Just because she also happens to be a rap diva from the south, spitting bars about NSFW topics and flaunting her bodacious body, doesn’t mean that Erica Banks is a Megan Thee Stallioncopycat. The former is doing what she can to brush off the allegations coming at her, namely from 1501 label head Carl Crawford, choosing to focus on what’s next in her career rather than getting caught up in the petty drama. She’s been giving updates on her relationship status via MTV’s Love & Hip-Hop, and earlier this week, Banks returned with a new single that’s perfect for a night out for a workout.
In “Poppin Or Not,” the Texas native calls out fake people leaving messages in her DMs while twerking in tiny white shorts and a barely-there bikini top. Her look comes complete with a Playboy letterman jacket, grills, and finally, weapon-like nails that only prove how serious she is about warning her haters. “Runnin’ your mouth on the net and I heard it, it’s cute,” she sassily spits.
Erica Banks Turns Up with Her Baddie Friends in “Poppin Or Not” Visual
The Jefe6K-produced visual isn’t the only new arrival we’ve seen from Banks lately. Her “Real Rap B**** (Poppin It)” landed earlier this month, on which she responded to Crawford’s shady comments about her being a “copycat.” Prior to that, the reality starlet also showed us her always-improving skills on her “Lose Control (Freestyle)” earlier in the summer.
Check out Erica Banks’ twerking skills in her “Poppin Or Not” music video above. Do you think that the 1501 Certified Entertainment artist has what it takes to reach Megan Thee Stallion’s level of fame? Let us know in the comments and find more HNHH release recommendations at the link below.
They be all up in my DM “Doin’ yo’ thang and I love what you doin’” Girl get the f**k out my face with that s**t They be fake in this b**ch and she want who I’m screwin’
Lil Meech recently starred in Rylo Rodriquez’ new music video for his Been One track, “Equal Dirt.” He acted in the video alongside Serayah, and it appears as though fans are not impressed with his performance. Unfortunately, ever since the video dropped earlier this week, Meech has been the victim of some major trolling on Twitter. Specifically, viewers are calling out a moment where Lil Meech acts out Rylo’s line, “B*tch, who dis fa?”
“Meech really said ‘pardon me queen, may I ponder on whomst this may belong to?’ When the line was ‘B*TCH WHO DIS FA’,’ one viewer jokes. Another writes, “I woulda been like ‘CUT!! B*tch the line is WHO DIS FA?!’” They add, “You could tell he was raised in private schools.” Fortunately for the BMF star, he at least appears to have his girlfriend Summer Walker in his corner these days. He recently posed in Malibu alongside the songstress, telling followers “some things are just 4Life.” “It’s not for U to understand,” he added in the caption.
Walker also recently called Lil Meech her “safe space,” cozying up to the actor in an Instagram Story. Despite countless sweet social media posts, the couple has been making headlines lately for some serious drama. Rumors that Lil Meech got another woman pregnant circulated recently, which was later proven to be false. A model allegedly came forward, sharing the news with Walker. Screenshots of the alleged exchange quickly hit the internet. The model in question later took to social media to squash the rumors. She claimed that the account claiming to be pregnant with Meech’s offspring was simply posing as her, revealing that she’s never even met him.
It was later speculated that Walker was pregnant with Meech’s child, which she immediately shut down. “I’m finta tour soon no time for that right now,” she assured fans, “Lil lil meech ain’t coming no time soon.” Amid the drama, however, the couple appears to be going strong. Last month, they showed out at the 2023 BET Awards, where Meech was nominated for Best Actor.
Jamila Woods just announced her first new album in 4 years. The project is her third studio album and is officially called Water Made Us. The project follows 2019’s critically acclaimed LEGACY! LEGACY!. According to Uproxx, alongside the announcement, she also released the album’s lead single “Tiny Gardens” as well as an accompanying music video. Woods described the track as “a song about the way my heart works, the slow and steady way I love.”
She also directed the track’s music video and shared some thoughts on her approach. “I wanted to create a visual representation of how I often feel in relationships — like I’m having huge feelings that I end up expressing in small specific ways,” her statement reads. Unsurprisingly, the project will dive into some intimate details of Woods’ life. ““Water Made Us feels like the most personal and vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever made. I love creating from source material, diving deep into a subject, and extrapolating from what I discover.” Water Made Us is set to release on October 13th via Jagjaguwar and features songs with Duendita and Peter CottonTale.
Jamila Woods’ 3rd Album Is On The Way
Though she hasn’t released a new album in 4 years she hasn’t been completely quiet. She teamed up with Peter CottonTale for a song called “WYD” back in 2021. The pair are set to link up again on another new song in the tracklist of Woods’ forthcoming album. She only released one new single of her own in 2022. The track “Boundaries” dropped to praise from both fans and critics alike. A remixed version of the song with DRAMA also went on to receive praise from fans.
Jamila Woods also teamed up with Adi Oasis on a song last year. The track “Red To Violet” saw the pair teaming up for an R&B number that has generated over a million streams since its release last year. What do you think of Jamila Woods announcing her third album is coming soon? Let us know in the comment section below.
T-Pain has had some interesting encounters over the years of his musical career. Case in point: He had an odd interaction with famed rapper 50 Cent when the two of them met for the first time while shooting a music video. “I’m not trying to, like, shame the man,” T-Pain said on a live social media feed with a handful of his friends. “I’m just saying how thoughtful he is. The n*gga saw that my hands was ashy, and he put lotion on my hands.”
T-Pain goes on to say that 50 Cent grabbed his hands in the middle of shooting a music video and got in between the fingers, moisturizing his hands thoroughly. The auto-tune rapper, born Faheem Rashad Najm, has been in the music business for longer than one might think, getting his start back in 1999. For 50 Cent, a.k.a. Curtis Jackson III, he got his start back in 1996. The two hip-hop icons have come up and become incredibly famous together, but this first interaction is definitely odd.
According to the No Jumper Instagram caption, “T-Pain says 50 Cent put lotion on his hands for him at a music video shoot because he noticed his hands were ashy.” This is not how rappers typically introduce themselves. But T-Pain swears this is a testament to how kind and thoughtful Fiddy is to his fellow rap peers. T has been making all sorts of observations and recollections recently, calling out Drake — in a joking way — for making “simp music.”
Meanwhile, 50 Cent is looking to have one last ride. The “50 Cent Final Lap” Tour starts on July 21st in Salt Lake City, UT. It ends domestically in Toronto on September 22nd. He will then take the show internationally, going from Amsterdam on September 28th through Europe, India, and ending in Oceania. His alleged “final” live performance will be on December 14th of this year in Auckland, New Zealand. Whether this is truly his “Final Lap” is speculative at best. As for T-Pain, he’s no doubt going to keep reminiscing about his storied past.
T-Pain has had some interesting encounters over the years of his musical career. Case in point: He had an odd interaction with famed rapper 50 Cent when the two of them met for the first time while shooting a music video. “I’m not trying to, like, shame the man,” T-Pain said on a live social media feed with a handful of his friends. “I’m just saying how thoughtful he is. The n*gga saw that my hands was ashy, and he put lotion on my hands.”
T-Pain goes on to say that 50 Cent grabbed his hands in the middle of shooting a music video and got in between the fingers, moisturizing his hands thoroughly. The auto-tune rapper, born Faheem Rashad Najm, has been in the music business for longer than one might think, getting his start back in 1999. For 50 Cent, a.k.a. Curtis Jackson III, he got his start back in 1996. The two hip-hop icons have come up and become incredibly famous together, but this first interaction is definitely odd.
According to the No Jumper Instagram caption, “T-Pain says 50 Cent put lotion on his hands for him at a music video shoot because he noticed his hands were ashy.” This is not how rappers typically introduce themselves. But T-Pain swears this is a testament to how kind and thoughtful Fiddy is to his fellow rap peers. T has been making all sorts of observations and recollections recently, calling out Drake — in a joking way — for making “simp music.”
Meanwhile, 50 Cent is looking to have one last ride. The “50 Cent Final Lap” Tour starts on July 21st in Salt Lake City, UT. It ends domestically in Toronto on September 22nd. He will then take the show internationally, going from Amsterdam on September 28th through Europe, India, and ending in Oceania. His alleged “final” live performance will be on December 14th of this year in Auckland, New Zealand. Whether this is truly his “Final Lap” is speculative at best. As for T-Pain, he’s no doubt going to keep reminiscing about his storied past.
Adam Sandler is a staple of the comedic industry. Now he’s getting the hip-hop treatment with EarthGang’s latest track, “Bobby Boucher.” The song features Benji. and Spillage Village, with EarthGang providing the verses. They recently dropped a music video for the single, and we know of at least one fan of the song and visual production. Sandler, the man behind the Bobby Boucher character from 1998’s The Waterboy, saw the video and Tweeted his approval of the whole vibe.
“Yo, EARTHGANG!” Sandler said on Twitter. “Singing along with you! Love, Bobby B.” He also retweeted the music video clip where one-half of EarthGang is sitting on a riding lawnmower, their version of Helen “Mama” Boucher in the background. EarthGang’s intention behind the song is a cross-generational appreciation of The Waterboy, something Adam Sandler appreciates. He wrote and starred in the film that launched his movie career after a successful SNL stint. Now, the character of a mentally challenged waterboy-turned-football star is immortalized in hip-hop lore.
Adam Sandler has been doing more projects that veer into the hip-hop culture, including many feature films that prominently capitalize on the hip-hop sport, basketball. Uncut Gems, a Safdie brothers film, stars Sandler as a New York jewelry salesman who collaborates with Kevin Garnett back when he was with the Boston Celtics. The 2022 film Hustle shows Sandler trying his hand at being an NBA scout. Numerous basketball stars and figures graced the silver screen for that particular movie.
Now, Sandler has his own rap track, with EarthGang showing their love for one of his original movies. The hip-hop duo is still recovering from misplacing their backpack that had a music hard drive in it. That hard drive contained a lot of their unreleased music. However, despite this setback, this new “Bobby Boucher” music video is doing well. The YouTube video has almost 140k views in four days. With the Adam Sandler seal of approval, the video should get a tremendous boost for the next few days.
Due to the many interesting figures that make up the genre of Hip Hop, music videos are usually a treat. While it’s a difficult task to pin down the best of the best rap music videos, it’s important to note that uniqueness is highly lauded. Many important figures in Hip Hop have become widely known for their music videos. These include Missy Elliott, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and many more.
The storytelling nature of rap has allowed many artists to exhibit great visual creativity. While some Hip Hop classics feature simplistic music videos, others take it up a notch. This could be through emotional symbolism, cartoons, futurism, or just plain joy. The following music videos are visually striking, keeping viewers glued to the screen from start to finish.
Busta Rhymes and Hype Williams co-directed the music video for “Gimme Some More.” It was shot through a fisheye lens style, featuring bright colors and wacky scenarios. Busta Rhymes has been lauded over the decades for his visual work, becoming one of the first rappers to include comedic and cartoonish swag in his music videos. “Gimme Some More” features Busta Rhymes’ signature energetic rap flow, and the music video reflects this. With frozen shots at the end of each rap bar, Busta and Hype grab viewers’ attention throughout.
Since the mid-2010s, Tobe Nwigwe has achieved a growing ascent to the mainstream. With the music video for his track “Fye Fye” ft. Fat Nwigwe, he became a viral sensation. The lyrics to “Fye Fye” are drenched in familial values and the bond between members of the Black community. In the instantly classic music video, Tobe, his wife Fat, and a host of Black dancers and hype people enjoy a wholesome rage. Decked in white and aqua green, the music video’s cast showcases Black love and excellence to viewers. There’s also a very pregnant Fat, raging alongside everyone else.
Upon release, the music video for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” became one of the most talked about videos of all time. The symbolism in the video was unapologetically stirring, leading to much discourse. Many different opinions were revealed about the many different portions of the music video. “This Is America” was directed by Hiro Murai. It features Childish Gambino in numerous harrowing and violent scenarios. The music video depicts issues plaguing Black Americans, including racism and police brutality. Contrasted by the violent moments, is Gambino’s awkwardly funny dancing, making for an even more stirring video. “This Is America” is undoubtedly one of the best, albeit polarizing rap music videos of the 2010s.
The music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” received widespread praise upon release in 2015. Shot entirely in black and white, “Alright” was filled with many artistic and symbolic imagery. The music video was shot by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies. There are many subtle ways Lamar highlights his frustrations about police brutality and the mistreatment of Black Americans. Tilley revealed to MTV that he wanted a video that “basically shows the state of everything that’s going on in the world right now.” While the video does have dark scenes, there remains an air of positivity and love that’s broadcast. Lastly, backed by Lamar’s constant proclamation that things will be alright, the music video for the To Pimp A Butterfly single offers reassurance amidst the chaos.
3. Lil Kim – “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” Ft. Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez & Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez (1997)
Female rap collaborations have existed since Hip Hop’s Golden Age. Nonetheless, there was a group-project type of solidarity among female rappers that has waned in recent times. “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” was a testament to the girl power that ruled the 90s rap scene. Lil’ Kim enlisted Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Angie Martinez for what is arguably the best female rap collaboration of all time. The rap song’s music video is fresh, and filled with a perfect summer vibe of everyone living their best lives. Cameos from Mary J Blige, Queen Latifah, Blaque, and more Hip Hop and R&B stars make this a truly iconic video.
On the surface level, “Hey Ya!” is a fun, funky, Hip Hop classic to dance to. However, the lyrics reveal a much more emotional and dark story of romance. Regardless, André 3000 and Big Boi leaned into the catchy beat to deliver a colorful spectacle. “Hey Ya!” is packed with a boisterous André 3000 leading multiple versions of himself while performing in London. As André 3000 says in the song, “Y’all don’t hear me! You just want to dance!” Featuring hundreds of beautiful women fawning over the star and partying in the crowd, “Hey Ya!” is still a party staple today. Importantly, the music video is also credited for reviving interest in the Polaroid picture format. Truly iconic.
One of the pioneers of striking music videos, regardless of genre, is Missy Elliott. Her music and the accompanying videos have maintained cultural relevance over the decades. Known for her futuristic sound and visuals, Missy Elliott’s single “Get Ur Freak On” is a testament to her advanced sound and eye for detail. The music video delivers on all fronts. It’s visually appealing, imaginative, properly choreographed, and has several cameos. Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Eve, LL Cool J, and Elliott’s frequent collaborator Timbaland all appear in the music video. Indeed it’s hard to pick Missy Elliot’s best music video, but “Get Ur Freak On” is one of the best rap videos, and a creative masterpiece to watch.
Recently, Rick Ross hopped on social media to record himself visiting the location where his “Speedin’” music video was shot. He looks to be on a boat in the clip, and the bridge he’s shown jumping from in the music video is seen behind him. The artist took the opportunity to share some new details about the stunt. “Right behind me is the world-famous [bridge] that it look like Rozay jumped off in that DJ Khaled video,” he explains. He goes on to say, “But just for the record, the homie that jumped off for me, he a real G, he did it for $300. You feel me?“
In the video, Rick Ross and DJ Khaled are seen driving when they get pulled over by police. When an officer asks them for identification, Rick Ross appears to get out of the vehicle and jump off of the Miami bridge. “Speedin’” featuring R. Kelly appears on his 2007 album, Trilla.
Social media users hit the comments section of the Instagram post by The Hip-Hop Wolf to share their thoughts. Most seem to believe that Rick Ross could have afforded to part with a little more cash to ensure the stunt double was paid fairly. After all, he is known to throw extravagant parties, rock luxurious jewelry, and purchase expensive toys.
Recently, Rick Ross even test drove a 63-foot Lamborghini yacht that’s estimated to cost somewhere between $3.5-$6 million. Last month, he also shared some photos he snapped alongside his custom private jet. The black aircraft features his name written in gold, with two dollar signs in “his last name”Ro$$.” Fortunately, he also put a good chunk of money towards a great cause recently. The artist donated $30,000 to a struggling health clinic in Fayetteville, GA in June. The generous gift ensures that patients in need can receive care at the clinic, free of charge.
Janelle Monáe’s “Water Slide” is one of the most infectious, gorgeous, and summery songs on her latest album, The Age Of Pleasure. Of course, that’s quite a feat, since those three descriptors basically run through the entire project without skipping a single beat. Still, it’s fitting that one of the LP’s catchiest and most easy-going cuts got the official music video treatment, which just released on Friday (July 7). Moreover, Monae and a big group of friends spend a refreshing and scantily-clad day at the pool, with some wearing nothing but pixels over themselves. With an unbearably hot summer upon us, this is exactly the kind of video that we needed.
Visually, it’s quite old-school, with a grainy look, an old-school aspect ratio, and occasional frame flashes and lens flares that make you feel like you’re watching a vintage film recording of a group of friends’ day in the sun. Also, some of the underwater shots, however brief, are beautifully crisp, and it’s probably the inspiration (or rather, the same shot) for the album cover itself. Janelle Monae plays guitar, waters a plant that becomes a dancing boxer-clad human, enjoys a smoke, and dances the day away in “Water Slide.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNE 30: Singer Janelle Monae performs onstage during night 1 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Furthermore, this will probably remind fans of her previous music video for The Age Of Pleasure, “Lipstick Lover.” That track is another highlight off the album, and this one’s visuals match the energy of the instrumental so well. For example, the drums and guitar give the track a beach-infused reggae leaning that keeps your body swaying from side to side. As expected, Janelle Monae’s vocal harmonies and melodies are as sweet as they are powerful, and the chorus refrain will get stuck in your head.
Meanwhile, this video also features some special guests in Angelica Ross and Jillian Mercado. However, one that hip-hop fans might’ve missed but is impossible not to talk about is rising star JELEEL! He does a fantastic spin dive in the water before emerging with a rose between his teeth for Monae. All in all, “Water Slide” will have you diving into a body of water as fast as possible. Check out the video with the link below and check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Janelle Monae.
In 2022, Babyface Ray secured himself a spot on the annual XXL Freshman list, alongside names like Saucy Santana, BabyTron, and Doechii. That same year, he gave us his FACE album featuring Pusha T and Wiz Khalifa, as well as singles like “Drive By” with Harry Fraud and French Montana plus “MOB” in December. The Detroit native has steadily kept the fire coming in 2023, collaborating with names such as Shady Blu, 42 Dugg, and Payroll Giovanni.
Back in June, Babyface gave us a solo effort called “All Star Team,” which arrived to rave reviews. Today (July 7), the 32-year-old is following that up with “Donda Bag” and its accompanying visual. As per Rap Radar, it was directed by Kardiak, and shows the talented lyricst putting together a fashion show while rhyming about his sometimes exuberant spending habits. “I ride out the foreign to a foreign, I ain’t even tryna brag / I done bossed my level up, it’s hard to see you eye to eye,” he tells listeners on one verse.
“Had to bring security, grab these bags when I be trying to shop / I’ve been knockin’ bi**hes, but it’s better with her diamond watch,” Babyface continues. “Donda Bag” runs just over three minutes. Production came together thanks to the rapper’s frequent collaborator, Space. It’s expected to appear on his upcoming third album, along with singles like “Ron Artest” and “Goofies,” though nothing has been confirmed at this time.
Check out the “Donda Bag” visual above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Who would you like to see Babyface Ray collaborate with in the future? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later this weekend for more HNHH release recommendations.
My name good, my face clean, my pockets full, my people straight Double-park, they let me through the back, I got my h**s with me Ayo, MCM be all up in my hair, he wanna join the team I tell my young dawg he won’t be like me, ’cause he keep drinkin’ green
(@nojumper)
at Caesars Superdome on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)