Original Content

Samuel L. Jackson’s Greatest Acting Roles

by

Samuel L. Jackson remains one of the most prolific actors of our generation. His films have grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him the second highest-grossing actor of all time. He’s second only to Stan Lee, the mastermind behind much of the Marvel Series. In fact, Jackson has gone on to play a significant role in much of the Marvel franchise as Nick Fury. Throughout his career, he’s displayed an innate ability to thrive in various roles, ranging from voiceovers to leads. Additionally, he’s worked as a producer for a variety of franchises. Jackson has also appeared in over 100 films in his decades-long career, garnering a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the industry. Today, we’re looking at Samuel L. Jackson’s most iconic performances to date.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction solidified Jackson as a household name. The Quentin Tarantino classic displayed Jackson’s effortless charisma under the name of Jules Winnfield. The oddball character balanced gangsterism with spiritual enlightenment, displaying an unpredictable aura throughout the film. Teamed up with fellow actor John Travolta, Pulp Fiction acted as a launch pad for rest of Jackson’s career.

Jackson was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards for his performance. Many still reference Winnfield as the best character Jackson has played to date. While he had performed in a variety of blockbuster films before Pulp Fiction, the film cemented his ability to entertain in a lead role. Further, the movie proved that Tarantino was more than a one-hit-wonder.

Django Unchained (2012)

Tarantino has a reputation for sticking with a select-few list of actors, from Christopher Waltz to Leonardo Dicaprio. Samuel L. Jackson was added to the elite group after Pulp Fiction. He would eventually land roles in Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. Initially wanting to audition for the part of Django, Tarantino frankly rejected the idea. The filmmaker hilariously stated that Jackson was “too old.” Jackson was offered the part of the hateful Stephen.

In tackling the role of Stephen, Jackson also pulled off one of the most complex villains he’s portrayed. His enslaved character completely bought into the racist ideology in the American South. Partnering with plantation owner Calvin Candie ( Leonardo Dicaprio), the two also acted as the main protagonists in the film. Stephen symbolized a multi-faceted view at interpersonal relationships during slavery. In fact, I believe he was likely the most intelligent character in Django Unchained.

Coach Carter (2005)

Playing the title role of Coach Ken Carter, the 2005 teen sports drama was based on a true story. Coach Carter suspended his Richmond High School basketball team for failing in academics. While his actions would become the source of controversy and discourse between himself the players’ parents, his methods would eventually be appreciated by the entire community.

Carter would also become a source of discipline and inspiration for the players. Many would go from overly confident class clowns to scholarship earners at large-scale universities. Jackson’s portrayal of Coach Carter fits well into his best qualities on television: commanding, confident, and emotive.

Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

Mace Windu was too iconic of a character to leave off of this list. Jackson was initially offered a role in The Phantom Menace after stating in an interview that he would like to work with George Lucas. Windu would become a staple character throughout the prequel trilogy, acting as a voice of reason in the Jedi Council. Extremely suspicious of Anakin Skywalker, he was proved right when Skywalker would betray him in The Revenge of the Sith. However, some argue that Windu’s distance from Anakin would ensure his eventual formation into Darth Vader.

Amidst the Disney-spearheaded re-invigoration of Star Wars, Jackson confirmed that he’s asked a Star Wars director about the potential for Windu to return. Many Star Wars fans have questioned whether his character really died in The Revenge of the Sith. However, there haven’t been any concrete developments that hint at a return. Similar to many of Jackson’s other characters, Windu is also grim and direct in his approach.

Jungle Fever (1991)

One of many times where Samuel Jackson and Spike Lee came together, Jungle Fever, may be Jackson’s best performance. In fact, his performance was so good that the Cannes Film Festival created a Best Supporting Actor role specifically for him. Portraying Gator Purify, the drug addicted brother of Flipper (Wesley Snipes), Jackson used his own struggles with addiction as reference for his character.

Working with Snipes, the two portrayed a complex relationship between brothers. The film further explores the dynamic of an interracial affair, with the conflict escalating in Gator being murdered. It’s an ultimately heartbreaking film, displaying Jackson’s versatility to display a character that is either powerful and confident, or decrepit and broken.

Donald Trump’s Indictment: What We Know

by

Donald Trump is the first former president in U.S. history to be charged with a crime. He arrived in New York on Monday (April 3) to appear in court on Tuesday, following his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury last week. A former president’s expected voluntary surrender will be a unique event in multiple ways. Earlier this week, one of Trump’s advisers described the MAGA leader’s mood as “defiant and focused” as he watched the coverage on a flight from Florida to New York. However, CNN reported that the former president has stayed “surprisingly calm.”

Additionally, Trump reportedly spent the weekend in Florida playing golf and thinking about using the indictment to help his campaign. The indictment was said to have caught him and his advisers “off guard.” Further, CNN reported that Trump faces more than 30 counts linked to corporate fraud, but the charges remain sealed. Since the 2016 presidential election, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has investigated the former president for his alleged role in a hush-money scheme. Here is what we know about the indictment.

Why Is Donald Trump Facing Charges?

TOPSHOT – Former US President Donald Trump makes his way inside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York on April 4, 2023. – Donald Trump will make an unprecedented appearance before a New York judge on April 4, 2023 to answer criminal charges that threaten to throw the 2024 White House race into turmoil. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Donald Trump’s indictment reportedly included 34 first-degree felony counts of falsifying company records. Technically, the allegations derive from a payment made to Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. This incident occurred when she attempted to sell her story regarding an affair with Trump. Daniels’s representatives initially approached The National Enquirer to offer exclusive rights to her story. However, David Pecker, the tabloid publisher and a longtime ally of Trump, agreed to watch for potentially damaging stories about him. At one point, he even agreed to purchase the story of another woman’s affair with Trump but never planned to publish it. 

However, Pecker didn’t purchase Daniels’s story. Instead, he and the senior editor of the tabloid facilitated a separate transaction between Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, and Daniels’s counsel. Cohen reportedly paid $130,000, eventually reimbursed by Trump from the White House. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including federal campaign finance violations involving hush money. Federal prosecutors determined that the payment constituted an unlawful contribution to Trump’s campaign. Nevertheless, in the days after Mr. Cohen’s guilty plea, the D.A.’s office initiated its own criminal investigation. As federal prosecutors were investigating Cohen, the district attorney would investigate Trump.

What’s To Come

Trump pled not guilty to 34 felony charges. The allegations result from an investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who believes that Trump altered corporate documents to conceal harmful information from 2016 election voters. Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the case, and set the next court date for December 4. 

The prosecution wants the opening arguments to begin in January 2024. However, Trump’s defense has requested a few additional months, perhaps until Spring 2024. This occurs in the middle of the primary season, which could hamper the former president’s attempt for reelection. Nonetheless, the defense may make motions to delay the trial, including a request to move the venue out of Manhattan, where Trump lost the 2020 presidential election by an overwhelming margin.

The Former President’s Reactions

Trump and his supporters blasted Democrat District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the grand jury’s decision as “the greatest level of Political Persecution and Election Interference.” The former president left the courthouse in a motorcade monitored by major cable news networks using aerial footage. Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign began selling T-shirts featuring a fake mugshot for $47.

To conclude a full day of media coverage, Trump attacked the charges as political persecution at Mar-a-Lago. Trump stated, “I never imagined something like this would happen in America.” He added, “The only crime I’ve committed is boldly defending our country against those who wish to destroy it.” He downplayed the numerous investigations he is facing, stating that D.A. Bragg had “no case.” He also attacked the judge and his family as “Trump-hating” individuals.

Will The Trial Be Broadcasted On TV?

A New York court confirmed that Trump’s arraignment would not be televised live. Judge Merchan denied requests from multiple media groups to broadcast Trump’s court sessions this week. However, the judge determined that five photographers may still capture Trump and the courtroom before the start of the hearing. Judge Merchan also acknowledged the historical significance of the hearing while rejecting the request to broadcast the arraignment.

“It cannot be argued that this indictment covers a topic of enormous importance,” he said. “A serving or former President of the United States has never been indicted on criminal charges. Mr. Trump’s arraignment has created unprecedented media and public interest. The populous craves the most accurate and up-to-date information available. To imply otherwise would be dishonest.”

Can Trump Still Run For President In 2024?

Certainly, the United States Constitution does not prohibit Trump from continuing his election campaign, notwithstanding his indictment. Theoretically, he could still run for president and win an election while incarcerated. Nevertheless, there are pragmatic concerns. A protracted court battle and trial will significantly disrupt a presidential campaign in terms of time, energy, and the scheduling of election rallies.

[Via][Via]

Trap Music In Atlanta: From T.I To Lil Nas X

by

Trap music’s evolution started as a classification of hip-hop music. The subgenre’s inception begins in the early 2000s. Over the years, trap music has constantly evolved. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the world. Incidentally, artists like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne are paving the way for the next generation of trap artists.

Altogether, the evolution of trap is a fascinating journey. Without a doubt, each artist adds their own unique spin to the genre. From T.I.’s early hits like “Rubber Band Man” to Lil Nas X’s groundbreaking fusion of country and rap on “Old Town Road,” the genre continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of what hip-hop can be.

Defining Trap Music

Trap music began in the South, specifically in Atlanta, Georgia, in the late 1990s. However, the sound branched out all across the US. This subgenre has a unique sound known for its heavy use of 808 drum machines. Trap also includes synthesizers and dark, fierce lyrics. The music often represents the harsh realities of inner-city life. The term “trap” refers to the places where drugs are sold and consumed, and the songs often reflect the violence and desperation that comes with that lifestyle.

Early Creators of Trap Music

NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Recording artists Young Jeezy (L) and T.I. attend T.I.’s Birthday Celebration at the Hiro Ballroom on September 23, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

The early creators of trap music include artists like T.I., Jeezy, and Gucci Mane. T.I.’s 2003 album Trap Muzik features heavy use of the 808 drum machine and dark, aggressive lyrics about the drug trade and the struggles of life. Jeezy’s 2005 album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 is another early instance of trap music, featuring hard-hitting beats and lyrics about the drug game and the hustle.

Gucci Mane also plays a role in the evolution of trap music. His 2005 mixtape Trap House is impactful in popularizing the genre. The mixtape mirrors other trap records of the time sonically with its styling and darker production choices. Most importantly, Gucci’s influence on the genre can still be felt today, with many modern trap artists citing him as an inspiration. The early pioneers of trap music helped define the genre and establish its signature sound. They paved the way for future generations of trap artists, who would go on to take the genre in new and exciting directions.

The Influence Of Future

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MARCH 17: Rapper Future performs during “On Big Party Tour” at FLA Live Arena on March 17, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Undeniably, Future took trap music to new heights in the 2010s. The rapper’s unique use of autotune and melodic hooks is distinguishable from other trap artists. Future’s 2015 album DS2 is widely regarded as a classic in the genre and features some of his popular songs, including “Where Ya At” and “Jumpman” featuring Drake. He continues to dominate in the space, making him a leader in the evolving culture that has introduced a new generation of trap artists.

The Crossover Successes Of Post Malone & Lil Nas X

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X, winner of Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)” and Album of the Year for his EP, 7 poses in the press room during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

Post Malone and Lil Nas X are two artists who achieve crossover success with their trap-influenced music. Malone’s distinctive blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop has made him one of the most famous artists in the world. All you need to hear is the opening beats of “Rockstar” and “Congratulations” to recognize the singer’s hits. Lil Nas X’s viral sensation “Old Town Road” also helped him achieve mainstream success and become one of the most talked-about artists. Both have helped sonically shift trap music to new audiences and solidify its place in pop culture.

Impact & Legacy of Trap Music

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Lil Baby and Young Thug perform onstage during Lil Baby & Friends concert to promote the new release of Lil Baby’s new album “Street Gossip” at Coca-Cola Roxy on November 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Since it solidified its foundation in the early 2000s, trap music has become a staple in the mainstream. The genre’s influence is seen in popular music and culture, from fashion to dance. In recent years, trap music has become increasingly popular in Latin America, with artists like Bad Bunny and J Balvin incorporating trap elements. Additionally, artists like Young Thug, Travis Scott, Gunna, Lil Baby, Migos, Playboi Carti, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Migos, and far more are thriving in the trap scene, marking themselves as icons.

Despite its widespread popularity, trap has faced criticism, much like drill has. Some argue that the genre’s lyrics promote violence, drug use, and misogyny. Others have accused trap artists of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Black culture. However, defenders of the genre argue that trap music provides a voice for marginalized communities and reflects the realities of life in metropolitan areas. They also note that trap is evolving, with newer artists incorporating more positive messages into their pieces.

Is AI A Threat To Hip-Hop?

by

There’s no denying that AI has become increasingly prevalent in our lives. Self-driving cars fill the streets, threatening the future livelihoods of truck drivers. Restaurants are beginning to automate their food service process, leaving food service workers wondering if they’ll be out of a job in five years. Even in the corporate world, AI may seem able to automatically perform the tasks of accountants or financial analysts. Of course, we all know about the auto-generated Bored Ape NFTs that took over the internet in 2021. AI has seeped into our daily lives more and more over the past decade.

However, most creatives assumed this trend wouldn’t apply to hip-hop. Why would they? Creation is founded on emotion rather than logic, which is inherently the opposite of how automated technology works. The creation of art derives from past experiences, whether those experiences were traumatic or cheerful. This sentiment has been challenged, though, over the past year. AI has begun to create automated art, produce or mix songs, and automatically generate stories.

AI Will Change Musical Process For Producers & Engineers

More recently, talk has been about the increasing quality of AI-generated music. This has left producers and sound engineers wondering whether their jobs could soon be threatened. There are already plenty of downloadable online services that will easily auto-generate music for users. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that AI is here to stay in the hip-hop space. The question has to be, is AI here to threaten the livelihoods of people who work in music?

Will the jobs of creatives change? Absolutely, but not in a directly negative manner. Creatives who adapt to the technology to enhance their process rather than push against it will thrive. Many producers are already using its capabilities to streamline their production process. By utilizing AI, they do not have to spend as much time on the redundant mixing or mastering tasks associated with music production. As a result, producers can spend more time experimenting with genre-bending ideas.

However, there have been concerns about using our artist’s voices. AI-generated music of fake verses from Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Kanye West has surfaced online. The sound is almost indecipherable, as the tracks sonically seem like the Rap icons were behind the microphone. This has caused a wave of concern within hip-hop, as Young Guru recently came forward with complaints. Others echoed his sentiment and questioned what the future of the music industry would look like.

AI Will Likely Create Jobs in Hip-Hop, Not Destroy Them

A quick peek into the past proves that new inventions create new jobs rather than eliminate existing ones. For example, the rise of the internet had many worried about the future viability of their work. However, the technology created millions of jobs. The Internet now comprises over 10 percent of the US GDP. Some sources claim that AI will have an even more substantial impact on the world GDP. A study by PwC found that “any job losses from automation are likely to be broadly offset in the long run by new jobs created as a result of the larger and wealthier economy made possible by these new technologies.”

Of course, there’s not only the question of how AI will affect jobs in the music space but how it will affect the quality of the music. For the time being, music that’s solely had the input of AI still sounds soulless. Take Kanye West’s self-titled project, Ye. It’s undeniably his most messy record to date. However, that very messiness and vulnerability have contributed to its timeless quality. Another example is Tyler, the Creator’s Igor. Oddball pitching and distortion fill the record. Like Ye, its messiness adds to its notoriety and critical acclaim as one of the better records of the past decade.

AI Could Enable Hip-Hop Artists To Be More Creative

Various artists have expressed reservations over AI. In an interview with Converse, Tyler, the Creator, stated, “None of the examples that I’ve seen are beautiful art. I’m fully not into it because you can’t NFT me looking at you in real life right now.” Tyler brings up a valid point, as many argue that the rise of AI will have people even further out of touch with their inherent selves. Iconic music producer Rick Rubin discussed this trend on the Tim Ferriss podcast: “As an end, it doesn’t strike me as interesting. However, as a means, it could be helpful.”

Rubin’s perspective seems to best describe the future of AI in music. It will streamline the creative process for artists, allowing them to formulate their baseline ideas for a piece of art more efficiently. This will allow creatives to spend more time throwing around ideas rather than revising and editing tracks in Ableton or Logic. In a genre that can be riddled with repetitive ideas, AI’s advancement should encourage hip-hop to be more boundary-pushing. However, the threat of how far AI will continue to progress looms for creatives.

[via][via]

All About LSU’s Angel Reese

by

The Louisiana State University Tiger’s women’s basketball team defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85 this past Sunday to claim their first NCAA women’s basketball national championship. The game had the highest viewership of any women’s college basketball event in history, with an average of 9.9 million viewers. Much of this was due to the excitement surrounding star players Angel Reese of LSU and Caitlin Clark of Iowa. Both players were recognized as two of the best in the nation, yet Reese came out on top, as she contributed 15 points, ten rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block during the game.

Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Controversy

DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers reacts towards Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Along with her outstanding performance, Reese also made headlines for performing Clark’s “You Can’t See Me” taunt during the game. The gesture sparked controversy online as many fans speculated that there was “beef” between the two players. Reese responded to this outrage in her post-game interview. In reference to the backlash she received versus fans’ more positive reactions to Clark, Reese stated, “All year I was critiqued about who I was. … I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all year. But when other people do it, y’all say nothing.”

Reese also posted a picture of the gesture to her Twitter account after the game, which created even more buzz. Needless to say, Angel Reese has established herself as one of the country’s best women’s college basketball players and also created quite a few headlines for herself over the past week. Let’s look further into Angel Reese’s life and basketball career.

Family History

Angel Reese was born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland. Her mother, Angel, and her father, Michael, were collegiate basketball players. The elder Angel played for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, before embarking on a professional career in Luxembourg. Her father competed for both Boston College and Loyola (Maryland).

Basketball runs in Reese’s blood, as Angel’s younger brother, Julian, is also a collegiate basketball player for the University of Maryland. Her step-brother, Mikael Hopkins, played basketball at Georgetown and plays professionally in Italy. Her cousin, Jordan Hawkins, plays for the UConn Huskies men’s team and won a national championship this year.

High School Career

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 30: Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers during media day at 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four at the at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on March 29, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Angel Reese was a four-year varsity player in high school at basketball powerhouse St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. While in high school, Reese led St. Frances Academy to three consecutive Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) championships. During her time at St. Frances, Reese averaged 18 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists per game. The Baltimore Sun honored Reese as the Player of the Year in her junior and senior seasons from 2018-2020. In addition, ESPN listed Reese as the No. 2 ranked women’s basketball recruit in the nation for the 2020 recruiting class.

Reese finished her career at St. Frances Academy with the second-most career points scored in school history. The school retired her number 10 jersey number, and she was the first player to receive this honor in St. Frances’ history. Angel also played volleyball for the school and led the team to two IAAM championships. Reese also played for Team Takeover on the AAU circuit and helped the team win the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League championship in 2019.

Reese’s Time At The University of Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 03: Angel Reese #10 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Towson Tigers at Xfinity Center on December 3, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins /Getty Images)

Upon graduating high school, Angel Reese committed to the University of Maryland in her home state. She chose Maryland over offers from USC, South Carolina, Syracuse, and Tennessee. Reese’s relationship with Maryland’s head coach, Brenda Frese, significantly influenced her commitment. Reese became the highest-ranked recruit in the program’s history.

As a Freshman, Reese suffered a Jones Fracture in her foot that sidelined her from December 3rd to February 23rd. Despite this, she averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds in 15 games off the bench for Maryland. Angel earned Big Ten conference All-Freshman honors at the end of the season. In her Sophomore season, Reese assumed a much more significant role at Maryland, as she started 31 games for the Terrapins. Reese averaged 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game for the season, becoming the first women’s player at Maryland to average a double-double since 1975. Angel also led Maryland to the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA tournament, earning first-team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive team honors. The Associated Press also named Angel Reese as a third-team All-American.

Transfer To LSU

On April 5, 2022, Angel Reese entered the transfer portal hoping to join a team with a winning culture. Before deciding to commit to LSU, Reese took visits to South Carolina and Tennessee. On May 6, Angel officially committed to LSU and decided due to her trust in LSU’s coach Kim Mulkey and her desire to win a national championship. In her junior year with LSU, Reese became one of the nation’s best women’s basketball players.

In her first season at LSU this year, Reese broke LSU’s record for consecutive double-doubles. She also broke the single-game rebounding record with 28 rebounds in a single game. On February 16, 2023, she recorded a career-high 36 points and also contributed 20 rebounds in a game against Ole Miss. She finished the season averaging 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game.

As mentioned, Reese led LSU to their first national championship in women’s basketball this year. Angel received the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Additionally, Reese earned unanimous first-team All-American, first-team All-SEC, and SEC All-Defensive Team honors.

Reese’s Off-Court Personality & Successes

Angel Reese has been nicknamed the “Bayou Barbie” due to her personality and style away from the basketball court. Her success as an athlete has also led to many NIL deals, allowing college athletes to be paid for their likenesses by outside companies. Reese has NIL deals with companies such as Amazon, XFinity, Outback Steakhouse, Wingstop, and the fashion brand Coach. After receiving her deal from Coach, Reese gave bags to her LSU teammates. Angel Reese will not be eligible to enter the WNBA draft until 2024, yet her recent successes and captivating off-the-court personality excite fans for her future.

Kanye West’s “College Dropout” Songs Ranked, Best to Worst

by

Kanye West has made legendary contributions to music and pop culture, whether you like him or not. His influence over the years has been evident. Before his anti-Semitic tirades and anti-Black remarks, he built an incredible discography. West’s debut album, 2004’s The College Dropout, is an all-time classic and arguably consists of some of the greatest hip hop songs ever made. The story behind the album can be seen in the jeen-yuhs documentary on Netflix about Kanye’s rise to fame.

The College Dropout’s tracklist boasts gorgeous soul samples, legendary features, and some of the best rapping from Kanye. The album was the first glimpse of West’s artistic greatness on a major level before he went on to push musical boundaries. HotNewHipHop has previously compiled lists about The College Dropout era Kanye, but this latest piece is about ranking the entire tracklist. While no bad songs are on the project, this list ranks The College Dropout tracks from best to worst, excluding the skits. 

14. “The New Workout Plan”

“The New Workout Plan” is at the bottom of this list for obvious reasons. It is not meant to be taken seriously and is pretty funny to listen to. It is a fun song that uses a fitness regimen as its base, and the skits in the middle are entertaining. Although Kanye raps well on the song, it ranks at the bottom lyrically, in my opinion. The instrumental is well-produced, and the hook is catchy. However, I don’t believe it is better than other songs on The College Dropout because the production and rapping are not on par with the quality of the album’s superior tracks. The song is still legendary is carries on its legacy as J. Cole made great use of the ending on “Work Out.”

13. “Family Business”

Yet another great track, “Family Business” discusses fundamental interactions between relatives and the pain that struggling families often endure. Even when tackling such a difficult subject, Kanye melodically raps his lyrics over an ethereal beat. The chorus consists of fantastic contributions from many different vocalists. Though it is a good song, it doesn’t rank among the album’s best because the rapping and production from Kanye are better than other tracks. It should not go unnoticed, and Travis Scott incorporated “Family Business” on “90210.”

12. “Last Call”

West was among the first rappers to have an outro that acted like the closing credits on a film. The twelve-minute closer, “Last Call,” consists of Kanye telling the story of his come-up by speaking on his beginnings as an artist. The song has a great beat produced by both Kanye and Evidence, and although it is a standout, it is quite long. Kanye talks through most of it, which is why it is ranked toward the bottom. “Last Call” influenced artists such as J. Cole and Logic, as they have made their own “Last Calls,” taking inspiration from this song. 

11. “Through the Wire”

The story behind Kanye West’s breakout single “Through the Wire” is iconic. West was in a car crash and broke his jaw. He ended up recording the song with his jaw wired shut, so the vocals sound strange compared to other tracks. The title is a clever play of its sample: Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire.” Kanye’s flow on the song is nice and makes for an enjoyable track. The beat and lyrics are great, but I believe it is legendary more for the backstory than the song itself.

10. “We Don’t Care”

“We Don’t Care” sets the tone for the rest of The College Dropout. The song is the right amount of seriousness and sarcasm the group of children sings about “drug dealing just to get by” in the chorus. It is an excellent song with great verses, a catchy hook, and a gorgeous instrumental. It may not pack a punch like other tracks on the album that have significantly better rapping, but “We Don’t Care” is a phenomenal opener that prepares listeners for the album’s soulful sound, as well as Kanye’s signature rap style.

9. “Spaceship” (feat. GLC & Consequence)

“Spaceship” is a story about Kanye being tokenized while working at the Gap store, dreaming of moving on to greater things. The down-tempo, Marvin Gaye-sampling beat is nice and soulful. Kanye’s singing voice sounds great on the hook. The appearances from GLC and Consequence are exemplary verses but do not match the quality of Kanye’s songwriting and the album’s other features.

8. “School Spirit”

“School Spirit” fully embraces the theme of The College Dropout as Kanye raps about his dissatisfaction with school. In this song, Kanye playfully raps about dropping out to pursue his dreams as a musician. The song features a beautiful sample of Aretha Franklin’s “Spirit in the Dark” that only got cleared if the song was censored. Even with the censorship on the explicit version, “School Spirit” is a fantastic song with a catchy chorus that perfectly combines the album’s themes.

7. “Jesus Walks”

“Jesus Walks” is nothing short of legendary. The verses contain quotable bars and stellar production, sampling Curtis Mayfield and the ARC Choir. It is one of Kanye’s best lyrical moments, looking inward at his own faith but also outward to a world of struggles. It was the first song of its kind and featured the vocoder sound that Kanye would heavily incorporate in his following albums. West would also go on to make more music centered around his Christian faith, but those never fully captured the magic of “Jesus Walks.”

6. “Two Words” (feat. Mos Def, Freeway & The Harlem Boys Choir)

The College Dropout is a project full of moments, and “Two Words” is one of the album’s greatest. The sample combined with guitar and orchestral sounds on the instrumental brings intensity to the song. This is matched by the incredible verses from Mos Def, Kanye, and Freeway. The three stick to a “two-word” structure for their verses, but each delivers a unique style. The vocals from the Harlem Boys Choir toward the end make for the ideal ending to a flawless song. 

5. “Breathe In Breathe Out” (feat. Ludacris)

Though he only performs on the hook, Ludacris is the perfect feature for this song as he matches Kanye’s clever wordplay over the anthemic horns. The beat is one of the more minimal instrumentals on the album. In his verse, Kanye raps with this confident attitude that is only really captured in his earlier albums. His flow and animated rap style seem so effortless. Of course, one cannot talk about this song without mentioning the iconic “Ph.D.” line, one of the funniest punchlines in rap history.

4. “Slow Jamz” (feat. Twista & Jamie Foxx)

“Slow Jamz” is one of the more relaxed songs on The College Dropout, but it is one of the best songs on the album. Jamie Foxx’s catchy hook sets things off right over the Luther Vandross sample, while Kanye’s verse is lighthearted. There is also the iconic “Michael Jackson” lyric that always entertains listeners. Twista’s rapid-fire flow is a unique approach to the relaxed soul of the song but is equally as captivating as Kanye’s verse and Jamie’s hook.

3. “Never Let Me Down” (feat. JAY-Z & J-Ivy)

Kanye’s ascent started with his production credits on JAY-Z’s The Blueprint. Aside from 2002’s “The Bounce,” “Never Let Me Down” was among the first tracks where the two shared verses. The natural chemistry between the rappers on this song paved the way for Watch The Throne. On undeniably one of the best beats on the album, Kanye spits one of his most emotional verses. Meanwhile, Jay raps two amazing verses, and J-Ivy steals the show with a spoken-word poem, making the song even more powerful. The soulful beat with the looped hook is plenty catchy but is brought to life by the choir at the song’s end.

2. “Get Em High” (feat. Talib Kweli & Common)

“Get Em High” consists of Kanye’s best flows on the entire album and some of his finest rhyming. Kanye’s flow is arguably his most skilled on this song as he effortlessly “catches the beat.” The instrumental has the signature Kanye bounce and is the perfect soundtrack for all three rappers to transition between verses seamlessly. Both Talib Kweli and Common showed up to rap and approached the track differently. Kweli’s verse, in particular, really steals the show.

1. “All Falls Down” (feat. Syleena Johnson)

“All Falls Down” is one of the greatest songs that Kanye West has ever made. The production is top-notch and includes amazing vocals from Syleena Johnson. It is a timeless song that includes some of Kanye’s most significant verses as he showcases some of his wittiest one-liners while also telling a sincere story about materialism and consumerism. He flows so smoothly over the beautiful acoustic guitar. Kanye’s initially performed the song on Def Poetry Jam before making it into a classic.

Overall, ranking songs on The College Dropout is not easy. There are no bad tracks, which speaks to its greatness as a hip hop classic. The “worst” songs on this album are still some of Kanye’s best work.

A Look at Eazy-E’s Children Today

by

Eazy-E is a West Coast Hip-Hop legend best known for his time with the rap group N.W.A. along with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and MC Ren. Tragically, Eazy-E passed away in 1995 at age 30 after he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. His short bout with the disease shocked fans, and before anyone knew it, the world collectively grieved his loss. Before his untimely death, Eazy-E reportedly welcomed eleven children, and we’re looking at where they are today. Some are artists, and others have avoided the spotlight. Yet, they all carry on the late rapper’s legacy.

Eric & Erica Wright

Eazy-E’s son, Eric Wright, was born in 1984 and is professionally known as Lil Eazy-E. He followed in his father’s footsteps, currently works as a rapper, and is president of Rich & Ruthless Records. Eazy-E’s eldest daughter Erica was still a child when her father died. Not much is known of Erica’s professional career; however, in 2019, she worked to get her father’s tombstone changed. Erica had known for most of her life that the birth year on Eazy-E’s tombstone was wrong. She worked with Tim Morris of Yakima Valley headstone company in 2019 to fix the headstone and hosted a public event to unveil the new look.

Marquise & Henree Wright

Eazy-E’s son Marquise was born on February 14, 1990. He is known as Yung Eazy and followed his father’s path as he pursued a career as a rapper. Marquise made controversial remarks on Instagram regarding his father’s death, as he accused the former Death Row Records CEO, Suge Knight, of injecting his father with HIV and thus killing him. He believed that the timing of his father’s death aligned with a studio incident between Suge Knight and Eazy-E, as Eazy-E did not get sick until afterward. Marquise also pointed to a Knight interview with Jimmy Kimmell that he felt implicated Suge as the murderer of his father.

Eazy-E’s daughter Henree Cheron Wright was also born in 1990, to Eazy-E and Kelly Faultersack Robinson. Henree is a rapper and is professionally known as ReeMarkable. She has also appeared on the reality show Growing up Hip-Hop: Atlanta. ReeMarkable’s single “Don’t Stop” was released in 2021 and featured Uncle Luke. She is also a popular figure on Instagram, as she has over 200,000 followers.

Ebie & Dominick Wright

Eazy E’s daughter, Erin Wright, was born in 1991. Erin legally changed her name to Ebie and was a star on the reality show Relatively Famous: Ranch Rules in 2007. She also helped produce a documentary about her father, exploring the theories surrounding his death. She works as a singer, actress, and entrepreneur. Eazy-E’s son, Dominick, was also born in 1991 to the rapper and Tomica Woods in Los Angeles, California. Along with Ebie, Dominick also decided to pursue a career in acting, and his most famous role was as Curtis in the 2015 film Mistaken.

Derrek & Daijah Wright

Eazy-E’s son Derrek began following his father’s career path at a young age as he began rapping at age eight. Derrek is professionally known as Baby Eazy-E or E3. As of 2022, he continues to make music. He was also reportedly featured in Eazy-E’s music video for “Only if You Want It” as a child. Meanwhile, Daijah was born to Eazy-E and Tomica Woods in 1996 and is the full sister of Dominick. Sadly, Eazy-E passed away six months before Daijah’s birth. She is currently an actress, rapper, and singer. Daijah’s most popular appearance on television was on the third season of Growing up Hip-Hop: Atlanta.

Raven, Elijah, & David Wright

Not much is known about Eazy-E’s children Raven, Elijah, and David. Eazy-E’s daughter Raven has kept a low profile throughout her life, and little is known about her career. She has never been pictured at celebrity gatherings or parties and has remained out of the limelight. Elijah is like Raven; he keeps a low profile, and little to nothing is known about his personal life. David is just as elusive, and not much can be found about him.

Legacy

Eazy-E’s children have kept his legacy alive, and some of his children, such as Eric, Marquise, Henree, Ebie, Dominick, Derrek, and Daijah, have also pursued careers in the arts. Many of the rap icon’s children are active on social media, and their music and contributions to film and television are available publicly. Despite Eazy-E’s early death at 30, he is loved by his children, and many of them, such as Erica, continue to make concerted efforts to ensure his legacy is respected and admired.

Is Post Malone In A Relationship?

by

Post Malone’s private life has fans pondering if he’s in a relationship, has a wife, or cruising solo. Though in a world as scandalous as Hollywood is, living under the radar works out for megastars like Post Malone. His social media feeds are starting to appear abandoned by photos from his performances filling up the layout. His 30+ million followers on social media don’t give the impression that they are bothered by his habitual casualness. However, fans should have deciphered the tiny messages about his personal life.

Last year, Posty mentioned a mysterious longtime partner who was carrying his child. “Yeah, I want to let her make her own decisions,” the rapper stated. “She’s my fiancée.” During the interview, Malone gushed about the monumental chapter in his life. The rapper couldn’t contain his happiness after seeing his daughter for the first time. He explained, “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and for as I could remember, I was sad. Time to take care of my bod,y and my family and friends, and spread as much [happiness] as we can every day.”

Post Malone’s Brief Relationship Timeline

Hard on the heels of his blowout success in 2014, Post Malone’s relationship status was a hot topic for a while. Then light shined on his relationship with Ashlen Diaz, whom he dated for a few years. However, their relationship had problems due to Malone’s busy schedule. Later, they sparked rumors about breaking up. In 2016, during his interview with The Breakfast Club, he confirmed the gossip. He said, “It’s tough having a balance, between dedicating my life to music and dedicating time for Ashley.” Post continued, “It’s tough because you want to get into the studio, you want to do as good music.” Malone ended with, “Sometimes you’re real busy.”

In 2019, his relationship with model Kano Shimpo was a short fling of three months. Their relationship, however, was under wraps during that time. But in 2020, Post Malone got into a sizzling romance with Korean singer MLMA. They were linked at events and seen publicly. They further appeared in photos of studio sessions and videos on social media. However, their relationship seemed to fizzle.

Who Is Post Malone’s Mysterious Girlfriend Jamie

At one time in 2020, some fans made it their responsibility to crack Post Malone’s private façade. Soon, they found information about a woman assumed to be Jamie, who was seen in a photo posted to Instagram. The account shared a picture of the alleged couple together at the airport, where the rapper was welcomed by fans. Another spotting occurred a year later when fans blew up a snapshot of the couple shopping in Los Angeles.

In August 2021, the “Congratulations” singer and Jamie had fans wondering about the seriousness of their relationship. It was further rumored that the pair were invited to his cousin’s wedding in New York. The couple looked jazzy and coordinated, with Post Malone rocking a black ensemble and Jamie’s elegant white dress. Additionally, Posty and his lady friend were spotted again in October 2021. The couple was seen with many friends at the Magic: The Gathering Cards event in Phoenix.

Post Malone Welcomes His Child To The World

Post Malone talks to radio star Howard Stern about his song lyrics, relationship, and daughter. (Source YouTube)

Full speed to 2022, Post Malone welcomes the arrival of his daughter. PEOPLE magazine reported he and his fiancée were proud parents, although Malone hasn’t named his soon-to-be bride publicly. In an interview with Howard Stern, the rapper spoke about his first interactions with his little girl. “I woke up at 2:30 in the afternoon. I went and I kissed my baby girl,” said Post. Stern replied, “Baby girl — are you referring to your girlfriend? Or, you have a baby?” The singer said, “No, that’s my daughter.” Throughout the interview, the rapper eventually the status of his relationship with Jamie. He said, “She’s my fiancée,” without expanding further on more details. Fans are left wondering if he plans to marry her soon or instead if he has already eloped. Check out more from Post Malone’s dating life above.

Brockhampton’s Albums & Mixtapes: Ranked

by

Brockhampton has undoubtedly solidified itself as the defining boy band of the Gen-Z generation. First meeting on a Kanye West fan forum, Brockhampton (named after the street Kevin Abstract grew up on) has one of the most tight-knit and impactful discographies to date. After releasing The Family and TM at the end of 2022, it seems that the band’s illustrious run has finally ended. Today, we rank Brockhampton’s nine studio albums from worst to best.

9. TM (2022)

Unfortunately, Brockhampton ended with a whimper rather than a bang. When you consider how out of touch numerous members of the group had been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t come as a surprise when fans were treated with the jaded, incomplete project that is TM. Rather than a cohesive experience, TM reads as a colorless collection of tracks that never made previous projects. That said, TM still features a collection of dark and gritty tracks that make it worth a listen. “MAN ON THE MOON” draws the listener in with twinkling synths featuring soothing vocals from Joba and Ryan Beatty. “FMG” toys with distorted synths and a grumbling 808 amidst menacing verses from Kevin Abstract and Dom McLennon. However, these highlights are an exception rather than a constant. Ultimately, TM comes from a group of artists who created the project out of obligation rather than creative freedom.

8. ALL-AMERICAN TRASH (2016)

Technically, this is Brockhampton’s first and only mixtape, ALL-AMERICAN TRASH. It set the groundwork for the Saturation trilogy that arrived a year later. The group came together at a run-down house in San Marcos, Texas, without pinpointing what they would create. Sharing rooms and spending their days creating music, it’s understandable that this project would come from a group of kids who haven’t yet developed creative chemistry.

ALL-AMERICAN TRASH tackled lo-fi, melodic soundscapes that walked a tightrope between hip-hop and soul. As a result, members such as Joba and Bearface have more pronounced appearances on the project. This included an impressive look on the blissful “HOME.” It’s hard to miss the Outkast influences on “MICHIGAN,” blending pitched-down synths with slapshot hi-hats. While there are a few worthy moments from the mixtape, there are far too many slow burners from a group trying too hard to fit into a creative mold.

7. The Family (2022)

The Family was released as a creative counterpart along TM at the end of 2022. While it was released under the name of Brockhampton, it’s essentially a Kevin Abstract album. The Family sees Abstract read from his journal, chronicling the events that led to the demise of hip-hop’s most beloved boyband. He’s brutally honest, stating, “I decided not to show up or show support ’cause I was tryna go solo before we went on tour” on the groovy “All That.”

There’s a bitter aftertaste to The Family. The gorgeous soul samples scream for a chorus from Matt Champion or an exhilarating verse from Merlyn. Abstract doesn’t have to say anything; the absence of the rest of the group (except for Bearface) says enough about where the group is. However, the sendoff is still lyrically touching. From the heart-wrenching outro track “Brockhampton” to the sun-seeking “Good Time,” The Family is an admirable effort from Abstract.

6. Iridescence (2018)

Brockhampton took a left turn after the smash success of the Saturation trilogy. After an exhausting world tour, the group took some time off before creating their most experimental project. Iridescence is a distorted collection of mosh-pit bangers created by a group that just wanted to get back to having fun making music. While it’s nowhere near their best work, the experimental vocal pitching and wild song structures become easier to enjoy with each listen.

However, Brockhampton bites off more than they can chew on much of their fifth record. The balance they achieved on Saturation III is out of whack, as its experimentation often seems directionless. Of course, this reality is understandable, considering the recent departure of frontman Ameer Vann. That said, there are occasional moments when the chaos finds its way through the clutter. “TONYA” is one of Brockhampton’s best songs, as the piano chord-ridden intro gradually morphs into a momentous banger. “J’OUVERT” and “NEW ORLEANS” expresses the group’s inner rage at the world around them.

5. Saturation (2017)

Brockhampton’s sudden progression from ALL-AMERICAN TRASH to Saturation left hip-hop fans dumbfounded. Leaping from lo-fi melodies to unapologetic bangers, the collective unequivocally found their sound on their first installment of the Saturation trilogy. After the group moved from San Marcos, Texas, to Los Angeles, they immediately worked on their debut album. As Bearface put it, “Music was being made all of the time. You could wake up at 6:00 a.m., and somebody would be making something.” The group’s endless labor would send waves across the US music scene.

From the braggadocios “GOLD” to the shimmering melodies on “SWIM,” there’s an overarching message of self-confidence. The production chops of the project are the stand-out element, as the lyricism is far more naive and cringeworthy than in their later works. However, Saturation stands out as Brockhampton’s most essential record, catapulting them from suburban streets to the limelight of Hollywood.

4. Ginger (2019)

Their fifth studio album, Ginger, was nowhere near the group’s initial plan for the record. Back in June 2019, Abstract told GQ, “We want to make a summer album.” Ten seconds into “No Halo,” this notion was promptly thrown out the window. Brockhampton struggles to navigate the world around them on Ginger, further expanding on the experimental sampling on Iridescence. In many ways, the record feels like a fully realized version of what Iridescence was meant to be.

Some of Brockhampton’s best tracks to date are on Ginger.’Joba screams out on “Dearly Departed” while Dom delivers his most heartfelt verse on the backend. “Boy Bye” is one of those tracks that will drive aspiring producers crazy; the plucky lead melodies and eclectic sampling make it a much-needed banger on a somber project. Ginger is top-heavy and occasionally meandering. However, undoubtedly, it’s another solid addition to their discography.

3. Saturation II (2017)

Released only two months after the first Saturation installment, Saturation II saw Brockhampton fully capitalize on its notoriety. Swiping away the notion that great music takes a long time to perfect, the project saw Brockhampton brush up on many subtle flaws in the first installment. The lyrics aren’t falsely self-indulgent, and the production feels far more poignant than ever. With the group in a creative flow, diving right back into Saturation II rather than sitting on Saturation proved wise.

Once again, Brockhampton is finding subtle ways to blend the worlds of Outkast and Frank Ocean. “Jesus” and “Summer” are gorgeous, while “Gummy” and “Tokyo” ditch the pretty boy act for wonky bangers. The chemistry had taken a notable leap, as members more frequently traded mid-verses bars. While Brockhampton’s discography never shied away from attacking dark subject matter, Saturation II remains their most gleeful project.

2. Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021)

The sixth project from Brockhampton, Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine was their most introspective record. Much of the narrative struggle is centered around Joba, who’s processing the tormented aftermath of his father’s suicide. “Does mental illness run in the family? Did you even care about me?” Joba asks these damning questions amid beats more subtle than what appeared on any of the Saturation projects. Roadrunner opts to package its messaging with quality rather than quality, coming in at 13 tracks.

Roadrunner is genre-bending and unpredictable from start to finish. “I’ll Take You On” brings in Charlie Wilson for background vocals on the lovesick and triumphant cut. “Buzzcut” sees Merlyn take the forefront, with Danny Brown delivering a feature. In fact, Roadrunner is the first project that sees Brockhampton incorporate features, a welcomed change to the scenery of their sound. Bouncing from soulful pop ballads to trap bangers, Roadrunner compacts everything great about Brockhampton.

1. Saturation III (2017)

Saturation III feels like a grandiose culmination, the creative prime of a group already at the top of the mountain. While previous projects often lacked a certain element, whether surface-level songwriting or wallpaper production styles, the final installment of the Saturation trilogy finally saw Brockhampton bring it all together. Excluding the brief interludes, the record only features 12 tracks, which aids in the cohesive nature of the record. Brockhampton’s pen game is at its peak on Saturation III. Ameer, Dom, and Merlyn have improved on all fronts. This is especially notable on bangers such as “Boogie” and “Bleach.”

In many ways, “TEAM” feels like the perfect send-off, as it symbolically blends the two contrasting sides of Brockhampton. Bearface is once again the outro star, as his harrowing vocals are layered with a screeching electric guitar. In summary, every member is given room to shine.

PnB Rock’s Death: What We Know

by

PnB Rock’s death shook the internet. Rakim Allen, a rapper from Philadelphia, was best known for his album TrapStar Turnt Popstar, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He was also in the 2017 class of XXL Freshmen. However, on September 12, 2022, PnB Rock died in a fatal shooting at Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles in Los Angeles. As news of his death spread, many of his colleagues in the music industry sent their condolences. Meanwhile, a heated argument about who was to blame erupted on social media. 

Suspects Arrested

Two weeks after the fatal robbery, police in Los Angeles arrested two people. One of the suspects, a teen, was arrested and charged with murder. The other suspect, Shauntel Trone, 32, was apprehended on accusations of being an accessory to murder. Additionally, the police said that a man named Freddie Lee Trone was also a suspect and asked the public to help them find him. The authorities later charged the trio, naming Freddie as the teen’s father and Shauntel as the boy’s stepmother. PnB Rock’s murder investigation is delving deep into his past, allegedly because cops believe this was more than simply a random theft. Instead, it may have been an orchestrated killing by an enemy. Although there are still more questions than answers about the death of the rap star, this is all we know about it so far.

PnB Rock Shot: Drama Unfolds On Social Media

Following PnB Rock’s death, people argued about the location tag on his girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang’s social media post. It was alleged that PnB’s killer may have used it to find him and reminded the public of the slaying of Pop Smoke in 2020. The late rapper was shot during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills. People also think his killers found out where he was through an Instagram post that accidentally gave away his rental address. Several men were arrested in that case and are pending trial.

Hip Hop Reacts

Meanwhile, Cardi B and DJ Akademiks didn’t want to blame PnB Rock’s death on anyone else. “I highly doubt nikkas was looking at PMB’s babymom IG. He was in a bad location and people stay outside plotting,” Cardi said. “It is very careless and rude to blame her for something so terrible. At this time, we should send her and his family nothing but love.” Akademiks also stated, “A lot of people are sad about PNB Rock’s death, and everyone is passing the buck except the nigga who actually killed him. He died because a bunch of jerks decided to rob him and take his life.”

Nicki Minaj also joined the conversation but had a different take. “After Pop Smoke there’s no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????! He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus.” Kodak Black reacted to the news by saying that PnB Rock’s fiancée was to blame for his death. “PnB was my boy, and last night I was OTP with them! We’re talking about him coming back out and popping his junk in this rap shite… This hoe might as well kill itself.”

PnB Rock Discussed Being A Target

A few days before he died, PnB Rock talked about how he felt he was being targeted by his foes. During an interview with Akademiks in September 2022, Rock said he felt like someone was tailing him and his family around L.A. “I be trying to be cool because you don’t want to be nervous,” he said. “You want to be as calm as possible.” The rapper further stated that robberies targeting rappers were “very regular” in Los Angeles. He told Akademiks that he didn’t go to places like nightclubs because “gangsters” would be looking for him there. He also said, “I’m not going to put myself in that situation because I know what happens.”

PnB Rock also talked about how, since his brother died, he has become more careful. “Since then, I’ve been moving in a different way,” he said. After PnB Rock’s death, Akademiks tweeted: “Wow.. this PNB Rock scenario crazy… I just did an interview with him a week ago, and he told me that someone tried to rob him in LA while he was out with his girlfriend and daughter.” He added, “Pray for PNB Rock, please.”

Girlfriend Reveals Her Struggles After Rapper’s Death

Stephanie Sibounheuang, who was dating PnB Rock, has taken to Instagram to share her grief. She detailed being next to him during the shooting and Rock pushing her to safety. It’s clear that Stephanie’s loss has been monumental, especially as she navigates life as a newly single mother. Further, Stephanie explained that Rock didn’t have life insurance or a will, making financial assistance difficult. The investigation into the suspects involved is ongoing. It is unclear when a trial can be expected.

Via