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Today In Hip Hop History: Raekwon’s Infamous ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ Album AKA “The Purple Tape” Dropped 27 Years Ago

August 1, 2022 by newhiphopnews

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Twenty-seven years ago today, one of the greatest conceptual albums in the history of Hip Hop was released. Raekwon The Chef released his debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, guest-starring his right-hand man, Ghostface Killah aka Tony Starks.

Released on the Loud/RCA imprint and produced exclusively by The Abbott himself, Only Built For Cuban Linx was available on cassette, which was manufactured and distributed in a violet casing, thus, spawning its nickname. The album’s influence was tremendous on other landmark LPs of that era including Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt and Nas’ It Was Written, with heavy mafia references, the introduction of Cristal to the hood, and constant usage of the 5% Nation’s language of Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabets in the lyrical content. The album also introduced the other WTC members via their aliases i.e. RZA is Bobby Steele, Ghost as “Tony Starks”, Deck is “Rollie Fingers”, Meth is, of course, “Johnny Blaze”, Masta Killa as “Noodles”, the Genius as “Maximillian” the Chef as “Lou Diamonds” and all together known as the “Wu-Gambinos”, which is the 16th track on the journey.

The Four and a Half Mic Classic’s(writer Nicholas Poluhoff) storyline plays out as a film, using many samples of John Woo’s Killer as an interlude between several tracks. The album contained several classic singles that had lives of their own in others spaces. The platinum-selling album yielded legendary hits such as the radio/female friendly “Ice Cream”, the inspirational “Glaciers Of Ice”, the genre sparking “Criminology”, which gave birth to many “Shark N****s”, which was an ode to biters and commanding them to “be original”. Ghost even shot a dart at the late B.I.G., accusing the slain legend of biting Nas’ pre-adolescent album cover concept. The album concludes with a positive build from the late Popa Wu aka Freedum Allah, which reminisces about the past life of a young, crime Raekwon who evolved into the multi-faceted individual seen today, which ironically is called “North Star(Jewels)”.

This platinum-selling time capsule is a must-have for all real Hip Hop fans, aficionados, critics, and historians. Salute to the entire Wu, especially Rae, Starks, and the RZA for this gem. We will forever be in debt to you guys for the “Purple Tape”.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Raekwon’s Infamous ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ Album AKA “The Purple Tape” Dropped 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Mikey Polo Unveils Fiery Visuals for “Emo Note+++”

July 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Mikey Polo has unveiled a new music video for his single, “Emo Note+++.” The song appears on his most recent album, EMO or DIE 2. The video was directed by Yellow Tapez and found Mikey Polo transitioning between scenes of him standing between flames, rapping the lyrics to the song in the hall of a storage facility. The emo trap talent keeps the moody aura flowing through the dark clothes, red room, and the addition of bats and flames throughout the video. The addition of crosses and the slow-motion effects emphasizes the theme.

Mikey Polo released his new project EMO or DIE 2 in mid-July. The lead single, “Emo Note,” features Canadian rapper Pressa. Other features include rappers Ka$hdami and Slimesito. This album shows Mikey tapping into his signature “cloud trap rap” sound. He is embracing his roots, the punk rock aesthetic and sound. Mikey says he is neither demonic nor gothic, but he loves the “dark” aesthetic.

The emotionally charged sound Mikey Polo creates is uniquely positioned between alternative music and hip hop. His music influences include Lil Wayne, Bone Thugs, and Gucci Mane. He stands out with his curative process, and, by default, stylistically, the outcome is a subgenre of its own known as emo trap. He produces beats and works well with other producers to develop an original body of work.

You can check out the video here: https://youtu.be/2Ouggi1zO8I

EMO or DIE 2 by Mikey Polo is available on all streaming services.

Follow Mikey Polo on all socials
Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |

The post Mikey Polo Unveils Fiery Visuals for “Emo Note+++” appeared first on The Source.

Quavo x Takeoff Release New Single And Video “Us vs. Them” Featuring Gucci Mane

July 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Delivering the kind of Atlanta anthem that moves the whole culture, multiplatinum GRAMMY® Award-nominated superstars Quavo and Takeoff unleash a blockbuster new single and music video entitled “Us Vs Them” featuring Gucci Mane—available today via Quality Control Music Group/Motown Records.

The track pairs a skittering trap bounce with unforgettable sirens. It sets the stage for Quavo and Takeoff to lock into an unbreakable and unbeatable lyrical volley highlighted by hilarious observations such as “Came from nothing, now my Lambo look like dolphin fins.” It all builds towards the victorious chant, “Fuck that other shit, I’m going for the win.” Meanwhile, Atlanta hip-hop legend Gucci Mane pulls up with a powerhouse verse of his own. The accompanying visual alternates between scenes in a parking garage and on a basketball court as fireworks rain from the ceiling, popping off with uncontainable energy.

It arrives on the heels of “Hotel Lobby.” The latter has already generated 22.8 million YouTube views on the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas-inspired music video and 39.6 million Spotify streams and counting. Earning critical acclaim right out of the gate, Billboard proclaimed, “‘Hotel Lobby’ impresses with a natural camaraderie that the members demonstrated on their early mixtapes, as Takeoff handles the denser flow and Quavo gleefully punctuating every fifth word with another ad-lib.” Not to mention, the duo performed it as part of A COLORS SHOW, posting up 1.3 million Spotify streams and 3.3 million YouTube views on the video as the first in a series celebrating Black Music Month created in collaboration with Motown Records.

However, this is just the beginning for Quavo and Takeoff…

The post Quavo x Takeoff Release New Single And Video “Us vs. Them” Featuring Gucci Mane appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Check Out Footage From Miami Beach Detectives’ Interrogation Of DaBaby

July 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Recently released footage from Miami Beach detectives shows DaBaby being questioned by authorities about the shooting at Miami swank spot Prime 112 in Miami.

In the footage, DaBaby’s statements seem to contradict the testimony given by his bodyguard during his interrogation by Miami Police. After being red his Miranda Rights, DaBaby tells the story about how the shooting happened and how he fired the shots. As of now, DaBaby has not been charged with a crime.

The post [WATCH] Check Out Footage From Miami Beach Detectives’ Interrogation Of DaBaby appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip Hop History: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Dropped Their Third LP ‘Art Of War’ 26 Years Ago

July 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

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On this day in Hip Hop history, we celebrate a quarter-century of one of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s most popular pieces of work, The Art of War. As a follow-up to the group’s most successful album E. 1999 Eternal, The Art of War did everything but disappoint. The album kept the group’s momentum up, claiming the top spot on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts. This album even capitalized on the double LP trend of the 90s in a way that was cohesive and unsaturated.

Originally rumored to be titled DNA Level C or “Cleveland” spelled backward, this album took its current title and became a declaration of war against rappers whom Bone Thugs believed to be imitators of the style they created. Some of the groups and artists targeted were Three 6 Mafia, Twista, Crucial Conflict, and Tommy Wright III. Through this project, Bone Thugs looked to cement themselves as the only soulful east coast gangsta rappers in the industry.

Commercially this album was a great success, selling 349,000 copies in its first week on shelves and going on to be certified quadruple platinum only one year after its release. The album’s two singles were also big hits with “If I Could Teach the World” reaching #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Look Into My Eyes” peak at #4 on the same chart.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Dropped Their Third LP ‘Art Of War’ 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Master P And Trick Daddy Headline The 25th Anniversary “No Limit Reunion Tour” In Miami

July 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Master P and the No Limit Soldiers reunite to celebrate twenty-five years of history with the “No Limit Reunion Tour” and will include performances by special guest Trick Daddy.

When Master P started No Limit Records, he had no idea it would become a historic hip-hop label that has sold over 100 million records to date. The tour brings together key artists who recorded for his classic hip-hop label founded in 1994 in New Orleans, such as Mystikal, Silkk the Shocker, Fiend, and Mia X, among others.

With shows selling out across the US, fans can expect to relive to all the original No Limit hits, such as “No Limit Soliders” and “Make ’Em Say Uhh!”

“We are bringing the fans all the hits from the No Limit catalog. This is a blessing that we’re still friends and still able to get onstage together. Twenty-five years later, we couldn’t do it without them.” – Master P

Twenty-five years later, the No Limit Soldiers are bringing the ‘90s to the 21st Century.

The No Limit Reunion Tour is hitting the FLA Live Arena on Friday, September 16^th. General public sale begin today, June 10th at 10 AM Local Time at the arena box office and through Ticketmaster.com.

The post Master P And Trick Daddy Headline The 25th Anniversary “No Limit Reunion Tour” In Miami appeared first on The Source.

Sprayground Teams Up With Sandflower For Collaboration Of Fashion Accessories Infusing New York And African Artistry

July 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Sprayground, the world’s most influential streetwear brand known
for its eccentric and highly coveted designs – has released ‘African Intelligence 6’ (Ai6), an ongoing collection co-designed by Independent Artist and Sprayground’s VP and Creative Director of Content, Sandflower. The concept and name of this collection was directed by Sandflower based on her personal life experiences.

This definition-defying collection of bags is inspired by the groundbreaking innovation and vibrant brilliance of the African diaspora, with an authentic New York twist in true Sprayground fashion. For this launch, along with Sandflower as the face of the campaign, she called on supermodels who descend from Jamaica and Ghana; Shannon Hamilton, Amanda Thomas and Gershona Annor, who embody the energy and spirit of the collection, truly helping bring it to life.

The Ai6 collection delivers beautiful textiles, eclectic prints and a high dose of energy through vivid colors and contemporary patterns in the form of exquisite bags that act as a coded symbol of Afro-futuristic fashion. The concept features three designs, including a black jewel pattern
capsule collection, which includes six items: a backpack, crossbody, duffle bag, large sling bag, pouchette, and wallet. The coveted collection also comprises two single designs; an eye-catching lion print, that the Ai collection is known for, in vibrant purples, reds and yellows that speak to the colorful inspirations of true African culture, as well as a stylish denim design, that showcases Sprayground’s iconic collectible art piece – the shark mouth.

Sprayground first captured worldwide attention when the ‘Hello My Name’ backpack debuted over 10 years ago. Sprayground founder, David BenDavid (DBD), had high hopes to create a brand that he felt represented his childhood and upbringing. Exposed to streetwear, art and a variety of cultures from a young age, DBD took all this inspiration and turned it into creativity that is now admired worldwide.

Together with DBD, Sandflower has created tidal waves with the Ai collection since launching in 2019, now on its 6th series, this collection has proven to be one of Sprayground’s most popular capsules to-date.

The Ai6 collection will be available online at www.sprayground.com and exclusive boutiques nationwide on July 26, 2022.

The post Sprayground Teams Up With Sandflower For Collaboration Of Fashion Accessories Infusing New York And African Artistry appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] IG Model Finds Out She Has AIDS After Going Untested For Almost A Decade

July 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

According to several confirmed reports, a Brooklyn-based Instagram model that made her acquaintance with several well known celebrities, revealed on social media that she almost died from AIDS after being infected by the virus almost ten years ago.

Gina Tew said she dropped down to 65 lbs., lost her sight in one eye as well as her ability to walk. medical advances in AIDS treatment has brought Tew back to almost a full recovery, but the recent revelation of the 27-year-old’s experience has gone viral, bringing many celebs who were romantically linked to Tew under the microscope of public opinion.

Tew is known to be linked to artists like Chief Keef, Chris Brown and Nick Cannon just to name a few.

The post [WATCH] IG Model Finds Out She Has AIDS After Going Untested For Almost A Decade appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ LP Turns 30 Years Old!

July 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Coming after what critics would call their worst album, Business Never Personal served as a proper revival and temporary farewell for one of Hip Hop’s greatest duos to touch the mic.

This album is considered EPMD’s third classic album, even though it was their fourth overall and second on the Def Jam label.. Although underground for the majority of their career, this album saw large commercial and mainstream success, peaking higher than any of its predecessors on the Billboard 200 chart at #14 and selling 500,000 copies in the first few months of its release. The popularity of this album came in large part from the breakthrough lead single, ironically titled “Crossover”. This single itself peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Top Rap singles chart.

Following this project, the duo disbanded only to join forces once again on a fifth LP, Back in Business. The group continued to bounce back and forth between activity and retirement until the release of their final album, We Mean Business in 2008.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ LP Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] 50 Cent Comments On Brooklyn Bishop Robbed Of $400K In Jewelry During Service

July 27, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, it was reported that a bishop and his wife based in Brooklyn, New York were robbed of over $400,000 worth of jewelry during Sunday’s service at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministry in Canarsie.

Some sources say that over $1 million worth of jewelry was taken from the pastor and his wife, but nevertheless, the robbers fled from the crime scene in a white Mercedes Benz. Bishop Lamor Whitehead gave an update following the robbery, saying, “We’re pushing. We’re still doing what we need to do. I’m not a person from the suburbs; I’m from Brooklyn, I’m from the city. I understand the streets. This bishop, I’m not scared. I was born without jewelry, jewelry don’t make me.”

Since the video has gone viral, 50 Cent posted the video to his Twitter, tweeting, “Meanwhile back in New York, they robbing the church while it’s in service. WTF.”

The post [WATCH] 50 Cent Comments On Brooklyn Bishop Robbed Of $400K In Jewelry During Service appeared first on The Source.