Yesterday (November 16), Snoop Dogg shocked the world with the following announcement shared on social media: “After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Is Snoop, perhaps the biggest cannabis icon of all time, really done with smoking weed? Who knows. His specific phrasing of “give up smoke” may be a little suspicious. Maybe Snoop’s generating viral attention to later introduce a line of edibles on the way? Whatever the case may be, his words have had a clear impact, and that includes on some fellow rappers, who saw what Snoop said and decided to give up weed.
After Snoop shared his announcement, Meek Mill re-posted it on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Ima go to Dubai and completely stop smoking … ima follow snoop, my doctor said I got a lil bit emphysema in a chest if I don’t stop smoking it cuts my lifeline in half, I was addicted to the nicotine and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental!”
Ima go to Dubai and completely stop smoking … ima follow snoop, my doctor said I got a lil bit emphysema in a chest if I don’t stop smoking it cuts my lifeline in half, I was addicted to the nicotine and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental! https://t.co/NYAJ9BzJ6e
Dr. Umar Johnson has taken a bold stance, criticizing the apparent hypocrisy within the realm of hip-hop. In a recent interview, the popular activist/psychologist voices his disappointment with rappers engaging in philanthropy, such as giving away turkeys and clothing during holidays, while simultaneously promoting violent and destructive lyrics.
Dr. Umar Calls Out Hypocrisy
In an interview with The Art of Dialogue released on Nov. 13, Dr. Umar expressed his disappointment with rappers who engage in philanthropic acts like giving away turkeys and clothing during holidays while promoting violent and destructive lyrics.
Dr Umar goes off on rappers donating turkeys and calls Hip-Hop an agent for white supremacy.
“Hip-Hop has been around for 50 years!” Dr. Johnson shouted. “Not a single hospital, not a single school, not a single bank, not a single supermarket, not a single distribution company. How can we call hip-hop a blessing to the black community when that type of money is being made off of our culture and the community doesn’t benefit from it all.”
While Expanding on his critique, Dr. Johnson specifically addresses rappers who partake in seasonal giveaways of turkeys and clothing.
“In exchange for some damn turkeys, and chickens and some sneakers you push death and destruction on our children for a living and we’re supposed to be ok with that because you dropped off some clothes and some turkeys. It’s not acceptable,” Dr. John added. Dr. Johnson would then call hip-hop an agent of white supremacy.”
Dr. Johnson continued:
“Until hip-hop begins to be a blessing for the black community, it is an agent of white supremacy.”
Hip-Hop Hypocrisy?
Dr. Johnson’s comments have garnered mixed reactions on Twitter (X). One user named @_Twinndiesel commented “ This is a very hard truth,” and another user named @VashaunBlanks commented, “Can’t believe I’m agreeing with him.”
Other users felt differently such as @morrisdusk commented “Stop putting cameras on this goofy n*gga.” The issue of hip-hop hypocrisy is not limited to Dr. Umar Johnson’s viewpoint.
New Orleans rapper Dee-1 appeared on Sway’s Universe on Nov. 1, and also spoke out against the contradictory messages prevalent in the lyrics of certain artists, name-dropping Meek Mill,Rick Ross, and Jim Jones as examples. Dee-1, who is known for conscious and uplifting lyrics, emphasized the need for these rappers to act more responsibly with their words, especially considering their public stances on prison reform.
Meek Mill, in response, defended his actions by stating he felt compelled to speak out about prison reform. However, this response drew criticism on social media, with users accusing Meek Mill of hypocrisy.
Today’s Hip-Hop’s Impact On The Youth
Another concern about hip-hop is fans wondering if it has gone too far. In October 2023, a video went viral after a nine-year-old rapper named Lil RT performed his song “60 miles,” which includes vulgar and violent lyrics, on the YouTube Series From The Block.
Hip-Hop’s Decline In Sales
The issue of hypocrisy within the hip-hop industry resonates beyond Dr. Umar Johnson’s criticisms. Juicy J, known as the leader of Three 6 Mafia, recently called for a meeting with leaders in the industry to discuss rap sales plummeting by 40%. He expressed concerns about the decline and suggested that today’s rappers prioritize gimmicks and trends over creating quality music.
Meek Mill and Rick Ross are continuing to make the media rounds in support of their new joint album Too Good to be True. The runs has brought them to Funk Flex’s studio, where Meek once again let off another fire freestyle.
With a jigging Ross in the background, Meek Mill floated all over Biggie’s “Warning,” showing why he is one of the game’s best.
You can tap in below.
Before releasing their joint album Too Good To Be True, Rick Ross and Meek Mill pulled up on Zane Lowe at Apple Music 1 to discuss the album. Rick Ross called the album unpredictable.
“This the culture,” Ross said. “It’s too good to be true and man, it just feel good, and it was too easy. We set it off. We both know what our true gifts are, our talents are when it comes to production. So when it came to this vibe, it was really simple. It didn’t take a lot of time, but we brought the best out of each other. This was just personal.”
He added, “This was just me and Meek and that was just us in the studio. It wasn’t a lot of people, just the team, the private team. Meek, his team, my team, Sam Sneak, Brion, the producers, and we kept it uncut. We went straight to the vein with it. “
Meek Mill also added notes on the album, “When we get in the studio, that shitt gets serious. Ross getting into serious mode. He trying to knock that shit out and get to work. And you know me, he giving me that gas.
“I’m going to run jumping out that window a hundred miles an hour. But we joke all the time. You’re going to see a lot of that throughout the content and all that. And it’s organic too, Zane. We came up with this idea and we got around each other, built, vibed out and then got in the studio. It don’t matter where we’re recording at, we could be in the closet, Rose going to get this shit done.”
You can hear the project’s lead single, “Shaq & Kobe” below.
Rapper Dee1 has aimed at Meek Mill, Rick Ross, andJim Jones, accusing them of sending conflicting messages regarding prison reform while simultaneously glorifying violence in their music. In response, Meek has addressed the criticism on social media, defending his position.
Dee1 Holds Rap Artists Accountable
In an appearance on Sway Calloway‘s radio show, Sway’s Universe, on November 1, Dee1 openly criticized Meek Mill, Rick Ross, and Jim Jones for their conflicting messages. He questioned how they could advocate for prison reform while simultaneously glorifying violence in their music.
This bold statement caught the attention of Meek Mill and led to a response from him on Nov. 2 where the Philly native wrote:
“Nah we do everything lol, I was rapping this way when I became the face of reform…. That’s how I got there ya’ll forgot that fast.”
Meek Mill Sounds Off
On November 14, Meek Mill expressed his frustration with the prevalence of gun violence on X, (formerly known as Twitter). He quoted a shared video of three middle school boys showcasing Glock switches, where he wrote:
“… if lil kids have this type fire power? What do you think we up against in the adult field? if you have felonies and can’t protect yourself it’s set for you to be killed or sent to jail for trying to protect yourself! It’s wild being black in America!”
And we can’t blame them because their neighborhood most likely is filled with murder and a gun is the cheapest thing you can get to protect your soul! It’s not a jump in the street mindset it’s survival! https://t.co/hCc748f7Gz
Meek Mill’s tweet sparked further discussion, with some users questioning his decision to include gun violence in his music while advocating against it in real life.
A user named @cocnation_ replied to Meek’s tweet, saying, “It’s a system. Rappers rap about the drugs and guns, the teens sell the drugs in the hood, the mothers take the drugs, the kids now ain’t got parental figures.”
“I rap about what I rap about because I’ve been traumatized by that lifestyle and I can’t remove the thoughts… but I do high level rap.. And when I stayed on that people said I was falling of…”
‘I Don’t Blame Them’
The “House Party” rapper continued, quoting his own response writing:
“And we can’t blame them because their neighborhood most likely is filled with murder and a gun is the cheapest thing you can get to protect your soul! It’s not a jump in the street mindset, it’s survival!”
“If you hear me speak on violence it’s from my dad any many of close friends being killed. It’s from a survival stand point.. When I seen that footage of my brothers pnb and nipsey only made my mentality worst because I know they wanted to protect themselves in that environment!”
Another user named @thevoicethatmay wrote, “N*gga, you perpetuate and popularize and glamorize guns and gun violence in all your music, then turn around and say “it’s wild being Black in America.” Then user, @Yanito_Shwavy wrote, “Ok but how do you say all of this to still continue putting it in the music , you’re basically making it fair seeming to the youth. We need brothers & sisters to be about it 100% all across the board Meek, not sometimes.”
Updated By: Yasmine Duhé (11/14/23 at 4:16 pm)
Does Hip-Hop Need To Change Lyrically?
Dee1, the New Orleans rapper and advocate for positive change, recently aimed hip-hop heavyweights Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Jim Jones over their lyrical content. Dee1 called out the artists, questioning their contradictory messages of prison reform and the glorification of violence in their music.
‘You Can Do Better, Brother’
On November 1, Dee1 called out Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Jim Jones on Sway Calloway‘s radio show, Sway’s Universe, questioning their contradictory messages of prison reform and glorifying violence in their music.
Dee1, known for his uplifting and conscious lyrics, expressed his disappointment in his fellow artists. He specifically addressed Jim Jones, Rick Ross, and Meek Mill, stating:
“Jim Jones you can do better brother, Rick Ross you can do better brother, Meek Mill you can do better brother, I love you too much not to be honest with you. Are you the face of prison reform or you sitting on here on your new song with Ross talking about getting somebody murked and shot at the red light which one is it bro, because I did a shoe giveaway in my city and gave out 1300 pairs of your shoes, because they said reform underneath them. I love that you partnered with a major shoe company and you out here pushing prison reform. But now I gotta to sit here, like man, this man glorifying getting people killed.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGtSxKO5k4/
Meek Mill Responds
The viral video of Dee1’s callout caught the attention of many, including Meek Mill, who responded by defending his lyrics. The Philly native stated:
“Nah we do everything lol, I was rapping this way when I became the face of reform…. That’s how I got there ya’ll forgot that fast.”
After Meek Mill’s response, social media users weighed in on the matter.
User @im_forreeal wrote, “Meek can play it cool all he wants but the seed has been planted. This interview is going viral and will continue to circulate. Meek won’t be able to forget about this and he’ll eventually let up off that chaotic lifestyle. May take a week. Maybe a month. Maybe 3 years. He’ll be eating his words one day.”
Following Meek Mill’s response to Dee1, the New Orleans native responded to Meek saying:
“Thank you for your reply to my video post brother but most importantly thank you for your honesty and your transparency and your reply. The fact that we could be on different sides of the fence with this or have different opinions but still remain respectful and actually address the topic at hand and not try to deflect that makes a huge statement. Now you said, “nah we do everything lol,” implying that you could be the face of prison reform and you could still be glorifying murder inside of your music and you said I’ve been rapping this way since before i was the face of prison reform ya’ll forgot that fast, no fam, we didn’t forget that fast but through watching your evolution we look forward to seeing you evolve musically as well because your music still touches and has the ability to empower millions of people, bro. That way its not confusing or misleading to people. I know as an artist you could be thinking, but man what if i lose some of my fans when i’m making that change because they like me for the old stuff, trust me brother anybody that you lose when becoming a better version of yourself, that wasn’t of God, and you’re going to be better because of that loss.”
“Lil man whoever you is, until you feed the kids where you from for 20 years straight, don’t question Rozay, wait until you about 10,000 bikes, 10,000 trikes, give all the young girls who pregnant pampers for Christmas for 20 years straight, don’t question Boss. Get that basket off your head so you can think clearly lil man, you going viral for speaking on niggas name not cause of your talent, not cause of your gift, go viral player off of your wisdom that you’re sharing.”
“Rick ross, first of all I love you brother.” I love you too much to not be honest with you and right now you’re deflecting. I was talking about your lyrical content and you talkin’ about turkeys. I’m talking about you as a hip hop OG still glorifying murder and drug dealing in your music and you talking about turkeys. Bro more people are streaming your music than eating your turkeys.I’ve been a middle school teacher, now I’ma full time hip-hop artist. I’ve helped to give out $100,000 in college scholarships for students around this country.”
Jim Jones even granted his response, where he stated:
“In a real life, I do a lot for the people, miss me with the rhetoric about what I do with my music, I get money off my music. Don’t tell me how to make my dollars. You gotta whose names you mentioning out here, because my little cousin might not like how you mentioned my name, and then he might want to slap a dread out your head just because he don’t understand you using my name for fame.”
Hip-Hop & The Youth
Dee1’s dedication to promoting positive messages extends beyond his music career.
He is a professor at Tufts University and has even written a hip-hop children’s book focusing on anti-bullying called David Found His Slingshot. Dee1’s passion for promoting positivity in the Black community is evident in his extensive work, including ten albums and his latest release, Uno.
As the conversation surrounding the need for lyrical change in hip-hop continues, it raises more significant questions about the impact of music on the younger generation.
Recently, a viral video of a nine-year-old rapper named Lil RT ignited concerns about the explicit and violent content present in some rap lyrics. Many argue that the genre should prioritize empowering and positive messages, especially for its young listeners.
YSL Trial: Prosecutors To Build Case Based On Rap Lyrics
The lyrical content of hip-hop remains a topic of debate, with artists like Young Thug facing legal challenges as their lyrics may be used against them in court. Young Thug, known for his provocative and gritty lyrics, is currently dealing with a RICO case that puts his art under scrutiny.
Meek Mill and Rick Ross are red hot after dropping their first collaborative project together, Too Good To Be True. It dropped this past Friday, November 10, and it looks like it is going to bring in around $35,000 in week one. Do you think these sales are shockingly low? Be sure to tell us in the comments section if the record was better than what the projected sales indicate. Even though the numbers are not as high as other mainstream artists’ tapes have been, Meek was not bothered by it one bit. “It says me and Ross on pace to sell 35k first week I would post if it said 350k… I’m too nice and rich to be rapping in a controlled music environment.”
He is definitely right about the last statement. There are plenty of nice tracks on the record. There are also some solid guest performances. Some of the more surprising ones come on the “SHAQ & KOBE (Remix)” with Damian Lillard and Shaquille O’Neal. Meek is continuing to ride high, especially after this latest Funk Flex freestyle on HOT97. He and Rick Ross hit up the radio station and Meek laid down some hot bars over a few beats.
One of them includes an oldie but goodie. That being The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Warning.” HipHopDX broke down some of the lyrics from that beat and they scream Meek. “They gon’ put a tracker on your Hawk and try to keep it on you / Gotta play your part and they start scheming on you / Knock ’em out the park right when they start speaking on you / N****s rocking ice and trying to slide without them heaters on you / That’s how you get caught lacking.”
What are your initial thoughts on Meek Mill’s freestyle over The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Warning?” Is this his best off-the-dome performance ever? Is he the best freestyler in the game right now? We would like to know what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Meek Mill, as well as everything else going on around the music world.
Dee1, the New Orleans rapper and advocate for positive change, recently aimed hip-hop heavyweights Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Jim Jones over their lyrical content. Dee1 called out the artists, questioning their contradictory messages of prison reform and the glorification of violence in their music.
‘You Can Do Better, Brother’
On November 1, Dee1 called out Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Jim Jones on Sway Calloway‘s radio show, Sway’s Universe, questioning their contradictory messages of prison reform and glorifying violence in their music.
Dee1, known for his uplifting and conscious lyrics, expressed his disappointment in his fellow artists. He specifically addressed Jim Jones, Rick Ross, and Meek Mill, stating:
“Jim Jones you can do better brother, Rick Ross you can do better brother, Meek Mill you can do better brother, I love you too much not to be honest with you. Are you the face of prison reform or you sitting on here on your new song with Ross talking about getting somebody murked and shot at the red light which one is it bro, because I did a shoe giveaway in my city and gave out 1300 pairs of your shoes, because they said reform underneath them. I love that you partnered with a major shoe company and you out here pushing prison reform. But now I gotta to sit here, like man, this man glorifying getting people killed.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzGtSxKO5k4/
Meek Mill Responds
The viral video of Dee1’s callout caught the attention of many, including Meek Mill, who responded by defending his lyrics. The Philly native stated:
“Nah we do everything lol, I was rapping this way when I became the face of reform…. That’s how I got there ya’ll forgot that fast.”
After Meek Mill’s response, social media users weighed in on the matter.
User @im_forreeal wrote, “Meek can play it cool all he wants but the seed has been planted. This interview is going viral and will continue to circulate. Meek won’t be able to forget about this and he’ll eventually let up off that chaotic lifestyle. May take a week. Maybe a month. Maybe 3 years. He’ll be eating his words one day.”
Following Meek Mill’s response to Dee1, the New Orleans native responded to Meek saying:
“Thank you for your reply to my video post brother but most importantly thank you for your honesty and your transparency and your reply. The fact that we could be on different sides of the fence with this or have different opinions but still remain respectful and actually address the topic at hand and not try to deflect that makes a huge statement. Now you said, “nah we do everything lol,” implying that you could be the face of prison reform and you could still be glorifying murder inside of your music and you said I’ve been rapping this way since before i was the face of prison reform ya’ll forgot that fast, no fam, we didn’t forget that fast but through watching your evolution we look forward to seeing you evolve musically as well because your music still touches and has the ability to empower millions of people, bro. That way its not confusing or misleading to people. I know as an artist you could be thinking, but man what if i lose some of my fans when i’m making that change because they like me for the old stuff, trust me brother anybody that you lose when becoming a better version of yourself, that wasn’t of God, and you’re going to be better because of that loss.”
“Lil man whoever you is, until you feed the kids where you from for 20 years straight, don’t question Rozay, wait until you about 10,000 bikes, 10,000 trikes, give all the young girls who pregnant pampers for Christmas for 20 years straight, don’t question Boss. Get that basket off your head so you can think clearly lil man, you going viral for speaking on niggas name not cause of your talent, not cause of your gift, go viral player off of your wisdom that you’re sharing.”
“Rick ross, first of all I love you brother.” I love you too much to not be honest with you and right now you’re deflecting. I was talking about your lyrical content and you talkin’ about turkeys. I’m talking about you as a hip hop OG still glorifying murder and drug dealing in your music and you talking about turkeys. Bro more people are streaming your music than eating your turkeys.I’ve been a middle school teacher, now I’ma full time hip-hop artist. I’ve helped to give out $100,000 in college scholarships for students around this country.”
Jim Jones even granted his response, where he stated:
“In a real life, I do a lot for the people, miss me with the rhetoric about what I do with my music, I get money off my music. Don’t tell me how to make my dollars. You gotta whose names you mentioning out here, because my little cousin might not like how you mentioned my name, and then he might want to slap a dread out your head just because he don’t understand you using my name for fame.”
Hip-Hop & The Youth
Dee1’s dedication to promoting positive messages extends beyond his music career.
He is a professor at Tufts University and has even written a hip-hop children’s book focusing on anti-bullying called David Found His Slingshot. Dee1’s passion for promoting positivity in the Black community is evident in his extensive work, including ten albums and his latest release, Uno.
As the conversation surrounding the need for lyrical change in hip-hop continues, it raises more significant questions about the impact of music on the younger generation.
Recently, a viral video of a nine-year-old rapper named Lil RT ignited concerns about the explicit and violent content present in some rap lyrics. Many argue that the genre should prioritize empowering and positive messages, especially for its young listeners.
YSL Trial: Prosecutors To Build Case Based On Rap Lyrics
The lyrical content of hip-hop remains a topic of debate, with artists like Young Thug facing legal challenges as their lyrics may be used against them in court. Young Thug, known for his provocative and gritty lyrics, is currently dealing with a RICO case that puts his art under scrutiny.
If you’re having a hard time shaking the dramatic change in temperature that comes with autumn, at least you’ve always got our Fire Emoji playlist to help warm you up. Today (November 11) we’ve got new heat from some of hip-hop’s biggest creators, including Rick Ross and Meek Mill. The longtime friends reunited for a joint album called Too Good To Be True this New Music Friday, teaming up with the likes of Vory, Fabolous, DJ Khaled, The-Dream, and Teyana Taylor for their 17-track effort. To light up our weekly update we’ve got “Go To Hell” featuring Cool & Dre and BEAM. Trust us when we tell you it only gets hotter from there.
2 Chainz and Lil Wayne are our next iconic duo, showing out once again on “Long Story Short.” After that, we hear from two notoriously raunchy lyricists – Kevin Gates and Sexyy Red – on “Yonce Freestyle,” which also features B.G., who’s on an impressive run after returning home from prison a few months ago. Lil Durk made a triumphant return with “Smurk Carter” this week after previously teasing the single on social media, and Smino reminded his listeners why we love him so much with an appearance on ENNY’s “Charge It Remix.”
The latter half of today’s Fire Emoji round-up comes complete with solo work from both Kodak Black and Jack Harlow. The former did his thing on “Lemme See,” while the latter was clearly feeling himself when recording “Lovin On Me.” NBA YoungBoy’s “Better Than Ever” collab with Rod Wave also made the cut, along with Lola Brooke’s “Don’t Get Me Started.” The femcee dropped off her debut solo project yesterday, and so far, the Coi Leray and Nija track is an obvious fan favourite.
Tap into all the latest songs on our Fire Emoji playlist exclusively on Spotify. Which of this weekend’s new additions is your favourite so far? Let us know in the comments, and check back in on Sunday for more HNHH release recommendations on our weekly R&B Season update.
As veterans in hip-hop and longstanding collaborators, Meek and Ross’ high-energy set wasn’t just limited to their latest body of work. The duo decided to surprise viewers with a performance of Meek’s 2012 “Ima Boss,” featuring Ross.
Ross shared what led to their collaborative album during an appearance on The Morning Hustle. “This was the right time,” he replied. “We’re both solo artists and both doing our thing. I’m building MMG, and he’s building Dream Chasers [Records]. I felt like this was the right time. You know what I mean, it just came together. So we spent a little time together and got into the studio. Sh*t just came together too easily; it just flowed,” said Ross.
Watch Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ full performance above.
Too Good To Be True is out now via Maybach Music Group / Gamma. Find more information here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Meek Mill and Rick Ross are a great duo, there is no surprise there. The MMG labelmates have so many rock-steady collaborations under their belt. That also goes for the Philadelphia native and Houston, Texas singer and rapper, Vory. Too Good To Be Truedropped yesterday (November 10). Leading up to its release, the standout single was “SHAQ & KOBE.”
However, you have to include this one in the mix as one of the best cuts from the tape. “Grandiose” lives up to its name. The braggadocious bars from all three artists add to the feeling of being a boss like Ross. Additionally, the booming beat from jetsonmade, Pooh Beatz, and Murda Beatz is also a highlight, too.
Listen To “Grandiose” By Meek Mill, Rick Ross, And Vory
As we mentioned earlier, Meek and Vory have given us plenty of heat in the past. Most people began to hear of the underrated crooner back on Kanye West’s gospel-inspired record, Donda. However, Meek was an earlier endorser of Vory. Both of them had some punchy cuts on the Philly native’s EP, QUARANTINE PACK. It is good to see these two still going to work together and for Vory individually to keep getting that recognition he deserves.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new song “Grandiose” with Meek Mill, Rick Ross, and Vory? Is this best Meek and Vory track they have ever done together? Which songs are you gravtitating toward after one full day of the project being out? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Meek Mill and Rick Ross, as well as all of the hottest song drops.
Quotable Lyrics:
Bad b**** be dumbfound Her friends wanna come around Black bottles, that’s one round In the night with gun sounds Grandiose my repertoire Car show, I set the bar
The Art Of Dialogue/YouTube) 
