Lil Nas X Gives A Charming Speech At The Songwriters Hall Of Fame Ceremony: ‘Thank The Universe’

Last night, the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 51st Annual Induction And Awards Gala took place in New York City at the Marquis Marriott Hotel. Lil Nas X was there to accept the Hal David Starlight Award and give a charming, quick speech.

“This award means a lot to me for the simple fact that, somehow, I keep just doing things and it keeps working out,” Lil Nas X said. “I don’t know why the universe is letting me have these moments, but thank the universe.” He added, “I don’t have any kids in the audience, or a wife — or in my case, a husband — to say thank you to, but thank you to my imaginary husband and kids.”

Past recipients of the award include Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, and Halsey.

The “Industry Baby” singer was recently snubbed for a nomination at the BET Awards, and didn’t hesitate to take the situation to social media. “This not over no BET award,” he wrote in a tweet. “This is about the bigger problem of homophobia in the black community. Y’all can sit and pretend all u want but imma risk it all for us.” He also shared a snippet of a diss track that repeats the refrain “F*ck BET.”

Drake Shares A Poetic Statement About ‘Honestly, Nevermind,’ His Surprise New Album

Drake’s new album Honestly, Nevermind came out last night, but since it was a surprise-release, the general public has only actually known about the LP for a matter of hours at this point. So, Drake has yet to offer much info about the album beyond the music itself. He has, however, shared a poetic statement about the new album. The statement appears on the Apple Music page for the album and Drake also posted it on his Instagram Story.

Drake starts by noting how his work ethic drives him, for better or worse, writing, “I let my humbleness turn to numbness at times letting time go by knowing I got the endurance to catch it another time / I work with every breath in my body cause it’s the work not air that makes me feel alive / That’s some real detrimental sh*t but that’s that sh*t my perfectionist mind doesn’t really mind because no one knows whats on my mind when I go to sleep at 9 & wake up at 5 – unless I say it in rhyme.”

From there, he goes on to write about relationships, keeping a small circle of close confidantes, and related topics.

Read the full statement below.

“I let my humbleness turn to numbness at times letting time go by knowing I got the endurance to catch it another time
I work with every breath in my body cause it’s the work not air that makes me feel alive
That’s some real detrimental sh*t but that’s that sh*t my perfectionist mind doesn’t really mind because no one knows whats on my mind when I go to sleep at 9 & wake up at 5 – unless I say it in rhyme
I can’t remember the last time someone put they phone down, looked me in the eyes and asked my current insight on the times
But I remember every single time someone shined a light in my eyes
I purposely try to forget what went on between some ppl and I because I know I’m not a forgiving guy even when I try
My urge for revenge wins the game against my good guy inside every single fckn time
I got plans I can’t talk about with more than like 4 guys because the last time I shared em with someone on the outside…well that’s another story for another night
I was tryna get thru that statement to get to saying I’m not @ a time in my life where pats on the shoulder help get me by
I’ll take loyalty over an oh my & emoji fire
I know if it was a dark night where all the odds were against my side & my skill went to whoever took my life they’d done me off with a big smile & maybe evn post it for some likes
I know everyone that tells me they love me doesn’t love me all the time especially when im doing better than alright & they have to watch it from whatever point they at in their life
I got here being realistic
I didn’t get here being blind
I know whats what and especially what and who is by my side
Honestly…Nevermind.

DEDICATED TO OUR BROTHER V
–Drake.”

Honestly, Nevermind is out now via OVO/Republic. Get it here.

Drake Gets Married To 23 Women In His New Nine-Minute ‘Falling Back’ Video

Out of nowhere yesterday, Drake went ahead and launched a new era by announcing the album Honestly, Nevermind, which was released just a few hours after Drake broke the news. This means the Certified Lover Boy era is officially in the rear view, yet his new video for “Falling Back” is perhaps the most lover boy thing Drake has ever done.

The nine-minute clip starts with Drake taking big, nervous breaths as he prepares for his wedding. NBA big-man and Kardashian associate Tristan Thompson is there to fulfill his best man duties and talk Drake through his nerves. After Drake gets to the altar and says, “I do,” he’s met with a chorus of “I do’s” in return, from the 23 brides standing in front of him.

The premise makes for some funny visuals, like the gigantic ring box, the secret handshakes Drake has with each of his now-wives, and the cake crowded with bride figurines. The video proper ends at about the six-minute mark, with the last three minutes dedicated to the lengthy list of credits, showing off behind-the-scenes photos, and giving more screen time to the wedding band that pops up in the middle of the clip.

Watch the “Falling Back” video above.

Honestly, Nevermind is out now via OVO/Republic. Get it here.

Drake’s ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Is A Full-On House Record, And Fans Have Their Thoughts

When Drake announced his seventh album Honestly, Nevermind on Thursday, his fans were sent into a state of shock. I mean, it’s only been ninth months since he released Certified Lover Boy, so it completely makes sense. Once that shock wore off, Drake fans spent some time speculating what the album would have to offer. Many sought the typical rap and R&B collaborations while others hoped for a song with Kanye West, for what would be their first record in five years. However, as Drake revealed the project’s tracklist and producer (one being South African DJ Black Coffee), it was clear that we were in for something very different — and very different is exactly what arrived.

Honestly, Nevermind appeared on DSPs billed as a dance album. Its fourteen songs flaunt elements of dance, house, and Jersey club. This direction is one that many did not expect the rapper to take, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Back in 2017, Drake released More Life with “Get It Together,” a song that featured production Black Coffee as well as a guest verse from Jorja Smith. With that, we at least know that the interest in this genre has been there for some time. Furthermore, Drake has never been afraid to try his hand at different styles of music. Aside from his regular hip-hop and R&B records, we’ve heard Drake on afrobeats, dancehall, bounce music, reggaeton, drill, and now house music.

Nonetheless, with both shocked and comical reactions in hand, fans took to social media to share their thoughts.

You can read them below.

Honestly, Nevermind is out now via OVO Sound/Republic. You can stream it here.

Diddy And Bryson Tiller Accept That They ‘Gotta Move On’ On Their Emotive New Record

Diddy’s ear for R&B goes without saying, so it makes sense he found his way onto Bryson Tiller’s popular Soundcloud loosie “She Don’t Want My Love” but added a verse to its new iteration, “Gotta Move On.” The track, performed officially at the recent Billboard Music Awards, carries a somber tone despite being upbeat in sonics.

The Trapsoul artist takes lead on the track, blending rap and melodies as per usual before Diddy offers a calm, cool, and collected set of bars. Despite acknowledging the objects of their eyes have found new men, the two sound composed. Perhaps due to experience or due to a nonchalant approach to heartbreak.

For Bryson Tiller, “Gotta Move On” follows his May collaboration “What Would You Do?” alongside Joel Corry and Tiana Major9. Otherwise, the Louisville lyricist hasn’t had a proper individual release since 2021’s A Different Christmas featuring Kiana Lede, Justin Bieber, and more. Diddy is set to have an album coming soon, which would be his first since 2015’s MMM but he has had a hand in music the entire time, namely executive production on Burna Boy’s 2020 album Twice As Tall.

Listen to Diddy and Bryson Tiller’s new track “Gotta Move On” above.

Lil Baby, 42 Dugg, And Veeze Show Off Their Bankrolls In The New Video For ‘U-Digg’

Lil Baby has seen a lot of money over the last few years as he has ascended the ranks of the current rap hierarchy. Along the way, he has provided multiple strong records with 42 Dugg but has now added Veeze into the mix for their new record “U-Digg.” The video opens with the My Turn artist having an important phone call before the flexing really ensues.

As the beat begins, Baby, Dugg, and Veeze each walk down a staircase with paper bags full of money. Baby intervenes with the song’s hook as each verse progresses, and the visual finds each rapper showing off how much money they have. While Baby’s Michigan accompanists simply hold their cash, he takes things a step further by lying on the ground and bench pressing the stacks in his possession.

For Lil Baby, “U-Digg” follows his three 2022 solo releases “Frozen,” “Right On,” and “In A Minute” in addition to the two Nicki Minaj collaborations “Bussin” and “Do We Have A Problem?” Veeze has been relatively inactive this year on an individual basis, only putting out “Let It Fly” while 42 Dugg released an entirely collaborative project Last Ones Left with EST Gee.

Check out the video for “U-Digg” above.

42 Dugg is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Rico Nasty Has No Problem Wreaking Havoc On The Riotous ‘Black Punk’

The last time Rico Nasty released an album was at the end of 2020 with Nightmare Vacation. It was a 16-track effort that featured guest appearances from Trippie Redd, Aminé, Gucci Mane, Don Toliver, Sukhiana, Rubi Rose, and Ppcocaine. Since then, the DMV rockstar delivered a number of collaborations with the likes of Flo Milli, Denzel Curry, Duke Deuce, and more. However, now it’s time for a new project of her own, one that she’s been teasing for a while now. While we still wait for a title and a release date, Rico returns with her new single “Black Punk.”

The new single is quite a riotous effort as Rico has no issue with wreaking havoc in the world around her. “My hitters, they bangin’, they’ll blow any minute / Walk through the front, but I still get the bag,” she raps with an aggressive tone. “N**** act stupid, I might have to smack / Life is a movie but I never act.”

Rico’s new single joins previous singles like “Intrusive” and “Vaderz” with Bktherula. She also hinted at a June 17 (today) release date for her next project, but as of now, it appears that it won’t be arriving today. Hopefully, Rico’s new project will arrive before she hits the road with Kehlani and Destin Conrad starting next month.

You can listen to “Black Punk” in the video above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Drake Brings 21 Savage Onboard For The ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Closer ‘Jimmy Cook’s’

Drake surprised the world on Thursday afternoon (June 16) with the announcement of his seventh studio album Honestly, Nevermind but the unknown pleasantries didn’t stop there. Though he did release the tracklist, no features were mentioned and now listeners see the sole feature is none other than his frequent collaborator 21 Savage on “Jimmy Cook’s.”

The record, seemingly a part two to Certified Lover Boy’s “Knife Talk,” opens a bit slower than their recent collaboration before a jarring beat switch sends it into a different atmosphere. As the closer to an album listed as dance, it may be a standout simply for being different but also for the cold bars from each rapper. Drake handles the first verse before introducing the Atlanta lyricist who comes loaded with his catchy and violent bars. It is equal parts fun, cocky, and hype, commonplace for the two rappers listed.

For Drake, this album comes just nine months after the commercial success Certified Lover Boy. 21 Savage has primarily stuck to features in 2021 and 2022, rapping alongside J. Cole, Gunna, Pharrell, and Tyler, The Creator. Prior to this, the “A Lot” rapper last released Savage Mode 2 alongside Metro Boomin in 2020 which also featured Drizzy and Young Thug.

Check out “Jimmy Cook’s” above.

Honestly, Nevermind is out now via OVO Sound/Republic. You can stream it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Kay Flock And Fivio Foreign ‘Make A Movie’ On Their Energetic New Track

Fivio Foreign and Kay Flock aren’t fixing what isn’t broken. Over a drill beat accompanied by piano keys, the duo spits with fury on “Make A Movie.” While listeners may be used to this sound, Flock and Fivio continue to make things interesting simply because what they have to say is so good. Whether it’s reflecting on their come-ups or reveling in their riches, “Make A Movie” has a cinematic feel to it due to the progressive narrative. One can only imagine what the possible video for this record will display.

This is another major collaboration for Kay Flock after Cardi B jumped on “Shake It” also featuring Dougie B and Bory 300. Previously, Flock released The D.O.A Tape in 2021 featuring G Herbo, B-Loveee, Justo B, Lil Skrap 1090, and more. Fivio Foreign has been on the run of a lifetime as of late feature-wise, culminating in the April release of his debut album B.I.B.L.E featuring Kanye West, Quavo, DJ Khaled, A$AP Rocky, and many more. New York City is in good hands with these two and their peers.

Check out Flock and Fivio’s “Make A Movie” collab in the video above.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Brockhampton Break For Some Fun Together With The Jazzy ‘Hollywood Swinging’

Prior to the pandemic, things seem like they would be smooth sailing for Brockhampton for quite some time. They had just earned their second consecutive and overall top-3 album with Ginger and they landed their first Billboard Hot 100 entry with “Sugar,” a track that was later remixed by Dua Lipa. However, things changed for the band once the earlier phase of the coronavirus pandemic came and went. Last year, they released their sixth album Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine, but before it arrived, Brockhampton announced that the project’s follow-up would be their last project as a band.

Brockhampton has yet to reveal what the title of their seventh and final album will be, but tonight, we’ve received new music from the band that doesn’t seem to be connected with their final album. “Hollywood Swinging” arrives as a jazzy tune that flaunts the group’s undeniable versatility by providing a fun track for fans to. The song is also from the upcoming soundtrack for the Minions: The Rise Of Guru movie.

Prior to the release of Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine last year, Brockhampton’s lead vocalist Kevin Abstract explained why their upcoming seventh album would be the band’s last. “Everybody just getting a lil older and got a lot to say outside of group projects,” he wrote in a tweet. “We’ve dedicated the last ten years of our lives to making music together. This next project we’re just doing what’s rite.”

You can listen to “Hollywood Swinging” in the video above.

Dua Lipa is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.