Together with longtime business and creative partners Ibrahim Hamad (who also serves as Cole’s manager and cofounder of Dreamville) and Scott Lazer (Filmmaker, Creative Director), J.Cole released a new limited audio series titled “Inevitable.” It will take listeners on an unfiltered voyage through his life, career, and personal evolution, using both released and unreleased music to guide the story.
Check out the first episode of Season 1 and purchase the full seriesHERE
Titled “The Come Up” after J. Cole’s debut mixtape, the first episode dropped yesterday evening followed by the project’s release on official streaming platforms. This is the first time the mixtape has been made available on DSPs since its debut in 2007.
Today In Hip Hop History, Foxy Brown released Ill Na Na 28 years ago and changed the way women sounded in hiphop. Introduced to the world by a Brooklyn rapperJay-Z on the classic Ain’t No Nigga, Def Jam pulled out all the stops for the queen of the label who released her album one week after her former friend Lil Kim.
“Get Me Home” was released on September 15, 1996. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, “I’ll Be”, released on March 4, 1997, also noted a commercial success. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Brown’s highest charting single.
The album featured guest appearances by Blackstreet, Havoc, Method Man, Kid Capri, and Jay-Z with a majority of the production by the Trackmasters. Ill Na Na produced two hit singles, “Get Me Home” featuring Blackstreet, and “I’ll Be” featuring Jay-Z. Ill Na Na was re-released in 1997.
Salute to the Brooklyn Bombshell who influenced so many girls in hip hop. Never forget.
Outspoken hip-hop legend Uncle Luke recently took to social media to share his thoughts on the ongoing villainization of the Black community. In a passionate rant, he argued that systemic forces are at play, painting successful Black figures as villains within the culture. He specifically named Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Diddy as examples of stars who, in his view, have both benefitted from and contributed to this dynamic.
“LeBron James is a villain,” Uncle Luke said. “Why? Because he has all-Black representation. […] You guys don’t know, that’s how America works. I, Luther Campbell, I am a villain. I’m a bad guy. That’s why when you look at my profile, ‘bad boy of hip-hop.’ I will never get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Puff Daddy was not a villain, he was one of them. Kanye West was one of them. Jay-Z was one of them. Biggie Smalls, a villain. Tupac, a villain. We all are villains. And until you people realize that as Black people in America, you are the villain. It’s black and white. You are the opposite of white. We will always be in competition with them. Y’all don’t hear me.”
This isn’t the first time Uncle Luke has voiced strong opinions on such matters. Recently, he commented on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles, alleging that Diddy’s behavior was heavily influenced by substance abuse. As with his latest remarks, his perspective sparked significant debate among followers, with many taking to the comments section to both support and challenge his claims.
Beyond social critique, Uncle Luke also calls out industry figures when he feels overlooked. Earlier this year, he publicly urged female rappers to acknowledge and compensate him for pioneering the provocative, party-focused style that has become a hallmark of their success. As always, the Miami rap icon keeps his commentary raw, leaving fans wondering what bold statement he’ll make next.
Harlem’s own Jim Jones, the legendary rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is giving back to his community this holiday season with his annual turkey giveaway through his non profit VampCares. On Sunday, November 24th, families in need can pick up a free turkey at 57 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET.
This initiative, spearheaded by Jim Jones, reflects his continued commitment to supporting Harlem’s families and ensuring everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal to share.
“As someone who grew up in Harlem, it’s important to me to give back to the place that shaped me,” said Jim Jones. “The holidays are about community, gratitude, and giving, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Known not just for his success in music and business, but also for his dedication to uplifting his community, Jim Jones invites Harlem residents to join him for this special event. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Newly revealed alleged text messages tied to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal case for alleged sex trafficking have surfaced, according to an exclusive report by AllHipHop. These messages, reportedly sent by singer Cassie to Combs, were allegedly written following an assault in a Los Angeles hotel room in 2016.
Footage of the alleged incident, which gained attention earlier this year, has added a layer of scrutiny to the case. Cassie’s lawsuit against the music mogul came to light in late 2023 under the Adult Survivors Act. While the lawsuit was swiftly settled, the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. This development occurred amidst a wave of similar civil suits filed against Combs.
According to disclosures from the federal government, Cassie allegedly sent a text message to Sean “Diddy” Combs after the 2016 hotel incident, expressing the physical and emotional toll of the altercation. “I have a black eye and a fat lip,” she reportedly wrote. “You are sick for thinking it’s OK to do what you’ve done… I still have crazy bruising. […] I turn my head for a second, and you get violent. You drag me down the hall by my hair… I have bleeding cuts. You hit me in the head twice.”
The text continued, reportedly addressing the recurring nature of the abuse, “When you get upset the wrong way, you always want to show me that you have the power, and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.”
In early 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs issued a public apology for his actions against Cassie after CNN released video footage of the 2016 incident. Calling his behavior “inexcusable,” the music mogul emphasized his commitment to therapy and personal growth. While the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office did not pursue charges due to the statute of limitations, the incident remains part of federal prosecutors’ broader allegations against him in a federal case involving alleged sex trafficking.
In other developments, former Bad Boy artist Shyne stirred controversy by claiming he served as the “fall guy” for Diddy in the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting, which resulted in Shyne serving nearly nine years in prison. He alleged that Diddy was the true instigator of the incident, though the claim has been met with skepticism and rebuttals from figures like Funk Flex. While some find credibility in Shyne’s accusations, they remain unproven and should be approached cautiously.
Big Meech is home and 50 Cent has tracked down the former BMF kingpin. Hitting X, 50 teased a project in the future from the two, using his trademark “GreenLight Gang,” slogan, alluding to a production in the works.
Big Meech is out of federal prison and serving the rest of his sentence at a halfway house. He is now a resident of the Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. In a new picture, Meech poses next to an unidentified man dressed in all Black.
According to TMZ, Big Meech has been removed from FCI Coleman Low in Wildwood and moved to BOP’s Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. He will complete his 30-year sentence in a halfway house.
Earlier this year, Meech’s sentence was reduced by nearly three years. He was initially sentenced in 2008.
Meech’s attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, claims Meech used his 20 years in prison to focus on personal growth and begin a new chapter in his life.
The wait for Juice WRLD’s final album is almost over. The previously rumored The Party Never Ends album is coming soon via Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. The news broke last night at ComplexCon Las Vegas 2024 during an exclusive listening party which included official Juice WRLD DJ Mike P, and follows the massive release of its lead single “All Girls Are the Same 2 (Insecure)” featuring Nicki Minaj.
The invite-only The Party Never Ends – A Listening Experience hosted by Grade A Productions, Interscope Records, and Fortnite drew an impressive array of talent, music executives, and influencers.
On this date in 1985, James Todd Smith better known as LL Cool J dropped his first full-length LP on Def Jam Records. Primarily produced by Rick Rubin besides “I Need A Beat”, which was produced by DJ Jazzy Jay, Radio was a pivotal LP for not only LL and Def Jam, but for an evolving Hip Hop landscape that had just seen the rapid decline of b-boying and jams in the park. This was also the era in which the crack epidemic hit the streets and all of the major players used LL Cool J as the prototype image of how a hustler is supposed to look.
Songs like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock The Bells” dominated airwaves as well as influenced other artists of that time period with his braggadocios content and virtually forceful delivery. The song that actually got Cool J the deal with Def Jam, “I Need A Beat”, was written and recorded when LL was only 15 years old, making him not only Def Jam’s first solo artist but also their youngest.
Salute to Cool J, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Jazzy Jay, and everyone at Def Jam from that era that helped put together this timeless classic!
Released via Rhymesayers Entertainment& Metalface Records, MF DOOM’s 2004 classic, MM..FOOD has been fully repackaged with all new artwork by Sam Rodriguez in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. The digital deluxe version of MM..FOOD will feature the original tracklist plus rare remixes of “One Beer” and “Hoe Cakes” by Madlib, Jake One and Ant, along with unreleased MF DOOM interview clips. The release comes with a new music video, “Vomitspit” (animated and composed by Saber).
The limited deluxe edition of the 20th anniversary vinyl is now sold out. The MM..FOOD deluxe 2xLP picture disc vinyl was housed in a 12″ tip-on case-wrapped matte gatefold jacket with anti-scratch lamination treatment and silver foil stamped numbering. The deluxe vinyl also included a bonus 7″ picture disc vinyl featuring the rare original version of “Kookies” as well as the Just Blaze remix, housed in a custom kraft paper pastry sleeve with plastic window, and a QR code sticker linking to an MM..FOOD Diner AR experience.
Additionally, the long out-of-print classic “Hoe Cakes” 12-inch vinyl has also been reissued with its original artwork, now pressed on a green “bug juice blend” colored vinyl. The 12-inch single includes “Hoe Cakes,” “Potholderz” (feat. Count Bass D), and the “Hoe Cakes Remix” produced by Ant, along with instrumentals for all. Taking its name from the sweet, hot water cornmeal patties whose origins can be traced back to pre-colonial America, “Hoe Cakes” is one of DOOM’s finest and most delightfully strange moments on wax.
Alongside the music, an exclusive Super7 Collectible is also available. The new MF DOOMReAction Figure & Cereal Bowl Set is inspired by the album cover from MM..FOOD, packed in cereal box-style packaging that includes a maze of madness puzzle that can be cut out and worn as a mask. This figure set includes a 3.75” scale MF DOOM ReAction Figure with microphone accessory, a 33 oz. capacity cereal bowl, and a spoon with MF DOOM mask and logo details.
The DOOM estate has released a limited apparel line to commemorate the anniversary, including MM..FOOD inspired shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, aprons, tote bags, slipmats, mugs, and more. Available via gasdrawls.com.
Also happening this weekend is the MF DOOM tribute performance ‘FM MOOD’ at Tyler, The Creator’s sold-out Camp Flog Gnaw festival, taking place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
MF DOOM – MM..FOOD 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRACKLIST:
Beef Rapp
Hoe Cakes
Potholderz (featuring Count Bass D)
One Beer
Deep Fried Frenz
Poo-Putt Platter
Fillet-O-Rapper
Gumbo
Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate
Kon Karne
Guinnessez (featuring Angelika and 4ize)
Kon Queso
Rapp Snitch Knishes (featuring Mr. Fantastik)
Vomitspit
Kookies
MF DOOM – MM..FOOD DIGITAL DELUXE TRACKLIST:
16. One Beer (Madlib Remix)
17. Hoe Cakes (Ant Remix)
18. Hoe Cakes (Jake One Remix)
19. Hoe Cakes (Beatboxappella)
20. The Evolution From Zev Love X to MF DOOM
21. Being Embraced by a Diverse Fanbase
22. Conquering Writer’s Block
23. Doing Production vs Working with Producers
24. The Making of MM..FOOD
25. MM..FOOD Favorites
26. The Future with Metalface Records, Gas Drawls & Rhymesayers
On this day in 1992, gangsta rapper turned actor/filmmaker Ice Cube released his most successful solo album The Predator. Released months after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this album follows the same tone that existed in Ice Cube’s music from his solo beginning; Black power against any form of oppression. Although the album was very graphic, it still had a great reception among the commercial audience, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart (despite his blatant diss of the Billboard editor on the album’s title track) and selling 193,000 copies in its first week.
The mood of this album was set by the era of violence that was going on in Los Angeles, California. Every song has an element of the type of violence that was going on in the hood between and against Black people incorporated through interludes or references. Even his more peaceful tracks have an air of criminal paranoia about them. Regardless, The Predator is still slightly toned down from his prior two releases AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, which you can by the titles more outwardly push the militant mindset that Ice Cube has as a recording artist.
This album also toted two #1 rap singles, “It Was a Good Day” and “Check Yo Self”. “It Was a Good Day” is to date Ice Cube’s most successful single. The track peaked #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1993 and sold 600,000 copies. Outside of commercial success, this album is forever a part of pop culture history voted #8 on VH1‘s Top Rap Songs list. “Check Yo Self” was also ridiculously successful, selling 500,000 copies and peaking at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Predator LP is a masterpiece and has the sales to prove it. This album has so far gone double platinum and with the success of the film Straight Outta Compton, there is no reason why sales figures should not increase over the next few months. As anyone up-to-date in Hip Hop culture should know, with the success of this album, Ice Cube went on to be an entertainment mogul directing, writing and producing successful films, appearing on television, and releasing six more studio LPs that have all done pretty well in their sales all appearing on the Billboard 200 in the top 20%.
Ultimate Hustler edition 
Camera speed, rolling and action. BMF BIG MEECH • 
