Nicki Minaj has had many eventful weeks so far in 2024. The first was when she found herself embroiled in a beef with Megan Thee Stallion. Meg threw out a diss aimed at Nicki’s husband on her song “HISS.” Minaj responded by manically retweeting her fans posts online constantly for multiple days and eventually dropping her own response track “Big Foot.” Since February, she’s made weekly news for the stops on her Pink Friday 2 tour which have often featured attention-grabbing surprise guests.
But this week may have been her most eventful in a long time. It started over the weekend when Nicki was arrested in Amsterdam for alleged drug charges. Videos of her interactions with police in the country made the rounds online as her fans took issue with her treatment. Once Minaj was released she was even more critical of the police’s behavior on social media. She was released from custody a few hours later and given a fine. She even went as far as to claim that the arrest was racially motivated and cited an incident with Ari Lennox as another example. Check out her newest statement discussing the arrest below.
In her most recent statement addressing her recent arrest, Nicki discussed having to cancel her Manchester stop because of the arrest. She claims she can’t remember the last time she felt “that low.” Thankfully for Nicki and her fans in Manchester it didn’t take long for a rescheduled tour date to emerge. Just two days after she was arrested she had another show booked to make up for the canceled date. She also recently announced a second North American leg of the tour for later this year.
What do you think of Nicki Minaj’s newest reflection on her recent arrest in Amsterdam that forced her to cancel one of her tour stops? Do you agree with her that there was a racially motivated element to her arrest? Let us know in the comment section below.
Camila Cabello’s upcoming album C, XOXO is now just a month away, as it’s set to drop at the end of June. As Cabello reveals in a new Billboard interview, the project should please Drake fans.
Cabello revealed that she and Drake were spotted in those much-discussed vacation photos because they were finishing a track together. She also divulged that she first reached out to Drake via Instagram DMs, saying, “He’s the f*cking GOAT, so it felt like shooting for the stars. I showed him the album when I felt comfortable enough and he really liked it. [The feature] came out of a non-transactional place. He had this idea of a song called ‘Hot Uptown,’ and it just felt like I was in the city. I was in Miami.”
With a new look, new music and “big baddie energy,” @Camila_Cabello is reinventing herself
Billboard describes the song as a “flirtatious, Caribbean-infused track.” It turns out the song isn’t only Drake’s appearance on the album, as he sings on the near-two-minute interlude “Uuugly” that immediately follows. Calvin Harris says the track was Drake’s idea, saying, “He wanted to do one more thing for the album.”
Cabello added, “Why does he have his own song? Because selfishly, I just want to hear Drake on my own album [laughs]. I love that for me — it’s like that rebellious mood. Who says I can’t do that? It’s Drake talking his sh*t.”
C, XOXO is out 6/28 via Geffen/Interscope. Find more information here.
Earth, Wind & Fire are giving fans a show to remember — even if it’s not on the 21st night of September. The legendary band has joined Lionel Richie on the Sing A Song All Night Tour. The tour kicked off last week in Knoxville, Tennessee and is set to continue through June 16, when it will wrap in Pittsburgh.
Both Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire have extensive catalogs, and both acts are delivering all the hits. In Earth, Wind & Fire’s setlist, they’ve included all of the fan favorites, like “Shining Star” and “September,” according to setlist.fm. The set also includes a couple of covers, on which the band offers their otherworldly touch.
Given the setlist, as well as fans’ responses to both acts’ sets, Earth, Wind & Fire’s portion of the tour looks to be exciting, promising, and nostalgia-inducing.
You can see the full setlist below.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s Sing A Song All Night Long Tour Setlist
1. “Shining Star”
2. “Let Your Feelings Show”
3. “Serpentine Fire”
4. Verdine White bass solo
5. “Sing A Song”
6. “Got To Get You Into My Life” (The Beatles cover)
7. “Devotion”
8. “After The Love Has Gone” (David Foster cover)
9. “Reasons”
10. “That’s The Way Of The World”
11. “Fantasy”
12. “Boogie Wonderland”
13. “Let’s Groove”
14. “September”
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 kicks off today, May 29. If you find yourself enjoying the festivities in Spain or just want to know what’s going on, here’s what to know about who plays when and where.
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 Set Times For Wednesday, May 29
The first day all takes place at Parc Del Fòrum, featuring Ratboys at 7:35 (all times p.m. unless otherwise noted and local), Stella Maris at 8:45, and Phoenix at 9:50.
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 Set Times For Thursday, May 30
The festival’s second day includes Freddie Gibbs and Madlib at 8 at Estrella Damm, Vampire Weekend at 10:15 at Estrella Damm, Deftones at 11:55 at Amazon Music, Pulp at midnight at Santander, and Justice at 1:45 a.m. at Estrella Dawn.
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 Set Times For Friday, May 31
Leading Friday are Ethel Cain at 6:20 at Santander, Omar Apollo at 7:20 at Estrella Damm, Yo La Tengo at 7:50 at Amazon Music, Troye Sivan at 9:45 at Estrella Damm, Clipse at 10 at Amazon Music, The National at 11:30 at Santander, and Disclosure at 1:45 a.m. at Estrella Damm.
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 Set Times For Saturday, June 1
Closing things out are Militarie Gun at 6:50 at Pull&Bear, 070 Shake at 7:45 at Estrella Damm, PJ Harvey at 8:45 at Santander, Dorian Electra at 9:55 at Amazon Music, Mitski at 10:15 at Estrella Damm, Bikini Kill at 11 at Pull&Bear, SZA at midnight at Santander, Romy at 12:05 a.m. at Amazon Music, Róisín Murphy at 1:#0 a.m. at Estrella Damm, and Charli XCX at 2:30 at Amazon Music.
Lionel Richie is keeping the concert festivities going all night long…all night! Last week, the R&B legend kicked of his Sing A Song All Night Long Tour, which features special guests Earth, Wind & Fire.
Of course, Richie’s catalog boasts several hits, including many of his solo songs, as well as his songs from his days as a member of The Commodores. Over the course of the tour, Richie has performed some of his iconic duets, and during one of which, the audience joins singing the second portion, as noted on setlist.fm.
The Sing A Song All Night Long Tour continues through June 16, where it will wrap in Pittsburgh.
You can see the full setlist below.
Lionel Richie’s Sing A Song All Night Long Tour Setlist
1. “Hello”
2. “Running With The Night”
3. “Easy / My Love”
4. “Penny Lover”
5. “Stuck On You”
6. “Sail On” (Commodores song)
7. “You Are”
8. “Dancing On The Ceiling”
9. “Three Times A Lady” (Commodores song)
10. “Fancy Dancer / Sweet Love / Lady (You Bring Me Up)” (Commodores song)
11. “Just To Be Close To You” (Commodores song)
12. “Zoom” (Commodores song)
13. “Endless Love” (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie cover) (Audience sang Diana Ross’s verses)
14. “Brick House / Fire”
15. “Still” (Commodores song)
16. “Say You, Say Me”
17. “We Are The World”
18. “All Night Long (All Night)”
Andre 3000 paid tribute to his longtime collaborator Rico Wade during a performance at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. His late friend passed away at the age of 52 from heart failure, earlier this year. Speaking about their relationship, the Outkast rapper explained the influence Wade had on both his personal life and his music career.
“The last time we were here, we did a residency about five, six shows, and Rico Wade showed up,” he said to the crowd. “Now, one thing y’all don’t know about Rico, Rico Wade…” From there, he got emotional and had to compose himself. “Sorry, y’all. Rico Wade… So Rico Wade made sure my raps were tight. There were times where I would say a rap to Rico in his ears, and he would walk off like, ‘That ain’t good enough.’ So just for a moment, I want y’all to make some noise for King Rico.”
Andre 3000, Big Boi, Rico Wade, & More Pose At ONE MusicFest
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 10: Andre 3000, Rico Wade, Big Boi, C-Bone and Shanti Das Backstage at ONE MusicFest at Lakewood Amphitheatre on September 10, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
“Dungeon Family all day,” he added. “I wouldn’t be here on this stage or able to do any of this. I wouldn’t have the confidence to do any of this if it weren’t for Dungeon Family. They raised me. My family taught me how to dream. Taught me how to dream and go for it. Big Boi taught me how to dream, get at it, and go for it. The Dungeon was the grounds for a lot of things. Our entire thing was to keep pushing, keep stretching out.” The group came together for a cookout in honor of Wade over Memorial Day weekend. Check out his full comments at the festival below.
Andre isn’t the first artist to pay tribute to Wade in the wake of his passing. Other collaborators including Big Boi, Killer Mike, and more have done so as well. Be on the lookout for further updates on Andre 3000 on HotNewHipHop.
Sexyy Red is becoming one of the biggest stars in hip-hop. Although she has proven to be controversial thanks to her lyrics and her visuals, Sexyy has been able to show people she knows how to come through with hits. Furthermore, she has received co-signs from some massive artists. Drake and Nicki Minaj are behind her, and producer Tay Keith has also been showing her lots of love. Having said all of that, it should come as no surprise that a sports organization like the WWE would take notice of her.
On Tuesday night, Sexyy Red got to partake in the WWE NXT event where she showed off the belt for a new women’s championship. It was a huge night for Sexyy as she got to partake in a fun event that allowed a broader audience to see her personality. Moreover, she even got to meet the legendary Shawn Michaels. You know the “Sweet Chin Music” line from Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us?” Well, Michaels is the originator of that move. In the clip below, you can see that Sexyy and Michaels got along just fine.
The two were seen singing the song “Sexy Boy” which is a song that Michaels penned back in the day when he was at his wrestling peak. Overall, fans gushed about the two on social media, and it was clearly a mutually beneficial appearance for all parties. In June, Sexyy Red will be at NXT Battleground, so there is no doubt WWE fans will be getting an extra helping of Sexyy in the not-so-distant future.
Let us know what you thought of Sexyy Red and her appearance at WWE NXT, in the comments section down below. Are you a fan of the artist despite just how controversial she has proven to be? Do you believe that the artist may get her own match someday? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Boosie Badazz says there are three routes Diddy can take from here on out after CNN published footage of him assaulting Cassie back in 2016. Speaking about the allegations the Bad Boy mogul is facing during an interview with VladTV, Boosie argued that Diddy could invest in religion, come out as gay, or wait at least a decade before making a comeback.
“I don’t know. It’s a cold world out here. I don’t know. Only God knows,” he said before referencing Chris Brown. When Vlad asks if artists will want to work with him again, Boosie said: “I don’t think all of them gonna go to work with him. I’m not doubting his comeback or whatever, but he’s gonna have to do something different. I don’t know what it’ll take.” He added that Brown had a better chance at a comeback because women were “infatuated” with him on another level. “And, Diddy has allegations of liking d*ck too. He has those allegations also so a lot of straight women who love men are not gonna come see him perform or support him. I say his options are let it die down for a decade and try to come back, or go Christian and get saved, or go gay.”
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 07: Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs attend the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic. Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)
Further speaking about the possibility of a comeback for Diddy, Boosie also joked that he thinks he’ll sample his apology to Cassie as an intro for a future song. “I feel like that was the intro to a song,” Boosie said. “I feel like [in] five years you gon’ hear that on one of his comeback songs…That was an intro.” Check out Boosie’s full comments on Diddy below.
Boosie Badazz On Diddy’s Options
In the time since Boosie’s interview, Rolling Stone has published an investigation into Diddy that includes new allegations from his time at Howard University. Be on the lookout for further updates on Boosie Badazz on HotNewHipHop.
King Los’ career has been a whirlwind of musical highs and lows. However, his talent has often spoken for itself. With impressive albums and mixtapes under his belt, King Los’ discography is always worth diving into. However, his longtime affiliation with Diddy might prove less of a benefit these days.
King Los was spotted with Diddy in Miami on May 20. The now-viral video came just a day after Diddy’s apology video hit social media, following the release of the footage of his assault on Cassie in a hotel. Now, Los is on the receiving end of backlash for maintaining a bond with Diddy amidst the heavy scandal. After on and off stints with Bad Boy Records, evidently Los and Diddy are still inseparable. Nonetheless, here are King Los’ best albums ranked.
King Los’ mixtape Shooter was released on November 8, 2010, and is most notable for its Rick Ross and Cory Gunz features. Shooter can only be described as a blend of King Los’ ambition and raw talent. On the project, Los delivers freestyles, as well as original tracks that hint at the trajectory his career would take in the industry. Long time King Los fans are likely to remember it as one of his earliest albums. Moreover, it remains a gem for its inclusion of “Money Feels Better.”
6. G5: Certified Fly (2008)
G5: Certified Fly launched King Los’ mixtape run, though its quality certainly stood alongside great hip-hop albums of its time. It was released independently in 2008 after his initial deal with Bad Boy Records fell through. The mixtape was King Los’ official return to releasing music independently and it helped set the stage for his future projects. Furthermore, it is a noteworthy entry in his catalog because the writing is credited to King Los himself. G5 is another example of King Los’ early style, artistic vision and skill. All of these are pronounced on tracks like “Top Back Freestyle.”
King Los’ Moor Bars was released on December 25, 2017. It was another project that boasted notable talent with appearances from artists like Hopsin, Royce Da 5’9″, and Jazze Pha. Unsurprisingly, Moor Bars had a few stellar standout tracks such as “Everybody’s A Bitch,” and “January 24th 2017.” “Everybody’s A Bitch,” in particular, remains a noteworthy record in his catalog.
Moor Bars is blessed with King Los’ intricate wordplay and hard-hitting bars. Production credits from AC The Producer and Daniel Dalexis further elevate the project. Diddy also appears in the album’s intro where he gives a few words of advice to King Los: “I understand your consciousness is at another level, but you gotta save yourself… before you can save others.”
4. Becoming King (2013)
King Los’ mixtape Becoming King, was released on April 25, 2013. The album remains a pivotal project in his discography as it marks his official transition from an underground artist to a mainstream contender. It also features a star-studded lineup, including Diddy, Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, and more. Additionally, there are notable production credits from heavyweights like Harry Fraud and Sonny Digital. And so, this mixtape, unlike previous works of his, offers a variety of sounds that show King Los’ versatility as an artist. The mixtape’s most popular song, “Weak,” racked up almost half a million downloads on Datpiff within its first year.
3. The Crown Ain’t Safe (2011)
King Los’ mixtape The Crown Ain’t Safe, hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Drama, was released on December 5, 2011. It is inarguably one of the best projects in King Los’ discography, especially without a long list of studio albums to his name. The mixtape features a robust lineup of guest appearances, including Lola Monroe, Jazze Pha, DMX, Kid Ink, Twista, and XV. The Crown Ain’t Safe also had a decent critical reception, with most of the praise going to its lyrical content. Standout tracks include “Make You Fly” and “Living My Dreams.” These songs show Los’ ability to blend introspection with ambition, and helped boost his chances at a mainstream breakthrough The album’s release is also quite an important moment for King Los’ career, as it came shortly before his re-signing with Bad Boy Records in February, 2012.
2. Zero Gravity II (2014)
King Los’ Zero Gravity II mixtape, released on March 24, 2014, is the impressive sequel to his 2010 mixtape, Zero Gravity. The project was released through After Platinum Records after Los parted ways with Bad Boy Records once again. The mixtape features a variety of producers, including Hunter Bressan, Dot N Pro, and J. Oliver. It also features impressive guest appearances from Royce Da 5’9″, Jeremih, and Kid Ink. Furthermore, Zero Gravity II is noted for playing to one of King Los’ stronger suits: freestyle tracks, with the “Control Freestyle” shining as a standout.
1. God, Money, War (2015)
King Los’ God, Money, War is a profound exploration of themes that are central to the human experience, and the best of all his albums. Released on June 23, 2015, it was a digital-only release under After Platinum Records, 88 Classic, and RCA Records, with executive production from Diddy. The album features a diverse array of guest appearances, including Isaiah Rashad, Marsha Ambrosius, Ty Dolla $ign, Chrishan and others. It debuted at number 68 on the Billboard 200, and sold 7,400 copies in its first week, with additional units. Fan-favorite tracks from the album include “War,” “Ghetto Boy,” and “Glory to The Lord.”
Sexyy Red’s incredible musical journey, from the underground to the spotlight, has been nothing short of captivating. From “Pound Town” to “SkeeYee,” she has been heavy on rotation in the past year. Her new mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, is a bold, provocative, and unapologetic project. It’s another club-ready project, picking up from 2023’s Hood Hottest Princess. This time, however, she attempts to raise the stakes.
Released on May 24, 2024, Sexyy Red’s latest project is a 14-track invitation into a hedonistic, energetic world, where playful vulgarity meets rhythmic beats. She explores themes of self-empowerment, sexuality, and independence, creating a mixtape that celebrates femininity, freedom of expression, and breaking societal norms. Sexxy has always been known for her explicit lyrics, and the mixtape showcases a fusion of sexuality, confidence, and humorous storytelling. In summary, it’s pretty much what you would expect from her.
The beats on In Sexyy We Trust definitely push a few boundaries. Tay Keith and Drumatized, the executive producers, create a sonic experience that oscillates between trap and Memphis rap. Tay Keith, in particular, would praise Sexyy Red’s authenticity in his April 2024 interview with Billboard. He spoke about how much their genuine sibling-like relationship fuels the creative process for their collabs, saying, “She is just raw. It’s just authentic.” This is best exemplified in “Sport,” a track that stands out with its minimalist production, allowing Sexyy Red’s vocals to shine. These beats are the mixtape’s backbone, even when they venture into uncharted territory.
In Sexyy We Trust is chock full of features. Sexyy Redd’s collaborations with artists like VonOff1700, Drake, and Lil Baby add depth and diversity to the album. Moreover, they amplify the album’s musicality and appeal including Southern influences, like Project Pat, Juicy J, and Gucci Mane. But this doesn’t always work out as planned.
Drake’s appearance on “U My Everything” raises eyebrows. His verse is a complete antithesis to Sexxy Red’s mild attempts. To top it off, the abrupt switch from the captivating beat to his “BBL Drizzy” portion disrupts the song’s cohesion. In this one instance, Sexyy Red’s allure as an upcoming solo act has no need for a superstar featured hit bait. Nonetheless, they have evidently accepted their roles as Hip Hop’s latest pairing.
Sexyy Red Is At Her Most Lethal
The mixtape starts with three distinct songs. There’s “Tim Talking,” a bold energetic intro, which leads into “She’s Back,” a track that vibrates with inexplicable intensity, and “Boss Me Up,” where Tay Keith’s piano melodies amp up Sexyy Redd’s assertive verses. Sexuality is a prominent theme throughout the album, with tracks like “Lick Me” and “Boss Me Up” embracing provocative and explicit language. These songs also challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes, portraying a sense of sexual liberation and agency.
A standout from the entire EP is “Outside,” which features a melodic fusion of vibraphones and hi-hats, courtesy of Mike WiLL Made-It. A boundary-pushing track, “Outside,” distinguishes itself with its innovative vocal edits. These are undoubtedly reminiscent of M.I.A’s dynamic style. The song is further enhanced by unexpected vocal interjections that surprisingly yet brilliantly set the stage for an electrifying beat drop. This sensual narrative also continues with “Sport,” a defiant anthem that precedes the swagger-filled “TTG (Go).”
Normally, Sexyy Red’s unique inflections usually set her apart. However, on this mixtape, they occasionally falter. Her disjointed delivery in certain tracks disrupts the flow altogether. While this could be a stylistic choice, it doesn’t always stick to the landing. For example, In Sexyy We Trust seems to suffer from repetition sickness. Some tracks blend into one another, leaving listeners yearning for more variety. The mixtape sometimes feels half-baked, like a rushed creation. With more time and focus, Sexyy Red could have elevated it beyond its current sporadic state. However, capitalizing on her increasing popularity is a notable accomplishment, especially since the EP undoubtedly has its high moments.
An Undeniable, Infectious Energy
When it’s all said and done, In Sexxy We Trust is inarguably a bold and unapologetic album that pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and celebrates individuality. The album’s overarching themes of confidence, sexuality, and resilience make it a standout piece in the contemporary rap scene. This in turn solidifies Sexyy Red as a rising gem in the music industry. Nobody can deny the infectious nature of her work, which will find its way to the depths of most clubs in the country. Her brash delivery and boastful lyrics echo the crunk era, evoking memories of sweaty club nights and bass-heavy speakers.
