News Exclusives

Today in Hip Hop History: Kris Kross’ Debut Album ‘Totally Krossed Out’ Turns 30 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Atlanta based tag-team Kriss Kross released their ridiculously successful debut album, Totally Krossed Out.

The album was the follow up to the mega-hit single Jump released in February of the same year. Largely written and produced by Jermaine Dupri, it took two years to produce the album after the musical concept for the group was conceptualized.

Totally Krossed Out was as successful as anyone could ask their debut album to be. The album claimed the #1 spot on both the Billboard 200 chart and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart and sold over four million copies in the year of its release. Two of the four singles released from the album, “Jump” and “Warm It Up” were both #1 Hot Rap Singles.

“Jump” is one of the biggest singles of its era. It claimed the #1 spot on the Eurochart Hot 100 as well as the top music charts in Australia, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. It was a Top 10 hit all over Europe. The single went double platinum in the United States and Silver in France (125,000 copies sold) all in 1992.

At the time of this release, Kris Kross members Mac Daddy and Daddy Mac were only 12 and 13 years old. Jump was the fasting selling single in fifteen years and the two rose instantly to be among the ranks of child stars in the entertainment industry.

The critical reception for the album was much better than one would expect for a rap album by two children. Publications praised Jermaine Dupri for his creation and Kriss Kross for their iconic swagger and style. They received high ratings from a plethora of magazines and media outlets with little negative feedback.  The success of this album landed the duo a spot opening on Michael Jackson’s 1992 European Dangerous World Tour and a cameo in Michael Jackson’s “Jam” music video.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Kris Kross’ Debut Album ‘Totally Krossed Out’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Chris Rock’s Brother Tony Rock Doesn’t Accept Will Smith’s Apology

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Diddy said that Chris Rock and Will Smith were still good following the slap heard around the world, but his brother comedian Tony Rock said don’t break out the olive branches just yet.

Chris Rock’s younger sibling Tony Rock held a Q&A on Twitter yesterday, where he answered questions about his brother Chris getting slapped on stage at the Oscars on live television. When one of the participants asked Tony whether he accepted the apology, Tony replied matter of factly with a resounding, “No.” Asked by another if he and his brother were going to “fight fire with fire” or take “the professional route,” Rock responded, “It’s on bro.” 

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Rock himself finally addressed the ordeal during a stand-up set at The Wilbur in Boston and told the audience, “I’m still trying to process what happened.”

The post Chris Rock’s Brother Tony Rock Doesn’t Accept Will Smith’s Apology appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ 28 Years Ago

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On March 30, 1993, cousins Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz and their partners Sonny Seeza and Big DS put out their debut album, Bacdafucup, on the newly created Rush Associated Labels.

Primarily produced by the group’s founder Jam Master Jay, other production credits include The Afros’ Kool Tee, Chryskillz, and a then young producer named Jeff Harris; Bacdafucup was by far Onyx’s best studio LP, becoming certified platinum by the RIAA in just a little over seven months after its debut.

The album’s sure shot singles include the riot-causing “Throw Ya Gunz,” the horn propelled “Shiftee,” and of course, the mainstream favorite of all, “Slam.”

Onyx made their claim to fame with their trademark “mad face,” bald heads, and all black everything. Many copycats came after these guys, but their mark on the game is definitely unparalleled. Salute to Fredro, Sticky, Seez, and a big RIP to DS.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Onyx Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Bacdafucup’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Wale Partners With Spotify For “Walemania VI” In Dallas

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One of the most idiosyncratic emcees in the game Wale is taking his annual pro-wrestling-themed music extravaganza to The Lone Star State. Walemania will host The Ringer’s The Masked Man Show Live Podcast with a plethora of guests at House of Blues in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, March 31.

Walemania, now a staple in the hip-hop and wrestling culture, featuring musical performances and special guest appearances by famous wrestlers, has now leveled up the experience partnering with Spotify. Foot Locker is dropping exclusive merch for the event which can be bought here or at the venue. The merch combines Wale’s affinities for wrestling and sneaker culture as all six collections are now available. 

The Masked Man Show, hosted by David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide, recaps the world of professional wrestling on a weekly basis brought to you by Spotify and The Ringer. Some of the past guests have included the likes of Paul Heyman, Drew Mcintyre, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Smoke DZA, Bryan Danielson, and more. Dave and Kaz are bringing their podcast to the masses to open up the sixth annual WaleMania event in Dallas, TX. The flagship show of The Ringer’s Wrestling Show Podcast feed will involve some karaoke and surprise guests from the world of professional wrestling.

“WaleMania has always been a passion of mine because it combines all of my loves into one place during a weekend that I always have the most fun. I love doing this for fans of myself and my music as well as the fans of professional wrestling because at the end of the day, I’m one of you too,” says Wale. “I love that WaleMania has become the unofficial welcome to the big weekend party so I’ve got a few things up my sleeve to make sure this one is unforgettable. “ – Wale

It’ll be an energetic way for the millions, and millions, of wrestling fans present to kick off the fanfest before multiple-time Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist Wale, hits the stage with friends for a truly memorable performance. 

Confirmed Talent: AEW’s Swerve Strickland, AEW’s Ricky Starks, IMPACT Wrestling’s Machine Gun Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Impact Knockouts Champion Tasha Steelz, Chris Bey, AJ Gray, Big Swole, Joey Janela, Shane Taylor Promotions, Rocky Romero, and much more. Music by DJ Poizon Ivy, DJ Money, DJ Q, and DJ Shellshock. 

The tickets are on sale now and the doors open at 7pm.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Wale Partners With Spotify For “Walemania VI” In Dallas appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince’s Released Their Second Album ‘He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper’ 34 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, the rapper turned actor Will Smith along with DJ Jazzy Jeff released their second LP, He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper. This was the first double album in Hip Hop in its original vinyl state and is certified platinum by the RIAA.

It can be said that without this album, Will Smith would not be where he is today. The success this album provided for Smith gave him the exposure to take his talents from music to the screen. This was also a breakthrough album for the career of DJ Jazzy Jeff. Critics and consumers alike cited Jeff as the more musically inclined of the duo, although Smith was the obvious crowd favorite and frontman. Jeff’s ability on the turntables and the boards allowed him to be the unsung hero of the album and gain a lot of respect in the Hip Hop community.

The album received positive reviews from critics of countless publications. The Source even selected this album as one of the 100 Best Rap Albums list in 1998. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. Overseas it peaked at #68 on the UK Album chart. The album’s most popular single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand” won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince’s Released Their Second Album ‘He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper’ 34 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Sotheby’s To Auction Off Over 100 Rare Hip Hop Artifacts From 2Pac, Biz Markie And More

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The National Hip Hop Museum, which is situated in the nation’s capital, has been orchestrating a lot of events to further solidify its authenticity and now Sotheby’s Auction House is officially opening up bids for a collection of rare Hip Hop “artifacts” from the days of the culture’s Golden Era.

First announced on the DC-based museum’s IG page and curated by former Tommy Boy Records executive Monica Lynch and Cassandra Hatton, the auction was mentioned as a part of Pop Culture Week, In the post, the museum says, “This March, Sotheby’s is thrilled to present its first ever Pop Culture Week featuring Hip Hop which celebrates the art and objects that have been inspired by and that have in turn inspired contemporary culture.”

Some of the timeless memorabilia includes Biz Markie’s golden sable fur coat and hat and famed B-Boy Crazy Legs’ adidas track jacket to Chuck D’s personal, autographed Raiders jacket and a DJ Quik gold record for Quik Is The Name.

Sotheby’s began auctioning Hip Hop rarities back in 2020 with their first Hip Hop-inspired auction, hawking off everything from the original Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill Tour posters to Slick Rick’s multicolored diamond eye patch. That same year, Biggie’s crown worn in his iconic Rap Pages cover shoot was auctioned of for $500K.

Bidding is currently open and expected to close on March 30.

The post Sotheby’s To Auction Off Over 100 Rare Hip Hop Artifacts From 2Pac, Biz Markie And More appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Will Smith Cries, Apologizes To The Academy For Slapping Chris Rock While Accepting Best Actor Oscar

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Everyone from celebrity attendees to the fans watching the Academy Awards at home are still shocked at actor/Hip Hop legend Will Smith slap the black off of comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. The Fresh Prince later apologized to the fans and the Academy for the brazen move which will always be remembered in Academy Award show history.

Will still took to the stage shortly after the altercation with Rock to accept his Best Actor Award for his starring role in King Richard, in which Smith plays the father of legendary tennis star sisters Venus and Serena Williams. Smith sobbed as he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees and even said he hoped that the Academy would still invite him back to future award shows despite his volatile action.

The LAPD released a statement about the assault on live TV, but no charges will be filed.

The post [WATCH] Will Smith Cries, Apologizes To The Academy For Slapping Chris Rock While Accepting Best Actor Oscar appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard released his debut solo LP, Return of the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. Released by Elektra Records, Return of the 36 Chambers was only the second solo LP by any Wu-Tang member. Largely produced by fellow Wu-Tang emcee RZA, the album had a mostly positive commercial reception.

Peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, Return of the 36 Chambers sold 81,000 albums in its first week and was certified gold later that year. The album was also nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Coming off such a successful group debut, there were little critics could say to discount the record. The Source, Rolling Stone and Allmusic have all given the project four out of five stars. In 1998, The Source selected the album to be a part of its 100 Best Rap Albums list.

Following Return of the 36 chambers: The Dirty Version, ODB went on to release one more solo album, Nigga Please, before his untimely demise in 2004. Ol’ Dirty will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and unique emcees to ever grace the mic.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Big L Dropped His Debut Album ‘Lifestylez Ov Da Poor and Dangerous’ 27 Years Ago

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On this date twenty-seven years ago, Big L dropped his debut and only full-length studio album Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous, on Columbia Records.

Aside from, eloquently stated by The Source Magazine at the time, “[coming] with ill animated lyrics, combined with metaphors that stun; a combo sure to have suckas on the run,” Big L also ushered in two emcees that are very prominent in the culture today: a then-unknown Killa Cam and a semi-established Jay-Z.

Produced primarily by the legendary Lord Finesse with Showbiz and Buckwild on the help out, this was a Diggin’ In The Crates album. According to “Funky Technician” Lord Finesse, who had a hand in some of the album’s production, in an interview commemorating the album’s 15th anniversary, he said this about the posse track “8 Iz Enuff”, “With that [song] L just thought he had to do a track with the rappers from his hood. And he definitely wanted to put on [those particular emcees]… We looking like, ‘How you gonna put eight niggas on one track?’ [And he was like], ‘Don’t worry, I got this.’”

He definitely had it too.

Unfortunately, Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous would be the only album released by L in his life as he was fatally shot in Harlem in 1999.

Salute to Big L kaka Lamont Coleman(RIP), Lord Finesse, Jay-Z, Cam’ron, Grand Daddy I, U, and everyone else who helped make this album a piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Big L Dropped His Debut Album ‘Lifestylez Ov Da Poor and Dangerous’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Dropped His Debut Album ‘The Coming’ 26 Years Ago

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On this date in 1996, Busta Rhymes did the inevitable and released his highly anticipated solo album The Coming on Elektra Records.

Even though the Leaders Of The New School were a celebrated group within the culture, it was always suggested that Busta drop a solo project minus LONS. With production form the likes of Easy Mo Bee, DJ Scratch and even Busta Buss himself, The Coming served as a introductory project of what was to come from the one of the greatest lyricists in the game.Appearance from the likes of the late Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest(who first introduced Busta on “Scenario”), Heave d and The Boyz and Mary J. Blige.

The 13 track full length studio album was chock full of hits including “Everything Remains Raw”, the Zhane-powered “It’s A Party” and the album’s lead single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check”. This album also introduces Busta’s own “Flipmode Squad” consisting of Lord Have Mercy, Rampage, Rah Digga and Spliff Star.

Salute to Busta on his premiere project; definitely an important piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Dropped His Debut Album ‘The Coming’ 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.