Arsenal FC honored 21 Savage as the British-born rapper took in the team’s game in the Champions League. Arsenal presented Savage with a custom #21 Savage jersey. The #21 jersey is currently worn by Fábio Vieira, who joined the Gunners from Porto in 2022. After the game, Savage also linked up with Emil Smith Rowe, Arsenal’s 23-year-old midfielder. Also following the game, the Emirates Stadium made sure to play Savage’s bar from “Circo Loco” about the team winning the Premier League.
Savage couldn’t have picked a better game to attend. Arsenal dismantled French side Lens, scoring six goals to officially win their Champions League group. However, Arsenal have one more match in the group stage. The Gunners travel to the Netherlands to face second-place PSV in mid-December. Furthermore, Arsenal currently sits at the top of the Premier League. A late goal at away against Brentford over the weekend moved them one point clear of Manchester City.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 14: 21 Savage Performs Live For The First Time at Zenith de Paris on November 14, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Live Nation)
The visit to the Emirates served as the lead-in for what will be Savage’s first show in the English capital. Immigration issues over the last few years meant that Savage, despite being born in the UK, couldn’t leave the US. If he had, there would have been grounds to deport, and even potentially detain, him. However, Savage was finally able to secure his green card, allowing him to travel back to the UK and the wider expanse of Europe.
However, Savage is expected back in the US next month. December 21 is “21 Savage Day” in Atlanta and ever since the holiday was declared, Savage has always made an effort to bring some holiday cheer to the city. Before that, he still has several stops on his European tour to make. Have you seen Savage in concert this year? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.
50 Cent brought Ed Sheeran out for a performance in London on Tuesday night for his The Final Lap tour concert at the city’s O2 Arena. In doing so, Sheeran performed his hit song, “Shape Of You.” Afterward, 50 shared photos of himself with Sheeran backstage at the show.
“My man came through for me tonight,” 50 wrote on Twitter. “BOOM… LONDON went crazy! It don’t get bigger than this.” Sheeran also posted videos of the performance on social media.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: 50 Cent performs at Mediolanum Forum of Assago on October 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images)
50 Cent and Ed Sheeran have collaborated off the stage as well in previous years. Back in 2019, they made the song “Remember the Name” with Eminem. After its release, Sheeran spoke about his relationship with the two rappers on Hot Ones. “If you were to go into my school and go, at the height of Shady Records, at the height of Aftermath [Entertainment], and go, ‘Which one of these kids is gonna do a song with Eminem and 50 Cent?’ No one would’ve guessed me,” Sheeran joked at the time. “50 will probably disagree with this, [but] I don’t think 50 had a fucking clue who I was. I think afterward he was like, ‘Oh, the ‘Shape of You’ guy!’” Check out his appearance on The Final Lap tour below.
Prior to Tuesday’s show, Sheeran also performed an acoustic cover of 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” during a John Mayer concert. When fans trolled him for the rendition, 50 came to his defense on social media. “Ed Sheeran right now in LA at the John Mayer concert Killing shit!” 50 wrote. Be on the lookout for further updates from The Final Lap tour on HotNewHipHop.
During a recent live stream, DJ Akademiks spoke on Diddy inviting him out to a party in London. According to the internet personality, he was a bit suspicious of the invite, which ultimately made him decide to hit up a hookah spot instead. Ak name-dropped Saucy Santana at one point in his explanation, claiming that he feared the artist would “jump out and start twerking.”
He went on, noting how he was paranoid that someone he’s got beef with would show up, like Saucy Santana or Yung Miami. It’s understandable why Ak wouldn’t want any part of a confrontation with Saucy Santana at this point, though it seems as though “twerking” could be the least of his concerns. The two of them traded a few jabs online following Ak’s unflattering Yung Miami comments, and eventually, Saucy Santana threatened him.
The rapper told Ak that he would physically and sexually assault him, prompting an emotional response. “After I beat you, I’ma f*ck you in your ass,” Saucy Santana declared. Ak later shared that he felt as though he couldn’t fire back due to Saucy Santana’s sexuality, out of fear of getting canceled. Things between them have simmered down in recent days, but Saucy Santana recently teased a diss track about Ak, which could be arriving soon. What do you think of DJ Akademiks accusing Diddy of trying to set him up in London? How do you feel about him name-dropping Saucy Santana? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
One could argue that the UK’s rap scene has been running laps around that of the United States for many years. A vast city filled with a variety of cultures and styles, London has been the hub for many of the world’s best lyricists. The British capital has a rich history of pushing musical boundaries, including hip-hop and beyond. The development of London’s rap scene as we know it occurred almost concurrently with the rise of grime in the 2000s. Over the years, the genres have often overlapped, with many grime MCs taking on hip-hop production, eventually evolving to what we now know as UK drill and afroswing — two of the most popular styles of British rap music.
Today, we are highlighting 7 London rappers you should be listening to. While London is home to many legendary rappers and grime MCs, this list prioritizes the stars of today who are actively establishing themselves as the future of the city. Many UK icons still continue to release music, but we are spotlighting both the new legends and those who are working toward that status. Take a look at the list below.
Tottenham in North London is home to many of the UK’s greatest MCs, including Skepta, JME, Frisco, and Wretch 32. Also hailing from the district is Avelino, the skilled and criminally underrated lyricist. His big break was in 2015 when he released a collaborative mixtape (Young Fire, Old Flame) and an earth-shattering freestyle with his mentor, the aforementioned Wretch 32.
Fast forward to 2023, Avelino stayed on course, finally releasing his debut album, God Save The Streets earlier this year. Executive produced by Wretch, the album fulfilled Avelino’s true potential. It contains clever wordplay while also serving as a cautionary tale to his home city. With one of the best rap albums of the year, Avelino is a must-listen.
Headie One
Another Tottenham native, Headie One is the drill superstar who brought the sub-genre to new heights. Headie has played an integral role in drill’s longevity, bringing depth to the tough and aggressive style. The London rapper started his takeover at the end of the 2010s, releasing street anthems like “Know Better” and “18Hunna.” Following his 2019 mixtape, Music x Road, Headie One served four months in prison for knife possession, but he came back bigger than ever.
In 2020, he collaborated with Fred again.. for the groundbreaking GANG EP and released his gold-selling debut album, EDNA. The album hosted features from Drake, Skepta, Future, AJ Tracey, Stormzy, Young Adz, and others. More recently, Headie One branched out with his collaborations on his No Borders compilation, which featured rappers from all over Europe. He also recently teamed up with K-Trap for the collaborative mixtape, Strength To Strength. Headie One is an essential listen for drill fans.
Dave is one of London’s biggest superstars and is rapidly growing his fanbase in the United States. The Streatham, South London rapper is known for his deep lyricism and conscious subject matter, as well as his numerous hit records and award-winning albums. Both of his studio albums, 2019’s PSYCHODRAMA and 2021’s We’re All Alone in This Together are considered modern classics, earning a Mercury Prize win, BRIT Awards, and numerous platinum certifications. He’s worked with the likes of Drake, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others. This year, Dave teamed up with Central Cee for Split Decision, a collaborative EP that included the hit single, “Sprinter.” Dave is a London rapper who is quickly building his status as a young legend in the game.
One of the UK’s most trailblazing figures is J Hus. A pioneer of the afroswing genre, the Stratford, London rapper and singer heavily celebrates his Gambian heritage in his music. Hus’s humorous bars, endless versatility, and infectious melodies have earned him the status of one of the UK’s most revered artists. With classic albums like 2017’s Common Sense and 2020’s Big Conspiracy, as well as hit singles like “Did You See,” J Hus has never missed. This year, he returned with Beautiful And Brutal Yard, his third studio album that included features from the likes of Drake, Jorja Smith, and frequent collaborator Burna Boy. With one of 2023’s best hip-hop albums, J Hus is continuing his reign as one of London’s most unique rappers.
Loyle Carner
Loyle Carner is as authentic as it gets. The Lambeth, South London rapper is known for his transparent lyricism, often rhyming over jazzy hip-hop breaks. Loyle Carner’s autobiographical bars are compelling in their content and delivery. Each of his distinctly unique studio albums serves as a journey of self-discovery that marks key points in his life. Loyle Carner has worked with artists such as Jorja Smith, Sampha, and frequent collaborator Tom Misch. Loyle Carner is in a lane of his own when it comes to many different styles of hip hop coming from London.
With each album, Little Simz has grown both artistically and in notoriety. The Islington, London native has experimented with numerous styles of hip hop, crafting abrasive bangers and soulful moments of reflection. While she has recently tightened her collaborative circle, Little Simz has worked with artists like Chronixx, Syd, Chip, and Ghetts. She frequently collaborates with Cleo Sol of Sault, as well as Inflo, the producer and Sault member responsible for producing her last two critically acclaimed albums.
While each of Little Simz’s projects has its own unique sound and style, 2021’s Mercury Prize-winning Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and last year’s No Thank You took her career to new heights. Rolling Stone even listed the former on their controversial list of the 200 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time. Little Simz is definitely a London rapper that you should be listening to.
Stormzy
It is impossible to discuss UK rap without mentioning Stormzy. With only three albums in his discography, the Croydon MC is one of London’s most prolific and legendary artists. He launched his career as one of grime’s most promising names before expanding his repertoire on his 2017 debut Gang Signs & Prayer. The album incorporates elements of hip-hop, grime, R&B, and gospel, with features from Ghetts, J Hus, Wretch 32, and more. In 2019, Stormzy made history at Glastonbury, becoming the first black British solo artist to headline the festival.
Stormzy’s second album, Heavy Is The Head served as a victory lap to his newfound legend status, boasting features from Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, and H.E.R. Recently, the rap star has been releasing singles throughout 2023 following the release of his third studio album, 2022’s spiritual and R&B-centric This Is What I Mean. While Stormzy is one of London’s biggest rappers, his skill set should not go unnoticed in the U.S.
During a recent charity event in London, Diddy brought out a very special guest for a few songs. He surprised fans with Shyne, a former Bad Boy signee, who’s since become a politician. Shyne is now the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives. He performed two tracks from his 2000 self-titled debut, “Bad Boyz” and “Bonnie & Shyne.”
“Ayo Shyne, I love you from the bottom of my heart,” Diddy declared onstage. “This is real love. My brother Shyne is fighting for his people of Belize right now. He’s gonna be the future, I predicted it, Prime Minister of Belize.” Shyne also turned 45-years-old today (November 8), celebrating with a backstage birthday cake.
The rapper turned politician’s unique path will be detailed in an upcoming DJ Khaled and Roc Nation-produced documentary, The Honorable: Shyne. “Immigrating from Belize to Brooklyn as a child left to survive and thrive in the concrete jungle of New York, Hip Hop had a massive influence on my life, giving me the space and community to explore my creativity and amplify the voice of my pain and purpose,” Shyne told Billboard in October. “The difficult decisions of my life have shaped me into the person I am today, steadfast in my desire to build a better life for the people of Belize and humanity.”
“By bringing my story to audiences, I hope to inspire them to find the indomitable spirit within so they can overcome all adversities and be the best version of themselves positively impacting their part of humanity with their unique footprint as I have done through music, faith and public service,” he added. What do you think of Diddy surprising fans by bringing out Shyne? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Chris Brown is the subject of another lawsuit, this time stemming from an alleged attack in London. A man named Abe Diaw claims Breezy beat him with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 at TAPE nightclub in February.
The lawsuit states Chris Brown delivered “crushing blows” to the man that knocked him unconscious. After, Brown allegedly stomped the man out as he lay unconscious on the floor. Diaw states he was transported to the hospital and suffered cuts on his head and torn ligaments in his leg.
According to TMZ, the entire attack was captured on surveillance camera, and Brown is reportedly wanted in the United Kingdom. Diaw also claims he is a seven-year friend of Brown and went in for a hug, which led to the beat down.
Diaw is suing Chris Brown for damages, including emotional distress and trauma.
Madonna’s Celebration Tour is officially underway. The legendary pop singer began her new series of shows in London over the weekend. During the performance, she spoke to fans about the difficulties she underwent trying to pull the tour off. Most notably, she suffered a major health scare earlier this year that left her hospitalized while fans speculated on her well-being. Rumors swirled that she had been pushing herself to extremes in order to prepare for the start of the tour on time but it ultimately had to be delayed.
Now that the tour has officially begun she shared some new details with fans. “I didn’t think I was going to make it, neither did my doctors. That’s why I woke up with all of my children sitting around me,” she began during a discussion between songs. Her children being there seems to ultimately be what inspired her to pull through. “If you want to know my secret and how I pulled through and how I survived, I thought, ‘I’ve got to be there for my children. I have to survive for them.’” Check out the singer explaining her health scare below.
Madonna Gets Real On Her Hospitalization With Fans
“I didn’t think I was going to make it and neither did my doctors,” Madonna said of her recent health scare at the opening show of her #CelebrationTour in London. https://t.co/u3HiVQRcij
Earlier this year Madonna took the opportunity to see another one of 2023’s biggest tours. She stopped by Beyonce’s Renaissance tour back in March and like many other celebs, let the superstar dazzle her. Afterward, she caught up with Bey backstage to take a picture with her children and the singer.
In the wake of her health emergency, some concerning details emerged. One of the tidbits that stuck with fans the most is that she avoided seeing a doctor despite health concerns from those around her. Reportedly that was because she didn’t feel like she had time to while working on tour rehearsals. What do you think of the new details Madonna shared on her health scare earlier this year? Let us know in the comment section below.
21 Savage is going back home, and he’s choosing to do so in a monumental way for his life and career. Moreover, he and his team at Live Nation recently announced a homecoming concert in London on November 30 at the O2 Arena, with special guests Baby Drill and 21 Lil Harold. This would mark the 30-year-old’s first show ever in the United Kingdom, and among his first-ever international shows. For those unaware, he recently officially became a U.S. resident, can now travel freely, and gave fans his first-ever international performance during his It’s All A Blur tour with Drake’s final show in Toronto.
Furthermore, the Slaughter Gang MC’s homecoming spectacle has presale and general public sale windows. The first, for the presale, goes up on Wednesday (October 11) on Live Nation’s website, and the general tickets go out on Friday (October 13). Considering how hard 21 Savage fought to secure his freedom, this is an incredibly exciting but also fulfilling conclusion to that saga. While he made a life for himself in the United States, there’s no place like home after such a long time away from it… and being barred from the chance to return in the first place.
What’s more is that the Atlanta-based hitmaker teased a trip back to London recently. In fact, Drake suggested that they’re both heading out for it, so Drizzy will likely be a surprise guest there. Either that, or they’re plotting a full international tour, rumors that media attached to solely 21 Savage following recent reports. Whatever the case, it looks like British fans will get a real treat come November.
Meanwhile, he faced these issues because he traveled to the U.S. from the U.K. at a young age, and then authorities arrested him years later for an expired visa. Criminal charges that stem from the arrest in question also played a factor in his case’s difficult progress through court. His lawyer clarified last week that he cleared all roadblocks from ICE and affirmed his status. Now, he aims to enjoy the ride. For more news and the latest updates on 21 Savage, stay up to date on HNHH.
21 Savage is now officially a legal and permanent resident of the United States, but he wants to go back home soon. Moreover, this is a result of his immigration case with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) finalizing, a years-long battle that prevented him from attending his It’s All A Blur tour stops with Drake in Canada this year. For those unaware, the Atlanta-based rapper was born in the U.K. and lived there until he moved to the States when he was seven years old. There, his family raised him, he formed relationships and a family of his own, and he found success as a rap artist. But ICE arrested the 30-year-old in 2019 over an expired visa, and alleged criminal charges from the Georgia detainment held the case back for years even after they released him on bond.
“I knew I wasn’t born here,” he told Good Morning America in 2021. “But I didn’t know like, what that meant as far as when I transitioned into an adult, how it was going to affect my life.” Now, 21 Savage’s legal team confirmed that this all resolved, and he can now travel freely as a legal U.S. citizen. “She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph followed all applicable Immigration laws since his initial detention by ICE,” his attorney Charles H. Kuck in a statement. “His immigration court proceedings have now been terminated and he is a lawful permanent resident of the United States with the freedom to travel internationally.” What’s more is that the “Calling For You” MC also announced that he will return to his London home very soon.
Not only that, but even Drake replied to all this with some excitement. “*we’re,” he wrote under 21 Savage’s announcement post, which appears to contain clips of his childhood across the pond. It’s heartening to see, especially since Drizzy broke this news to begin with. “Savage got a green card straight out of the consulate,” he rapped on “8AM In Charlotte.” “Where I go, you go, brother, we Yugoslavian.”
Meanwhile, it’s unclear why or in what capacity the Slaughter Gang hitmaker will return to the U.K. Regardless, this is ample cause for celebration after years of struggle. Best wishes out to 21 Savage for this big move, which will hopefully bring him peace and happiness. For more news and the latest updates on the fan-favorite feature killer, keep checking in with HNHH.
Fans of Chloe Bailey are no stranger to flashy photo dumps. She’s often treating her followers on Instagram to pics of the best and most elaborate fits she’s wearing. This time she updated everyone on the fashion she’s sporting from a trip to London. Included in the pics are a full length bubblegum pink dress, a shorter bright red number, and a two-piece blue sweater piece. “i love you so much London!!!” she captioned the post.
In the comments fans were excited. Saweetie stopped by to hype up one particular picture that she loved commenting “2nd slide” followed by four fire emojis. Jessie Reyez also showed up commenting “Bonita” shortly after the post was made. Even Latto made her way into the comments sharing some love for Chloe’s looks in the form of four heart-eye emojis. Check out the pictures and various celebrity comments below.
Glamorous photo dumps aren’t the only thing Chloe Bailey does to amaze her fans. She’s also a pretty good singer and she reminded everyone of that earlier this month. She dazzled fans with a Tiny Desk Concert, taking her distinct vocals to the iconic small stage. Her and her band played a number of tracks from her debut album In Pieces which dropped earlier this year. Despite all the industry support for Chloe, the album didn’t do particularly well.
With just 10k in first week sales the album debuted at #119 on the Billboard 200. The sales represent a pretty big drop from the performance of her last album released alongside her sister Halle. The pair dropped the critically acclaimed Ungodly Hour in 2020 which debuted all the way up at number 16 on the Billboard 200. Halle has also dipped her toes into solo music, releasing her debut solo single earlier this year. What do you think of Chloe Bailey’s newest photo dump and the various celebrities who hype her up in the comments? Let us know in the comment section below.
BOOM
LONDON went crazy! It don’t get bigger than this • 
(@itsrikip_)
Bonita” shortly after the post was made. Even Latto made her way into the comments sharing some love for Chloe’s looks in the form of four heart-eye emojis. Check out the pictures and various celebrity comments below.