Recently, Suge Knight started a new podcast called Collect Call With Suge Knight. Though the show has only had two episodes, Suge clearly has a lot to comment on and both episodes have come with tons of compelling revelations. He’s already refuted Warren G’s comments about his own role in getting Tupac free from jail. In fact, Suge went as far as to say Pac and Warren never liked each other in the first place.
Suge Knight also claimed that Deion Sanders was once secretly part of Death Row Records. The revelation comes at a time when a massive amount of news has followed Sanders for months following his hiring to coach the University of Colorado football team. He also recently revealed the role he played in Snoop Dogg’s notorious murder trial. He claimed to take a behind-the-scenes approach to helping free the rap legend. Suge even went as far as to claim that without him Snoop would have faced life in prison. Check out the newest episode of his podcast below.
In the newest episode, Suge Knight discusses a woman who played a key role in reaching out to him to free Tupac from prison. “Only person [who] made it happen, to let me know to get ’Pac out of prison was a girl named Keisha. That is the baddest b*tch in the world. If it weren’t for Keisha, you guys wouldn’t have heard All Eyez On Me or all the other hits he did,” Suge explains.
He details Keisha calling his office almost every day trying to get the label exec’s help freeing Tupac. Eventually he caved and talked to her, which ultimately led to him visiting Tupac and beginning their legendary journey together. “Keisha made that happen,” Suge concluded at the end of the segment. What do you think of Suge Knight revealing information on the woman who helped free Tupac? Let us know in the comment section below.
With the 1990 release of Mama Said Knock You Out, LL Cool J revitalized his career. He also redefined the trajectory of hip-hop during a transformative era in the genre. This album emerged as a crucial pivot point. It revealed LL Cool J’s evolution from a charismatic teenage rapper to a seasoned artist with a commanding presence. Far more than just a commercial success, Mama Said Knock You Out was a cultural milestone. It blended the grit of New York’s streets with a polished production that appealed to a broad audience.
LL Cool J deftly navigated this album’s fame and authenticity complexities. He delivered an unapologetically bold statement that resonated with long-time fans and new listeners. The title track, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” symbolized his renewed vigor and artistic depth. The album stood a testament to LL Cool J’s resilience in industry skepticism, reaffirming his status as a luminary in the hip-hop world.
Mama Said Knock You Out: A Fusion Of Ferocity & Rhythm
LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out Is a masterclass in the fusion of lyrical ferocity with finesse. The album breaks new ground, moving beyond the boundaries of traditional hip-hop to incorporate a diverse array of musical influences. Its production, spearheaded by the legendary Marley Marl, holds sophisticated samples that perfectly complement LL Cool J’s dynamic vocal delivery.
The title track, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” is a quintessential anthem of resilience and strength. With its unforgettable hook and lyrics, the song resonates as a powerful rebuttal to critics and naysayers. It cemented LL Cool J’s comeback in the rap game. Other tracks like “Around the Way Girl” showcase a smoother, more melodic approach. THis highlighted LL Cool J’s versatility as an artist capable of delivering hardcore raps and soulful, rhythmic tunes.
LL Cool J navigates themes of fame, perseverance, and authenticity throughout the album. Tracks such as “Jingling Baby (Remixed But Still Jingling)” and “Boomin’ System” exemplify his skill in creating music that’s both reflective and entertaining. This blend of introspection with a celebration of the genre’s roots contributes to the album’s enduring appeal. This made Mama Said Knock You Out a seminal work in LL Cool J’s catalog and in hip-hop history.
Charting Success & Critical Acclaim Of Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out achieved remarkable commercial success. Its wide-reaching appeal and the rapper’s skill in striking a chord with audiences. The album charted highly on the Billboard 200 and secured LL Cool J’s status as a mainstream hip-hop artist. It was a commercial triumph, resonating with fans across the hip-hop spectrum and beyond, proving the genre’s growing appeal.
“Mama Said Knock You Out” became an instant classic, dominating airwaves and music video channels. Its success on the charts was mirrored by other singles from the album, which also received substantial airplay and acclaim. The album’s critical reception bolstered this commercial success. Reviewers praised LL Cool J for his revitalized energy and the album’s innovative production. Critics noted the album’s blend of rap and rhythmic melodies, lauding it as a pivotal work in the evolution of hip-hop.
Mama Said Knock You Out was more than just a hit. It was a statement. It earned LL Cool J a Grammy Award, solidifying his resurgence and influence in the industry. The album’s success marked a turning point in his career.
Enduring Influence: The Legacy Of Mama Said Knock You Out
The legacy of LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out extends far beyond its initial release. It has continued to resonate in the fabric of hip-hop culture. This album not only solidified LL Cool J’s position as a key figure in rap music but also set new standards for the genre. It exemplified how artists could evolve and reinvent themselves, maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
The cultural impact of Mama Said Knock You Out is reflected in its lasting appeal to both old and new fans of hip-hop. The album’s influence is evident in the works of subsequent artists who draw inspiration from LL Cool J’s fusion of raw lyrical expression with rhythmic, engaging production.
Furthermore, Mama Said Knock You Out significantly broadened the scope of hip-hop, pushing the genre into new realms and expanding its audience. LL Cool J’s blend of traditional rap elements with innovative approaches to rhythm and melody opened doors for diverse artistic expressions within hip-hop. The album’s success paved the way for future artists to explore and experiment, contributing to the genre’s growth and dynamism.
N.O.R.E. says he was a bit disappointed to see JAY-Z sit down with Gayle King for their recent interview at the Brooklyn Public Library. Speaking with Talib Kweli for a chat on People’s Party, N.O.R.E. explained that he would’ve liked him to have done the interview with Joe Budden, Drink Champs, or another spot.
“I love JAY-Z,” he began. “He sat down with Gayle King, it’s a great relationship … would I rather him sit with the People’s Party? Would I rather him sit with Joe Budden’s podcast or Drink Champs or Million Dollaz Worth of Game? Of course. Because we’re finally in the space of us owning our own everything, and podcasts is help for that.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 13: Roc Nation CEO, Desiree Perez and Jay-Z attend The Book of HOV: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION HONORING JAY-Z at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library on July 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
During his conversation with King, JAY-Z spoke about a wide range of topics from throughout his career, including his favorite albums, the viral “$500,000 or a dinner with JAY-Z” debate, and more. When asked about what he’s focused on nowadays, the legendary rapper explained: “I think what matters most is, today, is, being a beacon and helping out … my culture. People of color. I think I pull the most satisfaction from that. Like making music earlier was, like — my first love. I could sit there for hours. It consumed me. Just finding words and figuring out words and how to say this and different ways to say that and different pockets and melodies and how to write this song.” Check out N.O.R.E.’s conversation on People’s Party below.
N.O.R.E. Speaks With Talib Kweli
Elsewhere in N.O.R.E.’s interview, he discussed working with Pharrell, his Drink Champs podcast, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on further updates on N.O.R.E. and JAY-Z on HotNewHipHop.
It’s no secret that Boosie Badazz can rap, but it looks like he can sing as well. In a new clip, the Louisiana native is seen taking part in some Jodeci karaoke, putting his spin on the 90s love song “Forever My Lady.” The festivities were all part of Boosie’s recent birthday celebration, which saw the artist surrounded by countless loved ones at his sprawling estate.
Boosie appeared to be in great spirits at the party, ringing in his 41st with plenty of music, dancing, and more. Obviously, he and his guests had a blast, sharing various fun clips from the night on social media. He shared one clip thanking his friends for coming to the party, requesting that anyone with footage of his Jodeci performance send it his way.
His 41st birthday isn’t the only thing Boosie has to celebrate these days, however. Earlier this week, he appeared on The Breakfast Club, where he discussed his massive income. According to him, he makes $500k per year through his VladTV interviews alone. Charlamagne Tha God, taken aback by the whopping number, asked him to clarify if he actually earns that much. “Close to it,” he responded.
The conversation was prompted when Boosie shared that he’s considered starting his own podcast, claiming that he’d only be willing to do so if it brought in good money. Charlamagne told him that podcasting might not give him the opportunity to earn what he’d like, leading Boosie to come to the conclusion that he’s not interested. “Well, I don’t want it. Because, yeah, I could make a half a million with Vlad every year, man. I don’t really need it if it ain’t gon’… Vlad help me out a lot more,” he explained. What do you think of Boosie Badazz’s singing voice? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
The Grammys finally unveiled their list of nominees for 2024 and there’s some fierce competition among hip-hop-related categories. Hip-hop’s commercial heavyweights, like Drake and Travis Scott, have a strong presence across the nominations while critically lauded MCs, such as Killer Mike, clearly left a strong impression on the committee. But at the same time, the Grammys evidently acknowledge that the genre’s evolved with artists like Ice Spice and Coi Leray earning nods.
Today, we’ll be diving into the official category for Best Rap Performance. Initially introduced in 1989, the genre’s diverse sounds later spawned two new categories: Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. However, by 2012, the Grammys reinstated Best Rap Performance as a category of its own. It’s a coveted award that acknowledges the best records of the year. Only one nominee will go home with the trophy but who will it be? Below, we’ve broken down the five nominees who are up for the Best Rap Performance.
In late May, Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem set the tone for what many believe to be a joint project with the release of “The Hillbillies.” Fueled by producer Evilgiane’s marriage of Jersey Club’s bounce and UK drill’s drums, Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem lean into a playful and braggadocious tone for a standout rap release of the year. Not only does it mark another nomination in the category for Kendrick, who holds the record for most wins in the category with 6 wins, but it could also mark a second win for Keem, who previously won alongside Lamar in 2022 for “family ties.”
“Rich Flex” – Drake & 21 Savage
A meme has officially turned into a Grammy nomination for Drake and 21 Savage. “Rich Flex” kicked off their joint project, Her Loss, which is also up for Rap Album Of The Year. With an intro from Young Nudy, Drake and 21 Savage glide over Tay Keith’s haunting production that allows the Savage Mode rapper to shine bright through interpolations of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” and a healthy mix of extravagant flexes and menacing threats. It’s a stand-out record from one of the biggest projects of 2022 that permeated airwaves and TikTok clips throughout the year.
Creating solid bodies of work isn’t necessarily Coi Leray’s strengths but her ability to craft hit records is no fluke. With “Players,” the Jersey-born rapper enlists producer Goldstein, who created the infectious sample of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s 1982 single, “The Message.” Coi’s bubbly personality shines across the infectious song. Similar to “Rich Flex,” “Players” became a massive anthem on TikTok and radiowaves throughout the year.
“Love Letter” – Black Thought
Although the first three nominations centered around commercially successful singles, the final two honor the quality of penmanship. In September, a month after the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Black Thought unleashed his single, “Love Letter.” Aptly debuted at the BET Hip Hop Awards in September, The Roots frontman paid a beautiful tribute to the culture. Later released on DSPs, Black Thought’s poetic tendencies shine acapella. No beat required, Black Thought delivers an onslaught of bars that encapsulate why he’s one of the greatest MCs to ever do it.
“Scientists & Engineers” – Killer Mike Ft. Future, Andre 3000 & Eryn Allen Kane
Killer Mike is up for three awards at the 2024 Grammys, including Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers.” Perhaps, the most impressive release of the year that bridges the gap between Dungeon Family generations, Mike reunites Future and Andre 3000 for the single off of Michael. The all-star single boasts incredible talent on the track outside of the guest appearances from Future, Kane, and Andre, who also contributes to the production. The electrifying production also includes contributions from No I.D., DJ Paul, James Blake & TWhy.
Keke Palmer is right in the middle of a firestorm of news that has been following her for months. Much of it has been drama revolving around her relationship which started earlier this year. She had a rather innocuous interaction between Palmer and Usher during one of the R&B singer’s Las Vegas shows. But it turned into a full blown controversy when her boyfriend Darius Jackson commented on the matter online.
But later this month, Palmer is taking a break from the genre to serve as the host of this year’s Soul Train awards. “Keke Palmer is a globally recognized multihyphenate talent who embodies confidence and positivity, and is one of the most engaging and lovable personalities working in entertainment today,” their announcement statement began. “We can’t wait to have her host the Soul Train Awards house party. BET gave Keke her first talk show, where she made history as the youngest talk show host in television, and today we are honored to have her back on the Soul Train Awards stage,” they continued. Palmer is also set to perform at the show alongside artists like Coco Jones, Fridayy, BJ The Chicago Kid, Muni Long, and more. Check out the full announcement below.
The drama between Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson was re-ignited a few days ago. Last week, she filed official motions in court to officially get a restraining order against Jackson and secure custody of their children. She was very quickly granted temporary victories in both. But Palmer will still have to return to court in December to fight the full legal battle. Unsurprisingly, the drama sparked plenty of comments and observations from many in the celebrity world. Two of the most notable people to weigh in were Jackson’s brother and Palmer’s mother.
Fans can tune into this year’s award show on November 26 when it airs on BET. What do you think of Keke Palmer being tapped to host the award show? Let us know in the comment section below.
Fat Joe has clowned on Gillie Da Kid after the latter challenged Jamal Crawford to a one-on-one basketball challenge. “Yo, Gillie gotta stop. Nobody loves Gillie and Wallo more than me, but Gillie one-on-one against Jamal Crawford? I don’t got Gillie scoring two [points]. Gillie from Philly, my brother, talking about how he taking on Jamal Crawford — is he on dust? What they got over there in Philly, the tranq [tranquilizer]. You seen that shit where people be just Zombie’d out. It’s worse! Yeah, Gillie gotta relax,” Joe said on Instagram. Furthermore, Joe told Crawford to “break his ankles” in reference to Gillie.
Gillie’s challenge originally came on his podcast. “I bet you Jamal Crawford will not accept this challenge one-on-one. I will cook the sh-t [out of him]. Let me just say this, Jamal Crawford is gonna get his baskets — that’s what he do. He cook everybody. But guess who else going in the oven? Jamal fucking Crawford. He gotta guard me. I’m like Bubba Chuck. I know I’m a muthaf-cking liability on muthaf-cking defense, but I’m such a liability on offense that it don’t even f-ckin matter,” Gillie bragged. While the Philly rapper has some wins against other musicians in streetball, Crawford is likely going to be a whole other challenge.
The reason Fat Joe responded in the way he did is because Crawford has actually taken Gillie up on the offer. “Aye @gilliedakid, they slipped you something real serious huh? I don’t bother nobody, now you want ‘Jamal Wick Crawford’ to play 1’s with?! This will be worst than what the Hitman did to Martin. It’s on,” Crawford wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Furthermore, Crawford suggested that the loser donate $50,000 to charity as a way of upping the stakes.
Crawford, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year, retired in 2020 after 20 seasons in the NBA. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2000 Draft and spent time with the Bulls, Knicks, Warriors, Hawks, Blazers, Clippers, Timberwolves, Suns, and Nets. While never claiming a ring or an all-star appearance, he is viewed as one of the most consistent, dedicated, and likeable players of his generation. Role-defining sixth man Lou Williams recently said that he believed Crawford should be elected to the Hall of Fame before he was.
Queen Latifah’s 1993 album Black Reign stands as a landmark in hip-hop. It highlighted her role as a rapper and a powerful voice for social commentary and empowerment. Her third studio album, Black Reign, significantly evolved her artistic journey, blending assertive rap with soulful melodies and jazz-infused beats. In this album, Queen Latifah solidified her status as a trailblazer in hip-hop. She used her platform to address issues of gender, race, and identity.
Black Reign was more than just a musical project. It was a statement of Queen Latifah’s multifaceted talent and commitment to uplifting and empowering her listeners. The album resonated with audiences who sought music with depth and authenticity. It also helped establish Latifah as an icon in hip-hop and beyond.
Black Reign: A Confluence Of Styles & Substance
Black Reign emerged as a pivotal album in Queen Latifah’s career, showcasing her distinctive approach to music that seamlessly blended rap with jazz and soul influences. The album’s production provided the perfect backdrop for Latifah’s commanding vocals and insightful lyricism.
The album’s standout track, “U.N.I.T.Y.,” became an anthem for women’s empowerment and respect, addressing issues of objectifying women and domestic violence with poignant clarity. Its direct and powerful message made it a landmark song in hip-hop, transcending genre boundaries. The track’s commercial success and critical acclaim underscored the importance of socially conscious themes in music.
Other tracks on the album, such as “Just Another Day…” and “Weekend Love,” highlighted Queen Latifah’s versatility as an artist. These songs showcased her ability to infuse storytelling with personal and communal narratives, resonating with listeners from diverse backgrounds. The fusion of rap with elements of R&B and jazz throughout the album not only showcased Latifah’s range as a musician but contributed to the broader evolution of hip-hop during the early ’90s.
Chart Triumph & Critical Acclaim
Queen Latifah’s Black Reign marked a high creative point in her career and achieved significant commercial success. The album’s standout single, “U.N.I.T.Y.,” propelled it into the spotlight, earning a spot in the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying its place in hip-hop history. The album strongly showed on the charts, reflecting the broad appeal of Latifah’s artistry.
Beyond its commercial achievements, Black Reign received widespread critical acclaim for its thoughtful blend of social commentary and musical innovation. Critics praised the album for its empowering messages and Latifah’s skillful delivery, highlighting her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The album’s blend of rap, soul, and jazz elements was particularly lauded, seen as a refreshing and authentic approach in a rapidly evolving genre.
Black Reign was more than just a successful album. It was a cultural statement. Tracks like “U.N.I.T.Y.” struck a chord with listeners and critics alike, earning Queen Latifah a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. The album’s success and acclaim solidified her status as a talented musician and an influential voice in the conversation about gender and race in America.
The Enduring Legacy Of Black Reign
The lasting impact of Queen Latifah’s Black Reign is evident in its enduring influence on the hip-hop genre and its role in shaping the narrative around social issues in music. The album marked a significant moment in Queen Latifah’s career. It transcended the traditional boundaries of hip-hop to deliver messages of empowerment and social justice that continue to resonate.
Black Reign is celebrated for its musical innovation and contribution to the discourse on gender and empowerment in hip-hop. Queen Latifah’s fearless approach to addressing topics like respect for women and personal identity in her music inspired a generation of artists and listeners. Her ability to blend these themes with a unique musical style set a new standard for what hip-hop could achieve as a platform for social commentary.
Furthermore, the album solidified Queen Latifah’s reputation as a trailblazer in the music industry. Her success with Black Reign paved the way for other women artists in hip-hop. It challenged the genre’s conventions and opened doors for more diverse voices. Today, Black Reign is regarded as a seminal work. It is a testament to Queen Latifah’s artistic talent and importance as a cultural icon.
Reflecting on Black Reign, its significance extends beyond its initial release. The album remains a pivotal work in Queen Latifah’s discography. Further, it’s a touchstone in the evolution of hip-hop, continuing to inspire and empower.
B5, an R&B group that released two albums as artists under Diddy at Bad Boy Records, is demanding their publishing rights back. They revealed that they haven’t heard from Diddy despite his offer to give other artists like Mase, The Notorious B.I.G., and The LOX, among others their rights back. They discussed the situation during an appearance on the We In Miami podcast.
The group explained that they “didn’t hear anything, we didn’t get no calls [or] nothing like that, from that.” They added: “Puff — Diddy, yeah, we all want our publishing too.” The crew continued: “We were so young at the time; we didn’t understand the business of it. But, you know, now looking back, it’s like, ‘Damn, why our names wasn’t on the credits?… Where the percentages at? Where the [publishing] at?” They also remarked that they left the label due to “not seeing eye to eye.”
NEW YORK – JULY 19: Diddy and B5 (Brian, Dustin, Patrick, Kelly, Carnell) on the set of BET’s 106 & Park at BET Studios on July 19, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic)
Even artists who have gotten their rights back from Diddy have complained about the Bad Boy boss. Mark Curry, who featured on the 2001 hit, “Bad Boy For Life,” remarked that his rights are worthless this late. “What’s it worth now? He gave me mine back a long time ago … That’s disrespectful — I said why don’t you just keep it and pay me? I don’t want the publishing; I want the money,” he said on Instagram.
He continued: “Diddy gave the publishing back. So what? It has no value… I want him to give me a million cash and then I can plan the rest of my life out well. Ever had somebody owe you $50… when you needed it back… they didn’t pay you… then by the time they do pay you… the $50 doesn’t mean the same as it did when you needed it?” Be on the lookout for further updates on further updates on B5 and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.
Today, Drake dropped a new music video for his track alongside J. Cole, “First Person Shooter.” The fan favorite collab comes from the Toronto native’s latest album For All The Dogs, which he released in October. It quickly became one of the top-performing tracks of the entire LP, along with his collabs with Yeat, Sexyy Red & SZA, and more.
The creative Gibson Hazard-directed music video leads with an appearance from Brian Baumgartner of The Office. The two of them go on to compete in various competitions, and Drake’s seen shooting an otherworldly hoop, which conveniently beckons a mob of his “Dogs” to come cheer him on as he performs on top of the Scotiabank Arena. The video closes with a curtain being pulled from a towering stone Drake statue as the crowd goes wild.
Based off of the artist’s comments section, fans are loving the dynamic video. It follows visuals for other For All The Dogs tracks “8AM In Charlotte” and “Another Late Night” ft. Lil Yachty. It also follows the announcement of Drake and J. Cole’s 2024 It’s All A Blur – Big As The What? tour in support of the new LP. The tour will see the pair team up to hit the road together for the first time since their 2012 Club Paradise tour.
Drake and J. Cole will make 22 stops across the U.S., starting off with a couple of dates in Denver in January. They’ll go on to perform in notable cities like New Orleans, Nashville, Buffalo, Memphis, and more. Cash App card holders can purchase tickets today, while general sales begin this Friday (November 17). What do you think of Drake’s new music video for his track “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole? What’s your favorite For All The Dogs visual so far? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
