Just when fans thought they were out, DJ Akademiks pulls them back in. The internet personality had a stream on June 17, and he brought a guest on to discuss the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. It wasn’t a debate over who won, or whether it would continue, though. It was an expose in which Ak’s guest alleged that he was paid by Kendrick Lamar’s manager, Anthony Saleh, to boost streaming numbers. He told DJ Akademiks that he inflated the amount of streams for Lamar’s number one single “Not Like Us.” He even showed the DJ how he did it.
The guest, who goes by the name “Epic,” immediately voiced fear for safety. “I’m crashing out,” he told Akademiks. “This is for my safety. This is how I feel… [Saleh] is who paid me.” He claimed to have never interacted with Saleh, but said the pgLang manager was who paid him to boost streams. “I wasn’t in direct contact with him, that’s just the name that was on the account I got paid by.” The guest then claimed that he would send proof to Akademiks. “They wanted me to do 30 million [streams] early,” he added. “I have payment proof, and I will DM that to you as long as you don’t expose it on stream.”
“Epic” Told DJ Akademiks That He Fears For His Safety
This stream is crazy. Go watch.
Underage Botter sends proof to Ak that Anthony Saleh aka Ant made payment through zelle to bot “Not Like Us” with 30 Million Streams.
After not receiving full payment and threatening to expose, his life was threatened by Kendrick’s team. pic.twitter.com/K40WW9orne
— Livingston’s Burner (@backoutsidebois) June 18, 2024
There hasn’t been anything to validate these claims. Kendrick Lamar’s streaming numbers have been a topic of discussion in recent months, though. The Compton rapper’s Spotify numbers were up 49% the first week of May, while Drake’s were down 5%. Drake also questioned the validity of Lamar’s numbers on his diss record, “Family Matters.” He even referred to “Anthony” in his verse, though it’s unclear if he meant Anthony Saleh or Lamar’s ex-manager, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. “Anthony set up the plays, Kojo be chargin’ you double for nothin,” Drake spit. “They shook about what I’ma say, but textin’ your phone like, ‘We already won.’”
“Epic” also told DJ Akademiks that he boosted streams for the notable Twitch personality Adin Ross to make him appear more popular. He countered this by noting that other Twitch streamers like Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed didn’t have to rely on boosts to maintain their numbers. He then showed DJ Akademiks how he goes about “botting” social media accounts. Fans are split on the claims that “Epic” has made, but many have pointed out the irony of these streaming accusations being made against Kendrick Lamar on the rapper’s birthday.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar has transcended the battle. The back-and-forth between the two superstars has powered the entirety of hip-hop media in 2024. Every media personality has given their two cents on who won, and every legendary rapper has gone on a podcast to offer perspective. LL Cool J is one of the few who didn’t have much to say about Drake vs. Lamar while they were battling. Now that the dust has settled, though, LL has nothing but praise for both sides.
LL Cool J recently sat down with Bootleg Kev to talk shop about the battle of the decade. The rapper clarified that he was coming at from a fan perspective, and was thoroughly entertained by what Drake and Dot put on display. “I thought it was great for hip-hop,” he noted. “Thought it was the right thing. I thought they both did well, they held their own.” LL Cool J did make a ruling on which rapper he thought won, though, and it was not a surprise. “I thought Kendrick won,” he noted. “But I thought that Drake, by no means did he embarrass himself… He definitely showed up.”
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 17, 2024
LL Cool J is a battle-tested veteran, himself. He’s gone at Canibus and Wyclef Jean among countless others. He was happy to see that competition is still a big part of hip-hop’s appeal. “The key to that stuff is as long it doesn’t distract you from your ultimate goal,” he stated. “It’s a wonderful thing to participate in. I love it, man.” LL took things a step further than comparing Drake and Kendrick Lamar to some of the great rivalries in sports. “This is no different from LeBron and Steph. Jordan, when he was coming in, and Magic was going out. It ain’t no different.”
One rapper who LL has been less thrilled with, lately, is Andre 3000. He recently gave his opinion on Three Stack’s flute album, and told The Shop‘s Lena Waithe that he was disappointed. “I need him to spit,” the rapper noted. “Flutes? Man, come on, bro. His bars is all the way up. I’m very clear. Not the flute, B. Not the flute.” LL Cool J put his money where his mouth was, too. He just dropped the single “Saturday Night Special” with guest appearances from fellow legends Rick Ross and Fat Joe.
Janelle Monae has always been recognized as an incredible musical talent. They have won Grammy Awards and received glowing praise since their debut album in 2010. Something that day one fans may not have expected, however, was Monae’s seamless transition to film. They have proven just as adept at playing pivotal roles in Oscar-nominated releases like Moonlight and Hidden Figures (both 2016). Part of the reason Janelle Monae has managed to transition so well is because they have a very specific process when it comes to picking scripts.
Monae revealed their process during a recent interview with The Guardian. The main point of attraction? A movie role has to have a very specific kind of vibration. “Really, I love to get to know the characters and feel with anything I’m doing,” they told the outlet. “I really have to feel it in my p**ic hairs – they have to vibrate.” Monae pointed to their acclaimed dual performance in the 2022 thriller Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery as an example of this vibration. “My underarm hairs definitely tingled when I got the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery script,” they quipped.
Janelle Monae Prioritizes Roles That Make Them “Vibrate”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Janelle Monáe attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Janelle Monae has a secondary metric for picking movies, and its the director. They had such a good time with Glass Onion director Rian Johnson, that they even voiced their desire to appear in the third installment in the series. “That was exciting, to go to Greece and work with Rian Johnson,” they added. “Who is a wonderful human. I’m so excited for Knives Out 3. I want to be a part of it so badly that I might get plastic surgery and audition as a brand new character.” Given that the Knives Out franchise makes a point of changing its cast each time out, Monae is unlikely to get their wish.
Fortunately, Monae doesn’t need to rely on sequels. The multi-faceted entertainer is set to play the iconic Josephine Baker in the upcoming TV series De La Resistance. The series will be made with A24, and will focus on the period of time in which Baker was a performer and a spy for the French Resistance during WWII. Janelle Monae added a third, more light-hearted metric for how to cast them, and its pretty simple: candy. “I love places that have snacks like Skittles and M&Ms,” they quipped.
LeBron James love to rap along to his favorite artists. It’s right up there with carrying books around. He loves rapping along to music so much, in fact, that he’ll do it even when he doesn’t know the words yet. James went viral at the beginning of June for posting a video of himself rapping a Gunna song, and fans noticed that he kept looking down at his phone and reading lyrics. Fortunately, James didn’t have to read the lyrics during his appearance in the new Beats commercial. He knew the lyrics that Beats threw at him by heart.
The commercial sees LeBron James show up to a party and gush over the brand new Pill +. He then hears Lil Wayne’s classic “A Milli” blasting out of the device. He raps along to the chorus before a hard cut to a release date for “The Predicament.” The titular collaboration between James and Beats is set for release on June 25. James and Wayne have known each other for over a decade, but the two icons have not always seen eye to eye. Lil Wayne told Rolling Stone that he had a falling out with James after James and Dwyane Wade failed to acknowledge his court side presence during a 2011 game.
“Them n**gas never speak to a n**ga,” Wayne told the the outlet. “They don’t chuck me the deuce or nothing. N**ga spent all that money on them f**king tickets … Come holla at me. We sit right by them little b**ch a*s n**gas. At least come ask me why I’m not rooting for you.” The athlete and the rapper settled their problems, however, and were back on good terms by 2012. Wayne has become such a James fan, in fact, that he compared himself to the legendary athlete during a 2023 appearance on Bleacher Report.
Wayne felt he brings the same strengths to the rap game that LeBron James does on the court. “I would say that I’m like a LeBron,” the rapper posited. “I dropped my first solo album when I was 14, and that’s the same album I’m talking about that went platinum. The phenom that came out and I stuck something that came out. And I’ve been doing this at this pace or higher ever since, just like him.” It’s hard to argue with Wayne’s longevity. And based on the fact that James is still rapping to his music in 2024, he’d likely agree.
Last week, the US House Of Representatives passed a measure that automatically registers men between the ages of 18 and 26 for selective service (as Fox 11 Los Angeles reports). The last draft call was in the 1970s, so we probably won’t see a military draft any time soon. Still, if one were to happen, Cardi B isn’t feeling too confident in the state of our country’s young men.
In a video reacting to the news, Cardi said:
“So I just read an article saying that the House just passed a bill that they’re going to automatically register men from 18 to 26 for war, OK? And all I wanna say is, to America: good luck with that [laughs]. These new little n****s are TikTokers, baby. These motherf*ckers ain’t going to fight no war. You gon’ die! You might as well just keep motherf*cking investing money in y’all guns, ’cause these new kids? You want to send these new kids to fight these wars? The TikTok f*cking hip-shakers? Out of your mind [laughs].
This is a new America, baby, this ain’t the 19-motherf*cking… No, like, seriously, you gonna draft these kids that be TikToking all day to fight them, what, most likely what, them Russians? Them motherf*ckers that be fighting bears and sh*t, and motherf*cking clammy monsters to go to school and whatever? I got some news for you motherf*ckers.”
Tems delivered a beautiful NPR Tiny Desk concert ahead of her Born In The Wild album release on June 7, and it incidentally gave fans a taste for what to expect during Tems’ Born In The Wild World Tour. The Nigerian artist’s first-ever global trek kicked off in London, England, last week, and she most recently staged a show at L’Olympia in Paris, France on Sunday, June 16.
Tems’ Born In The Wild World Tour Setlist
The below setlist is from Tems’ show in London on June 12, as chronicled by fans on setlist.fm.
1. “Higher”
2. “Avoid Things”
3. “Replay”
4. “Damages”
5. “Wickedest”
6. “Turn Me Up”
7. “Burning”
8. “Ice T”
9. “Forever”
10. “Born In The Wild” (Played From Tape)
11. “Boy O Boy”
12. “Found” (Tems Feat. Brent Faiyaz cover)
13. “Unfortunate”
14. “Not An Angel”
15. “Love Me JeJe”
16. “Essence” (Wizkid cover)
17. “Me & U”
18. “Crazy Tings”
19. “Free Mind”
08/22 — Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore
08/24 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Cafe
08/26 — Dallas, TX @ Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
08/28 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
08/30 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
09/01 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem
09/03 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
09/05 — New York City, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
09/07 — Toronto, ON, Canada @ History
09/08 — Toronto, ON, Canada @ History
09/11 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
09/13 — Montreal, QC, Canada @ L’Olympia
09/15 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
09/17 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
09/22 — Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
09/25 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
09/27 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
09/29 — Las Vegas, NV @ The Theatre At Virgin Hotel
10/01 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Africa
TBA
Asia
TBA
Australia
11/09 — Melbourne @ Margaret Court Arena
11/12 — Brisbane @ Fortitude Music Hall
11/15 — Sydney @ The Hordern Pavilion
First things first: R&B is not dead. It’s a necessary reminder that’s just as annoying to repeat as it is to hear from the occasional critic of the genre. I mean, when you look at what the genre has delivered in 2024, it’s hard to deny its life. In the first six months of the year, fans saw the return of veteran artists who went years without releasing a full body of work. Bryson Tiller re-emerged with his self-titled fourth album, his best body of work since his 2015 debut. PARTYNEXTDOOR brought back the classic feeling of his mid-2010s music with his own fourth album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4. Finally, after nearly a decade without a project, Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge’s NxWorries finally delivered a new album with Why Lawd? and lawd did they deliver.
On the flip side, there were plenty of newcomers who expanded their fan base with well-crafted debuts and sophomore albums. Normani’s long-awaited debut album Dopamine met all expectations as did Tems’ debut Born In The Wild. Sinéad Harnett, Fana Hues, and Loony were nothing short of captivating and with their outputs and then there’s DJ and producer ESTA. who constructed one of the best compilation of R&B artists we’ve seen over the last few years.
There’s so much to love from R&B so far in 2024, so let’s get into it. Here are the 15 best R&B albums of 2024 so far:
Bryson Tiller — Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller told Complex that his self-titled album would “probably be my last one for a minute.” Enduring another Tiller hiatus? Bummer. But Bryson Tiller‘s entrancing 19 songs eased the melancholy — reinforcing Tiller as a reliable rap/R&B reservoir. “Whatever She Wants” led the charge — peaking at No. 5 and No. 19 on Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs and Hot 100, respectively. Save for excellent Clara La San (“Random Access Memory [RAM]”) and Victoria Monét (“Persuasion”) features, Tiller allows fans precious alone time with his perspective. “Hope you don’t get bored with me over time,” he sings on the ballad “Undertow.” We won’t. — Megan Armstrong
Charlotte Day Wilson — Cyan Blue
Stone Woman Music/XL Recordings LTD
Charlotte Day Wilson’s ‘Cyan Blue’ album cover
The realm of alternative R&B is a playground that Charlotte Day Wilson makes an alluring experience. The soft-voiced Toronto singer woos the ear with seranades sweet enough to bring peace to the mind and body. Her second album Cyan Blue is no different, but it does mark a new chapter for Wilson. The pressures to create a perfect body of work withered away before Cyan Blue and out came a 13-track captivating experience. She waxes poetic about leveling up in love “My Way” and triumphs over her detractors on “Canopy” which is as slick as we’ve heard Wilson. With Cyan Blue, Charlotte Day Wilson breaks free from her own limitations and that of others for an album that is truly free in all the best ways.
ESTA. — Francis
PARADIS
ESTA. ‘Francis’ album cover
For years, producer ESTA. stood behind the boards to help craft some of the better offerings in contemporary R&B. Still, his true vision with the genre had to be put on display until the release of his debut album Francis. Through just ten songs, ESTA. explores the field and widens the boundaries with help from artists who established their chemistry with ESTA. years prior. A funky tunes get kicked into high gear on the DUCKWRTH and Joyce Wrice-assisted “Too Fast.” Kenyon Dixon and Mack Keane excellently capture the emotions and thoughts behind a relationship that’s falling apart on “Outta Space” while Arin Ray captures the initial moments of a magnetizing love on “Controllin.” On each song, ESTA. proves that he’s a master of the soundscape, and by selecting the most talented artist for the moment at hand, Francis strikes as one of the best crafted R&B albums of the year.
Fana Hues — MOTH
Sweet Virtue/Westminster Recordings/Bright Antenna Records
Fana Hues ‘Moth’ album cover
Fana Hues arrived to sir the soul and blow the mind away with her third album Moth. Through 13 songs, Hues emerges as both electric and gracious, ferocious and pristine, in what amounts to a truly otherworldly experience from the Pasadena singer. Look no further than the sassy “Rental” which explodes into a summertime bop wrapped in the confident struts of a singer ready to take on the world. “Sweetlike” opts for a sultry and playful breakdown of two lovers’ dynamic while “What Speaks” unwinds and oozes into a plea for Hues to enter the mind of her partner. Moth is unlike any other R&B project released this year, making for yet another standout moment by the incomparable by Hues.
Jordan Mackampa — Welcome Home, Kid!
AWAL Recordings LTD
Jordan Mackampa ‘Welcome Home, Kid!’ album cover
Four years after his debut album, British-Congolese singer Jordan Mackampa determined that it was time to reintroduce himself to new and old fans. Welcome Home, Kid! brought an unapologetically soulful artist to centerstage with the ability to uplift the mind and boost the heart with just one verse. “Proud Of You” keeps you light on your feet with a giddy dance and “Step By Step” takes you to church with glorious trumpets, lively drums, and the energy that only a family cookout can provide. Welcome Home, Kid! celebrates the moment that things start to make a little more sense. Jordan Mackampa’s second coming as an artist is also the rediscovery of his purpose, something incredibly evident on his sophomore album.
Loony — Loony
LOONY
Loony ‘Loony’ album cover
The first thing that will probably catch your attention about Toronto singer Loony is her silky smooth vocals that always make it a joy to indulge in her music. Her self-titled debut album employs these vocals for a riveting tale of rising out of the perils of failed love and persevering onto the next thing. Loony thrives with deeply honest and self-aware moments like “Too Attached” where Loony admits her inability to exit an inadequate relationship in a timely manner. On the flip side, “A Good Night” wastes no time throwing it all away and disregard the wishes of her partner. Among that, there are still bright moments. “First Thing Smokin’” sweetly sings of an unconditional love while “Tiger Eye” prioritizes the fun of today and disregards the worries of tomorrow. Loony is as fun as it is honest, making for an enjoyable experience we can all relate to.
Normani — Dopamine
RCA Records
Normani ‘Dopamine’ album cover
There were times where it seemed like it would never come, but Normani made 2024 the year to finally release her long-awaited debut album Dopamine. Through 13 songs, Normani makes her debut worth the wait by inducing the same euphoria in her listeners as her album title is known to produce. “Big Boy” with Starrah commands the room with impenetrable confidence as Normani brags about her accolades and Houston roots. “Insomnia,” one of Normani’s best songs, finds her suffocated and restless over heartache. “Take My Time” flashes her versatility with a high-energy dance record while “Tantrums” opts for a dark and gloomy set up. With Dopamine, Normani is free; free to showcase her artistry in its truest and best form, true to live up to and past the artistic standards before, and free to say “I told you so” with a debut that stamped the promising career that awaits her.
NxWorries — Why Lawd?
NxWorries
It took them nearly eight years to get it done, but Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge’s NxWorries finally released their sophomore album Why Lawd?. Where their 2016 debut Yes Lawd! was a celebratory affair dressed in the funky beats and the high spirits of .Paak, Why Lawd? is born out of turmoil and heartbreak. .Paak weathers the storm of lost love with his emotions on his sleeve, remaining brave and confident despite a tear streak down the eye. “FromHere” contemplates the next move follow love’s sudden absence and “Where I Go” acknowledges the ups and downs present in a relationship. “MoveOn” struggles to adjust to change while the brief “DistantSpace” hopes for a final chance despite romance’s departure. Why Lawd? presents that very question in the aftermath of heartbreak, and though it never receives a proper answer, the exploration of it makes for another impressive album from NxWorries.
PARTYNEXTDOOR — PARTYNEXTDOOR 4
Santa Anna/OVO
The PartyNextDoor of old — that is, the one from the mid-2010s — re-emerged thanks to his fourth album, PartyNextDoor 4. The signs for a return to classic days were there thanks to singles like the scornful “Her Old Friends” and the praising “Real Woman.” With PartyNextDoor 4, though the feel is reminiscent of the past, we’re presented with a story of the singer who wants to grow from the man behind the mic on past projects. Genuine strides for authentic love are made on PND’s fourth album, more so than we heard on past bodies of work. Though he slips into a shell of his past on a couple of occasions, the desire and effort to be better makes PartyNextDoor 4 an excellent listen, especially when it houses one of PND’s best-composed songs to date with “No Chill.” — W.O.
Serpentwithfeet — Grip
Serpentwithfeet ‘GRIP’ album cover
With his third album Grip, Serpentwithfeet enters a new era in his career. The ten songs on the album find the Baltimore singer in touch with the more personal sides of his life as the album explores intimacy in romance, whether that be the touch of the hand around in the waist of your partner during a night out at the club as depicted on “Damn Gloves” or the accidental discovery of deep love following the “sixth night of a one-night stand” as Serpent sings on “Deep End.” Grip, just like Serpent did, finds its home in the flashing lights of Black queer nightlife and celebrates the communities within it that made Serpent comfortable enough to express himself. The sensitivity and the attention to detail are among the ingredients that make Grip a captivating listen.
Shaé Universe — Love’s Letter
Shaé Universe
Shaé Universe ‘Love’s Letter’ album cover
Nigerian-British singer Shaé Universe’s second project Love’s Letter is a nostalgic trip to the past meshed with modern influences from today’s R&B world. Inspiration from the likes of India.Arie, Brandy, and Lauryn Hill are hard to ignore through the project’s ten songs, but Shaé makes them her own for a body of work that could indeed stand the test of time. Love’s Letter ponders what it would be like for love to deliver a letter for each phase of your life, and what amounts from it are moments of true love, self-love, and the absence of love. “More Than Enough” is a moving reminder that no love is better than self-love while “LOML” finds Shaé whisked off her feet thanks to the presence of a love like no other. Love’s Letter is one for old-school and new-school R&B fans from an artist certain to be here for a while.
Sinéad Harnett — Boundaries
Sinéad Harnett ‘Boundaries’ album cover
Through a bit of therapy, healing, and reflection came the creation of Sinéad Harnett’s third album Boundaries. The 16-track affair present Harnett at her strongest and most aware as her newfound peace require the utmost protection, which brings to the Boundaries present for Harnett in her life and on this album. “Thinking Less” is both a reflection of heartbreak and a declaration to never accept the bare minimum or less when it comes to love. While “The Most” disposes of an inconsistent love, “Unfamiliar” makes use of Harnett’s newfound wisdom in romance to steer away from a potential relationship riddled with red flags. Boundaries is what the other side of heartbreak is supposed to look like and Sinéad Harnett emerges from it a new woman ready for a new story where she stands stronger than ever.
SiR — Heavy
Tope Dawg Entertainment
SiR ‘Heavy’ album cover
Birthed from a time he calls the “worst year of my life,” SiR’s fourth album Heavy unpacks all the highs and lows of a journey that saw him nearly reach a point of no return in his life. The album’s title track recounts the days where addiction ruled his life. The persistent “I’m Not Perfect” admits to internal flaws while also putting forth the fight to not those flaws control their every move. While Heavy depicts the dark days of SiR’s life, it also captures the brighter days and improvement that found its way to the singer after his period of struggle. The optimistic “Life Is Good,” the self-sufficient “Poetry In Motion,” and the determined “Tryin’ My Hardest” are all evidence of this. In the end, SiR’s Heavy is an emotional, raw, and honest account of picking yourself up at your lowest and getting your life together before it’s too late.
Tems — Born In The Wild
RCA Records
Tems ‘Born In The Wild’ album cover
Three years after her breakout into the mainstream world, Tems’ debut album Born In The Wild arrived as a refreshing tale of how the singer emerged from her shell to become a star. It’s more than a rags-to-riches story. At its conclusion, Born In The Wild is a delightful testimony for the fruits one could bare through faith. Born In The Wild is a balanced affair that captures Tems in as many reflective moments (“Born In The Wild” & “Burning”) as there are joyous and carefree ones (“Wickedest” & “Get It Right”). Furthermore, tales of love like “Unfortunate,” “Forever,” and “Free Fall” are thrown into the pot to make Born In The Wild a complete, excellently crafted debut.
Usher — Coming Home
Gamma/Mega
Usher ‘Coming Home’ album cover
For the last 18 months, Usher thrusted himself into the spotlight to remind music lovers of his legacy. From his eventful and sometimes controversy-producing Las Vegas residency to his 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Usher was nothing but a showman looking to entertain and impress the audience. Much of that is the same on Usher’s ninth album Coming Home, which, true to its title, is a return to form for the Atlanta native. Coming Home combines the best of Usher’s sonic landscapes with elements of traditional and contemporary R&B, upbeat pop, and flashy dance records. Coming Home is arguably Usher’s best output in a decade, but at the very least, it proves why he’s been able to thrive in the music industry.
As the old saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It’s a cliché, yes, but it’s relevant, since that first step and the ones following it are so key. Where they took place is also crucial, whether its a childhood home, school, or anywhere else that seeds for the future were planted. That’s the focus of the latest episode of “The Street I Grew Up On,” presented by State Farm.
Mari Maupin, a product of Los Angeles, already has some stories to tell, including a significant opportunity that would make any artist green (or more appropriately, purple) with envy: touring with Prince. The way her eyes light up when she recounts that impactful period makes it clear how moving it was for Maupin (as does the Prince tattoo on her forearm). Who wouldn’t glow when reminiscing about brushing shoulders with a timeless icon?
Elsewhere in the episode, Maupin hits up her old school, looking back on how her teachers and experience fostered her creativity. Being back in the place where so many formative experiences happened, Maupin was understandably emotional.
Beyond that, Maupin also visits a longtime favorite restaurant and other meaningful places on her journey, so check out the new episode of “The Street I Grew Up On” above.
Tommy Richman has announced his debut album, Coyote, and the project is dropping soon. Sharing pictures from a photoshoot with Billboard on Instagram, Monday, he wrote: “ANNOUNCING MY DEBUT ALBUM. ITS CALLED COYOTE. BACK OF BILLBOARD MAGAZINE. Thx @billboard. SHOT BY JOSH BELVEDERE.” The move comes just two months after the release of his breakout single, “Million Dollar Baby.”
When the NFR Podcast reposted the news on X (formerly Twitter), fans were surprised by the announcement. “This dude moving quick,” one fan replied. “Usually mfs that come out the gate with a hit will stretch the hit for like a year with remixes and sh*t before they do anything else. Like dawg yall remember jack harlow had what’s poppin summer of ‘19? That sh*t was everywhere for over a year before he dropped an album.” Even Russ responded with praise for Richman: “He’s moving with a sense of urgency and capitalizing on momentum unlike a lot of artists who catch 1 song and parade around for a year and then miss their moment. Kudos to him and his team. You can tell the artists who are prepared to blow up vs the ones who aren’t. Move like you know it’s gonna happen.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Tommy Richman attends the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre on April 01, 2024, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
After its release, Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” became the longest-running number-one song on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, spending five straight weeks at the top spot. Amid popularity on that platform, it debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. He’s since dropped another single in the wake of blowing up titled, “Devil Is a Lie.”
Rubi Rose is quickly becoming a name everyone in hip-hop needs to know. Her striking debut in Migos’ “Bad & Boujee” music video wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was the spark that ignited her rise. With her magnetic presence and undeniable charm, Rubi grabbed the spotlight and never let go. What started as a standout cameo soon evolved into a dynamic career, proving she had far more to offer than just a pretty face in a viral hit.
Rubi Rose’s transformation from video vixen to hip-hop heavyweight is a story of grit and guts. She took that initial burst of fame and turned it into a platform for her music, connecting with a growing audience that couldn’t get enough of her raw talent and candid persona. Today, Rubi is not just riding the wave of her early success—she’s making her waves, showing the world that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.
The Early Years
Rubi Rose’s journey into hip-hop started long before her cameo in “Bad & Boujee.” Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Rubi grew up surrounded by a rich blend of musical influences. Her Ethiopian heritage and American upbringing provided a unique backdrop that shaped her artistic vision. Even in her early years, Rubi was drawn to the energy and rhythm of hip-hop. She dreamed of one day making her mark in the industry.
We know her first big break came in 2016 when she appeared in the music video for Migos’ breakout hit. This appearance was more than just a lucky break; it was a strategic move that showcased her ability to stand out in a crowd. With her striking looks and confident demeanor, Rubi captured the attention of fans and the industry. This initial exposure was the perfect launchpad for her music career, setting the stage for what would come.
Breakthrough Into Rap & Career Highlights
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 27: Rapper Rubi Rose attends Invest Fest After Party Hosted by Rubi Rose at Sound Nightclub on August 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Many were surprised by Rubi Rose’s initial brush with fame. However, Rose wasn’t content with remaining in the background. She quickly pivoted from video vixen to bona fide rapper, a move that demanded attention and respect in the hip-hop community. Her first major single, “Big Mouth,” released in 2019, quickly gained traction, amassing millions of streams and setting the stage for her burgeoning career. Rose’s raw and authentic style resonated with fans, who appreciated her unfiltered approach to music and life.
Later, in 2020, she dropped her debut mixtape, For the Streets, which solidified her place in the rap scene. Collaborations with prominent artists like Future and PartyNextDoor further cemented her status. Each release was a testament to her ability to pair catchy hooks with hard-hitting verses. Moreover, Rubi’s momentum didn’t stop there. She continued to release singles that garnered widespread acclaim. Her music videos were also known for their bold and explicit visuals and became instant hits on YouTube. This further amplified her presence in the industry.
Recognition from notable awards shows and music platforms followed, with Rose being nominated for various accolades that highlighted her rapid ascent. This recognition was not just for her music but also for her impact on the culture. She became a voice for a new generation of women rappers.
Controversies & Dating Life
Rubi Rose’s rise to stardom hasn’t been without its share of drama and public scrutiny. Her personal life, often entwined with her professional one, has been controversial. It has made her a frequent subject of media attention. One of Rubi Rose’s most significant and publicized relationships was with fellow rapper DDG. Their relationship, marked by its highs and lows, became a focal point for fans and the media alike. The couple’s frequent public arguments and reconciliations played out on social media, drawing widespread attention. In 2020, their tumultuous relationship reached a peak when Rubi Rose accused DDG of infidelity, leading to a highly publicized breakup.
Rubi Rose’s connection with Playboi Carti also sparked considerable controversy. Their on-again, off-again relationship, coupled with social media spats and public accusations, kept fans and tabloids on their toes. In one notable incident, Rubi accused Carti of disrespect and infidelity, which led to a major fallout on social media. Despite the negative press, Rubi leveraged the attention to further her music career.
Another significant controversy involved her brief romantic involvement with rapper Lil Tjay. The relationship took a dramatic turn when an argument unfolded on social media, exposing the raw side of their dynamic. While this incident drew criticism, it also highlighted Rubi’s unfiltered approach to life and relationships. Further, Rubi Rose has also faced scrutiny for her bold social media presence and provocative fashion choices. Critics often argue that her daring outfits and candid posts overshadow her musical talents. However, Rubi has consistently defended her right to express herself, emphasizing her desire to control her narrative and empower other women to do the same.
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