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Rakim Partners With Gala Music For Exclusive Web3 Releases

July 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Iconic MC, Rakim is set to make a groundbreaking return to the music scene after 15 years with his highly anticipated new album, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). Partnering with cutting-edge Web3 music platform Gala Music, select songs from Rakim’s album release is available exclusively on Gala Music today before hitting digital streaming platforms (DSPs) July 26th. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fusion of music and technology, offering fans a unique and immersive listening experience.

“Partnering with Gala Music allows me to reach my fans in an innovative way, combining the best of music and modern technology. I’m excited to share my newest tracks with my loyal fans for the first time on web3,” says Rakim.

The exclusive release includes three new tracks that are available to stream now on Gala Music starting today. These tracks will go on sale on Friday, July 5 at 1 PM PT. Additionally, seven instrumentals from the album will be released exclusively on Gala Music on July 12th, available indefinitely.

The three exclusive tracks available on Gala Music are:

“Love is the Message”: described as “one of the most beautiful and complete pieces ever created” in the modern hip-hop landscape, showcasing Rakim’s vocal and production talents. The track features the likes of Nipsey Hussle (RIP), Planet Asia, Gala Music’s Louis King, Snoop Dogg, and a choir led by Sally Green and Kobe Honeycutt. This powerful piece, backed by a violin quartet, sends a poignant reminder that love conquers all amidst the violence and crime plaguing the streets.

“Gods Playground”: a thought-provoking piece demonstrating a roller coaster of emotions, with Rakim taking on vocal, scratches, and production duties. Featuring underground legends .38 Spesh, Fred the Godson (RIP), and Skyzoo, the track focuses on the importance of maintaining composure through life’s obstacles to achieve true success. The song concludes with a heartfelt prayer from the late DMX (RIP), reminding listeners of his profound impact on the hip-hop world.

“Pendulum Swing”: this track marks Rakim’s first-ever fully orchestrated posse cut, featuring a stellar lineup including Kxng Crooked (Slaughterhouse), LA the Darkman (Wu-Tang), Caninus (Refugee Camp), and Chino XL. With Rakim handling vocal, scratches, and production duties, this track delivers a powerful display of lyrical mastery. Hip-hop enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the lyrical dominance showcased in this track.

Rakim’s partnership with Gala Music represents an organic bridge between generations, showcasing how a pioneering artist can continue to innovate and connect with new audiences through non-traditional distribution channels. This collaboration highlights the attraction of legacy artists furthering their career by embracing new technologies and platforms like Gala Music, which pave the way for future musical endeavors and unprecedented fan experiences.

The post Rakim Partners With Gala Music For Exclusive Web3 Releases first appeared on The Source.

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B.G. Ordered To Turn Over New Songs To His Probation Officer

July 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Report: B.G. to Be Released From Prison This Week

As a part of his supervised release, Hot Boys vet B.G. must turn in all of his song lyrics to his probation officer before he records them as songs in the studio, according to reports.

B.G. was released from prison last year after serving twelve years in federal prison for firearms possession and obstruction of justice convictions in 2012. Earlier this year, the government claimed that he glorified a life a crime in the songs that he dropped after getting out of prison. He was also accused of associating with known felons after dropping songs with Gucci Mane and Boosie Badazz.

In a new filing obtained by HipHopDX on Tuesday (July 2), the court ruled he did not violate his probation with any of the aforementioned actions, but he now must get written approval from his probation officer before working with convicted felons. United States District Judge Susie Morgan called the government’s attempt to censor B.G.’s lyrics “unconstitutional”, but she did grant the government the right to look at his lyrics in advance. The judge said that if the state had any objections, prosecutors could attempt legal action.

“To address the legitimate concerns expressed by the Government, the Court will impose a special condition that the Defendant provide the United States Probation Office with a copy of the lyrics of any song he writes, in advance of his production or promotion of such song, and that those lyrics be shared with the Government,” the court document reads. “At that time, the Government may, if it deems necessary and appropriate, file another motion for leave to file a rule to show cause why the Defendant’s conditions of supervised release should not be modified because the Defendant’s conduct is inconsistent with the goals of rehabilitation.”

“I ran into a hiccup with my little situation,” he said on IG Live, about his recent probation issues. “I’ma get past it. I need y’all to know that I definitely didn’t jump out there and do nothing that I ain’t have permission to do. It was just a lapse in communication.”

The post B.G. Ordered To Turn Over New Songs To His Probation Officer first appeared on The Source.

The post B.G. Ordered To Turn Over New Songs To His Probation Officer appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: D’Angelo Dropped His Debut LP ‘Brown Sugar’ 29 Years Ago

July 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On this date in 1995, Richmond, Virginia native and neo-soul trailblazer Michael Eugene Archer a.k.a. D’Angelo released his debut album Brown Sugar on EMI Records.

This landmark project boasts production from the likes of A Tribe Called Quest’s DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Kedar Massenburg, Bob Power, and Tony Toni Tone’s Raphael Saadiq, however, the majority of the production including songwriting, arrangements, and instruments were put together by D’Angelo himself.

The album was regarded as a classic upon its release, receiving platinum certification less than a year later in February 1996.

Some of the album’s most memorable singles include the Smokey Robinson-influenced “Cruisin’,” the infamous caught in the act story of “Sh*t, D*mn, Motherf*cker”, the sweet serenade of “Lady” and of course, the timeless title track.

Super salute to D’Angelo, Kedar Massenburg and the rest of the team involved in this classic project.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: D’Angelo Dropped His Debut LP ‘Brown Sugar’ 29 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Diamond D Announces ‘The Diam Piece 3: Initium’ (Artwork x Tracklist)

July 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Following his 2022 release, The Rear View, legendary rapper/producer Diamond D returns to team up with a star-studded cast of guest emcees on The Diam Piece 3: Initium. It serves as the final installment in his producer compilation series and will also be released in three parts. Following Initium, D plans to release Duo and Tria over the course of the next six months.

“In this day and age of short attention spans, I would never release an album with 29 songs,” Diamond D explains. “That’s why I’m choosing to release ‘The Diam Piece 3 as three EPs,’ released every three months, so each one can be appreciated and absorbed on its own.”

On Initium, the DITC cofounder provides his trademark hard-hitting production for the likes of KRS-One, Inspectah Deck, 38 Spesh, RJ Payne, Fatman Scoop, Royal Flush, Skyzoo, Sauce Money, Torae, Lord Tariq, and Bonecrusher, among many others. For the track’s lead single, Diamond wanted to highlight his collaboration with KRS, “The Kings,” as a celebration of their previous work together on cuts like “Build Ya Skillz,” “Squash All Beef,” and the “Step into a World” remix.

“I crafted a dark and gritty track that gave Kris the backdrop to do what he does best—spit hard bars!” D added. It’s that same feeling of true collaboration that makes the entirety of this EP such a success, and it serves as another example of Diamond D’s incredible talents as a producer.

“The Kings” hits DSPs on July 26, with The Diam Piece 3: Initium, set to drop on August 9th via DSPs and vinyl through Diamond D’s own Dymond Mine Records.

Tracklist:

1. Fire & Water (feat. RJ Payne, Skyzoo)

2. The King (feat. KRS-One

3. Merk (feat. Torae, Bishop Lamont)

4. Bosses (feat. Sauce Money, Lord Tariq)

5. Death B4 Dishonor (feat. Fat Man Scoop, Static The Prodigy)

6. Codes (feat. Royal Flush, Agallah The Don, David Bars)

7. Lay Me Down (feat. Inspectah Deck, Shyheim Rugged)

8. Blue Sunshine (feat. Diamond, 38 Speech, E-A-SKI)

The post Diamond D Announces ‘The Diam Piece 3: Initium’ (Artwork x Tracklist) first appeared on The Source.

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Cory Gunz Unleashes Rapid Fire Bars For “On The Radar” Freestyle

July 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Today, On The Radar dropped the video for Cory Gunz’s “On The Radar” Freestyle. The visual shows the multi-platinum selling recording artist alongside fellow Militia members Black Saun, Whispers and RMK as he delivers rapid fire bars for four minutes straight, over a mash-up beat of previously released tracks, “Scenario” and “Rick Owens x Nike Tech.”

Cory’s “On The Radar” Freestyle comes after the release of the video for “NaySay”which pays homage to legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah by replaying the beat of one of the biggest songs of rap’s Golden Era, “Ice Cream.” The video for“NaySay,” followed the release of Cory’s latest mixtape, Loosie Pack 3 which features guest appearances by Jim Jones, Chris Rivers, Jae’won, Whispers and more. Four of Loosie Pack 3’s previously released tracks, “Real Rights,” “Die Slowly,” “Laundry” and “Rick Owens x Nike Tech,” have quickly become fan-favorite songs and received playlisting on Apple Music’s Base:Line, BARS, Football, Basketball and Underground Hip-Hop Essentials.

Loosie Pack 3 is the third installment of the Loosie Pack mixtape series which began to drop last fall. The first installment, Loosie Pack contained features from veteran rapper Styles P, frequent collaborator Whispers and others. The second installment, Loosie Pack 2 followed with the revered track “3 Staxx” and contained appearances from Nino Man, RMK and more.

The post Cory Gunz Unleashes Rapid Fire Bars For “On The Radar” Freestyle first appeared on The Source.

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JT Announces ‘City Cinderella’ Mixtape Release Date, Reveals Artwork

July 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

With Summer officially here, JT (Quality Control Music/Motown) looks to topple the competition again with her upcoming mixtape, City Cinderella. Dropping July 19, City Cinderella will be JT’s debut mixtape as a solo artist. She also unveiled the stunning cover art for the 16-track project.

Last week, JT’s momentum reached its apex when she released the remix to her Hot 100 hit “OKAY” with Jeezy. After teasing fans with billboards across Atlanta featuring a Cinderella heel and a snowman, JT and Jeezy’s fiery combination makes them an unbeatable duo.

After scoring the biggest hit of her solo career with “OKAY,” JT has enjoyed an incredible run in 2024, as the song netted over 40 million U.S. streams to date. Widely considered one of the greatest rap groups of all time, City Girls built JT into a hip-hop powerhouse. As a solo superstar, she continues to impress with her swagger and unshakable confidence. Billboard has already anointed the Miami-bred MC as one of the hottest female rappers of the moment. This year, she dominated the Hot 100 and set the club circuit on fire with her celebrated JT’s Coming Tour.

She has also been very charitable with her JT World Help Foundation, where she teamed up with local partners to give prom dresses to high school students. JT’s altruism continued when she gifted Miss Florida her 2022 BET Awards dress for this year’s upcoming Miss America competition, highlighting JT’s heart and willingness always to give back.

Following the success of her JT Coming Club Tour, the Miami star will take her talents to the ESSENCE Festival this week, where she’ll be performing on the Coca-Cola Stage on July 5 while participating in the ESSENCE Gu’s BeautyCon Panel the following day. To top that all off, she was highlighted in Ebony’s Black Music Month Freedom List.

The post JT Announces ‘City Cinderella’ Mixtape Release Date, Reveals Artwork first appeared on The Source.

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Young Thug YSL RICO Trial Delayed Indefinitely Amid Judge Controversy

July 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that the Young Thug YSL Trial has been indefinitely delayed due to drama involving Judge Ural Glanville, who is now trying to excuse himself from the case.

Due to the secret meeting between the judge, a witness and prosecutors, the trial has stopped and it will be determined if Judge Glanville acted inappropriately.

Glanville agreed that the trial will not proceed until another judge decides whether he should recuse himself from the trial over alleged misconduct.

The Fulton County judge got into a publicized argument with Thug’s attorney Brian Steel over the meeting with witness Kenneth Copeland, which Steel said was unconstitutional.

See the courtroom footage of the court delay announcement HERE

Glanville has now agreed to make the transcripts from his meeting with the witness and prosecutors public.

Steel recently filed a motion to dismiss Glanville from the trial, alleging he had an “unlawful, improper ex parte meeting” with Copeland who had previously been granted immunity by the prosecution in exchange for his testimony.

Steel claims that he and Thug received no notice of the meeting and that it violated the rapper’s “constitutional and statutory rights, including the right to due process, a fair trial, a fair tribunal, ethical prosecutors and the right to be present at every critical stage of the proceedings under the Georgia Constitution.”

The post Young Thug YSL RICO Trial Delayed Indefinitely Amid Judge Controversy first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Slick Rick Drops His 2nd Album ‘The Ruler’s Back’ 33 Years Ago

July 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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Slick Rick was, and still is, one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop history. After the promotion and success of his first album, The Adventures of Slick Rick, the British MC continued his ascent to stardom with his sophomore effort The Ruler’s Back.

Slick Rick’s second album was finished rather quickly due to the fact he was hit with a five year stint behind bars. The first and hit single off the album was “I Shouldn’t Have Done It”, reaching number two on the Hot Rap Charts.

Following “I Shouldn’t Have Done It,” Slick Rick released the singles “Mistakes of a Woman in Love With Other Men” and “It’s A Boy.” The project also features production from Mr. Lee and Slick Rick himself. Russell Simmons served as executive producer.

Listen to The Ruler’s Back on Spotify.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Slick Rick Drops His 2nd Album ‘The Ruler’s Back’ 33 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Nas Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘It Was Written’ 28 Years Ago

July 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On July 2, 1996, Nas unleashed the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, 1994’s Illmatic entitled It Was Written, the album featured production from DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Havoc.

This time around, the fresh-faced, 22-year-old Brooklyn-born emcee consciously pushed the album in a more mainstream direction, hoping to secure a wider fan base. It worked.

The album proved to be Nas’ most commercially successful release, debuting at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It’s viewed by music critics as one of Nas’ strongest records and remains his best-selling release, with over four million copies sold in the U.S. alone.

One of the album’s standout singles, “If I Ruled the World,” featured Lauryn Hill, who (at the time) was riding the wave of her recent success with The Fugees. Other guests included Foxy Brown, Dr. Dre, and Mobb Deep.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Nas Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘It Was Written’ 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Nas Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘It Was Written’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.