Cam’ron is no stranger to controversy. His career has been littered with bold actions and statements, and Fourth of July proved to be a textbook example. The rapper attended a Fourth of July costume party in Las Vegas, and dressed up as none other than OJ Simpson. Cam’ron went the whole nine yards with the costume, too. He donned a complete football uniform, complete with helmet and Simpson’s name on the back of the jersey. Cam even posted a video of him wearing the outfit on Instagram.
“OJ was here!!!! Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY,” he wrote in the caption. “This ain’t really Our holiday.. But it Feels good not to have to answer to nobody!! #FreeN**ga #IIWII.” Anybody familiar with Cam’ron and Mase’s podcast It Is What It Is knows that the rapper was very close to OJ Simpson. The latter regularly appeared on the podcast to provide sports takes and make general small talk. Simpson’s death in April hit both Cam’ron and Mase hard. The duo even reflected on Simpson’s legacy during an episode of the podcast.
Cam’ron made it very clear that he came to look upon OJ like a member of his family. “I just wanna say it was great working with OJ,” he noted. “He’ll truly be missed and I love him like a real, real uncle so I’m really sorry this happened. At the end of the day, I’m glad that we did get to spend the last few months with him.” Cam’ron and Mase’s decision to have Simpson on the podcast, despite his controversial past, was criticized by many. Both rappers defended Simpson publicly, and asserted that he was found not guilty of the crimes he was accused of back in 1995.
Cam’ron, in particular, claimed that he did not think Simpson was a criminal. If he did, he would have not had him on the podcast. “Look, if he was guilty we wouldn’t have him on the show,” the rapper explained to Complex. He then posited that the continued criticisms of Simpson was due to his race. “Y’all want to keep convicting an innocent man. He’s innocent. If it was somebody else whiter, y’all would say ‘oh he’s innocent.’”
From the streets of Los Angeles to the top of the charts, Mustard has cemented himself as a cornerstone of hip-hop and R&B. Born Dijon McFarlane, Mustard’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of innovation and a deep understanding of the genre’s roots. Emerging in the early 2010s, he brought a fresh, minimalist approach to production that revitalized West Coast hip-hop and influenced the global music scene.
DJ Mustard’s signature sound is instantly recognizable, marked by its infectious basslines, crisp snares, and the iconic “Mustard on the beat, ho!” tag. It’s a sound that captures the essence of L.A.’s vibrant music culture. He mixes the grit and glamour of the city into a sonic experience that is raw and polished. Over the years, he has collaborated with an array of artists. These range from burgeoning talents to established stars, crafting hits that resonate across dance floors and airwaves. His evolution as a producer reflects a keen ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to the foundational elements that first captured our ears. Here, we delve into five essential tracks encapsulating DJ Mustard’s journey.
In 2011, Tyga’s “Rack City” made a considerable impact, signaling a significant change in the hip-hop scene. It also introduces DJ Mustard as a groundbreaking producer. Hailing from the gritty streets of Los Angeles, Mustard’s production style on “Rack City” stood out against the heavily layered beats dominating the charts. The track’s hard-hitting bassline stripped down hip-hop to its pulsating core, reflecting the hustle of LA’s streets.
“Rack City” wasn’t just a hit; it became an anthem that brought the party from LA’s clubs to the global stage. The track reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its simplicity was its brilliance, making it an instant classic that resonated with fans and club-goers. The success of “Rack City” also showcased DJ Mustard’s talent for creating beats that were both innovative and deeply rooted in the West Coast sound. This track not only propelled Tyga into the spotlight but also solidified DJ Mustard as the pioneer of a new era in hip-hop, where less was undeniably more.
2. “Paranoid” By Ty Dolla $ign (Featuring B.o.B) (2013)
“Paranoid” by Ty Dolla $ign and B.o.B was a turning point in Mustard’s career. It showed that he could blend different types of music together seamlessly. This record was about him working with Ty Dolla $ign on something that mixed R&B sensibility with Mustard’s signature minimalistic style. It formed one smooth package from start to finish. What did this sound like? Think clean hi-hats backing a catchy chorus over an unforgettable instrumental.
At the same time though, what did it do for DJ Mustard? Well, it gave him several chart-toppers on Billboard Hot 100 and introduced many people nationwide who otherwise wouldn’t have cared about West Coast anthems. But I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you were ever under the impression that all DJ Mustard can do is make songs for the clubs, then think again. Not only can he create radio-friendly tracks too, but also—this song is that it really shows us how versatile an artist like Dijon McFarlane truly is. “Paranoid” remains such a statement within his discography – it represents so much more than just another banger.
YG’s 2013 track, “My N*gga,” is the perfect example of his ability to produce street bangers that hit hard. The song features Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan and showcases the unpolished intensity often found in Mustard’s beats. A throbbing bass line and sharp claps form a stripped-down yet infectious backdrop for boastful verses from the guest emcees.
Further, the single shot up the charts. It ultimately peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned heavy club rotation. But “My N*gga” was more than just a successful record; it was a cultural moment that embodied the spirit of West Coast rap. The triumph of this song only established DJ Mustard as a hitmaker capable of channeling street energy into chart-toppers. This track served as an important milestone in his career. It represented another step towards building a recognizable sound for modern-day Southern California hip-hop with YG at its forefront. Regarding discography alone, “My N*gga” is one of DJ Mustard’s most impactful songs simply because it shows how less can become more when connecting deeply with listeners’ hearts.
4. “2 On” By Tinashe (Featuring ScHoolboy Q) (2014)
In 2014, DJ Mustard showed his wide-ranging skills and ability to connect different styles by producing Tinashe’s breakout single “2 On.” The song mixed the mellow, seductive qualities of R&B with the high-energy energy of hip-hop. It was a combination that was fresh as well as universally likable. As for the beat itself, it’s classic Mustard: a stripped-down groove built from a deep bass line, snapping snares, and a sing-song hook. Tinashe glides through the track with sultry ease while ScHoolboy Q adds some street-level grit to his guest verse, making for a smooth and savvy record.
“2 On” quickly became an anthem for the summer. It peaked at No. 24 on the Hot 100 and was inescapable on radio and in clubs. But the song also proved that DJ Mustard could cook up hits that lived outside of genre boundaries. He’d become just as much of an asset to R&B singers as he had been to rappers. It’s essential because it showcased his ability to make crossover records. This also emphasizes his status as someone who could easily conquer charts and dance floors. More importantly, though, this track further cemented his reputation as a hit-maker who refuses to color inside of genre lines. DJ Mustard only knows how to create music that is both forward-thinking and commercially successful.
A masterclass in DJ Mustard’s star-making signature style mixed with big-name features, “Post to Be” is the 2014 track that shows how it should be done. With Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jhené Aiko on deck, hooks and vocals are guaranteed; but its production truly sets this song apart from other collabs. It wouldn’t be a Mustard beat without bouncy rhythms accompanied by crisp hi-hats – which still manage to hit hard even though they’re not too heavy themselves. This is all underneath a bassline, demanding that no one can stay still while listening, especially when considering how well each artist plays off one another throughout each verse. Omarion delivers those suave lines only he can pull off so effortlessly, followed by some charismatic bars courtesy of Chris Brown himself before closing things out strong, thanks largely partly to Jhene Aiko’s unforgettable line.
All these elements came together perfectly enough to make “Post To Be” No. 13 on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. This made it both a commercial smash success and a club banger favorite for many years. People are still playing this song every chance they get at parties or just driving around town, blasting their radios with windows rolled down wide open, singing along word-for-word.
Not only is NLE Choppa one of the most comedic rappers in the game right now, but he is also one of the nicest. The Memphis, Tennessee star has repeatedly poured out so much love and kindness into the world in many ways. For how young he is (21), he shows just as much as maturity, if not more than others twice his age. One prime example you can look to is the amount of hate he received for dropping “SLUT ME OUT 2”. The homophobic claims did not get to him and instead showed incredible mental strength. Now, NLE Choppa is helping carry on the legacy of King Von.
The hitmaker had a segment at the Vegandale Festival to attend to and what better way to go about it than to pay homage to a Chicago legend. NLE has shown that he has a lot of love for the late superstar in the making in the past, so this comes as no surprise. Choppa reached out to Von’s nephew, GrandBabii, and asked him to help out with his show. According to him, he told GrandBabii that he needed to show out for his uncle and he was in, although for being so young the nerves were real.
However, as you can see in the video, he manages to jump right into it after a short chat with Choppa onstage. The latter also asked what song they should spin, and assumed his answer would be “Crazy Story”. However, GrandBabii requested “GTA”, as that was his favorite of his uncle’s. According to Choppa’s post, the younsgter told him he wants to pursue music, “After that he told me standing on the stage performing made him want to be a rapper. I’m just glad to play a small part in the successful career I know he’s gonna have one day ”. Choppa continues to be a source of inspiration for the any aspiring MC.
What are your thoughts on NLE Choppa performing with the nephew of King Von? Is this the most wholesome moment in rap this year, why or why not? How important is the late rapper to the game in your opinion? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding NLE Choppa and King Von. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Eminem has fans feeling very happy these days with his new single “Tobey” featuring Big Sean and BabyTron, building up hype for the release of his new album The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) next week (Friday, July 12). However, they are not quite as happy as they could be, as it looks like the Lyrical Lemonade-partnered music video for the track, directed by Cole Bennett, is not quite ready for release yet. But don’t fret, Marshall Mathers fans. He recently took to social media to apologize for the delay in the visuals’ release, but did include a short clip from the upcoming video to hold fans over.
“The Tobey video is not completed- new date Monday 7/8,” Eminem captioned the clip on Twitter. “Here’s a peek in the meantime!!! Sorry 4 the delay.” In the snippet, you can see BabyTron walk past Eminem, who’s sitting on the steps of his iconic house featured in the cover art for The Marshall Mathers LP and its 2013 direct sequel. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment for the Detroit legend, as well as for the city’s own Big Sean. “Not gon hold you, Slim Shady LP was the first CD i bought wit my own money at Costco,” he recently tweeted. “Me n Em bout 4 songs in now (DVE, No Favors, Detroit 2 cypher) but being on The Death Of Slim Shady is full circle. I aint know when i bought that, that id be one of the next 1’s out da city…”
Meanwhile, “Tobey” drew some interesting reactions online for wholly different reasons relating to a lot of prominent rap beef in 2024. With Kendrick Lamar and Drake going at it, maybe folks became too battle-pilled to treat Eminem’s competitive bars on the song as anything other than direct shots. Specifically, they thought that he dissed Jay-Z. But Royce Da 5’9″ quickly hopped online to debunk this rumor.
Despite all the hype behind Eminem, “Tobey,” and The Death Of Slim Shady right now, not everyone is all the way on board. “Numbers wise, Eminem is the best Detroit rapper but the gag is nobody would say that in Detroit,” the 313’s Skilla Baby recently posited. “Numbers wise, it’s Eminem but nobody in Detroit is playing Eminem right now and I was an Eminem fan as a kid. I’m a fan of Eminem but do we consider him our best rapper? I don’t think Detroit does.”
JID and Metro Boomin are two of hip-hop’s most in-demand artists right now without question. Both have put together some of the best projects, especially in the mainstream, through the halfway mark of the 2020 decade. For the superstar producer, you have him and 21 Savage’s SAVAGE MODE II and HEROES & VILLAINS. Additionally, WE DON’T TRUST YOU and its quick follow-up WE STILLDON’T TRUST YOU are some of the biggest of 2024, partially due to their fueling of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef. For JID, it is not as expansive of a catalog. However, The Forever Story is arguably the most complete body of work over the last four years.
These reasons are why it was such a huge deal when they revealed that they were in the process of cooking up a collaboration project back in March of 2023. Metro Boomin’s tweet basically set hip-hop Twitter ablaze, “Got a lot of new music coming but when me and @JIDsv drop ”. JID then confirmed that it was an album and not just a single after one user originally claimed, “Metro Boomin Teases His Song With JID”. Since that bombshell, both have been repeatedly asked if it still in the works.
Each and every time, both of them have reassured fans and interviewers that they are still on course to get this done. JID did more of the same after a recent interview. “We’re working on that project every single day… We have so much music, it’s just about making it right… “It’s happening for sure”, JID clarified. He also vaguely hinted that he has been working on a ton of other things right now too, so who knows what that could mean. The only question is now, “when is the Metro tape happening?”. The Georgia rapper has previously not wanted to give anyone false on hope on that detail. We would not be surprised if it is not until later this year or maybe early 2025. Metro also recently just revealed that him and NAV are cheffing something up too, so no one should be too optimistic as of now.
What are your thoughts on JID claiming that his album with Metro Boomin is still on the way? Will this be one of the best trap tapes of all time when it drops? When do you see them dropping this and why? Do you want to see them grab any features for it? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding JID and Metro Boomin. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
The sky’s the limit for French Montana in the video for his new single “To The Moon” featuring fellow New Yorkers Fabolous and Fivio Foreign. The three Big Apple natives throw a block party for the ages in the video, complete with cars doing burnouts, dirt bikes popping wheelies, and dozens of locals vibing out to the boisterous instrumental.
The release of “To The Moon” highlights how hard-working French is — the Bronx rapper is just six months removed from the release of his last mixtape, Mac & Cheese 5, and yet, he’s already dropping new singles like there’s no tomorrow. “To The Moon” samples Jamaican dancehall titan Cutty Ranks’ 1991 staple “The Stopper (Main Attraction Remix),” and also kicks off the tour headlined by the three New York mixtape rap mainstays.
The Gotta See It To Believe It Tour begins August 1st in Wallingford, Connecticut, and runs through August 25th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can find tickets and more information here. The mini-tour wisely sticks to the Northeast, hitting mid-size venues that the artists are guaranteed to sell out — these veterans are showing the youngsters who have been trying to fill arenas how it should be done.
Watch French Montana’s “To The Moon” video featuring Fabolous and Fivio Foreign above.
How do those lyrics in Katy Perry’s smash hit go? “Baby, you’re a firework / Come on, let your colors burst”? Summer Walker and her new man, Coop Cashington, were certainly people“in awe, awe, awe” after sharing some pics from their night on the Fourth of July. According to The Shade Room, the Georgia born R&B star uploaded the recap to her Instagram, as well as her Story. The pretty fresh couple took a yacht out on the water, presumably to cuddle up privately and get a stunning view of some fireworks. Summer and Coop were patriotic with their beach-ready outfits as well. The “Playing Games” artist sported a cute matching white bikini set along with a same-colored lacey skirt cover and sun hat.
Cashington opted for a shirtless look but threw on some light blue swim trunks and a navy-blue Atlanta Braves flat bill cap. Both look extremely lovey dovey while sharing loads of smooches in addition to candid and plandid poses. Even though they appear to be enjoying each other’s company under the night sky, fans are still not seeing how this is going to last long. The Neighborhood Talk‘s comment section was absolutely filled to the brim with skeptics, with one person writing, “She date anybody that DM her”.
Another adds, “She like j Lo, both are allergic to being single. Like please have some alone time & heal”. Coop Cashington was also receiving a lot strays. “The type is dusty”. “All her n****s be looking fruity”. “Whooooaa I can hear the lyrics now ‘You wasnt my type but I let you pipe’ cause wtf ”. It is never good to see people hate on love for another. But you have to give it up to them for being consistent. Ever since him and Summer Walker made things official back in April, the former was accused of harassment, revenge porn, and more. Whether they last or not remains to be seen. However, we are happy to see Coop and Summer happy.
What are your thoughts on Summer Walker celebrating the Fourth of July with her new boyfriend? Do you see this couple lasting for a long time, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Summer Walker. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
July 4 turned out to be a hood holiday as Kendrick Lamar released his celebratory video for “Not Like Us.” Unlike its combative content, the video had a much more playful and boisterous vibe, with Kendrick bouncing around his hometown, Compton, accompanied by seemingly half the city’s residents.
The video brought more than good vibes, though; some fans are absolutely convinced that Kendrick not only danced on his rival Drake’s metaphorical grave, but also revealed the date of his next album’s release.
In one scene clip, Kendrick is seen wearing a blue windbreaker, with fans reading the lettering on its right breast as “8/8/2024.” As noted by the fan below, that date would fall on a Thursday, and thanks to the time difference between the coasts, technically a Friday release for New York would be on Thursday for Compton.
On Kendrick’s jacket , he has the date 8/8/2024 … do what you want with that info .. it lands on a Thursday. New album 9pm . pic.twitter.com/YI6F1x7gdx
However, that theory was quickly shot down by more fashion-savvy users, who pointed out that the Martine Rose jacket actually reads “S/S 2024” — i.e., that it’s from the British-Jamaican menswear designer’s spring/summer collection.
Now, whether Kendrick even has an album coming out remains to be seen. Fans have been asking for a full release of the snippet from the beginning of the “Not Like Us” video, but let’s be honest: we still haven’t gotten the song from “Alright” video’s interlude, nearly 10 years later, so even if there was a new album coming out, that joint probably ain’t on it. You can watch the “Not Like Us” video above.
Gucci Mane is looking for artists. Yesterday (July 5), the “There I Go” rapper posted an open call to his official Instagram page.
In the clip, Gucci expressed his desire to sign two new acts (one woman and one man) to his record label. “Who wanna be tha next millionaire,” he wrote. “I got $2 million ready! 1milli for tha next male SUPERSTAR & $1 million for tha next female SUPERSTAR! I gotta a brand new record label, SO ICY MILLIONAIRE! Tag the hottest unsigned artists now & DM ME! #SoIcyMillionaire,”
Typically, artists would jump at the opportunity to gain the backing of a hip-hop heavyweight like, Gucci. However, many users online have begun to urge independent acts to stay far away from the dotted line.
Another user posted a screenshot to recap the outcome of Gucci’s 1017 Records roster, including the late Enchanting and Big Scarr, Pooh Shiesty, and more.
Azealia Banks is one of the most outspoken people to ever grace the Internet, but she’s not always on the offensive online. Moreover, if you’ve been on social media today, you might have seen some alleged court documents spreading online supposedly showing that she was allegedly evicted from her Florida home for about $8K in unpaid rent. Apparently, the rapper said she didn’t pay rent due to a rat infestation and sued the homeowners for $50K for harassment. She then denied this rumor outright on social media, which posited that she had 72 hours to vacate the premises, and explained her side of the story.
“Ummm, this is a lie,” Azealia Banks shared on her Instagram Story on Friday (July 5), captioning a screenshot of a report on this eviction rumor from Pop Tingz on Twitter. “Lmao these Miami landlords be despeeeeraaaate. I’ve already moved CXO HQ to 7995 SW 154th Terrace, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157. Lmao why do these tostones grease bathing white wannabes in Miami really think I’m gonna play with them? Pop Tingz better correct that s**t.
#AzealiaBanks wants to clear the record and says that she had already moved at the time this was filed.
She says the landlord is a lying drunk who owes her over $30,000 and has been “menacing” her since she lived there, also that they had taken pictures of her lingerie.
Screenshot via Instagram @azealiabanksforever page around 3:30PM EST
“You can search the public record… There is no eviction ordered by any court,” Azealia Banks continued. “The landlord is a drunk with H.Pylori who has been menacing me the entire time I lived there. Sis had her husband come in the house under the guise of fixing some broken outlets TO TAKE PICTURE OF MY F***ING LINGERIE!!!!!! LIKE YEOOOOO. Sucks for them. Because they’re so broke they spent my depost. Owe me over $30K in repairs I had done because they’re too broke to do anything and now this? Lol did sis really try to reveal my personal address…… Well, way to up the ante. Because that was clear intent to cause injury.
“Sis accidentally texted me while having a yard sale saying she selling Hess trucks for $200 girls LOL,” Azealia Banks concluded. “Watch how I work this. You guys are gonna gag. These people have been f***ing with me the last two years I literally have not been able to concentrate. Sis calling me like we besties. Then she drink some wine and the worms in her stomach start wiggling then she cursing me out. I hired her daughter to work at CXO and she stole her daughter’s money. Like goodness sake. I have had it!!!!!!!”
(@nojumper)
”. Choppa continues to be a source of inspiration for the any aspiring MC. 
”. JID then confirmed that it was an album and not just a single after one user originally claimed, “Metro Boomin Teases His Song With JID”. Since that bombshell, both have been repeatedly asked if it still in the works. 
ЯKŸ (@DavidSFV93) 
(@its2sum) 
