Cash Cobain is blowing up. He’s become one of the most sought-after talents in hip-hop over the last couple years. Unsurprisingly, Cobain has already linked up with Drake. The two men collaborated on the song “Calling for You,” which has become a source of controversy since its release in 2023. A reference track for “Calling for You” seemingly leaked online in April, suggesting that Cobain wrote the entire song. The rapper dismissed the reference track on social media, but a recent No Jumper interview led to him doubling down on his claim.
Cash Cobain was asked for clarity and he provided it. He claimed that the rumor of him ghostwriting for Drake is “fake news” and “cap” with no concrete proof. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he told the host. “I don’t write for nobody but me.” Cobain went on to assert that he isn’t against the concept of writing for other artists. “Why not,” he said. “Rihanna do it, Beyonce do it. All day, they got the biggest records. It’s a business.” He did, however, admit that there was a difference between writing for a pop singer or R&B star versus a rapper. “It’s just rap sh*t, you know,” he added.
Originality is something Cash Cobain prides himself on. He’s voiced admiration for artists like Jay-Z and 50 Cent the past, but made it clear that he wants to cultivate his own sound. “I didn’t want to emulate nobody,” he told Passion of the Weiss. “I love 50 Cent, Jay-Z, I loved all the artists growing up but those two were like, the main ones. [But] I didn’t want to emulate. I just wanted to make beats.” The decision to pursue a distinct sound has definitely paid off. Cash Cobain’s sound, which he describes as “sexy trap,” has spread like wildfire in 2024. He’s gotten co-signs from artists like J. Cole and Busta Rhymes, and his production style has is gradually bleeding into the mainstream.
Cash Cobain recently made the XXL Freshman list. He’s yet to link back up with Drake following the AI reference track leak, but the more successful he gets on his own, the less he needs a co-sign from the 6 God. Especially considering the all-time low that Drake’s reputation is currently at. It’ll be fascinating to see whether Cash Cobain recants his claim about writing only for himself as his profile continues to rise. Especially as more and more pop artists try to emulate his sound. If anything, Drake just got to the party early.
LeBron James has until the end of this week to decide what he’s doing with his player option with the Lakers, and if he chooses not to pick it up, he’ll become a free agent on Sunday evening when the NBA’s moratorium period opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30.
While most expect LeBron to stay in Los Angeles, there are plenty of teams that would love to add the future Hall of Famer and would like the chance to pitch him on why a change of scenery might be his best bet for another championship run. The Sixers and Suns are known to have interest in James, but other teams would surely try to get a meeting as well. While the Chicago Bulls don’t really have a great case to make as a potential title contender, that hasn’t stopped Chicago native and Bulls fan Lil Durk from doing his best to recruit LeBron (and Bronny) to the Bulls.
Durk posted a screenshot of a message he sent James to his IG story on Tuesday recruiting him to Chicago, offering to pay half of LeBron’s salary himself if he has to.
I’m not sure Lil Durk’s accountant would agree with this offer, as James is eligible to sign a deal that would pay him more than $50 million annually, which would put Durk on the hook for a tidy $25+ million per year. That said, you have to respect the effort here to do whatever you can to help your favorite team. The Bulls can’t acquire James without a pretty complicated sign-and-trade, but honestly, I think plenty of Bulls fans would feel better about Lil Durk handling Chicago’s roster moves than Arturas Karnisovas at this point— especially after the Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey trade.
Denzel Curry’s new album King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 comes out in a little less than a month, and today, he shared the next single to help build its buzz. “Black Flag Freestyle” features Bay City, Texas rapper That Mexican OT, fresh off his selection as a XXL Freshman, and was debuted via a gritty performance on From The Block filmed in Houston in front of the legendary Screwed Up Records & Tapes store.
So far, King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 sounds like it’s a return to the Memphis trap sound that first launched Denzel’s career after his last album, Melt My Eyes, See Your Future, diverged into more therapeutic topics and sounds. The other single Denzel released, “Hot Ones,” also delved into dark samples from ’90s Memphis underground rap alongside TiaCorine and ASAP Ferg, another noted purveyor of the goth trap sound favored by the likes of Juicy J and Gimisum Family. Memphis underground legend Kingpin Skinny Pimp also appears on the tracklist, alongside Curry contemporaries like ASAP Rocky, Kenny Mason, Maxo Kream, Ski Mask the Slump God, and more.
Watch Denzel Curry’s From The Block performance of “Black Flag Freestyle” with That Mexican OT above.
King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 is out 7/19 via Loma Vista. Find more information here.
A fresh voice emerged in the mid-2000s, blending intricate rhymes with thought-provoking themes. That voice belonged to Lupe Fiasco. Born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, Lupe quickly set himself apart with his storytelling and social commentary, tackling everything from skateboarding culture to political issues. His insightful bars earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Now, as we eagerly await his new album, Samurai, dropping this Friday, June 28, it’s the perfect time to revisit the tracks that have defined his career.
Samurai is shaping up to be another milestone in Lupe’s journey. It’s promising to be a blend of intellectual rigor that pushes the boundaries of hip-hop. To celebrate this upcoming release, let’s take a look at five essential tracks that capture the essence of Lupe Fiasco’s artistry. These songs showcase his lyrical and cultural impact, making him one of the most compelling voices in hip-hop.
1. “Kick, Push” (2006)
For many fans, “Kick, Push” is where it all began. Released in 2006, this track was Lupe’s breakout hit and remains one of his most iconic songs. With its smooth, jazzy beat, “Kick, Push” tells the tale of a young skateboarder navigating life’s challenges. It’s more than just a song about skateboarding; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, finding their way in the world.
The impact of “Kick, Push” was immediate and far-reaching. It introduced Lupe as a fresh and thoughtful voice in hip-hop who could craft a narrative with depth and relatability. The song’s success helped propel his debut album, Food & Liquor, into the spotlight. It marked the start of a career defined by intellectual and artistic ambition. “Kick, Push” remains a testament to Lupe’s ability to blend personal stories with broader social themes, making it a must-listen in his catalog.
2. “Daydreamin’” (Feat. Jill Scott) (2006)
When Lupe teamed up with Jill Scott for “Daydreamin’,” the result was pure magic. This 2006 track from Food & Liquor combines Scott’s soulful vocals with Lupe’s sharp commentary, creating a powerful and evocative song. “Daydreamin’” delves into themes of escapism and the harsh realities of life. It also uses vivid imagery and metaphor to paint a compelling picture.
The collaboration with Jill Scott adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the track. This further made it both a critical and fan favorite. “Daydreamin’” went on to win a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, cementing its place as a standout in Lupe’s discography. The song’s reflective tone highlights Lupe’s knack for addressing serious issues with nuance and artistry.
3. “Dumb It Down” (2007)
A bold critique of the music industry and societal expectations, “Dumb It Down” from the 2007 album The Cool showcases Lupe’s refusal to compromise his artistic integrity. This track pushes back against pressures to simplify his complex, thought-provoking lyrics for more commercial appeal. With layered wordplay and biting sarcasm, Lupe delivers a fearless analysis on the demands of the mainstream.
Critically acclaimed for its depth, “Dumb It Down” resonated with fans who appreciated its intellectual rigor and honest critique. The song also exemplifies Lupe’s commitment to challenging both himself and his audience. He demands more from the music they consume. It is a powerful statement on authenticity, reinforcing why Lupe remains a vital voice in hip-hop.
4. “The Show Goes On” (2011)
One of Lupe Fiasco’s most anthemic tracks, “The Show Goes On,” from the 2011 album Lasers, captures the spirit of perseverance. Built around a sample of Modest Mouse’s “Float On,” the song’s upbeat melody offers a message of hope and determination. It’s a celebration of overcoming obstacles and continuing to push forward, no matter the challenges.
“The Show Goes On” achieved widespread popularity, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple at live performances. Its infectious positivity resonated with a broad audience, solidifying its place as one of Lupe’s most cherished tracks. This song perfectly encapsulates his ability to inspire and energize listeners, making it an essential part of his musical legacy.
5. “Superstar” (Feat. Matthew Santos) (2007)
“Superstar,” featuring Matthew Santos, is one of Lupe Fiasco’s most memorable tracks. Released in 2007 as part of his second album, The Cool, this song quickly became an anthem for anyone grappling with the pressures of fame and success. With its soaring chorus, “Superstar” captures the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.
Moreover, the song’s relatable themes helped it climb the charts, earning Lupe widespread recognition. “Superstar” isn’t just a critique of the trappings of fame. It’s a reflection on the personal cost of ambition and the constant struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of external pressures. This track stands out for its musical appeal and profound message, showcasing Lupe’s ability to blend commercial success with substantial lyrical content.
Hip-hop sensation Sexyy Red is hitting the road this summer, announcing the North American leg of her “Sexyy Red 4 President Tour.” With her explosive energy and chart-topping hits, the tour promises to be an unforgettable experience. Sexyy Red, along with her supporting acts Hunxho, Loe Shimmy, and BlakeIANA, will bring their dynamic performances to 26 cities across the U.S. Kicking off in Seattle on August 22, the tour will make stops in major cities including San Diego, St. Louis, and New York, before concluding in Nashville on October 1. Get ready to experience the electrifying vibes and high-energy shows that Sexyy Red is known for.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 06: Sexyy Red performs during the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 06, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)
Sexyy Red’s tour announcement follows the release of her latest mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, which includes hits like “Get It Sexyy” and “U My Everything” featuring Drake. This tour continues her streak of captivating live performances, having already impressed audiences at major events like Governor’s Ball and Roots Picnic. Expect a setlist packed with fan favorites such as “SkeeYee” and “Get It Sexyy,” with crowds likely dancing and twerking on top of their seats.
Ticket Information
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 01: Sexyy Red performs at 2024 Roots Picnic at Fairmount Park on June 01, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)
Fans eager to secure their spot for this high-energy tour can purchase tickets starting this Friday, June 28. Tickets will be available through the official tour website at sexyy4president.com. Given the anticipation surrounding Sexyy Red’s performances, it’s advisable to grab your tickets early to avoid missing out.
The “Sexyy Red 4 President Tour” is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tours of the year. With an extensive list of cities and a promise of electrifying performances, fans of Sexyy Red are in for a treat. Joining Sexyy Red on tour are her “cabinet members” Hunxho, Loe Shimmy, and rising star BlakeIANA from St. Louis. These artists will set the stage each night with their unique sounds and energetic performances, making for a full night of unforgettable music.
Tour Dates & Locations
Seattle – August 22 – WAMU Theater Portland – August 23 – Moda Center Oakland – August 26 – Oakland Arena San Diego – August 27 – Pechanga Arena Fort Worth – August 30 – Dickies Arena Cedar Park – September 1 – HEB Center Oklahoma City – September 3 – Zoo Amphitheatre Lincoln – September 5 – Pinnacle Bank Arena Bonner Springs – September 6 – Azura Amphitheater Minneapolis – September 7 – Armory Milwaukee – September 9 – Fiserv Forum Grand Rapids – September 10 – Van Andel Arena St. Louis – September 13 – Enterprise Center Columbus – September 14 – Nationwide Arena Pittsburgh – September 15 – Petersen Events Center Brooklyn – September 17 – Barclays Center Philadelphia – September 20 – Liacouras Center New Haven – September 21 – Westville Music Bowl Tampa – September 25 – Amalie Arena Orlando – September 26 – Addition Financial Arena New Orleans – September 29 – Champions Square Birmingham – September 30 – Legacy Arena Nashville – October 1 – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Wack 100 was unsuccessful in attempting to pay for a large percentage of the bail for Duane “Keefe D” Davis. He appeared in court on Tuesday to defend the decision to Judge Carli Kierny, who wasn’t buying any of it. Wack tried to post $112,500 of Davis’ $750,000 bail with the help of a bondsman for the rest. In turn, prosecutors accused him of acting as a middleman and only wanting to land an interview for a potential TV series from the move.
“I don’t really see where the actual $112,500 came from with what’s been provided,” Kierny argued during the hearing, as caught by AllHipHop. “I also don’t find the defense has met the burden … to show that the bail is not connected to Mr. Davis ultimately talking about Mr. Shakur’s murder and any evidence to contrary is not credible.”
Duane “Keefe D.” Davis, 60, appears in a Las. Vegas court on October 19, 2023, during his arraignment on murder charges in the death of rapper Tupac. Shakur. Shakur, 25, died on September 7, 1996, six days after being shot while in a car near the Las. Vegas Strip. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN LOCHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Wack promised that an interview with Keefe D would only occur once the trial was complete and that he genuinely believed him to be innocent. “It would have to be [after the trial],” he said. “It couldn’t go the other way, it couldn’t go the other way because if he’s guilty … he’s gonna be looked upon a certain way. If he’s innocent as I think he is and I know him to be understanding the case, then he’ll be looked at a total different way.”
Wack 100 Speaks In Court
Police in Nevada arrested Keefe D for the murder in 2023, over 25 years after 2Pac was slain. Be on the lookout for further updates on Wack 100 and Duane “Keefe D” Davis’s murder trial on HotNewHipHop.
While Lil Jon has been on a meditation and wellness kick for the past several months, he’s still best known for being the guy who questioned: “Turn Down For What?” Peloton has found a way to combine the high energy of Jon’s musical output with his new mission of promoting healthy living, incorporating his music into several of its classes, with Jon himself leading classes in riding and meditation on launch day, June 27.
“My meditation journey really led me to take on a more positive mindset, and has really helped drive awareness and access to the practice of meditation,” Jon told Billboard. “Everyone deserves to find an outlet that gives them moments of peace. I’m excited to join Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts [in the Meditation Class], I know what an influential force she is in the yoga and meditation space!”
The classes that Lil Jon’s music will support will include cycling, tread, row, meditation, and strength.
Later this summer, Lil Jon will join Pitbull and T-Pain on select dates of their Party After Dark Tour. Meanwhile, you can listen to his two guided meditation albums, Total Meditations and Manifest Abundance: Affirmations Of Personal Growth, both of which were released this year, now on all DSPs.
Anderson .Paak has had a busy year. He launched the second season of his .Paak House Radio show on Apple Music 1, and appeared on songs with the Free Nationals (“Gangsta“), SiR (“Poetry In Motion“), Fred Again… (“Places To Be“), and Kaytranada (“Do 2 Me” which also features SiR), all while preparing the release of his and Knxwledge’s NxWorries comeback Why Lawd?. But he’s not done yet.
Today, he announced the dates for the Malibu Tour, on which he plans to perform his album of the same name. The tour begins on September 18, supported by Free Nationals, and tickets go on sale beginning Friday, June 28, at 9 AM local time. Artist presale begins on Wednesday, June 26 at 9 AM local time. You can find tickets and more information on andersonpaak.com.
Anderson .Paak Tour Dates
09/18 — Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
09/19 — Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
09/21 — Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/24 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl *^
09/26 — Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
09/27 — Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
09/28 — Las Vegas, NV @ Fontainebleau Las Vegas
10/02 — Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
10/04 — Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
10/05 — Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
10/08 — Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann
10/09 — Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/11 — Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
10/13 — Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Amazon’s 10th Prime Day is going down soon, on July 16 and 17. We know this because Megan Thee Stallion just helped announce the news in a new commercial. The two-minute video is actually based on “It’s Prime Day,” a new song Meg wrote specifically for the ad. (The tune will also be a bonus track on the Amazon Music release of her upcoming album Megan and is currently streaming exclusively on Amazon Music.)
The song/video see the rapper going through all the versions of “Megan Thee” she could possibly be thanks to the broad selection of items available on Amazon. Sparked by different products she comes across, Megan tries everything from cosplay (which she’s familiar with at this point) to being a lifeguard (she won’t be saving lives anytime soon) to jumping a dirtbike over a bunch of Amazon delivery vans (at which she’s so good that she even gets some mid-air shopping in).
Products Megan features in the video (and others) will be shoppable, too, as Amazon has set up a landing page full of Meg’s picks, which include early deals on items from her new Hot Girl Summer tour merch collection.
In a statement, Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime, says, “Prime Day is a celebration of the value we bring to members all year long, and features millions of deals across more than 35 product categories as well as discounts on Amazon devices, quality entertainment, groceries, travel, and more during the event. In fact, over the course of last year, Amazon customers saved nearly $24 billion from deals and coupons — with Prime members enjoying the vast majority of those savings — including over $2.5 billion during Prime Day 2023.”
Some collaborations often catch fans off guard, and Lil Yachty and James Blake’s upcoming joint album, Bad Cameo, can fall into that category. Yet, it hasn’t been uncommon for Blake to partner with Hip Hop artists throughout his prolific career. He has worked with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Vince Staples, Chance The Rapper, and Frank Ocean, and was featured on the Black Panther soundtrack. Yachty’s catalog of hits speaks for itself, and these two decided to band their skills together for what they hope is an unforgettable project that both say inspired their best songwriting.
“As soon as we started making songs, and I think partly it was to do with this conversation we had pretty early on where Yachty was like, ‘James, you’ve made enough,’” Blake told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. “‘You’ve worked on enough Rap records. Let’s make something completely different.’ And I was like, ‘Totally, what do you feel like working on?’ And I just started playing him….it’s not that I assumed we’d make a Rap vocal collab record. I just didn’t know what he wanted to do.”
“So when he said that, I was like, ‘Great, obviously the door’s open for any type of thing I’m going to play him,” Blake added. “So, I just started playing him ambient things. Things I’d been working on actually from a similar era to the Robots‘ era stuff. If you look around here, this is all just since that. I’ve made all that stuff on and I was playing him some stuff like that. Then, he had a couple of things that he brought in that kind of matched that mood.”
Both Blake and Yachty expounded on Bad Cameo, detailing why they were drawn to work with one another in the first place. Read through a few highlights below, including lessons Yachty learned from Blake and why Blake almost swore off collaborations altogether before this partnership arose. Additionally, make sure to stream Bad Cameo when it arrives this Friday, June 28.
James Blake On Why He Wanted To Work With Lil Yachty
The thing that I think it was for me—because I already respected you as an artist in the genre you started in. To me, the music you were making already was amazing. And I think lyrically you stood out energetically. You stood out, and I just felt like every time your voice came on something, it was like, oh, I just knew there was going to be a level of quality to it. I also got a sense early on that some of the kinds of genre associations and the kinds of ways that some people felt about that genre were reflecting on you unfairly. And I could see that there was someone unbelievably special who just happened to make this kind of music. And it’s also music that I love.
Lil Yachty On What He Learned From Working With James Blake
Lil Yachty: I think I have a better understanding of quality and I feel like he pushed me to—he didn’t push me physically. Like, told me, ‘Do better.’ But just being around and experiencing him work pushed me to try to have reason in my songwriting and to just live up to the quality of James’s catalog. I didn’t want to put a project out and then his fans be upset with me. Kind of slaughtering all of the—
James Blake: That could never happen.
Zane Lowe: No, but I do understand what you’re saying. Pushing yourself to connect to the music in a way where—
Yachty: Just to be as great as everything that he has done. No, seriously, I wanted to make sure he knew how serious I was. Because I, myself, have worked with so many artists who are just so unserious. They don’t understand true effort or just don’t apply themselves. It’s so easy to say, ‘Yeah, man, let’s make a project, man, let’s work. Let’s do an album. Let’s do a mixtape.’ But to genuinely apply yourself, show up, and devote time because it’s my time and his time that we spent to create this child. [I] just really wanted to show that I was there and this was as important to me as it was to him.
Lowe: It says less about the value it creates after the fact and more with actually just being completely present in the process.
Yachty: Well, we just never once had a conversation about what happens after. It was always just what we liked and what we felt was right. We never was like, ‘Oh man, we going to go number one, or…’ We never had that conversation. It’s just like we went with it.
Blake: We knew that wasn’t going to happen because I’m involved. But we definitely had conversations about the ideas of the—
Lowe: The British humility at play here.
Yachty: Well, I think he’s going to possibly help me get my Grammy.
James Blake Swore Off Any More Collabs Before Working With Yachty
Blake: I’d say before even before we even met, I decided not to do many more collaborations.
Lowe: What was the purpose behind it? What was the thinking?
Blake: Well, my thinking was in most sessions, I don’t enjoy it that much. I think, there’s a lot of great artists, but are they going to make you laugh? Are you going to actually have a good time? Are you actually going to form a friendship that is like, you actually want to see them come into the studio? I mean, there’s a certain point in your career where you’re like, ‘Well, I don’t have to do this.’ I’m not trying to cross-pollinate fan bases and get—there’s no A&R moves anymore. I’m just making music. Not that there really ever was, but now I’m like, ‘How can I preserve my space? How can I be only have fun?’ And we just, I mean, our sessions are 99 percent unserious. This is probably the most serious conversation we’ve ever had, I think.
(@nojumper)
