Finding the perfect sneakers without overspending can be challenging, especially during the holidays. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best sneakers under $100 for Holiday 2024. These picks offer style, comfort, and definitely good value, making them ideal. Whether you’re into classics or modern designs, there’s something on this list that works for everyone.
The “Bred Toe” colorway offers a bold yet classic look on this AJ 1 with its mix of black, red, and white leather. The design is versatile, making it a great option for casual or sporty outfits. Its premium construction ensures durability and comfort, ideal for everyday wear. The color blocking pays homage to a timeless Jordan Brand aesthetic, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and casual fans. For those looking for a deal, a size 9 is currently available on GOAT for $94.
This Air Max TW pair colorway delivers a clean, minimalist look perfect for any outfit. Its lightweight design and breathable materials make it a comfortable choice for daily wear. The all-white finish offers a sleek and modern aesthetic, ideal for fans of understated sneakers. Also, a size 9 is available on GOAT for just $78. Crafted with durability and performance in mind, it’s a reliable option for both casual and active lifestyles.
Dunk Low “Vintage Green”
Image via GOAT
This shoe features a retro-inspired vibe with its deep green overlays and white leather base. As a women’s exclusive, this green nike dunk combines timeless style with a touch of uniqueness. The aged midsole adds character, enhancing its vintage appeal. Whether you’re pairing it with casual outfits or something more elevated, it’s a versatile option. A size 9 is currently listed on GOAT for $76, making it a great choice for anyone looking to score a budget-friendly sneaker that stands out.
The Campus 00s “Lucid Blue Gum” delivers a fresh take on a classic silhouette. Its rich blue suede upper is complemented by crisp white Three Stripes and heel detailing, giving it a timeless yet bold look. The gum rubber outsole adds a vintage touch, enhancing both style and durability. The shoe is also incredibly affordable, with a size 9 going for $76 at Flight Club.
997R “Black Shadow Grey”
Image via GOAT
Rounding out our list is definitely one of the best sneakers under $100 this holiday season: The New Balance 997R Black Shadow Grey. Featuring a sleek mix of black suede, grey mesh, and reflective accents, this sneaker blends style with comfort. Its cushioned midsole ensures all-day wearability, while the neutral tones make it easy to pair with any outfit. Finally, a size 9 is available on Flight Club for just $90!
Overall, the last 31 days have been pretty special as it pertains to the hip-hop world, and that is why we are excited to present the hottest hip-hop albums and songs of October 2024. Some of the biggest artists in the culture came through with new music. Tyler, the Creator stunned with Chromakopia. Moreover, GloRilla was able to prove her superstardom with Glorious. Additionally, artists like Ab-Soul got us hyped up with some fresh singles. Ultimately, it was a truly incredible month.
Let us know your hottest hip-hop albums and songs fromthe past month, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from the music world.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards are a far cry from what they used to be. Over the last few years, interest in what used to be one of the most anticipated events on the hip-hop calendar has dwindled. This comes down to several issues, primarily with BET as an institution no longer being in touch with modern hip-hop beyond what’s popular today. As the show’s presentation continues to change, things have gone away that need to return. Fans view the show more negatively thanks to many unneeded changes over the years. Here are five things that the BET Hip-Hop Awards are missing that could improve the quality of the once-culturally significant event if they were implemented when the next one happens in 2025.
Every year, the BET Hip-Hop Awards used to play host to a series of cyphers. They featured different groups of rappers aiming to outdo each other in their freestyle verses. Some of the biggest names in the game appeared in these cyphers, often to promote recent work or remind fans how good they are. The first-ever cypher at the 2006 event featured Lupe Fiasco and Styles P. At the time, the two recently released their debut and sophomore efforts, respectively. The 2011 iteration of the show featured Eminem introducing the greater hip-hop world to Slaughterhouse. They had signed to Shady Records and were building buzz as a group online for years ahead of their debut album, Welcome To Our House.
In 2010, the G.O.O.D. Music roster of Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, CyHi The Prynce, and Common delivered verses shortly before the release of West’s opus, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The showing helped put CyHi on the map and solidified Big Sean as a rapper to look out for in 2011. The year prior, Yasiin Bey, Black Thought, and Eminem rhymed together. It was a friendly clashing of the titans that fans almost never get to experience anymore. Top Dawg Entertainment’s roster came together in 2013 for a performance that famously saw Kendrick Lamar fire shots at Drake long before their feud dominated headlines. And who could forget when Eminem returned solo in 2017 to deliver a scathing takedown of then-president Donald Trump in a winding four-and-a-half minute verse?
Since those late-2000s and early-2010s glory days, the cyphers have had diminishing returns. The greats no longer come out to show out. The effects of this change culminated in BET completely doing away with the cyphers in 2024, ending a tradition that existed for seventeen years. Asking superstars to sign on in 2025 may be a tough request. The most popular names around rarely freestyle these days as is. But, the cyphers do still need to return. Preferably with rappers who are more in-demand than those who populated them in the last few years. Names like the ones in the Griselda camp or legends reclaiming their spots in the game like Common and LL Cool J, two MCs who made major comebacks in 2024, could be fun to see next year.
I did not know the BET Hip-Hop Awards were airing on the night of Tuesday, October 15, until over halfway through the show. Nor did people I know. The only reason I found out the show was on that night is because of a Twitter post criticizing the lack of cyphers. In previous years, the BET Hip-Hop Awards (and the all-encompassing BET Awards earlier in the summer) made sure that fans knew when and where the event was taking place.
There was little advertising for the 2024 event. Going into what is usually one of the network’s biggest ratings boons of the year without substantial promotion will almost certainly be reflected in their viewership this year. It is hard to build interest in a show without marketing the show as heavily as possible. Next year, a point of emphasis has to be on advertising. There is no other annual hip-hop award show as significant as the BET Hip-Hop Awards. It should feel like that every single year.
In 2023, Fat Joe hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards. In 2024, he came back to do it again. Joe, for better or for worse, is a legendary figure in New York City’s hip-hop scene. In a vacuum, having him host the show is not a bad thing. He is not necessarily musically relevant anymore. But he’s a regular attendee of different events throughout the year and still clearly loves hip-hop. However, giving him the opportunity to perform “Make It Rain,” a single from 2006, at a show in 2024, is inexplicable.
Doubly so for the Soulja Boy and Roscoe Dash joint performance that took place later in the night. While fun, Dash was popular over a decade ago. These days, Soulja Boy is more known for his antics than his music. “All The Way Turnt Up” is still a great song. It is still a damning indictment on the state of the show when the performance of a song from 2010 is a highlight of the night over some of the newer acts that showed up (Bossman Dlow and GloRilla, for example). The BET Hip-Hop Awards may no longer have the cache to convince contemporary superstars to perform. But most of the valuable TV time should be used to spotlight bubbling acts. Not people who haven’t been on the public’s mind in over a decade.
4. Nominate Non-Mainstream Acts For Awards
The BET Hip-Hop Awards are the only major televised hip-hop award show in the United States. As such, the awards should be more reflective of everything happening in hip-hop. There is nothing inherently wrong with mainstream acts being on the nominees list. Popular acts should always be acknowledged. And all things considered, Kendrick Lamar was more than worthy of the eight awards he took home. However, hip-hop is healthiest when both mainstream and acts who are not in the mainstream receive acknowledgment on big stages. The underground and “middle ground” are the strongest they’ve been in years. Moreover, it would have been nice to see mainstays like Roc Marciano, Blu, and Vince Staples, or younger rappers like MAVI and Rae Khalil, be nominated for their work. There are big things happening outside of the mainstraeam at the moment.
The 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards emanated from Drai’s Nightclub. Drai’s Nightclub is a venue in The Cromwell Las Vegas, a luxury hotel in Paradise, Nevada. They should never return there. Presentation is everything, and despite the performers’ best efforts, the event still felt small. It felt more like a Friday night in a city than a program set to be viewed by between 800,000 and a million viewers (2023’s show drew 953,000 the night it aired).
The stage itself was remarkably limited. Despite every camera cut suggesting otherwise, the crowd was so poorly mic’d that it often felt like they were apathetic. The most recent Grammy Awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While the BET Hip-Hop Awards are not nearly as popular as the Grammys, they should be above hosting them in such an awkward venue. They need to return to a larger venue in 2025, one that makes the show feel important. The vibes in Drai’s Nightclub were not befitting of an awards show that’s nearly two decades into its run.
September is now over and we have officially transitioned into the Fall, which means now is a great time to look at the best rap songs and albums of the last 31 days. Overall, 2024 has been a great year for hip-hop and these last three months look extremely promising. Legendary artists dropped music in September, and we also had some fan favorites come through to deliver singles that will definitely last into next year. So without further ado, here are our favorite songs and albums of September 2024
Let us know which albums and songs were your favorites over the past year, in the comments section down below.Stay tuned to HNHHfor more best rap songs and albums lists.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community. In the world of sneakers, several brands have created designs that pay tribute to this vibrant heritage. From bold colors to intricate patterns, these sneakers not only make a style statement but also carry meaningful cultural significance. Here’s a roundup of some of the best sneakers to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in style.
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, has made a significant mark on both music and fashion, and his collaboration with Adidas reflects his cultural influence. As part of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the Bad Bunny x Adidas Gazelle Indoor “Core White” stands out as a tribute to his roots and the broader Hispanic community. Featuring a clean white leather upper with gum rubber soles and subtle sail and black accents, the sneaker combines modern streetwear with traditional elements.
The Jordan 1 “SiEMPRE Familia” is a perfect addition to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, with its design paying homage to Mexican culture. Released in 2021, this sneaker showcases intricate details like ornamental Swoosh embroidery, symbolizing the rich heritage of the Hispanic community. The black and red colorway, paired with bold elements, captures the vibrancy of traditional Mexican art. The “Familia” branding on the tongues further emphasizes the importance of family and unity, key values in Hispanic culture.
Adidas Samba “Día de Muertos Pack Black”
Image via Adidas
The Adidas Samba “Día de Muertos Pack Black” pays tribute to the deeply rooted traditions of Día de Los Muertos, a significant cultural celebration in Mexico. Featuring floral embroidery and intricate stitching, this design honors the vibrant marigolds often seen on altars during the holiday. The classic black base of the Samba contrasts beautifully with these bold details, making the sneaker a stylish yet meaningful nod to the tradition.
J. Balvin x Jordan 3 “Rio”
Image via Nike
The J. Balvin x Jordan 3 “Rio” brings vibrant energy to Hispanic Heritage Month, reflecting the colorful essence of the Colombian artist and his cultural roots. J. Balvin brings his dynamic style to the classic Air Jordan 3 with vibrant shades of blue, green, and pink. These lively colors pay tribute to the energy of his hometown, Rio. His signature smiley face logo on the heel adds a playful and personal touch. This collaboration perfectly blends fashion with cultural heritage.
Jarritos x Dunk Low SB
Image via Nike
The Jarritos x Dunk Low SB is a perfect blend of tradition and streetwear, celebrating the rich culture of Mexico. This collaboration between the iconic Mexican soda brand Jarritos and Nike Skateboarding honors the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship. Bold colors and unique materials bring the design to life on these Jarritos Dunk SBs.
When it comes to the best rap albums and songs of the entire year, there is no denying that some of them came from the month of August. Overall, we got some truly dope projects, as well as some singles that helped make the summer one to remember. The biggest artists in the game came through, while underground darlings were also able to do their thing. While some say rap is in a bad place, the releases we’ve gotten in 2024 say otherwise. Below, you can find our picks for the best albums and songs of the last month.
Let us know which of these songs and albums were your favorite, in the comments section below and stay tuned to HNHHfor the latest news and updates from around the music world.
Newer Travis Scott fans are in for a treat from earlier in his discography this Friday (August 23), but for the rest of us… this isn’t our first rodeo. La Flame will drop his 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo on digital streaming platforms for the first time this week, celebrating its tenth anniversary and teasing the inclusion of more tracks from that era’s vault. All this excitement around this re-release led many die-hards to look back at the DBR days quite fondly. The project has some of this catalog’s most beloved tracks to this day, and as its title suggests, it proved crucial to the development and massive success of its successor, the 2015 studio album Rodeo.
As such, we’re taking a look today at just five of Travis Scott’s songs on Days Before Rodeo that paved the way for what he achieved on Rodeo, although you could say that about the whole mixtape. Of course, there’s a very specific and connected lineage to highlight: DBR owes much of its identity to the Houston superstar’s first tape, 2013’s Owl Pharaoh. Thus, Rodeo is an even more extended development of many of those original ideas. But when it comes to rapping performances, production styles, and the psychedelic aesthetics that Travis is so renowned for today, DBR is what really started to nurture these key elements of his discography and artistry. His 2015 album sent these elements into the stratosphere of mainstream hip-hop. But these five tracks, in no particular order, are what made them compelling in the first place.
“The Prayer”
Ever since this intro track kicked off Days Before Rodeo, Travis Scott has had an undeniable penchant for amazing opening cuts. “The Prayer” sets up this precedent instrumentally with cinematic organs, string arrangements, regal keys, sharp percussion, and a disorienting but intoxicating outro. His performance, unencumbered by Owl Pharoah‘s pitched-down vocal doubling, also points to more clear and cold-blooded verses on his 2015 studio album. Perhaps most importantly, this record also parallels many of the thematic and structural opening motifs of Rodeo‘s opener, “Pornography.” “The Prayer” opens with the following line: “Midnight awaking, hyper ventilating / Drunk laps running around the globe, wild goose chasing / After three number one albums, would’ve thought I’d feel amazing.” It previews the hedonistic but ambitious concept behind Rodeo before refining his vivid picture-painting even more on that LP.
However, one of the best things about Rodeo isn’t just its loosely assembled but nevertheless compelling subject matter. It’s also full of absolute ragers, and before “Antidote” took over the rap world, “Mamacita” proved for the first time how far Travis Scott could go. It’s by no means his first big commercial and cultural “banger,” as the star-studded “Upper Echelon” landed on Owl Pharaoh. But where that 2013 track chose to be bombastic and overblown, this Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug collab meld that moshpit mentality with the darker, woozier, and more nocturnal vibes that Rodeo would fully embody a year later. This is thanks to Metro Boomin’s striking sample flip of an electric guitar line, atmospheric synth pads, and tough-as-nails drums and bass. If that isn’t enough for you, then look at how Cactus Jack continues to electrify crowds with this anthem to this day.
Speaking of collabs, this Days Before Rodeo cut is actually not one of the best on the mixtape, but it’s most certainly one of its most important. For starters, this kickstarts Travis Scott’s crucial collaborative history with Quavo and the Migos. More broadly, it’s a lofty and audacious attempt to meld vintage soul samples, cavernous synth bass, eerie keys, and grand strings together into a cohesive and progressive song that evolves and molds as it goes along. This would prove to be a key songwriting formula for Rodeo tracks like “3500,” “Nightcrawler,” and many more. It’s something that Travis eventually perfected in 2015 and beyond, but better execution down the line doesn’t diminish the weight of “Sloppy Toppy.” Fortunately, he also got much better at picking song titles.
While Rodeo‘s more summery and light moments don’t always see the same retrospective appreciation as its shadowy trap highlights, Travis Scott has always tried to balance out his sonic directions. “Backyard” represents this warmer side on Days Before Rodeo (along with cuts like “Grey”) thanks to a simple but tender sample flip, paired explosively with a crisp snare, live-sounding hi-hats, and a carefree chorus. It would fit well in a playlist with Rodeo‘s “Flying High,” but it’s more directly related to the impressive flow switches, involved verses, and stark drum patterns on a song like “Apple Pie.” That’s another thing: this was one of Travis’ best verses and rapping performances to date back in the day, and Rodeo pushed these lyrical heights even further. Thanks to songs like “Backyard,” people fell in love with him as an MC, not just as an artist.
“Drugs You Should Try It”
Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention Travis Scott’s most iconic song from Days Before Rodeo in many fans’ eyes. When he dropped DBR, this was easily his most personal, intimate, and beautiful song yet, and he’s scarcely replicated its magic since. Rodeo‘s “90210” is the key example of the musical legacy that this classic left behind, as well as that album’s more soft and emotive displays like “Impossible…” Plus electric guitar worship. The simplicity of the instrumental paired with the track’s melodic dominance – and especially its unique vocal delivery – built a new lane for Travis to express himself. In fact, it arguably cemented his auto-crooning style for good, an approach that he’s yet to let go of. While Owl Pharaoh had pretty moments, “Drugs You Should Try It” is the first stroke of genius in Scott’s discography, and it defined his idiosyncrasy and innovation as an artist.
Team USA took home the gold after a thrilling 98-87 win against France. Led by superstars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry, it’s no surprise this team looked court on court. Each player not only brought their A-game but also some serious sneaker swagger. As Team USA won their 16th gold medal in Olympic history, they also made sure they looked good doing it. From chromatic gold sneakers to classic red, white, and blue, these sneakers certainly make a statement.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: A pair of shoes worn by Jayson Tatum #10 of Team United States during the Men’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum may have made headlines for the wrong reasons this Olympics, but his kicks certainly stood out. He wore his signature silhouette, the Jordan Tatum 3, in a mostly black color scheme. The pair features vibrant light blue details throughout, with a red Jumpman and his son’s name, Deuce, on the sides. Tatum only played 11 minutes in the final, but he played an important role throughout the Olympics.
LeBron James
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Shoes of US player LeBron James (6) during Men’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Shoes of Kevin Durant of the United States are captured during the Men’s Basketball Final match between France and the United States of America on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Evan Fournier of France and Devin Booker of USA battle for the ball during the Men’s Basketball Gold Medal match between France and United States of America on Day 15 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns star, certainly proved to be useful in this Olympic campaign. Known for his innate scoring abilities, Booker actually became a defensive hero, especially against Serbia. For instance, against Serbia, he played a significant role in disrupting their point guard’s rhythm, which helped stall their offense in the fourth quarter. He wore the Nike Book 1 in a navy colorway, with a vibrant gold Swoosh on the sides.
Stephen Curry
LILLE, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Stephen Curry of United States shoes details during the Men’s Gold Medal Game, Game 50, match between France and United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 10, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The vigorous demands of the industry only increase as an artist’s popularity rises, leading many of our favorites to back away from the limelight. This can come in many forms—retirement announcements, disappearing from social media, or simply letting the world know that they need time off. The most recent Hip-Hop-Affiliated artist to announce a break was SZA. The Top Dawg Entertainment songbird took to Xitter to share the news, which didn’t bode over well with her diehard fanbase.
“Yesterday was my last show for a while,” said SZA. “Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.” She didn’t specify what that meant, but SZA has been going almost nonstop since she took over the charts with her hit 2017 debut album, Ctrl. It would take over five years for SOS, her equally successful sophomore effort, to arrive—and there were plenty of frustrated updates from the singer about its execution. Her sold-out tours and packed festival performances have kept her busy, and it seems like SZA is ready for some “me” time.
Yesterday was my last show for a while . Finally bout to get my life together thank u God .
Many of SZA’s peers have also felt the pressure of successful careers, opting for a hiatus. Many of these rappers returned to their professions to earn greater accolades, solidifying themselves as legends. Others remained in the industry in different capacities, while some chose new vocations altogether. Which rapper on hiatus do you want to make a triumphant return?
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 27: Jay Z performs on stage at Air Canada Centre during his Magna Carter World Tour on January 27, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Sure, the Roc Nation mogul has appeared on a few tracks here and there in recent years, but Jay-Z has taken a step back from releasing albums to focus on other billionaire ventures. There was that time in 2003 when Hov shared he was officially retiring, but that only lasted a few years before he dropped Kingdom Come. “I was really burnt out that time. I was releasing an album every year — ’96, ’97, ’98. And then in between that, soundtracks, other people’s albums, Roc-A-Fella, touring back-to-back,” he recalled, according to PEOPLE. “And you know, I just looked up one day and I was like, ‘I’m tired.’ I had never been on a vacation until like, I want to say 2000. Like my whole life. And I was just really burnt out at that moment.”
Nicki Minaj
I was in full quarantine/hiatus mode. No social media. Had no clue what was going on in the music world.
She is hailed as a Rap GOAT and has a slew of hits under her belt, but after releasing Queen in 2018, Nicki Minaj went silent. Fans begged her for a follow-up, but the Head Barb-in-Charge was taking time to nurture and grow her family. She and her husband, Kenneth Petty, married in 2019, and in 2020, they welcomed their son, affectionately and publicly known as “Papa Bear.” In 2021, Minaj was back on Xitter answering fans’ questions, and someone wanted to know if the time off benefited her mental health.
“Great question. Yes. It was soooo needed for me,” the rapper responded. “I appreciate u guys so much for waiting. But yea, very much needed that zen for important bonding time w|my son, getting back fluid w|writing & smthn else I don’t want to discuss yet. If u know u know. .”
Eminem
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Eminem performs on stage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
An artist who has been transparent about his personal life struggles has been Eminem. Whether he’s opening up old wounds on wax or sitting down for compelling interviews, the Detroit icon has long shared how drug addiction curtailed his life plans for short periods. However, even during his sober journey, Em retreated from releasing music on several occasions. There was a five-year gap between Encore and Relapse, and three years between Recovery and The Marshall Mathers LP 2. It would be another four years before he arrived with Revival, and after dropping Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem waited another four years to give us The Death of Slim Shady, which hit streaming services last month. Some speculate that this most recent album may be his last.
She is currently taking over stages on her Out of This World Tour, continuing to amaze fans after successful decades in the industry. Missy Elliott is celebrated as a top-tier Hip Hop innovator, even being recognized with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She hasn’t necessarily taken a hiatus from music altogether, as her hotmaking production skills have remained essential for many of today’s top-selling artists. However, the last time she dropped a full-length album was 2005’s The Cookbook, and fans may have to wait a tad bit longer for her next arrival.
“When I create something, it’s gotta be special and it can’t just be to throw something out there because I feel like I’m Missy,” Elliott revealed while on The Yo Show. “I gotta feel like what I’m giving fans is 100 percent and that it’s game-changing. I don’t just throw out microwave records.” Nevertheless, Missy promised that new music is on the way. “I just ain’t telling nobody when.”
A beloved, yet controversial figure in Hip Hop is music maven Ms. Lauryn Hill. Emerging as the only woman emcee in The Fugees alongside Pras and Wyclef Jean, Hill would reach greater heights when she went solo. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her debut and only full-length release, continues to be hailed as the greatest Hip Hop album of all time. That title has been argued for decades, but Hill’s talents stay unmatched. While she has continued to perform worldwide, Hill’s reputation for canceling shows or showing up hours late has permeated the music industry. Most recently, The Fugees announced the cancelation of their tour just days before it was to begin. It’s unclear if Hill will deliver another record anytime soon, but with all that has transpired, some fans aren’t holding their breaths.
Mase
Former Bad Boy rapper Ma$e was at the top of his game in the late 1990s. His debut album, Harlem World, included some of his most memorable hits. Mase’s follow-up record, Double Up, didn’t reach the same success, but it was instrumental in his discography. Only two months before the sophomore album’s arrival, Mase announced his retirement from Rap. He would turn to religion, becoming a pastor and leading a congregation. However, Mase couldn’t stay away and returned to the mic in 2004 with his last album, Welcome Back. Rifts with Sean “Diddy” Combs about music rights would spill over for years, and it looks as if that tension has been settled. These days, Mase continues to enjoy his life outside of music, hosting a sports-centered podcast with former Hip Hop rival, Cam’ron.
Further, in an interview with Complex in March 2024, Mase reflected on his decision to escape the Rap game. Immediately, he said it was the best choice for his life. “Everything now that we see playing out was all the things I escaped. The car, the shine, the Loon, Puff Daddy… The Craig Mack, the Biggie Smalls. So even though I made those decisions and it cost me money, that’s why I got with Killer [Cam] and they gave me the money back. I didn’t lose no money. Destiny.”
Drake
To say that 2024 thus far has been rough for Drake is an understatement. The Pop-Rap icon has dominated the charts from the moment he stepped on the scene with co-signs from Lil Wayne, and he’s developed a career as one of the best in the game. Yet, his beef with Kendrick Lamar became an international moment, resulting in the Pulitzer Prize winner towering with his hit diss track single, “Not Like Us.” Prior to the K.Dot vs. Drizzy Drake whirlwind, the latter had expressed wanting to take a break.
“I probably won’t make music for a little bit,” Drake said while visiting Table for One in October 2023, per Forbes. “I’m going to be real with you. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and I’ll talk about that soon enough.” He added, “I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach,” and shared he will “focus on my health, and I need to get [that] right… I’ma lock the door in the studio for a little bit.”
Beyoncé
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 01: (Editorial Use Only) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at SoFi Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
As one of the biggest stars in the world, it’s only natural that Beyoncé would retreat every so often. The superstar releases a new project every two to three years, working diligently to maintain her reputation as one of the hardest-working entertainers in the business. Her schedule keeps her moving around the world with her entourage in tow—but the mother of three admitted balancing her career and parenthood has been a struggle. The mother of three and her husband, Jay-Z, are billionaires with several other money-making efforts. In 2019, Beyoncé explained to Elle why she needed a year to regroup.
“After having a difficult pregnancy, I took a year to focus on my health,” she revealed. “I have researched information on homeopathic medicines. I don’t just put any prescription in my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises.” Beyoncé added, “The more I mature, the more I understand my value. I realized I had to take control of my work and my legacy because I wanted to be able to speak directly to my fans in an honest way. I wanted my words and my art to come directly from me. There were things in my career that I did because I didn’t understand that I could say no. We all have more power than we realize.”
Logic
Another rapper to pull a pump fake on his retirement is Logic, who elaborately shared with the world in 2020 that he was withdrawing. However, like many of his peers, this retirement was short-lived. Less than a year later, Logic was back to making music. Then, he finished his contract with Def Jam with the release of Vinyl Days. “I really just wanted to be off Def Jam, to be frank,” he told Variety in 2022.
“I did retire, for a little bit, at least in my mind, from the bullsh*t of the music industry. Then, I came to realize that none of this sh*t matters, that I can make music on my terms. So, let’s do that. That’s when I decided to come back from retirement. Last year, I released Bobby Tarantino III, just to get together songs I had, and put them out, then released this new album because I needed to fulfill my deal with Def Jam. With Vinyl Days, I did it in 12 days, and just wanted to have fun.”
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game drew the largest audience ever for a WNBA All-Star event, with over 3 million viewers tuning in. Stars like Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu wowed not just with their skills but also with their sneaker game. Let’s dive into the standout sneakers of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game and see which kicks stole the show!
Caitlin Clark, arguably the WNBA’s biggest star, suited up in a Player’s Exclusive Nike Kobe 6 Protro. Her vibrant sneakers featured a mostly hot pink look, with vivid green accents on the Swoosh and heels. The Kobe 6 is one of the premium basketball silhouettes, known for its Zoom Air cushioning and interesting textures. Clark dropped 10 assists in her first All-Star win.
Angel Reese has been making headlines recently for her rivalry with All-Star teammate Caitlin Clark. Reese wore a new colorway of the Reebok Solution and confirmed that a signature sneaker was on the way with Reebok. Her All-Star shoes featured a custom look, inspired by her nickname “Bayou Barbie.” They feature a red and orange gradient upper with “All-Star Barbie” on the left toebox.
Arike Ogunbowale – Nike Kobe 6 PE
Image via GOAT
Arike Ogunbowale, the top scorer in the All-Star Game with an astounding 34 points, wore the same pair that All-Star teammate Caitlin Clark wore: the Nike Kobe 6. Featuring the same vibrant pink upper with green details, Arike definitely proved why the Kobe 6 only boosts basketball performance.
Sabrina Ionescu – Nike Sabrina 2 “USA”
Image via Flight Club
Sabrina Ionescu has had one of the most significant signature sneakers, and she wore her Nike Sabrina in a patriotic “USA” colorway. Featuring a red, white, and blue color scheme, Ionescu paid homage to the US Olympic team which is currently preparing for their 2024 Olympic campaign. Ionescu, the New York Liberty star, will continue to release more signature sneakers.
Breanna Stewart – PUMA Stewie 3 “City of Love”
Image via GOAT
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty player, laced up a pair of the PUMA Stewie in a “City of Love” colorway. This pair is inspired by Paris, which is also where the 2024 Olympics are being held. Her pair features a white and blue color scheme, with floral details throughout the uppers and into the sole. Stewart, the second-highest scorer at 31 points, certainly showcased why these sneakers are excellent.
A’ja Wilson – Nike LeBron 21 PE
Image via Flight Club
A’ja Wilson, who recently signed a huge contract with Nike, wore a Player’s Exclusive version of the popular Nike LeBron 21. A’ja wore a new colorway, featuring a white base with vibrant red details on the Swoosh and sole. As A’ja also prepares for the Olympics, this pair fits perfectly with her patriotic USA uniform as well.
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