When you look at many lists of the most underrated rappers of all time, one name that pops up more often than most is AZ. Moreover, you probably know him best as Nas’ good friend who has stellar features on his 1994 classic Illmatic. However, the New York MC has a whole host of amazing solo material, cutting verses, intricate wordplay and technical ability, a lot of charisma, impeccable storytelling, and a true dedication to the art and craft of hip-hop. It’s a quality that made him reflect on how the industry moves, and how the effects of fame and money is something that he either took advantage of or strayed away from. Now, the 51-year-old joined Drink Champs recently to break it all down.
Furthermore, AZ spoke to N.O.R.E., DJ EFN, and company about his most well-known work, that being his Nas collabs. He went over some stories with his comrade, and also brought up how this was what truly introduced him to the world of rap for profit. In addition, the “Respect Mines” lyricist also explained how this early phase led to the formation of the group The Firm with Esco, Foxy Brown, Cormega, and Nature. Overall, he has a lot to look back to when it comes to the genre’s prime, and it’s from a uniquely humble perspective.
But how did AZ stay firm through it all, whether during his ’90s run or his contributions to the industry today? Well, he explains that competition, the search for money, and one’s ego are things to trust with skepticism. To elaborate, these are all things that drive artists to be better, to act smarter, to work harder, and to help each other reach their peak levels of potential. But it’s also a dangerously slippery slope that can lead to a lot of evil, too, and it’s something that the Doe Or Die II wordsmith is well aware of.
Meanwhile, if you want to listen the Bed-Stuy native these days, check out his latest tape, Truth Be Told. What did you think of his Drink Champs guest spot? Let us know in the comments section below. For more news and the latest updates on AZ and the popular interview show, stay logged into HNHH.
Cassidy claims that he knows of people in the music industry who have “done worse things” than R. Kelly. “There’s a lot more n-ggas who ain’t in jail or on trial. And they done the same thing or way worse than R. Kelly,” the rapper claimed. “So we can’t just pick and choose who we want to be angry at. And if we want to be mad at everybody who done a crime? We may as well just turn off the music, take down the videos, shut down the streaming platforms,” he added.
There has been a rise in discussion about R. Kelly ever since Diddy and others were hit with a spate of lawsuits over the Thanksgiving week. Diddy led the way with three lawsuits. The third suit was filed on Thanksgiving, just hours before New York’s Adult Survivors Act expired. In the suit, the anonymous woman claims she went on a date with him in 1991 while attending Syracuse. However, she alleges that Diddy drugged her during dinner, before filming them while he raped her. Furthermore, she claims that she was later made aware that the video of the assault had been shown to and viewed by multiple people.
Meanwhile, Resurfaced photos of Diddy‘s full-back tattoo of the Haitian spirit Ezili Dantor have led to wild speculation online. Many have theorized that Diddy’s recent legal troubles are a result of angering the Vodou spirit, which represents the divinity of love but has also been likened to an “angry mother” by some anthropologists. Due to Diddy’s alleged victims being women and children, some believe that Ezili Dantor is working against the Bad Boy Records founder as a form of retribution.
Elsewhere, Columbus Short has claimed that he once received a late-night booty call from Diddy. According to the actor and choreographer, Diddy called him at “2, 2:30 in the morning”. Intially, the call was to express sadness at Short not being at the BET Awards. However, he allegedly continued to take things further, telling Short that he was staying at a nearby Hilton Hotel. However, when Short who else was over there, Diddy informed him he was alone.
NBA YoungBoy says the music industry is “demonic” and forces within it are using him as an entertainment product. He discussed his place in the industry during an interview with Complex at his home in Utah, where he’s been under house arrest since 2021.
“It’s a demonic industry that I chose to be a part of,” he said in the clip. “So it’s like, I accept it. I run with it. But don’t be a dummy at the same time. You gotta understand, they’re using me as entertainment. And this sh*t becomes self-destruction too, ’cause I ain’t an entertainer. Some sh*t can’t be spoke on. Why? Man, ’cause this sh*t is to be continued.”
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 25: NBA YoungBoy performs during Lil WeezyAna at Champions Square on August 25, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
YoungBoy has faced numerous legal issues over the years including several cases of federal firearm charges. In 2021, he was released on $1.5 million bail and ordered to live under house arrest while awaiting trial. Amid that ongoing process, YoungBoy has been heavily focused on getting music out to his fans. Just earlier this month, he dropped his fourth new project of 2023, Decided 2. Across the 18-song tracklist, YoungBoy collaborated with just one artist, Rod Wave. It’s the second time they’ve worked together as of late, after previously pairing up on “Home Ain’t Home” off The Last Slimeto in 2022. Earlier this year, YoungBoy dropped I Rest My Case in January, Don’t Try This At Home in April, and Richest Opp in May. Check out YoungBoy’s full interview with Complex below.
NBA YoungBoy Discusses The Music Industry
Elsewhere in his conversation with the outlet, YoungBoy and Joe La Puma discuss the rapper’s creative process, listen to one of his unreleased songs, and reflect on his collaboration with Supreme. Be on the lookout for further updates on NBA YoungBoy on HotNewHipHop.
Suge Knight says that women are in control of the music industry at the moment. Speaking on the state of hip-hop during a recent episode of his new podcast, Collect Call, the Death Row Records co-founder shared heaps of praise for a number of younger female artists.
“I think the industry is controlled by the baddest b*tches in the world,” he began. “The females got that sh*t on lock and when you look at the women, they came such a long way and they’re really, really strong. They’re not in the shadows of a man; they’re leading the way. I think Cardi B is incredible. That’s probably one of the biggest stars in the industry and a great business woman that leads the way.” From there, he praised Doja Cat, Summer Walker, Lizzo, and SZA as well.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 08: Marion ‘Suge’ Knight (R) appears in court with his Lawyer Matthew P. Fletcher for a preliminary hearing in a robbery charge case at Criminal Courts Building on April 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Knight is charged with robbery and criminal threats after allegedly stealing a photographer’s camera during an incident September 5, 2014 in Beverly Hills. (Photo by David Buchan/Getty Images)
Knight also praised the women for their beauty, noting that they all look like “runway models.” Despite this, he clarified that he’s not trying to “holla at them.” “These new bitches so motherf*ckin’ pretty, the rappers and the singers and the people in the industry can’t wait to get on social media and say, ‘Look who I got! Look who I’m dating!’ That’s how bad these b*tches are and they don’t just sound good, they look good,” he continued. “And I ain’t on no weirdo sh*t. I’m content where I am with my age. I ain’t tryna holla at them or nothing like that. I just give them they motherf*ckin’ [flowers]. They the ones that run the industry.”
Suge Knight’s “Collect Call” Podcast
Episodes of Collect Call With Suge Knight are set to release weekly with host Dave Mays calling into Suge Knight, who is serving a 28-year prison sentence. Be on the lookout for further updates from the podcast on HotNewHipHop.
During a live conversation for Uninterrupted’s The Shop, Monica recently confessed feeling like the music industry forgot about her. Of course, it’s not like her career came and went with no impact at all. The Georgia singer had an incredibly successful run at the turn of the century, whether with her Billboard chart-topping hits or with her various appearances in movies and TV. Still, with all that in the rearview mirror, she feels like a bit of a footnote in the grand scheme of things. Despite these reservations, the 42-year-old is still grateful for what she has enjoyed in her career, and all the happiness to come.
“What I learned in those moments is that there’s a plan for all of our lives,” Monica expressed. “It’s orchestrated by somebody bigger than every person in this room. What was meant to happen was for my life to change that day. And I was able to really enjoy my career because I didn’t have any expectations.
“I was not looking at stats, I was not worried about awards,” Monica continued. “I’m actually a person that, for all the records that I’ve broken, I really have never won any awards. I’m really the most forgotten. If you think about it, I’m pretty much the underdog, but I sit very comfortably in it. Because I can still go where I want, do what I want, live how I want. But when I say that I am often forgotten, I was hosting the Soul Train Awards! Was nominated for five, three of my songs in one category, and still lost. But I went out to eat and kick my regular s**t after! I was not bothered because that’s not what I do it for. That is really my point when I say that, often times, I’m forgotten in those spaces.”
Meanwhile, there is definitely one fan of hers that will not forget about her anytime soon. The “Like This and Like That” hitmaker jumped into the crowd at a recent performance to defend a woman after a man hit her. With actions and statements like that in mind, it’s clear that she has her priorities in check. For more news and updates on Monica, stay logged into HNHH.
Iconic producer and beatmaker J Dilla has a legacy that’s honored and known by music lovers worldwide. The late musician died at the age of 32 from health issues. However, his younger brother, Illa J, has taken to social media to express his frustration with individuals in the music industry. These people, in his view, exploit his brother’s name for personal gain. In an Instagram post, Illa J didn’t mince his words. He condemned those he believes are using his brother’s memory for their own benefit. “It’s just gross how, not only do they use my brother … they use me to get to my brother. They do it in such a gross way,” Illa J emphasized.
He captioned the video: “To Whom it May Concern, y’all know who you are! weird a** fake a**, GEEK DOWN!!!” Illa J, himself an accomplished musician with nearly two decades in the industry, used his platform to call out this behavior. Although he did not specify the identities or instances he was addressing, he addressed the industry as a whole. “I’ve been in this industry for almost 20 years now. It just makes me disappointed in this industry, in all these people,” he continued. Illa J highlighted the hypocrisy that he believes is present throughout the music world.
Hip hop artist J Dilla of the group Slum Village photographed at the Key Club in 2000 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
He emphasized the stark difference between genuine love for his brother and the pursuit of personal gain. Furthermore, expressed his disappointment with those who claim to be ardent admirers of J Dilla but are primarily motivated by financial interests. “And all these people that ya’ll think that they love my brother so much, they’re just out here to make their name look closer to my brother, but they really don’t care about him, y’know what I mean? It’s kind of annoying.”
In a final statement, Illa J didn’t hold back. “I’m sick of it, I’m sick of these fake-a** muthaf**kas tryin’ to act like they love my brother but they really don’t — they just care about their pockets. All you muthaf**kas are gross,” he concluded. Illa J’s words serve as a reminder that authentic respect for an artist’s legacy should always come from a place of genuine admiration and reverence, rather than exploiting a name for personal gain. J Dilla’s contributions to music continue to be celebrated, and it’s crucial to honor his memory with sincerity and authenticity.
Cardi B has spoken on the notion of artists “picking sides” by working with her. “If I like you, and I meet you, and we do a song together, I am not looking for you to pick a side. You can work with whoever you wanna work with because at the end of the day, this is a business and you gotta look out for yourself,” Cardi said in a recent interview.
The issue has become more and more prevalent in recent years as Cardi has become involved in beef with the likes of Nicki Minaj. This has led many people to believe that collaborators have to pick sides between the two in order to work with them. However, at least Cardi believes that she has no problem with people who work with those against her as long as she vibes with them also.
Elsewhere, Cardi has been forced to address bizarre claims made by Kanye West. West called Cardi an “Illuminati plant”. In response, Cardi reshared an interview Kanye did with Jason Lee last year in which he praised Cardi. “I was finishing that verse for your girl, you know what I mean? I’ve always believed in her since she was on the show,” Kanye said in the clip that Cardi responded to with a heart emoji.
Meanwhile, Cardi has also threatened to wreck havoc on the internet. “I been trying not to disappoint my fans because I’ve been trying to be Cardi B the professional. But Belcalis the Demon, it be really close to come out. And I don’t want that because I don’t want to disappoint my fans. I’ma just say this: people love Cinderella until Cinderella get a glass house. Leave me the fuck alone because I come with receipts. Years old receipts. I got receipts on all you bitches and n-ggas.”
To no one’s surprise, Russ has a bone to pick with the music industry and streaming- and that’s not a jab at him. Moreover, the SANTIAGO rapper has often been very outspoken about his thoughts on these institutions, and there’s certainly a lot to comment on and complain about. His latest target, focused on via Twitter, is the advent of fake streams to boost a song or album’s profile. Apparently, the 30-year-old is so sick of trying to beat them that he wants to join other artists in that crusade, at least jokingly. Not only that, but he thinks it would make a point and is just a tool to promote yourself at the end of the day, as heinous as it may sound.
“Real s**t I’m boutta start faking my streams like everyone else,” Russ tweeted on Thursday (September 14). “It’s marketing when you think about it. General person is a sheep.. if you see a song has let’s say 100m streams and you haven’t heard it, you think ‘damn I’m tripping I needa go peep.’ And then the fake streams get you real streams. Such a ridiculous game but f**k it, maybe I’ll film the whole process and drop a doc after.”
Another recent industry question that the Atlanta MC brought up recently concerns first week sales. These have to do specifically with Burna Boy’s latest album, I Told Them…, and how close-minded people are when considering these numbers. “Burna Boy is doin 21k (in America) and sellin out arenas in America as well. How come artists who sell more than that (in America) aren’t doing arenas (in America) ?” Russ inquired on Instagram. “Take a wild guess [crying-laughing emoji].”
Meanwhile, he also recently alleged that Billboard disqualified album sales of his own. “Billboard & Luminate took away ANOTHER 4,000 of my REAL sales over the weekend,” he wrote on Twitter. “Making that 10,000 sales total they took away from me. [They allow] major labels to fake their streams and sales and do monopolistic merch bundles. Only major labels are allowed to do merch bundles because the only approved vendor is a major label vendor. These numbers and charts are made up. The impact however is not. Shoutout to the fans.” We’ll see what else the artist targets when it comes to the music industry. Considering that, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Russ.
Establishing himself as a giant in the music industry, Scooter Braun is an executive and talent manager. During his meteoric rise to the top, Scooter has managed the careers of top artists like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and more.
Just as he’s known for his business acumen and eye for talent, he’s also known for controversy, including his dispute with Taylor Swift over her masters. Over the past few years, many of his artists have dropped him, putting his career in a precarious place. Many are wondering if the empire he spent years build is at risk of toppling.
Early Life Of Scooter Braun
Scooter Braun and Kanye West (Photo by Ben Rose/WireImage)
Scooter Braun was born Scott Samuel Braun on June 18, 1981 in New York City. While attending Emory University in Atlanta, Scooter threw lavish parties that attracted high-profile guests. Eventually, he caught the eye of Jermaine Dupri, founder of So So Def, who asked Scooter to join the marketing team of the label. Scooter agreed and dropped out of college. By 19, Scooter Braun officially got his entrance into the industry. Shortly after, he would become head of marketing at the label.
US businessman Scooter Braun (L) and Canadian singer Justin Bieber arrive for YouTube Originals’ “Justin Bieber: Seasons” premiere at the Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on January 27, 2020. (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR / AFP) (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)
In 2007, Scooter discovered a young Justin Bieber’s cover videos on YouTube. Knowing that Justin would be a hit, Scooter helped sign him to Usher’s Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG) in a joint label venture with Island Def Jam in 2008. In quick succession, Scooter Braun became Justin’s road manager, where he helped steer Justin’s career into superstardom.
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 03: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Scooter Braun (L) and Ariana Grande walk backstage during the “Dangerous Woman” Tour Opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 3, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
During this same period, Scooter started SB Projects, a multi-faceted entertainment company involved in film and TV projects. But, not wanting to be a one-hit wonder, Scooter picked up the pace scouting new talent. He told The New Yorker, “I decided, I’m not just gonna break one new act, I’m going to break two more.”
Scooter then signed Carly Rae Jepsen to his SchoolBoy Records and began managing the British boy band, The Wanted. By 2012, all three of his acts reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other artists saw what Scooter was doing and wanted in. In 2013, Scooter signed Ariana Grande to his label, and by 2016, Scooter was her main manager.
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Yael Cohen Braun (L) and Scooter Braun attend FCancer’s 1st Annual Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala at Warner Bros. Studios on October 13, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Although he was busy expanding his empire, Scooter still found time for love. He started dating Canadian health activist Yael Cohen in 2013. The two tied the knot the following year and went on to have two sons and a daughter.
As his family grew, Scooter continued to hustle. His SB Projects brokered world-class deals, including Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein endorsement. Scooter was also responsible for Kanye West’s blockbuster partnership with Adidas. Through all of this, he added Quavo, J Balvin, and Demi Lovato to the roster of artists he represented. Everything seemed to be looking up for Scooter Braun.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 21: Scooter Braun speaks onstage during the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 2019 State of The Entertainment Industry Conference held at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on November 21, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/Getty Images)
In 2019, Scooter’s company, Ithaca Holdings, purchased Taylor Swift’s former label, Big Machine Label Group. As a result, Scooter Braun owned the masters of Taylor Swift’s first six albums. Despite Taylor wanting her rights back and calling him a “bully,” Scooter wouldn’t budge. As a result, the public mostly sided with Taylor and believed Scooter was dodging Taylor and being shady.
However, Scooter Braun let it be known that he was trying to reach out to Taylor. He said he had attempted to contact her and her lawyers for six months, but she refused to talk. Taylor dug in and said Scooter was trying to force her to sign a non-disclosure that would forever silence her. She claimed Scooter was so unfair that he wouldn’t even quote her team a price to buy back her masters.
Tired of being dragged, in 2020, Scooter sold Taylor’s masters for $300 million to a private equity firm called, Shamrock. Scooter told Variety that he was upset over the whole feud with Taylor and continued to stress that he left the door open for communication. He added, “The thing that struck me the worst is the word ‘bully.’ I’m firmly against anyone ever being bullied. I always try to lead with appreciation and understanding.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 07: Founder of SB Projects Scooter Braun speaks during a keynote at CES 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 7, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 9 and features 3,600 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The South Korean company HYBE acquired Ithaca Holdings in 2021 in a deal valued at more than $1 billion. Two years later, as the CEO of HYBE America, Scooter led the charge in purchasing one of Atlanta’s top labels, Quality Control, in a $320 million deal.
A few months after HYBE’s acquisition of Ithaca Holdings, Scooter and his wife separated, with him filing for divorce in July 2021. As his home life was falling apart, Scooter Braun’s musical empire began to break.
Word began to spread around the industry that Scooter Braun was a bit grimy, especially to protect his cash cow, Justin Bieber. Rapper Lil Twist who was once good friends with Justin told Business Insider that Scooter would spread negative stories about him to protect Justin’s reputation. He claimed he was used as a scapegoat and even took a marijuana possession charge for Biebs. Other sources said Scooter would routinely do anything to cover for Justin’s bad behavior, specifically his drug use.
By 2023, Demi Lovato had left Scooter Braun and Ariana Grande was reportedly looking to make her exit. Idina Menzel who had worked with Scooter since 2019 also parted ways. Despite the mass exodus, Scooter joked on X, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.”
While Scooter may have been all laughs, things got serious when rumors surfaced that Justin Bieber was leaving Scooter. News spread that Scooter and Justin hadn’t spoken in months. There was also word that Justin was so unhappy that he was looking for new management. However, those reports got squashed as quickly as they started. Hours later, Entertainment Tonight reported, “Justin and Scooter are still working together. Justin is not taking meetings to look for new management.”
With so much turmoil surrounding him, Variety is reporting that Scooter will step away from day-to-day artist management and focus more on his HYBE America CEO duties. One source said, “He’s imploding. It’s a different world since the pandemic. You just can’t be an asshole like that anymore.” Only time will tell how Scooter Braun comes out of all of this.
If there is a rapper that knows something about standing out from the rest of the pack, it is Lil Wayne. His versatility as an artist and technical skills as a rapper are what makes him a legend in the game. Wayne’s influence on the biggest names in the space like Drake and Kendrick Lamar builds upon his legacy even more so. Even with the stars’ imprint on rap, like Wayne, there is still some belief that AI (artificial intelligence) can mimic someone’s presence on the mic down to the finest details.
In a recent sit-down with Billboard to honor the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Wayne was questioned about a host of topics in the industry. One of the topics that was brought to light was AI’s impact as of late. “Someone asked me about that recently,” Wayne began. “They were trying to tell me that AI could make a voice that sounds just like me. But it’s not me, because I’m amazing.” Wayne possesses undoubtedly one of the most standout voices. With his high-pitch raspiness and his signature lighter flick, his opinions on this are more than valid.
Another feather in the cap of Wayne is his ceaseless drive to create new music. With well over 18 releases on Spotify, and not to mention his extensive mixtape discography on Datpiff, he spoke on why his work ethic has continuously been a catalyst to his success. “I just work. I just keep going. I never stop. It’s just the work ethic, plain and simple,” Wayne said. In the interview, he hinted at the release of Tha Carter VI, but time will tell when that will drop.
All in all, Lil Wayne’s one-of-a-kind style and approach to music make him an unreplaceable figure in the hip-hop genre. What is your take on AI? Do you feel it can fully replace artists in the future? Or, is it just a fad trend that will die out? Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section. Continue to follow HNHH for all the latest news in the music industry.
