Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show will go down as a classic moment. E-40, a guy who has seen a lot, deemed it one of the greatest nights in hip-hop history. All the heavy hitters from the West Coast were in attendance. Well, almost. Vince Staples is one of the few L.A. stars who was not present at the show, but it wasn’t for lack of support. Fans questioned why Staples was missing in action, and DJ Mustard set the record straight on social media.
The answer was simple enough. Vince Staples just dropped his latest album, Dark Times, and is gearing up to go on tour. DJ Mustard let it known that Staples was working when the “Pop Out” was popping off. “Vince Staples was overseas making the blacks proud on Juneteenth,” he wrote. “Other wise [sic] magic would of been magic on stage.” The producer is referencing the song “Magic,” a collab that appeared on Staples’ previous album, RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART. Vince Staples’ Instagram seems to back up Mustard’s claim. The last time the rapper posted was on June 8, and he included photos from a show he did in Germany.
Vince Staples’ busy schedule didn’t stop fans from asking where he was. The rapper even hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to quiet the speculation. “Stop politicking on my behalf,” he wrote. “Enjoy the beautiful moment.” The rapper also voiced his approval over the surprise appearance of Tommy the Clown at the “Pop Out” show. Staples tweeted the L.A. icon’s name, before elaborating. “In all honesty,” he wrote. “If I knew Tommy the Clown was gonna be there I would’ve cancelled the tour. I been waiting for my moment since ‘02.” Tommy the Clown is a dancer best known for pioneering the “clowning” style. In true Staples form, his comment is both hilarious and sincere.
Vince Staples is a Kendrick Lamar supporter. That being said, he didn’t love the impact that Lamar’s beef with Drake had on the music world. He spoke on the matter during a Long Beach event in May. “[Artists] are getting priced out of our contracts, we’re getting priced out of our imprints,” he explained. “There are no labels, basically, that are incentivized to sign Black music.” He then criticized media personalities and label heads for hyping up the beef. “While Taylor Swift is fighting for people to be able to have streaming money,” he noted. “N**gas is on the internet arguing with each other about some rap sh*t.”
Kendrick Lamar hosted his eagerly awaited “Pop Out” event at the Forum in LA last night, and as expected, he was joined by an impressive series of special guests. Dr. Dre, Tyler, The Creator, Jay Rock, YG, and many more took the stage, while others simply stopped by to watch the historic performance unfold. The Weeknd was one of them and was spotted having a blast in the crowd.
For those who don’t recall, The Weeknd seemingly dissed Drake on a collab with Future and Metro Boomin. As a result, he was called out by name on Drake’s track “Family Matters.” He didn’t appear to get involved much more than that, though he was still sure to show up to support Kendrick at the highly anticipated performance, which was his first since his viral feud with Drake.
Not everyone’s happy that he showed up, however. Toronto rapper Top5 recently took to Instagram to issue what appears to be an alleged threat. Moreover, he accused The Weeknd of using drugs. “@theweeknd you started doing coke now [you’re] from Compton?” he wrote. “Wait till my GGs see you.” It’s unclear exactly why Top5 is so upset with The Weeknd, but it’s possible that he simply feels like he should do a better job of repping Toronto.
Either way, he’s getting clowned for the alleged threat in No Jumper‘s comments section. “Bro threatening a dude who make love songs,” one Instagram user jokes. “Beefing with the weekend is cr*zy,” another claims. What do you think of Top5’s reaction to The Weeknd’s appearance at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” even in LA? Are you surprised or not? Is he going overboard? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
ScHoolboy Q is a cornerstone of the West Coast rap scene. His gritty lyricism and raw storytelling have carved out a distinctive niche. Emerging from the shadows of the Los Angeles hip-hop underground, Q’s journey with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) has been nothing short of transformative. His music is a visceral journey through the highs and lows of his life. It blends street tales with introspective moments, making him a quintessential figure in contemporary rap. With his deep voice and compelling narratives, ScHoolboy Q has consistently pushed boundaries. Further, he delivers tracks that resonate with authenticity and a rugged charm that’s hard to replicate.
From the hard-hitting verses of Habits & Contradictions to the introspective depth of Oxymoron and the stark reflections in Blank Face LP, Q’s discography is a testament to his evolution as an artist. His ability to seamlessly merge personal struggles with universal themes has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim. Tracks like “Man of the Year” and “Numb Numb Juice” have dominated charts. They cemented his status as a formidable force in hip-hop. Exploring ScHoolboy Q’s essential tracks, we delve into the songs defining his career.
1. “Hands On The Wheel” Ft. A$AP Rocky (2012)
From the mixtape Habits & Contradictions, “Hands on the Wheel” is a pivotal track in ScHoolboy Q’s career. Featuring A$AP Rocky, this song encapsulates the rebellious spirit and hedonistic lifestyle that marked Q’s early years in the industry. The beat, produced by Best Kept Secret, blends dark, pulsating rhythms that perfectly complement the carefree yet defiant lyrics. Moreover, “Hands on the Wheel” quickly gained traction for its seamless chemistry between Q and Rocky. The track explores themes of excess and escapism. This collaboration highlighted Q’s ability to create memorable hooks and verses and established his place within the broader rap community.
“Collard Greens,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, is a track from ScHoolboy Q’s major-label debut album, Oxymoron. This single showcases the dynamic chemistry between Q and Lamar. Produced by THC and Gwen Bunn, the song’s upbeat, party-ready vibe is underscored by complex lyrics exploring indulgence and escapism themes. Further, the track became a commercial success, peaking at No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical praise for its innovative production and lyrical depth. “Collard Greens” solidified ScHoolboy Q’s position in the mainstream rap scene. It proved his ability to craft hits that resonate with a wide audience. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar further boosted its appeal, showcasing TDE’s talent pool and their influence on contemporary hip-hop. The song remains a fan favorite and a key highlight in Q’s discography.
3. “Man Of THe Year” (2014)
“Man of the Year,” a hit single from ScHoolboy Q’s album Oxymoron, captures the artist at his most celebratory. The track features a vibrant, upbeat production by Nez & Rio, incorporating a sample from Chromatics’ “Cherry.” With its hook and party-ready vibe, “Man of the Year” became an anthem for celebration and success. The song’s upbeat energy and catchy chorus quickly made it a favorite among fans. It even earned significant airplay and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. “Man of the Year” showcases ScHoolboy Q’s ability to create feel-good music that still carries his signature edge. The track’s success helped further establish Q’s reputation in hip-hop, highlighting his appeal.
4. “Studio” Ft. BJ The Chicago Kid (2014)
“Studio,” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, is another track from ScHoolboy Q’s Oxymoron album. This smooth, sultry song explores themes of longing and desire. It contrasted sharply with the grittier tracks on the album. Swiff D’s production features a mellow beat and melodic undertones that perfectly complement Q’s reflective lyrics and BJ’s soulful hook. Moreover, the song became a commercial hit. It reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned acclaim for its laid-back vibe. “Studio” showcases a different side of ScHoolboy Q, highlighting his ability to delve into more personal and intimate themes. This track expanded his artistic range and resonated with a broader audience, proving his versatility as an artist. Its success solidified “Studio” as a key track in Q’s discography.
“That Part,” featuring Kanye West, is a standout track from ScHoolboy Q’s album Blank Face LP. The song is built on a hypnotic beat produced by Cubeatz, Cardo, and YeX. It created a dark, moody atmosphere that complements the introspective and braggadocious lyrics. The collaboration between Q and Kanye adds a dynamic layer to the track. Both artists delivered memorable verses that explored themes of success and excess. The track quickly gained popularity, peaking at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The high-profile collaboration and the infectious, repetitive hook, “That part, ” bolstered its success. The chemistry between ScHoolboy Q and Kanye West is palpable. Each brought their unique style to the track while maintaining a cohesive sound.
“Dope Dealer,” featuring E-40, is once again a track from ScHoolboy Q’s Blank Face LP. Produced by Southside and Metro Boomin, the song dives deep into the gritty realities of street life. Q delivers unfiltered verses about the drug trade. E-40’s distinctive flow adds another layer of authenticity and intensity to the track, making it a standout collaboration. The production of “Dope Dealer” is dark and menacing, perfectly complementing the subject matter. The beat’s heavy bass and haunting melodies set the stage for Q’s vivid storytelling as he navigates the dangers and allure of street life. Additionally, “Dope Dealer” was praised for its honest portrayal of a harsh reality. The collaboration with E-40, a legend in his own right, further solidified Q’s position in the hip-hop community.
7. “Numb Numb Juice” (2019)
“Numb Numb Juice” is the lead single from ScHoolboy Q’s fifth studio album CrasH Talk. It is a fiery and aggressive track that showcases Q’s raw energy and unfiltered lyricism. Produced by DJ Fu and Nez & Rio, the track is concise yet impactful, with Q packing a punch in its brief two-minute runtime. The song’s lyrics also reflect a no-nonsense attitude, with Q addressing his critics and asserting his dominance in the rap game. The production is gritty and intense, creating an urgent and electrifying atmosphere that draws listeners in from the first beat.
“Numb Numb Juice” was met with positive reviews, praised for its high energy and Q’s compelling performance. The accompanying music video, filled with vibrant visuals and homages to classic hip-hop videos, further amplified the track’s impact. The song’s success reaffirmed ScHoolboy Q’s position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop, showcasing his ability to deliver tracks that resonate with long-time fans and new listeners.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show has been the defining concert event of 2024. The rapper repped the West Coast with pride, and made sure to include every artist and celebrity that he considered vital to the California scene. Naturally, E-40 was among these artists. The Oakland icon had the unique but crucial job of narrating the “Pop Out” show, and to no one’s surprise, he crushed it. E-40’s voice was instantly recognizable, and perfectly suited to sound and feel of the event.
Like everything else related to the “Pop Out,” E-40’s involvement was a surprise. The rapper was tight-lipped about his involvement with Lamar’s pgLang team. He did, however, detail the way his narration came to be on Instagram. E-40 claimed that K. Dot reached out to him while he was on the road, and requested that he carve out time to provide recordings. The interaction reportedly happened over the phone while the rapper was in Washington. “After landing in Washington, DC from Aspen,” he wrote. “I rushed to the hotel to answer the call and contribute some authentic game to what I knew was going to be a monumental night for The West Coast.”
E-40 couldn’t attend the “Pop Out,” but he thanked Kendrick Lamar for making him feel included. He also showed love to the West Coast, which seemed to be the overriding sentiment of the event. “I feel honored to be considered for moments like this,” he added. “Sometimes the West Coast is overlooked. But not tonight. I’m glad I was able to play my part and Sprinkle a little Game on this historical moment.” E-40 dubbed the “Pop Out” concert “one of the biggest nights in hip-hop history,” and the public seems to agree.
Of course, E-40 couldn’t wrap up his message without praising the man of the hour. The West Coast may have won last night, but Kendrick Lamar is the rapper who made it possible, and E-40 made sure to emphasize Dot’s importance. “From the beginning I knew @kendricklamar was gonna be special,” the Oakland icon asserted. “He’s always shown me the utmost love and respect.” Lamar obviously feels a similar reverence for E-40, as he referenced the rapper on his now-classic Metro Boomin collab, “Like That.”
Kanye West’s various controversies continue to follow him throughout his career. According to Ty Dolla Sign, however, that hasn’t been a deterrent for him. During a recent interview with Billboard, he spoke about his Vulturescollaborator, dubbing him one of the best people he knows. Moreover, he theorizes that Ye’s talent is what’s allowed him to recover from all of his past scandals, and continue to retain a fanbase.
“Ye is the best artist of this generation, besides me, and I don’t give a f*ck about what people were talking about,” Ty told the outlet. “I know my n***a. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met.” He went on to share how he thinks Ye is able to bounce back so quickly, which is why he claims he wasn’t concerned about the performance of Vultures 1.
(L-R) Rappers Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign perform onstage during the “Vultures 1” playback concert during Rolling Loud 2024 the at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
“Just with my analysis of how it goes with him, he goes all the way to the top,” he explained. “And something may happen and he’ll say [something people find offensive] — and then people [get] right back, you know. Because this sh*t is undeniable.” The duo has more on the way, and hopefully, it’ll arrive sooner rather than later. Vultures 2 was initially expected to arrive in March, which came and went with no album in sight. According to the NFR Podcast, however, he recently revealed that “The album is almost done and could be released any day now.”
What do you think of Ty Dolla Sign’s recent remarks about his collaborator, Kanye West? Do you agree with him or not? Are you looking forward to their upcoming album, Vultures 2? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
California knows how to party. Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert, The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, proved as much this week while living up to its name and bringing a range of street-certified artists from across the Los Angeles area together in a one-of-a-kind performance reminiscent of culture-defining shows like Fresh Fest, the Hard Knock Life Tour, or Jay-Z’s I Declare War show.
Kendrick himself called the show an example of “unity at its finest,” highlighting what to outsiders might appear to be an unusual and even ill-advised collection of affiliations, considering the city’s history of internecine gangland conflict. Just under three years ago, the Once Upon A Time In Los Angeles festival was marred by an attack on South Central rapper Drakeo The Ruler — an attack that turned out to be fatal, costing the city its third icon in as many years after the deaths of Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant in 2019 and 2020.
So to collect so many of LA’s Blood and Crip-affiliated artists not only onto one show bill but onto the same stage was a victory for unity, regardless of the simmering spitefulness that ran through much of the headliner’s setlist.
It helps to have a common enemy, though.
The entire West Coast united on stage for the finale of Kendrick Lamar & Friends The Pop Out pic.twitter.com/9Y36quV8hm
While almost none of the artists on stage as Kendrick Lamar performed the Drake diss song “Not Like Us” five times in a row have ever even had dealings with the Canadian superstar, it was hard not to get caught up in the infectious energy permeating the Kia Forum. The song is a phenomenon, a viral tornado that has swept through real life gatherings as surely as it has social media. In its way, it’s also a callback to a simpler time, before TikTok dances and AI-powered algorithms determined the popularity of singles custom-designed to game search engines and recommendations pages.
That it’s a combative, defamatory anthem makes its popularity so unique; there is a call-and-response hook, but it revolves around dragging down a rival to the artist himself. Every quotable is damn near a libel litigator’s wet dream. It’s not exactly “standing on couches and crooning to the roof” music. Maybe that’s why it was such a perfect song to bring together a city so well-known for warfare. “California Love” is a thing, but the unspoken context is LA loves a hater.
Or maybe we just understand them. Look at the icons that this town has deified. Kobe Bryant’s defining characteristic was a near-sociopathic commitment to competition — one that his staunchest supporters inherited (Temecula, anyone?). Eazy-E? Rose to stardom on the wave of a song dedicated to his hatred of law enforcement. His former bandmate, Ice Cube, broke away from NWA with a vicious diss track of his own, “No Vaseline.” Tupac Shakur, arguably the West Coast’s messiah figure, is still the face and gold standard of rap beef thanks to his treatment of friend-turned-rival The Notorious B.I.G.
Kendrick’s show, as much as it shone a spotlight on LA’s flourishing well of talent, past, present, and future, was a testament to LA’s legacy of contrarianism, of contradiction. The city itself is often positioned as a counterpoint to New York, America’s “First City.” A trip downtown underlines its original architects’ intentions to make it the New York of the West. But everything around it, as the city grasps toward the ocean, the mountains, the desert surrounding it, displays its rejection of this characterization.
Ken & Friends was a rejection of external definitions. A declaration of LA’s own identity. But more than anything, it was a party, the likes of which you can only throw on the West Coast.
(WARNING: Spoilers for Power Book II: Ghost will be found below.)
So, where did we leave off in episode two of Power Book II: Ghost season four? “To Thine Own Self” concluded with a bit of a reality check for Tariq and Brayden as they realized that a life outside of the drug game is not one for them. Despite Noma’s demands for them to stay out of it, the duo opts to come up with a plan to get back in and make some money for themselves. Monet continues her search for her killer while Dru and Diana hope that she never finds an answer. Cane and Noma seem to be forming a new relationship and Effie made some big moves to keep the operation. Now that you’re up to speed, here’s what to expect for this week’s episode.
When Will Power Book II: Ghost Season 4, Episode 3 Come Out?
The third episode of Power Book II: Ghost season four, titled “Birthright,” will arrive on June 21. The episode will be available on Friday, 6/21 on the STARZ app starting at midnight EST/PST. The episode will later air on the STARZ TV channel at 8 pm ET/PT. A synopsis for “Birthright” can be found below:
Tariq and Brayden must find an in with a vicious new connect. Noma tasks Cane with handling a competitor operating on her turf.
You can also watch a pair of teasers for Power Book II: Ghost season four, episode three below:
New episodes of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ season four are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am ET/PT and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
Kendrick Lamar brought out countless celebrity special guests at his eagerly anticipated “Pop Out” show last night. Dr. Dre, Jay Rock, AB-Soul, Tyler, The Creator, YG, and many more made appearances. Interestingly enough, however, The Game was nowhere to be found despite his LA roots. This prompted social media users to speculate about whether or not he received an invite, and otherwise wonder why he decided not to attend.
Of course, he seemingly backed Drake amid his viral lyrical feud with Kendrick and even got into some beef of his own with Rick Ross, who backed Kendrick. Things reached a peak when The Game unleashed “Freeway’s Revenge,” a scathing Rozay diss track. Rick Ross didn’t bother to respond, and it appears as though The Game took notes. Amid fans demanding answers for his “Pop Out” absence, he’s kept totally quiet about the whole thing. He did hop online recently to share an interesting take on nipple piercings, however.
“Pierced nipples taste like house keys,” he declared on his Instagram Story earlier today. That’s fair enough, but fans still want to know where he was last night. They’re currently flooding Worldstar‘s comments section with questions and theories about why he didn’t show up. “Let’s talk about why he wasn’t on stage last night,” one fan writes. “Sh*t like this is why you couldn’t pop out,” another speculates. Someone else simply claims he’s trying to “laugh his way through the pain.”
What do you think of The Game not showing up to Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” last night? Do you think he got an invite or not? What about him seemingly avoiding questions about it, yet speaking on something completely unrelated? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
“The Pop Out” seemingly brought on the dramatic, spotlit end of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, with the latter performing multiple of his disses multiple times and uniting the West Coast while doing so. However, there is a lot of discussion on whether this really settles things, and whether or not the Juneteenth show will have any tangible impact on either of their careers. For starters, the Toronto superstar’s next show in California will definitely be an interesting one to witness, and there’s a big question mark on how the West Coast will really respond to his continued success and movement. But Baka Not Nice thinks that there won’t be any sweat.
Moreover, the OVO affiliate posted footage of Drake’s sold-out show in Los Angeles on tour last year, which contained a hype crowd singing along to his “SICKO MODE” verse. Whether or not Kendrick Lamar’s united Cali against him, it’s too big of a state and he’s too big of an artist to lose significant success there… or anywhere else, for that matter. While fans are still speculating on what Drizzy’s thoughts and reactions are concerning all this, the likely answer is that he doesn’t have to worry too much. After all, neither MC was ever in a position to stop the other in their tracks.
For those unaware, Baka Not Nice was a key player in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef. Kendrick specifically accused him of being a sex trafficker and predator based on accusations that emerged from an assault conviction. K.Dot also held some additional disses for his rival, including an offer for “a little respect” in exchange for Tupac’s ring back. Maybe this post from Baka indicates that there will still be direct tension between all these camps this year that isn’t just avoidant resentment.
Meanwhile, Whitney Alford and Dave Free’s respective appearance and production concerning “The Pop Out” caused some more debate around Drake’s claims against Kendrick Lamar. Maybe his disses on “Family Matters” and “The Heart Part 6” are not as true as OVO thought, but there are always murky waters. Either way, debate will likely continue for the rest of hip-hop history. And all the while, Kendrick Stans will ask why Baka’s still around.
Last night, Kendrick Lamar took over the Forum in LA for his eagerly anticipated “Pop Out” show. He graced the stage alongside several of his celebrity friends, including Dr. Dre. The artist even kicked off “Not Like Us,” which fans were waiting to hear all night. Of course, this is the track widely believed to have crowned Kendrick the winner of his viral lyrical battle with Drake. On it, he famously accuses the Toronto hitmaker of being a “certified pedophile,” and more.
As reactions to the explosive performance continue to roll in, many are calling Dr. Dre’s appearance into question. While he’s certainly one of the most successful artists to come out of Compton, he also has a long history of alleged violence against women. Dee Barnes, for example, accuses him of having physically assaulted her at a release party in the early 90s over a Pump It Up segment. His former partner Michel’le also alleges that she was abused throughout their relationship.
Years later, he issued an apology. “I apologize to the women I’ve hurt,” he told the New York Times in 2015. “I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives.” Social media users are now criticizing Kendrick for his decision to invite Dr. Dre onstage, particularly since he calls Drake an alleged abuser on “Not Like Us.” Many think this was counterproductive, and are sounding off online.
“Why did Kendrick even bother to call Drake out for being a pedophile who surrounds himself with abusers on ‘Not Like Us’ if he was just going to call Dr. Dre—King of the Abusers—to introduce it?” one Twitter user wonders. “DR DRE GOT A WEIRD CASE, WHY IS HE AROUND?”” another asks.
Social Media Users Call Out Kendrick Lamar For Bringing Out Dr. Dre
What do you think of Kendrick Lamar facing backlash for his decision to bring out Dr. Dre at his “Pop Out” show in LA? Do you agree that it was a counterproductive move? Share your thoughts in the comments section, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates. Check out some social media users’ reactions to his appearance down below.
Why did Kendrick even bother to call Drake out for being a pedophile who surrounds himself with abusers on Not Like Us if he was just going to call Dr. Dre—King of the Abusers—to introduce it?
No matter what Dr. Dre does or who uplifts him, many of us won’t ignore the grave accusations and witnessed acts of violence against women at his hands, including journalist Dee Barnes, who I spoke with last year https://t.co/NnkAUnWHVRpic.twitter.com/XpvJQbzQEd
That abuser talk goes right out the window anytime Dr Dre is present. Sending love to Dee Barnes who he brutally beat, both of his wives that he assaulted, one being stomped and thrown down the stairs, oh and Miche’le who he shot at and caused her jaw to be reconstructed.
So Kendrick brought out Dr. Dre, the man who beat women to a pulp, but I thought we didn’t like abusers??? What happened to that. This why I can’t take these niggas serious
— untamed Black Jezebel (@Fiyasohollywood) June 20, 2024
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