DJ Akademiks has weighed in on how Lil Wayne has handled his recent drama with Kendrick Lamar. In doing so, he argued that the iconic rapper’s legacy may not stand the test of time. Wayne had been upset with the NFL for choosing Lamar to perform instead of him at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. After Lamar mentioned the drama on his new album, GNX, Wayne avoided starting a battle with him.
“I guarantee you this: Lil Wayne’s legacy in hip-hop is gonna kinda go down like Allen Iverson’s legacy in basketball,” Akademiks began. “What do I mean? Because a lot of what Wayne did to get that throne was done in the mixtape era, and these days we look at a lot of albums as the championship, per se, because we’ve almost like extinguished what’s called a mixtape or what they used to call mixtapes. They’re not existent on the platforms we now consume music on. He kinda looked like a guy who definitely revolutionized the game, like how A.I. did with how he was dribbling and how he played, but he’s kind of looked at as ringless.”
From there, Ak mentioned how many of the sites that host mixtapes, such as DatPiff, are no longer relevant. Additionally, he compared him to Jay-Z and noted how Jay has successfully aged in hip-hop by transitioning to the business side of the industry.
DJ Akademiks Weighs In On Lil Wayne
Lamar mentioned Wayne on his song, “wacced out murals,” rapping: “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.” Wayne eventually revealed that he had a phone call with Lamar and didn’t interpret the bars to be disrespectful. Check out DJ Akademiks’ full thoughts on Lil Wayne’s legacy below.
Dj akademiks says lil Wayne ducking the Kendrick Lamar smoke made him realise that weezy legacy will be remembered like nba player Allen iverson. You can’t put him next to jay z and Eminem pic.twitter.com/GZtziYiKjG
During the most recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the retired MC spoke about Drake and all of the latest hot takes about him. As you can see in the clip below, Budden noted that while Drake’s placement as an MC might be affected, his legacy remains unscathed. In fact, Joe thinks it would take a lot more than just some reference tracks for Drake’s image to truly take a hit. After over a decade of providing us with hits, Budden is pretty confident of Drake’s current standing in the culture.
Joe Budden Podcast speaks on whether they are satisfied with Drake’s music career
“I don’t care what Drake does. For me Drake’s legacy is already cemented, a lot more has to happen for him to look as bad as some of yall want us to view him as. pic.twitter.com/uYtoIsTHDz
“I don’t care what Drake does,” Budden said. “For me Drake’s legacy is already cemented, a lot more has to happen for him to look as bad as some of yall want us to view him as.” Some fans probably would have expected a different take from Budden. However, he has always maintained that he is a fan of Aubrey. Sure, he’s been critical of the Canadian artist, but who hasn’t? Only time will tell whether or not Joe’s hypothesis about Drake gets proven wrong.
Let us know what you think of this take from Joe Budden, in the comments section down below. Do you agree that Drake and his legacy have already been cemented? Is there anything that can happen that would make you change your opinion of Drake? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
It’s been a little over three years since friends, family, and fans said goodbye to DMX, who passed away at the age of 50 following a drug overdose. His undeniable impact on multiple genres means he’s still celebrated today by those close to him. To ensure that the late hitmaker’s legacy lives on, his estate has now partnered with Artist Legacy Group (ALG), an estate management firm that works to preserve the legacies of late icons.
CEO Ashley Austin shared the news, promising to “ensure that his message and music live on.” According to ALG, they already have various “innovative projects” in the works for DMX. Further details of those projects have yet to be revealed, though it’s safe to say that fans can’t wait.
<> at MetLife Stadium on June 11, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
This is far from the first time supporters will have seen the legacy of DMX celebrated following his passing, however. Last month, Five Finger Death Punch unveiled a deluxe edition of their 2022 album AfterLife, complete with a posthumous feature from DMX. “This Is the Way,” quickly managed to top Hard Rock charts, a first for the late rapper. According to guitarist Zoltan Bathory, he had a DMX collaboration in mind for years, though their schedules never lined up. He told Loudwire that the band eventually got a hold of some of his master recordings, which they fused with their own style to create the song.
The Ruff Ryders Entertainment crew also visited DMX’s grave at Yonkers’ Oakland Cemetery in April, where they honored the late artist by reflecting on some of his most memorable moments. What do you think of DMX’s estate partnering with Artist Legacy Group? Are you looking forward to seeing what kinds of “innovative projects” they’re working on to keep his legacy alive? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Questlove doesn’t think 2Pac’s legendary diss track, “Hit ‘Em Up,” deserves the iconic reputation it has due to how he feels about production. The Roots drummer discussed the song during a recent appearance on the One Song podcast. ‘Pac famously targets The Notorious B.I.G., Junior M.A.F.I.A., Mobb Deep, and other East Coast artists in the lyrics.
“I would respect 2Pac’s ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ if his music tracking was better,” he said. “‘Hit ‘Em Up,’ to me, is disqualified, not because of the misogyny — forget all that. It’s like, ‘Dude, you’re rhyming over smooth jazz dinner music.’ Luther Vandross could sing over this! People who are born in the later part of the decade that I was born in — alright, I was born in the ’70s — their relationship with 2Pac is different to my relationship [with 2Pac]. So when this came out, everybody was like, ‘This is hard as sh*t! Yo, he killin’ it!’ And I was like, ‘Dog, he’s smooth jazzed up Dennis Edwards. It doesn’t count’ […] That song, to me, is the weakest musical smack. I can’t get with ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ because the music, to me, is just…”
Questlove Wins Academy Award For Documentary Feature
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, winner of the Documentary (Feature) award for ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),’ attends the Governors Ball during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Questlove previously made headlines this month for speaking on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud, remarking that no one won the battle. Instead, he said on Instagram that it only showed “Hip Hop truly is dead.” The two artists have been releasing several diss tracks aimed at one another in recent months.
Questlove Speaks On Legacy Of 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up”
Questlove says he would respect 2Pac’s diss song “Hit ‘Em Up” if the music tracking were better, and calls “Hit ‘Em Up” the weakest musical smack.
Without a doubt, Luther Vandross is a name that will be remembered in R&B, and the music industry at large, for years to come. For decades, his enchanting voice and unparalleled vocal range have captivated audiences. Even after his untimely death, Luther Vandross’ music continues to thrive in the hearts and ears of listeners old and new. It goes without saying that he was one of the most influential R&B artists of all time.
While people have never stopped listening to his music, Vandross’ name rarely ever comes up in discussions these days. However, following a recent incident at a Madonna concert, Luther Vandross has been trending. The Queen of Pop was recently under fire since she included Vandross’ photo in an AIDS/HIV tribute during her tour. This is because Luther Vandross actually died of a stroke, and did not have either disease. While Madonna faced backlash for the error, fans have since been refreshed with Vandross’ material. Here’s a look at the life and legacy of the quintessential R&B singer.
Born on April 20, 1951, Luther Vandross was raised in Manhattan until he was nine when his family moved to the Bronx. From an early age, he was immersed in the soulful sounds of gospel, blues, and R&B, and had an immense love for music. As a matter of fact, at the tender age of three, Vandross taught himself to play the piano by ear. Subsequently, the older he grew, the more his musical talent shone. His exceptional vocal abilities could not be denied and quickly caught the attention of those around him. However, while it was clear from a young age that he possessed a rare gift, it took a while before Vandross gained acclaim.
Luther Vandross’ Ascent
Luther Vandross’ journey to musical stardom is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent. He put in the work for years and years before he had his shot at being in the limelight. Before his official debut in the music industry, Luther Vandross worked extensively as a backing vocalist. Throughout the ‘70s, he supplied backing vocals for many prominent artists. These include Donna Summer, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, among many others. In the late ‘70s, Luther Vandross became a member of a singing quartet called Luther. Together, the group released two albums, Luther (1976), and This Close To You (1977). Unfortunately, the group was dropped by their label, Cotillion Records, due to low album sales.
Subsequently, Vandross had another brief stint as the lead singer of the group Change. On April 16, 1980, the group released their debut album, The Glow of Love, to moderate commercial success. However, Luther Vandross left the group soon after, choosing to forge ahead as a solo artist. Not long afterward, he was signed to Epic Records, kickstarting his groundbreaking solo career.
Right after his 30th birthday in 1981, Luther Vandross released “Never Too Much,” his debut solo single. Subsequently, on August 12, 1981, he dropped his debut solo album of the same name. The 2x Platinum album announced Luther Vandross to the world like nothing else ever had. It marked the beginning of a very successful and influential solo career for the singer. Altogether, he released 13 solo albums between 1981 and 2003, all of which had varying levels of success. Throughout his decades-long solo career, Luther Vandross garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Give Me The Reason (1986), Power Of Love (1991), Songs (1994), and Dance With My Father(2003) are among his best-selling albums. The latter is the last album Vandross released before he sadly passed away in 2005.
The Legacy Of Luther Vandross
There’s no argument that Luther Vandross is among the most iconic male singers in R&B history. Almost two decades after his death, his works continue to speak for him and prove his immense talent. While the world continues to mourn the loss of the singer, his legacy undoubtedly lives on through his timeless music. In life, the man was steadfast to his craft, and his love for music can be heard all over his songs. Luther Vandross made songs that will remain evergreen, and he will continue to be celebrated for that.
Dee-1 says that N.W.A. and any other artists who have “glorified trap music” should not be considered legends. The Christian rapper explained his reasoning during an interview with The Art of Dialogue. He had been discussing Special Ed’s previous comments on Drink Champs, in which the rapper accused N.W.A of ushering in the “age of destruction.”
“What do we do with that?” he asked. “Once we acknowledge what you have contributed to the genre, your whole career, and if we acknowledge that you’ve contributed a bunch of negativity, a bunch of violence, a bunch of disrespect of women, what do we do? Do we call you a legend or is it like, ‘Wait, we don’t need to call you no legend.’ I think that calling people legends in Hip-Hop is also a force of what helps to perpetuate negativity and that’s a trick of the enemy. That’s the devil’s work at his finest.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 02: Dee-1 performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
He continued: “We’re going to make it to where y’all start to call people legends and immortalize people inside of Hip-Hop, and the main thing they’ve contributed is the glorification of violence, the disrespect of women, the glorification of drug dealing and drug use. Like that’s crazy. We need to take the legend status off of a lot of the people who we call legends in Hip-Hop and that’s going to hurt their ego, but that’s going to help our community.” From there, Dee went on to suggest that “any rapper who has glorified drug dealing and drug use” can’t be considered a legend.
Dee-1 Discusses N.W.A.’s Legacy
He concluded: “So all of the rappers who have glorified trap music should not be considered legends. I’m going to say it again. All the rappers who have glorified trap music should not be considered legends. That’s just a fact.” Controversial opinions like this have caused Joe Budden and others to label Dee a “clout chaser.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Dee-1 on HotNewHipHop.
Bun B posted a statement on social media, last week, telling people to leave Pimp C’s legacy “the f*ck alone.” Without clarifying what specifically he was upset by, Bun let his frustration show. “Please let Chad rest in peace,” he wrote. “Y’all doing way too much out here right now. Leave that man’s hard earned and well-deserved legacy the f*ck alone.” In a caption to the post, he added: “Please and thank you.”
Fans in the comments quickly began asking what prompted the message. Ebro Darden wrote: “What happened?” Another user added: “Idk why the OG posted this or what’s going on… But NO Pimp C slander will be tolerated.”
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 06: UGK members Pimp C (L) and Bun B attends the First Annual Ozone Awards at the Bob Carr Auditorium August 06, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)
While he’s not down with disrespecting Pimp C’s legacy, Bun recently named several artists who he feels are continuing it in various ways. Among them are Megan Thee Stallion, Big K.R.I.T., and Killer Mike. “There is no one man I think that can replicate it, right?” he explained during his recent appearance on Drink Champs. “You see some dudes with the personalities. [Like elements of Pimp], I see that in most people. You know, Megan Thee Stallion embodies a lot of what Pimp represented. I think that’s why it was so jarring for people to see it coming from a woman. But she’s not saying nothing Pimp wasn’t saying, it just came from a female perspective.”
Bun added: “K.R.I.T. carries this passion of making southern musical production looked at at a very high level. Killer Mike has the care and concern for his community and people that Pimp had.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Bun B on HotNewHipHop.
Bun B says that Megan Thee Stallion, Big K.R.I.T., and Killer Mike all remind him of Pimp C in different ways. He explained how during his recent appearance on Drink Champs while discussing the legacy of his late UGK partner. For Megan Thee Stallion, Bun says she’s approaching Pimp’s style from a “female perspective.”
“There is no one man I think that can replicate it, right?” he began. “You see some dudes with the personalities. [Like elements of Pimp], I see that in most people. You know, Megan Thee Stallion embodies a lot of what Pimp represented. I think that’s why it was so jarring for people to see it coming from a woman. But she’s not saying nothing Pimp wasn’t saying, it just came from a female perspective.”
Megan Thee Stallion Performs At BET Hip Hop Awards
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 05: Rapper Megan Thee Stallion performs onstage at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage,)
From there, he brought up Big K.R.I.T. and Killer Mike. “I think, Club God – BeatKing, I think he’s talking about a lot of the crazy, nasty shit that Pimp would be talking about. I think there’s a lot of people that carry his beliefs. Like [Big] K.R.I.T. carries this passion of making southern musical production looked at at a very high level. Killer Mike has the care and concern for his community and people that Pimp had. There’s so many different things, but I don’t think no one person could encompass everything that Chad encompassed. That’s why he was so special to people. I think we all [carry the torch that is Pimp C] in a sense. I think many of us have to carry that torch because we can’t just sit by and watch fuck shit.” Check out the full interview below.
Elsewhere in the interview, Bun B discusses his restaurant, Trill Burgers, longevity in the music industry, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Megan Thee Stallion on HotNewHipHop.
The pioneers of Hip Hop are responsible for the growth of the genre since the early 70s. The genre has enjoyed longevity and established many great talents as icons and legends in the music industry. Moreover, there are many Hip Hop pioneers who have continued to maintain media relevancy and constantly receive their flowers. Still, there are many other legacy acts that have been swept under the radar. Nonetheless, these icons have contributed greatly to the mainstream genre we know today.
Whether they have faded into obscurity, or have received way less love than they should be getting, it’s important to award them their due recognition. Before the big stars of this current generation of Hip Hop artists, these pioneers were pacesetters who set the stage for what Hip Hop has grown to become. Furthermore, they deserve to have their names immortalized in the halls of Hip Hop history.
Coke La Rock
US rapper Coke La Rock poses during the 50 years of Hip-Hop Grandmaster Flash and friends “Birth of a Culture: The Four Elements Block Party” at Capital One City Parks Foundation Summer Stage on August 4, 2023 in New York. As a teenager Grandmaster Flash began pioneering the turntable-as-instrument, playing the now iconic Bronx block parties that gave birth to hip-hop and revolutionized music.
Tonight, he was back home, commemorating 50 years of the genre with a performance that had New Yorkers born in the mid-20th century reliving their youth — and hip-hop’s. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Coke La Rock holds a significant place in Hip Hop history as one of its earliest pioneers. The rapper is often credited as the first MC in Hip Hop culture and played a crucial role in the early days of Hip Hop as a result of his contributions. During the 1970s, when the genre was first taking shape in the Bronx, New York, he was at the forefront of the movement. He collaborated closely with DJ Kool Herc, another Hip Hop pioneer known for his creative DJing techniques. Together, they are credited with helping to create the foundation of what would eventually become Hip Hop music and culture.
This all-female Hip Hop trio was formed in 1979, and made significant contributions to the early development of the genre. The group was composed of three members: Angie “Angie B” Brown Stone, Cheryl “Cheryl the Pearl” Cook, and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. The Sequence is recognized as one of the earliest female Hip Hop acts. Furthermore, the pioneers broke barriers in a male-dominated genre, challenging gender norms in Hip Hop. Their 1979 single, “Funk You Up,” was the first rap single released by a female group. Additionally, the group’s blend of rap, R&B, and funk had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists. Their contributions helped shape the direction of Hip Hop and its integration with other musical genres.
American rapper Schoolly D (Jesse Weaver) poses in front of a graffiti tagged wall on Harrow Road, London, UK, 1986. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
During the early years of rap, this MC’s influential contributions helped to nurture the genre and push it forward. Schoolly D emerged in the mid-1980s as a rapper and producer. He quickly made a name for himself, pioneering the infamous “gangsta rap” subgenre. While he may not be able to take full credit for being the sole originator of gangsta rap, he is definitely one of the most significant contributors to the development of the subgenre. His gritty lyrics and unapologetic storytelling style set the stage for other gangsta rap artists like N.W.A. and Ice-T.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–FEBRUARY 24: Rapper Tone Loc (aka Anthony Terrell Smith) performs at the Copacabana on February 24, 1989 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The deep-voiced MC Tone Loc gained fame in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The rapper and producer is known for his signature raspy voice and laid-back, humorous style. However, one little-known fact about the California native is that he is the first rapper to have a rap single certified platinum. The smash hit, “Wild Thing,” from his 1989 debut album Loc-ed After Dark was an instant classic upon its release. The song redefined what mainstream and commercial success could be in Hip Hop. More importantly, he changed the game in a distinctive way. Tone Loc was a key figure in the late ‘80s rap scene. Even today, his songs remain iconic examples of party rap.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–June 20–Rapper MC Lyte (aka Lana Moorer) appears in a portrait taken on June 20, 1991 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives).
At 17 years old, MC Lyte released her debut studio album in 1988 — a monumental feat that made her the first female rapper to release a solo rap album. The rapper and DJ is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of women in Hip Hop, and rightfully so. Lyte As A Rock, released to critical acclaim, was the first of its kind in the Hip Hop scene. Throughout her musical career, MC Lyte focused on positive and empowering themes in her lyrics. Through this, she earned respect as a conscious and thought-provoking artist. She is a trailblazer, and made impactful contributions to Hip Hop music, especially for female MCs.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–SEPTEMBER 19: Rap group Public Enemy (Flavor Flav (aka William Jonathan Drayton Jr.); Chuck D (aka Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) and Terminator X ( aka Norman Rogers)) appears on the “Public Enemy Week” segment of “Yo! MTV Raps” with hosts Doctor Dre’ (aka Andre Brown) and Ed Lover (aka James Roberts) on September 19, 1991 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Public Enemy is a pioneering rap group known for their politically charged lyrics, inventive production techniques, and sonic experimentation. The group was formed in Long Island, New York, and gained prominence in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Furthermore, their music served as a voice for marginalized communities, and a call to action against injustice. Public Enemy’s lyrics addressed issues of racial inequality, systemic oppression, and social justice, topics that were not often addressed in mainstream music at the time. Their confrontational and dauntless style helped cement them as pioneers in Hip Hop culture.
American rap group Run DMC pose at the Grammy Awards, 1980s. (L-R): Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), Joe ‘Run’ Simmons and Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This legendary rap group consists of pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the Hip Hop genre’s mainstream acceptance. The group was formed in 1981, and was composed of rappers Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and DJ Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. Run-D.M.C. is credited with revolutionizing Hip Hop, and was one of the first Hip Hop pioneers to emphasize the importance of the MC and DJ relationship. The group gained attention with their first single. Still, they enjoyed mainstream success as well after collaborating with Aerosmith on a remake of their song, “Walk This Way.” However, it was Run-D.M.C.’s third album, Raising Hell,that catapulted them to superstardom. Overall, their impact extends beyond music, and they have built a legacy for themselves in the Hip Hop scene and beyond.
One Song Podcast/YouTube) 
at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
