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The Weeknd Sparks Suspicion Of Name Change Again With Nationwide Billboards

December 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The end appears to be near for The Weeknd, according to nationwide billboards. The pop star has been promoting his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which includes a motion picture starring Jenna Ortega. The album arrives in January, but the latest campaign has possibly advertised the end of the singer’s iconic persona. Billboards across the county read: “The E nd is near.” The Weeknd has hinted at a change in his music for years. In a 2023 interview with W Magazine, Abel discussed a change, saying, “I’m going through a cathartic path right now. It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”

The billboards have sparked mixed reactions from fans across social media. An X user commented, “Good thing he writing his own ending instead of making us OVO goons do it for him!” Another user questioned the validity of the plan. They tweeted: “Good marketing, but what artist gonna fill the gap when he’s officially done?” “He mentioned retiring the name ‘The Weeknd’ few years ago but it also could mean The end of the trilogy,” tweeted a user about the singer.

Is The Weeknd Coming To An End? Billboards Suggest It

Lionsgate has set May 16, 2025, as the North American release date for Hurry Up Tomorrow, the highly anticipated feature film debut of pop icon The Weeknd. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film is described as a “musically driven psychological thriller” and serves as a creative extension of The Weeknd’s latest artistic endeavors.

The film studio is betting on The Weeknd’s massive global fan base to fuel box office success. The film promises fans an immersive experience that connects his cinematic vision with the music and themes of his album. With seven Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits to his name, including chart-toppers like “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” The Weeknd is one of the most-streamed artists in history. He recently became the first artist to achieve 24 songs with over one billion streams each on Spotify, further solidifying his cultural impact.

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DDG Gifts His Mom The L.A. Mansion After Buying A New One

December 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

After gifting his son a Ferrari for his first birthday, DDG gifts his mother his L.A. mansion for Christmas after purchasing another property. The entertainer recorded the unveiling, explaining to his mother plans to move out and gifting her the new home for Christmas. “I don’t know if y’all know, but I bought a new place,” said DDG, “I’m finna move… You [Mom] can have it. Well, you gotta wait til I leave.” His mother was confused at first but extremely appreciative in the end. The mother and son embrace in a hug after the reveal, and the rest of the family are ecstatic. DDG’s mother will own the property after the entertainer relocates to his new mansion.

The old mansion is reportedly valued at $3 million. Social media would flood the entertainer’s comments with applause. “The ultimate goal of every man is to put his mother in a big and safe house,” one user commented. Another wrote, “How can y’all hate him ?” The moment was emotional for some fans. “I actually teared up watching this,” wrote an X user.

DDG Gives His Mom The Old Mansion After Buying Another

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Halo, the one-year-old son of DDG and actress Halle Bailey, recently received a Ferrari for his birthday. Since he can’t drive yet, the car is more symbolic than practical. Soulja Boy suggested that a toy version of the luxury car would have been a more appropriate gift. While he understands the couple’s excitement as first-time parents, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term investments over flashy displays of wealth. His perspective highlights the need to balance celebrating milestones with planning for a child’s future.

DDG clapped back at the criticism over his son’s gift on Christmas Eve. “N****s mad cuz they son playin hot wheels and mines playin wit Ferrari’s & M’s. Just work harder, gang,” he wrote. Halle Bailey has not commented on the gift or the backlash yet. Halo’s parents released new music in 2024, with plans for new albums coming soon.

Read more: Top 10 R&B Albums of 2024

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The Game & D Smoke Commend Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” As Tribute To L.A. Gang Culture

December 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The West Coast obviously has a lot to say about Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” That’s not only because of their support of K.Dot in the battle, but because of how much the track pays homage and reference to Los Angeles gang culture in various forms and puts it in a different context. Cali rappers D Smoke and The Game recently sat down for an interview with Rocsi Diaz, during which they ranked out the best hits from the West and spoke on the Mustard-produced chart-topper in particular. Smoke started things off with a pretty solid summary.

“Kendrick has such a special place in the West,” D Smoke expressed concerning Kendrick Lamar and his “Not Like Us” diss track. “Because everything that gang culture established for the West, Kendrick, on one hand, continues the camaraderie element of gang culture, but he elevates it to this intellectual, loving, Malcolm-Martin kind of perspective.” “I think Kendrick does the best job possible at explaining who we are, what we are,” The Game added. “Even though we have this stigma on us as a culture, he does an amazing job at explaining to the world how and why they should understand why we are the way that we are.”

D Smoke & The Game Speak On Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

The Game & D Smoke rank LA Anthems

Talks about Kendrick Lamar & Not Like Us

The Game also gets emotional & starts to cry speaking about what he do it for, his daughter. & doesn’t care about getting left out the conversation & off Murals pic.twitter.com/9aClw2JqFf

— Whooping feet (@WhoopingFeet) December 20, 2024

“He’s not just one of the best rappers ever,” D Smoke added about Kendrick Lamar. “He’s one of the best artists ever. If you look at the intent behind his projects, the musicality, it’s not something you can do independent of the artist. If the artist doesn’t have that vision, the product won’t be what it is.” He and The Game agreed that “Not Like Us” is the fourth-best West Coast hit of all time, with some Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre classics plus Nipsey Hussle’s “Last Time That I Checc’d” landing elsewhere on their top six.

Still, this discussion around Kendrick Lamar is something that The Game admitted he feels left out of, as he doesn’t get the same amount of respect as other Cali legends. But he is much more focused on being a great father, something that he tearfully defended and emphasized during this interview. There is no greater joy.

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The Game Continues To Fight For His L.A. Mansion With Final January Hearing

December 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jay-Z isn’t the first rapper to tell someone they won’t get a single red cent; The Game has been saying it for years, dealing with his ongoing 2015 sexual battery lawsuit. AllHipHop broke the news on Saturday (Dec. 14); according to new court documents, The Documentary creator has been ordered to appear in court on January 27, 2025. He must file a brief outlining his defenses by January 6, while the plaintiff, Priscilla Rainey, has until January 13 to submit her response.

Priscilla Rainey, a former contestant on VH1’s She Got Game, has spent months pursuing the collection of a $7.1 million judgment awarded to her in 2016. U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who issued the December 13 ruling, stated this will be The Game’s final chance to present his case. The legal battle has ensued for nine years. She alleged he reached under her dress and touched her inappropriately during an off-camera date for the reality show. When the rapper failed to appear in court, a judge issued a default ruling in Rainey’s favor, granting her the multi-million-dollar settlement. Rainey has since taken aggressive steps to collect, targeting The Game’s Calabasas property and accusing him of transferring the deed to his manager, Wack 100, to avoid payment.

The Game Isn’t Done Fighting For His Home Against Priscilla Rainey As Final Hearing Orded

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A post shared by The Game (@losangelesconfidential)

In June, Rainey served a notice of levy and a writ of execution to both The Game and Wack 100. The rapper denies being served, claiming in court documents that no individual approached him or delivered any legal papers. He only became aware of the court’s Order to Show Cause through media coverage. The Game previously requested the court dismiss the Order for Sale of Dwelling.

Despite the mounting pressure, Game remains defiant, continuing to deny the allegations and vowing not to pay Rainey a dime. As the January hearing looms, the battle over his home and reputation shows no sign of resolution.

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Karlissa Saffold, Blueface’s Mom, Hates His New Prison Tattoo

November 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

No one was more shocked by Blueface’s new prison tattoo than Karlissa Saffold, the rap star’s mother. In the No Jumper’s Instagram comments, Saffold reacted to the recent footage of her son debuting a new face tattoo while serving a jail term with a disappointed comment. “It’s like I pray and then this,” she wrote. In the footage, Blueface’s face is covered in tattoos, with new ink on his cheeks and forehead. It is unsure if the new ink is authentic or a troll.

In September, a new mugshot of the rapper surfaced, showing his face without the usual tattoos on the side of his head and atop his eyebrows. He surrendered himself to the Los Angeles court in December, planning to be released over the summer. Blueface is currently serving a four-year prison sentence. The rapper’s mother has been active as a socialite and grandmother while he serves his time.

Blueface’s Mom Ain’t Feeling Her Son’s New Prison Tattoo

Many fans are now drawing comparisons to Chrisean Rock, who famously tattooed Blueface’s face on her cheek shortly after his arrest. Social media users have expressed concern over the rapper’s evolving image, questioning whether it reflects a deeper shift in his mindset. Chrisean was released from an Oklahoma jail over the summer and has been busy rebranding her image. She has been focusing on parenting her and Blueface’s infant son, which she baptized a couple of weeks ago.

Fans are left speculating about when the rapper might reunite with his family. On Instagram, he hinted at a potential release date. He wrote, “I’ll Ce Out JULY Don’t Bink!!!!!” The message sparked hope after earlier reports suggested a four year stinct. For now, Blueface’s future remains uncertain. His legal battles continue to fuel conversations, leaving many eager to see what lies ahead for the embattled artist. Over the summer, Blueface mentioned that Los Angeles hip-hop has been lackluster since he’s been away.

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We Went To Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short N’ Sweet’ Pop-Up Cafe In LA — Here Is What To Expect

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

sabrina_carpenter_merch(1024x450) — Uproxx

Depending on who you ask Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet was the album of the summer (if you ask me, that honor goes to Charli), and with the album debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, viral videos for the singles “Please Please Please” and “Taste,” the near ubiquitousness of Espresso (I couldn’t go into an Uber, a gym, or a store this year without hearing it blasting from speakers), nobody can deny that 2024 has been the best year in Sabrina’s career.

Even though summer is over, if you’re a Carpenter — what Sabrina affectionally calls her fan base — Sabrina has been keeping you fed. For her Short ’N Sweet tour, Sabrina is making headlines and filling social feeds with her fun, light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek stage show, her kitschy meme-worthy merch, and a series of pop-up takeover cafes that have hit New York City, Chicago, and this weekend, Los Angeles.

The LA Short N’ Sweet Cafe will run from November 15-17 between the hours of 9 AM – 7 PM and is being presented at Melrose’s Verve Coffee Roasters (a solid coffee shop in its own right) and offers limited edition merch, a full Sabrina-inspired menu, and all sorts of staged photo opportunities that look… straight out of a Sabrina Carpenter music video. The pop-up was made in partnership with Cash App, which we’re only mentioning because using the app will score you a 30% discount on a single transaction.

We hit up the Short N’ Sweet Cafe to give you the full details on what to expect.

What’s The Vibe?

Sabrina Carpenter is the vibe. Cute outfits, perfect makeup, get your poses ready — I showed up to the pop-up wearing what I thought was an okay outfit, but I felt a little underdressed considering all the super fans and influencers who were dressed to impress.

What we’re trying to say is, don’t slump on the fit — you might be visiting a coffee shop in the middle of the day, but almost everyone is dressed like they’re hitting the club after.

The Menu

As a coffee connoisseur, I was thoroughly impressed by the menu, which featured all sorts of delicious iced and hot lattes named or themed after Sabrina Carpenter songs and lyrics. The menu also has several pastries, but they were sadly unavailable at the preview event.

I tried two drinks, the Honeybee Draft Latte and the Heartbreak Jamaica. The Honeybee featured a mix of lavender, honey, espresso, and milk, and featured a floral and herbaceous flavor that hovered nicely over vivid toasty coffee notes.

The Heartbreak Jamaica couldn’t be more different despite being iced. The drink featured hibiscus and coffee cherry, providing a flavor that was well-balanced between tangy, sweet, floral, and bitter-tasting notes.

I honestly wanted to try the full menu but I was buzzing on caffeine after the two drinks.

The Merch

The merch was typical concert fodder: shirts, bags, hoodies, socks, as well as coffee mugs, but everything is very, well, Sabrina. For example, one shirt featured a graphic print of lacy lingerie over a plain white t-shirt cut. It’s a sleep shirt that lets you have things both ways, which feels kitschy and very in line with the Short ’N Sweet aesthetic.

Prices for the merch go as low as $15 and as high as $80.

The Photo Ops

Aside from the menu, the photo ops are the real draw of the pop-up experience. There are several stage set-ups with vintage-inspired furniture that recalls the ’50 and ‘60s that’ll have you looking like you’re starring in your very own Sabrina Carpenter video.

But in my opinion, it’s the more naturalistic sets that use the Verve coffee shop architecture that look the best. Posing in front of a Sabrina-emblazoned backdrop on a lip-shaped couch is one thing, but sitting on beautifully paved steps while sipping coffee with the sunshine hitting your perfect fit? That’s some straight-up Gossip Girl Blair Waldorf shit.

All in all, the Short ’N Sweet Cafe offers a lot for die-hard Sabrina Carpenter fans, and a good enough menu that even non-fans will find something to enjoy.

The Short ’N Sweet Cafe can be found at Verve Coffee Roasters in Melrose, 8925 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Lil Durk Reportedly Arrives At Los Angeles Federal Prison Over Alleged Murder-For-Hire

November 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Durk will face a long and complex legal battle in his alleged murder-for-hire case, one that continues to develop slowly but surely. Most recently, according to updated prison and court records, authorities reportedly transferred him to a Los Angeles federal prison from Miami, which is where he remained after his arrest in the Florida city. Now, the Chicago rapper awaits his first hearing or arraignment concerning federal law enforcement’s indictment against him and various other individuals. For those unaware, he faces accusations of monetarily assisting these individuals in attempting to murder rival Quando Rondo.

This alleged hit, per federal prosecutors, supposedly led to the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin Lul Pab. As far as other updates in the Lil Durk case, we don’t have much to work with in this pre-trial process. However, we do know that Smurk’s family and loved ones continue to support each other and advocate for his life while he remains behind bars. His longtime partner India Royale recently posted a picture of all his children, reminding fans of what’s at stake in this complicated case.

Lil Durk Is Reportedly In Los Angeles Custody

https://twitter.com/akademiks/status/1857092867459592515?s=12&t=6N2L99mKx7LzXYhb_3_zwQ

In addition, it seems like this alleged murder-for-hire case in federal court will also pose some hefty challenges and controversies when it comes to the precedent and image it sets about the rap world. Lil Durk’s rap lyrics appeared in the indictment against him, something that will likely spark up a lot of fiery debate. More than ever, many within and outside of the culture believe that artistic expressions should not be used as evidence against the person expressing them. Sadly, we seem no closer to finding a surefire and broad solution to the issue. Still, we’ve yet to see with certainty how this will apply in this case.

For these heavy charges, Lil Durk faces life in prison, and previous reports even suggested that the death penalty could be a sentence. But we don’t have solid confirmation on any of that, and it’s far too early to tell for sure. As such, we’ll just have to wait for more court developments out of Los Angeles. The Voice is reportedly in good spirits, so everyone’s curious about what will go down soon.

[via]

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Kanye West’s Neighbors Reportedly Blast His “Delusional” DROAM City Plans

October 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

“The city of DROAM” is one of Kanye West’s many projects over the years, which he originally planned as a self-sustainable city in the Middle East. Now, after purchasing a $35 million mansion in Beverly Hills, he suggested that he wants to build the city in Los Angeles instead, where he now has seven of the supposed 100,000 that he wants Droam to encompass. According to a TMZ report, though, Ye won’t have an easy time doing this. The outlet reportedly reached out to various of his new neighbors in the North Beverly Park gated community to react to this. One person allegedly called the plans “delusional.”

Furthermore, the community members reportedly told the outlet that the neighborhood’s homeowners association’s complex nature means Kanye West will face an uphill battle as far as acquiring the necessary votes to build a city of this scale. With not much space to build to begin with, they reportedly predict that he will have to spend millions more to even have the open room to even think about getting started. This is the Chicago artist’s most recent mansion purchase after gutting a previous Malibu property and losing millions as a result.

Kanye West Teases “DROAM” City

https://twitter.com/apollovwrld/status/1851572137431089563

As such, some neighbors reportedly characterized Kanye West as volatile due to this homeowner history. While others are not as familiar with this backstory, they reportedly worry about general disturbances and chaos caused by his massive celebrity status, such as crazed fans or other forms of ruckuses. One neighbor reportedly expressed that their best-case scenario is that the Yeezy mogul stays on vacation instead of trying to build a new city. For those unaware, he’s spending a lot of time roaming Tokyo these days with his wife Bianca Censori, so he hasn’t moved in yet.

As for Kanye West’s new mansion, it’s a 20,000-square-foot, 11-bedroom behemoth that rests on a seven-acre plot of land in the North Beverly area in L.A. Maybe he’s not serious about expanding this into Droam City, as he could’ve just called this new property his own personal “city” online amid his alleged therapy. But either way, it seems like the 47-year-old is going to have a tough conversation with his neighbors when he moves in.

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Tyler, The Creator Announces $5 “Chromakopia” Listening Party In L.A.

October 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this month, Tyler, the Creator announced his upcoming seventh studio album, Chromakopia. The project is expected to drop on October 28, and to give fans a taste of what’s to come, he plans to host a listening event in L.A. next week. He took to Twitter/X today to share news of the exciting event, which will take place at the Intuit Dome on October 27.

“Los Angeles I’m playing my album in full for you at the Intuit Dome. I will not be performing, I will be standing in the middle of the venue lip-syncing to the new sounds. This event costs $5,” the post reads. Tickets for the listening event go on sale this Friday (October 25).

Tyler, The Creator To Preview His New Album Chromakopia At The Intuit Dome On October 27

pic.twitter.com/rInhfIyvaO

— T (@tylerthecreator) October 24, 2024

This is far from the only exciting news Tyler, the Creator fans have heard recently, however. Yesterday, the hitmaker also announced “Chromakopia: The World Tour.” The 50+ date trek will kick off in February of next year with a performance in Saint Paul, MN. He’ll then hit various cities across North America, Europe, and Oceania until next September, joined by Lil Yachty and Paris Texas at a majority of the dates.

Last week, Tyler, the Creator also unveiled the lineup for his Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, which takes place in Los Angeles on November 16 and 17. He’ll perform along with Playboi Carti, Erykah Badu, André 3000, Faye Webster, Sampha, Sexyy Red, Denzel Curry, Doechii, Tommy Richman, Blood Orange, Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, and many more. What do you think of Tyler, the Creator announcing a $5 listening event in Los Angeles for his upcoming album, Chromakopia? Will you be in attendance or not? Are you looking forward to hearing the album when it drops on October 28? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Nike Dunk Low Embraces The Essence Of LA In New Official Images

October 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Nike Dunk Low is generating excitement with its upcoming “LA” colorway, inspired by the stunning skies of Los Angeles. Official photos have been unveiled, showcasing a sail and light blue color palette that captures the essence of sunny days in LA. This combination of soft tones creates a refreshing aesthetic, making these sneakers a perfect option for summer. Crafted with high-quality materials, the upper features sail-colored panels paired with vibrant light blue highlights. The iconic Nike Swoosh stands out in white, elevating the overall design.

Unique LA branding on the tongues adds a special touch that celebrates the city’s vibrant culture. The Dunk Low is recognized for its stylish silhouette and versatility, making it a staple in sneaker culture. Whether you’re exploring the streets or chilling with friends, these kicks will enhance any outfit. The “LA” colorway seamlessly blends comfort with a relaxed vibe, ideal for those wanting to showcase their love for the city. With its clean design and thoughtful details, the Nike Dunk Low “LA” is a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts and fans of the West Coast lifestyle.

“Los Angeles” Nike Dunk Low

The sneakers have a sail rubber outsole and a corresponding midsole. Additionally, the uppers showcase blue and white canvas fabric with a gradient. A sail canvas Swoosh is located on the sides. Moreover, the tongue displays the iconic LA logo in white against a blue background.

More Photos

Hypebeast reports that the Nike Dunk Low “Los Angeles” will be released on October 26th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $125 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

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