Music

After Their Missing ‘For All The Dogs’ Collab, Nicki Minaj And Drake Reunite On ‘Needle,’ Which Also Features A SZA Cameo

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Nicki Minaj’s highly anticipated new album Pink Friday 2 has arrived as one of the final major releases of 2023. Given Minaj’s star power, she was able to pull some big-time collaborators into the fold for the project. That includes longtime associate Drake, who features on “Needle.”

The track also features a surprise cameo from SZA via a sampled voicemail that introduces the track. She says, “I mean, I don’t know if I like girls, I saw Sheila at Seraphin. Maybe we had too much tequila. Actually, yeah, we definitely had too much tequila ’cause I don’t know why I’m even playin’ on your phone right now. I’ma just block you, bye.”

Drake offers the song’s first verse and a catchy chorus, on which he sing-raps, “Pull up the Maybach and bend your leg back / Let’s engage that, don’t delay that / You’re like a needle, life’s a haystack / Friends they can leave us, you could stay back.”

This collaboration resolves the For All The Dogs situation: A link-up between the two was previously teased, but when Drake’s latest album dropped, Minaj was nowhere to be found on it. Now, though, they finally managed to make something happen before the year ended.

Listen to “Needle” above.

Pink Friday 2 is out now via Young Money/Republic Records. Find more information here.

Nicki Minaj Disses Megan Thee Stallion With Tory Lanez Bar, Also May Have Dissed Latto

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Nicki Minaj is someone who the fans are always clamoring for. Overall, she is one of the most successful women rappers of all-time and she continues to elevate. For years, fans have been waiting for her next project. On Friday, she gave them what they wanted as she dropped Pink Friday 2. Of course, this is a follow-up to her debut of the same name. Although it was going to be a tough task to truly recreate the success of the original, Nicki seemed up to the task.

Sonically, there is a lot of variety on this album. Furthermore, there are quite a few bars that are now being dissected by fans. For instance, on the song “FTCU,” there is a not-so-subtle shot at Megan Thee Stallion. While the two used to be cool, it does not seem that way anymore. In fact, Nicki even decided to poke the bear and make fun of the Tory Lanez situation. “Stay in your Tory lane, bitch, I’m not Iggy,” she says on the track. It is a pretty obvious reference and you can’t help but wonder how Meg will take it.

Read More: What Is Nicki Minaj’s Best-Selling Album?

Nicki Minaj Hits Megan Thee Stallion With Bars

Moreover, fans already know that her and Latto are not on good terms these days. They keep throwing shots at one another, and that did not stop on this latest project, or so it seems. On the song “Fallin 4 U,” Nicki takes arguably much subtler shots at Latto than she did Meg. “Picture you endin’ up under the seat, where the dread at?/ Picture not listenin’ when I said you would dread that/ I mean locs, ho, you-you’s a chop ho/ I’m number one, y’all go argue over top four/ Clean, sweep, you gettin’ mopped, ho,” she spits on the song.

A Latto Diss?

Regardless of the disses, it seems as though fans are liking the album so far. Let us know what you think of Pink Friday 2, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Praises The “Barbie” Movie

The post Nicki Minaj Disses Megan Thee Stallion With Tory Lanez Bar, Also May Have Dissed Latto appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nicki Minaj And J. Cole Keep Each Other Emotionally Grounded On Their New Collab, ‘Let Me Calm Down’

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Nicki Minaj is back. Tonight, the illustrious hip-hop artist released her long-awaited fifth studio album Pink Friday 2. Over the course of the album, Minaj grapples with a whirlwind of emotions, from love, loss, grief, and newfound motherhood. On a standout track, “Let Me Calm Down,” she teams up with J. Cole as she finds herself conflicted as someone attempts to reconnect with her.

“I knew if that if it was meant to be, that one day I would let him / Twenty years later them decisions, I don’t regret them / Just wish you would give me space when I really need it / To be alone in my zone when I’m really heated,” raps Minaj on one of the song’s verses, showcasing her confusion about the place this person once had in her life.

Cole then pops in with a verse of his own, offering a special message to the song’s subject. He better get right if he wants Minaj in his life.

“They talkin’ slick and make you wanna pull a Rated-R / You like her, love her like a brother, like a manager, an A&R / Plus a therapist when it start rainin’ hard / Her life was trauma filled, it left her with a tainted heart,” he raps.

You can listen to “Let Me Calm Down” above.

Pink Friday 2 is out now via Republic. Find more information here.

Fred Again.. Finally Shared His Instant Fan-Favorite ‘Leavemealone’ With Baby Keem

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Fred Again.. continues to deliver the hits. Tonight (December 8), the prolific DJ and producer has teamed up with Baby Keem for a trippy new single, “Leavemealone.”

On the song, Fred drops a hypnotic beat, featuring vocal chops and samples of Keem’s fan-favorite tracks, “Bullies” and “South Africa.”

Fred first shared the song at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago during a set in August. Though, at the time, “Leavemealone” was unfinished. Still, he continued to play it at shows and festivals, before finally getting Keem to clear the sample.

As Fred Again.. continues to develop a cult-like following, In an interview with GQ Australia, he noted the feeling he gets seeing fans move to his music, and how they have interpreted it in their own ways.

“The feeling that feels most meaningful to me,” he says, “will also feel that way to other people, I think. It sounds unbelievable now, but when I was making the first sh*t, I really thought ‘this is just only for me’. And there was all sorts of anxiety and stress with trying to make just that right. So, yeah, I think that’s been a very powerful thing to see how much other people have taken that feeling in and made it their own.”

You can listen to “Leavemealone” above.

Fred Again.. is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tems Emerges From The Wreckage Of Heartbreak On Her New Single, ‘Not An Angel’

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Tems‘ spiritual journey continues. Tonight (December 8), the Nigerian singer has shared “Not An Angel” her reflective new single on which she feels the need to move on after the end of a relationship.

Over sparse drums and pulsating beats, Tems is at more principled place, moving forward from the wreckage of a lost love.

“’Cause I’m not an angel / I’m just a girl that knows the truth / And I couldn’t save you / You couldn’t see what I’ve been through / I’ll cut my losses in peace / I don’t need nothin’ else from you /’Cause I’m not and angel / I know I did all I could do,” she sings on the song’s chorus.

Tems has become known for her personal approach to songwriting and lyricism. In an interview with Interview Magazine, she opened up about her songwriting process and how she lets her emotions lead the way.

“Sometimes I freestyle to a point where I can’t feel my feet. I’ve entered somewhere and I don’t even know where I am anymore,” she said. “I’m just pouring out my gut and then when I’m done, I don’t remember what I just did. If you didn’t record it, it’s almost as if I blacked out.”

You can listen to “Not An Angel” above.

Jack Harlow And Dave Embrace Their Status As Seasoned Professionals In Their ‘Stop Giving Me Advice’ Video

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Worlds are colliding on Jack Harlow and Dave‘s new Lyrical Lemonade collaboration. Tonight (December 8), Louisville native Harlow has teamed up with UK rapper Dave on their breezy new cut, “Stop Giving Me Advice.”

On the song, Harlow reflects on a rapid rise to stardom. Having been through the motions of a hip-hop artist and pop star, Harlow already knows the game well, and is not here for anyone’s unsolicited input.

“Have you ever had to hide where exactly you reside? / Have you been to the Waffle House on Northside? / Have you ever made a popstar wanna be your bride? / Have you hugged someone and they cried? / Have you had your heroes sit you down and give you the guide? / Have you ever spoken somethin’ into existence / Or do you just talk about other people’s lives?,” raps Harlow on his verse.

While Harlow is still reckoning with the price of fame, Dave reflects on his past relationships, and how his lifestyle has affected those.

“You left somebody that you love at the bottom of a mountain? / ‘Cah they afraid to climb it, have you changed your climate? / Had her Insta’ and made her change to private? / Had her fly economy and make her change to private?,” raps Dave.

In the accompanying video, directed by Cole Bennett, the two rock black suits with vibrant yellow ties throughout a town, where they seem to be the only inhabitants.

You can see the video for “Stop Giving Me Advice” above.

Jack Harlow is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Pharrell Williams, Rauw Alejandro, And Swae Lee Seek An Overseas Love On Their New Collab, ‘Airplane Tickets’

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Pharrell Williams is soaring to new heights with his new single. Tonight (December 8), the prolific producer and hitmaker has shared “Airplane Tickets,” A smooth new collab featuring Rauw Alejandro and Swae Lee.

On the streamy new single, the three fly fellas look to treat their ladies with the finer things, by way of international travel, excursions, and fine fashions.

“I got airplane tickets with your name on them / And, girl, you’re fine by me ’cause you’re good money / Say you’ll fall in love, girl, you might as well / All jokes aside, make you mine for real,” they sing on the song’s chorus.

Pharrell first debuted the song last month at his Louis Vuitton Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 Runway Show in Hong Kong. In an interview with GQ earlier this year, Pharrell opened up about his partnership with Louis Vuitton as well as his relationship with fashion as a whole.

“It’s not really about the items—even though we have a lot of items and we make new ones as well,” he said. “It’s about the idea. Trusting the brand that says that they understand what luxury is and how they can better suit your life.”

You can listen to “Airplane Tickets” above.

J Balvin Embarks On An Arctic Quest To Heal His Soul In His New Video For ‘Amigos’

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J Balvin‘s new single, “Amigos” features the Colombian superstar making a return to his reggaeton roots. On the new drum-heavy track, Balvin reflects on a lost love, mourning the end of a once-happy relationship. The relationship, however, fell flat, due to both parties getting to accustomed to their day-to-day.

“It wasn’t your fault, but it wasn’t mine either / And maybe it seems crazy, but tell me if I’m wrong / It was our routine’s fault that our love got screwed / and I had to let you go even though it hurt me,” sings Balvin on the song’s chorus, translated from Spanish.

In the song’s accompanying video, directed by Patricia Alfonso, Balvin embarks on a journey to find himself and recover from heartbreak. Balvin makes his way through Matanuska Glacier National Park in Alaska. As he attempts to make his way through the top, he endures the cold, frigid, and rough conditions, before catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

Beginning early next year, Balvin will embark on the international Que Bueno Volver A Verte tour. A news release teases “an all-new show with new music where he will see arenas across 20 European cities, with stops in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, and The United Kingdom.

In the meantime, you can see the video for “Amigos” above.

Russell Simmons Discusses Sexual Assault Allegations, Claims He’s Taken 9 Lie Detector Tests

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During his recent interview with Graham Bensinger, Russell Simmons opened up about the impact his sexual assault allegations have had on his life. According to the Def Jam co-founder, he’s taken various lie detector tests in attempts to clear his name. Simmons admits that he’s engaged in some questionable activity in the past. He insists, however, that he’s never been violent or forceful with anyone.

“When someone said, for instance, ‘I was violent’ — one person said that — and I’ve never been violent. Took that. And one said I apologized. I never apologized about assaulting anyone. But if two people say it, because one said it, and #metoo, and the second person said it, then I took a test for it,” he explained.

Read More: Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Of Stealing From Him To Bail Out New Husband

Russell Simmons Speaks On His Sexual Assault Allegations

“Some people say that they’re not accurate, but it’s 94% accurate,” Simmons says of the lie detector tests. “I did nine of them, it’s pretty clear that I don’t believe it. I even asked if, ‘Well, what if I believe it, but it’s not true?’ He said, ‘Your subconscious will get you,’” he continued, “I don’t know how true that is, but that’s what was told to me by the Chairman of the Polygraph Association.” He went on to suggest that there could be multiple explanations for why various women came forward with allegations.

“If you had more foursomes than most guys at once, could someone leave and feel hurt? Could someone leave and feel they wished they hadn’t? Could some reimagine a story out of thousands of people” he asked, “Could someone want notoriety in the market where people thirst for fame, even infamous.” Simmons continued, “Could someone who just came out of jail, and want to sue you because they had an experience and they can reimagine it just a little bit different? And could you be vulnerable enough to accept it?” According to Simmons, the allegations have “ruined [his] life.” What do you think of Russell Simmons’ claims about his sexual assault allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Russell Simmons Shares News Of Rap Pioneer Eddie Cheeba’s Hospitalization

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Olivia Rodrigo Said Her Breakthrough Single ‘Drivers License’ Is ‘100% About’ Adam Driver In A Hilarious ‘SNL’ Promo

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This week’s Saturday Night Live episode boasts an exciting line-up. On Saturday (December 9), Adam Driver will host the show ahead of the premiere of his upcoming movie Ferrari. Olivia Rodrigo, who, earlier this year, released her critically acclaimed sophomore album Guts, will serve as this week’s musical guest.

Ahead of the broadcast, NBC has shared the official promo for this show, featuring Driver, Rodrigo, and Heidi Gardner. In the clip, the trio calls back to Rodrigo’s breakthrough single, “Drivers License.”

“Okay, this is awkward,” said Gardner in the clip. “Olivia Rodrigo and the guy she wrote a song about.”

Driver then asked “which song?” to which Gardner replied, “Drivers License.” She continued, saying “Adam Driver,” emphasizing the actors last name.

Playing defense, Driver replied, saying “that song’s not about me.”

Rodrigo then replied, saying, “It’s 100% about you.”

While we all appreciate a good pun, it’s safe to assume this is a joke. Rodrigo explained in an interview on Today that she will likely never reveal who each of her songs are about.

“I think explanation is never good for art,” says Rodrigo. “Why would I pigeonhole a song into being about this one thing in my life, when everyone has their own interpretation?”

You can see the promo above.

Saturday Night Live airs at 11 p.m. EST on NBC and streams live simultaneously on Peacock.