influence

Soulja Boy Reflects His On Impact On Hip-Hop In Honor Of It’s 50th Anniversary

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Soulja Boy reflected on his influential career in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, Sunday. Soulja appeared to be upset about not getting enough recognition in regard to Hip Hop 50.

“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop. But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time. #HipHop50,” he wrote in one post. He followed up by adding: “Now everyone vlogs their career like me. Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not. #HipHop50.”

Read More: Soulja Boy Comes For HNHH, XXL, & More: “I’m Putting An End To That Sh*t”

Soulja Boy At Rolling Loud

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: Soulja Boy performs during 2023 Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 03, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/WireImage)

From there, Soulja reposted numerous tweets from fans. One user wrote: “I can truly say you didn’t ruined it you just brought a new style people weren’t used to that’s all. Now majority of these new rappers today I believe ruined Hip-Hop it just doesn’t have that same feel anymore sadly and a lot of music these days sounds to repetitive.” Another agreed: “Nowadays we have a bunch of rappers claiming to be the first and whatever they do… You were the first rapper to do literally everything modern.” Check out Soulja Boy’s tweets on his influence below.

Soulja Boy Reflects On His Impact

Soulja isn’t the only rapper to voice their frustration with a lack of appreciation on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Over the same weekend, Uncle Luke complained about the lack of recognition for Florida rappers for their impact on the genre. In posts on X, Luke explained that the feeling is nothing new as he’s used to “the disrespect towards Florida hip-hop.” Both rappers’ comments come after the star-studded Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium.

Read More: Uncle Luke Calls Out Hip-Hop 50 Events For Lack Of Florida Rappers

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Lil Uzi Vert On Chance The Rapper’s “Acid Rap”: “It Was So Weird To Me”

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For his recent cover story, Lil Uzi Vert spoke to GQ about some of their early influences. The artist revealed that Chance the Rapper’s critically acclaimed second mixtape, Acid Rap, had a major impact on them. “It was so weird to me,” they said of the 2013 mixtape, “I didn’t understand how he was taking tones of music that I really don’t like but making me like them.”

It’s no doubt that Uzi could have drawn some inspiration from Chance the Rapper. Earlier this year, Chance discussed the impact of Acid Rap, calling the tape the “blueprint for that midwest sound” that lives on today. “I think you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody that’s a year or two younger than me that wasn’t influenced by Acid Rap,” he explained, “even if they weren’t from the midwest. Jack Harlow, [Lil] Uzi Vert. People that are from opposite coasts and from other places still tell me, like, what the album meant to them at that time.”

Read More: Lil Uzi Vert Admits That Nicki Minaj Pressed Them Over “Pink Tape” Album Title

Lil Uzi Vert Says Chance The Rapper Influenced Them

Acid Rap was certainly groundbreaking for it’s time, and Lil Uzi Vert is no stranger to pushing boundaries themselves. The artist just recently released their third studio album, Pink Tape. The LP has been a massive commercial success thus far. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was the first rap album of the year to hit No. 1. The new LP also boasts various high-profile features. It includes the stylings of Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and more.

Though most fans are loving the new album, Lil Uzi Vert received some pushback for the experimentation they did on Pink Tape. Joe Budden weighed in at the end of last month, calling the effort “a crock of sh*t.” Budden went on to explain, “This is the product that you’re selling. If the plumber come over to fix some sh*t, and wanna try out some new methods, you should’ve did that shit before you got here. Once you’re here to do the service, fix the sh*t. Don’t experiment.”

Read More: Lil Uzi Vert Recording New Music With Birdman

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Yasiin Bey Says “Thank God For De La Soul”

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During a recent interview with Audible, Yasiin Bey discussed his early career. The interview was part of a series of interviews in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, revealed that he struggled to find other artists that were doing what he was looking to do at the time. He shares that he was able to connect his own art to De La Soul’s, which he explained wasn’t common. The artist is currently making his way around the United States with Erykah Badu on her “Unfollow Me” tour.

“Watching the world just be on fire, you know,” Yasiin Bey explains, “Or at least, my community, with the crime and the drugs.” He continues, “And there was a very indifferent attitude towards what was happening to us, too — there was no telethons for crack babies. So I was like, this popular cultural narrative isn’t working for anybody, you know?”

Read More: “De La Soul Is Dead” Turns 32: A Groundbreaking Album

Yasiin Bey Discusses His Early Influences

“So much got lost getting the game that it wasn’t working. So I started writing, just about what I was seeing, and about what I felt. And my brother, God bless him […] we used to watch TV. Video Music Box,” Yasiin Bey continues, “And Common‘s ‘Easy’ came on from Can I Borrow A Dollar? And my brother was like, ‘We can do this!’ So he just started making connects with local talent shows. And a year or two later, lo and behold, I got the deal.”

“As a teenager, though, it was a lot for me,” the artist goes on, “Because at the time I was listening to just as much Miles Davis as I was Rakim and De La Soul. I was even interested in Jimi Hendrix, and Bad Brains, and all that shit. […] But thank God for De La Soul. Because, apart from them […] I just had a different expression, something different that I wanted to see that I wasn’t seeing.”

Read More: Mos Def Might Have To Send Tour Money To His Child’s Mother

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Rappers Like Ad-Rock: Mike D, Eminem, Mac Miller, MGK & More

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Ad-Rock, born Adam Horovitz, is an iconic figure in the landscape of hip-hop. As a member of the Beastie Boys, his distinctive style, characterized by a high-pitched, slightly nasal tone combined with inventive, clever wordplay, has left an indelible mark on the genre. The Beastie Boys broke barriers in the hip-hop scene, being one of the first successful white groups in a predominantly Black industry. They infused elements of punk rock and alternative music into their sound, creating a unique hybrid that many artists have since emulated. This article will explore rappers who have taken a leaf from Ad-Rock’s book, both in terms of vocal tone and genre-bending style.

Read More: Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” Turns 29

Mike D

Firstly, it’s impossible not to mention Mike D, another member of the Beastie Boys. His style closely mirrors Ad-Rock’s, as they frequently interchanged verses and even lines within their songs. They shared a similar vocal tone and lyrical style, making them almost indistinguishable at times. Like Ad-Rock, Mike D brought a punk rock sensibility to his rap verses, making him a key player in the Beastie Boys’ unique sound.

Read More: NYC To Rename Corner From Cover Of “Paul’s Boutique” After The Beastie Boys

Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is arguably one of the most successful rappers in history. The comparisons between the two largely relate to their skill set and their shared history as white rappers in a predominantly Black industry. He’s among the rappers whose high-pitched, nasal delivery, particularly in his early work, draws clear parallels with Ad-Rock’s style. His lyrical content, while often darker and more controversial, shares the same clever wordplay and biting humor that characterized the Beastie Boys’ work.

Read More: Beastie Boys Say They Were Caught Off Guard By Eminem’s “Kamikaze” Cover

Machine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, emerged in the early 2010s into the rap scene. Throughout his career, his beat choices and general energy evidently showcased Beastie Boys’s influence. His recent shift towards punk rock-infused rap marks a clear homage to the genre-bending approach of Ad-Rock and his group. MGK’s vocal style, while not as high-pitched as Ad-Rock’s, shares the same energy and rebellious spirit.

Read More: MGK And Rick Ross Star At Travis Kelce Music Festival

Mac Miller

Mac Miller, another white rapper who broke into the mainstream, shared some stylistic similarities with Ad-Rock. His laid-back, conversational tone, coupled with his clever lyrics and penchant for genre experimentation, showed clear influence from the Beastie Boys. While Mac’s style evolved significantly over his career, the echoes of Ad-Rock’s influence can be heard throughout his discography.

Read More: Mac Miller’s “Watching Movies With The Sound Off” 10th Anniversary Edition Is Here

Conclusion/TLDR

The impact of Ad-Rock on the rap industry cannot be overstated. His unique vocal style and genre-bending approach to hip-hop have influenced a generation of rappers, from Eminem to Machine Gun Kelly. As we continue to see the evolution of hip-hop, it’s clear that Ad-Rock’s legacy will live on in the music of those he has inspired. The artists listed here are just a few examples of the wide-reaching impact of Ad-Rock and the Beastie Boys. They serve as testament to the lasting power of their music and the continuing influence they hold over the hip-hop scene.

The post Rappers Like Ad-Rock: Mike D, Eminem, Mac Miller, MGK & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ja Rule Responds To People Saying He Paved The Way For Drake

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When it comes to the fusion of R&B and hip-hop, Ja Rule is certainly an important part of that lineage. However, there is some debate as to the extent of his influence, and The Shade Room asked him whether he thinks he paved the way for Drake. Moreover, they discussed many aspects of his career and life, including his beef with 50 Cent and his views as a family man. At one point, the host said that “Ja Rule walked so Drake could run,” and asked the New York MC if he agreed.

Of course, he stood by the worth of his work and its impact, but he also said that musicians “borrow from each other” all the time. In addition, he noted prior ballads in hip-hop like “I Need Love” by LL Cool J, plus Method Man and Mary J. Blige’s “All I Need.” Still, Ja said he fused the genres more consistently and brought artists together more cohesively. “You didn’t really know who’s record it was [on a hip-hop duet],” he remarked of the duet format when he dabbled in it. “Like when you listen to ‘I’m Real,’ is that Ja Rule’s record or is it Jennifer’s record?”

Ja Rule TSR Interview: Drake, 50 Cent Beef, And Much More

Elsewhere in the interview, Ja Rule also discussed his long-standing feud with 50 Cent, who recently praised Drake, as well. However, Rule believes that the beef is much less serious these days and more about just posturing and social media trolling. The most recent example of this is their spat over Ja’s “Timberwolves Curse” that Fif vowed to lift. Also, there’s been a lot of trolling involving Rule’s participation in the failed Fyre Festival, although he won’t be around for its second iteration.

Also, he spoke on Nicki Minaj’s own influence and impact in the game, who shares a lot of that success with Drake. “I think Nicki gets proper praise,” Ja Rule expressed. “Her place in the game is solidified. It’s solid. There were no female MCs out and about until Nicki came back out. Before her, the last one was like Lauryn Hill. And before her was like Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte and before her it’s even further back. The female MC — they’re having a run like they’ve never had before. To me, in my opinion, Nicki reopened that door.” Regardless of your take on these topics, log back into HNHH for the latest on Ja Rule and Drake.

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Kevin Gates Says He Influenced NBA Youngboy & Other New Rappers

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Kevin Gates really doesn’t get his dues. In recent times, his interviews and online antics have overshadowed any of his musical accomplishments but he’s undoubtedly a trailblazer. Throughout the years of the South dominating, Baton Rouge and Louisiana as a whole produced a number of stars. NBA Youngboy, specifically, is one of the most successful rappers right now, though Gates undoubtedly created a path for him to follow.

Unfortunately, the two have a strained relationship. They previously collaborated closely on the 4 Respect EP but things took a turn. Rumor is that NBA Youngboy took issue with Kevin Gates showing love to Fredo Bang’s project, leading the two to part ways from one another. Nonetheless, Kevin Gates continued to show love to NBA Youngboy over the years, even if those feelings aren’t reciprocated. However, in a recent interview, Gates explained why he doesn’t take any issue with YB.

Kevin Gates’s Influence On NBA Youngboy

During a recent interview with I Am Athlete, the Khaza artist explained that he laid down the foundation for a lot of rappers who’ve emerged in recent years. “I really gave ‘em the game. I’m super proud of ‘em, whatever whatever. Sometimes, people could love you so much… that period of existence will be shattered if you don’t disappear,” he said. A co-host asked him if he’s talking about NBA Youngboy to which he replies, “They got people like that” before explaining exactly how he inspired the young generation of artists that came after him.

With a storied career that dates back to the mid-aughts, Gates suggested that his influence became inevitable. “I been in the streets my whole life, so I got a bunch of people, like, y’all watch me do these things in the streets and emulated me and everything that y’all do,” he said, citing his accent and walk. “I love NBA Youngboy. That’s my lil’ baby. I’ll die for him right now. I’m talkin’ about look in the industry. Everything you see.” Check out the interview above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments. Is Kevin Gates top 5 most influential rapper from the South?

Melle Mel Says Says Kendrick Lamar Doesn’t Influence Hip-Hop

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Melle Mel says that Kendrick Lamar doesn’t have any influence over hip-hop and shouldn’t be considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. He explained his reasoning for the controversial take during a conversation with The Art of the Dialogue in a recent interview. Despite admitting Lamar is talented, he explained that no one “wants to rap like” him. He also said Lamar’s songs “don’t translate into the street part of hip-hop.”

“I don’t know what records he made like that,” he went on. “I might know one or two of them, but I don’t think you even hear Kendrick in the club like that.” Mel added that regardless of his talent, it “doesn’t translate into the No.2 rapper of all time.” He continued: “Nobody wants to rap like Kendrick Lamar. Nobody wants to rap like Eminem. A lot of people wanted to rap, like ‘Pac and Biggie.”

Melle Mel At The Grammys

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Melle Mel attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Mel’s comments on Kendrick Lamar aren’t the only controversial opinion he shared during the interview. In another viral clip, Mel also said that Eminem is only considered one of the greatest ever because he’s white. “Obviously he’s a capable rapper,” Mel said. “If you was talking about sales, he’s sold more than everybody. If you were talking about rhyme style, okay he got a rhyme style. But he’s white. He’s white! So now if Eminem was another n***a like all the rest of us, would he be Top 5 on that list when a n***a that could rhyme just as good as him is 35? That had records and all that? He’s 35. He’s white.”

From there, Mel compared Eminem’s talents to Royce Da 5’9″ while mislabeling him as “Royce Da 6’9.” “And anybody could be as mad … They could feel how they wanna feel,” Mel said. “If you don’t think that race plays a part in the equation of how great he is — I heard one of the dudes that’s down with him, Royce Da 6’9″ or one of those – I heard he’s just as good as Eminem. Why he ain’t as big as Eminem? Because he’s Black! Ain’t none of that shit hard to figure out. Eminem gets a top spot because he’s white.”

Melle Mel On Kendrick Lamar

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NBA Youngboy Doesn’t Care About Being Influential: “I Just Wanna Be Paid”

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Most rappers hope to etch their name into history but NBA Youngboy doesn’t appear to care for that. Over the years, he built his persona as a recluse of sorts, straying away from industry politics and maintaining a significant distance from his peers. It’s unclear if that’ll change in the future, especially with plans to move his family to Europe. No matter how big YB becomes, it seems that he continues to maintain a level-head, for the most part.

YB remains an interesting character in hip-hop, especially for the amount of fame he gained organically. He hasn’t showcased the competitive nature that we’ve seen among some of rap’s greats who’ve battled their way to the top of the food chain. Still, his fans don’t hesitate to bring his name up in comparison to other rappers. “YB Better” became engrained in Internet dialect within the past year. However, it doesn’t seem as though NBA Youngboy really cares for competing.

NBA Youngboy Just Wants A Bag

During his recent appearance on Rap Radar, the rapper divulged his thoughts on the competitive nature of rap and going toe-to-toe with his peers in the space. “I don’t think I could compete,” NBA Youngboy said. “I think I’d lose, I don’t know how to play the game, I just go. Like, I ain’t never really have no type of structure or nothing. I just go. Like, even when it’s time to drop, I just pick the songs out and go.”

His approach evidently worked in his favor throughout his career. He’s bigger than he’s ever been, and enough time has passed for him to be consider an influence on other rappers who emerged after him. However, having his name stand alongside the greats isn’t something he necessarily cares for. “​​I just wanna be paid,” YoungBoy said. “… This whole music thing, like every aspect of it, like it’s all ignorance. I just wanna be paid, I don’t care about all that extra shit. I just wanna be paid and stay out the way.” Peep NBA Youngboy’s comments above and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.