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SZA Believes People Label Her As An R&B Artist Only Because She’s Black

May 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a new interview with Dazed published Wednesday (May 1), SZA spoke on only being considered an R&B artist because she’s Black. It’s a mistake that we and many others have committed in the past, not just as outlets and publications in white-dominant and often exploitative media spaces, but as non-Black audiences comparing Black art to the white-dominant spaces of pop music at large. It’s an issue that many Black artists like Tyler, The Creator have addressed to varying degrees.

Most importantly, it’s not meant to detach the St. Louis native from R&B, which she’s made a lot of, but rather to accurately assess the full range of musical styles that she employs as a pop artist, whose only defining characteristic is… well, being a popular artist that writes with pop song structures, which are not at all exclusive to the typical music genre expectations we associate with “pop.” “The only reason I’m defined as an R&B artist is because I’m Black,” SZA remarked. “It’s almost a little reductive because it doesn’t allow space to be anything else or try anything else. Justin Bieber is not considered an R&B artist. He is a pop artist who makes R&B, folk music, or whatever his heart desires.

SZA Performing At Dreamville Fest 2024

SZA R&B Artist Black Comments Music News — SZA performs during the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 06, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage/Getty Images)

“I simply just want to be allowed the same opportunity to make whatever I want without a label. [Without it being] based on the color of my skin, or the crew that I run with, or the beats that I choose,” SZA continued. “I want ‘F2F’ to be seen as what it is. I want ‘Nobody Gets Me’ to be seen as what it is, I want ‘Kill Bill’ to be seen as what it is.

“At the same time, it’s nothing to get bent out of shape about. Because it’s just how people are processing you,” SZA concluded. “As long as I don’t process myself that way. I don’t necessarily box myself into anything. I’m just trying to make music, trying to vibe out and enjoy the experience.”

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Kendrick Lamar May Have Made Kobe Bryant Connection On “Euphoria”

May 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kendrick Lamar fans believe they have stumbled upon a hidden connection between the LA rapper and the late great Kobe Bryant. Following K.Dot’s Tuesday release of his “Euphoria” diss track directed at Drake, everyone immediately started breaking down the six-and-a-half-minute song in an effort to fully understand all the messages and barbs. Furthermore, Kendrick fans also scoured the song for Easter eggs, knowing Kendrick has the ability to slip in hidden messages. Now, many believe the specific time the song was released is a connection to Laker great Kobe Bryant.

Many have noted that, while it is not yet official, the YouTube link for “Euphoria” was posted at precisely 8:24 PM PST. The jersey numbers on each side of the colon in the timestamp belonged to Kobe Bryant. Kobe is an obvious source of inspiration for the Compton MC. Moreover, Kobe was a player whose presence and drive have been reflected by Kendrick Lamar’s own presence and drive. Overall, it might be a coincidence, but it’s highly unlikely.

Kendrick Lamar Supposedly Shouts Out Kobe Bryant

Kendrick Lamar has always been a big Kobe Bryant fan. For example, he is from LA, and Kobe is an LA icon. In 2017, the two celebrities from Los Angeles had a conversation with Complex about their individual fields. The Lakers guard was asked whether Kendrick, as a rapper, reminded him of any players he has played against in the NBA. “Yeah, it was me!” Kobe said. “It’s the same hunger — you step out there on the court, we’re taking heads off […] I don’t wanna hear Michael [Jordan’s] the best player in the world. I don’t wanna hear they call him Black Jesus.” All in all, that is very high praised by the Black Mamba.

K-Dot’s “The Heart Part 5” was released in 2022 in advance of his next album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. In the music video, the Los Angeles MC raps, “Euphoria is glorified and made his,” while a deep fake of the recently deceased Kobe Bryant’s face is digitally imposed on Kendrick’s face. Kendrick is in the midst of a rap feud with Drake. The Compton MC is not one to pull punches. Furthermore, his diss towards Drake was surgical and a real body blow to the Canadian rapper. Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar is cut from the same cloth as Kobe and will aim for the kill.

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Drake Kisses Nicki Minaj At Her Concert

May 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fans of Nicki Minaj and Drake were treated to a public demonstration of affection this week when Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 Tour stopped in Drizzy’s hometown of Toronto. Following her initial difficulties attempting to enter Canada last month, Nicki performed Tuesday night in front of a sold-out audience at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. She decided to bring out the city’s most well-known son, Drake, as a surprise guest. They performed “Needle,” off Nicki’s Pink Friday 2 album, which is their most recent joint effort. Before leaving the stage, Drake and Minaj share an intimate moment.

To the pleasure of the audience, Drake gave Nicki an embrace and a big ol’ kiss on the cheek before leaving the stage. As he departed the concert, Nicki Minaj referred to the Toronto artist as “the king of Toronto” and “a legend.” Drizzy is currently in the midst of a vicious rap beef with one Kendrick Lamar. Yesterday, Kendrick released a much-awaited diss track titled “Euphoria” that dissected Drake’s entire career. Drake still found the time for his old label mate Nicki Minaj, even when partaking in a rap feud.

Drake Gives Nicki Minaj A Big Kiss And Loving Embrace

As he said goodbye to the home audience, Drake also seemed to allude to his current battle with Kendrick Lamar. The Toronto MC told Nicki and the crowd, “I love you so much. You know what time it is, you know what I gotta do.” Drizzy seemingly suggests that he is about to put all his attention into crafting a response to Kendrick. He responded to the diss on Instagram by posting a clip from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.

Drake and Minaj are now involved in rap conflicts. While Minaj has been trading barbs with Megan Thee Stallion, Drizzy is facing off against Kendrick Lamar. Minaj dropped a track dissing the Houston star, and Megan responded with “Hiss.” “Hiss” and “Like That,” Kendrick’s diss on Future’s album, both became mega hits. The question remains if Drake has what it takes to really come out on top of his beef with Kendrick Lamar. Overall, rap beef is good for business. Nicki Minaj and Drake aren’t shying away from beef.

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Cam’rom and Mase have Drake Still Winning Over Kendrick

May 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake finally received a response from Kendrick Lamar. The song “Euphoria” has been released online, and fans are ecstatic that it is finally available. All in all, the song is quite critical, suggesting that Drake might have made a mistake in joining the conflict. Lamar delivered a song that was six minutes long with a ton of bars that picked apart Drake’s entire career. Drake is criticized in the song for being a “scam artist.” It even addressed Drizzy’s decision to avoid the spotlight with Pusha T. Overall, it’s a scathing track, and now many are saying Kendrick is winning the feud. Cam’ron and Mase apparently think differently.

Cam’ron and Mase discussed the new diss track from Kendrick on their podcast, It Is What It Is. The two rappers turned podcasters and still think Drake is winning the beef, with Mase declaring that Kendrick took too long to respond. Drake put out two diss tracks in the past two and a half weeks. He was in hot water with Tupac Shakur’s estate over using AI to replicate the late rapper’s voice. Drake has been playing the internet game and posting shots on the gram. All the while, fans have been waiting for a response from Kendrick. Mase thinks the track was good but should have dropped sooner.

Cam’Ron And Mase Discuss Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria”

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Cam’ron asks Mase his general thoughts on the record, to which Mase says he thought it was “alright.” Moreover, Mase thought the record should have come out sooner and would have hit harder if it did. Cam’ron jokingly asked why Kendrick had to respond immediately when Mase waited so long to release his Cam’rin diss “Oracle” Back in the day. The two rappers got a good laugh in, and Mase had to collect himself. Ultimately, Mase says the diss didn’t say anything new about Drake, indicating that much of what we heard on the track had been previously discussed.

The Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef seems to only be getting started. Fans are dissecting Kendrick’s diss as they await a response from Drake. Overall, this rap beef seems like it’s great for Hip-Hop. Everyone has an opinion on the feud. The big question is now, where do both MCs go from here?

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Adekunle Gold Lets The Lust Out On New Single “Rodo”: Stream

April 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Adekunle Gold is not slowing down anytime soon, and he’s got another track to heat the summer up even more with his new single, “Rodo.” Moreover, it’s yet another Afrobeat-style cut with watery chords, nimble percussion, a lot of vocal and flow dexterity, and some lustful and romantic themes that might spur you to invite someone to the dance floor. His run continues following other great tracks this year like “The Life I Chose” and the Kodak Black and Doja Cat collab for The Book Of Clarence‘s soundtrack, “JEEZU.” Lyrically, the Nigerian artist is as blunt and charismatic as ever, and he also engages with a few different vocal deliveries, flows, melodies, and other elements to make his performance all the more dynamic.

Furthermore, a big part of this dynamism is also due to very, very subtle additions throughout to the main core of the song, such as a quiet horn lick here and there or some extra keys to spice up a particular line on the verse or bridge. Adekunle Gold coasts through all this quite well, although “Rodo” definitely benefits from an approach of stasis and mood-setting rather than a super fleshed-out or evolutionary song structure. Sure, there are beat drop-outs and parts in which the hand percussion has a bit more emphasis, but for the most part, you’re just happy to stay in that vibe. Also, it makes sense given the simple but very effective principles of previous cuts, such as the Bas collab “Khartoum.”

Adekunle Gold’s “Rodo”: Stream

Meanwhile, the “Room” star will probably have a bit more to offer fans for the summer season, and if they’re as wavy and fun as “Rodo,” then Adekunle Gold has plenty to eat off of this year. If you haven’t heard this track yet, find it above or on your preferred streaming service and let us know what you think of it down in the comments section below. You can also find some notable lines from the song a bit further down. As always, for the latest great music drops around the clock, stay logged into HNHH.

Quotable Lyrics
Only you my concern, make you and me combine,
Shey, you go ride for life,
If i beat it all night,
And say it’s all mine

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PARTYNEXTDOOR Is “4” The Fans On Our New “R&B Season” Playlist Update: Stream

April 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

HNHH‘s R&B Season playlist is back to round up the best releases from the various styles adjacent to the genre that came out this week, and there’s a big one to speak on right away. Moreover, PARTYNEXTDOOR finally delivered on all the hype and dropped his long-awaited fourth studio album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4). Not only does the Toronto artist deliver plenty of his trademark style on this full-length, but he also taps into sounds that he’s not immediately associated with, such as the breezy African-inspired rhythms on “F o r C e r t a i n.” If you want that classic PND sound, though, look no further than cuts like “N o C h i l l,” and you’ll be right back in that zone again.

Elsewhere on R&B Season, we have another sultry and minimal single from Normani titled “1:59,” and it features none other than Gunna for a pretty interesting crossover. Through some simple guitar licks, building vocal harmonies, stark percussion, and atmospheric effects, it’s able to keep things woozy while still having a solid melodic center. As for the College Park MC, his voice actually goes even harder than his collaborator on this cut when it comes to the passion and the strain in his voice. It’s a nice zone to see him in, especially for those looking for him to at least try to switch it up.

HNHH R&B Season Playlist: Stream

However, if you’re looking for more of that Afro-soul sound, there’s another highlight on R&B Season this week. Tems came through with an interpolation of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic “Love Me JeJe,” which is as wondrous and welcoming as it is loosely chilled-out. Across much of the Nigerian singer’s catalog, a lot of her strengths owe themselves to her strong vocal chops, charismatic performances, and her ability to build out a tune. Needless to say, these are all elements that keep on giving.

Finally, we wanted to shout out the tender, bubbly, and crisp collab between Chenayder and MAVI, “Colors.” This is easily among the jazziest and most head-bobbing picks this week thanks to a warm vocal performance from the former and a killer verse from the latter. Let us know what your favorite R&B Season cut was this week, as well as what else we missed, down in the comments below. Check out the playlist above and, as always, log back into HNHH for more amazing music drops around the clock.

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Quavo Shows Off Stunt Work In New Movie With John Travolta

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Who knew Quavo could do his own stunts? The rapper has shown off his stunt skills in his new flick with John Travolta Cash Out. Quavo shot the movie back in 2022, and the heist action film just released on Friday. It’s an action-packed movie, and Quavo shares the screen with movie legend John Travolta in what looks like a big role for the Migos star. Quavo has been in the news recently for his ugly rap beef with Chris Brown. Nevertheless, fans are discussing the rapper who might be an action star now.

The movie Cash Out revolves around Mason (played by John Travolta), a career criminal enticed by the prospect of his biggest heist yet. He teams up with his younger sibling for a bank robbery, but things take a turn for the worse during the heist. The robbers find themselves trapped inside, surrounded by SWAT troops, the FBI, and Interpol. The situation escalates further when Mason’s ex-lover and negotiator enters the picture. Quavo’s character, Anton, adds to the intensity of the plot with his actions.

Qauvo Does His Own Stunts In “Cash Out”

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In the clip from Cash Out, Quavo is behind the wheel. Quavo is evading police with his acting partner Lukas Haas in a thrilling chase sequence. The movie also stars Kristin Davis, Victorya Brandart, Joel Cohen, and many more. Additionally, the movie is available to rent on VOD and will be in select theaters starting today. All in all, the movie isnt getting the best of reviews, but people may be inclined to see it knowing Quavo is in it. Nevertheless, it is cool to see QUavo in an action flick.

Quavo has been beefing with singer Chris Brown. The two have exchanged diss tracks and disrespect over the internet. The feud is so wild that rap figures like Fat Joe say ridiculous things like, “Chirs Brown is the Tupac of 2024.” Additionally, after Brown’s diss track levied against Qusavo, rap feud expert 50 Cent said it was a wrap for the Migos rapper. Even Chris Brow’s ex-Karrueche has weighed in on the rap beef. Overall, the vicious rap war between Quavo and Chris Brown might boost Cash Out’s success.

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Ciara Updates Fans On Her Weight Loss Goals

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ciara has a particular goal in mind after giving birth to her fourth child: losing some weight, specifically a mission to drop 70 pounds. Of course, this isn’t necessary for her beauty or image, nor should weight be the standard of acceptance or self-worth for anyone, but if you have a goal in mind that you want to achieve for your own satisfaction and personal fulfillment, then who’s to stop you from chasing it? Moreover, the singer gave us an Instagram photo dump on Thursday (April 25), in which she included a snap of a scale that seemed to indicate her weight: 181.4 pounds. Furthermore, this falls in line with a previous post in which she wanted to hold herself to this standard and outlined this goal with her followers.

“Trying to lose 70lbs post baby, prepare for a show and tour while breastfeeding, and running my businesses…” Ciara captioned a post from about two weeks ago. “Shout out to all my mammas out there gettin in, I see you! ToughSh$t. #MambaMentality.” However, we don’t know if this 180-pound weight reflects her weight when she posted this, when she posted the photo dump, or both. As such, maybe the Texas native is farther along on this journey than we know. Either way, the family is undergoing a lot of exciting changes right now, so we’re sure she’s got her head up in any case.

Ciara’s Newest Photo Dump

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Elsewhere, another superstar recently reflected on a brief, since-resolved, but nonetheless spicy beef that she had with Ciara all the way back in 2011. “Do you miss being on the Internet, like, really on the Internet?” Interview Magazine editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg asked Rihanna, for whom Ottenberg used to be a stylist. “Like, ‘Good luck booking that stage you speak of’ Internet? Because you were so good at it,” Ottenberg remarked, referencing the small spat between the musicians in which the Goodies star claimed she ignored her backstage at an event. “The troll in me, she had a time,” RiRi responded. “Unfortunately, you can’t take anything back from the Internet, so I will always have the reminders, but the best troll in me is the silent troll.”

Previous Weight Loss Goals

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Meanwhile, we wish the 38-year-old the best on achieving her goals and doing all this for herself and herself alone. What are some other wholesome family moments that you’ve enjoyed seeing from her, in photo dumps or otherwise? Whatever the case, let us know down in the comments section below. Also, log back into HNH for the latest news and more updates on Ciara.

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Ne-Yo’s Ex-Girlfriend Continues To Divulge On Their Fight

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sade Bagnerise, Ne-Yo’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his two youngest children, isn’t done airing out her supposed grievances with him online. Moreover, she recently accused him of supposedly acting like “Diddy Junior” and even allegedly body-slamming her during an argument. These are all just accusations, and ones that Bagnerise even apologized for making so public recently. Still, as her latest IG Stories prove, these claims are far from over.

“To the other person,” Sade Bagnerise began concerning her accusations towards Ne-Yo. “I just KNOW you ain’t bring your playing deaf dumb and blind azz up on this internet and start LYRING thru your teeth like I can’t dispute your claims and drop the receipts. I just knoooooooooow you fkn lying, I just knoooooooow we ain’t about to go THERE. Not with what has been said about YOU. Let’s NOT. Chilllllle. Now I need another got damn boba tea. Delusional affffff!!!!!!!! Knowing DAMN well I ain’t say NOTHING that hasn’t been said and expressed with the immediate group of ppl who matter. Knowing this & knowing I can bk that up and any claim I ever make pertaining to whateverrrr I SAY.. and lying thru them teeth instead of holding folks accountable is crazzzzzzy.

Ne-Yo’s Ex-Girlfriend Continues Her Rants

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“I’m move on before u drag me bk to the pits of hell,” Bagnerise went on with her Ne-Yo claims. “Like I said.. I want the best and will work towards making that possible. I sit up here and do the BEST I can do with ALL my kids. I’m not acting above or better than the next person for asking for the next person to do better with me. I will always push for anyone I care for to better. & I want to be pushed the same. For expressing concern just like ‘OTHERS’ are doing in private. I’m not the only person with these sentiments or concerns and you, me, them, they & Gawd allllll know the got damn truth. U know how GREAT I take care of the babies and how much over time I put in to overcompensate.

“Don’t you ever bring your mouth to act like it’s anything less or my story is something to be ashamed of,” her allegations concluded. “We all have one but who I am TODAY, and the LOVE I give and pour into my kids and the family is all I concern myself with. I’m human, I have my faults, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learned, I’ve grown and I TRY MY BEST. The only thing I ask in return is for everyone to TRY THEIR BEST. All of us.” For more news and the latest updates on Ne-Yo, come back to HNHH.

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SZA Has A Big Problem With Online Haters For This Reason

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

As one of the biggest superstars in music right now, it’s fair to say that SZA’s dealt with an unfair amount of hate online for a sadly large variety of reasons. People aren’t just content with hating on one’s art anymore: they have to speak on their looks, their words, their moves, their friends… it’s a lot to handle, but surely something that stardom, passion, and moolah can alleviate. Still, the St. Louis singer -– who’s yet to drop LANA thanks to leaks -– thinks that some folks aren’t genuine in their negativity, or at least, that they hate for the wrong reasons.

“Pretending someone is wack Or untalented cause you don’t like them personally is so lame to me lmao,” SZA wrote on Twitter on Wednesday night (April 24). “U gotta Get that hater s**t up out cha spirit.” Funnily enough, this also kind of relates to a recent instance in which her manager, TDE’s Punch, had to defend her amid some hate she received from Brian “B.Dot” Miller. He called a Spotify billboard proclaiming “Snooze” as the best R&B song of the streaming era “propaganda,” causing Punch to clap back and say that he can’t be a hater for his whole career. At least this seemed in good spirits and merely a disagreement over a single song, but maybe they just had to play it off for social media.

SZA’s Words Of Wisdom On Haters

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Elsewhere, SZA is also not afraid to speak up on issues much larger than music that will definitely earn her a lot of hate due to the difficult and divisive nature of them. For example, she recently said “Free Palestine” at a New Zealand concert, referring to the current abhorrent conflict between Israel and Palestine that, despite its roots tracing back centuries, particularly escalated recently in a way that is causing a lot of death and destruction. While it is a firm stance, perhaps the most important takeaway from artists doing things like this is how it brings attention to the issue and encourages folks to do their research and understand the issue for themselves. It shouldn’t merely result in blind following for either cause.

Meanwhile, this year’s Hal David Starlight Award recipient, an honor from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, is poised to continue her massive success and streak of astonishments all throughout 2024. Hopefully less haters flood her social media on this journey, but we know she can handle them. Regardless, and speaking of which, what do you think about this advice? Let us know in the comments section down below, and keep checking in with HNHH for the latest updates on SZA.

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