Drake is going through it. The rapper who was dubbed the artist of the 2010s has fallen on hard times in 2024. Former collaborators turned against him and/or dissed him. Kendrick Lamar effectively gave him a bigger rap battle loss than Pusha T. He then went on to celebrate his victory with an already legendary concert on Juneteeth. The dust hasn’t settled on the anti-Drake show, and the rapper has already fallen victim to another unflattering incident. He just lost $1 million betting on the Stanley Cup finals.
The Florida Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers on June 24. Being the supportive Canadian that he is, Drake put down a bet on the Oilers. The rapper posted the betting stub for the Stanley Cup Finals on June 6, confirming its value of $500K. To make matters worse, it was one of two $500K bets the rapper made that day. He also put down $500K for the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA finals, which means he lost a staggering $1 million in the last two weeks. The X Twitter account Dallas Nation reposted the betting stubs with a claim that the “Drake curse” is alive and well.
The “Drake curse” has been a talking point for over a decade. The rapper was quickly deemed back luck to any sports team that he took an interest in. The concept gained so much traction, in fact, that Drake made joke about it during the Toronto Raptors’ NBA title run in 2019. After the Raptors beat the Orlando Magic to advance to the second round, Drake sarcastically asked journalists: “You want me to talk about the curse or you guys good?”
Drake’s betting habits has made for humorous fodder. The rapper’s habits was presented in a more sinister light on the Kendrick Lamar diss, “Meet the Grahams,” however. On the song, Lamar presented Drake’s betting as an addiction, and the cause of unreported money problems. “Thirty-seven, but you showin’ up as a seven-year-old,” Lamar raps. “You got gamblin’ problems, drinkin’ problems, pill-poppin’ and spendin’ problems. Bad with money…” This latest loss isn’t going to help refute Lamar’s claim.
Will Smith is having a moment. The entertainer just scored a massive box office hit with Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The press tour for the action sequel has gone a long way in restoring Smith’s goodwill with the public. He knows it too, because he isn’t taking any plays off. In fact, Smith is doubling down and has decided to return to his hip-hop roots. On June 24, the Oscar winner announced that he will perform at the upcoming BET Awards. To make things even more interesting, he will be playing a brand new song.
Smith has flirted with hip-hop a few times in the 2020s. He collaborated with artists like Logic and Joyner Lucas, and he even performed “Men In Black” at Coachella this year. The difference with the BET Awards is that Big Willie Style will be giving fans original material. He hasn’t released a new solo song since 2017, and “Get Lit” didn’t exactly light the world up. Will Smith hasn’t had a top 10 single since “Switch,” which came out in 2005. Now’s the time to attempt a comeback, though, and BET confirmed the performance with a Variety press release.
The release was penned by Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince,” she stated. “To being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon. And we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” Smith hasn’t divulged any details about the song or the album that it will reportedly serve as a single for. He did, however, discuss why he felt compelled to pick up the microphone during a 2015 Guardian interview.
Will Smith credited his son, Jaden, and Kanye West, for prompting his musical rebirth. “My son tells me I have to write out the things I don’t like,” he told to the outlet. “I can’t write and stop, I have to keep going and going and write them out. I’ve never worked like that before but I think I might give that a shot… I’m exploring.” It’s taken nearly a decade for this exploring to come to fruition, but it sounds like Smith may have finally found what he was looking for. We’ll know for sure on June 30 when the BET Awards air.
The Fugees have a famously contentious history. Personal relations were horrible between Pras, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill for years, as evidenced by lyrics in their subsequent solo works. Fortunately, they’ve been able to set their differences and reunite in the mid-2000s and the 2020s. The Fugees intended to celebrate the anniversary of their iconic album, The Score, with a 2021 tour, but the pandemic led to its cancelation. Now, the trio are trying to celebrate another iconic album on the road.
Lauryn Hill’s solo debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, turned 25 in 2023, and the singer made plans to tour the album alongside the other Fugees. Hill’s vocal strain diagnosis in September, however, led to yet another cancelation. That’s two major cancelations in the span of two years. As they, third time is a charm. Hill, Pras, and Wyclef Jean have announced plans to resume the tour this August. Despite being months removed from the Miseducation anniversary, the tour is still being sold as a celebration of the album. This makes sense, given Apple Music’s recent declaration that Miseducation is the greatest album of all time.
The ticket pre-sale kicks off Wednesday, June 26. Regular sale will be made available two days later. Hill issued a statement regarding the tour, and the Fugees reunion, in 2023. She explained her reasoning for revisiting the two pieces of her musical past. “I’ve almost felt compelled to carry a torch. Or to keep a light shining regarding the continual performance of the Miseducation album,” she told fans. “I believe there’s been a reason for that. And the Fugees coming back together for performances too feels like unfinished business we’re destined to handle.”
Lauryn Hill has been busy this year. At least, that’s the rumor. The singer was asked when she’d be releasing new music back in May. Surprisingly, she told TMZ reporters “soon.” Her son, YG Marley, backed up the claim. “Music is on the way,” Marley claimed. “For real this time.” Lauryn Hill has been teasing new music for over a decade, but has never been so direct regarding a timeline. Assuming the anniversary tour goes well, and the new album comes out, Hill fans could be getting everything they’ve ever wanted in one year.
Tyler The Creator is entering a different phase of his career. He went from controversial emcee to critical darling to hip-hop icon. His recent performance at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show solidified this pivot. Tyler is taking the momentum from that iconic show and carrying it right into his own festival, Camp Flog Gnaw. The festival is turning ten this year, which means the former Odd Future leader will be going above and beyond to make sure fans get their money’s worth.
Tyler announced the dates for Camp Flog Gnaw 2024, fittingly, on June 24. The two-day festival will take place on November 16-17 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The tickets will go on sale Friday, June 28th and the advance ticket sales will go up a day earlier, on June 27th. Camp Flog Gnaw’s website confirms that general admission tickets will be $345 + fees for both days. VIP passes will be $625 + fees, and the Super VIP passes will be $1,695 + fees. The lineup for Camp Flog Gnaw 2024 has yet to be announced. Tyler The Creator’s official festival poster confirmed that the artists will be unveiled at a later date.
Camp Flog Gnaw has had its fair share of iconic moments over the years. Tyler The Creator getting a chance to his interview his idol, Pharrell, in 2014, went viral. There was also the infamous Drake show in 2018. He was Tyler The Creator’s surprise guest, but fans expecting Frank Ocean proceeded to boo the 6 God offstage. Tyler came to Drake’s defense, and criticized fans. “Then when that happened and these motherf**kers is like ‘f*ck you’,” he told BET. “It’s a reflection on me to Aubrey.” The irony, of course, is that Tyler has moved over to team Kendrick Lamar.
Tyler The Creator was praised for bringing the festival back in 2023. The pandemic made it difficult to put on between 2020 and 2022. “Covid f*cked us, bro,” the rapper told the crowd. “Didn’t leave a towel, didn’t call to see if we made it home safe, just f*cked us. But three or four years later, and y’all still care to come.” Tyler also thanked fans for showing support and keeping the festival alive. “To know this random idea I had, brings the spirit of L.A. up for two days,” he explained. “I say this with every bone in my body: Thank you all.”
Kendrick Lamar has never been more beloved. He was already considered the best lyricist of his generation, but the Drake battle, and subsequent “Pop Out” show have vaunted him into the GOAT conversation. “Not Like Us” is a number one single, and the music video, which is being shot in Dot’s hometown, is currently in production. It’s one of the biggest songs of the year. It’s also, according to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr., eligible for the Grammys.
Mason discussed “Not Like Us” on June 24. TMZ reporters inquired about the song’s chances of getting a Grammy nomination, and the CEO was hopeful. “Obviously, it’s a hot record, it’s amazing artistry,” he asserted. “Great writing… Incredible.” Mason also pointed out that Kendrick Lamar is a favorite among Grammy voters. “You got an artist that’s been nominated before,” the CEO said. “He’s been successful with the organization. I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t be.” Mason insisted that the quality of the song is what matters at the end of the day, and “Not Like Us” checks all the boxes.
Kendrick Lamar Has A Great Track Record With Voters
TMZ asked Harvey Mason, Jr. whether the song’s accusations and verbal attacks would be too much for Grammy voters. The CEO remained steadfast. He told the outlet that Grammy voters vote for “greatness” at the end of the day, and Kendrick Lamar radiates greatness. “That’s a relevant record,” he added. “It’s impactful on so many levels. I like to believe the Academy members recognize that. Mason then gave his thoughts on a possible “diss” category being introduced at the Grammys. He laughed, but didn’t refute the idea entirely. “Anything is possible,” he quipped.
To say Kendrick Lamar has had success with Grammy voters is an understatement. He has 50 Grammy nominations under his belt, along with 17 wins. He cleaned up during the 2018 ceremony, in particular, winning five Grammys for the album DAMN. and four for the single “HUMBLE.” There’s also the Drake layer to consider. Drake tried to mock Lamar’s faux-artistic persona on the song “Family Matters” with the lines: “Kendrick just opened his mouth. Someone go hand him a Grammy right now.” It was a meant as a dig, but is now looking more like a reality.
From the vibrant streets of the Bay Area to the top of the charts, Saweetie has become a force to be reckoned with. Known offstage as Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, her charismatic presence and undeniable sense of style carved out her unique space in a crowded industry. Her music is a fusion of confident anthems and women empowerment, making her a standout artist.
Since her debut, Saweetie has consistently delivered tracks that dominate the charts and become cultural staples. Her music often celebrates confidence and fun, making her a favorite among listeners. We’ll explore five essential songs that capture the essence of Saweetie’s artistry and highlight her journey from a rising star to a household name in hip-hop.
1. “Icy Grl” (2017)
“Icy Grl” is the track that put Saweetie on the map. Released in 2017, this debut single became an instant hit. Sampling Khia’s “My Neck, My Back,” Saweetie flips the narrative into an anthem of empowerment and self-confidence. Further, the song’s success is also about Saweetie’s unapologetic embrace of her ambitions and lifestyle. “Icy Grl” serves as an introduction to her persona—cool, ambitious, and self-assured. It laid the foundation for her brand, with the “icy” theme becoming a signature aspect of her image, symbolizing her love for bling and her cool, composed demeanor in the face of challenges. Saweetie’s clever use of social media helped “Icy Grl” go viral. It also earned her a deal with Warner Records and set the stage for her subsequent hits. The song’s impact is undeniable, marking the beginning of her journey to becoming a household name in hip-hop.
2. “My Type” (2019)
Saweetie’s 2019 hit “My Type” brought her into the mainstream spotlight with its unmistakable energy. Sampling Petey Pablo’s “Freek-a-Leek,” the track boasts a catchy hook that quickly became a fan favorite. Its bold, unapologetic celebration of knowing one’s worth struck a chord with listeners, propelling the song up the charts. The track peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum, further cementing Saweetie’s place in the music industry.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “My Type” had a significant cultural impact. It became a summer anthem, dominating clubs, parties, and social media. Fans and influencers took to platforms like TikTok to create dance challenges and viral videos. This further spread the song’s influence even further. The playful yet assertive lyrics showcase Saweetie’s talent for blending humor with empowerment. “My Type” exemplifies Saweetie’s ability to craft entertaining and empowering music, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
3. “Tap In” (2020)
With “Tap In,” Saweetie tapped into the essence of her Bay Area roots. She delivered a track that is both a nod to her origins and a testament to her growing influence in hip-hop. Released in 2020, the song samples Too $hort’s classic “Blow the Whistle,” blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist. Further, “Tap In” quickly became a summer hit. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification. Its production made it a favorite for radio play and social media challenges.
Moreover, the resonance of “Tap In” extended beyond its chart performance. The track’s message resonated with a wide audience, especially those familiar with the Bay Area’s unique sound. “Tap In” celebrates Saweetie’s heritage and her ability to bring regional sounds to a global audience, further solidifying her status as a versatile and influential artist in the contemporary music scene.
“Best Friend,” featuring Doja Cat, is a vibrant anthem celebrating friendship and women empowerment. Released in early 2021, this collaboration between two of hip-hop’s rising stars quickly captured the public’s imagination. The song’s beat, playful lyrics, and undeniable chemistry between Saweetie and Doja Cat made it an instant hit. This track also peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple platinum certifications.
Additionally, the track’s impact goes beyond its commercial success. “Best Friend” became a phenomenon, inspiring countless TikTok challenges, memes, and social media posts. Its message and a fun and carefree vibe echoed particularly with young women. Saweetie and Doja Cat’s dynamic performance in the music video, filled with luxury, humor, and camaraderie, further cemented the song’s place as a feel-good hit of the year. “Best Friend” exemplifies Saweetie’s ability to craft entertaining and meaningful songs, reinforcing her position as a key voice in contemporary hip-hop.
5. “Back To The Streets” (Feat. Jhené Aiko) (2020)
“Back to the Streets,” featuring Jhené Aiko, showcases Saweetie’s more introspective side. Released in late 2020, this track diverges from her typical high-energy anthems, offering a smooth and soulful vibe highlighting her versatility as an artist. The collaboration with Jhené Aiko, known for her ethereal voice and serene presence, adds depth and harmony to the song, making it a standout in Saweetie’s discography.
The song’s lyrics tell a story of moving on and reclaiming one’s independence after a relationship, resonating with anyone who has experienced the complexities of letting go. Saweetie’s lyrical delivery is reflective and empowering, while Jhené Aiko’s soothing vocals perfectly complement the theme. “Back to the Streets” received critical acclaim for its mature and nuanced approach to self-worth and personal growth themes. The track broadened Saweetie’s musical range and reinforced her ability to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level.
The West Coast is having a moment. Kendrick Lamar brought everybody together for the “Pop Out” show, and generated cultural momentum that fans haven’t seen in years. YG was one of the artists who performed at the “Pop Out,” which not only confirmed his anti-Drake stance but solidified his reputation as a Bompton legend. It’s good to be a YG fan these days, and the rapper just made it better by revealing plans for a brand new mixtape.
YG broke the news on June 24. He posted the artwork for the mixtape on social media, along with the title and release date. The tape will be called Just Re’d Up 3, and the release date is August 16. There’s a lot to unpack here. For one, the rapper is striking while the West Coast iron is hot. His cache, as well as that of longtime collaborator DJ Mustard, is an all time high. Mustard has an album on the way, and so it makes perfect sense that YG would drop something as well. As one can infer from the title, Just Re’d Up 3 will be the latest installment in the rapper’s beloved Re’d Up series.
The first Just Re’d Up helped establish YG as a viable artist in 2011. Just Re’d Up 2 dropped when YG was on the cusp of becoming a mainstream star in 2013. The rapper hasn’t gone back to the series in over a decade, which could suggest a back-to-basics approach. The new single “Weird” supports this theory. YG takes aim at “weird rappers” on the track, with an instrumental that harkens back to his old sound. “You bitter-a*s n**gas be sweet, like Cheerios. Weird-a*s n**ga, you n**gas lame,” he raps. “When it’s smoke, don’t ever mention my name. You gon’ have me jeapoardizin’ my fame.”
The common reading of these lyrics is that he’s dissing Drake. The 6 God mentioned YG by name on “Family Matters,” and even though the mention was positive, it appears YG didn’t appreciate it. The fact that YG showed up to support Kendrick Lamar at the “Pop Out” show made it clear that he’s team K. Dot in the rap civil war. Other singles like “Miss My Dawgs” and the Spanish-flavored “KNOCKA” are set to appear on the Just Re’d Up 3 tracklist as well.
Last week, Jhené Aiko embarked on The Magic Hour tour, accompanied by New Jersey rap star Coi Leray (as well as fellow rising R&B stars Kiana Ledé, Tink, And UMI). The Uproxx cover star’s setlist for the Magic Hour Tour is now available below, courtesy of Setlist.fm. In addition to tracks from her albums Trendsetter and Coi, the setlist also includes hits from her new EPs Lemon Cars and Blue Moon, as well as her standout track from the Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse soundtrack.
Coi Leray Tour Setlist
01. “No More Parties”
02. “Twinnem”
03. “Wicked Butterflied”
04. “Slide”
05. “Isabel Marant”
06. “Big Purr”
07. “Coke Bottle Body”
08. “Wanna Come Thru”
09. “Blick Blick”
10. “Self Love” (from Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse/em>)
11. “We Time”
12. “Make My Day” (by David Guetta)
13. “Players”
14. “Lemon Cars”
The Magic Hour Tour Dates
06/25 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
06/27 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden
06/29 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
07/01 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
07/02 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
07/06 — Orlando, FL @ Kia Center
07/07 — Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena
07/10 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
07/12 — Ft. Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
07/13 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center
07/15 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
08/01 — Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
08/05 — San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
08/06 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
08/08 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center
08/10 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
08/13 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
08/14 — Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum
08/16 — West Valley City, UT @ Maverik Center
08/17 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
08/19 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
08/20 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
08/22 — Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Gunna’s album One Of Wun, is one of the best hip-hop albums of 2024 so far, and the Atlanta superstar is keeping its momentum going with the video for “Back In The A.” As the title suggests, the contemplative clip finds Gunna back in his hometown (albeit in a hotel room), surrounded by the high-end clothing and accessories for which he’s earned his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most fashion-forward faces.
Gunna just wrapped up his Bittersweet Tour at the State Farm Arena in his hometown — making the release of “Back In The A” even more fitting — and fans were amused to see a familiar face among the fans in attendance. Jeffrey Williams Sr., the father of Gunna’s mentor Young Thug, was front row at the concert, cheering harder than almost anyone after previously defending Gunna from accusations of snitching from former partner-in-rhyme Lil Baby.
“Back In The A” is the third single from One Of Wun, following the March release of “Prada Dem” with Offset and the May release of “WhatsApp (Wassam),” which he dropped to announce the album’s release date.
Watch Gunna’s “Back In The A” video above.
One Of Wun is out now via Young Stoner Life Records / 300 Entertainment.
Metro Boomin is the most famous producer in hip-hop at the moment. He kicked off the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle, scoring a number one single and dropping a viral instrumental in the process. Both of his studio albums have gone platinum. He even dropped an acclaimed soundtrack to a Sony superhero film in 2023. He’s a recognizable brand, which is why he wants to make control over the distribution of his music. Namely, the use of digital streaming services.
Metro Boomin took a screenshot of a X (formerly Twitter) exchange on June 24. The screenshot was in response to a question about “industry math.” It broke down, in simple terms, how little an artist actually makes from an album when it’s uploaded to DSPs. “A fan needs to stream an artist’s music 20 times a day for a whole year for that artist to make $25 from that fan,” the tweet read. Metro Boomin not only co-signed the tweet, but made a big announcement. He told followers that these paltry streaming profits are partially why he’s going to stop putting albums on streaming. “This is why my next album probably be the last one streaming,” he wrote.
The producer didn’t specify what his next album will be. The announcement could pose issues for DSPs like Apple Music and Spotify, though. Metro Boomin and Future dominated the Spotify charts with their joint album WE DON”T TRUST YOU in March. Forbes reported that the duo occupied half a dozen of the top 10 spots on Spotify’s U.S. charts. The biggest song, “Like That,” beat out the second place entry by an impressive 400K streams. This announcement comes a year after Metro Boomin decided to sell part of his publishing catalog to Shamrock Capital for $70 million.
Metro is mindful of his worth, but he’s made a point of avoiding “cash grab” trends. He spoke on the importance of maintaining a quality brand during an interview with Variety. “I feel like people can just tell I care,” he asserted. “At a time when everybody has their hand out — like, ‘Let me do this for cash; let me make a dance for TikTok’ — you can hear all the details and thought behind my music.” Only time will tell if the producer sticks to his non-streaming plan.
