful song to date, J.I.D and Ludacris each contribute fantastic verses on the backend. The day before the track released, the world witness Ludacris flying a car into space in the exhilarating Fast & Furious 9 trailer. A day later, he’s flexing hard on Conway’s track. There wasn’t anyone more deserving of the blockbuster feature than Conway, who’s meticulously been developing as an MC through pure grit over the past decade. Featuring an eerie beat, all three of them are talking their s**t from start to finish. “Scatter Brain” was the last single released before 2021’s La Maquina. The song is about to surpass 50 million streams on Spotify alone.

“200 Pies” ft. 2 Chainz (2021)

Another song off of Conway The Machine’s La Maquina, “200 Pies,” features Atlanta Hall of Famer 2 Chainz. A relatively mellow beat produced by The Alchemist, it’s interesting to hear 2 Chainz over a more minimally produced beat. In fact, it’s probably the best version of him we had heard in a while. The two trade bars throughout, with Chainz stating, “I’m a money-getter, business leader, vibe-reader.” His ability to garner features from household names speaks volumes to his notoriety with hip-hop circles.

Conway references Drumwork Music Group, a record label which he founded himself. He states, “Build the next powerhouse record label, that was the next plan / Drumwork like Death Row in the 90s mixed with Def Jam.” With 2 Chainz being a multi-business tycoon, Conway makes it clear that he’s looking to follow in his footsteps by being more than just a rapper.

“Lemon” ft. Method Man (2020)

Conway The Machine’s “Lemon” features iconic Wu-Tang legend Method Man. The song displays venom and raw skill from start to finish, with production chops from Daringer and Beat Butcha. With Pray For Paris and The Price of Tea in China elevating Griselda to pristine relevance in mid-2020, Conway The Machine lived up to the pressure on the song “Lemon,” refusing to be a weak link of any sorts. Method Man is potent throughout, stating, “I use the system / you cowards use euphemisms / Women call me Super Daddy, my powers is supervision / Who gave you permission to speak?”

“Anza” ft. Armani Caesar (2020)

Featuring production chops from Murda Beatz, “Anza” sees Conway and Armani floating over a heavy 808. More traditionally rooted in trap compared to Conway’s usual sound, the two Griselda Records headliners flow seamlessly over the beat. “Anza” is a primary example of Conway looking to elevate his sound beyond the touted sample looping associated with the New York rap scene. The result is surprisingly great, with Armani delivering one of her better verses.

“Tear Gas” ft. Lil Wayne & Rick Ross (2022)

Throughout much of God Don’t Make Mistakes, Conway The Machine references his life-altering shooting as a catalyst rather than a deterrent for his rap career. Back in 2012, he was shot in the back of the head and neck, which paralyzed the right half of his face. As he references throughout the project, there was a significant social fallout after the incident. His supposed close friends were quick to turn, doubting that Conway would ever be able to become relevant as an MC.

“Tear Gas” sees Conway reflect on his legacy as a rapper. He states, “Probably won’t get my flowers while I can smell ’em / It’s gon take my untimely demise ‘fore they realize I was a legend.” However, he makes it clear that his career is only just getting started. Bringing in Rick Ross and Lil Wayne in itself is a statement of how far he’s come since the incident. Every verse is fantastic, as the three bounce off each other seamlessly.

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Tyler Herro Claims Team Banned From Wearing Certain Sneakers

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Tyler Herro has been sidelined with a broken hand this post-season. The Miami Heat star suffered the injury in the team’s first game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. Herro was told the only chance of a return this season would be if the team makes it to the NBA Finals. However, that may seem like a longshot as no eighth seed has ever appeared in the Finals. While the team’s rivalry with the Bucks continues to grow. Herro recently told a story that brings even more to the hate between the two.

The Atheltic’s Mike Vorkunov recently did an interview with Herro. In the interview, Herro mentioned that the Heat had banned the team from wearing any Giannis signature shoe. Actually, Herro stated the decision was made years ago when the two teams met in the playoffs. However, Herro stated that it was a team decision. Not a decision made by coaches, ownership, or certain players. The ban was put in place to unify the team. Wearing the shoes of your enemy doesn’t really make them feel like your enemy.

Tyler Herro To Miss Playoffs

The Bucks and Heat have split the first two games of the series. Now the next two games will take place in South Beach. However, it is still uncertain if Giannis will be able to return for the Bucks. Giannis suffered a back injury in Game 1, that caused the former MVP to miss Game 2. But the Bucks didn’t miss a beat. As the team took down the Heat in Game 2. Unfortunately, it now seems like injuries are going to continue to play a factor in this series. Just as they’ve done in almost every other series this post-season.

Herro’s injury has been a massive loss for Miami. According to Reggie Miller, Herro’s absence will play a bigger role than Giannis being out for Milwaukee. Those comments have been under fire, as Giannis is the most vital part of the Milwaukee team. What are your thoughts on the Heat banning the team from wearing a competitor’s sneakers? Do you believe that Tyler Herro’s absence from the team is the final straw for the Heats playoff chances? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Stephen Jackson Calls Out Former Teammate’s Performance

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Stephen Jackson recently appeared as a guest on KG Certified. During his appearance, Jackson talked about many different topics. Including his run with the San Antonio Spurs. Jackson was a member of the 2003 Spurs championship. A moment in his career he doesn’t take lightly. The road to the NBA was never an easy one for Jackson. Some of the roadblocks Jackson came across would be enough for anyone to give up on trying to make the league. However, there is a reason Jackson had such a successful career in the league. But when discussing the Spurs 03 title run, Jackson didn’t hold back on one of his former teammates.

Jackson believes that Tony Parker may get too much praise for the Spurs 03 championship run. Parker became the legendary leader of the Spurs offense. However, in 03, Jackson claims that Speedy Claxton may have saved the Spurs on multiple occasions. In the interview with KG, Jackson mentions that Parker was getting cooked in every matchup throughout the playoffs. However, in the end, the Spurs earned the championship crown. Check out the clip of Jackson discussing Parker’s play below.

Stephen Jackson Happy To Win Title With Spurs

Also, Jackson felt he was being slighted by the Spurs during that time in his career. Jackson stated that he knew San Antonio wasn’t interested in bringing him back the next season. Stating the team was trying to mess with him mentally during the 03 season. Even though the Spurs and Jackson weren’t seeing eye to eye, the two parties still came together in winning the championship. Jackson said winning the championship in Texas meant everything to him. Jackson is from Texas.

The next season Jackson did find a new home in Atlanta. However, 03 wasn’t the last time Jackson would see success in his NBA career. The Texas native got to be a thorn in the side of the Dallas Mavericks once upon a time. Jackson was a part of the Golden State Warriors team that upset the one-seed Mavericks in the 07 playoffs. Also, Parker didn’t finish his career in a terrible way either. Do you agree with Stephen Jackson’s comments on Tony Parker during that series in 03? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Jonathan Majors Movies: The Actor’s Best Roles

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Jonathan Majors has certainly been in the limelight over the past few months. Starring in Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Majors has been acting in movies for over a decade. Playing the antagonist in each of these respective films, it began to look like everything was coming together for the Yale film graduate. Yet, his career has taken a devastating turn as scathing allegations unfold.

Majors was arrested in New York City regarding a domestic dispute on March 25. New York Police Department officers showed up at his home in response to a 911 call following a dispute he had with an unnamed 30-year-old woman. Majors is expected to appear in court on May 8 to dispute the charges. Amid the news, he was dropped from his longtime management company, Entertainment 360. In addition, Jonathan Majors has been cut from various upcoming movies.

After struggling to make it as a full-time actor out of college, Majors’s career finally began to take off in the late 2010s. Playing a variety of side-character roles, he made a name for himself before eventually being offered lead-character opportunities. Today, we will look at the best movies Jonathan Majors has acted in to date.

Hostiles (2017)

In one of Majors’s first big-budget movies, the actor starred alongside Christian Bale in Hostiles. Based in the 1890s, the film explores a complex dynamic between a U.S Military officer and a Native American Chief. Majors plays one of the soldiers under Blocker’s escorting of an Indigenous family. While he didn’t get too much screen time, Majors utilized it to display his unique talent and acting style. There’s no doubt that Hostiles landed Majors plenty of other opportunities down the line.

Devotion (2022)

Jonathan Majors finally entered the spotlight on Devotion, giving him his first lead role in a movie. Portraying Ensign Jesse Brown, the first black pilot in the US Navy, the film draws on plenty of parallels to Top Gun: Maverick. Ensuring his spot in Hollywood, Majors’s character engagingly blends an impassioned underbelly with a calm external demeanor. He displays intimate chemistry with Christian Jackson, who plays his wife Daisy. Garnering an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Majors proved he could play a lead role in a critically acclaimed film.

The Harder They Fall (2021)

The Black-led Western The Harder They Fall was rightly touted as one of the best movies to hit the screen in 2021. Jonathan Majors plays Nat Love, the protagonist out for revenge against Rufus Buck, who killed his family. Featuring a menacing soundtrack and fantastic cinematography, The Harder They Fall offered a unique spin on the Western film trope. Starring alongside the likes of Idris Elba and Zazie Beetz, The Harder They Fall solidified Jonathan Majors as a household name in the movie industry.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spearheaded by iconic director Spike Lee, Da 5 Bloods is one of the last films to feature Chadwick Boseman. Containing hints of Lee’s signature style, he breathes life into the chaotic world of Vietnam War veterans. Majors plays the role of one of the veterans’ sons, struggling to navigate the mental health struggles that his father is experiencing. In the film, the four men decide to head back to Vietnam to pick up the remains of their fifth fallen colleague. However, they’re also returning to hunt down hidden gold which they had left in the Vietnamese woods. Da 5 Bloods is cinematically engaging and chaotic from start to finish, garnering a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco (2019)

Jonathan Majors’s most introspective and touching movie to date, The Last Black Man In San Francisco, catalogs the story of a young man looking to find his roots in a new city. Created by A24, Majors’s character is looking for a way to retrieve his grandfather’s house in a now-gentrified area of San Francisco. The film is an introspective look into race relations. Montgomery Allen (Majors’ character) acts as the side character to Jimmie Fails, who additionally played a crucial role in writing the script for the film. Amongst the catalog of fantastic A24 films, this one is undeniably overlooked.

Jungleland (2020)

Surprisingly enough, Creed III isn’t actually Jonathan Majors’ first boxing movie. In Jungleland, he was outside of the boxing ring as a criminal. Jack O’Connell and Charlie Hunnam display an amateur boxer-coach relationship amidst a grandeur dream of making it big, which Majors’s character attempts to dismantle. While Jungleland hasn’t gone down as a generational film, it’s a solid drama that Majors undoubtedly stood out in.

Creed III (2023)

Releasing on March 3rd, the blockbuster trilogy continued with Creed III. For this installation, Jonathan Majors was touted as the movie’s villain. Once a childhood friend of Creed, Damien becomes envious of his success while he is in prison. Using that isolation to fuel him, a showdown between Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan’s characters would occur during the film’s climax.

The first movie in the franchise without Silvester Stallone, Creed III finds a way to hold its own without its iconic figure. In fact, Michael B. Jordan would make his directorial debut in the film. While most aren’t calling it the best of the trilogy, its 88% Rotten Tomatoes score implies that it’s still a cinematic force of nature.