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Dame Dash Expands BluRoc Record Label To A New Division In The Midwest

April 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Dame Dash, former Roc-A-Fella Records mogul, is venturing into the heartland of America with his new venture, BluRoc Record Label. In an Instagram post on Tuesday (April 2), Dash announced plans to launch a ‘BluRoc Indy’ division of the label in Indiana. This marks an exciting new chapter for Dash. Re-posting an article that outlined his ambitious plans, Dash revealed that he is in talks to establish a presence in the Midwest. Furthermore, it will operate with a focus on promoting local talent and cultivating a vibrant music scene. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans and industry insiders alike, who eagerly await the debut of BluRoc Indy and its signings. Many users advocated for artists they think should be given a chance. “My boy is really the best out of Indiana!! You would be foolish not to sign Kap!” one person said.

Furthermore, leading the charge for BluRoc Indy is popular Indy rapper Kittii Red. She’s the first signed artist to the division. Furthermore, her talent and charisma have already caught the attention of Dash. In a video interview shared alongside the announcement, Dash sat down with Kittii to discuss her journey in the music industry and the inspiration behind her latest single, “Birthday Song.” During their conversation, Dash expressed his admiration for Kittii and the rising prominence of women in rap music. “It seems like women rappers are running the world right now,” he remarked, highlighting the growing influence and diversity within the hip-hop community.

Dame Dash Announces New Label Division

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A post shared by Dame Dash (@duskopoppington)

Furthermore, the partnership between Dame Dash and Kittii Red represents a fusion of talent and vision. Together, the goal is to bring BluRoc Record Label to new heights. However, with its expansion into the Midwest, BluRoc aims to provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their artistry. In addition, they can connect with audiences on a global scale. “As the co-founder of Rocafella Records and the visionary behind talents like Kanye West, Dash has voiced his belief in Indiana’s music and investment potential,” the post caption read. “Frequently visiting Indianapolis and Gary.”

Moreover, as Dame Dash continues to push the boundaries of independent music, his venture into the Midwest with BluRoc Indy signals a bold new chapter in the evolution of the industry. Furthermore, with Kittii Red being the first act signed to the label division, BluRoc is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene. What do you think of this move? Let us know your thoughts on HNHH!

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Kanye West Comments On Label Contracts Resurface After “Vultures 1” Success Independently

February 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s collab album Vultures did not come out in collaboration with a record label, and that means the artists earned a whole lot more cash than usual. Moreover, Billboard recently released a report on their estimated earnings from this release method, only partnering with distributor Label Engine to put the record out commercially. After its No. 1 debut on the Billlboard 200 chart, we can assume that they netted a lot of money from not having to split this with a label. As such, the outlet believes that they took home about $986,000 from this supposed series’ first installment.

Furthermore, this made them look back at Ye’s previous 2020 comments on label contracts. He advocated for artists to earn at least 80% of their music’s profits and full ownership of their copyright that they can lease out to labels and publishers for a limited time. Label Engine, Vultures‘ distributor, indicates that clients get 82.5% of revenue, something that Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign have plenty of leverage to raise in their favor. But the outlet thinks that this number (under the assumption that 5% of earnings went to the distributor) goes up when considering global streams and publishing.

Kanye West Performing At Coachella 2019

Kanye West Vultures Earnings Independent Profit Hip Hop News — INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kanye West performs Sunday Service during the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 21, 2019 in Indio, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Coachella)

Of course, these numbers hinge on streaming success and some additional sales for a slight boost. This situation is a big change from Kanye West’s old contracts, such as his 14% royalty rate for The College Dropout. In earlier contracts, he would’ve had to reach this commercial success seven times over to reach the same amount of profits Vultures netted. Sure, this is also only possible for someone of the Chicago rapper’s magnitude, plus Ty Dolla’s own success and that of their featured guests. As such, this is independent in the technical sense of the term; Ye is no indie darling on the industry hustle.

Also, we must consider all the money behind promotional, budgetary, and marketing benefits that partnering with labels provided in the past. Given the Yeezy creative’s antisemitic behavior, this extra push that his albums had to become mainstream cultural benchmarks isn’t there anymore. But add onto this clothing sales, and there’s been a lot of revenue to collect around Vultures, for better or worse. For more news and the latest updates on Kanye West, Ty Dolla Sign, and Vultures, come back to HNHH.

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Russ Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

February 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rapper Russ, born Russell Vitale, has been making waves in the music industry, not just for his artistry but also for his business acumen and fierce independence. With claims of a net worth soaring around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Russ has carved a unique path in the rap world, distinguishing himself through his musical output and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Musical Output: Defying Norms & Achieving Stardom

russ net worth — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 11: Russ attends the game between Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Russ’s rise to fame wasn’t through the conventional avenues of the music industry. Rather than relying on major record labels, he used SoundCloud as a launching pad, releasing tracks independently. His self-produced singles like “What They Want” and “Losin Control” swiftly gained traction. Furthermore, they garnered millions of streams and propelled him into the limelight.

The rapper’s discography is a testament to his versatility and work ethic. With albums like There’s Really A Wolf and Shake The Snow Globe, Russ showcases his songwriting prowess, blending elements of rap, R&B, and melodic hooks. His ability to produce, write, and perform across various genres has solidified his position as a multifaceted artist.

Business Acumen: Paving His Path To Success

Beyond his musical talent, Russ has displayed a shrewd business sense. He’s advocated for independence in the music industry, emphasizing ownership of his masters and publishing rights. His approach stands in contrast to the traditional model where artists relinquish control in exchange for label support. Russ’s business acumen has empowered him to maintain creative control while reaping the financial benefits of his hard work.

Additionally, he’s diversified his revenue streams through merchandise sales, touring, and brand partnerships. His strategic collaborations with brands have not only added to his net worth but also expanded his influence beyond music.

Read More: Russ’ Shocking Earnings Revealed

Independence: A Defining Trait

One of Russ’s most remarkable attributes is his unwavering independence. He champions the idea of self-reliance and has been vocal about the importance of artists retaining ownership of their artistry. Moreover, his journey, from producing beats in his basement to headlining sold-out shows worldwide, exemplifies the power of staying true to oneself in an industry often dictated by trends and external pressures.

Russ’s outspoken nature extends beyond music, as he frequently uses social media to share his insights on success, entrepreneurship, and the music business. His commitment to authenticity has resonated with fans and aspiring artists, earning him respect as an influential figure in the industry.

In conclusion, Russ’s net worth of $10 million is a testament not only to his musical talent but also to his business acumen and unwavering independence. His ability to navigate the industry on his terms, producing chart-topping hits while maintaining ownership and control, sets him apart as a force to be reckoned with in the rap scene. As he continues to evolve artistically and strategically, Russ stands as a prime example of success achieved through talent, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The post Russ Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Frank Ocean Makes History As Independent Artist Thanks To Streaming Numbers

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Frank Ocean is a complex leader in the art world, as he is as mysterious and reserved as he is beloved and sought-after. Moreover, this unique position and the strength of his incredible and consistently quality discography made him one of the most popular artists working today. Now, the former Odd Future crooner became the most streamed independent artist of all time after reaching over 14 billion streams on Spotify (note: he wasn’t always independent). When folks shared this news online, many reacted with more theories as to when he will finally drop his full-length follow-up to 2016’s Blonde. Those are as unfounded as ever, but things may change very soon.

Furthermore, die-hards went into a frenzy earlier this year when Frank Ocean teased not one, but two new songs over the course of a few days. Sonically, they seem quite sparse, cavernous, chilled-out, and minimal, while nonetheless displaying some vocal charisma and engaging soundscapes. Of course, this didn’t really manifest into anything, but fans hope that there will be much more to chew on in 2024. After all, the 36-year-old couldn’t have performed at Coachella this year and teased a new project for nothing, right? …Right?

Frank Ocean Reaches Massive Milestone As Independent Artist

Frank Ocean has surpassed 14 BILLION streams making him the most streamed independent artist of all time. pic.twitter.com/WSLaHXDd2u

— Frank Ocean Updates (@blahnded) December 29, 2023

Regardless, this whole debacle actually turned quite ironic recently thanks to an interaction with another artist who’s infamous for not dropping music. Playboi Carti posted a screenshot of a DM he allegedly sent Frank Ocean asking for him to drop the snippet that he teased, and thus, he promoted both of their rollouts and social media activity. If there’s anyone that can convince a hibernating beast to leave their cave, maybe it’s their mate snoozing right next to them. As such, hopefully this inspires some more movement in this regard, or at least gives him more motivation to keep going.

Meanwhile, that motivation is something that the “Lens” icon provided to none other than the one and only André 3000. Not only did he listen and give his thoughts on his new album New Blue Sun before it came out, but 3 Stacks also spoke recently about how it was a “blessing” for artists like Frank to give him feature spots after his career started to wrap up. Here’s hoping he’s not in that phase yet. For more news and the latest updates on Frank Ocean, the most streamed independent artist of all time, stick around on HNHH.

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Russ Net Worth 2023: What Is Rapper Worth?

December 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rapper Russ, born Russell Vitale, has been making waves in the music industry, not just for his artistry but also for his business acumen and fierce independence. With claims of a net worth soaring around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Russ has carved a unique path in the rap world, distinguishing himself through his musical output and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Musical Output: Defying Norms & Achieving Stardom

Business Acumen: Paving His Path To Success

Read More: Russ’ Shocking Earnings Revealed

Independence: A Defining Trait

The post Russ Net Worth 2023: What Is Rapper Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kota The Friend’s New Single Takes Us On A Short & Sweet Trip To “Oregon”

December 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

This time last year, 31-year-old Kota the Friend concluded 2022 on a confident note with “I’m Really It B**ch.” After a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout 2023, he’s back with “Oregon,” a brand new single. It tells the story of a man reflecting on the high price that can come with fame and fortune, or even the American Dream.

“‘Wanna hear a story, son? / It’s not long, won’t last ’til the morning come,” Kota rhymes while channelling the older male protagonist of his tale. “‘Know I look a little rough when I’m off the drugs / Let me tell you ’bout my life, won’t cost you none’” he continues before looking back on his more wild years. The storyteller went from a “simple” schedule of “fishing and living it up” to later indulging in weed and white wine in hopes of cutting out some of the stress from his new, high-paying job.

Kota the Friend Ends His Year On a Bright Note

“I was living in the fast life, getting this cash right / Noticing it came with a bad price,” Kota’s lyrics caution listeners. “Five, ten, twenty years pass me by / And that grind shit ran me dry.” To end “Oregon,” we hear the old man tell how he left the city life to head back to a small town where he found happiness all around without having to look too hard, or overwork himself. “Before you hit the road / Make sure that what you covet is better than what you own / Just wanted to let you know,” the clever track concludes.

Check out Kota the Friend’s final release of 2023, “Oregon,” above. If you’re feeling the short and sweet single, you can find it on Spotify/Apple Music. For more HNHH release recommendations, check out Conway The Machine’s latest LP, Palermo, at the link below.

Quotable Lyrics:

I was living in the fast life, getting this cash right
Noticing it came with a bad price
Five, ten, twenty years pass me by
And that grind s**t ran me dry

[Via]

The post Kota The Friend’s New Single Takes Us On A Short & Sweet Trip To “Oregon” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Megan Thee Stallion Reveals That She Isn’t Interested In Signing To A Label

October 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Megan Thee Stallion is still dealing with the fallout from a high profile legal battle with her former 1501 label. In particular, she’s accused label head Carl Crawford of making decisions in an attempt to deliberately sabotage her career and withholding money that she was owed. Clearly, that’s affected Megan’s approach to the music industry. Now that she’s returned to releasing new music she’s elaborating on her approach to labels going forward.

Megan took to her Instagram live to share updates with fans and that included an explanation of how her new music is being handled. “This part of my album is very much so funded by Megan because we’re trying to get off… Y’all know what’s the tea. But I have no label right now,” she begins. Megan has only been a part of two new singles this year. The first was an appearance on Cardi B’s “Bongos” which was released through Cardi’s label Atlantic. Her other single is from the soundtrack for D*cks: The Musical, an upcoming film she’s acting in. That song was released through production studio A24. Check out the clip from her Instagram live below.

Megan Thee Stallion Going Without A Label

She went on to explain where the funds for her new music are coming from. “And we’re doing everything funded straight out of Megan Thee Stallion’s pockets. So, the budget is coming from me. Motherf*cking Hot Girl Productions! The next sh*t y’all about to see is all straight from Megan Thee Stallion’s brain and Megan Thee Stallion’s wallet. We are in my pockets, hotties, so let’s do our big one.”

Overnight, 1501 Entertainment hit back at Megan. She’s requesting in court that the labels money be handled by a third party in the short term until their legal bindings are untangled. 1501 is describing the move as “bad faith and solely for harassment.” What do you think of Megan releasing her new music independently? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Boosie Badazz Plans To Sell Half Of His Independent Catalog For Up To $20 Million

September 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

With over twenty years in the game, Boosie Badazz built up quite the impressive and respected catalog over the years. Many of his big hits and moments are collaborative, but he holds just as much weight as a solo artist. What’s more is that the 40-year-old also owns a significant chunk of his music, from which he gets a lot of revenue. Still, with more things to think about and amid a new phase in his life, he’s thinking about the smartest moves for the future when it comes to his music. Moreover, the Baton Rouge MC recently stated in a The Danza Project interview that he plans to rearrange his finances and royalties.

“I’m finna do a deal on my independent catalog,” Boosie Badazz remarked during the conversation. “I’m finna sell half of my independent catalog, most of the stuff that I own. I probably got 22 albums that’s mine. So I think I’m finna do a ten-album deal. That’s my catalog, you know, go get about 10, 15, 20 million right quick, easy. And you get it back in 20 years, you know. That’s when your kids need it: when they’re grown.” Considering his beef with Yung Bleu, we know that some of his publishing deals haven’t always worked out in his favor.

Boosie Badazz Reveals Intentions To Sell Part Of His Catalog

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With that in mind, it’s heartening to hear that there’s a chance this catalog could set Boosie’s family up for further success and resources. After all, especially in the streaming age, there are so many moving pieces getting in the way of artists’ due money. It’s also worth noting that, like other deals, his discography comprises of a lot of older and more long-staying music that stood the test of time. As such, the Trill Entertainment affiliate could lay low for as long as he wants if this goes through.

Of course, we know that such an outcome isn’t likely for him. Just this year, Badazz dropped multiple projects, the latest of which was Goin Thru Some Thangs. Combined with his prolific, often comical, and sometimes volatile social media presence, we’re sure he’ll be on the radar for a while. On that note, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Boosie Badazz.

The post Boosie Badazz Plans To Sell Half Of His Independent Catalog For Up To $20 Million appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YK Osiris Cries In Instagram Post Celebrating Independent Release

July 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YK Osiris has had a turbulent time in the wake of his drama with Sukihana. The rapper was caught on video being extremely physically forward with her during a basketball game last month. Dozens of fans and celebrities weighed in on the controversy and the video went extremely viral. Osiris issued an apology but many, including Sukihana’s own mother felt like it was deeply insufficient. He ultimately issued another apology later on. Instead of laying low, he’s remained pretty active on social media. He weirded plenty of fans out when he posted a bizarre staged video to his Instagram with veiled responses to his controversy.

A few days after that video was posted YK Osiris returned to Instagram. This time he treated fans to a snippet of an upcoming song he was working on. The track seemed to address his die-hards directly and was titled “Dear Fans.” Now the song is finally out and he celebrated it with another strange video. The short clip features Osiris crying and is accompanied by a caption celebrating his shift to independent releases. “THANK U GOD MY FIRST INDEPENDENT RECORD DROPPED , I COULDN’T ASK FOR NUN ELSE ‘DEAR FANS’ OUT NOW LINK IN BIO,” the caption reads.

YK Osiris Drops First Song Since Sukihana Drama

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A post shared by YKIZZYYY (@ykosiris)

The last time YK Osiris addressed his fans it was with a different tone. Last month he made a post claiming that fans were “putting him in his place” following all the Sukihana drama. Fans weren’t the only ones doing it either as numerous fellow rappers came to Suki’s defense.

YK Osiris hasn’t released a studio album since 2019’s The Golden Child. His biggest hit song “Worth It” peaked at number 48 on the Hot 100. While he hasn’t had any other songs of his own chart he has appeared on one other. Dababy’s 2019 hit “Gospel” features Osiris alongside Chance The Rapper and Gucci Mane and peaked at number 55. What do you think of YK Osiris’s newest bizarre Instagram video? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

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Brent Faiyaz Shuts Down Major Label Deals In Favour Of Staying Independent

May 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It’s been quiet on Brent Faiyaz’s front since he delivered WASTELAND back in 2022. Thankfully, the R&B crooner came back to Instagram on Monday (May 1) with some major news, which he’s only been able to top in the time since. Not only does he have a collaboration with Marshmello dropping as his first single of the year on Friday (May 5), but he’s also heading out on tour later this summer and for most of the fall. The F*ck The World It’s A Wasteland tour will kick off on July 16th, followed by stops in North American cities like Chicago, Toronto, Miami, Houston, Oakland, and Los Angeles before he heads overseas to the United Kingdom for more fun.

While in Europe, Faiyaz is set to hit up Glasgow, London, Stockholm Copenhagen, Berlin, Milan, and Barcelona, among other beautiful cities before closing things out with a final concert in Paris on November 19th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10 AM PDT, while presale will take place on Thursday (May 4). While fans of the “ALL MINE” artist wait in the online queue to purchase their passes, they’ll at least be able to stream his upcoming “Fell In Love” single.

Brent Faiyaz Announces 2023 Tour Dates

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A post shared by Brent Faiyaz (@brentfaiyaz)

Brent shared a teaser of the highly anticipated song earlier this week, along with a video that sees him seemingly putting the charm on a love interest. “You ain’t fall in love with me,” he sings. “You fell in love with the man I could be.” As always, the 27-year-old proved that he knows his demographic all too well and that plenty of women who have a habit of seeing potential, rather than what’s right in front of them, will certainly be un their feelings over this one.

Along with all of those announcements, it was also revealed by Variety that the Maryland native has turned down several major label record deals in favour of remaining independent. He’ll be partnering with UnitedMasters for the time being, who hope to “further amplify his creative vision and support his entrepreneurial ambitions” through their work together. Check out Brent Faiyaz and Marshmello’s “Fell In Love” single teaser below, and tap back in with HNHH this weekend to stream it along with our other new release recommendations.

New Music Coming This Friday

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A post shared by marshmello (@marshmello)

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