MSCHF, which is Mischief without the vowels, is an art collective based out of New York City. The collective has a long-standing history of trolling consumer culture, specifically by selling consumer goods. Known for such releases as the shoe collaboration with Lil Nas X, and the Nike Satan Shoes. Which allegedly were made with real human blood. As well as Jimmy Fallon’s Gobstomper sneakers last summer, which were, “designed to be destroyed.” A few months later, they put out a medical boot. Why? The project was described as an homage to the fact that “industries with little to no regard for aesthetics designing objects for utilitarian purposes churn out bangers like no one else.”
To add to their long line of consumer products for consumerism’s sake they have released items such as a MSCHF defibrillator “to fix your literal broken heart.” As well as a collection of AI-generated foot pics. With the tagline “this foot does not exist.” The collective has even gone so far as to have made Birkenstocks out of Birkin Bags, sold a box of cereal containing one big Fruit Loop, and created an ATM leaderboard that tracks and ranks the checking account balance of anyone who uses it. As of December 2022, Diplo was No. 1 with $3,004,913.06.
The Big Red Boots Are Unveiled
Image via MSCHF
On February 16th, the brand released its latest product. A shoe destined to go viral: MSCHF’s big red boots, aptly named the Big Red Boot. They are made of TPU rubber and an EVA mid-outsole and take design cues from a video game. A press release for the shoe read, “Cartoonishness is an abstraction that frees us from the constraints of reality,” the release continued, “If you kick someone in these boots, they go boing!” The artist collective known for its subversive creations, stated, “Big red boots are really not shaped like feet, but they are extremely shaped like boots.”
Each boot weighs about three and a half pounds bringing the total weight for the pair to a whopping seven pounds. Even more astounding than the weight of the boots, was the rollout of the shoes. Leading up to New York Fashion Week, they were spotted everywhere among a multitude of celebrities. From Instagram models and TikTok grandpas to the Barclays center during Coi Leray’s halftime show. Photos of artist Diplo emerged wearing the Big Red Boots at a Knicks game. They were even spotted on WWE’s Seth Rollins, as he kicked another wrestler in the face while wearing the Big Red Boots. Basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore them to the arena before a game and even Janelle Monae wore them to shoot hoops.
Once NYFW began, the boots became the new “it” accessory. Not surprisingly of course. Brands typically give celebrities and models articles of specific clothing and/or accessories to wear, as a marketing technique. MSCHF was no different with their Big Red Boots. They were spotted by celebrities and street style stars all over Fashion Week. Street-style photographer Phil Oh captured them on various stars. American singer/songwriter Dorian Electra styled them with a graphic coat, and mini skirt to fully show the shoes and donned a matching beret. Model Sarah Snyder paired the boots with a glossy red skirt and white tights; TikTok star and model Wisdom Kaye decided to style them with athletic shorts. No matter how they were worn the statement boots were styled to be the focal point.
Though the boots are rather unusual and even more impractical to wear, it’s been quite interesting to see how quickly the world was taken by storm by them. Upon being released on the 16th of February, the Big Red Boots were sold out in minutes. Leading to the site crashing shortly thereafter. Upon selling out, they were then listed on resale sites ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. Almost quadruple the original selling price of $350. The debate on the shoes has been as interesting as the shoes themselves. Some say the brand, and specifically the boots, are a social experiment–slash–experiential art project. While many others still have said the real art is the whole spectacle of releasing such a shoe. The reaction to the boots, the reaction to that reaction, the realization that it’s not just about boots, and the simultaneous truth that they are, in fact, just boots.
MSCHF as a collective seems to continuously roll out products that raise eyebrows. They have an interesting and complex understanding of how consumerism and over-saturation seemingly go hand in hand these days. This was made overtly apparent in the case of the Big Red Boots. While the MSCHF may appear cartoonish, the art collective is entirely serious about its release. In an interview with the New York Times, they rejected the idea that the boots were a joke. “It’s not a satire,” MSCHF said in a statement to The New York Times, after declining to be interviewed. “But what’s interesting is that we’re at a moment in time where it doesn’t have to be.”
When it comes to the music industry, a healthy and supportive label can mean the difference between stardom and failure. Sure, most of the immediate attention around a hot new song or album concerns the artist that created it. However, labels often help these creators get to that point of success, whether through financial support or through keen mentorship. Over time, many record companies build a stacked catalog of either varied stars or a tightly curated sound. Still, much conversation around labels these days (especially the most successful ones) concerns how they might mistreat, exploit, or fail to properly compensate their roster. Many within hip-hop could relate to that experience, and thus chose to take matters into their own hands.
Perhaps more than in any other genre, rappers and producers quickly cemented their industry legacy in various ways. Many of the biggest rap stars of all time either spearheaded their labels, started their own, or made huge business moves to become entrepreneurs within the music world. Great labels can inspire change, provide employment opportunities, and create a space of community and support within a volatile industry. Of course, things don’t always pan out perfectly, but many labels in the rap game etched themselves into its history books for reasons larger than the sum of their sometimes controversial parts.
To celebrate Black History Month, we compiled a list of some of the most iconic Black-founded hip-hop labels. A few notes before the list begins in no particular order. First, this list includes record labels which were founded or co-founded by Black artists, entrepreneurs, producers, etc. Of course, many of these labels have parent companies; in other words, the larger music group conglomerate that distributes its releases. Still, these labels appear on the list because at one point in time or another, they represented (or represent) independence, creativity, artistic progression, commercial success or stability, community, innovation, or some or all of the above. We’ll also include some notable releases from each label, although there are many, many more iconic releases than what we’ve listed for each group.
There are too many iconic hip-hop labels to summarize perfectly in one list. So, with that said, let us know in the comments down below which are some of the most impactful Black-owned labels in your opinion, whether in hip-hop or beyond. Also, we recommend you search for independent record labels in your area of interest, as they can yield incredible and undiscovered talent. It’s that next generation of Black artists, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and creatives that will continue to redefine the music industry. With all that said, let’s take a look at some of the biggest labels in hip-hop history.
Sugar Hill Records
Kicking off this list is, arguably, the label that started it all. Sugar Hill Records is responsible for some of the most essential and groundbreaking records in old school hip-hop in every metric. Sylvia Robinson founded this label with her husband Joe in 1986, along with Milton Madden and funding from Roulette Records. Sylvia already found artistic success in the 1950s and stepped into more of a producer role the next decade. With Grammy Award-winning experience working with Ike and Tina Turner, she created much of the blueprints for hip-hop’s pillars we take for granted today. She released the first rap single to dominate the charts and sell over a million copies with The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” (controversy aside). Also, she highlighted more established hip-hop acts like the legendary Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, who popularized the DJ as a musician and promoted social consciousness within their messaging.
With other artists like The Funky 4 + 1 and The Treacherous Three, Sylvia and Joe built one of the most successful and significant independent labels of its time in a few years. Unfortunately, Sugar Hill is now defunct following a distribution deal with MCA Records. While much of Sylvia’s work and talent went uncredited, she’s considered one of, if not the godmother of hip-hop. Much of Sugar Hill’s records are incredible distillations of what we know as rap today, and they set the groundwork for future independent companies from an artistic and business-minded standpoint. Hip-hop was born years before Sugar Hill, but Sylvia and Joe were among the first forces to stamp it in the music industry and commercial pop culture at large.
Notable Releases – “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) – The Sugarhill Gang – Sugarhill Presents the Sequence (1980) – The Sequence – The Message (1982) – Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – Drop The Bomb (1982) – Trouble Funk – “Whip It” (1983) – The Treacherous Three
Bad Boy Records
When Sean “Diddy” Combs was fired from his A&R job at Uptown Records, he knew that his skill at curation and ear for quality hip-hop couldn’t be squandered. As such, he founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, one of the most successful hip-hop labels of all time. To start, their catalog of artists represents titans of hip-hop and R&B in the ‘90s and 2000s. Faith Evans, The LOX, Craig Mack, Mase, Diddy himself, producers like Easy Mo Bee, Yung Joc, and of course the legendary Biggie Smalls. Sure, it had its ups and downs in its 30-year history, but the Bad Boy collective carved their name into East Coast hip-hop like few other labels have. In fact, although their output is more reserved, they continue to release significant albums in the music landscape.
Most recently, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, among a heap of additional critical and fan acclaim. Meanwhile, the label represents one of the most notable genre crossover artists in Machine Gun Kelly, whose latest album Mainstream Sellout saw much commercial success as well. With all that said, Bad Boy Records successfully shifted its focus across its history, and laid the groundwork for one of hip-hop’s billionaires. Diddy’s industry success, and the legacies of the rest of the Bad Boy crew, transcended far beyond label boundaries. Still, one can’t help but imagine what Bad Boy could’ve been if tragic events hadn’t marked its history so deeply. Much of the discussion around the label in the ‘90s concerned a rivalry with another imprint that caused a seismic shift in the genre, on the other side of the country.
Notable Releases – Ready To Die (1994), Life After Death (1997) – The Notorious B.I.G. – Faith (1995) – Faith Evans – Money, Power & Respect (1998) – The LOX – Dirty Computer (2018) – Janelle Monáe – Mainstream Sellout (2022) – Machine Gun Kelly
Death Row Records
When it comes to West Coast rap, few labels are as well-known, influential, and notorious as Death Row. Founded by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, Dick Griffey, and The D.O.C. in 1991, the label became home to some of the most influential West Coast records of all time. Their first record was Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, which took G-funk to new heights and established the careers of label artists like Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Daz Dillinger. What followed were some of the most successful and beloved rap albums of the time, especially after they signed 2Pac in 1995. Also, the sheer popularity and gritty glamor of the collective’s aesthetic, their movement, and their public personas influenced rappers for decades to come. Even more so after their beef with Bad Boy Records, Death Row was as much of a philosophy as it was a brand.
However, that philosophy ended up becoming dangerous. Multiple losses on both sides, such as Pac and Biggie, meant tragic outcomes for both camps. In Death Row’s case, they didn’t fully recover after the conflict, as there were already internal battles between Dre, Pac, and the label executives. Despite its murky history, the label released art that impacted millions, regardless of the circumstances of its creation. In fact, Snoop Dogg recently bought the label from MNRK Music Group last year, so perhaps there will be a different ending to the Death Row story. As many other labels have done, maybe a new generation of Death Row artists will sidestep the label’s past struggles and capitalize on the music that made it truly special.
Notable Releases – The Chronic (1992) – Dr. Dre – Doggystyle (1993) – Snoop Dogg – “Regulate” (1994) – Warren G & Nate Dogg – All Eyez On Me (1996) – 2Pac – BODR (2022) – Snoop Dogg
Ruthless Records
Before Death Row, however, there was Ruthless Records. Eazy-E founded the label in 1987 alongside Jerry Heller. What started out as recordings in Eazy’s parents’ garage became some of the most influential tracks and albums in West Coast hip-hop. Through close collaboration and a relentless desire to do things their way, artists like N.W.A forged monumental careers. While internal discussions and money eventually got in the way of its key members, their influence during those days established them as leaders of the West Coast. Dr. Dre went on to co-found Death Row, and Ice Cube founded Street Knowledge Records, now known as Lench Mob. During this time, a lot of label turmoil was still being figured out in hip-hop, but it didn’t stop anyone from putting out impactful music.
Still, the Ruthless roster stands among many other West Coast pioneers who also contributed to the scene’s success. What makes this label special are its impressive and distant bookends. First, the gritty depictions of street life, hard-hitting production, and gangster attitudes that radicalized late ‘80s hip-hop. Then came Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in the mid ‘90s, who themselves laid some of the groundwork for the most popular sounds of today. The Ohio group not only proved Eazy-E had the vision to lead Ruthless to other scenes and movements in hip-hop, but were also one of the first to pioneer trap music in its prototypical stages. Perhaps Death Row gets a bit more name recognition these days, but Ruthless remains arguably one of the most enduringly influential labels in hip-hop history.
Notable Releases – Straight Outta Compton (1988) – N.W.A – Eazy Duz It (1988) – Eazy-E – No One Can Do It Better (1989) – The D.O.C. – Michel’le (1989) – Michel’le – E. 1999 Eternal (1995) – Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
Cash Money Records
Our first Southern representative on this list was founded by two brothers, Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams. With a desire to overcome poverty from rough upbringings, the label became the genre’s biggest revolution in years. In its early days, Cash Money established itself thanks to keen curation, which turned the streets’ favorites into hit artists. With a few years of experience under their belt, they signed Lil Wayne and Juvenile in 2006, and would go on to include Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jacquees, DJ Khaled, and many more (under Young Money, a later imprint of Cash Money started by Lil Wayne). Albums were selling millions of copies and many of these projects ended up defining much of the 2000s bling era. Weezy, for example, is just as well-known for his mixtape series as he is for his classic albums.
Of course, eventually Cash Money’s biggest players ended up moving on. Wayne in particular had a lot of issues with Birdman surrounding the release of Tha Carter V, and a lot of those label tensions could’ve boiled over into other careers. Nicki Minaj, for example, is on Lil Wayne’s Young Money label, which used to be an imprint and later partner of Cash Money (or YMCMB). Regardless of how things have shifted, Cash Money continues this list’s trend of influential labels defining how future ones could operate. Birdman even played a hand in the rise of artists like Young Thug, who not only has beef with his idol Lil Wayne but created a whole generation of clones of his own. Many of today’s most traveled roads in rap were paved by the sound Cash Money championed.
Notable Releases – 400 Degreez (1998) – Juvenile – 5 * Stunna (2007) – Birdman – Tha Carter III (2008) – Lil Wayne – Pink Friday (2011) – Nicki Minaj – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (2015) – Drake
No Limit Records
No Limit’s history slightly mirrors that of Cash Money, at least at first glance. Similar come-up in 1991, reached mainstream success from the mid ’90s to the 2000s, and so on. Percy “Master P” Miller started to sell his recordings through a small storefront, seeking out and signing local California talent. However, given he’s from New Orleans, the sound of No Limit was something more new from the jump. Eventually the label relocated to his home city in Louisiana in 1995, and found more MCs hungry to succeed. Within two years, No Limit was one of the more commercially successful labels of the moment. They dropped movie soundtracks and signed the one and only Snoop Dogg after his Death Row exit.
While No Limit’s music wasn’t a critical darling, its artists were so prolific and idiosyncratic that they connected with audiences in a way few other rap labels could. Though all good things came to an end, they represented yet another fresh take on the game. At the time, there was still had a bit of binary bias between West and East. While No Limit is no more, it lives on through No Limit Forever Records, founded by P’s son Romeo Miller. Their groovy, raw, and relentless run of albums in the ‘90s and 2000s was quite impressive as a new player. Also, dozens of rappers have spoken on how Master P shaped their consumption of the art form. During a time in which labels seem to want to put more music out than ever, perhaps No Limit set a blueprint for how artists could make that supply and demand work.
Notable Releases – The Shocker (1996) – Silkk the Shocker – Ghetto D (1997) – Master P – Tru 2 da Game (1997) – TRU – Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998) – Snoop Dogg – Mama Drama (1998) – Mia X
Def Jam Recordings
Of all the labels on this list, Def Jam might be the broadest selection, the most difficult to talk about, and the hardest to summarize in two paragraphs. After linking with producer Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons built upon some of his industry experience to build an empire. Early signees included some of hip-hop’s most impactful innovators: Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and The Beastie Boys. Then came Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, Redman, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Big Sean, Frank Ocean, Pusha T, and so many more. Artists either formed gargantuan careers starting off in Def Jam or have arrived at it as established superstars. The sheer variety of genres and styles, the businesses it’s directly and indirectly created, and its broad influence is outstanding.
However, with such a wide pool, you’re bound to have some sharks in the water. In many ways, Def Jam’s size and versatility emphasizes everything a label can be. It can be freeing, restrictive, personal, cold, rewarding, unforgiving, the best thing to happen to your career, the music business screwing you over, or all those things at once. In fact, Simmons is no longer even on the board as executive due to various accusations of sexual assault. Despite that, this label gave artists the experience and infrastructure knwoledge to excel independently, at least in some cases. Even with excitement around Def Jam disappearing with time and context, many of its artists are still invigorating and inspirational. No matter who you are, odds are that you will find something that moves you on this label’s discography.
Notable Releases – Radio (1985) – LL Cool J – Licensed To Ill (1986) – The Beastie Boys – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) – Public Enemy – The Blueprint (2001) – Jay-Z – It’s Almost Dry (2022) – Pusha T
Top Dawg Entertainment
One of the top labels right now was founded almost twenty years ago. In 2003, after six years producing, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffifth met a then-15-year-old Compton rapper named Kedrick Lamar. Eventually, TDE became a proper label with the help of Terrence “Punch” Henderson in 2004 and first started seeing commercial success thanks to successful mixtapes from Jay Rock. Soon after, Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q joined, leading the four MCs to form Black Hippy in 2009. With later signees including SZA, Isaiah Rashad, and most recently Doechii, TDE represents commercially successful but artistically progressive hip-hop. For example, many consider Kendrick Lamar one of the greatest to ever do it. Now that he’s exited the label, they might wonder where they go from here.
Well, so far, the incredible success and acclaim behind albums like SZA’s SOS, Zay’s The House Is Burning, and Ab-Soul’s Herbert quell all doubts of quality discographies coming through. Moreover, Doechii became one of the XXL Freshmen of 2022 and is one of the most beloved rising MCs. While some labels fall to either complete lack of notable output or too much infighting, TDE focused on its artistry. Of course, it hasn’t dodged those industry pitfalls, as release conflicts from behind the scenes, accusations of “mid” on the Internet, and the fact that TDE releases take a while still affect the label. However, for what it’s worth, they might have the highest batting average here and inspire many other independent labels.
Notable Releases – Control System (2012) – Ab-Soul – Oxymoron (2014) – ScHoolboy Q – To Pimp A Butterfly (2015) – Kendrick Lamar – Ctrl (2017) – SZA – The House Is Burning (2021) – Isaiash Rashad
Dreamville Records
Next up is TDE’s biggest competition, although they actually feel more like kindred spirits. J. Cole founded Dreamville in 2007 with manager Ibrahim Hamad. Cole wanted to put music out, Hamad wanted to start a label, and within seven years they released the label’s first group mixtape Revenge of the Dreamers after Cole’s mainstream success. While their roster is often compared to TDE’s, they certainly shine as a unified label with just as much talent. Bas, Ari Lennox, JID, and EARTHGANG are just a few of the charismatic creators that push Dreamville forward today. Cole continues to do incredible things, but just like TDE, the newest names are the most exciting thing about it.
JID reached rap royalty with 2022’s The Forever Story, which established him as a leader after already proving his skills. Much of the roster is entering what many would call their veteran years, but their music remains fresh and unencumbered. Let’s not forget their recent Gangsta Grillz tape with DJ Drama, which proves they can dominate on the home court or in another city. Dreamville also has a Foundation in Fayetteville, North Carolina that helped many of its community members through rough times. While many labels often engage in charitable endeavors and extracurriculars like film soundtracks and business deals, few artists come off as genuine, well-mentored, and prepared to take on those responsibilities as Dreamville’s artists do.
Notable Releases – 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014) – J. Cole – Milky Way (2018) – Bas – Shea Butter Baby (2019) – Ari Lennox – Mirrorland (2019) – EARTHGANG – The Forever Story (2022) – JID
Griselda Records
Finally in this list, we have Griselda, the independent Buffalo, New York label with one of the most prolific and quality discographies in recent memory. Founded in 2021 by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Mach-Hommy, the label was inspired by their experiences with drug dealing, their focused artistic visions, desire for independence, and building off of rap innovators like Roc Marciano. With the help of rapper Benny the Butcher and in-house producer Daringer, they cultivated a rebirth of hardcore hip-hop. Their beats feel incredibly atmospheric, gritty, and menacing, like the best grimy East Coast boom-bap of the 1990s. Their aesthetic creativity and business acumen in many areas has given each member an illustrious career of their own.
Speaking of Griselda’s roster, it includes the aforementioned wordsmiths plus some of the most respected MCs working today. There’s Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Armani Caesar, Jay Worthy, YN Billy, and Stove God Cooks. In fact, you can count the current Griselda roster with both hands. Even with Conway’s amicable departure, any one of those nine could likely body an average label roster today. Griselda is more than just a label in people’s minds. It’s almost more of a hivemind or a genre at this point. Few labels ever in hip-hop have been so easily identifiable and respected, not just because of their trademark style but because of the consistency of their output. More than any other label on this list, Griselda clearly has a very specific goal. They produce essential hip-hop music and get its hard-working artists a lot of cash, recognition, and freedom while doing so.
Notable Releases – The Plugs I Met (2019) – Benny The Butcher – Pray for Paris (2020) – Westside Gunn – The Liz (2020) – Armani Caesar – Pray for Haiti (2021) – Mach-Hommy – God Don’t Make Mistakes (2022) – Conway The Machine
Black History Month is an incredibly important time. It is a month in which everyone can be educated about the fight for equal rights all throughout the world. Additionally, it is a time to celebrate black culture and its influence that can be found all around us. When it comes to sneakers, there is no doubt that black culture has ultimately served as inspiration for numerous shoes. Overall, companies like Nike and Adidas understand this better than anyone. Consequently, they have come through with various Black History Month-inspired colorways. Today, we are counting down some of the best.
Nike Zoom Kobe 6 “Black History Month”
Image via GOAT
Kicking off our list is the Nike Zoom Kobe 6 “Black History Month.” Overall, this is a sneaker that is definitely going to impress you upon first look. The upper is covered in black scales, while the Nike swoosh is gold. Additionally, there is a green, red, and gold “BHM” logo that can be found on the back heel. This is also bolstered by a gold back heel unit that truly adds some pop to the shoe. If you are a fan of the Kobe 6, then this is a great offering. A wide variety of sizes are currently selling between $600 and $800 USD.
Tennessee State University x Nike Dunk Low “Tigers”
Image via GOAT
Next up we have the Nike Dunk Low “Tigers” which is an homage to Tennessee State University. The sneaker is part of a collection of HBCU dunks Nike released in 2022 for select HBCUs. Right off the bat, it is very clear that this is a nice colorful offering. Just looking at it, you can tell that is meant for those who prefer a lot of different colors in their shoes. The side panels and the toe box here are black, while the overlays are a mix of red, blue, and yellow. Lastly, there are white laces and a white Nike swoosh for contrast. Numerous adult sizes are in stock for an average price of $225 USD.
Nike LeBron 16 “Equality – White Black”
Image via GOAT
Third on our list is the Nike LeBron 16 “Equality.” This is a sneaker that follows the footsteps of the LeBron 15 of the same name. As many already know, this shoe came out in two color schemes, however, we have decided to highlight the version that is mostly covered in black Knitposite. Additionally, the shoe has some white on the midsole as well as the laces. Overall, it is a very clean shoe that fans have adored since its release. A wide range of sizes can currently be purchased online.
Curry Flow 9 “Black History Month”
Image via GOAT
Steph Curry is someone who has released some amazing signature sneakers over the years. Among them is the Curry 9 Flow “Black History Month,” pictured above. This shoe is immensely colorful. Right off the bat, we have a teal upper towards the front which is also met with some yellow and black. Subsequently, the shoe has a black back heel which then extends over to the tongue. Lastly, there are some colorful laces here that bring the aesthetic together. This shoe is currently for sale in a whole range of adult sizes.
New Balance 990v5 Made In USA “Black History Month”
Image via GOAT
The first and only New Balance on this list is a gorgeous 990v5 Made In USA. New Balance has been killing it with the chunky dad runners, and this sneaker is an example of that. Firstly, the shoe is met with white mesh and white suede. Secondly, we get a dose of burgundy all throughout while the New Balance logo is gold. Lastly, the shoe has a nice purple hue on the back heel and the midsole. Overall, this is a colorway that immediately makes a strong impression. As it stands, pairs can be found for an average price between $200 and $250 USD.
Continuing on, we now bring you a Converse Chuck 70 Hi for Black History Month. This sneaker has a cool concept that is certainly done very well. Firstly, the shoe opens up with some black canvas on the side panels. From there, however, instead of your usual solid color patches, we have a different aesthetic. As you can see, on the back heel, cuff, and toe box, we have Kente cloth patterns. Ultimately, it makes for a nice touch that makes this shoe truly unique. You can get this sneaker in a plethora of sizes for an affordable price.
Air Max 95 “Black History Month”
Image via GOAT
Lastly, we bring you the Nike Air Max 95 “Black History Month.” This is one of the more colorful sneakers on the entire list. The entire upper is covered in various different tones. For instance, we have blue, orange, purple, and yellow stripes throughout the sides. Moreover, there is a black tongue with some blue on top of it. Lastly, the toe box is made of black materials, while the midsole is white. Overall, it is a shoe that you cannot go wrong with. If you want a pair, you can currently find it in a full range of adult sizes.
Let us know which Black History Monthshoe is your favorite, in the comments down below.
As the pair seemingly prepare to welcome their first child together, we take a look at the dysfunctional bond between Californian rapper, Blueface, and the former D1 athlete-turned-reality star, Chrisean Rock.
In the era of social media and reality TV, there are few things that morbidly fascinate us as a society more than torrid romances. Whether it was Madonna and Sean Penn, Britney and K-Fed, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, or Pammy and Tommy, this trope has been a staple of the celebrity gossip mill for as long as we can remember. And admittedly, hip-hop is by no means exempt from gravitating towards these dynamics.
Over the years, fans have gawked at Kanye West and Amber Rose’s explosive, post-break up mudslinging, looked on with horror at the reports from within Nas and Kelis’ marriage and, due to the dawning of the Love & Hip-Hop era, been glued to the screen as the likes of Safaree and Erica Mena imploded on camera.
Across every generation, there is one such couple who, for whatever reason, become a benchmark for toxicity and for the modern day hip-hop fan, that dubious title goes to none other than Blueface and Chrisean Rock.
Between allegations of infidelity, public spectacles and the violence that they’ve perpetrated against not just one another, but their significant others’ families, there is truly no good reason why they should still be together. Except, the most likely answer: publicity.
From fist-fights to paternity suits, there’s been plenty of twists and turns on the road to the two supposedly tying the knot in Blueface’s new video for “Dear Rock.” Here, we’re going to break down the bizarre encounters that have defined the relationship between the stars of the tumultuous Crazy In Love and try to establish where it all began to go wrong.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 04: ChriseanRock and Blueface attend Goliath Aftershock at Lyfe Nightclub on September 4, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
2020: Blueface and Chrisean Meet
Although it may feel like you’ve been reading headlines pertaining to the two for a lifetime now, the couple first crossed paths three short years ago. In that era of his career, Blueface, who was first catapulted to fame by tracks such as “Thotiana” and “Bleed It,” was plowing most of his efforts into his OnlyFans account after his debut album, Find The Beat, didn’t perform the way that he nor Cash Money intended.
As his renown as a social media creator rose and his stock as a rapper decreased, Blueface launched an Onlyfans reality show known as Blue Girls Club in which women would compete for his affections. From the outset, Chrisean was one of the frontrunners for the competition and in their first ever meeting, Rock, who was a former division 1 athlete, immediately seemed enamored with him. As others seemed to be nonplussed by his introductions, Rock immediately asked to hug him.
Never one to shy away from throwing down with her fellow competitors, Chrisean, who has also appeared on Ultimate Tag and Baddies South, quickly became the star due to the sheer amount of drama she was embroiled in. Sure enough, she won the show, while losing her front tooth in the process, and later obtained a contract to make music under the Blueface LLC Imprint.
February 2022: Chrisean Arrested For Stealing Blueface’s Car
After the show wrapped, Chrisean and Blueface’s connection seemingly deepened far beyond what the cameras saw. On top of collaborating together on tracks such as “Lonely,” all reports suggested that the pair were engaged in a committed relationship. But right from the start, turbulence wasn’t far away.
On Valentines Day 2022, Chrisean Rock was arrested in Oklahoma on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and receiving, possessing and concealing a stolen vehicle.
As the news broke, Blueface would take to IG to reveal that the vehicle in question was his G Wagon.
“B**** stole my car [and] thought she was gone drive to Baltimore 25 hrs away. Dumbass,” he wrote on his IG story. “A thief is the worst thing you can be as a female. I’d have more respect for a prostitute…talm bout some ‘come bail me out.’”
A move that gained her the ire of Blueface’s manager Wack 100– who labeled her “a bozo”– the rapper later revealed that he initially didn’t know that Chrisean was the assailant until he got home and released that she’d unsettlingly written the words “I Love Blue” on a wall in her own blood. Considering that she already had multiple tattoos to the rapper emblazoned on her skin, it didn’t take long to work out who’d stolen the vehicle.
At the time of the incident, Chrisean was reportedly trying to head back to her hometown of Baltimore, with a text exchange citing that her mother needed help. Afterwards, Rock, who is one of 11 siblings, revealed to NoJumper that she was in a bad place mentally at the time of the incident.
“I used this time to really heal, I’m just healing from a lot of sh*t,” she said in an interview from jail. “A lotta stuff I be telling y’all, but I don’t be tellin’ y’all everything, so, you know how that go.” While these remarks would suggest that she was on a positive trajectory, it wouldn’t take long before their dysfunctional love affair took another dark step.
May 2022: Chrisean Hits Blueface’s Mom
It’s a common cliche that some people don’t get along with their in-laws and will avoid seeing them at all costs. In Chrisean’s case, it was clear that she wasn’t too worried about the impression she left on Blueface’s mother. In May of 2022, it was reported that Rock, real name Chrisean Malone, had struck the rapper’s mom and sister. By way of confirming the incident, his mother posted a picture of the aftermath which showed her to have a swollen face.
“All I know is my son will never bring that person around my family ever again in life and that’s all that matters. Carry on.” According to Blueface’s mother, real name Klarissa Safford, she would never move past the incident. While on Chrisean’s part, she expressed a degree of remorse, but insists that her hand was forced.
“Why talk s**t knowing u threw glass jars at my face and called my mom a dope fiend n got in my face like I wont put u down?” She said on IG. “nobody happy to put they hands on somebody moma but I’m not a bitch so be careful.”
Unfortunately for everyone involved, the violence didn’t stop there.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: Chrisean Rock attends Normal Culture presents: Evolutionary Inception Fashion Show hosted by Winnie Stackz on February 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images)
July 2022: Chrisean Attacks Blueface
In what would become the first in a string of supposed instances of domestic abuse between the two, July 2022, Chrisean was seen attacking Blueface on a Hollywood sidewalk before his security intervened and pinned Chrisean to the ground. While others may interpret that as a sign to reassess the relationship, the pair persevered and by the very next month, Rock would be arrested for punching the crip-affiliated MC once again.
After she was apprehended, Blueface took to Instagram to attempt to stem the flow of controversy, claiming that the arrest was on account of trespassing rather than their altercation. Interestingly, he didn’t actually deny that blows had been exchanged, remarking on IG live that Chrisean packs a hell of punch as she revealed that “she hit me with a banger. I was like, oooh!!!”
At this point, Blueface was on the receiving end of the assaults. But before long, he’d be dishing them out on his own accord.
September 2022: Blueface Fights Chrisean’s Dad
In September of 2022, Blueface and the Malone family gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chrisean’s native Baltimore. Unbeknownst to the staff at the plush location, some bad blood had accumulated between them. After Chrisean’s father sought to reprimand Blueface for supposedly putting his hands on her, her long estranged father threw a punch at LA native who didn’t hesitate to respond in kind. Once the melee ensued, it was reported that Blueface, who previously competed Bareknuckle Fighting Championships, came out a winner, leaving her father unconscious.
“So my boyfriend knocked my dad out,” Chrisean later said on social media. “Da family stuff didn’t go well, ion even know what’s going on.”
In an effort to further defend Blueface, Chrisean divulged details about the fractious dynamic between herself and her biological father, insisting that due to his misdeeds, he had it coming.
“The same dad [that] got knocked out was the same guy that tied my mama up in da woods just to beat her cause she scream so loud in the house when he beat her in front of us,” she proclaimed in a since-deleted tweet. “So he went out his way to damage my whole family, that same dad I met when I was seven. Somebody was supposed to knock n***a out a long time ago.”
October 2022: Chrisean Claims Blueface Attacked Her
In abusive relationships, sometimes the violence that occurs is shielded from view for a long time. While Chrisean’s shocking willingness to assault Blueface had been a matter of public record for some time, there had been no indication that he would inflict damage himself. During an IG live appearance in October of 2022, Chrisean suggested that Blueface had assaulted her.
“The f**k. This is a busted lip. A busted nose,” she said while showing her lacerations. At the time, Chrisean purported the injuries as a response to Blueface flying off the handle after she texted another guy. However, just one day later, she walked back the claims and laid the blame for the bruising with a much more outlandish story.
“No filter, no make-up. I had a bad trip yesterday with Casamigos. I tried to jump out of a f*****n car on the highway. Blueface was keeping me from jumping out of the car. I thought that b***h was trying to get the f***k up out the car, but he was trying to save me. I just… blacked out.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Chrisean Rock and Blueface attend Daniels Leather Fashion Show Blue Moon on September 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Chrisean Rock is Single
As we reached the fourth quarter of 2022, people all over the world were guiltily entranced by the antics of Blueface and Chrisean to the extent that Zeus Network decided to green-light a reality show between the two. Known as Crazy In Love, the show took a typically exploitative view at their relationship and all the chaos that we’ve come to expect from television networks by this point.
Just days before the trailer dropped, Chrisean provided a fly in the ointment when she suggested that she’d severed ties to Blue once and for all, tweeting “Y’all can have him. ChriseanRock is single. Chrisean you are enough.“
Although the exact cause of what went down for the two to temporarily split is not yet known, she did reveal in that a fight between the two had turned incredibly volatile. “I almost went to jail, yo, I swear to God,” she said. “I broke everything in my hotel room in front of that n***a… The TV, the window… He had to run from that hotel to another.”
In the months since it happened, it is believed that the incident stemmed from Blueface’s sextape with another woman hitting the internet.
In the wake of the publicly broadcasted incident, Chrisean took to Instagram and gave fans an insight into where she was at.
“It’s called a build up y’all don’t know what be happening behind closed doors straight up I’ll melt down every time I get a chance cuz dat shit hurt to my core.”
Once again, it appeared that the two were at a crossroads. But before long, a revelation would shake up their worlds.
Chrisean Rock Says She’s Pregnant
Just days on from the NoJumper incident, Chrisean revealed that she was expecting her first child. In an IG post, she shared three positive pregnancy tests alongside the caption, “guess how many heartbeats.”
While she naturally contended that Blueface was the father, he tried to dismiss her claims and suggested that the relationship had been formally concluded.
“To answer y’all questions yes me and rock are officially done it’s strictly business I tried it and clearly it wasn’t giving before she announces…she’s pregnant with somebody else’s child not mine. Rock has had encounters with 10 different men in the last year. until I see DNA test then it’s not mine,” he added. “I know I know y’all thought she was all about me…me too lol but the facts are facts being my BM would be a blessing. She must be currently drinking while pregnant, that’s a red flag. It’s not a Blueface baby.”
Just days on from the latest apparent full stop in their journey, they released the music videos for two new songs in “Lit” and “Dear Rock”, the latter of which showed them getting ‘married’ in the accompanying video.
Blueface’s Mom Claims That Chrisean is Not Pregnant
Just when you thought you’d seen the last wrinkle in this perplexing tale, Blueface’s mom has waded in to cast doubt over the authenticity of Chrisean’s pregnancy. After she was seen deadlift over 300lbs on Bradley Martyn’s channel alongside her beau, his mother took issue her behavior and suggested that the pregnancy was a ruse.
“Absolutely not pregnant,” she wrote over a repost of Martyn’s video. “That man would lose his license for allowing such an exercise.” For now, Chrisean has yet to respond, but we can only hope that it is resolved in a more peaceful manner than their previous interaction.
Just a year or so ago, the notion of discussing the potential ill health of Gunna’s career would be futile, bordering on ludicrous.
At the outset of 2022, Gunna, real name Sergio Kitchens, had the world in the palm of his iced out hands. Upon releasing his third studio album, DS4Ever, in January, Gunna didn’t just release a smash which ascended to the top of the charts, but proved his star power by prohibiting The Weeknd’s DAWN FM from clinching the number one spot.
Within a matter of months, however, Gunna’s life, and that of his labelmates on Young Thug’s YSL, would be turned on their axis after they were indicted in a RICO case which alleged that Young Slime Life was a street gang that had wreaked havoc in Atlanta. Suddenly, the recording company which had been thriving just a year ago would find its empire ablaze. At present, its leader, the iconic Young Thug, still remains in a cell, facing a maximum of twenty years behind bars. Meanwhile, Gunna is out after accepting an Alford plea that may have granted him freedom, but gained him the ire of his peers and audience alike as the man who once contributed a verse to the track “Take It To Trial” has since opted to forego legal proceedings entirely.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 17: Gunna performs onstage at ‘Samsung Galaxy + Billboard’ during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Waterloo Park on March 17, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)
From the very moment that the news broke, Gunna has been adamant that he didn’t turn federal witness.
“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way,” Gunna told WSB-TV in a statement. “My focus of YSL was entertainment — rap artists who wrote and performed music that exaggerated and ‘glorified’ urban life in the Black community.”
While this may well be the case, his declaration to the judge that “I recognize, accept and deeply regret that my talent and music indirectly furthered YSL the gang to the detriment of my community,” teamed with his proclamation that “YSL as a gang must end,” was enough of a renouncement to have fans on Gunna’s subreddit wondering if they’re now duty-bound to unfollow him on Instagram.
Despite the fact that the apparent rationale behind the plea was to “to neutralize him and keep him out of the game” in regards to being called by either the defense or prosecution, the hip-hop world that he inhabited has been rocked to the core by the news and interpreted it as something else entirely. This has, in turn, made him the biggest posterboy for supposed “snitching” in recent memory.
Unjust as that may seem, there are reasons why Gunna’s plea deal is sending shockwaves through hip-hop as a whole. Not least of all, because it’s being interpreted as the rapper selling his own mentor, one who spoke so highly of him time and time again, down the river.
Plucked from obscurity after Thug was introduced to him by a mutual friend, Gunna was signed by YSL during the embryonic stages of his career, with his debut mixtape being released on the label in 2016. Since then, his career has been indivisible from Thug’s watchful eye. As a result, he has always rightfully credited Thug as a catalyzing force in both his career and life.
When posed with the question of who had done the most for his career between Thug and his longtime collaborator Lil Baby, the Georgia native didn’t hesitate to give his label boss all the flowers that he’s duly earned.
“Thug”, he told The Breakfast Club. “ feel like Thug helped me as far me being an artist and him already being in the game. We’re bigger as far as putting out songs and our fanbase, me and Baby. But as far as someone helping me in music, that’s Thug.”
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 26: Young Thug and Gunna attends Slime Language 2 #1 Album Event at Annette’s Chop House on April 26, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Considering that Jeffery was the man who first afforded Gunna an opportunity, the fact that he would do something to potentially disregard everything that’s happened between them is naturally not going to sit well with those who’d followed their time together. It’s only exacerbated by others maintaining that they kept their mouths shut out of fealty to Thugger.
In addition to Unfoonk, Slimelife Shawty also received a ten year sentence, while Gunna received half of that. Whether or not there is rationale behind his suspended term being considerably less than others, it doesn’t change the fact that, optically, Gunna getting off with what’s seen as a light sentence will do little to slow down the snitching allegations.
Unfortunately for Gunna, hip-hop is a culture in which ingrained attitudes are incredibly hard to overcome. When cooperation with the feds is thrown into the mix, the lasting smudge that it leaves on an artist’s reputation is exacerbated.
Ever since getting Thug’s seal of approval, he has been nigh-on royalty within the ATL trap scene. Anointed as part of its internal fraternity, Gunna counted a who’s who of stars as not just collaborators, but friends. As a result of the bonds that snitching may have severed, Gunna trying to pick up where he left off as if nothing happened is rubbing people the wrong way. And in the view of Tony Yayo, the G-Unit veteran behind Thoughts Of A Predicate Felon, there is no way in which he can simply return to his preexisting post.
“The film in court came out. And, you know, of course, his lawyer wrote that [statement]. His lawyer probably wrote that. But, now in these days, you got the camera, it just gon’ look like you pushin’ pleas. In this business,” Yayo continued, “If you turn into a rat, your career is over. To me, I would’ve sat a little longer than coming out to what the internet do to you. That’s my opinion.”
Although Tony acknowledged that it’s hard to declare someone to be a snitch “without the paperwork,” it appears that both the internet and Gunna’s fellow artists aren’t willing to wait for clarification.
In addition to Lil Durk declaring “What happened to Virgil? He probably gon’ tell” in an unreleased snippet, Gunna has had jibes sent his way by his former YSL brethren including Lil GotIt who informed him that he couldn’t refer to him as “twin” any longer. Then, he was unfollowed by Meek Mill, and, most shockingly of all, Lil Baby.
Normally, it’d stand to reason that if you’re going to unfollow the very man that taught you how to rap and thus paved the way for your success, he must’ve committed a heinous act of treason.
As opposed to his return to the A being widely celebrated by his peers, all of those artists he’d previously co-mingled with on tracklists and tapes were now conspicuously silent. In many ways, this is unsurprising considering he’s operating in a field where many of his former allies have made their outlook on informants entirely explicit.
At the height of the controversy surrounding 6ix9ine’s snitching scandal, Future, with whom Gunna has collaborated with on numerous occasions, took a hardline stance against anyone caught telling, proclaiming on Instagram that “At the end of the day u work for the police. I believe if u hang with a snitch u a snitch and deserve to die but that’s jus me.”
Likewise, 21 Savage used Morgan Freeman as a conduit to outline his thoughts on informants. In his definition, 21 decreed that, “He betrays the trust of his team or his family/Hoping to save his own cowardly ass/The difference is, at least a snitch is human/But a rat is a fuckin’ rat, period.”
Naturally, it’d be unbecoming for these artists who’ve been so scornful of those who’d cooperated suddenly ushering Gunna back into the inner circle. Contrastingly, there is an argument to be made that Gunna would fall into the category of civilian and thus, would be exempt from allegations of snitching. A man who’d previously been clowned for his apparent appearance on CNN’s Crime Stoppers, Gunna’s legal team was quick to point out that he had no significant criminal history and as such, shouldn’t be treated as though he was a gang member.
“There is no allegation that he committed any act of violence,” they remarked. “There is no allegation that he ever sold any drugs. There is no allegation that he ever committed any act relating to obstruction of justice or interfering with the administration of justice.”
Although the wholly condemnable practice of utilising rappers’ lyrics as evidence meant that bars from Gunna such as “I killed his man in front of his momma / Like fuck lil bruh, sister and his cousin” were cited in the indictment, he wouldn’t exactly be the first rapper to adopt this sort of fraudulent persona. But, due to the fact his relationships with trap’s cream of the crop, he is expected to uphold the same street codes that they adhere to, lest he be labelled a snitch.
Whatever your thoughts on his role in any criminality may be, this grey area in regards to his status is not doing him any reputational favors.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Gunna arrives at RtA x Gunna Superbowl Store Event on February 12, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for RtA)
In large part, it could be seen that the muted response to his celebratory IG post from hip-hop stars came from the fact that he’d already been seen publicly disavowing the crew. Even if he was only doing it save his skin, posting things such as “N****s acting like they switching to a side But it’s only one side . #YsltheLabel#FreeThug&Yak GUNNA BACC,” can’t ever hit as hard when you’ve been caught on camera saying that “I recognize, acknowledge and deeply regret that my talent and music indirectly furthered YSL the gang to the detriment of my community.”
“Gunna came out and tried testing the water,” remarked Akademiks on Twitter shortly after the post emerged, “claiming YSL the label and said Free Thugga…and everybody in ysl looking at gunna like ‘N***a, u the reason he in there’…they all unfollowed him right after even thug sister.”
Although he may not actually be a “snitch” in conventional terms, it appears that there is a culturally enforced unwillingness to acknowledge that at the moment. In many ways, this has been fuelled by Thug’s business partner YSL Mondo, who quashed the notion that Gunna was advised to take the plea by Thug as, either Jeffrey nor anyone on his legal team knew that he intended to do that.
“You wasn’t suppose to do that my brother,” Mondo said in reference to Gunna on the Ugly Money Podcast, amid sharing texts with the host that allegedly confirmed that he’d divulged information to the feds. “Even if I wasn’t talking about it, anybody with common sense, anybody that been in the streets know you don’t do no s*** like that my brother. You’re s*** was gonna get dropped brother. You know that. What the hell, you panicked.”
Although his actions may not be as severe as others in hip-hop who’ve been lumbered with the dubious title of informant, the reason why Gunna is being treated with such contempt is that he’s contending with the concept that he’s thrown an icon to the lions in order to save his own skin. An immensely talented artist who has been integral to the world of trap for recent years, it can be hard to imagine a time where he isn’t at the forefront of the genre. However, what is obvious is that where he’d previously had all the goodwill in the world to his name, his next drop, whenever it comes and in what shape it arrives, is going to be crucial in determining if he truly can bounce back. Or perhaps, as the likes of Tony Yayo have suggested, allegations of snitching is the kind of mud that doesn’t just stick, but will permanently discolour the culture’s view of you.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which should be good news for all of you out there in relationships. If you don’t have a boo this Valentine’s Day, then that’s alright. Overall, this is a holiday to celebrate love in all of its forms. For instance, sneaker brands are giving consumers a chance to showcase their love of sneakers.
In case you haven’t noticed, many brands have been revealing new sneakers specifically for Valentine’s Day. As you can expect, many of these kicks feature pink, purple, red, and white. However, they are all unique in their own right.
With so many V-Day shoes on the horizon, we decided to create a little buying guide that should come in very handy.
If you are a fan of the Nike Air Force 1 Low, then you are absolutely going to adore this Valentine’s Day offering. Overall, the shoe is covered in white leather, while red and pink are placed throughout. What makes these truly unique, however, is the cherries that hang off the Nike swoosh. It is a phenomenal color scheme that can be purchased in numerous sizes.
The New Balance 550 has become a beloved silhouette, so it only makes sense that it would receive its own V-Day colorway. Firstly, this shoe begins with a white base. From there, the shoe is then given some pink overlays along with some burgundy to top things off. This all comes together beautifully, and it is one of the best V-Day offerings of the year. A plethora of sizes are already available.
StrangeLove x Nike Dunk Low SB ‘Valentine’s Day’
Image via GOAT
Sean Cliver’s StrangeLove is a beloved brand. That said, StrangeLove’s Nike Dunk Low is looking like a must-cop for Valentine’s Day. Sizes are currently going for $1100 to $1500, and there is no doubt that sneakerheads are salivating over these. From the multifaceted base to the pink and red suede overlays, this shoe is just oozing with character.
The Converse Chuck 70 High is an iconic sneaker. Regardless of colorway, this is one of those shoes that you must have in your collection. Subsequently, the same can be said of the University Red “V-Day” model, below. This is a shoe that contains a nice red canvas upper with three hearts joined together near the bottom. Overall, this is an aesthetic that works great, and is currently available in numerous sizes for $774 USD.
The Adidas Stan Smith is a truly iconic shoe for a multitude of reasons. Having said that, it only makes sense for a Valentine’s Day colorway to exist. This model goes the basic route, however, as we have a white upper with a red scribbled heart on the side. Additionally, the Adidas logo is cozying up to the heart, which is quite cute. A multitude of sizes are currently available for a wide range of prices.
Nike Air Force 1 Low GS ‘V-Day 2023’
Image via GOAT
Surprise, surprise. Another Nike Air Force 1 Low. This year has been filled with Valentine’s Day-themed Air Forces. These, however, are for the kids. They feature a white base with red patent leather overlays. Lastly, the swoosh here is pink and is made up of multiple hearts. Numerous sizes can be found for an average of $160 USD.
Nike Dunk Low GS ‘Triple Pink’
Image via GOAT
This Nike Dunk Low comes in grade school sizes and it boasts a Valentine’s Day ready “Triple Pink” color scheme. The concept here is very simple as you have multiple shades of pink throughout the upper. For instance, there is light pink on the base, a more defined shade of pink on the overlays, and hot pink on the Nike swoosh. Sizes can be found for between $262 and $312 USD.
Comme des Garçons x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi ‘Play’
Image via GOAT
Comme Des Garçons and Converse have an iconic collaboration with one another. The Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi is a staple of the brand, and you can’t help but love the “Play” colorway. From the black and white base to the red heart with eyes peaking out from the midsole, you get an instant classic. As it stands, this shoe can be found in an array of sizes.
Let us know which Valentine’s Day shoe is your favorite, in the comments down below.
Over the years, “YB Better” has become both a valid argument supporting NBA YoungBoy’s unwavering dominance and a go-to insult for internet trolls hoping to irritate his contemporaries. Rappers like Kodak Black and Polo G have even vocalized their frustrations with fans spamming “YB Better” under their posts. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped YoungBoy from getting in on the fun, too. In the lead-up to his Sincerely, Kentrell album in 2021, he commissioned several “YB Better” billboards across the United States.
Despite the annoying nature of his infamous tagline, YoungBoy Never Broke Again has repeatedly proven he’s better than his competition. With four Billboard 200 chart-toppers on his rapidly growing resume, he is easily one of his generation’s top commercial performers. On the contrary, YoungBoy also doesn’t even seem too concerned with the charts. Last year, the Baton Rouge native sporadically released eight projects, and his fans ate them up with ravenous excitement. Without a doubt, the 23-year-old rapper stayed on top of his game by rewarding his cult following with endless material. Still, dropping projects nonstop can be a death sentence, and the threat of listener fatigue undoubtedly loomed over the horizon.
Nevertheless, NBA YoungBoy stormed into 2023 by announcing his first new album of the year. Then, on Friday, January 6, he delivered I Rest My Case.
DALLAS, TX – MAY 03: YoungBoy Never Broke Again performs during JMBLYA at Fair Park on May 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
For his fifth album, YoungBoy made the brilliant creative decision to distinguish his new music from his prolific 2022 output. However, he did so by adopting a sound that’s alien to his discography yet all too familiar to rap fans. Shockingly, I Rest My Case heavily borrows from the alternative, hyper-digital, and punk-rap soundscape of Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red. In fact, one could go as far as to argue that YoungBoy may even be trolling Carti’s once-polarizing style. The cover art features graphics that are practically synonymous with Carti’s fanbase, from bats and coffins to crosses and skulls. In addition to its nearly monochromatic artwork, some of the album’s track titles seem to address the connection to WLR. Obviously, “Red” is the most eye-catching song title, but “Bitch Yeah” also feels obnoxiously reminiscent of Mario Judah’s “Bih Yah.”
It’s almost like YoungBoy is trying to one-up Carti, who’s easily one of his biggest competitors, on his own turf. As a result, I Rest My Case begs an interesting question: Is YBtruly better than any artist he’s put against?
Although it’s a brave and ambitious effort from the Never Broke Again head honcho, I Rest My Case doesn’t yield the definitive answer its title alludes to.
On one hand, YoungBoy’s new album makes for an easy and entertaining listen. The excitement of hearing one of Hip-Hop’s most prominent young acts dive head-first into a new sonic direction pairs well with the comfort of returning to one of rap’s most thrilling new subgenres. In fact, there are several times throughout I Rest My Case where YoungBoy proves that he could excel in the space if he so chose to.
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Rapper NBA YoungBoy performs 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)
On tracks “Louie V,” “Just Like Me,” and “Not My Friend,” he sounds like he’s been doing this forever. In addition to those standout tracks, the skits (“Top Girls,” “Top Haters,” and “I Love YB”) bring IRMC all together.
Still, it would be a lofty statement to say he makes the best version of this style of music. While there are moments when one could entertain the thought of YoungBoy doing Carti better than Carti, they are fleeting. Furthermore, IRMC would largely benefit from a beefed-up presence of songs that feel more authentic to YB’s artistry. Few tracks — including “Double Cup” and “Same Thang” — feel like YoungBoy songs, which diminishes the album’s sense of identity.
Thus, the album’s strengths directly lead to its most glaring flaws. Love him or hate him, YoungBoy Never Broke Again has consistently been one of the most unique new acts. Without a doubt, many up-and-coming rappers have morphed into mini NBA YoungBoys due to the young rapper’s success and influence. Balanced against the originality of his past work, I Rest My Case feels like a step backward. Hip-Hop has progressed so far that albums like Whole Lotta Red and IRMC can thrive, but some things haven’t changed. For instance, biting still remains a cardinal sin in rap to this day. So while the idea of YoungBoy cosplaying as Carti sounds entertaining, the album feels antithetical to everything that YB has built for himself.
In conclusion, I Rest My Case is a solid and refreshing new offering from NBA YoungBoy, but it’s simply too derivative to stand on its own as a great album.
Now that you’ve read HNHH‘s review of I Rest My Case, we want to hear from you as well. Are you feeling the Baton Rouge native’s new sound? Does the originality, or lack thereof, affect your ability to enjoy his latest body of work? In the comment section below, let us know your thoughts and opinions on I Rest My Case.
Furthermore, you can also give NBA YoungBoy’s new album a rating of your own here.
Meet Trauma Tone, one of the incredibly talented artists featured on this season of HNHH’s “On The Come Up.” However, it would be criminal to describe the steadily rising producer as a novice in the music industry. In fact, you have probably already heard some of Trauma Tone’s unforgettable beats. Nearly a decade ago, the Virigina-born hitmaker was cutting his teeth with up-and-comers like Chief Keef and Rich Homie Quan. Now, when looking back, it’s evident he was also making classics in the process.
For instance, Tone’s early work includes cult classics like Chief Keef’s “Blew My High” and fan-favorite Rich Homie Quan tracks. He produced I Promise I Will Never Stop Going In standouts like “Man of the Year” and “1000.” Furthermore, Trauma Tone also created the creeping beat for Yo Gotti and Rich Homie Quan’s platinum-certified collaboration “I Know.”
Trauma Tone on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)
After the success of his breakthrough placements in the early 2010s, Trauma Tone continued to grind. Over the following years, he put his beats in the hands of artists like Money Man, Jacquees, Plies, Iamsu!, Skippa Da Flippa, and Dreamville’s own Cozz. However, the 2020s ushered in a new — and unquestionably well-deserved — era of prominence for the hardworking producer.
In 2020, Trauma Tone supplied beats for Kevin Gates’ popular songs “Dreka” and “Always Be Gangsta Freestyle.” Soon thereafter, Trauma Tone went on to work with Curren$y on his collaborative album with Fendi P, Smokin’ Patnas. He also landed placements on Sada Baby’s “Aunty Stella,” Bino Rideaux’s OUTSIDE project, and Money Man’s popular Epidemic mixtape. However, things really took off after Trauma Tone landed a beat placement on NBA YoungBoy’s second studio album, Top. Thus, “Cross Roads” subsequently became Tone’s first-ever song to be featured on a Billboard 200 chart-topper.
Since then, Trauma Tone’s pool of collaborators has been rapidly expanding. A wide range of artists — from Migos, BlueBlucksClan, and Duke Deuce to Dej Loaf, Lil Reese, and Shy Glizzy — have rapped over the Virginia producer’s beats in recent years. Without a doubt, Trauma Tone is currently in high demand. Get familiar with him by checking out his exclusive interview for HNHH’s “On The Come Up” below.
Over thirteen months have passed since the Season 1 finale of BMF aired at the tail-end of 2021. The Starz original crime drama follows the rise, as well as the eventual downfall, of the infamous Black Mafia Family. Executive produced by Power mogul 50 Cent, BMF offers a dramatized account of Demetrius “Big Meech” and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory’s exploits as the founding members of one of the most notorious African American crime families in the history of the United States. What’s more, Big Meech’s own son — Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. — was cast in the lead role as his father, and rising actor Da’Vinchi portrayed Southwest T.
Together, Lil Meech and Da’Vinchi brought BMF’s story to light in a captivating way. While it wasn’t without its faults, BMF’s first season brought in an average of 0.379 million viewers per episode. The Season 1 finale featured the long-awaited showdown between Meech and fan-favorite villain Lamar Silas (portrayed by Eric Kofi-Abrefa), and it didn’t disappoint. BMF’s inaugural season finale brought in over half a million viewers on its own, and it set the stage for an even more exciting second season.
After a long wait and a myriad of updates amid 50 Cent and Starz’s ongoing beef, BMF is finally back. The Season 2 premiere aired on Friday, January 6, and it wasted no time setting up the show’s latest story arc. Without a doubt, a lot went down in the Solvan “Slick” Naim-directed episode. For a recap of all the new characters and plot twists featured in the 52-minute premiere, keep scrolling down. However, be warned: beyond this point, there are plenty of spoilers ahead.
Here’s Everything That Happened In BMF Episode 201: “Family Dinner”
Titled “Family Dinner,” BMF’s Season 2 opener is thematically centered around communal family moments. Whereas Season 1 kicked off with a flash-forward of Meech, the sophomoric outing begins with a flash-forward of T. After a written quote about family dinners fades away, T brings his crew together for a meal in St. Louis. According to T, Meech has already been arrested. Still, Southwest T is confident that he’ll evade the feds because he thinks he’s smarter than his brother. However, everything comes crashing down during T’s family dinner when officers storm his house. T is arrested by an aged-up Detective Bryant (portrayed by Steve Harri), and Leslie Jones makes a comedic cameo as Bryant’s partner.
Then, the show cuts back to the late 1980s. Meech prepares to smuggle product from Las Vegas back to Detroit. Before leaving Sin City, Meech quickly crosses paths with Rick “Freeway” Ross and Shower Posse’s Christopher Coke. After evading a potential arrest, Meech makes it back to Detroit safely.
Once back in Detroit, viewers are reunited with the younger version of Southwest T. In a nod back to Meech and T’s rift at Season 1’s conclusion, T takes his driver’s test. Despite a potential setback, he earns his license and prepares to go into business with his father. Later on in the episode, his child and baby’s mother (portrayed by Sydney Mitchell) return to Detroit. However, due to his growing crush on LaLa Anthony’s character Markaisha Taylor, he remains detached from his former love interest.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Da’Vinchi attends the red carpet premiere of Starz “BMF” Season 2 at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 05, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Elsewhere, the Flenory patriarch (portrayed by Russell Hornsby) links up with his wife (portrayed by Michole Briana White). Their relationship is still on the rocks because the family continues to struggle financially. Nevertheless, they refuse to accept monetary assistance from Meech. Thus, their familial ties are strained. For instance, tension boils over when the mother slaps her daughter, Nicole (portrayed by Laila Pruitt).
Drama quickly unfolds at the school’s basketball game. Both Meech and T attend the game and cross each other’s paths, but they still aren’t on good terms. Shockingly, one of the game’s attendees murders the team’s coach in cold blood over a payment dispute. The show eventually introduces the shooter as K-9 (portrayed by Rayan Lawrence), Meech’s volatile new connect. Apparently, Meech’s trip from Vegas to Detroit was part of K-9’s screening to see whether he could count on Meech. While being further vetted by K-9, Big L (portrayed by Walnette Marie Santiago) makes an appearance. She tells K-9 that she wouldn’t do business with Meech, causing K-9 to reconsider working with him, as well.
Amidst Meech and T’s growing drama, Detective Bryant embarks on a new path of his own. In contrast to his role as a dirty cop in Season 1, Bryant is now fully committed to arresting Meech. Furthermore, Bryant now has custody of his son, but that side plot takes a backseat to his efforts against Meech. In an early episode debrief, his supervisor reminds him that Kato and Lamar Silas’ murders need to be solved. As a result, she assigns him a new partner, Detective Veronica Jin (portrayed by Kelly Hu).
Kelly Hu, Steve Harris, Michole Briana White, Sydney Mitchell at the season 2 premiere of “BMF” held at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 5, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Together, they work to sniff out the 50 Boys and prevent additional street violence. In a surprising demonstration of her grit, Detective Jin hits Dink (portrayed by actor/rapper JVSUN) with her car. They arrest him, and Bryant clearly gains respect for his new partner. As a result, he brings her to a heavily policed hospital and shows her Lamar Silas is still alive. The Season 1 villain has been detained and renamed by authorities, but he remains in a coma. After that insane reveal, the show jumps back to Meech and B-Mickie (portrayed by Myles Truitt).
Despite enduring a major setback with Dink’s arrest, Meech still doubles down on his attempt to work with K-9. His new mentor, and potential future adversary, agrees to bring Meech into his business. Without hesitation, he assigns Meech 20 bricks. However, before Meech can even celebrate the win, K-9 warns Meech to never be late with his money. In fact, he casually informs Meech he wouldn’t hesitate to kill him and his brother over a late payment. Then, K-9 delivers the Season 2 premiere’s second jaw-dropper. After presenting his team with gifts of jewelry, K-9 gives Meech a box bigger than everyone else’s. Surprisingly, the box contains Big L’s mouth, completely detached from her body. Earlier, K-9 and Big L seemed like close friends, so this is just a small example of his treachery.
Regardless, Meech is blinded by ambition, so he continues to push forward with his new product. He makes one last attempt to recruit T back to drug dealing, but his brother doesn’t budge. After a tense fight, they go their separate ways and prepare for two very different types of family dinners.
ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 13: Demetrius “Meech” Flenory Jr., and Terry Flenory attend the BMF Season 2 exclusive Detroit screening at Emagine Royal Oak on December 13, 2022 in Royal Oak, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for Starz)
T eats a big meal with his family for their anticlimactic Sunday dinner. Contrarily, Meech eats takeout with his soldiers inside their crew’s headquarters. Meech deads the 50 Boys moniker that he and T used throughout the first season and officially rebrands his crew as the Black Mafia Family.
Although Meech’s call to “pledge allegiance to the Black Mafia Family” could’ve been a satisfying conclusion, the premiere keeps going. After the Flenory family dinner, T overhears his mother and girlfriend’s strategy to get him out of the streets. He confronts them about it, and he immediately loses trust in his entire family. While he may not yet realize it, Meech also can’t trust the people around him. His newly confirmed right-hand man, B-Mickie, is unfortunately still working as an informant for Detective Bryant.
With drama slowly unfolding for the Flenory brothers, “Family Dinner” closes out with its third and final gut punch. In the final moments of the Season 2 premiere, Lamar awakens from his coma, undoubtedly spelling trouble for Meech and T.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 23: Eric Kofi-Abrefa attends STARZ Series “BMF” World Premiere at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on September 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
The next episode of BMF airs on Starz on Friday, January 13. Let us know how you felt about the Season 2 premiere in the comment section, and stay tuned to HNHH for more BMF recaps.
Producer tags are everything. At their best, they are immediately recognizable, an informal call that sparks excitement for what’s coming next. Thus, when you hear a tag like, “Cole…You Stupid,” you already know what’s going down.
The aforementioned tag that calls back to the classic ‘90s sitcom Martin belongs to none other than Hollywood Cole, a rapidly rising producer with ties to both the West Coast — through his birthplace of Seattle, Washington — and the East Coast — through his upbringing in Virginia. After winning a beat battle at Wish Atlanta that was judged by Sonny Digital, Cole started linking up with big-name artists and producers in Atlanta, which eventually led to his work with Quentin Miller and four beat placements on Dom Kennedy’s 2020 album, Rap N Roll. Roughly a month after Rap N Roll, Cole got an even bigger look, as a beat that he produced became Lil Wayne and Drake’s acclaimed “B.B. King Freestyle” collaboration from 2020’s No Ceilings 3.
Hollywood Cole on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)
From that point on, Hollywood Cole’s work has been featured on countless major Hip-Hop releases, from Isaiah Rashad’s The House Is Burning single “Lay Wit Ya,” and G Herbo’s “Statement” to Latto’s 21 Savage-assisted 777 single “Wheelie,” Buddy’s “Wait Too Long,” and J.I.D.’s The Forever Story album cut “Sistanem.”
Hence, it was a no-brainer to feature Hollywood Cole in the latest season of HNHH’s On The Come Up. Keep scrolling to familiarize yourself with the incredible producer before his next round of mindblowing beat placements rolls out.
