T-Pain Releases Powerful New Single/Video “On This Hill”, Teams With Talkspace To Provide Free Therapy To Fans

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Grammy Award winning artist, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, global cultural icon T-Pain has released his powerful new single, “On This Hill.” The song about self-love and standing up for yourself, which showcases the innovative artist’s powerful vocals and dynamic voice, comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, and the artist has teamed up with Talkspace to provide free therapy to his fans for up to a year. The visual below finds T-Pain at a raw, fireside jam session in the middle of nowhere, playing into themes of vulnerability and renewal that come up in the song. 

“This song is really about refusing to be gaslit anymore,” said T-Pain. “It’s about coming to a realization that I have to stand up for myself. Over the years, that has just been something I’ve had to open my eyes to and learn how to deal with it. So yeah, I’ll die on this hill, ha!”

At the end of this month, T-Pain will hit the road for his Mansion In Wiscansin Party Tour. Taking its name from the now iconic lyric “Put you in a mansion, somewhere in Wiscansin” from his 2008 hit “Can’t Believe It,” the series of dates kicks off in Houston on May 29th and highlights include a special Juneteenth Celebration at The Hollywood Bowl with Color of Noise Orchestra, his third annual Wiscansin Fest at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukeea headline show at Central Park SummerStage and more. Later this summer, he’ll join Pitbull on the Party After Dark Tour.

MANSION IN WISCANSIN PARTY TOUR DATES:

May 29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall *

May 30 –Dallas, TX  – South Side Ballroom *

June 4 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall * SOLD OUT

June 6 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor  The Colosseum *

June 8 – Milwaukee, WI – WISCANSIN FEST @ The Rave/Eagles Club ^ SOLD OUT

June 11 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live! * SOLD OUT

June 12 – Pittsburg, PA – Stage AE * SOLD OUT

June 13 – Doswell, VA – Meadow Event Park *

June 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Juneteenth Celebration @ The Hollywood Bowl

June 21 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony SummerStage * SOLD OUT

June 23 – New York, NY – Central Park SummerStage *

June 25 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion *

June 26 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *

June 27 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery Lawn *

June 29 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre *

June 30 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company * SOLD OUT

July 2 – Jacksonville, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre * SOLD OUT

July 3 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach *

* with LARussell, NandoSTL & Young Ca$h

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Today in Hip Hop History: Nas and Damian Marley Dropped Their ‘Distant Relatives’LP 14 Years Ago

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On this date in 2010, Queensbridge king Nas and reggae royalty Damian Marley dropped their collaborative album Distant Relatives on the Universal Republic/Def Jam imprint. 

This Hip Hop/reggae collabo album was the first of its kind, with its release coming after Nas’ controversial Untitled album and Marley’s landmark Welcome To Jamrock LP. The production was very organic and exempt of super producers except for Jr. Gong and Stephen Marley, having Marley explain , “We’re trying to have a sound that’s reminiscent of both of us, but not exactly like either… A lot of charity albums come off corny. We want this to be something you’d play in your car.”

The album did daily well commercially, entering the Billboard 200 at number five and selling over 125,000 in its premiere month. Distant Relatives also served as a refreshing alternative that was a vehicle of consciousness to younger listeners captivated by the more popular gangster-themed music. Features boasted the likes of Joss Stone, Junior Reid, Lil Wayne, and others. 

Salute to Damian and Nas for this pivotal piece of Hip Hop history! 

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Lupe Fiasco Announces New Album ‘Samurai’, Drops Title Track With Visuals

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A master of his craft, Lupe Fiasco wields his pen with the discipline of a swordsman, striking with deliberate strokes meant to knock off-balance as often as they draw blood. Today, Lupe Fiasco sharpens his focus in anticipation of the release of Samurai, his ninth studio album. The upcoming album is produced in full by Soundtrakk, making it their second full album collaboration following 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and the first album that Lupe and Soundtrakk worked on with their longtime manager, and 1st & 15th co-CEO Charley “Chill” Patton, since 2007’s The Cool.

“I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records” Lupe says,“but I always tell people there’s me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It’s not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.”

On the upcoming album, the veteran rapper retreats inward, to give fans one of the most personal albums in his discography. Samurai follows a loose narrative, tracking the career progression a rapper through the battle rap circuit, focusing on the small moments that make up the rapper’s career and drawing parallels between the battlers of today and the warriors of old. Musically, the new album finds Lupe delighting in the simple pleasures of assembling assonant syllables into playful and poignant narratives. The 8-track album is smooth, yet cerebral, brimming with ideas, but always radiating Lupe’s pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game. Now available to pre-save and pre-order on vinyl, Samurai arrives in both physical and digital formats on June 28th via 1st & 15th.

“The word ‘samurai’ means to serve,” says Lupe. “My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years.”

Along with the announcement of the album, Lupe shares the album’s title track, “Samurai”. A loose and soulful record, “Samurai” gently lopes along with a prominent drumbeat and a lilting soprano sax lick, as Lupe dons his battle rap persona, attempting to draw a crowd with his poetic devices. While the chorus imitates a busker or carnival barker’s call for attention, the verses dig deeper. The first verse analyzes the awkward relationship between hip-hop culture and high culture with deft internal rhyme: “Big eyes lookin like skies in binoculars/Two nights live, singin’ by the opera house, but not in it/Just by it, somewhat alongside it/A long silence,” he opens. The second verse tells the story of a struggling artist, contrasting her glamorous dreams with her gritty reality, but brimming with her unbroken spirit. The warm and inviting “Samurai” is the perfect introduction to the upcoming album, setting the mood for a smooth, yet thought-provoking journey. The video, directed by Chris & Blaq, spotlights Lupe as he performs the song in the hometown of Chicago, with the city’s skyline in the distance.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Chinx Drugz Shot And Killed In Queens 9 Years Ago

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Chinx Drugz, a rising rap star out of Queens, was shot and killed on this date in 2009.

Chinx, who dropped “Drugz” from his name shortly before he was killed, was born Lionel Mickens, a Far Rockaway, Queens native, was born December 4, 1983.

Chinx was gunned down early on the morning of May 17 as he idled in his with his friend, who survived the deadly shooting. Chinx was only 31 years old.

Chinx steadily released music on the mixtape circuit for several years, but is best known for his work with his friend, and Coke Boys founder French Montana, who collaborated with him on his two biggest records, “I’m A Cokeboy” and “Feelings.”

Only a few months after his murder, 32-year-old Quincy Homere was arrested and charged with the murder of Chinx. To this day, no motive for the killing ws ever uncovered.

TheSource Magazine/Northstar Group send its prayers and condolences to his family.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow Arrested On 140-Count Indictment Against Alleged Gang Members One Year Ago

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On this date in 2023, Brooklyn drill rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow are of over 32 alleged gang members arrested in a 140-count indictment in New York.

According to the New York Daily News, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow treated fellow gang members to a splurging dinner at a Manhattan steak house in celebration of a 2020 shooting executred at Prospect Lefferts Gardens that killed 23-year-old Theodore Senior and injured five mores.

In addition, one of the members was awarded with a new custom gold chain referencing the street the dead man was from. According to NYPD Deputy Chief Jason Savino, the members wore matching outfits during their visit to the steakhouse.

24-year-old Sheff G, born Michael Williams, and 23-year-old, Sleepy Hollow, born Tegan Chambers, and 30 additional gang members were connected to 27 occasions of violence, which included at minium a dozen shootings. The arrested men and women are alleged members of 8 Trey Crips and 9 Way gangs.

“Sheff G is not a wannabe drill rapper. He is a legitimate person who made it good. He has gold records, he’s made a lot of money. He rented a very large house, some may call it a mansion, in Short Hills, N.J.,” Gonzalez said.

He added, “He [Sheff G] used his fame and fortune to elevate gang violence in Brooklyn.”

The investigation began after the Gardens shooting, sparked by social media disses between G and a Folk Nation gang-affiliated rapper. The shooting was executed in partnership of 8 Trey and 9 way. Authorities revealed a text message from Sheff G’s sister Williams’ stated members of the rival gangs needed “to get hit or killed.” Sheff G asked for receipts to show the executed shooting, receiving images fo the victim and news articles.

Sheff G served 15 months behind bars on these charges before the 25-year-old Brooklynite was released from the Otis Bantum Correctional Center in the Bronx on April 19. Sleepy Hallow was released the day before Valentine’s Day of 2023 after serving only eight months behind bars.

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Happy Heavenly Birthday To Grandmaster DJ Roc Raida!(R.I.P.)

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The Source Magazine remembers DJ Roc Raida , who would’ve celebrated his 52nd birthday today.

Known for his amazing turntable wizardry around the globe, Roc won the 1995 DMC World DJ Championship and was inducted into the DMC Hall Of Fame in 1999.

Raida released three albums with his Xecutioners crew and has produced tracks for artists such as Smif N’ Wessun, Big Pun, and even served as Busta Rhymes’ DJ.

In 2009, famed Xecutioners DJ Rock Raida aka Anthony Williams passed away from injuries acquired from a mixed martial arts accident almost a month prior. He will forever be a part of Hip Hop’s legacy and will be missed by the entire Hip Hop community.

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Torae Renews Contract At SiriusXM 

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Torae has renewed his contract for his popular radio shows across SiriusXM, “The Tor Guide” on Hip-Hop Nation and “That Raw” on LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio. Fans can continue to tune in to Torae’s dynamic programming, featuring the best in hip-hop music and culture.

The Tor Guide on Hip-Hop Nation will keep its prime slot, airing weekdays from 6 am to 12 noon EST on channel 44. Torae’s engaging personality and in-depth knowledge of hip-hop make “The Tor Guide” a staple for early morning listeners seeking the latest hits, classic tracks, and insightful commentary.

“That Raw” on LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio will also maintain its schedule, broadcasting Monday through Friday at 7 pm Eastern and Saturdays at 4 pm on channel 43. Known for its authentic representation of hip-hop’s golden era, “That Raw” offers an unfiltered look at the genre’s history and its ongoing influence.

Torae’s renewal solidifies his role as a significant voice on SiriusXM, where he has built a loyal audience with his passion for hip-hop and unique perspective. “I’m excited to continue this journey with SiriusXM and our listeners,” Torae said, “Hip-hop is more than music; it’s a culture and a community. I’m honored to be part of its storytelling.”

Additionally, Torae will join HHN’s Saturday lineup from 8 am until 12 noon EST. 

Listeners can enjoy Torae’s shows on SiriusXM radios, online, and on the SiriusXM app, ensuring that fans can stay connected with their favorite programming anytime, anywhere.

For more information about Torae’s shows and other programming, visit www.siriusxm.com. Follow him @Torae.

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Rich Homie Quan Subpoenaed By State To Testify In Young Thug/YSL RICO Trial

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Several reports have confirmed that Atlanta rap mainstay Rich Homie Quan has been called to testify in the YSL RICO trial after being subpoenaed by the state.

X user ThuggerDaily, who previously claimed that Quan has previously given a police statement that will be read in court, reported that Quan, whose real name is Dequantes Lamar, will be taking the stand for the prosecution.

Lil Wayne may also be called to testify in the trial after prosecutors tried to play videos of Weezy speaking about Young Thug in court. Judge Ural Glanville refused to allow it unless Wayne testified in person.

The issue stems from the 2015 shooting of Wayne’s tour bus which the prosecution claim Thug was behind. The State claim he hired affiliate PeeWee Roscoe to carry it out. Roscoe was eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation over the matter, but his conviction was overturned in 2018.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Nice And Smooth Released Their Self-Titled Debut Album 35 Years Ago

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On this date in 1989, the Bronx-based Hip Hop group Nice And Smooth dropped their self titled debut LP on the now defunct Fresh/Sleeping Bag imprint.

Producing their own album alongside The Awesome Two(Chuck Chillout and Teddy Ted), this 15-track project leans on the duo’s comedic lyrics and quirky beats, which is the perfect recipe for melodic choruses and memorable hits. Songs such as “Funky For You” and “No Delayin’” will forever be timeless classics from Greg Nice and Smooth B, while tracks like the opulence-celebrating “Gold” and the Awesome Two-powered “O-o-h Child” serve as of the radar bangers to complete the album’s audible pleasure.

Nice Aad Smooth was included in The Source’s Top 100 Album Of All Time. Salute to Greg Nice, Smooth B and Teddy Ted fr this piece of Hip Hop history!

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Today In Hip Hop History: Special Ed Released His Debut Album ‘Youngest In Charge’ 35 Years Ago

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On this date in 1989, Brooklyn rapper Special Ed dropped his debut LP Youngest In Charge on Profile Records. The album title says it all, with Ed being only 17 years old at the time of the album’s production, but held its own as one of the best albums of the year next to Boogie Down Productions’ The Blueprint and Big Daddy Kane’s It’s A Big Daddy Thing.

Produced primarily by behind the boards giant “The Hitman” Howie Tee, who even helped Ed write some of the songs, Youngest In Charge was more of an introductory album for Special Ed, which was headed off by arguably one of the Top 10 Hip Hop songs ever created, “I Got It Made”. The unforgettable baseline from that track will forever be one of the greatest beats ever made in the game.

Also, “Think About It” was a hard hitting single that accompanied the album and helped Youngest In Charge receive commercial success and prepped fans for Special Ed’s highly anticipated sophomore effort, aptly titled Legal.

Salute to Ed, Howie Tee, DJ Akshun and everyone else involved with making this an important part of Hip Hop history!

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