Meek Mill continues to make headlines for everything but music. The Philadelphia rapper spent most of May 13 arguing with other artists on X (formerly Twitter). He was on the losing side of most of them. He exchanged words with 50 Cent, arguably the genre’s greatest troll. 50 clowned Meek for the low sales of his last album and for being friends with Rick Ross. Then Soulja Boy came out of the blue and went at the rapper for his questionable relationship with Diddy. Meek’s frustration culminated in an unexpected way, as he then turned around and insulted DJ Akademiks. Yeah, bizarre.
In a since-deleted tweet, Meek Mill absolutely laid into Akademiks for exploiting hip-hop culture. “I been told him stop posting me they business flow when they speak only on the culture,” the rapper explained. He then went about insulting Ak in a very odd and specific manner. “They all post bad about me because I don’t pay non of them,” he added. “That’s why they have Akademiks a rapist type couch potatoe [sic] controlling the narrative on the biggest battles to keep track.” He didn’t claim Ak was a rapist, but then described him as a “rapist type,” which is not much better.
This is not the first time Meek Mill and DJ Akademiks have had beef. The disdain is mutual. In March 2024, Akademiks called the rapper out for promoting a positive lifestyle while attempting to talk tough on social media. “Meek Mill think he can be a Activist in the daytime… and Villain at night,” he wrote. “N**ga must think Philly is Gotham City.” Meek responded by blocking the internet personality and making fun of him while he did it. “Ima show yall how you hurt computer geeks just the ‘block button’ I’m still shooting a vid in front of your house,” he quote-tweeted. “I’m still coming I only wanna hear from you in person lol.”
Akademiks went on to claim that he won his squabble against the rapper because he got blocked, so the bit didn’t have the bite Meek wanted. Based on the recent string of tweets, however, the block didn’t last very long. Akademiks has been a source of criticism for many rappers, and what Meek had to say about his tendency to exploit drama is valid. Where he lost most fans, and where he usually loses fans, is when he took things too far by saying something uncalled for. It’s telling that Meek deleted the “rapist type” tweet almost immediately. Even he knew it was a bad look.
Chloe Bailey has been delivering stunning pic dumps to her fans on a regular basis for quite a while now. Fans are still waiting to hear about when she’s dropping new music and potentially a second solo album. She’s already dropped two singles from the project starting with “FYS” back in March. The song has already racked up more than 3 million streams on Spotify in the two months since it dropped. She followed it up in April with the song “Boy Bye.”
In the meantime though, she knows exactly what to treat fans to. Earlier today on Instagram she dropped a stunning series of pictures posing on a yacht. She’s sporting a sleek black bikini complemented by a stunning necklace and dark sunglasses. In the series of pictures and videos she’s all around the boat posing in various positions showing off both her body and her bathing suit “apologies in advance…expect me to be in a bathing suit all week” the caption of the post reads seemingly gearing up to celebrate summer. Check out the full pic dump she shared below.
The last time Chloe Bailey shared a swimsuit photo she actually ended up in a bit of hot water. That’s because of the particular swimsuit she was wearing in the pictures. It’s a white number with bold black text that simply reads WET, which is controversial because of its affiliation with Kanye West’s Yeezy brand. Fans in the comments were divided on Chloe’s seeming cosign of the brand and potentially the rapper himself by posting the pics.
Before that she showed fans an up-close-and-personal look at her Coachella outfit. She played the festival making her solo debut this year and debuted some of her new singles for the crowd in attendance. What do you think of Chloe Bailey’s newest stunning bikini pics taken on her yachty? Are you looking forward to her second studio album which many are hoping drops later this year? Let us know in the comment section below.
Reginae Carter has big shoes to fill. The oldest child of rapper Lil Wayne has already found success as a film actress, but now she’s making the move into music. Carter has collaborated with Wayne in the past, but her latest track has sparked debate over whether she has what it takes to become a solo star beyond her dad’s co-sign. The song “Truth” caught fire via social media on May 13, and Carter’s voice was the main talking point. Some listeners thought she sounded great, others felt like she was relying too heavily on Autotune.
Instagram comment sections can get brutally honest, and Reginae Carter got the full brunt of it. Users really went after the singer for slathering her vocals in Autotune, and criticized her for trying to move in a space she’s naturally suited for. “I got mad respect for Weezy daughter,” one of them wrote. “But singing in auto tune ain’t it boo smh. Acting I could see.” Most of the comments made reference to Lil Wayne, and felt she was trying to hard to follow in his footsteps. “Can we normalize not feeling pressured to perform because our parents did/do,” another user noted. “Just be rich and pretty. We overwhelmed.”
There were some who felt like she had strong presence on the song. Still, the positive comments tended to focus on her looks and performance in the music video, which tracks given her acting past. “Baby you got your mother’s gift not your daddy,” a user wrote. Reginae Carter’s mother is Toya Johnson, who is a notable TV personality. Johnson has also dabbled in music, but her greatest success has come on shows like Tiny and Toya.
To Reginae Carter’s credit, she knows how nepotism can affect fan opinion. She told People Magazine that Wayne advised her to develop a thick skin if she wanted to make it big. “My dad taught me a lot about just being in the industry, period,” she noted. “He taught me just to keep a thick skin, always be true to myself, never let no one tell me what I can and cannot do.” Carter may not have the music career her dad has, but she’ll find success in whatever field she ultimately decides on.
Childish Gambino fans, rejoice! The multi-talented Donald Glover, also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is hitting the road once again. Following the release of Childish Gambino’s latest project, Atavista (3.15.20 reimagined versions), Glover has announced plans for his highly anticipated global tour, *The New World Tour*. With a lineup featuring openers Willow and Amaarae, this tour promises to be an electrifying experience for fans across the globe.
Glover took to Instagram to share the exciting news with his fans. The tour, which marks his first major trek since 2018, is set to kick off in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 11th. Alongside the announcement, he revealed that the “Artist Presale” for the Childish Gambino tour would commence on May 15th, with general ticket sales starting on May 17th via Ticketmaster. Fans were encouraged to sign up on thenewworldtour.com for access to exclusive presale codes.
Tour Highlights & Locations
The upcoming Childish Gambino tour will span across North America, Australia, and select European cities, treating fans to unforgettable performances in iconic venues. After starting in Oklahoma City, the tour will make its way through major U.S. markets including Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Houston, and more before concluding with a show in Chicago on October 3rd. Gambino will then embark on a journey across Europe, with stops in Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, France, Germany, the U.K., and beyond.
Gambino’s latest project, Atavista, serves as an 11-track collection that reimagines his previously released 3.15.20 project. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Ariana Grande, 21 Savage, Summer Walker, and Young Nudy, Atavista offers a fresh perspective on Gambino’s musical prowess. The release was accompanied by a visually captivating black-and-white video for “Little Foot Big Foot,” directed by Hiro Murai and featuring Quinta Brunson from Abbott Elementary.
What’s Next?
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Gambino has even more in store for his fans this year, with plans to drop a second album this summer. This upcoming album will serve as the soundtrack to his forthcoming movie, Bando Stone & The New World. Gambino expressed his gratitude to his dedicated fanbase during a recent Gilga Radio stream, emphasizing that this album is dedicated to them.
The New World Tour Dates
North America
Oklahoma City, OK – August 11 – Paycom Center Kansas City, MO – August 12 – T-Mobile Center Milwaukee, WI – August 14 – Fiserv Forum Columbus, OH – August 15 – Schottenstein Center Detroit, MI – August 17 – Little Caesars Arena Toronto, ON – August 18 – Scotiabank Arena Pittsburgh, PA – August 20 – PPG Paints Arena Philadelphia, PA – August 21 – Wells Fargo Center Boston, MA – August 23 – TD Garden Uncasville, CT – August 24 – Mohegan Arena Brooklyn, NY – August 26 & 27 – Barclays Center Washington, D.C. – August 29 – Capital One Arena Raleigh, NC – August 30 – PNC Arena Nashville, TN – September 1 – Bridgestone Arena Atlanta, GA – September 2 – State Farm Arena Tampa, FL – September 4 – Amalie Arena Sunrise, FL – September 5 – Amerant Bank Arena New Orleans, LA – September 7 – Smoothie King Center Houston, TX – September 8 – Toyota Center Austin, TX – September 10 – Moody Center Dallas, TX – September 11 – American Airlines Center Denver, CO – September 13 – Ball Arena Salt Lake City, UT – September 14 – Delta Center Phoenix, AZ – September 16 – Footprint Center Los Angeles, CA – September 18 & 19 – Crypto.com Arena San Francisco, CA – September 21 – Chase Center Vancouver, British Columbia – September 23 – Rogers Arena Portland, OR – September 24 – Moda Center Seattle, WA – September 25 – Climate Pledge Arena Calgary, Alberta – September 27 – Scotiabank Saddledome Edmonton, Alberta – September 29 – Rogers Place Saint Paul, MN – October 2 – Xcel Energy Center Chicago, IL – October 3 – United Center
Europe
Lyon, France – October 31 – LDLC Arena Milan, Italy – November 2 – Unipol Forum Cologne, Germany – November 4 – Lanxess Arena Hamburg, Germany – November 6 – Barclays Arena Oslo, Norway – November 8 – Oslo Spektrum Copenhagen, Denmark – November 10 – Royal Arena Prague, Czechia – November 12 – O2 Arena Berlin, Germany – November 13 – Uber Arena Paris, France – November 19 – Accor Arena Munich, Germany – November 21 – Olympiahalle Brussels, Belgium – November 23 – ING Arena Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 24 – Ziggo Dome Manchester, England – November 26 – AO Arena Glasgow, Scotland – November 28 – OVO Hydro London, England – November 30 & December 1 – The O2 Birmingham, England – December 3 – Utilita Arena Dublin, Ireland – December 5 – 3Arena
Australia
Auckland, New Zealand – January 28 – Spark Arena Brisbane, Australia – February 1 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney, Australia – February 4 – Qudos Bank Arena Melbourne, Australia – February 7 – Rod Laver Arena Perth, Australia – February 11 – RAC Arena
When we look back on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef, it’s likely that “Meet The Grahams” will be the point of no return. It dropped just minutes after Drizzy’s “Family Matters” diss, its cover art displayed items that allegedly belong to the Toronto superstar, and it contained serious allegations accusing the OVO mogul of child neglect, various addictions, and predatory behavior towards young women and others. It’s hands-down the darkest moment of the battle, and one that K.Dot quickly livened up with the No. 1 smash “Not Like Us.” But despite this feud being over for now, some posts about the cover art on Twitter have led fans down a much darker and more serious path.
An account on the social media platform by the name of EbonyPrince2k24 now has hip-hop heads becoming amateur investigative journalists and private detectives. The items on the “Meet The Grahams” cover art are no longer the focal point of conversation around it. Instead, these videos, tweets, statements, and interpretations in defense of, in Ebony’s words, “King Kendrick,” allegedly suggest a more sinister incident at The Mark Hotel in New York City in July of 2023. We want to make it clear that none of the following claims are proven true or verified; that this got a whole lot deeper than just rap beefing with Drake, and that we’re barely scratching the surface. We don’t know how involved Kendrick Lamar is in all this extracurricular speculation, as this seemingly transcends hip-hop, but here are more or less what the main claims are and what the alleged controversies suggest.
EbonyPrince2k24’s First Posts About The “Meet The Grahams” Cover Art
#1. King @kendricklamar is not a liar, and I am not a thief!
#2. Mr. Aubrey Graham (@Drake) & Mr. Livingston Allen (@Akademiks) have until noon Monday 5/13/24 to retract your claims of theft, or my attorney Ms. Adrienne Edward and I will exhaust every legal option available. pic.twitter.com/Mm6TBjMiXc
To Mr. Aubrey Graham (@Drake ), may this photo help jog your memory as to where you discarded those items. The issue in the photo should also jog your memory. Jimmy Brooks would not have been proud of you that night… pic.twitter.com/QnPFsIERO7
First, the rabbit hole deepened when EbonyPrince uploaded a video displaying various items that Kendrick Lamar put on his “Meet The Grahams” cover art. These include a shirt, prescription drugs with July 2023 dates, a May 8, 2024 newspaper, a Maybach glove, and jewelry receipts. Ebony claimed that he did not steal these items, as DJ Akademiks had suggested, and warned Ak and Drake to publicly say that Ebony did not steal the items or face legal action (at press time past noon on Monday, May 13, which was his deadline for this, no news has emerged of a lawsuit). Ebony also tweeted what seems to be CCTV footage of a hotel lobby dated January 22, 2023, which he says he posted to remind Aubrey Graham of when he discarded those items. Journalist Christopher Alvarez also appears in that alleged screenshot.
Further tweets claim that Drake caused two Black men to lose their jobs on that day and that he “made an enemy,” and Ebony further suggested that the 37-year-old is blocking him from getting money. Ebony even claims that the New York Police Department opened an investigation and almost arrested Ebony over Drake’s “accommodations” and claims of assault, the alleged perpetrator of which is unclear. He then posted a video of Drake presumably entering The Mark Hotel in NYC while a female fan tried to run after him. “I’ve stood next to you in the rain to keep the paps and fanatics away,” Ebony wrote. The last important accusation to mention is that Ebony allegedly recorded the video of the “Meet The Grahams” items from, according to fan theories, from either Kendrick Lamar’s balcony or the hotel next to The Mark.
As if all that wasn’t enough bizarre speculation, EbonyPrince2k24 returned on Monday (May 13) to post another video of items, but this one is different. These aren’t the “Meet The Grahams” cover items, but rather a May 13, 2024 newspaper, a multi-colored set of jewelry, and two shooting range posters. Also, Ebony posted another picture of jewelry on Twitter, perhaps insinuating that these items are allegedly Drake’s. Then, he said that The Boy introduced a “dilemma” into his professional life, suggested that all these items are from a Lost and Found, and that he “understood the assignment” when he saw the “Meet The Grahams” cover art a couple of days after it released. Ebony also insinuates that Drake asked for a “little bag” in Ebony’s possession, and did not care about the “big bag” that may have contained these items.
Meanwhile, Ebony also called Drake’s entourage a “goon squad” that “pushes the service providers who are trying to assist out of the way,” is mean to staff, and once struck a service provider due to thinking that they were a paparazzi. “On top of costing people to be fired, costing people to resign, and nearly costing me to be arrested (all in the lawsuit against young Theodore from earlier)…” he also tweeted. This could refer to The Mark Hotel’s defamation lawsuit against Theodore Weintraub, who reportedly accused the hotel of denying the Holocaust and supporting Jeffrey Epstein.
Throughout the rest of the day, Ebony has been making more claims, referring to a “3rd party company” that some have unverifiably linked to Drake’s alleged security company. Ebony also alluded to his legal responsibility to “report any questionable activity regarding the humans this law covers…” The law in question is presumably related to “Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment,” based on a screenshot of a certificate of completion of mandated reported training. Once noon on Monday rolled around, Ebony posted a picture of the Kaspia restaurant at The Mark Hotel, suggesting once again that something serious allegedly happened there on July 27, 2023. “My eyes [don’t] determine age. They… decipher adult from adolescent. Young Theodore made changes to how we monitored youngins…” he captioned the photo.
At around 2 pm EST, EbonyPrince posted another alleged CCTV clip in the same alleged hotel lobby that also shows that journalist Christopher Alvarez was there. An unidentifiable person walks in, but the clip cuts off before anything happens. Ebony then announced that he would sell all the items this November at a New York event, and said that he’s ready to die over this information. However, he suggested that he won’t share it since it’s all with the lawyers now, and finally, he claimed that he “only told Kendrick [Lamar] about the items.” On top of all this, DJ Akademiks also expressed his opinion that Drake allegedly never had a mole in Kendrick’s camp feeding him false info, which is related to these items. Overall, it’s impossible to tell whether EbonyPrince2k24 is telling the truth or making mountains out of molehills. For now, the waters are muddier than ever.
Soulja Boy shot back at Meek Mill on Twitter, Monday, after the Philadelphia rapper chimed in on him in response to a post from Cardo. The producer had been complaining about Soulja bringing up Metro Boomin’s late mother when he wrote: “Don’t grow up trying to be Soulja boy. Boy an idiot.” Meek replied to the post: “Soulja if you say you’re gonna smoke somebody and they see you and actually smoke you it’s self defense … yall losing touch if reality for some likes and clout insane.”
“Didn’t Diddy f*ck u in the ass?” Soulja asked in response, referencing the rumors stemming from allegations made in Lil Rod’s lawsuit against the Bad Boy mogul. The post resulted in plenty of laughs from fans. “This is the first time you are actually cooking,” one user replied. Another more critical user posted: “Bro tryna pick fight with everyone just to remain relevant.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rapper Soulja Boy performs onstage during his SouljaWorld tour at Buckhead Theatre on September 10, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Soulja started going at Metro Boomin on Sunday after one of the producer’s tweets from 2012 resurfaced. “My phone rings to come to the studio with Jeezy. Yours rings to send Soulja Boy a pack of beats. Sit down,” Metro posted at the time. Upset with the remark, Soulja brought up Metro’s late mother in a series of posts. “You sacrificed your own mom @MetroBoomin you a puppet,” he wrote in one. “All the streams, sales, money, and fame not gone bring your mom back @MetroBoomin was it worth it? I can say f*ck this money and fame sh*t and still be a boss can you?”
Check out Soulja’s message for Meek Mill on Twitter above. Meek had also been going back and forth with 50 Cent over the rapper’s feud with King Combs. Be on the lookout for further updates on the rappers and their feud on HotNewHipHop.
On May 10, Gunna released his fifth studio album, One of Wun. The rapper’s latest body of work is a symphony of trap rhythms and melodic flows. It is also a testament to his evolution as one of contemporary Hip Hop’s most influential voices right now. With each new release, he attempts to push the boundaries of the genre, and this album is no exception. This is why it comes as no surprise that the project is aiming for a Top 10 debut.
Before One of Wun dropped, Gunna released two singles, giving listeners a taste of what was to come. Now that the album has finally arrived, many fans can’t get enough of it. Although it may not be regarded as the rapper’s magnum opus, it is certainly a worthy addition to his catalog. While Gunna delivers excellently, the production throughout this project equally stands out. From the first track to the last, the beats on One of Wun form the backbone of its sonic landscape. Here’s a list of the best ones on the album.
Released as the lead single from the album, “Prada Dem” undeniably has one of the hardest beats on One of Wun. The track was co-produced by Aviator Keyyz, Evrgrn, and Fritz. It contains hard-hitting drums, a sick bassline, a hypnotic flute melody, snappy hi-hats, and everything good in between. Altogether, it has a very laidback vibe, but in an expensive way. Besides, whatever energy the beat may lack, Gunna and Offset more than make up for it with their verses. Both rappers slide effortlessly on the beat, spitting cold bars and delivering just what was needed. It’s no surprise this song was selected to be the lead single, considering just how hard it is.
4. “$$$” (ft. Normani)
One of the best things One of Wun gave us was another Gunna and Normani collab following “1:59.” Without a doubt, “$$$” is among the standout tracks on the album. The chemistry between the two performers is palpable, and they should certainly work together more. However, that’s not the only notable thing about this track. The production on “$$$” certainly stands out as well, and this is courtesy of Dunk Rock, Jacobsen, and Kenny Stuntin. These three producers combined their talents to create an earworm of a beat. It blends trap and R&B beautifully, and as expected, Normani and Gunna absolutely eat it up.
3. “One Of Wun”
Being the title track, there’s certainly a level of excellence expected from “One of Wun” and Gunna delivered. The rapper isn’t the only one who brought his A-game on the track, though. Que, Byrd, and Kenny Stuntin, the producers, turned up the heat with this one and left no prisoners. From the drums to the snaps, to the trippy background melody that plays throughout, this beat oozes minimalist trap excellence. Admittedly, there are not exactly any high points in the production as it is mostly looped. However, what the beat does, it does very well. It serves as the perfect sonic backdrop for Gunna to drop his lines, and it gives exactly what it’s meant to give.
Gunna only featured four artists on One of Wun, and Roddy Ricch is one of the acts who makes a guest appearance. Fans of Ricch have been thirsty for a track from the rapper for quite some time. With “Let It Breathe,” he has finally given the people what they want, and he did it with style. Both Roddy Ricch and Gunna tear up the beat of “Let It Breathe,” which was produced by Evrgrn, Harrison Song, and Kenny Stuntin. Featuring melancholic keys, punchy drums, and an evocative bass, the trap beat is one of the best on this album.
1. “Time Reveals, Be Careful What You Wish For”
On One of Wun, it can be argued that Gunna saved the best for last. “Time Reveals, Be Careful What You Wish For” has one of the best performances by the rapper on the album. Additionally, the track has arguably the best beat on One of Wun, as well. The poignant trap song has the longest production credits on the album, with eight producers contributing. Aviator Keyyz, Gabe Lucas, Gray Toomey, Kristian Rose, LukasBL, Omar Grand, Segrate Martell Price, and Turbo all have production credits. The mellow production was tailored perfectly for Gunna to glide on and is an excellent closer to One of Wun.
Rappers are known for their bold and unapologetic personas, but even the toughest MCs have found themselves in situations where a public apology was necessary. From J. Cole to Soulja Boy, Cam’ron, and others, rappers’ apologies have taken various forms throughout the years. Rappers seeking forgiveness and admitting their mistakes, no matter why they did it, stand out in a culture that often glorifies swagger and defiance. At times, rappers apologize and put their tough exteriors aside, reminding us that vulnerability can coexist with bravado in hip-hop.
J.Cole
J. Cole raised eyebrows by publicly addressing his diss aimed at Kendrick Lamar on the song “7 Minute Drill.” Though not explicitly saying “I’m sorry,” many fans view Cole’s speech at the 2024 Dreamville Festival as an apology to Lamar. During the festival, Cole expressed remorse for using his new album to retaliate against Lamar’s shots at the “Big 3” on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin.
After praising Lamar as “one of the greatest,” Cole called his own diss track the “lamest” and “goofiest” thing he’s ever done. He begged fans for forgiveness, admitting the past few days felt “terrible,” and invited Lamar to “take your best shot” in response, vowing to “take that s**t on the chin.” Cole’s unexpected humility led to the song’s removal from streaming services, highlighting the humbling power of rap apologies.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rapper Soulja Boy is seen backstage during his SouljaWorld tour at Buckhead Theatre on September 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Soulja Boy found himself in hot water and forced to apologize after releasing the song “Let’s Be Real” in 2011 with lyrics that were deemed anti-patriotic towards the U.S. Army. The controversial lines “F–k the FBI and the army troops/B—h, fighting for what? Be your own man” sparked backlash, leading to reports that military stores would not carry his new record.
Soulja Boy expressed remorse in a blog post on Global Grind, stating, “When I expressed my frustration with the U.S. Army, not only did my words come out wrong, I was wrong to even speak them.” He explained he was venting frustrations about the economy and constant wars of the post-9/11 era, questioning, “What if we had never gone to war?” Despite being no stranger to controversy, the rapper’s lyrics prompted an apology to the troops some felt he had disrespected.
Cam’ron
In April 2007, Cam’ron sparked outrage during a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper when he stated he wouldn’t snitch even if a serial killer lived next door, affirming the “Stop Snitchin’” mentality. Four days later, the rapper issued an apology, saying, “I in no way was intending to be malicious or harmful. I apologize deeply for this error in judgment.” Despite not excusing his remarks, Cam’ron explained that he was venting frustrations about criminal injustice in inner cities while acknowledging that his remarks might offend victims and those who risk their lives to protect them.
The Jewish people I know are very wise with there money so that’s why I said we been gettin Jewish money I never thought anyone would take offense I’m sorry if I offended everybody never my intention I love all people
An apology from the rapper 21 Savage arrived during the 2018 holidays for controversial song lyrics that struck some as lacking goodwill and understanding. The rapper faced backlash for “ASMR” from his album, i am > i was. The lyrics, “We been gettin’ that Jewish money, everything is Kosher,” led the rapper to issue an apology for what many considered bigoted and offensive toward the Jewish community. 21 Savage took to Twitter on Christmas Eve to express remorse for offending the Jewish community with lyrics that also drew criticism when quoted by NBA star Lebron James. Savage stated that this particular bar was intended as a compliment about financial wisdom, not an offense.
In 2018, Lil Pump adopted a similar approach when addressing backlash to his song “Butterfly Doors,” in which he made derogatory remarks about the Asian community while mimicking stereotypical eye gestures. Facing mounting pressure from critics like Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina, the rapper posted an Instagram apology on Christmas day, stating he meant no harm and has Asian friends, pleading, “It’s all love.”
In 2020, Doja Cat addressed past insensitive remarks on social media regarding rumors that she had used racist language in various white supremacist chat rooms. She stated, “I want to address what’s been happening on Twitter.” She acknowledged using public chat rooms since childhood but clarified, “I personally have never been involved in any racist conversations. I’m sorry to anyone I offended.”
Referring to surfaced clips of her in “racist misogynistic” chat rooms that led to #DojaIsOverParty trending, the rapper affirmed “I’m a Black woman. Half of my family is Black from South Africa and I’m very proud of where I come from.” She added, “I love you all and I’m sorry for upsetting or hurting any of you. That’s not my character and I’m determined to show that to everybody moving forward.”
Lil Mama
At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, an unexpected and bizarre incident overshadowed the highly-anticipated performance of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ hit song “Empire State Of Mind.” As the iconic duo delivered the show-closing rendition, celebrating their New York roots, an uninvited guest joined them on stage. Lil Mama, a then-rising rapper known for her single “Lip Gloss,” unexpectedly crashed the performance, running up alongside the two superstars.
Jay-Z had swiftly signaled for Lil Mama to exit the stage. However, the young artist remained defiant. She struck a B-girl stance as the headliners concluded their powerful tribute to the Big Apple. The following day, Lil Mama attempted to explain her actions. She offered an apology in a statement to MTV. “I did not mean any disrespect towards Jay-Z or Alicia Keys. I admire them and look up to them as role models,” she expressed. “‘Empire State of Mind’ had my emotions running high. In that moment, I came up onstage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY.”
Lil Nas X addressed backlash over his religion-themed single “J Christ” in a video. He apologized for a TikTok where he consumed communion elements dressed as Jesus. This drew criticism from artists like Lecrae for perceived mockery of Christianity. Though saying “I’m not an evil demon trying to destroy someone’s values,” Nas admitted “I messed up severely,” and the controversy took a “psychological toll.”
He apologized for going “excessive” with the promotional visuals but he defended portraying Jesus, noting others have done the same. The eye-catching “J Christ” video depicts Biblical scenes. It hints at a continued exploration of LGBTQ and religious themes on Nas X’s upcoming album. This follows his debut Montero album, which sparked both praise and backlash.
Ye (Kanye West)
The outspoken and controversial rapper Ye has frequently found himself in situations where he’s had to apologize for his brash statements. Given his tendency for bold and provocative remarks, it’s almost inevitable that he would offend or upset various individuals and groups along the way. In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005, Ye made headlines when he bluntly declared on live television that “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people.”
This comment sparked significant backlash and controversy. In 2010, during an interview on the Today show, Kanye expressed regret for his charged remark, stating, “I would tell George Bush, in my moment of intense frustration, I did not have valid grounds to label him a racist. In highly emotional situations like that, we as human beings sometimes fail to choose our words wisely.”
During another incident, an inebriated Ye interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish,” he remarked, “but Beyoncé had one of the greatest videos ever. Of all time!” Shortly after being escorted out, the rapper offered an all-caps apology to his blog.
“I’m sooooo sorry to Taylor Swift, her fans, and her mother,” Ye penned in his apology. “I spoke to her mom right after, and she said the same thing mine would’ve said. She is extremely talented!” Later, in 2016, Ye released “Famous,” rapping, “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ Why? I made that chick famous.” This ignited further drama between the two and Ye’s then-wife Kim Kardashian over whether Swift approved the line, rendering that initial apology from the rapper a distant memory.
The Game
In the wake of a tumultuous and public falling out that involved traded insults and diss tracks, Game’s association with G-Unit, Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records appeared irreparably damaged. However, in June 2009, he reached out and extended an apology to his former mentor, 50 Cent. During an interview with MTV, Game stated, “For 50, I’m just gonna apologize to him, just as a man. It has nothing to do with music, or beef, or nothing like that. It ain’t about being the bigger man. He can take it and say, Game is apologizing, Game’s a sucka, he’s apologizing. I’m apologizing for me to him, to [Dr.] Dre, to Jimmy Iovine, to Eminem, to all the fans.”
Kid Cudi
In a heated incident during a December 2009 performance at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, rapper Kid Cudi reacted impulsively after an object thrown from the audience struck him. Amidst the chaos, Cudi leaped off the stage and lashed out. He punched an unsuspecting concertgoer, Michael Sharpe, in the face, despite Sharpe’s lack of involvement in the initial provocation.
Months later, in February 2010, Sharpe spoke to TMZ, revealing that Kid Cudi had reached out to extend an apology and offer a conciliatory gesture – an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to New York City. The olive branch didn’t end there. In June of that year, during Kid Cudi’s set at the Sasquatch Music Festival in Washington state, he brought Sharpe on stage and acknowledged the unfortunate Vancouver incident to the crowd. Cudi stated, “Remember that kid I punched in Vancouver? This is him. I’ve brought him here to hang out. It’s all good now; he’s forgiven me.”
Rapsody reflected on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s recent feud during a conversation on The Joe Budden Podcast on Monday. In doing so, she and Budden discussed how Lamar’s strategy in the beef helped him come out on top.
The conversation began with Budden suggesting that Lamar’s “6:16 in LA” diss is the most underrated from the battle. “It was so smart,” Rapsody said. “Drake, he swung back. I didn’t think it was enough. But he swung back. I wasn’t mad at the swings. But whatever he could’ve said, Kendrick was so strategic. He swallowed that sh*t up so fast because he responded so fast. And then he hit you with a banger.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 09: Rapsody visits SiriusXM Studios on May 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Rapsody added: “It’s just tough. You gotta study the art of war. Everybody like, ‘He got three weeks.’ I was like, ‘He in there cooking over and over and over again.’” From there, Budden joked about Drake fans getting impatient waiting for a response to “Push Ups” from Lamar. Rapsody then mentioned how long Nas took to respond to JAY-Z’s “Takeover” with his own iconic diss, “Ether.” Check out the full conversation below.
Rapsody Speaks On Kendrick Lamar & Drake’s Feud
Rapsody tells Joe budden that kendrick lamar was more strategic then drake and then hit him with a banger pic.twitter.com/JQ78Vj7LFm
It’s not the first time Rapsody has spoken on the beef. When J. Cole was still involved, she discussed her two former collaborators during an appearance on The Bootleg Kev Podcast. It came shortly after Cole’s infamous apology at the Dreamville Festival. Of that decision, she said: “He’s a man. He made his decision. But if I’m just speaking from me? If I’m in that position? I love this – the spirit of what this is, the sport of what this is.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Rapsody as well as Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud on HotNewHipHop.
Childish Gambino is back in the news cycles once again. Donald Glover’s musical project has been quiet since dropping 3.15.20 back in 2020. But in the past few weeks news about the rapper and singer has erupted. It started with his new weekly radio series where he’s been debuting new music and making some major announcements. The biggest came this week when he dropped a reimagined version of 3.15.20 called ATAVISTA. The new album featured updated versions of tracks from the original and the addition of a fan-favorite deep cut “Human Sacrifice.”
Gambino also announced the official dates for his world tour taking place later this year. It begins in August with a North American leg featuring Willow as an opener. In October there’s a second European leg where he’ll be joined by Amaarae. Fans seeing the show won’t just get to hear some of Glover’s classic work but also some new material. He took to Twitter to reveal that the second of two albums he promised a few weeks ago is still on the way this summer. Per his original announcement, the second record should be composed of entirely new material. Check out the announcement tweet he made below.
Part of the new album Childish Gambino released is features a re-imagined version of the song “Little Foot Big Foot.” The strangely dancy number was also accompanied by a surprisingly thoughtful music video that left fans theorizing online. The video has already racked up well over 500k views in the less than 24 hours since it originally dropped. Gambino also tweeted about his satisfaction finally having the finished versions of the songs released to the public.
What do you think of Donald Glover announcing that the second album he promised made up of all new material is arriving this summer? Are you looking forward to the release of the entirely new record? Let us know in the comment section below.
SUMMER 2024