nostalgia Archives - New Hip Hop News

Flau’jae Johnson Opens For Rod Wave

December 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

LSU sophomore Flau’jae Johnson took some time away from Baton Rouge to perform at a Rod Wave concert in Atlanta. Johnson performed a few of the tracks she has released in recent years, including her best-known hit, “Big 4”. Previously, Johnson has performed at a LeBron James party as well as LSU’s national championship celebration back in April.

However, her music has also proven controversial at times. On May 9, LSU guard and rapper Flau’jae Johnson dropped a remix of Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor”. In putting her own style on the track, Johnson included the lyric “In this 911, blowing smoke like them towers.” The song quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, with right-wing outlets such as Fox and Outkick very angry at Johnson for “mocking” 9/11. However, Johnson later issued an apology. “I just want to come on here and let ya’ll know by no means would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone. My whole goal in music is to push positivity and spread love. So, in no way shape or form would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone,” Johnson wrote on Instagram.

Flau’jae Johnson Enjoys Sophomore Improvements

On the court, Johnson is showing why she was named SEC Freshman of the Year last season. While she is no longer an instant starter, she is playing more minutes and has seen an increase in almost every statistical category. While she’s only played less than a third of the games she did last year, it’s clear that Johnson has taken all of the right lessons from Kim Mulkey’s coaching.

LSU are 10-1, having gone undefeated since the shock loss in their season opener. However, much like last year, the Tigers have faced criticism for their non-conference schedule. An 89-point margin of victory of McNeese highlights that LSU isn’t playing the highest quality opponents. They’ve played just two ranked matchups in Colorado and Virginia Tech. By comparison, the SEC-leading South Carolina, who is also No. 1 in the country, has played four top-25 opponents already this season.

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7 Hip Hop TV Theme Songs

November 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Theme songs have historically set the tone for TV shows, whether it’s series like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Friends but rap music has undoubtedly dished out some equally iconic jingles. This is seen prominently in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Boondocks. However, theme songs also intend to provide a synopsis of the shows they accompany, like Static Shock. We’ve gathered seven shows that have rap songs for their intros in this list and the nostalgic factor is strong with all of them.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

We’d be remiss if we left this rap TV theme song off our list. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air aired from 1990 to 1996 and starred Will Smith as the title character. Coming off of the success of DJ Jazzy & The Fresh Prince, it only made sense that the two cooked up the show’s opening theme. The lyrics of the song provide the backstory of Will’s Philly beginnings and how he landed in Bel-Air after getting into trouble.

The Boondocks

The Boondocks hold a special place in the hearts of hip-hop heads, and it’s not solely because of the adventures of Huey and Riley. The theme song captured the show’s essence, as well as the influence that rap had on the Aaron McGruder-created TV show. Maryland-based rapper Asheru performed the iconic theme song, titled “Judo Flip,” although many previously believed that it was Black Thought who penned the theme.

Kenan & Kel

Kenan & Kel was one of their most successful sitcoms on Nickelodeon. Starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the show served as a spin-off of All That and proved to be a success on its own. While the misadventures of Keenan & Kel provided endless amounts of entertainment, there’s no denying the impact of the theme song. The late Coolio, who previously appeared on All That, helped craft the song, titled, “Aw Here It Goes.” “That hook, the song still holds up today,” Kel Mitchell told Entertainment Weekly in 2016. “When I do [comedy] shows, I’ll play the Kenan & Kel theme song and come out to the stage to that or I’ve even been in the club and they play it.”

Static Shock

The rap-influenced theme song for Static Shock is undoubtedly nostalgic for those who recall waking up early on the weekends for Saturday morning cartoons. The show aired on Kids WB, a Saturday morning cartoon block, from 2000 to 2004. Static Shock’s theme changed over the years with the hip-hop aspect coming in seasons three and four. The first two seasons, which still incorporated elements of hip hop like record scratching, had more of a cinematic score feeling to them. In seasons three and four, the production is far more hip-hop-centric. Lil Romeo performed the theme song for Static Shock‘s third and fourth seasons three while his father, Master P, produced the song.

The Wayans Bros.

This show is one of the more unique ones on our list. It had multiple rap TV theme songs during the years it aired. The Wayans Bros. changed its theme songs throughout the years it aired yet it remained heavily influenced by hip-hop. For the first two seasons, The Wayans Bros. used an instrumental version of “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest. Season three used an original hip-hop beat. It changed again for the fourth and fifth seasons. The Wayans Brothers themselves, along with Omar Epps, produced the beat used for these final two seasons.

Samurai Champloo

An anime having a rap TV theme song is not surprising considering how these two artistic mediums have influenced each other. Samurai Champloo incorporates multiple elements of hip-hop into the show, from record scratching to the characters’ comedic raps and even the lead character Mugen’s fighting style, which seems to derive from b-boying. Japanese artist Shing02 performs the show’s theme, titled “Battlecry,” rapping Nujabes “Other Side of Phase.” In fact, Nujabes also did other music for the show.

In Living Color

In Living Color was a critical platform for many Black comedians and a focal point of 90s Black culture. The show opened with their signature Fly Girls dancing to the show’s them and regularly ended with a live performance from a hip-hop act. Heavy D & The Boyz handled the show’s theme throughout its five seasons. The original theme song appeared in the first two seasons and later, remixed for the fifth. They changed the theme song in season three with new production and lyrics.

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Drake Sings Whitney Houston And More At Toronto Karaoke Party

November 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Drake pulled up as a surprise guest to the Nostalgia Karaoke Party in Toronto last night. Drizzy hit up the joint to perform a few songs, some of which may be surprising to fans. The 6 God opened with Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You”. He also pulled out Kim Davis’ “Hush” amidst a few other bangers. While Drake’s voice is a little rough, it’s nice to see him having a good time regardless. What did you think of Drizzy’s performances? Let us know in th comments.

The appearance comes a few days after the surprise release of Scary Hours 3, a surprise EP that, much like For All The Dogs, appeared to fuel a lot of beef. He also announced that he would be touring with J. Cole in 2024. The Cole collab will serve as an extension of this year’s It’s All a Blur Tour and will operate as the Big As The What? Tour. Meanwhile, It’s All a Blur was confirmed to be the highest-grossing rap tour of all time, despite less than half the shows having reported their revenue.

Drake Adds Hilarious Commentary To Raptors-Celtics

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Meanwhile, Drake was one of the few Raptors fans having a good time during their game against the Celtics on Friday night. Drake’s highlights included poking fun at some of the Celtics’ bench players getting minutes in a close game. “Payton Pritchard’s out there looking like a crypto scammer,” Drake trolled as the rest of the broadcast team barely restrained their laughter. Pritchard, Boston’s 2020 first-round pick, put up 5-3-3 in 17 minutes against the Raptors.

However, as mentioned, Drake was likely the only one having fun in the Raptors fandom. While the Raptors kept it close, they were unable to topple the white-hot Celtics. Boston locked it down defensively in the final moments of the game and escaped with a 108-105 victory to improve to 10-2 on the season. Meanwhile, the Raptors fell to 5-7, dropping their second game in a row.

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Rod Wave’s “Nostalgia” Spends Second Week On Billboard Top 200 Chart

October 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rod Wave’s recent album release, Nostalgia, has been met with remarkable success in a remarkably short span. Just a few weeks after its launch, the album has already achieved major milestones, totaling an impressive equivalent of 137,000 unit sales in the United States. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Rod Wave’s career, making it his most substantial debut to date. According to reports from Billboard, Nostalgia has not only made an impactful entrance but is also holding its ground by maintaining its position (No. 1) at the top of the charts for a second consecutive week. This achievement is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, and Rod Wave has every reason to revel in his success.

It’s worth noting that Rod Wave himself expressed his deep gratitude for the current heights of his career. He recognizes the significance of his recent achievement, and rightfully so. Nostalgia earning the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart is a testament to his talent and growing fanbase. This accomplishment is particularly notable because it marks the third time in Wave’s career that he has reached this impressive milestone.

Rod Wave Continues To Top The Charts

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 11: Rapper Rod Wave performs onstage during “The Beautiful Mind Tour” with Rod Wave at Target Center on November 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

His earlier works, Beautiful Mind (released in 2022) and SoulFly (released in 2021), were the other two albums that also secured the number one position on the Billboard 200 chart. These repeated successes demonstrate not only his consistency but also his ability to connect with audiences and deliver music that resonates with listeners. In a heartfelt video message last week, Rod Wave conveyed his genuine humility and gratitude, expressing profound appreciation for his current circumstances. He shared, “I don’t know, man – I just feel so blessed to be in this position. So thankful.”

In conclusion, Rod Wave’s Nostalgia album has catapulted him to new heights in his career. Achieving the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart for the third time is a testament to his musical prowess and the enduring appeal of his work. With a track record of delivering chart-topping albums, he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and his future releases will likely continue to be eagerly anticipated by fans and music enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned to HNHH for more music news.

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Rod Wave Credits Rap For Saving His Life

September 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rod Wave is currently basking in the glow of a remarkable career high. And the sense of accomplishment and gratitude is definitely earned! In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram today (Sept. 29), the Florida trap-soul artist took a moment to express his deep appreciation for the position he now finds himself in. The reason he’s so appreciative? His latest album, Nostalgia, has achieved a remarkable feat by debuting at the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Notably, this marks the third time Rod Wave has achieved this impressive milestone in his career. The artist’s previous projects Beautiful Mind (released in 2022) and SoulFly (released in 2021) were the other two that earned the number one spot.

With humility and sincerity, Rod Wave shared his feelings in the video, emphasizing just how thankful he is for his current circumstances. He expressed, “I don’t know, man – I just feel so blessed to be in this position. So thankful,” conveying the profound impact that his journey in the world of rap has had on his life. This gratitude stems from a long path that Rod Wave has travelled since his teenage years, when he began his musical journey. He expressed, “This rap s**t saved my f**king life. Y’all don’t understand. I been doing this s((t since a teenager, boy. Since I was ’bout 18 I been doing this s**t.”

Read More: Rod Wave Hints At NBA YoungBoy Collab

Rod Wave Expresses His Gratitude For Rap

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A post shared by REMIXD Magazine (@remixdmag)

For Rod Wave, being a rapper is more than a profession; it is an integral part of his identity and life. He emphasized how deeply ingrained music is in his existence, saying, “I seen so much sh**. I don’t even remember what it feel like not being a rapper, you know what I’m saying?” The video serves as a heartfelt message of gratitude to his fans and supporters who have been with him throughout this incredible journey. He concluded his message with a sincere thank you message: “Thank y’all, man. For real.”

Rod Wave’s story is a testament to the transformative power of music and determination, and his gratitude shines as brightly as his talent on his path to success. The most recent album, Nostalgia, is impressively 18-tracks long and has only three features. It’s been met with a great response. “Nostalgia is prolly my favorite Rod Wave album by far,” one user wrote on social medial. “Nahh Rod Wave really did his BIG one with the Nostalgia album like I really can’t wait to cry my eyes out at his concert,” another person wrote.

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Rod Wave’s First-Week Sale Projections For “Nostalgia” Are Impressive

September 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Florida trap-soul rapper Rod Wave is projected to have a big first week debut. He recently released his album Nostalgia and it included 18 tracks of pure vibes. With just three features total throughout the project, including 21 Savage as the biggest one, Rod Wave’s project is among some of the biggest first-week sales projections we’ve seen in a while. According to a post by DJ Akademiks shared yesterday (Sept. 19), “Rod Wave ‘Nostalgia’ [is] on pace to sell 133K first week.” Fans responded, “We’ll deserved needs more! Great album timeless.” “Great music still sells,” another said. “Rod Wave new album is heat,” someone else wrote.

According to HitsDailyDouble, it was reported last week that Nostalgia was projected to sell between 130K and 140K copies in its first week of release. This isn’t exactly a new feat for Rod Wave, as his extremely dedicated and loyal fan base supports every release of his. In fact, his previous 2022 album, Beautiful Mind, earned first-week sales of 115K copies along with a top slot on the charts. Additionally, he previously achieved chart-topping success on the Billboard 200 with his albums SoulFly in 2021. Additionally, he secured a place in the Top 10 with Ghetto Gospel in 2019 and Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory EP in 2022.

Rod Wave Could Outperform Majority Of Projects This Year

Rod Wave ‘Nostalgia’ on pace to sell 133K first week.

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) September 19, 2023

These projections would make Nostalgia “the third-biggest rap debut of 2023.” Taking the first and second spots include Lil Uzi’s The Pink Tape, and Travis Scott’s UTOPIA, respectively. A well-earned effort, Rod Wave’s signature approach and sound are to credit for this high first-week projection. He caters to a niche audience — people who enjoy singing pain music with heartfelt emotions over moody beats. But, Wave did get creative with his music and experimented with new sounds.

As previously reported, Rod Wave shared that the track “Crazy,” which is featured on Nostalgia, includes sampled elements from Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.” “So all my music, I try to just shed light on my background and what made me who I am, the reason I’m this kind of artist, the reason I’m who I am,” Rod Wave shared during an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1’s New Music Daily Radio show. “So I always try to just shed light on that. Just the way [Paramore’s Hayley Williams] painting a picture vividly gives you both sides of the good and the bad.” Stay tuned for official first week numbers on HNHH.

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Rod Wave Speaks On Sampling Paramore In New Track “Crazy”

September 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rod Wave is seemingly on track to land another No. 1 album with his project Nostalgia. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1’s New Music Daily Radio show, Rod Wave spoke more on his recent album. He also shared that the track “Crazy,” which is featured on Nostalgia, includes sampled elements from Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.” He explained how he was chatting with the band via IG message and says he didn’t realize he could get the sample cleared. “I wasn’t even aware that they weren’t fond of clearing songs until I was actually in that boat,” he explained.

“I was writing them and DMing them on Instagram.” “The song is real personal to me,” he continued. “So all my music, I try to just shed light on my background and what made me who I am, the reason I’m this kind of artist, the reason I’m who I am. So I always try to just shed light on that. Just the way [Paramore’s Hayley Williams] painting a picture vividly gives you both sides of the good and the bad.”

Rod Wave On Getting Permission From Paramore

Rod Wave is slated to earn his third chart-topping project with Nostalgia. HitsDailyDouble reported that Rod Wave’s Nostalgia will pull in around 130,000-140,000 first-week units. This would make Nostalgia “the third-biggest rap debut of 2023.” Rod Wave is no newcomer to the charts. In fact, he previously achieved chart-topping success on the Billboard 200 with his albums SoulFly in 2021 and Beautiful Mind in 2022. Additionally, he secured a place in the Top 10 with Ghetto Gospel in 2019 and Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory EP in 2022.

Despite often being an underdog in the industry, Rod Wave’s latest album, “Nostalgia,” is projected to debut impressively. This could potentially secure a No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts and surpass many hip-hop releases this year. With recent connections to his dream collaborator, Drake, more success may be on the horizon. Fans can eagerly anticipate what this potential collab might bring in terms of big numbers and artistic growth. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on Rod Wave’s exciting journey in the music industry.

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Rod Wave Delivers Incredible Vocals On New Single “Checkmate”

September 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rod Wave has been teasing his new album Nostalgia for over a month at this point. A massive part of the rollout has been the amount of singles he has released. There have been a lot thus far, and fans have felt every single one. Overall, Wave has been flexing his singing chops in these tracks. Additionally, he has brought more of that emotional songwriting and storytelling that he is known for.

That said, it is clear that Wave is showing no signs of slowing down on this rollout. The album is going to be released on Friday, September 15th, which is tomorrow. However, he isn’t done dropping new songs. Today, Rod Wave came through with the song “Checkmate” as one last teaser before he comes through with the album. Below, you can listen to the new track, which also comes complete with a music video.

Rod Wave Drops “Nostalgia” Tomorrow

Once again, Wave has come through with a track that displays his sensitive side. The song is about a relationship that he misses and how the heartbreak is affecting his everyday life. The vocals here are powerful, and the same can be said for the lyrics. Lastly, the production here is also solid and fits the theme of Wave’s previous work. If you are a fan of the artist, then it is clear that this album will be a treat.

Be sure to give us your thoughts on this new Rod Wave track, in the comments section below. Also, you can tell us your expectations for the album, as well. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed of the biggest releases from the biggest artists.

Quotable Lyrics:

Okay, lost in my feelings, running out of love
Sometimes I get in my feelings with codeine in my blood
Most times I be trippin’ reminiscin’ ’bout us
Why’d I gotta stand on business? Ten toes no matter what

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Rod Wave’s New Album ‘Nostalgia’: Everything To Know Including The Release Date, Tracklist & More

September 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It’s only been a year since the release of Rod Wave’s album, Beautiful Mind. He’s already back into the studio, with the follow-up, Nostalgia, on the verge of release.

In a clip shared on Rod’s official TikTok page, he discussed what inspired the title of the forthcoming release. “It ain’t the destination, it’s the journey for real,” he said. “That’s why I named this album, ‘Nostalgia.’ Back then, I was thinking about the future or the past instead of living in the moment.”

@rodwaveroom

Five more days till NOSTALGIA…9/15 #rodwave #rodwaveinterview #rodwavelations

♬ CRAZY by Rod wave – Rodarius

Here’s everything we know so far about Rod Wave’s Nostalgia.

Release Date

Nostalgia is out on 9/15 via Alamo Records/Sony Music. Find more information here.

Tracklist

The official tracklist for Nostalgia has not yet been revealed. However, on Apple Music, the listing suggests that there will be a total of 18 tracks. Only three song titles are visible, each one a previously promoted single.

3. “Call Your Friends”
5. “Come See Me”
9. “Fight The Feeling”

Singles

So far, Rod has shared “Call Your Friends,” “Come See Me,” and “Fight The Feeling.”

Artwork

View the official artwork below.

Rod Wave Nostalgia Album Cover — Alamo Records/Sony Music

Tour

In support of the album, Rod will hit the road on the Nostalgia Tour alongside featured guests Ari Lennox, Toosii, G Herbo, and EELmatic in October. Fan pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, September 12. A venue pre-sale will start on Wednesday, September 13. General ticket sales start on Thursday, September 14. All sales begin at 10 am local time. View the tour schedule below. Find more information here.

10/19 — Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
10/20 — St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
10/21 — Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum
10/23 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
10/24 — Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/26 — Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
10/27 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
10/29 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
10/30 — Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
11/02 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
11/04 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
11/07 — Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
11/08 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden
11/09 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
11/11 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
11/12 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
11/14 — Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
11/15 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
11/16 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
11/18 — Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL
11/19 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center
11/22 — Chicago, IL @ United Center
11/24 — Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
11/29 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
11/30 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
12/04 — San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
12/05 — Phoenix, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena
12/07 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
12/09 — Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
12/10 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center
12/12 — New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
12/13 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
12/15 — Orlando, FL @ Amway Center
12/17 — Fort Lauderdale, FL @ FLA Live
12/18 — Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Rod Wave Will End 2023 With The ‘Nostalgia Tour’ Alongside Ari Lennox, Toosii, And G Herbo

September 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Chart-topping recording artist Rod Wave is gearing up to release his heavily anticipated fourth studio album, Nostalgia, this Friday, September 15. Just days before it’s set to debut on streaming platforms, Rod has announced that he will end his year with a nationwide supporting tour.

Beginning next month, fans can catch Rod performing live at one or more of the 35-city tour stops. Opening night for the Nostalgia Tour is scheduled for October 19 at Lincoln, Nebraska’s Pinnacle Bank Arena. Ari Lennox, Toosii, G Herbo, and EELmatic will join him on the road as featured acts.

Rod Wave’s Nostalgia Tour fan pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, September 12. Each venue on the tour will open up its pre-sale on Wednesday, September 13. General ticket sales start on Thursday, September 14. All sales begin at 10 am local time. View the tour schedule below. Find more information here.