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Dr. Dre Had To Change Original “Aftermath” Label Name For This Reason

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Dr. Dre is one of the most legendary producers in the history of hip-hop. His story of founding his record label Aftermath and the success it went on to have is part of rap music history. But the influential label was almost called something completely different. Over the weekend MC King T, the label’s first ever signee told his story of its early days in an interview on Murder Master Music Show. One of the most interesting details revealed during the whole thing was that Aftermath was almost called something completely different.

Earlier in the interview King T sets up how he became involved with the label. “I’m like one of the first artists he wanted to sign, we just ended up in the studio up at Record One, they just put on a beat and I just knocked it out,” he explains. The resulting song was “Str-8 Gone” which T still has a lot of love for. “one of the best songs I’ve done in my career. I was just happy to be working with Dr. Dre.” Later on in the interview, he explains that he signed on so early the label wasn’t even called Aftermath yet. I was there before the name Aftermath even came about. I think it was something like Black Market or something” he explains.

Dr. Dre’s Label Was Almost Never Aftermath

King T also provided an explanation for why the original name was changed. “You know what it was something like Black Market, but somebody else had it, they were trying to sell it to Dr. Dre for some buku money,” he explained. They ended up putting the ‘Str-8 Gone’ song on the first compilation they ended up putting out on Aftermath.” This isn’t the only story recently that’s had fans reminiscing on Dr. Dre’s past. He and long-time collaborator Snoop Dogg just dropped another tease for their upcoming collaboration Missionary.

Reports from behind the scenes have had fans buzzing about the duo getting back in the studio together. Even so, the album doesn’t have any confirmed release date and it’s unclear when fans can even expect to hear it. What do you think of the original name of Aftermath being “Black Market?” Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Snoop and Dre Postpone Shows In Solidarity With Writers Guild

The post Dr. Dre Had To Change Original “Aftermath” Label Name For This Reason appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Conway The Machine Gets Gritty On New Posse Cut “Elephant Man”

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In an already extremely prolific year, Conway The Machine and his Drumwork label have more on the way. The Griselda rapper dropped a new single called “Elephant Man” which features himself and numerous members of the label. Goosebytheway, SK Da King, Heem B$F, and Rome Streetz round out the artists lending their voices to the track. Despite the crowded room of collaborators, the track wraps up in a tight 4 minutes that gives everyone a chance to show off what they’ve got.

Alongside the release of the song was an announcement that there’s a full Drumwork album coming later this summer. Labels like YSL and Dreamville have made similar moves in the past. The resulting albums served as a display of the variety of talent a particular label has on its roster. Though many of the Drumwork members have similar styles, they collaborate frequently and fit together well. Label members like Jae Skeese, 7xvethegenius, and Goosebytheway have appeared often on recent Conway The Machine albums.

Conway The Machine And Drumwork Present…

Drumwork as a whole has had an extremely busy 2023 already. Last month Conway The Machine himself dropped a whole new album WON’T HE DO IT which had collabs from Drumwork and Griselda members. He also dropped a collaborative tape with Jae Skeese called Pain Provided Profit back in March. And as if that wasn’t already enough, Skeese followed it up with a full album of his own later that month. The album, Abolished Uncertainties was his and the label’s most substantial undertaking yet.

Conway The Machine shared in an interview recently that he has become increasingly reclusive. He says he dealt with “severe anxiety” during a party celebrating the release of his last album. Tell us what you think about Conway and Drumwork’s new song in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

The Prezi on the left hand, the boy set precedents, damn
The bezel and band dance like Elephant Man
They still tryna further their careers, but don’t ever advance
Every time Machine drop a record, it mess with they plans

The post Conway The Machine Gets Gritty On New Posse Cut “Elephant Man” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SSGKobe Reveals He Was Dropped By His Label Following Sexual Assault Allegations

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Back in December, Louisanna artist SSGKobe was accused of sexual assault. A fellow artist by the name of Ka$hkenni accused him of forcing her to have sex with him. Overall, these allegations also came with screenshots from alleged text message conversations. All of this was posted on her Instagram page, although the page was eventually taken down. At the time, SSGKobe tried to clear his name by responding to the situation.

“The picture being painted is not based on facts,” he explained at the time, according to HipHopDX. “I apologize that my desire to not have a long term relationship with someone was not properly communicated by me, resulting in a false resharing of events. I will leave this matter to be further addressed by my legal team.” However, it seems as though things have gotten worse for the young artist. While taking to his Instagram story, SSGKobe revealed that he was dropped by his label.

SSGKobe Speaks

SSGKobe performs at the Rolling Loud showcase during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festival – Day 9 at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q on March 19, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

“As far as music goes, I’m currently no longer signed to a label due to the accusations, which is another reason for the delay of drops which is going to change asap,” he explained. “I appreciate the support and love that I have been receiving and I can’t wait to give you guys a project I feel you will love. Have a great day.” Prior to this revelation, he revealed that his team told him not to address the allegations directly. Ultimately, that is why fans haven’t heard from SSGKobe in quite some time.

Overall, there is still a lot that needs to be determined here. It is clear that SSGKobe wants to move on and clear his name. However, the allegations against him remain. That said, it seems like new music is on the way. This is a developing story, so be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. Also, let us know what you think of all this, in the comments section below.

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Polo G Found His New Artist CNN Mikey At An Airport

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Sometimes, artists strike gold in the most unlikely of places, whether you’re looking for talent or a talent waiting to be found. Moreover, Polo G recently pulled up to Real 92.3 in Los Angeles with his new label signee CNN Mikey, introducing him to the world. For those unaware, the Chicago MC created the ODA label (Only Dreamers Achieve) in 2020, which was part of a partnership deal with Columbia Records. Furthermore, Mikey hails from Toledo, Ohio, but relocated to L.A. when Polo found him. In fact, the story of their link-up is a rare occurrence, but nonetheless an inspiring one for rising artists.

When Polo G and a friend made their way through the LAX airport, CNN Mikey went up to them to say hello. Although they hesitated at first, they loved the couple of songs that the young buck played for them. Shortly afterwards, they got him singed to ODA. “Any artist that I ever scouted or got something to do with, I’m big on creating real relationships and genuine relationships,” the “No Time Wasted” MC remarked to the radio station. “That’s what it’s all about,” the recent signee added.

Read More: Polo G’s Mom Explains Why She Didn’t Force Him To Get A Job

Polo G Introduces CNN Mikey

Just this week on Wednesday (May 24), CNN Mikey released “FOR MY PEOPLE” along with a music video for the track. Hopefully there are greater things to come for Mikey, and for Polo G’s label. In terms of musical moves, he’s been relatively scant for the past year, likely preparing for a big drop that fans beg drops soon. However, that’s not to say he hasn’t been busy, as he appeared on the Hulu series RapCaviar Presents as one of its protagonists. During his episode, he broached a variety of compelling and important topics, such as his relationship with Juice WRLD and drugs.

Unfortunately, one of his recent statements had many concerned for his safety and criticizing his boasts. When the 24-year-old bragged about not needing security, many brought up the untimely deaths of rappers lost to violence. Regardless of how he develops his career, fans hope that he stays safe and alert of the times we live in. For more news and the latest updates on Polo G, log back into HNHH.

Read More: Polo G “Hall Of Fame” Review

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Megan Thee Stallion Battle With Former Label Continues

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Megan Thee Stallion is in an ongoing legal battle with 1501 Certified Entertainment, her former label. It continues to escalate, and she has recently made a surprising request in the case. The rapper, also known as the “Houston Hottie,” has asked a Texas judge to compel a surprise witness to appear at her upcoming deposition. According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, Megan wants to depose Darien Smith. Smith is an executive at 1501 and the boyfriend of her former best friend, Kelsey Harris. Megan believes that Darien has crucial firsthand knowledge of the ongoing dispute with Carl Crawford, the head of her former label.

Megan’s request to depose Darien stems from her claims that 1501 has failed to cooperate and work in good faith to schedule the necessary depositions. The court documents state that Megan is seeking the court’s intervention to ensure that all outstanding discovery obligations, including the production of documents and deposition testimonies, are completed by July 5, 2023. Megan is eager to obtain closure in this case, emphasizing that it has been pending for an extended period.

Megan’s Troubled, Complicated History With 1501

Megan Thee Stallion performs onstage during the AT&T Block Party at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival at Discovery Green.
(Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery Sports)

This legal feud between Megan and 1501 has been ongoing since 2019. Then, issues arose after she signed a management deal with Roc Nation, under JAY-Z’s guidance. It allegedly happened without 1501’s knowledge. In response to 1501’s initial complaint, Megan filed a lawsuit against the label. She accused them of hindering her music releases and refusing to renegotiate her contract. She also filed an additional suit in February 2022. In it, she sought the court’s declaration that her project Something For Thee Hotties should be recognized as an album to fulfill her contractual obligations with the label. In turn, Crawford and 1501 countersued, dismissing the project as a “bullsh*t a*s mixtape.”

Despite the ongoing legal disputes, Crawford publicly showed support for Megan in March, taking to Instagram to praise her ahead of a performance. He referred to her as the “Queen of the Hotties” and one of the most iconic female artists of their time. Crawford also expressed a desire for the entire Texas community to welcome Megan back to Houston. However, the tensions and complexities of the legal proceedings between Megan and 1501 continue to unfold, leaving the resolution of their disputes uncertain. What do you think of the latest update on the case? Let us know in the comments below!

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Logic Celebrates Leaving Def Jam In New Music Video For “Juice II”

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Even while he’s busy on tour, Logic is always one to feed fans and keep putting out fun material. Moreover, he just released the music video for his loose “Juice II,” and filmed it during one of his latest concerts. In fact, he premiered the song during his Vinyl Verse tour with Wiz Khalifa on August 16 of last year, which is presumably when he shot the visual. Over a peppy trap beat and with trademark fast and emphatic rhymes, the lyricist was able to keep the crowd energized throughout. However, that’s not all that the music video entailed, as he also threw shade at Def Jam after leaving the label.

“So for those of y’all who don’t know, I’m off Def Jam,” Logic told the arena during his performance, which starts the video off. “I’m a motherf***in’ free man, baby. I’m free! So that means I can do whatever the f**k I want. Like, every single one of y’all be in my brand new music video.” Of course, the 33-year-old expressed numerous times prior how happy and fulfilled he felt upon leaving his contract behind and gaining more independence.

Read More: Logic’s Most Streamed Songs

Logic Posts Snippet Of New Music Video With Def Jam Shade

“I’m so excited I’m off Def Jam, I’m a free man,” Logic also remarked to his fans. “I been making so much music. I been making turn-up music, I been making f***in’ boom-bap hip-hop s**t, even in the trap s**t I’ve been doing there’s like more of a message than ever dawg that’s real. It’s important if you’re in a position of power to spread a good message. Always peace love and positivity.” In a statement shortly his move away from his former label, he spoke on valuing his independence and dignity as an artist above all else.

“There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” he stated. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.” We’re sure that there will be plenty more from the “Redpill VII” MC in the near future. With his next tour coming up very soon at the end of May, maybe we’ll get more crowd music videos in the future. Regardless, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news on Logic.

Read More: Logic Says Joe Budden Is “Hurt, Smart” & “A F***ing Hater”

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Warren G Says Suge Knight Resented Him Being Successful Without Death Row

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Warren G says that Suge Knight was never happy that he was able to make a career for himself without the help of Death Row. The “Regulate” rapper reflected on his relationship with the former Death Row CEO during a recent interview on The Gauds Show.

“Snoop told Suge: ‘You could have had Warren G. You let Warren G go.’ Them n****s was trippin’,” Warren told host Ray Daniels. “And I was trippin’ too! It wasn’t like I’ma let you n****s just come and try to get off on me or try to do whatever y’all do. N***a I got Regulators! I didn’t want it to be like that.”

Warren G With Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg

Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G of “213” during Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G Form Hip Hop Supergroup 213 at Millenium Hotel in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

From there, he explained that he still thinks Knight is a good guy. “And I still be saying Suge is a good dude. He was a good dude, it’s just that when all the money shit started kicking in, all that other shit started kicking in, the Hollywood shit started kicking in, that’s when he changed,” he said. He continued: “I still said that these was my people even though these n****s would be tripping on me at certain places. And I was just like, ‘I’m not gon’ let you n****s tell me Nate can’t perform with me.’ And this is my fucking stage up here with the Billboard Awards? The big stage? He’s performing n***a. Stop it.”

Despite not joining the label, Warren G had close ties to Death Row. In addition to his step-brother, Dr. Dre co-founding the imprint, he was also in the group 213 with the label’s stars, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. All these years later, Snoop Dogg now owns Death Row while Suge Knight is serving 28 years in prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in a fatal 2015 hit-and-run. He is eligible for parole in November 2034.

Warren G On His Relationship With Suge Knight

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Young Chris Explains Signing With Jay-Z Over Dame Dash

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Young Chris of the Young Gunz recently explained why he signed with Jay-Z over Dame Dash during the infamous Roc-A-Fella split in the mid-2000s. Appearing on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast, Young Chris recalled how Jay-Z pitched himself to him and Freeway while the two were on the road. The legendary rapper told the two that this “shit about to be over.”

“I remember Dame was telling me to do a solo project,” the State Property MC recalled. “That’s kind of why I went with Jay, you know? My loyalty to Neef [Buck]. We already did the first album and I’ma follow up, you feel me? That was my situation. I think back on it sometimes ’cause I never looked at it as being the Bobby of the group. Dame was probably looking at the shit, but we went with Jay and we did what we did.”

Young Chris On “My Expert Opinion”

Young Chris joined Roc-A-Fella as one-half of the Young Gunz alongside Neef Buck. At the time, Jay-Z was publically planning to retire following the release of The Blueprint 2 in 2002. In the wake of that decision, Damon Dash was trying to bring in tons of talent to the Roc-A-Fella roster. The label already boasted Kanye West, The Diplomats, Beanie Sigel, and more. Jay-Z then accepted a position as the CEO and president of Def Jam Recordings. Dame and fellow co-founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke eventually gave in and sold their stake in the label to Island Def Jam, before forming their own label.

Young Gunz later released their second and final album Brothers from Another with Jay-Z in 2005. The album peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard 200, while selling 138,000 units in the US. It features guest appearances from Pooda Brown, 112, Daz Dillinger, John Legend, Kanye West, and Memphis Bleek. The lead single from the album, “Set It Off,” was produced by Swizz Beatz and peaked at number 52 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. They also worked with producers Chad Hamilton, Boola, Bangladesh, and more across the tracklist. In the years since, Chris has continued releasing his own solo music.

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NBA YoungBoy’s Label Teases New Album “AI YoungBoy 3” On The Way

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NBA YoungBoy’s label, Never Broke Again, recently teased his next album, AI YoungBoy 3 via Instagram. Moreover, they included a video of YB and his friends throwing a knife at a cardboard box. While it’s barely been a month since his last project, the Louisiana hitmaker is nothing if not prolific. In fact, there might even be multiple projects on the way. Another phrase tossed around with AI YoungBoy 3 is “Don’t try this at home,” which the label captioned their Story post with. “‘Don’t try this at home’ then AI Youngboy 3 album on the way,” the post read.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 25: NBA YoungBoy performs during Lil WeezyAna at Champions Square on August 25, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Furthermore, that phrase could refer to either YB’s knife-throwing skills or a recent interaction with Joe Budden. The MC and media commentator said he doesn’t believe Youngboy’s recent statements about retiring his violent lyricism and lifestyle. “I don’t believe one f***in’ word of any of that s**t,” he remarked. “I laughed every time that s**t popped up on my phone. Get the f**k outta here,” going on to call the Top rapper’s words a marketing play. After Joe’s comments, Never Broke Again’s Instagram page posted a cryptic picture of Youngboy, potentially the cover art. “Tell @joebudden ‘Don’t try this at home’ who ready?” the caption read.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old spoke on his changing perspective on violence during a rare Billboard interview. “I think about how many lives I actually am responsible for when it comes to my music,” he expresseded at the time. “How many girls I got feeling like if you don’t go about a situation that your boyfriend’s bringing on you in his way, you’re wrong? How many people have put this s**t in their ears and actually went and hurt someone? Or how many kids felt like they needed to tote a gun and walked out the house and toted it the wrong way? Now he’s fixing to sit there and do years of his life that he can’t get back.”

Also, YB addressed a variety of topics and life changes in his interview. For example, he spoke on considering a Mormon baptism after spending time with them under house arrest in Utah. With a new album seemingly on the way, it’ll be exciting to see how his artistry changes. However, what’s most important is that YB lives the life he wants, especially if it means making a positive impact. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest on YoungBoy Never Broke Again and his next release.

Conway The Machine Announces New Album & Docuseries From His Drumwork Label

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Conway the Machine just announced a new album and docuseries on the way from his new music collective, Drumwork. Moreover, this news comes almost a full year after the 40-year-old lyricist left his longtime label, Griselda. Still, the future is bright for the “Scatter Brain” rapper. Furthermore, the upcoming projects will highlight each of Drumwork’s members, which are not apparently set in stone. “We here!!!” Conway captioned the post. “They doubted us, now we gon make them respect this Drumwork s**t! Time to etch this s**t stone! DW the album & docu-series on the way.” While fans are already ecstatic, he hasn’t shared a release date as of yet.

However, his departure from Griselda is not a sign of bad blood or enemy status when it comes to his former label mates. In fact, in Conway’s announcement post on Instagram, fellow MC extraordinaire (and Griselda member) Benny the Butcher commented a slew of fire emojis. Also, Conway spoke to Ebro last year about the realities faced in his decision to leave. “It ain’t nothing to even trip off, for real,” the Buffalo native expressed. “I don’t know what’s going on… everybody just doing so much man, just on the individual side that we don’t really kinda be having the time to really connect all the time and link.

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 21: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Conway the Machine attends the Casablanca Menswear Fall-Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

Moreover, he continued: “We don’t all live in the same city no more, we don’t really hang out and do shit no more, see each other. So all these conversations we don’t necessarily get to have all the time.” However, in the time since those statements, Conway built an impressive team at Drumwork. Furthermore, it started when he signed Buffalo rapper Jae Skeese to Drumwork Music Group in January of 2021. Upon the announcement, Skeese posted a picture of him and the Machine, calling it the moment he “always prayed for.”

“I’m happy to announce the ink is dry!!” Conway wrote in his post with the same picture. “It’s official!! The first artist signed to @drumworkmusic CONGRATULATIONS KING @jaeskeese this is just the beginning the REAL work begins NOW!! I believed in u from the start and I know when it’s all said and done u gon be in that top 5 convo… it’s up!!!” Skeese dropped his first Drumwork single, “Against The Grain” with Conway and Griselda’s Flee Lord, last March. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Conway the Machine, Drumwork, and a new batch of top-notch MCs.

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