Jazz revivalist Isaiah Collier announced his new project with The Chosen Few, The World Is On Fire, with a release date of October 18. It’ll be Collier’s final project with the quartet, following this year’s The Almighty. The Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist refocuses his aim on this upcoming LP, taking on the current civil unrest in the nation. It’s a tribute to individuals like Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Sonya Massey, and more whose lives were stolen by agents of hate.
In the press release announcing the new album, Collier explains, “This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time. Through my music, I strive to capture and personify the profound impact of the challenges we face.”
“This 8 year journey with The Chosen Few is coming to an end,” he continues. “It’s almost ironic given the circumstances of the times. In the past eight years I have experienced two extreme presidents that have changed the world for me. Just as they have changed policy, so has my music. I can’t say it is a bittersweet thing for I have had this project since I had graduated High school. In an ironic sense I feel like I’m graduating again but into a new musical exploration and perspective. I have given as much as I can to this concept of sound that I can. I thank my musical ancestors John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and many more for being my muse in addition to being a vessel and conduit for their impact. Now I’m finding a new muse in sound and look forward to sharing with you all. For change is inevitable and I pose this question to the world: ‘What’s the point in doing something if you are not going to change it?’”
The World Is On Fire is due on 10/18 via Division 81 Records. You can find more information here.
Back in March, 50 Cent was accused of rape on Instagram by Daphne Joy Narvaez, the mother of his 12-year-old second son, Sire Jackson. In the post, she wrote, “Let’s put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me. You are no longer my oppressor and my God will handle you from this point on.” Shortly thereafter, 50 filed a lawsuit for defamation against Narvaez, claiming that she made up the accusations to prevent him from seeking sole custody of Sire, and to distract from her involvement in separate legal dramas surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was accused of sexual assault by a former producer.
50 did not give reason for his request to have the suit dismissed, only that it be withdrawn “without prejudice,” which would allow him to file again at a later date. Neither 50 nor Daphne responded to the Times’ request for comment. Before moving to dismiss the case, 50 demanded $1 million in damages and the removal of the damaging posts; Narvaez has already deleted the posts, although she said she would secure representation to handle the allegations made about her in Lil Rod’s suit against Diddy.
As the trees begin to shed their leaves and the weather cools down, one thing is holding steady: music festivals. Sure, spring and summer both have claims to being the center of music festival season, but fall is not without its merits. From ACL to Portola to III Points to Camp Flog Gnaw, some of the best festivals in the world take place towards the end of the year. And, the more temperate weather makes the appeal that much greater.
With a run of music festivals comes the need to prepare for those festivals. Once again, we’re back with a guide of items we think will help make your next music festival experience better, either from a functionality standpoint, an enjoyment standpoint, or simply a survival standpoint. Either way, pack up and we’ll see you at the show.
ohsnap!’s Snap 4 Luxe
oh snap
From finding set times to recording performances, chances are you spend a good amount of your festival experience holding your phone. The Snap 4 Luxe is the super-thin grip that you didn’t know you needed. With a variety of new colors (red, lavender, hot orange, hot pink, and sky blue), this multifaceted device can also be used to prop a phone up for viewing ease, and won’t make your phone lay down awkwardly when on its back. It’s also magnetic, so you can stick your phone on a variety of surfaces, and it is MagSafe® compatible with wireless charge-through. Honestly, this feels like a great way to avoid losing your phone at a festival, and just a great phone accessory for everyday life.
Despite only being in a handful of states, STIIIZY is the best-selling cannabis brand in the US. That speaks both to the quality of the product and the brand’s overall footprint in the space. And while legalization is gaining traction in more and more states, there still might not be a better place to sample a little THC than a music festival. This recently released line of STIIIZY edibles is ideal for the festival grounds, especially because you can enjoy them before heading in and let the effects hit you once you are in front of a stage. With Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid options, there is truly something for every cannabis user, and their 2:1 THC to CBN Edibles are formulated to ease anxiety and tension, which is perfect for big crowds. Weed and music go together like milk and cookies, but just be sure to obey local guidelines and festival protocols.
As I wrote about earlier this year, wellness at music festivals is becoming a major focus, with more brands finding ways into the space. This also means that you can be packing ahead, knowing that your body will be pushed to its limits and in need of a little TLC. We recommend the products from Hyperice, specifically the Normatec leg system. It’s basically a portable massage therapy system designed for athletes that uses air compression to help you recover, but it’s beneficial for anyone wanting to take care of their body. They also make nifty massage guns like the Hypervolt 2 Pro, which provides spot treatment for any sore muscles. These aren’t the smallest items to include in your packing, but they’re worth making space for.
KIND bars have had a music festival presence for years. Sometimes, they’ll have an installation giving them away. Sometimes, it is just through advertisements. But there’s a reason that the association works so well: they provide portable bits of energy and sustenance while tasting great. Whether for the car ride on the way to the fest or back at camp for post-event snack, packing light bites like those offered by KIND are truly essential. New recent offerings include KIND Zero (with no added sugar) and a Seeds, Fruit, And Nuts line.
While you probably can’t bring your own food and beverages into a music festival, you’ll def need to plan ahead whether you are staying at a hotel or hitting the campgrounds. The ORCA Wanderer 24 is a great companion, with the size and space to hold wine bottles and up to a 24-pack of beer (or soda?). With five colors to choose from, we particularly like the Starboard, which can stand out from the crowd. Also, the leak-proof zipperless design and waterproof lining are ideal for travel, ensuring that your ice doesn’t leak all over your car, tent, or hotel room.
Unless you have your own hotel room or a bed secured, many people will be roughing it a bit for festival accommodations. We recommend this inflatable sleeping pad for whatever situation you might find yourself in. Again, this is very compact so as not to take up too much of your packing footprint, but will make a world of difference in overall comfort. We particularly like the built-in siderails, which allow the sleeper to remain secure on the pad all night (or day, depending on WHEN you sleep).
Seeing a live performance is perhaps the best way to hear music, but it’s also one of the loudest and potentially most harmful ways. Hearing protection is important, and Vibes’ hi-fidelity earplugs lower sound without sacrificing quality, making them a must-use for the next show you attend.
Ice Spice has been making plenty of headlines lately, though unfortunately, not all of them have been positive. Earlier this month, Cleopatra took to social media to accuse the “Deli” performer of refusing to pay for her meals and hotels on tour, and more. The story quickly went viral, prompting a heated and public back and forth.
While fans and critics alike continue to weigh in on the debacle, Ice Spice hasn’t let that stop her from enjoying New York Fashion Week. Recently, she was spotted front row at the Luar “En Boca Quedo” show, seated next to Madonna and Bad Gyal. She shared various photos from the event on Instagram today, putting her selfie with the Queen of Pop front and center.
Ice Spice stunned in a graphic black and white mini-dress featuring the brand’s logo, which she paired with black thigh-high boots, a cropped fur jacket, and a rhinestone-studded handbag. As for Madonna, she rocked a tan short-sleeved trenchcoat, thigh-high leather boots, latex gloves, and a pair of sunglasses. She tied her look together with a large Luar bag. Other celebrities like A$AP Ferg, Tinashe, Hari Nef, Coco Jones, and more were in attendance. Offset even played a major role in the show, modeling a black leather trenchcoat.
The photos arrive after Madonna wrapped up her “Celebration” tour in April following a health scare last year. She suffered from a bacterial infection, which led to a four-day coma. “It’s a miracle that I’m alive,” she told fans onstage in December. “I didn’t think I was gonna make it this summer, but … here I am.” What do you think of Ice Spice sitting front row with Madonna at the Luar NYFW show? What about their looks? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar is embarking on yet another milestone as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime show for Apple Music. The announcement arrived last weekend in a commanding video showing Lamar in front of a large American flag. Of course, this isn’t the first time K.Dot has taken to the Halftime stage, as he previously joined the ranks of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg back in 2022. For fans, the powers that be made the perfect pick for the February 9, Black History Month performance. However, with the big game being hosted in New Orleans, the report of Lamar being chosen over hometown hero Lil Wayne ruffled a few feathers.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar stated in a press release. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” It’s a confident statement coming from an artist whose career only continues to rise. The rapper has had a monumental 2024 with the “Not Like Us” Drake diss takeover that rocked the boat of Drizzy’s career. The Pop-Out concert in Lamar’s L.A. stomping grounds broke records and became the talk of the internet for weeks. Additionally, with 17 Grammys under his belt and respect as a culturally conscious rapper who sold out his The Big Steppers Tour, one would think that choosing him for the Super Bowl would make sense. Yet, Young Money came out on social media swinging with allegations that Weezy F. Baby was snubbed.
Do Hometown Artists Deserve Priority?
A quick look at the list of Super Bowl Halftime performances will show you that, more often than not, the artist isn’t from the hosted city. Sure, Dr. Dre was able to coordinate a tribute to his career at Super Bowl LVI in L.A., but that isn’t consistent in its history. It is true that Lil Wayne helped put Lousiana Rap on the map, carving out one of the most successful Hip Hop careers to date. His Tha Carter series have been hailed as untouchable classics, with millions of units moved, and one can’t forget his 27 Grammy nominations and five wins. However, there didn’t seem to be the same uproar in 2019, when Maroon 5 headlined Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, leaving local Hip Hop artists in the dust.
Can we wrap this Jay-Z Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar Debate up by midnight.
It’s been 58 mf Super Bowl performances and like 2 of them were in their home towns.
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” said Jay-Z. Five years ago, Roc Nation and Hov partnered with the NFL to enhance their social justice efforts and live experiences. For many, this means that Jay-Z has been calling the Halftime shots. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.” It may be a sentiment that New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell aggrees with, considering she was born and raised in Los Angeles, herself.
The Young Money Meltdown
Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out.…
It didn’t take long after Kendrick Lamar’s news was shared that Hip Hop fans stormed social media with hot takes. Lil Wayne’s admirers swiftly defended the rapper and accused Jay-Z and Roc Nation of foiling his Nola Halftime opportunity. Then, Birdman chimed in with a message on X. “These n-ggaz Pussi @NICKIMINAJ @Drake @LilTunechi YMCMB. I’m make these n-ggaz respek us on Gladys.” He followed up with, “Hatin sh*t 4real.” It’s clear that he believes Wayne was pushed out of the running by nefarious higher-ups, and Nicki Minaj echoed those points of view in a lengthy rant of her own.
“Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego,” The Pink Friday icon wrote. “Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out.” Amplifying her position, Minaj also referenced Colin Kaepernick, stating, “One n*gga took a knee The other n*gga took the bag. He gon get you ‘n*ggers’ in line every fkng time.” She also seemed to target Hov or Roc Nation by calling them “spiteful and evil.” It was a tirade that was shared near and far.
Amid fans pointing out Weezy’s Rap GOAT status, his peers surfaced with support, as well. Master P is an icon from The Big Easy, and while he gave Lamar a “salute,” he suggested that Lil Wayne be a part of the Halftime show, too. “Well deserved, he’s one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now,” Percy Miller said of Kendrick. “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well.” He added, “He’s one of the greatest Hop Hop artists alive, still relevant and he’s a New Orleans native. Let’s not miss this cultural moment in the South. Life is too short! We have to give our legends their flowers while they are here.” Social media users have debated the concept of Wayne’s recent relevance as opposed to his overall status in Hip Hop. The arguments have become heated as Hip Hop heads go toe-to-toe.
P wasn’t the only Louisiana artist to speak up. Boosie Badazz worked his caps lock button overtime when expressing his disdain for Lamar’s choosing. He used the hashtag “#idontrespectit” and pointed out that the Los Angeles Super Bowl’s Halftime show featured prominent artists from the city. “ALL YALL ACTING LIKE YALL COOL WITH HOW THEY PLAYING IT FOR THE SUPERBOWL SMH THE MOST CULTURAL CITY N THE USA( NEW ORLÉANS)ITS A SMACK N THE FACE TO EVERY HIP HOP LEGEND FROM LOUISIANA @MasterPMiller @BIRDMAN5STAR.” Juvenile also has a thing or two to say, even calling out NFL executives for exploiting the city without including the artists.
“I don’t see how the f*ck y’all don’t have Lil Wayne doing the halftime show,” the “Back That Azz Up” hitmaker said in a video. “Somebody that has a whole bunch of f*cking hits and somebody that really deserves it and somebody that can bring out multiple artists of all genres. Think about it.” Others like Cam’ron and Hurricane Chris have also expressed the necessity of Wayne’s inclusion.
Kendrick Vs. Wayne’s Live Performances Questioned
It’s unclear at this stage what Kendrick Lamar and Co. have in store for what is shaping to be another epoch-making moment for Hip Hop. Lamar’s live performances have been artistic, cultural staples with symbolism that causes millions to dissect the historical significances. We watched this unfold for months as every lyric of “Not Like Us” was analyzed, from podcasts to tweets to TikToks and more mainstream media. When we received the accompanying music video, it further pushed those discussions.
This point is currently being debated as people share comparisons of Kendrick’s live shows to what Wayne has to offer. The latter is dynamic as he brings favorites to the stage, hyping the crowd from beginning to end with songs imprinted in our minds and Hip Hop culture. Still, some have argued that as a headliner at the Halftime show, it wouldn’t have the same impact. While the call for some sort of Young Money reunion at the next Super Bowl rages, attendees of this year’s Essence Festival pointed out that something of the kind has already taken place. Essence Fest was hosted in New Orleans and featured a Hot Boys reunion involving Wayne, Birdman, Juvenile, B.G., and Mannie Fresh. It went off with a bang, but Kendrick Lamar’s defenders contest that Dot would highlight more of a conscious, cultural space that is needed in today’s climate. Fans also surfaced online with allegations that Wayne forgets his lyrics while performing; some saw that as a risk.
Kendrick is definitely bringing out Wayne, but why do you think wayne could do a 15 min high energy performance ?!?!?!? He’s on heavy drugs and can barely remember his words to songs
For the most part, Lil Wayne keeps himself away from the hustle and bustle of internet shenanigans. It hasn’t kept his name off of trending topics lists, obviously, but there was a moment during a 2016 interview with ABC News’ Nightline, he made eyebrow-raising statements about the Black Lives Matter movement. He was asked his thoughts on the topic, and Weezy questioned what it even was. He said the concept of BLM “just sounds weird,” and became increasingly agitated as the line of questioning continued. Even T.I. came forward to speak out against Wayne’s remarks.
“I don’t know, that you put a name on such a — that’s what it was. It’s not a name; it’s not whatever, whatever,” Lil Wayne said. “It’s somebody got shot by a policeman for a f*cked up reason. I am a young, Black, rich n*gga. If that don’t let you know that America understand Black n*ggas matter these days, I don’t what it is.” He added, “I don’t know what you mean. Now, don’t come at me with that.” Elsewhere, “I don’t think I got to express this, but it’s who you are. You get treated accordingly. I don’t know nothing about that, what they’re talking about. I’m rich ass n*gga. Man, don’t get mad ’cause I’m rich and I don’t see none of that.” He then called himself a “gangbanger” as he continued to dismiss and distance himself from the movement.
This alone wouldn’t cut someone off from being a Halftime performer. However, with Roc Nation at the helm wanting to highlight social justice efforts in the NFL to recover from the league’s ongoing allegations of racism and lack of BLM support, one can only imagine if comments such as these may thwart those efforts. Further, Lil Wayne’s pardon from former President Donald Trump and his rumored support for the 2024 candidate has also made Wayne a target. Yet, being a Hip Hop MAGA supporter in and of itself also wouldn’t keep him from the Halftime stage. Who knows, we could get a Wayne or Young Money appearance in some way at next year’s Super Bowl. Whether or not that materializes remains to be seen, but Drake is probably somewhere bracing himself for the next “Not Like Us” season, this time, with an estimated 20 million people tuned in. It’ll be a doozy, no matter who Kendrick Lamar decides to share his spotlight with—but the BeyHive is hoping for a performance of “Freedom” with Beyoncé.
For the past month, Fousheé has been preparing to release her second studio album, Pointy Heights. Named after a stretch of land in Jamaica owned by her grandfather — who was nicknamed “Pointy” for his small stature — the album is dedicated to the New Jersey singer’s roots. After releasing the lead single “Still Around” in July, the former Uproxx cover star followed up with “War,” “100 bux,” and today, “Feel Like Home.” The new song is a dreamy mash-up of alt-rock and doo-wop and pays homage to “the people that truly make a place feel like home.”
Pointy Heights is inspired by a trip back to Jamaica, after which she scrapped all the songs she’d already worked on, starting from scratch with roots reggae, ska, and rocksteady as the baseline for the revamped project, which will feature production from her frequent collaborator Steve Lacy and Karreim Riggins. On her Instagram page, Fousheé explained, “pointy heights is a mile & a half long area located right outside of old harbor jamaica founded by my grandfather pointy. they called him pointy bc he was pint sized 🙂 this album is dedicated to him, the fam & the community.”
Listen to “Feel Like Home” above.
Pointy Heights is due on 9/13 via RCA Records. You can find more info here.
The pick for Super Bowl LIX’s halftime headliner has proven controversial, drawing criticism for the NFL, Roc Nation, and Jay-Z in particular. This is familiar territory for the rapper-turned-mogul, whose partnership with the NFL has been criticized from the very beginning. But he has at least one supporter in his corner — former rap rival and fellow Golden Era pioneer Fat Joe, who defended Jay during a livestream on his Instagram account. During the wide-ranging monologue, Joe posited that while Jay-Z’s deal with the NFL might not be perfect, that there wouldn’t even be an opportunity for rappers like Kendrick Lamar or Lil Wayne to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
While acknowledging the contingent of hip-hop heads who wanted Lil Wayne to headline in New Orleans, he argued that “it ain’t just one man’s decision” and “if he wasn’t doing shows, it’d be no hip-hop.” As an example, he pointed to the 2022 show, which was headlined by rap legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and featured 50 Cent, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, and joked that if not for Jay, the halftime show would feature performances of the viral country folk song, “Cotton-Eyed Joe.” While that might be an exaggeration on his part, the last arguable rap act to perform the halftime show was Black Eyed Peas in 2011, at the height of “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow Pow.”
So, while it wasn’t Jay’s decision to book Kendrick (or snub Lil Wayne), Joe believes his influence has at least opened the door for non-traditional performers, as hip-hop continues to take it pretty far.
The news of R&B legend Frankie Beverly’s passing at age 77 today was a little like hearing a favorite uncle died for much of the Black community. His songs entertained and brought families together for generations — especially after Beyoncé covered his signature hit, “Before I Let Go,” in 2018 for her Homecoming Coachella concert film. Beverly himself said the rendition helped to revitalize interest in his career, and today, Beyoncé paid homage to the lost legend with a heartfelt message posted by her Parkwood Entertainment.
Thank you, Frankie Beverly, for bringing us all together with your music. You’ve written some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs for the world to enjoy. With your lyrics, you have humanized our experiences, through joy and pain. Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community, family, and togetherness. We will never forget you. May you rest in power.
Fortunately, Frankie was able to receive some of his flowers while he was still around to smell them. In March, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAACP Image Awards. And, of course, he got to see the cross-generational relevance of his biggest hit thanks to Beyoncé, saying, “She’s done so much, this is one of the high points of my life… I just thought it was a great little song, but I never thought it’d be all this… it’s one of those things this band will be able to carry on forever.”
The NFL and Roc Nation selecting Kendrick Lamar to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show next February ruffled some feathers in hip-hop, but apparently, the Compton rapper’s chief rival, Drake, isn’t sweating it. In fact, according to one source, Drake’s claim to be “big as the Super Bowl” turned out to be true in more ways than one.
On the latest episode of the New Rory & Mal podcast, Mal made the audacious — and largely unsupported — claim that not only has Drake had the opportunity to headline the halftime show multiple times, but that he’s also turned it down every time. “Drake has been offered the Super Bowl show for some years now and has turned it down,” he said. “Probably four years, he’s been offered to perform at the Super Bowl, said no for whatever reason.”
Now, whether this is true or just damage control on the part of one of Aubrey’s most loyal angels remains to be corroborated by any other authority. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that Drake’s been offered the show — although, the timing of this reveal is made more suspicious by Drake’s recent lashing by the future headliner.
Meanwhile, due to the Super Bowl taking place in New Orleans, some folks believe that the headlining gig should have gone to Drake’s former mentor Lil Wayne — despite the show only being headlined by a local act four times in its near-60-year history. You can check out the full episode of New Rory & Mal below.
Beyonce is an elusive presence these days. She doesn’t have Frank Ocean levels of mystery, but has become so lionized within pop music that it’s rare to see her make public statements. Queen Bey made an exception on September 11, however. Frankie Beverly, an R&B icon dating back to the 1970s, died, and the singer decided to issue a statement paying homage. Beyonce not only praised Beverly’s talents as a vocalist, but his ability to imbue his music with inspirational feelings.
Beyonce released her statement through her production banner, Parkwood Entertainment. She kept it short and sweet, while at the same time stressing how much Beverly meant to her. “Thank you, Frankie Beverly, for bringing us all together with your music,” she wrote. “With your lyrics, you have humanized our experiences, through joy and pain.” Beyonce also praised Frankie Beverly for the sense of bonding and kinship that was present in his lyrics. “You’ve written some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs for the world to enjoy,” the singer added. “Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community, family, and togetherness.”
Beyonce’s appreciation for Frankie Beverly is well established. The singer opted to cover Beverly’s classic single “Before I Let You Go” during her iconic Coachella set in 2018. The performance was then made iconic by the accompanying concert film, Homecoming. Beyonce’s cover actually plays during the closing credits to the film. It was a surprising yet powerful choice of song to cover, and gesture was not lost on Frankie Beverly. He told Billboard that he didn’t know about the cover until very late in the game, and considered it an honor.
Beverly also told the outlet that his friendship with Beyonce dated back years before she covered his music. “I guess she really liked Maze and the song even then, so her mother brought her to our show at the Houston Rodeo,” the singer recalled. “We wound up working together a few times since and she’s always been very, very nice to me.” Beverly also dubbed Beyonce an “amazing” talent, and cited her cover as one of his career highlights. “This is one of the high points of my life,” he asserted. RIP.
(@MufasaScreams) 
