Music

Uproxx Music 20: Elyanna Proudly Bares Love, Culture, And Home On Her Sleeve With ‘Woledto’

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Elyanna 'Uproxx Music 20' Interview image
Bethany Vargas/Merle Cooper

Earlier this year, Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna released her debut album Woltedo. The title translates to “I am born,” and signals a moment of rebirth for the young singer, something she full embraced in a conversation with Rolling Stone. “This album is my debut and it lives in its own world,” she told the publication. “Despite being my first, it is a rebirth of myself while serving as the unveiling of Elyanna. It’s something I’ve never heard before, yet it feels nostalgic.”

She went on to say that the album is a “journey through identity, love, rage, and feminism” and that couldn’t be more true. On Woltedo, she bares love, her culture, and her home on her sleeve with not an ounce of regret. Losing her culture and disconnecting from her roots was not an option for Elyanna on Woltedo. Instead, we as listeners are invited to experience her world and the indulge ourselves in its beauty. It’s a task that is equally intriguing and delightful thanks to the album’s elegant nine songs.

Weeks removed from the release of Woltedo, we caught up with Elyanna for our Uproxx Music 20 series to learn more about her and discover her influences, inspirations, and aspirations.

See Previous UPROXX MUSIC 20 Interviews:

What is your earliest memory of music?

I would say that would be my grandpa. My grandpa used to be an amazing singer and I remember going to Palestinian weddings and he would be singing a Zajal, which a very poetic freestyle, I would say. My grandpa is the one that opened my eyes about how an artist is.

Who or what inspired you to take music seriously?

I was born and raised in Nazareth, Palestine and I always wanted to be a singer. It’s something that everybody knew around me — I wanted to be an artist. I was literally like, seven years old and I would tell everybody that that’s what I’m going to be. It’s crazy because in Nazareth that doesn’t happen, really, to anybody. We don’t have these kind of opportunities and I don’t know why. I always felt like that’s what I wanted to do and I was so serious about it, I’ve always been. I always wanted to make music, I always wanted to be an artist, and I can’t see myself doing anything else. I remember before we moved, my dad came and he asked me, “Are you sure? We’re going to take a big step of moving and being here [United States],” and I told them, yes, I want to be a singer. I feel like I let go of everything I know to make my dreams come true, even though it comes with a lot of hard consequences [and] different things that are definitely tough, but if you believe in something, you should always at least give it a try.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

When I was younger, I remember trying to play the violin and I was really bad [laughs], so I just stuck to singing. I love piano, I think piano such a beautiful instrument and I am actually learning it right now. I feel like my songs are very piano- and keys-based. My brother played piano when we were younger and he’s also the one that discovered my talents, he has a lot of influence on me. He’s an amazing pianist and he’s releasing his own soundtracks. When we create music together, our base is always piano.

What was your first job?

I think just being a singer that was my first job ever. I started professionally doing it when I was 16 and I think it teaches you so much. It’s not only music, it’s really the business side of it, how to be political, how to communicate with people, and how to express yourself and your art, but be bold and still be polite, nice, and genuine.

What is your biggest fear?

There’s a lot of things that I fear and to be honest, this is very human, I would say, but the people around me that I love, I love so deeply and I always want to make sure they’re good, happy and safe, and that’s something that I always pray for. I’m really, really scared of the ocean and I’m terrified of airplanes.

Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of singers?

Etta James, Fairuz, Lana Del Rey, and Freddie Mercury.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

Definitely something that has to do with performing. I think I would be having a big show and, I don’t know what the budgets are in that world, but I would love to have a crazy show where everything is so on point. I would love to be performing, perfecting, rehearsing, and creating. That excites me a lot and I will be eating burgers, that I would love to do.

What are your three most used emojis?

🧿👽🤍.

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

I love M.I.A. and I love The Weeknd, they are artists I would love to collaborate with. I don’t have that thing where it’s like, “Oh, my favorite feature is…” or “This is what I can’t wait to do.” I love the blend of a good collaboration, two good sounds, and I don’t like when a collaboration is forced. You do what’s best for the song, not what’s best for your career.

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

Games Of Thrones because I love that time and even their clothes and what they wear. It’s is a very tough time, but it is very interesting and I feel like it matches my world with the aesthetic. So Game Of Thrones and Skins too

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?

The Weeknd. I know how much he cares and supports Palestine, he donated as well. He’s Ethiopian and he always stands for who he is and his culture and for other cultures, and I really love that. I appreciate a lot of other people that do that, like in our community we have Ramy, who’s a comedian and actor.

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

Nobody can change my mind about my roots, Palestine. Nobody can change my mind about being true to myself as an artist. I’m not afraid to say no to a lot of things. If they don’t make sense to me, my brand, and what I do, then I say no.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?

It’s like a piano piece made by my brother that I really love. It’s called “Delilah.” It’s a song that I actually sang on my album. I literally sang his melody from the piano and I put it in my album. It’s called “Kon Nafsak” on my album and I think that’s one of my favorites I’ve heard.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?

I loved, loved Toronto. There was a certain energy there that I just really, really loved from tour. Before, I wasn’t touring, but singing with an artist, I think one of my favorite cities was Tunisia. The people there, they’re so genuine and they’re so nice and amazing. A city or country I would love to perform would be Palestine. I want to sing in my hometown, I can’t wait for that moment where I am able to sing in my hometown, I think that’s going to be a very unique moment. I would love to perform in Chile too.

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.

I’ve had this idea in mind and always thought about it. After doing the Wiltern, I had this thing in mind where hopefully we can keep doing that every year. Every April, I want to throw a show and do a whole festival thing. It’s a special month because it’s Arabic Heritage Month. A lot of Arab Americans or just people that are immigrants or their parents are immigrants, I feel they’re craving an artist that they can relate to, an artist that their parents could relate to. So I feel like we’re missing a voice here and I want to be the voice of these people.

I would love to have artists that present my culture and people that believe in my culture. This year Saint Levant, Issam Alnajjar, and Massari.These are people that always push for the culture and where we come from, and they’ve always been this way. Let’s see what happens next year.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

I actually don’t know, but I know one thing: I’m such a nerd. I love to study and I love having notebooks and being a student. I’ll never know what I would’ve been, but I know that I’d be really committed to get what I want. I love studying, I know that sounds crazy, but I do love to study. I take notes, I’m that girl that has lists of everything and highlighters everywhere. I don’t know what it would be, but I’ll tell you that I’d be really good at it.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

Definitely five years into the future. I don’t like to look at the past, I think the past is the past and it is what it is. I think that the only way for a person to move forward is to look at the future and take influences from the past and put them into your future. Take five years ago, take that as inspiration to push you to the future. I would go five years into the future.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

To just have a little bit more fun. I feel like at a certain point, I was just so obsessed over my career and where it’s gonna go and where it’s gonna be. I still am, but in a healthier way. I think that when you’re so deep in something, sometimes you can’t see things clearly. I’m just so grateful for the people around me like my sister, my brother, my family and my friends that got me out of that. Now I know how to have fun and have a good time, but be serious about my work and my job. I think it’s the balance between both, knowing how to live and enjoying your work and being able to blend both in a healthy way. So, I would tell myself to chill and have fun.

It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a rebellious artist, and not in a bad way at all, I think as a positive rebellious artist. Anything I do right now, I think ahead. I think of 20 years from now or more. I think of how I want to be remembered and all the things that I want people that are after me and what I do to take in. I love to make things that are timeless and that’s why my projects take longer to create because I’m really selective and picky about the things that I do. I’m very selective about the people that I include in my world, in my zone, and in my circle. I feel like all that leads to something at the end of the day. I’m just 22, so yes, I don’t know much and I am really experiencing things and experimenting. I’m trying everything and seeing what works and what doesn’t, but it’s good to see that there were footsteps before you. I want to create that for you know the next generation to know that you can do it as well.

Woledto is out now via Salxco. Find out more information here.

Howard University Revokes Diddy’s Honorary Doctorate Degree

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The Diddy fallout continues. The mogul’s legacy has been thoroughly dismantled over the last eight months. The footage of him attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, the multiple lawsuits, and the harrowing recollections of those who worked under him have made it virtually impossible to view him in the light that fans once did. Howard University feels the same. Diddy’s alma mater decided to strip the mogul of the honorary doctorate degree they awarded him back in 2014.

Howard University’s Board of Trustees announced their decision on June 7. The board made it clear that they do not condone the crimes that Diddy has been accused of caught doing, and therefore strip him of his honorary doctorate credentials. “Mr. Combs’ behavior, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs,” the statement read. “He is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.” The statement further stated that the man born Sean Combs will not be invited to special occasions and events held on Howard’s campus.

Read More: Suge Knight Alleges That Diddy’s Been An FBI Informant “Forever”

Diddy Is No Longer Welcome On Howard’s Campus

The board’s decision comes on the heels of a Rolling Stone expose on Diddy. It detailed some of the mogul’s previously documented allegations, but it also shed light on a violent incident that allegedly took place on Howard’s campus. Several students claimed they saw Diddy remove his belt and beat a woman he was dating at the time. The woman in question refused to answer questions, but the students recalled fearing for her life. “She would tense up [when Combs appeared],” one of them explained. “He just had a weird control thing. I felt like she was fearful.”

Diddy’s Howard pride remained throughout his career. The mogul announced plans to donate $1 million to the university after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 BET Awards. He made good on his promise in 2023. “As someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges,” he noted in a statement. “It remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy. The board praised his generosity, and cited him as a role model for students. What a difference a year makes.

Read More: Did Biggie Want To Leave Bad Boy Records & Diddy Behind Before His Death?

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Good News! Kendrick Lamar’s ‘The Pop Out – Ken & Friends’ Concert In LA Will Be Livestreamed On Twitch And Amazon Prime Video

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Kendrick-Lamar.jpg
Philip Cosores

Tickets for Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth The Pop Out – Ken & Friends concert in LA sold out almost as quickly as they went on sale, leaving literally hundreds of thousands of local fans disappointed — to say nothing of those who don’t even live in LA. The last part is tragic enough — but stay away, please, we’re definitely full — but to also miss out on even the opportunity to attend the city’s hottest ticket on June 19? Yikes.

However, there’s good news for all you out-of-towners (and locals who got boxed way the hell out of the paint): The show will be livestreamed via Twitch and Amazon Prime Video, so you can still enjoy it from the comfort of your own home without all the hassle of finding parking at the Forum.

The show will mark Kendrick’s return to the Forum, where he last performed in September 2022 on his Big Steppers Tour. Since then, he’s been a busy guy, even without having any new music to promote. He won a Grammy for his 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, then teamed up with his cousin Baby Keem to take the world by storm with the mega-hyped single, “The Hillbillies,” before performing at Tyler The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival.

But this year, all hell broke loose when Kendrick threw down the gauntlet on Metro Boomin’s new album with Future, We Don’t Like You. On the track “Like That,” Kendrick called out Drake and J. Cole for including him in their “Big 3” while subtly deriding him as beneath them, prompting a tumultuous back and forth with Drake after Cole bowed out early. The contempt with which K Dot has regarded Drake for the past few years resulted in two No. 1 singles for the Compton native, and Drake seemingly waving the flag. Throwing a hometown concert that half the city tried to get into seems like the best victory lap imaginable. Nip would be proud.

Flau’jae Is Dropping An Album, Shows Off Artwork And Announces Release Date

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The talented player Flau’jae Johnson, who assisted LSU in defending its NCAA basketball championship the previous season, is gaining attention in the music business. She recently worked with Lil Wayne and signed a distribution agreement with Roc Nation. Johnson, who juggles her two careers in basketball and music, has stated publicly that she is unable to decide between the two. Johnson discussed the release of new music and a podcast in an interview with Overtime WBB. “Yeah, I got a podcast coming out real soon,” Johnson said. “And I got my project, ‘Best of Both Worlds,’ it dropped in June. Super soon [podcast will come].”

Regarding any fresh features on her next album, Johnson responded, “Yeah, it’s a lot of different kinds of music, but I’m excited for it. It’s a lot of features. It’s just different. It’s like a new four.” March saw the premiere of her “Love Is Blind” music video. Johnson has given rap performances within 24 hours of team training despite her hectic schedule. The New York Times claims that Johnson uses her residence as her recording studio. In her spare time, she records music and writes lyrics while traveling to games. Now, she has announced the release date of her new project. 

Read More: Flau’jae Is Coming For The Throne On “First Person Shooter” Freestyle

Flau’jae Shows Off Artwork And Release Date For New Album

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Big 4️⃣ (@flaujae)

Flau’jae wrote in her instagram post, “I am so excited to let y’all into my world, juggling music and basketball hasn’t been the easiest journey for me, but it has definitely been the most rewarding . I love you all. This Project is gonna Change My Life and I can’t wait to experience this journey with you y’all on June 28th.” She continued, “But for now I dropped “Pop It” which is on the project so y’all can have something to listen to until it drops!! it’s out on ALL platforms and you might see a little surprise on the project when you go stream pop it”

Overall, Flau’jae is excited about her new project, and fans seem to be clamoring for her music. Flau’jae Johnson, the star guard for LSU and wearer of jersey number four, had a spectacular sophomore campaign. Her play earned her positions on the 2024 Albany 2 All-Region Team and the 2024 Second Team All-SEC. All in all, we are excited to hear her new album and see her hooping next season. 

Read More: Flau’jae & NLE Choppa Team Up For Uber-Confident “AMF”

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📣 Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” Show To Be Livestreamed On Twitch & Amazon Prime

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Earlier this week, Kendrick Lamar made an exciting announcement on his Instagram Story, revealing that he’ll be putting on his first post-Drake beef show later this month. The event, dubbed “The Pop Out,” has generated a ton of interest from fans itching to see him perform his now-infamous diss tracks. While it’s unclear whether or not he plans to do so, it looks like his supporters can’t wait to catch him live. Tickets went on sale today. Judging by the shocking number of people waiting in the queue to buy some, it’ll be packed.

The event is scheduled to take place on June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, at the Forum in LA. Unfortunately, the venue only holds around 17.5K people, meaning that many fans won’t be able to attend. Fortunately for those who couldn’t secure tickets, however, it was recently announced that the performance will be livestreamed on Twitch and Prime.

Read More: Drake & Kendrick Lamar Can’t Stop Their Crews From Turning To Violence, Boosie Badazz Claims

Kendrick Lamar To Host First Post-Drake Beef Show

Of course, nothing can compare to seeing the show in person. This is the next best thing for fans who can’t nonetheless. Aside from his scathing Drizzy disses, supporters hope to see Kendrick perform some new material during the eagerly anticipated performance. It’s been rumored for a few months that he has a new album on the way, which some theorize could arrive this year, though this is unconfirmed. They’re also speculating about who’s going to be joining him onstage, and sharing their demands on social media. Many fans are looking forward to potential appearances from DJ Mustard, Baby Keem, and other TDE artists.

What do you think of Kendrick Lamar announcing his first performance following his infamous feud with Drake? What about the event being livestreamed on Twitch and Prime? Will you be tuning in or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” Music Video At The Center Of $100k Lawsuit Settlement

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Chris Brown Charges Fans $1K For Concert Meet-And-Greets

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Chris Brown is one of the best-selling artists of all time. He’s moved over 217 million albums worldwide, and notched countless number ones since he broke out in 2005. He’s also an incredible dancer, which makes his live shows a must for fans. Ticket prices for a Breezy show are nothing head-turning, but it turns out that he more than makes up for it with meet-and-greets. The R&B superstar is believed to be charging fans over $1K to meet with him and take photos after shows.

This revelation came about on June 6. Chris Brown kicked off his 11:11 tour in Detroit, which meant VIP packages were made available to fans. A VIP package that includes a meet-and-greet option for an eye watering $1,111. XXL reported that Brown usually charges $1K flat, but the fee was rounded up to line up with the title of the new album, 11:11. The meet-and-greet comes with additional perks, in case you were wondering. Fans get to meet Breezy, pose for photos, and two signed personal items. They also get early entry to the show, a tour gift, and an 11:11 calendar. It may sound steep, but fans are snatching up these VIP packages left and right. Chris Brown obviously knows his audience.

Read More: Chris Brown Questions Notion That He’s Been “Blackballed” At Sold-Out Show: Watch

Chris Brown Has Been Charging This Price For Years

This is not the first time the singer’s meet-and-greet prices have been a talking point. He was criticized when the $1K prices were revealed back in 2022 (yes, he’s been doing it since then). The criticism grew so loud that Chris Brown took to Instagram to address it. He defended the price tag on the grounds that fans aren’t forced to pay these prices. They go VIP because they want to. “PSA,” he wrote. “When artist (everyone) does concerts, they all have something called a VIP package… I have the coolest fans on the planet. I appreciate the f*ck outta them. These are memories that will last them forever.”

Brown also took other artists to task for charging similar prices while blowing off their fans. “Unlike most of these lame a*s artist that won’t make eye contact with the people who made it possible to even have a career,” he wrote. “I only exist because these fans saw something in me I never thought possible. So Ima go all out for my fans!” The singer’s point is validated by the fact that the meet-and-greets are sold out at all of his 11:11 shows. This means Brown will take home a staggering $800K just from meet-and-greets alone.

Read More: Ray J Subtly Disses Quavo When Talking About Chris Brown Feud

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⚽️ Drake & Adonis Bond At Soccer Game After Kendrick Lamar’s Parenting Jabs

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Kendrick Lamar had a lot to say about Drake’s parenting amid their viral lyrical battle. Luckily, however, it looks like Drizzy didn’t let the shade get in the way of his relationship with his child. Earlier this week the Toronto hitmaker was spotted supporting his son Adonis at his soccer game. He was accompanied by Adonis’ mother, Sophie Brussaux.

In a clip from the outing, Drake is seen standing surrounded by security guards and fellow proud parents, looking on as Adonis plays with a ball in the distance. He appeared to be in good spirits at the game, as did his child’s mother. This comes as somewhat of a surprise considering all that he’s been through in recent months. Aside from going head to head with Kendrick, and being ruled the loser of the battle by many, his Bridle Path neighborhood was also a breeding ground for drama last month.

Read More: Drake’s Reference Track For Lil Wayne’s “I’m Single” Surfaces Online

Drake Watches Adonis Warm Up With Sophie Brussaux

Reportedly, a shooting took place in the neighborhood, leaving one of Drake’s security guards seriously injured. After that, various people showed up at the rapper’s front gate, allegedly trying to get in. His security even had to restrain one of them on the front lawn of his mansion, surely leaving neighbors concerned.

Ultimately, it looks like the “Push Ups” performer is doing his best to try to move on from all of the chaos that’s surrounded him in the past couple of months. After all, some wholesome family time might be the best thing for him right now. It might even help sway the public’s perception of his parenting that Kendrick left behind, though it’s unclear whether or not he took that to heart. What do you think of Drake showing up to support his son Adonis at the child’s recent soccer game? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Jermaine Dupri Calls Drake “Ignorant” For Replicating 2Pac & Snoop Dogg’s Voices On AI Diss Track

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Ice Spice “Y2K”—Artists Fans Want On Her Debut Album

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Ice Spice has announced plans to release her debut album Y2K this July, with a world tour set to follow soon after. The album will be Ice Spice’s first full-length body of work, serving as a make-or-break moment for the up-and-coming artist. She has previously built considerable buzz with just a few singles, features, and prominent movie soundtrack placements, accumulating a monthly Spotify listenership of over 45 million Spotify users at certain points in her career. While Ice Spice has shown she can carry a song by herself, fans are already hyped to learn what featured artists may be present on Y2K. Let’s list a few fan-favorite choices as we continue to patiently sit back and hear the final product.

5. Lil Wayne

Ice Spice has already collaborated with Nicki Minaj to major success. It only makes sense that she would travel up the ranks of the former Young Money signees and link with other big-name artists such as Lil Wayne or even Drake. Ice Spice’s aggressive flow, powerful stage presence, and propensity for leaning on shallow wordplay make her an ideal candidate for a Wayne feature, as the pair would blend styles quite harmoniously.

4. JID

While a JID feature may seem a bit out of left field, the Atlanta native has a real habit of bringing some of the best feature verses in the game right now. If JID were to appear on Ice Spice’s Y2K, his vocal melodies and densely packed rhymes would provide the perfect contrast for Ice’s drill-inspired New York flows. Ice Spice’s greatest weakness seems to be a heavy reliance on her iconic flow, which could hinder her ability to keep listeners entertained for an entire project. Adding a versatile and respected young rapper like JID into the mix could only improve the sonic diversity of her debut album.

3. Chief Keef

As mentioned, Ice Spice leans heavily on the New York drill sound, which will undoubtedly be present all over Y2K. Who better to assist her chopped vocal melodies and thumping, bass-heavy production than the founder of the Chicago drill wave, Chief Keef? Keef has also been getting into his melodic singing bag quite a bit lately, with features such as “Hit & Run” by Tobi Lou, “Ghetto Princess” with Sexyy Red, and Lyrical Lemonade’s “Say Ya Grace.” As a result, his vibe and presence could bring a lot to an Ice Spice track.

2. Megan Thee Stallion

It is highly unlikely that Megan Thee Stallion will appear on Ice Spice’s Y2K album, though it would be a pleasant surprise. Meg has seemingly entered her prime lately, with a string of singles and freestyles that have fans itching to hear more of her brash Houston sound. Earlier this year, Ice Spice became a de facto opponent of Thee Stallion due to her relationship with Nicki Minaj, even leading to something of a proxy beef breaking out between Ice Spice and Latto. If Meg and Ice could work together and bury the hatchet, it would be a big step in laying to rest the pervasive rumor that women in hip hop can’t get along. We won’t hold our breaths for this one, but the team-up would be legendary if it ever played out.

1. Taylor Swift

The No. 1 spot on this list could only go to the queen of the modern music landscape herself, Taylor Swift. Not only would a Taylor Swift inclusion bring massive numbers to Ice Spice’s Y2K, it would also make perfect sense as the two popular vocalists are already friends outside of music. Ice Spice and Taylor previously linked up for a remixed version of Swift’s song “Karma,” though they have yet to craft an original hit together. Seeing the chemistry of Ice Spice and Taylor Swift come together on a pop single would absolutely propel Y2K to massive heights and deliver a major streaming win for the rising star.

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Hip-Hop Albums We’re Still Waiting On For 2024

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Explosive beef, chart-topping albums, critical acclaim, huge festival moments, performance highlights, financial success, and plenty of amazing LPs have made 2024 quite the killer year for hip-hop. Fortunately for fans, it seems like things are about to get even better with new projects from Ice Spice, NxWorries, Megan Thee Stallion, Lupe Fiasco, Denzel Curry, Don Toliver, Lil Yachty and James Blake, and many more officially dropping very soon. But beyond confirmed release dates, there are also a handful of rumored drops, delayed rollouts, teased arrivals, and mythical full-length mysteries surrounding some of our favorite artists this year.

As such, we decided to sit down, look back, and think of what are the most anticipated or consequential hip-hop albums that we’ve still yet to receive in 2024 (excluding these with official release dates). Some of these are confirmed to exist and be dropping this year but don’t have an official release date at press time, others are long-teased or delayed LPs that have been in the rumor mill for a while, and a few are simply wishful thinking based on recent moves, singles, releases, announcements, etc. We obviously missed a lot (namely Lil Uzi Vert’s LUV Is Rage 3 and Barter 16, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s Missionary, Polo G’s Hood Poet, rumors of a new Pusha T album coming soon, and many more), so let us know what project you’re looking forward to getting in 2024 the most down in the comments section below.

Read More: Best Rap Albums & Songs Of May 2024

Cardi B – TBA

First off, we have what might be the most long-awaited album on this list, which is whatever Cardi B decides to drop as her sophomore effort. With previous singles between disparate eras in mind like “WAP,” “Bongos,” and “Enough (Miami),” it’s clear that she’s been working on this for a long time and has changed her plans at almost every turn for whatever reason. In fact, Bardi recently said that there won’t be a new album in 2024, but her label Atlantic Records seemed to disagree. We don’t know exactly what’s going on behind the scenes, but hopefully, we get this sooner rather than later. It feels like we’ve been in rollout mode for this longer than any other LP on this list.

J. Cole – The Fall Off

Cardi B’s next album is actually tied for the project that’s been anticipated for the longest, and J. Cole’s The Fall Off has definitely been anticipated the most between those two and, frankly, out of any album here. Not only is it coming from one of rap’s greatest pens of the past 15 years, but its long-teased title indicates something tough to achieve these days: finality. Whether or not Cole drops It’s A Boy before this or if he dives straight in, this could easily be one of hip-hop’s biggest moments that might see one of its most beloved artists have a graceful exit. If it’s everything the Dreamville boss suggests, this will be a top-tier release in this catalog, if not his best.

ASAP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb

Moving onto another frustratingly long wait for an album, A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb is a downright tease at this point. It’s been six years since TESTING. We’ve gotten massive performances and singles, two children with Rihanna (who’s also on the hot seat for long-awaited albums), a whole lot of interviews and press, merch, events… and still nothing. Of course, we’re sure that the Mob’s boss has some legitimate reasons for these delays and really wants to perfect his craft and set everything up exactly as he wants. We don’t blame Rocky for that, as we think that it will probably be an amazing body of work, but he’s running out of chances to make it as big of a splash as it could be.

Eminem – The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)

Well, “Houdini” came out, and it was such a divisive and aggressively combative single that maybe you’re not looking to Eminem’s next album that much. But perhaps that’s the trick: despite all the hate his recent catalog received, The Death Of Slim Shady might be Marshall Mathers’ biggest transformation in decades. His alter ego remained somewhere in his albums no matter what he made, and this could either be a cringe-inducing nostalgia bait or an unmasked look at the real emotions and processes behind the Detroit legend’s place in the rap game. Maybe he’ll focus on reception, maybe it will be on his antics, but it will definitely be one of hip-hop’s most buzzing conversations of 2024.

All the new Chance The Rapper singles have folks feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, a zone we love to be back in following The Big Day‘s exaggerated attempts to achieve this in 2019. Star Line promises a lot of warmth, introspection, humble perspectives, and lyrical skill based on singles like “Together” and “Buried Alive.” The Chicago spitter is already sharing a lot about his evolution and mind state through these cuts, and the total package will presumably be even more therapeutic and powerful. It feels like he’s growing into himself and not out of his past choices, which is exactly how one should bounce back after jokes and trolling became synonymous with his name and that of his last album.

JID – Forever & A Day + Metro Boomin Collab Album

JID’s got double the pressure to perform but half the doubt in his abilities compared to everyone else on this list. He dropped one of the best albums of the decade so far with The Forever Story and now has not one, but two LPs on the docket. The first is the Atlanta lyricist’s follow-up (or deluxe?) to his 2022 album, reportedly titled Forever & A Day, and the second is a teased Metro Boomin collab project. For what it’s worth, Metro’s already had a busy year with his Future series and might have even more on the way with 21 Savage for a potential Savage Mode III release. But the thought of two new full-lengths from one of the best rappers working today just has that special sauce to it, so here’s hoping we get at least one of them in 2024.

Missy Elliott – TBA

Rap Albums 2024 Coming Out Soon Schedule Anticipated Hip Hop News
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 06: Missy Elliott during the Lovers & Friends music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

You didn’t think we forgot about Timbaland teasing Missy Elliott’s first new solo album in almost 20 years back in 2023, did you? While there isn’t as much current hype or reason for speculation, the idea that Misdemeanor is working on new music and releasing it soon sounds too good to be true. We’d love to be wrong on that, because with a tour later this year and other extracurricular projects, we’d be absolutely ecstatic for more greatness from the Virginia native. Like other albums on this list, this doesn’t really only apply to 2024 specifically, as it’s one of those teased that came before that we’re just constantly on the lookout for (much like Boldy James and J Dilla’s mythical Drug Dilla).

Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign – VULTURES 2 & 3

Now, we’re back to one of the biggest moments of 2024 that quickly became one of its biggest question marks. We don’t know for sure why Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s VULTURES 1 sequels haven’t come out as scheduled (twice or maybe even three times in a row). I mean, it’s a Ye rollout: at least we got one album, right? Nevertheless, it feels like this was the “big” 2024 rap narrative before the Drake and Kendrick Lamar business heated up. Maybe there’s a connection there, but the more likely answer is that the duo just wasn’t ready, able, or willing to follow through. We’ll see if this changes or if we can add VULTURES 2 and 3 to the Turbo Grafx 16 and Yandhi pile.

Baby Keem – Child With Wolves

Mr. Two Phones is one of the most hyped 2020s rap leaders right now, and The Melodic Blue has been patiently waiting on a follow-up since its 2022 deluxe. Through a short film, some huge performances, and social media teases, a new album reportedly titled Child With Wolves seems to be going in an even darker, moodier, and more opaque direction. Maybe that’s why the mystery around the album is so heavy. But Baby Keem already did so much to set himself apart from the pack, and out of any album on this list, he really has the potential to make this installment even better than his previous work. With that in mind, our fingers are crossed for a new peak, or at least a significant level-up for Hykeem Carter.

JPEGMAFIA – TBA

While JPEGMAFIA dropped the excellent SCARING THE HOES collab album with Danny Brown last year and showed off his un-f**k-with-able rapping and production, he hasn’t dropped a solo project since 2021. Don’t get us wrong, we love Peggy and Danny as much as the next terminally online rap publication, but with his additional work on VULTURES 1 and collabs with redveil, Raveena, and Armand Hammer in mind, we can’t help but think that his next move in 2024 will be very different to last year’s team-up. As one of hip-hop’s best artists right now hands-down, the Baltimore creative is going to burst through the door and make the mainstream and underground shiver in fear, because that’s what he’s done since 2018’s Veteran at the very least. This next LP after LP! will also follow a random and surprising spat with… what was his name?

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Montana

Oh yeah, Freddie Gibbs. Peggy spat aside, the Indiana MC also had some killer contributions to Ye and Ty’s album and also celebrated the ten-year anniversary of his legendary Madlib collab, Piñata. During their concert commemorating this, they hinted at the third installment of their joint series, Montana, dropping very soon. It would line up with the five-year wait for Bandana in 2019, and would most likely be another AOTY contender for the Big Boss Rabbit and one of the greatest producers of all time. Expecting this album to be great is one of the safest bets you could place, and let’s hope that betting on its 2024 release also has good odds. After all, we know for damn sure that they’re not very high for this next release…

Playboi Carti – Music

“2024, music!” Playboi Carti raps on his December 2023 single produced by Kanye West, “2024.” This was before “BACKR00MS,” before the other Instagram tracks, before his VULTURES appearances, and it now stands as one of the most false statements in hip-hop this year. Jokes aside, this shouldn’t really be a surprise: the Opium boss has never been good with keeping release “promises,” being super communicative, or constantly dropping for fans. But we know that whenever he does pop out… there are few things that can match that energy and raw excitement. For all we know, Music could be Narcissist or Antagonist or whatever else, and it could be scheduled to come out in 2065. But vamps will be vamps for the rest of eternity, and they’ll all be in the pit for when Carti’s next move finally lands.

Kendrick Lamar – TBA

The last inclusion on our list may be the most delusional, but it would also arguably be the most impactful and important if it happens. The last we heard from Kendrick Lamar studio album-wise was him denying his status as the savior, and the last we actually heard from him was cementing himself as the greatest rapper of his generation and beyond. Like many other aspects of the Gemini’s dualistic artistry and career, beefing with Drake seems at odds with himself in a certain way. But the album rumors are already there, he’s got his Juneteenth show in L.A., and everyone wants to know what else he has to say, what he wants to reflect on, and what we can learn from his words, sounds, and visuals.

As such, K.Dot might just offer one of the biggest victory laps in hip-hop history through a new album, and he will have to prove that his battle with The Boy wasn’t just a ploy to set the stage for it. How he could even do that in a way that erases all skepticism is beyond us, yet some folks think that it’s the smartest thing that he could do right now. Kendrick Lamar has never struck us as a clout chaser or an egomaniac, and a new LP would probably still prove his title as one of rap’s best-ever songwriters and storytellers. So whether Kendrick’s victory inspired it or it has nothing to do with it, a new album from him wouldn’t place the crown on his head, but it will definitely soundtrack the ceremony.

The post Hip-Hop Albums We’re Still Waiting On For 2024 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Pusha T Shows Off His New Jay-Z Inspired Chain

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While Pusha T may not be the first rapper many think of when it comes to elaborate chains, but he’s certainly among the genre’s biggest fans of flashy jewelry. He’s thrown out plenty of lyrics references to elaborate neck and wristwear over the years. In fact, the second single from his most recent album It’s Almost Dry was called “Neck & Wrist.” The song featured an appearance from Jay-Z, a fact that coincidentally aligns with the newest piece of bling Push has taken to social media to show off.

His newest piece is a pendant made in the shape of a anchor. He took to his Instagram story to show off the new piece which had fans pretty impressed. While many were already aware of the picture of a young Jay-Z sporting a similar chain, they didn’t need to speculate for long. Push was open about his inspiration for the new piece in his very next post. He shared the picture of Jay-Z in question with the caption “the inspo.” Fans also pointed out that Jay references the chain directly in the lyrics of the DJ Premier-produced intro to his 1997 album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Check out the video Push shared of his chain below.

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Pusha T Shows Off His New Anchor Chain

Last month, Pusha T celebrated the anniversary of his newest release It’s Almost Dry. He both paid tribute to the record, but also looked forward to what he has coming next. He promised fans that he has “so much” new material on the way soon. He’s yet to release any new singles of his own this year, only appearing for a guest verse on Ray Vaughn’s song “Problems.” Any guess on a potential release date for a new album is purely speculative, though fans are hoping that it drops this year.

What do you think of Pusha T’s new anchor chain inspired by a vintage Jay-Z piece? Are you looking forward to the next project from Push, whenever it might arrive? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Pusha T Celebrates The 6th Anniversary Of His Classic Album “DAYTONA”

[Via]

The post Pusha T Shows Off His New Jay-Z Inspired Chain appeared first on HotNewHipHop.