music-industry

Azealia Banks Thinks That Drake Could Actually Change The Music Industry For Good This Time

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Everyone went up in arms when Drake launched a legal petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify, but he’s got some people in his corner. Moreover, he accused his major label and the streaming service of collusion that sought to artificially inflate the commercial success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss track in order to damage him. Some folks disagree with the move, but others like Azealia Banks are fully behind The Boy.

“Oh drake DEFINITELY has the gun,” Azealia Banks claimed in response to a fan’s critiques. “He’s about to crook umg and spotify on some minor legal formalities and actually be the first rapper in history to stage a heist of such epic proportions. It’s really such a lethal chess move when you really examine it. He’s going to subpoena literally every platforms records, they will not be able to cook the books- and *discover* (expose) all the shady backend parts of music streaming no one really understands… then they will all have to prove that drake is a pedophile which would make UMG and spotify look r***rded if they even did, kendrick is not going to be able to perform they not like us, and jayz is going to have officially been bodied by a singing n***a…..

Read More: J Cole Claims That Jay-Z Once Told Drake To Give Cole A Hit Single

Azealia Banks Defends Drake

“everyone is going to gag at how this plays out,” Azealia Banks continued concerning the Drake situation. “It’s better to watch and understand what’s happening then get emotionally involved or pick sides, we’re about to watch the girls BATTLE honey yaaass. […] Either way I’m so perched. I’m genuinely interested on how this will turn out. This s**t is 100% about to become music industry case law whichever way it goes. People all like “oh drake is soft and blah blah,” but it’s tru I y refreshing to not see a contemporary rap beef end up in violence. This is some s**t my nerdy a** can get behind.”

Meanwhile, it seems like Drake continues to clean out his circle after some surprising Instagram unfollows. It was a pretty petty move, but just like with this petition, a lot of people understand it.

Read More: Azealia Banks Expresses Pity Over Kim Kardashian’s Intimate Photoshoot With A Tesla Robot

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August Alsina Hints That The Music Industry Will Be Exposed For “Diabolical” Actions Behind The Scenes

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August Alsina says that the music industry will eventually be exposed for fostering a “diabolical” level of misconduct behind the scenes. He shared his opinion on the industry during a rant on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday after fans complained about not getting new music from the singer. “I have the biggest bone to pick with him for not doing music anymore. How dare you!” one user wrote, prompting Alsina’s response.

“One day it’ll be revealed the diabolical level of doxxing, railroading, stonewalling, road blocking, gas lighting & betrayal that goes on behind the scenes within this industry,” he wrote. “Abuse of power, all in the name of up-keeping facades, promotion of lies and illusions; While simultaneously hiding of hands to make it look as though you’re fighting an invisible boogey-man. In this industry there is no HR to report this kind of behavior to. BUT GOD has never slept on my prayers or report. http://Give.It.Time! In the other news, I’ve been building business and exploring new territory, successfully:) check it out; http://encinawellness.com.”

Read More: Akbar V Puts August Alsina On Blast For His Thoughts About Dating Another Man

August Alsina Performs At The O2 Arena In London

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: August Alsina performs live on stage at Indigo at The O2 Arena on January 23, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

In the replies to Alsina’s post, some users brought up the recent arrest of Diddy, who authorities are charging with racketeering and sex trafficking. The Bad Boy mogul has already pleaded not guilty to the crimes and has denied all of the allegations he’s faced over the last year. Additionally, other fans noted Nicki Minaj has made similar complaints about the industry.

August Alsina Explains His Absence From The Music Industry

Check out Alsina’s full post on X below. He released his last studio album, Myself, back in March 2023. It arrived after he had said he’d “likely” be retiring from music in 2021. Be on the lookout for further updates on August Alsina on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: August Alsina Responds To Akbar V’s Homophobic Rant

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T-Pain Reveals How Much Money He Made From His First Recording Contract

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T-Pain got a massive advance in his first record label deal, though he blew through the money very quickly. While on tour with Bay Area rapper LaRussell last month, the two, along with fellow rapper Tietta, sat down for a Free Game Friday session to talk about record labels. The rapper/singer says his first record deal was favorable, since he was 18 when he signed. But he spent so much of the money irresponsibly that he was eventually in the “negative.”

“First deal, that whole first joint was 15/85,” said T-Pain. “But they gave me crazy money, so I didn’t even care. Like, bro, they straight-up was like, ‘Alright, deal’s done. Here you go.’” T-Pain added that the label gave him a $40 million advance, a number so big that his circle pressured him to accept the deal. LaRussell asked if T-Pain had ever gotten a royalty check. “Oh, yeah. A lot. I still get a lot of royalties. I’m probably never gonna not get royalty checks,” he replied. He then remarked on his thoughts after signing the first contract. “I had to go look at my deal, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m about to get paid.’ And they was like, ‘No, the f*ck you not.’ And I was like, ‘Bro, there’s no way.’ And they were like, ‘There’s all the way, ‘cause here’s your signature, you stupid piece of sh*t.’”

Read More: T-Pain Is Making This Much Per Hour From Livestreaming

T-Pain’s Wild First Record Deal

Because T-Pain’s first advance was so large, he neglected to plan accordingly. Especially since he was 18 when he signed that contract. He talks about how he went from $40 million to “complete zero.” “What do you think I’m going to do with this money? Save it?” he jokingly asked during the conversation with LaRussell and Tietta.

T-Pain continues to rake in big money over two decades into his career, though not just from music. He recently revealed the amount of money he rakes in from an hour of live streaming himself playing video games. He explained that he makes $50,000 to $60,000 per hour from his time on the popular website Twitch. The rapper also detailed how the convenience and ease of live streaming caused him to think about how much more difficult it is to profit in the music industry, as most artists make the bulk of their money from going on the road and touring. The record label taking 85% of his earnings on his first contract is another example of how difficult it is to profit, and he has found much different avenues to make money since then.

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Sukihana Clarifies What She Meant When She Said She “Sold Her Soul”

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Sukihana is an artist who has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years. Overall, she has blown up thanks to the recent wave of raunchy rap that is extremely sexual in nature. Her and Sexyy Red are at the top of this lane right now, and fans have grown acustom to their outlandish lyrics. Sure, she might be polarizing, but if you want to be successful in 2024, that’s kind of the cheat code. Having said that, it hasn’t always been easy for Suki.

In a video posted to her social media in 2019, the artist was ready to quit music altogether. In fact, she came out and said that she had signed a horrible record deal and that she had ultimately sold her soul. Selling ones soul is a concept that has existed forever, and there is debate around what it actually means. Well, in an interview with Math Hoffa on My Expert Opinion, Suki got to clarify her statement. Essentially, she just meant that she was in a bad deal that didn’t give her ownership over her own work.

Read More: Sukihana Claims JT Is A Cocaine User

Sukihana Speaks To Math Hoffa

“I was in a street, hood contract,” she explained. “I was in a bad contract. That’s what I meant, but people take it out of proportion. I feel like if you do sign a contract and you don’t own a lot of your stuff, I feel like that’s selling out, that’s selling your sold.” Suki then went on to say that she is no longer in this deal. Instead, she is doing well for herself, and is excited to move forward with her current career. It’s always good to see an artist win, and we hope Suki is able to have continued success.

Let us know what you think of these comments, down below. Do you believe that the music industry is as predatory as some artists describe? Also, what do you think of Sukihana and her music, especially in light of the wave that has been started by herself and Sexyy Red? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Yung Miami Called Out By Fans For Support Of Sukihana’s JT Diss

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Bobby Shmurda Accuses DSPs Of Blocking Him Because He Refuses To Paint His Nails

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Bobby Shmurda says DSPs and music blogs are blocking him from playlists and refusing to cover him because he won’t paint his nails. He vented about the situation in a post on Instagram on Sunday while responding to fans’ requests for him to drop new music. He says releasing new tracks is “pointless” given the situation he claims exists.

“Stop asking me to drop music American DSP and music blogs which they owned as well don’t allow real Bodman on playlists because I don’t paint my fingers,” he wrote, captioning a photo of his fingernails. “So it’s pointless…until something is done with the people who own, runs, and manages these platforms [lion emoji].”

Read More: Bobby Shmurda Returns With “No Time For Sleep (Freestyle)”

Bobby Shmurda Attends “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Premiere

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Bobby Shmurda attends “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Season 3 Premiere at Chelsea Factory on November 30, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Fans had mixed responses to Shmurda’s post with several blaming his lack of popularity on the quality of his new music. “Knock it off bro. Your music has been ass since your release,” one top comment reads. “Keep it a buck. It has nothing to do with you not painting your nails or whatever you’re trying to claim. The music has been trash. Rowdy out here doing fine because the music is decent. Stop crying, get in the studio and make some fire sh*t. That’s the remedy.” Others came to his defense. “Read between the lines guys he not doing what they want so he on the outs,” one user wrote. Check out the full post below.

Bobby Shmurda Vents About The Music Industry

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bobby Shmurda (@itsbobbyshmurda)

Shmurda’s rant comes after he dropped a new single with Eli, “On Something,” last month. The last time he released a full-length project was in 2022 with his collaboration with LouGotCash, SHMURDAGOTCASH. Be on the lookout for further updates on Bobby Shmurda on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Bobby Shmurda Works With Newcomer Eli For R&B Cut “On Something”

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DJ Akademiks Threatens To Take Down The Music Industry As Rape Lawsuit Goes Public

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DJ Akademiks was recently accused of rape, sexual assault, and defamation in a new lawsuit filed by ex-girlfriend Ziya Abashe. Overall, these allegations are quite disturbing, as Abashe accuses Akademiks and his two friends of taking advantage of her. In the lawsuit, Abashe claims that she even did a rape kit that proves she had sex with Akademiks at the time of the alleged incident. Furthermore, she allegedly did a wired phone call in which he admitted to their encounter.

During a live stream at the end of 2023, Akademiks addressed the allegations when they were brought up initially. At the time, he noted that he never slept with Abashe, and he even accused her of cheating on him with his two friends. This is contradictory to Abashe’s alleged story, although Ak maintains his innocence. In fact, during a live stream on Tuesday, Akademiks responded to the lawsuit, noting that this was some sort of shakedown. He continues to proclaim innocence, and he even threatened to bring down the music industry over all of this.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Addresses Recent Allegations Against Him

DJ Akademiks Speaks

“Let me tell you this about everyone in the industry: if Ak ever goes down, y’all going down with me. ‘Cause I hold no secrets for nobody,” Akademiks said. As we reported yesterday, Akademiks also insinuated that Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez could be involved in all of this. Moreover, he even took shots at Tyrone Blackburn who is the lawyer in this case. Blackburn is involved in lawsuits against Diddy, and Ak has been very critical of him. Of course, allegations of a conspiracy remain unfounded until further notice. Only time will tell whether or not Akademiks truly reveals industry secrets as this lawsuit moves forward.

Let us know what you think of this response from DJ Akademiks, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Saucy Santana Continues To Taunt DJ Akademiks

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Ye Asks Music Industry To Respect Name Change

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Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has issued a statement asking the music industry to respect his legal name change. In a letter from his chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, it was explained that the rapper considers “Kanye West” to be his “slave name”. “Ye is a Black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else,” the letter reads in part. Ye legally changed his name in October 2021, but has struggled to see the change reflected across published works. In their report of this story, TMZ used the rapper’s legal name and “Kanye” interchangeably.

However, he has shown a preference for the name as far back as 2018. In an interview with Big Boy, Ye stated that he felt a connection to the name’s Biblical roots. Ye is a derivative of a name for God. However, the rapper erroneously stated that it was also the most commonly used word in the Bible.

Read More: Kid Cudi Seemingly Drops Response To Ye’s “20 Years Of Music” Claim

Ye Reportedly Banned From Performing In Brazil

Ye
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 21: Kanye West is seen on March 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Elsewhere, Ye has reportedly been formally banned from performing in Brazil. Sources who spoke with the US Sun said that the rapper had been “firmly denied” a request to perform in Rio. He had expressed a desire to recreate the Rolling Stones’ infamous free concert in 200. 1.5 million people attended the Copacabana Beach concert. The reason for his ban is his string of controversial behavior, both his anti-Semitic rants and his behavior in Italy with Bianca Censori.

However, Ye doesn’t need to leave the US to put on controversial concerts. A number of fans have complained about his Rolling Loud concert. Ye and Ty Dolla $ign simply walked around a specially constructed stage as pre-released music played. A number of people have argued that this was a misrepresentation of the advertised concert. Furthermore, Rolling Loud has refused to confirm or deny reports that he and Ty were paid $10 million for the concert. The show was abruptly added to the concert lineup last month.

Read More: Antonio Brown Teases Ye Remix Of “Put That Sh*t On”

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Saweetie Claims Music Execs Told Her Twerk More Because Her Voice Was “Boring”

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Saweetie has claimed that during the early years of her career, music execs told her to twerk more because her voice was flat. “I was told I should twerk more on my Instagram. I was told that my voice was very boring – I was told that I rapped too monotone and needed more energy. And I was told that I needed to share more of my life on the internet. I’m going to twerk when I want to. That’s not going to be my marketing. And if that’s what you truly love to do, then empower yourself through that,” Saweetie told Allure magazine.

Elsewhere in the interview, the rapper also explained the delay in the release of her debut album. “I just feel like nobody was caring about my music. To me, music is sacred. It’s coming from your spirit. You can’t just go finish an album in a week. That’s why it’s taking me so long. That’s why I haven’t dropped an album yet. I don’t mean to dampen the mood,” she told the outlet. “But this is, realistically, how my career has been. We were constantly criticized for every drop. I was just very insecure. I’m a confident woman, but I was a very insecure artist,” Saweetie further stated.

Read More: Saweetie Refuses To “Spin The Block” About Quavo With Shannon Sharpe

Saweetie Claps Back At “Richtivities” Haters

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Meanwhile, Saweetie has no time for those hating on her new track “Richtivities”. “yall support a lot of mid music maybe I’ll fit in 💋,” the rapper wrote in response to someone calling “good looking” but having “mid” music. Furthermore, she took issue with people calling her out for never having “struggled” as she said “Richtivities” was inspired by music that made her “hustle harder”. “praying u have more discernment since u believe everything u see 🤞🏽,” she replied to one critic. “Part time receptionist, part time jordan ambassador, part time coder, part time waitress, created my clothing line MMM & successfully ran it by myself. What’s this called then?” she shot back at another.

“Richtivities” dropped after being teased by the rapper last month. Saweetie posted up poolside to preview her new track. The hook (“I’m doing rich sh-t”) played on repeat as the rapper vibed in pleated corset top and dark pants. From what is heard, the track has Saweetie’s classic pointed vocals and hard, hype-style beat. Fans online seemed pretty pumped for the track. “I kinda like it her music b gettin me hyped when i b doin my makeup & she talkin dat pretty b shi shes not the most lyrical obviously but it b a cool lil vibe,” one person said. However, not everyone was digging the track. “I want Saweetie to go back to her style during 2019. That icy girl/boujee girl flow was EVERYTHING,” another commenter countered.

Read More: Saweetie Wants To Be A Blockbuster Villain

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Lil Nas X Will “Expose The Industry” Next Friday

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In an Instagram post, Lil Nas X says he must “watch his back” as he plans to “expose the industry” next Friday. The comments came as the artist prepares to release his first single since 2022’s STAR WALKIN’, which was produced as the official anthem for that year’s League of Legends World Championships. Furthermore, the rapper is reportedly ramping up to a full album. The sophomore would be a follow-up to 2021’s Montero.

He has also previously spoken on “entering his Christian era”. Furthermore, he recently posted a TikTok about “finding God after the industry tried to make me satanic”. This may foreshadow his goal of “exposing the industry” next week. What do you think he is going to reveal next week? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: Lil Nas X Corrects Article Who Mistook His Mother In Graphic Fashion

Lil Nas X Hits Back at “Christian Era” Critics

However, not everyone has been a fan of the rapper’s proposed career shift. “I hate how the world successfully changed the narrative of the call me by your name video. y’all hate that i symbolically took ownership of the very place yall condemned gay people to, so you’ve flipped the script and convinced everyone that its about me “mocking god”,” Lil Nas wrote on social media. Later, Lil Nas X would refer to himself as “God’s favorite” while responding to additional hate about what he was planning. Despite all this, the full extent of what Lil Nas X is planning is still under wraps.

The primary critic of Lil Nas’ announcement had been Tyrese. The singer had taken issue with Lil Nas’ comments, telling the young rapper to “stop playing with God” and accused Lil Nas of “making a mockery of Jesus”. Many of Tyrese’s fans agreed with him, causing Lil Nas to make his aforementioned statement. However many people have objected to Lil Nas X choosing God, especially as they see his sexuality as incompatible with being a “good Christian”.

Read More: Lil Nas X’s Tampon Halloween Costume Gets Backlash, Has This Bold Response To Haters

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NBA YoungBoy Blames Himself For Being Seen As “Uncivilized”

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NBA YoungBoy has said that he believes he is not being marketed correctly and still carries a public perception of being “uncivilized”. However, he has also noted that he blames himself for that perception. Despite this, Gillie argued that people love YoungBoy because of his authenticity.

However, fans online weren’t entirely convinced that YoungBoy doesn’t get a “fair shot”. “Bruh maybe because you diss and cross everyone that tried to help and work with you?” one person noted. “One thing about being famous once you’re in you’re in. The whole world will know you and that’s the scary part. Power of the mind is not a joke and the energy that comes from fans / social media is powerful. Yb looks like his soul is gone and if there’s any left he’s tired asf from having to stay in that character i’m sure,” philosophized another.

Read More: NBA YoungBoy And Baby Drill Celebrate Lil Rye Getting Jumped In Atlanta

NBA YoungBoy Calls His Wife His “Property”

A lot has been made of YB’s time in house arrest. But back in November, he raised some eyebrows amongst his fans. In an Instagram post, YB posed with a woman who he referred to as his “wife”, amongst other things. “My real day 1, y’all be dying to see my wife huh? Nah she too exclusive #mypropertyonly 💕,” the rapper wrote as a caption. This led to a wave of speculation across social media. “He must got a bunch of sister house in that house,” one person remarked on Reddit. Furthermore, fans questioned if the woman in the photos was Dej Rosegold, a previous flame of YB from a few years back.

Furthermore, in another post, YB was seen calling his bank and asking for $1 million to be wired to his wife’s account. After he hangs up, YB proceeds to vibe out to some music with a joint. Despite recent claims that house arrest was affecting his mental health, YB appears to be having a pretty great time right now.

Read More: J. Cole Uses “For All The Dogs” Track To Address NBA YoungBoy Beef Rumors

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