When those haunting piano keys and rattling bass hits, you know it’s going down. SleazyWorld Go catapulted into our collective consciousness earlier this year with the release of “Sleazy Flow” – a song that cemented his fate as a frontrunner of the new generation of artists. At the time, SleazyWorld Go lost his YouTube page and had to rebuild the momentum from scratch. However, he created a new YouTube channel where he dropped “Sleazy Flow” and soon after, it formed a life of its own.
In a matter of months, SleazyWorld Go became one of the hottest names in hip-hop. He earned co-signs from heavyweights like Lil Baby and Offset, both of which appeared on his debut project, Where The Shooters Be.
SleazyWorld Go. Image provided by label.
“Sometimes, it feels surreal,” SleazyWorld Go told HNHH of his meteoric rise from YouTube sensation to earning the respect of artists like Baby and Offset. “Back when I was younger listening to them, I never would have thought or known that I would be doing music with them in the future but, it happened… Listening to their music back then, now I’m doing music with them.”
For the penultimate installment of HotNewHipHop’s 12 Days Of Christmas, we caught up with the SleazyWorld Go to discuss his meteoric success, relationship with Tech N9ne, and leaving a legacy behind like Juice WRLD.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
When the psychedelic hues of Jimi Hendrix meet the eccentricities of Future, an artist like Seddy Hendrinx comes out of the woodwork. It would be a disservice to refer to Hendrinx as simply a rapper because his intentions are not limited to hip-hop. “I’m gonna save music,” he says during his appearance in HNHH’s On The Come Up.
It’s a bold statement for any one artist to make, especially one whose yet to become a household name. But Seddy Hendrinx is different. He’s a visionary with an eclectic list of influences — from Lauryn Hill to Lil Wayne and Chief Keef. The amalgamation of the array of artists is what turned his single, “LOWKEY” into such an infectious bop. It was this very single that commanded the attention of Jacksonville, and soon enough, the rest of America.
Seddy Hendrinx on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)
Like many, music was a form of escapism from the harrowing realities that he faced in his city. The death of a close friend at the hands of gun violence became a wake-up call to find a form of expression that he can use to vent. After stepping foot into the booth for the first time in 2016, thanks to close friend Lebanon G, Seddy Hendrinx found an outlet that allowed him to capture his thoughts creatively and push the boundaries.
His first taste of success came when Seddy Hendrinx delivered a freestyle to Bryson Tiller’s “Exchange.” At this point, the song slowly began bubbling across his city and turned him into the next up from Jacksonville. Though the support of his city is integral, the experiences are what drove his hunger.
“Coming from Jacksonville Florida, when you grow up how I grew up, go through what I went through you hungry for more,” Seddy Hendrinx explained. “Not being greedy but I want it all. And I’m hungry for it. So that’s how my city influenced my music and what it’s taught me.”
In the six years since launching his career, Seddy’s earned fans out of established acts. K Camp and Lil Poppa locked in with Seddy over the past few years. However, the release of Well Sed, a collaboration with DJ Drama under the Gangsta Grillzumbrella, put a new set of eyes on him as he traded bars with artists like Fivio Foreign and fellow Floridian, T-Pain.
However, he has ambitious plans for the future. Though he has plans to save hip-hop & R&B, there really isn’t any limits to what he plans to do next.
“To the moon and then past it,” he says. “I’m tryna take it all the way there, everything. That’s where my music gonna take me.”
Watch Seddy Hendrinx as he performs “LOWKEY for HotNewHipHop and peep his interview for “On The Come Up” below where he discusses his plans to save hip-hop, his musical journey, and more.
Following his retirement, Pierce became an analyst on TV where he became known for his controversial takes and obvious Celtics bias. He was certainly one of the most entertaining voices over at ESPN, although now, he can be heard giving his opinions alongside Garnett for Showtime. Additionally, Pierce has been working on a whole host of different businesses. He continues to make strides in the Cannabis industry, and Pierce is investing in enough companies to keep him busy. Overall, it’s been a productive retirement for the Celtics legend.
Paul Pierce, presented by Kevin Garnett speaks during the 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony at Symphony Hall on September 11, 2021 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Of course, the 2022-23 season started just a couple of months ago, and so far, it has been extremely interesting. Just like the rest of us, Pierce has been tapped in, and he has plenty to say on what he’s seen so far. With that said, we got to speak with The Truth for the latest edition of our “12 Days Of Christmas” series.
Throughout the interview, Pierce got to talk about the Celtics’ heartbreak from last year, the Ime Udoka situation, Jayson Tatum’s MVP campaign, and the difference between his era and the current one. You also may be surprised by who he thinks will be in the Finals this year.
This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity
HNHH: Starting things off, when it comes to the season so far, what have your thoughts really been on the quality of basketball?
Paul Pierce: It’s been pretty good. You know, what is one thing that’s probably standing out the most to me? It’s kind of like the balance around the league. You know, you can’t just say one or two teams as contenders. I think you got about like six teams that can possibly win the championship this year. I really like some of the young teams who are thriving in the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans. They’ve been a surprise early in the season. Obviously, we knew the Celtics will be good after they run last year. But when you look and you see Golden State, you know, they not in the top four right now. It just shows you how almost better everybody else has gotten. And I liked the balance across the league this year.
In terms of those young teams that are contending, you see Memphis and the Pelicans, you but they don’t have the same experience as a Golden State. So how do you think that will translate for them as the season goes on?
Man, you know, this is the way I look at it. Golden State was one of those young teams before too when they made the leap and they had to get over the hump of beating teams like San Antonio, who was in the middle of a dynasty or just finishing up. And so yeah, they don’t have experience which is why I believe that would give Golden State their advantage because of their experience, because they’ve been in deep playoff rounds, won championships, and these other teams are still learning how to win. So hopefully, they’ll use the regular season. For some of them who played in the playoffs last year, like Memphis and the Pelicans, they were in the playoffs last year. So they have a little experience. So hopefully, you know, they can gain confidence from that.
Former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce celebrates on the sidelines after the Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors 116-100 after Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
As a former Celtic obviously, you’re watching the team a lot. What do you think of their strong start to the season so far?
Yeah, I really expected them to come on really good, especially with the additions. Malcolm Brogdon really gave them some depth. I expect them to come on and be strong. Did I know they were gonna be this strong? I don’t know. But you know, right now, they look like the team to beat in the NBA. So they got strong play from the all-stars. Jayson Tatum looking like an MVP. Jaylen Brown is also looking like an MVP candidate too. So, you know those guys are playing well. They tough to beat.
Everyone is talking about Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as an elite duo right now. They were an elite duo last year. But now they’ve really sort of kicked it up a notch. Where would you rank them in terms of the duos across the NBA right now?
I think they’re the best duo right now. I mean, you look at what they’ve been able to accomplish this year, even last year, when you look at the numbers, the numbers don’t lie. Jayson has given them 30 points again, and Jaylen giving them like 27 a game. So I’ll put them right up there at the top. You know, this ain’t no disrespect to the other guys who have got really good players, because you can name guys like LeBron and Anthony Davis, Kyrie and Kevin Durant? Joel Embiid and James Harden, and a number of other young stars with their teams. Murray and Trae Young… but I think I do truly believe that the [Celtics] got the best duo.
Coming into this season for the Celtics, there was a bit of controversy. They have a new coach, although one that was already in the system. On your end, how difficult is it for a team to overcome that mental hurdle, especially at the start of a season? Or do you think it didn’t really matter since they already had that core together?
It’s easy for us to speculate because when it all happened… Ime Udoka got suspended. It was just like, what he was able to create? What kind of culture did he make and taking into the powers you thought would kind of like, put a dent in their armor? But it looked like they got the leadership from within. A lot of his coaches are still there. A lot of the same players. They just added a couple more players, but I just think the infrastructure was there. And you know, when you got leadership from within from the sidelines to the players, and it just carries over, no matter who’s head coach, and because these guys have been together, they’ve won together. And they know what it takes.
Paul Pierce attends the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Caesars Superdome on April 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Going back to last season, you know, how hard was it for you personally to watch that Celtics team lose the finals to the Warriors, just having a personal attachment to that franchise?
It’s always tough. Game four was the game where I think Curry…That was the turning game. They got a chance to go up 3-1 and I just knew once they lost that game, I was like, ‘this ain’t right.’ They gave this team confidence and a courageous plan. Like the best player in basketball. So it definitely hurt. And I know they feel it more than me, because I was out there [once]. They knew that this was an opportunity, because you know, it’s hard to make it to the NBA Finals, and let alone winning. You can’t take that for granted.
What do you think the next step will have to be for this in order to get over the hump and be able to win a championship this time around? Because players like Jayson Tatum had it rough in the Finals.
Well, now that they’ve been on a big stage, they know what to expect. They showed that they was a veteran team, they didn’t get rattled in big moments. They understood the moment. Boston is a young team that has that experience now. So now, when that moment comes, they’ll know how to react better, and they will be better prepared. Not only for what it takes, and so on. And that’s that’s huge. You know, it’s tough when you’re going through your first finals against a team who’s been there, done that, you know, the lights, the media attention, all that can get to some young players, and you know, now that they’ve experienced it, I think there’ll be more equipped for it this time around.
As someone who won a title in Boston who knows what it is like to be on a dynasty in the making, do you think this current iteration of the Celtics has dynasty potential?
Well, yeah, I mean, I think the pieces are in place when you got two young stars like they do. A number of other young guys. Everything is in place, because when you looked at dynasties over the years, where you look at it, like how the Lakers did it when Kobe and Shaq were young, the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors, you know, they had the infrastructure built with the young stars. And so that’s definitely there. But you got to get that first one. And once you get that first one under the belt, who knows what might happen with this thing?
Paul Pierce, NBA legend speaks during the NRL Grand Final Media Opportunity at Martin Place on October 04, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
In terms of the modern-day NBA, you look at a team like the Warriors and they’re probably the best example of a dynasty in the contemporary era. Especially with players always jumping around from team to team. What has been the key to the Warriors dynasty and what is the blueprint for future NBA dynasties, moving forward?
If they didn’t win that much, then you know, they wouldn’t be resigning these guys all the time and keeping them together. So you know, they gotta win. That’s what’s gotta happen for Boston to stay together and for these two guys to grow together. They gotta win. You know, they keep going to the finals and losing, you probably see a shakeout. Right now is their time. They are still young, they know they got two great players, and that’s what you can build around moving forward, but they got to win. And that’s how it always starts with culture. You know, Boston Celtics have created a great culture for winning and it starts at the top, also ownership, coaching staff all the way through.
I just want to know what your thoughts were on the Draymond Green and Jordan pool situation because that was such a viral moment for that team and it also had ramifications on their free agency situation.
Well, you know, it shouldn’t happen. I think Draymond knows that it shouldn’t happen. Him being the veteran leader… shouldn’t have ever come to that. And I know he realized he made a mistake. But you know, they can get past stuff like that. And I truly believe they’ve gotten past it. When you’re in a culture like the Golden State Warriors, what they have in their leadership and their locker room, they can sweep stuff like that under the rug, and move on.
Jumping into the difference between eras. You played in a more defense-heavy era. You guys always talk about how it was much tougher to play, it was more aggressive on the defensive end. Maybe expand on that and how the game has changed because now more than ever, we see guys putting up these insane 40-50-point games.
I mean, it’s not only the difference in eras. As time has gone on, they’ve adjusted certain defensive rules that really give an advantage to the offensive player. They don’t allow a lot of bumping, they don’t allow a lot of holding, you know, and so, they really try to preach freedom of movement. And so when you allow that, then the advantage, the advantage is always gonna go to the offensive player. And that’s why you’re seeing these guys putting up record-setting numbers, not just individually. Just the other day I saw Sacramento put up like 140-145 points. But it’s good for the guys. Guys are better shooters these days, from top to bottom, and that’s why we are seeing these types of numbers.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 01: UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (L) and former NBA player Paul Pierce (R) pose for a photo during a media opportunity ahead of UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium on October 1, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
In terms of just the young stars that are really dominating the game right now, who is somebody that you think could dominate in any era? Whether that be your era, the 90s, 80s, etc.
A lot of these guys. You got to figure that Kevin Durant, Kyrie, the Greek Freak. A lot of these guys will be dominant in any era… Jokic, The Joker. Steph Curry, of course.
Transitioning into your post-playing career, what are some projects that you’ve really been looking forward to doing or working on right now?
Right now, I’m doing the podcast with Kevin Garnett. We do our weekly podcast. I’ve just been doing a lot of investing in different companies. I’m working on putting together my documentary, as we speak, been doing stuff in the cannabis space, launching my brands in Boston, Phoenix, Ohio. And I’m gonna talk to somebody about starting my own long tequila brand. Why not?
What has it been like to sort of reconnect with Kevin Garnett and be able to do that show and just talk hoops all the time?
I mean, we just at the house chillin,’ man. We were really good friends. He lives five minutes from me, our kids go to school together. So it’s just natural for us to just kind of come together and talk hoops.
It’s still pretty early into the season but if you could pick an MVP right now, who would it be and why?
Right now, I gotta go with Jayson Tatum, man. I mean, because he’s leading the best team in basketball record-wise so far. He stepped his game up to another level. But it’s a long race, you know? But right now as of today, I gotta go with Jayson Tatum.
Just lastly, probably the Celtics are in there, but who do you think is probably destined for an NBA Finals appearance this year and who do you think is going to win, and in how many games?
Oh, I really see the Celtics are getting back in the finals. It’s gonna be tough because I believe it’s gonna be them and Milwaukee but I think the Celts are gonna win in seven games. I think it’s gonna be tough to find another team that can beat the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series. It’s just hard for me to see them losing a seven-game series to anybody in the West, so I’m gonna go with them. I’m going with a rematch of last year.
Who do you got winning that series?
Celtics are winning in seven.
Awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time today.
It has been an undeniably massive year in music. There are more artists at our fingertips than ever before in history, and across the board, every genre saw new additions that were hits for both veterans and newcomers. In R&B, we were blessed with several takeaway releases that not only topped the charts, but they impacted the industry in a way that stood out from the crowd. As 2022 comes to a close, we’ve revisited some of our favorite R&B records from the year, and trust us, it wasn’t easy compiling this list.
Before anyone gets their feathers ruffled, our pick for the Top R&B Albums of the Year isn’t in any particular order. It should be noted that in this generation, R&B is evolving into spaces that artists of yesteryear have dabbled in, but without as much visibility or success. Alternative R&B enters mainstream spaces, Rock fusions are widely accepted, Neo-Soul is evolving, and producers are tapping into vintage Funk sounds with a new twist. Some listeners debate what is and isn’t considered R&B because the landscape has expanded.
While our picks for the Top R&B Albums of the Year most likely won’t match all of yours, we know that each of these artists placed here is well-deserved recognition. Some mainstream artists missed the list this year, and not because they, too, didn’t deliver stellar records; however, others shined in unique ways with distinctive sounds that demanded attention.
Check out our Top R&B Albums of the Year, and make sure to let us know your choices.
The Bay Area hitmaker delivered their third studio album in April. Known for their vulnerability, Kehlani once again took listeners into the deep recesses of their soul. Features included looks from Blxst, Justin Bieber, Jessie Reyez, Thundercat, and more, making for a well-rounded album.
This album was a long time coming for the Shea Butter Babysinger. As the first lady of Dreamville, Ari Lennox has enhanced a male-dominated space that hosts some of the industry’s favorite emcees. Her single “Pressure” was one but several standouts on this album, including “Boy Bye” with Lucky Daye and “Leak It” featuring Chlöe.
18. Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights
Prepare to feel seen while listening to this one. Lacy’s knack for storytelling shines on this project. Also, there are often mirror-confronting emotions that only arise when listening to an artist like Lacy.
17. Ella Mai – Heart On My Sleeve
Her self-titled debut arrived in 2018 and took R&B by storm. Singles “Trip” and “Boo’d Up” previously dominated the charts, and fans were begging Ella Mai for more. Heart On My Sleeve didn’t disappoint as the singer avoided the dreaded “Sophomore Slump” and glided through the album.
16. Lucky Daye – Candydrip
It is definitely Lucky Daye’s time to shine. Now that he has a Grammy under his belt, eyes have been keenly watching his next moves. Candydrip is in the running for the Grammys Best R&B Album category next year, and is well-deserved; whether uptempo grooves or mellow vibes, Daye takes you on a journey that will keep you on your toes.
When Mary J. steps to the mic, prepare to be impressed. The Queen of Hip Hop-Soul has captivated audiences for decades, and with each step, her evolution as a woman and artist is center stage. As she goes through her latest healing journey, Blige puts it all on the table—including her contentious divorce—and once again lets fans into her intimate spaces.
14. Brent Faiyaz – Wasteland
He has long stated that commercial success isn’t his goal, which sets Brent Faiyaz apart from many of his peers. Because he’s not the type of artist to feel tethered to a particular genre—despite being overwhelmingly R&B—we often hear Faiyaz experiment in subtle ways that make albums like Wasteland an enjoyable sonic experience.
13. Syd – Broken Hearts Club
She won our hearts over as the frontwoman of the stellar group The Internet, and this year, Syd delivered her first solo project in five years. Her mesmerizing voice penetrates the soul, making Broken Hearts Club a must on Top R&B lists of the year.
12. Phony Ppl – Euphonyus
For fans of R&B-Funk fusions, Phony Ppl is a must. The Brooklyn-based collective has infiltrated mainstream culture with a sound all its own. The use of melody, rhythm, and synesthesia make Euphonyus a project that no other artists could tackle with such precision.
It was expected for Dawn FM to dominate throughout the year since each of The Weeknd’s projects is more of an experience than just an album. The Canadian superstar, once again, took fans through several visual and sonic adventures while promoting this one. The pairing of R&B synth and ’80s production are nods to music history that fans are eating up.
10. Ravyn Lenae – Hypnos
Be prepared to take an ethereal trip with Lenae as her buttery vocals drift listeners from the first track to the last. From classical to gospel, expect Lena to take you on a wild sonic ride influenced by an array of genres.
9. dvsn – Working On My Karma
This singer-producer duo has often been labeled as “Toxic R&B,” but that is primarily because of their honest approach to songwriting. As others tackle more romantic vibes in R&B, dvsn isn’t afraid to show their authenticity. dvsn frontman Daniel Daley is unafraid of being the “bad guy” and pens songs that speak to relationships that should end, not come together. It’s a level of truth that not all artists face, but Working on My Karma does just that.
8. Moonchild – Starfruit
It is easy to feel as if you’re floating while listening to Moonchild. The jazzy Soul group tapped peers like Alex Isley, Rapsody, and Lalah Hathaway for Starfruit. The trio has been together for a decade, and sonically, their connection as collaborators is almost palpable on Starfruit.
7. Giveon – Give or Take
One of the most recognizable voices in R&B-Pop today is Giveon. His deep, haunting-yet-bewitching vocals have helped catapult him to international stardom. As his official debut, Give or Take is almost theatrical, in both its rollout and essence.
6. Alex Isley, Jack Dine – Marigold
Marigold is certainly a 2022 standout that most Top R&B AOTY lists have included. The collaborative effort is a “no skips” project that can ease any troubled mind, often described as being able to ground listeners.
5. SZA – S.O.S
She’s lamented about being boxed in as only an R&B artist, but SZA is very much a pillar in the genre. S.O.S has become her most experimental effort to date, as she fuses Rock and Alternative sounds with R&B stylings. The project has been praised near and far, and there are even whispers of a full Rock album to follow.
4. Beyoncé – Renaissance
One of the most talked about releases of the year, unsurprisingly, arrived this summer, courtesy of Beyoncé. This nod to R&B, Dance, Electronic, and House music from the 1980s was fueled by samples of Black artists who helped shape an era of music. Although it doesn’t adhere to a purist’s ideal of R&B, Bey & Co. didn’t miss and her vocal stylings were still very much centered in the genre.
3. FKA Twigs – Caprisongs
The British songbird may take over headlines due to controversy, but FKA Twigs’s ability to create movements musically aids her attractability. She has said that Caprisongs was a record that, for the first time in her career, she created for others as a collective. Her vulnerability is shared with listeners who, Twigs stated, needed support during this time.
2. Lady Wray – Pieces of Me
The soulful sounds of Lady Wray spun listeners in circles. Reminiscent of Golden Era R&B fused with Jazz influences, Wray is unlike any other on the scene. Some have compared her stylings to Amy Winehouse’s, and Pieces of Me touches on Wray’s gospel influences that some say are missing from today’s culture of R&B.
1. Muni Long – Public Displays of Affection
After spending years penning songs for some of our favorite hitmakers, Muni Long has stepped into the spotlight with full force. Public Displays of Affection hosted a few of her viral hits, but the remainder proved that she is a singer-songwriter who is only improving as she evolves into her new era.
Hit-Boy is undoubtedly the producer of 2022. After closing out 2021 with a third collaborative effort with Nas, Magic, he kept the momentum high throughout the year. He reunited with Beyoncé on “THIQUE” off of Renaissance – a strong display of his ability to craft hits. However, he also locked in with some formidable MCs. We saw him work alongside legends like Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz. He also served as the executive producer behind The Game’s Drillmatic Heart Vs. Mind and, even more recently, Nas’s King’s Disease III.
“My responsibility is to just bring quality every time,” Hit-Boy told HNHH. “Like, really get into like the sonic sphere of where they flourish at. I feel like that’s why me and Nas win… I just like getting a specific pocket that allows their shit to breathe.”
Hit-Boy’s emphasis on bringing quality helped usher in a new era of Nas’s career. However, on the cusp of releasing King’s Disease III, 21 Savage sparked a debate surrounding Nas’ “relevance” in the culture. Fans and critics initially considered the comments disrespectful, but it didn’t take long for them to put their differences aside for “One Mic One Gun,” produced by Hit-Boy.
Hit-Boy via Thirdeyeraz
“I definitely was just like… I’m just a little like – man, this is crazy that we are the only genre that’s so quick to downplay the people around us, the OGs, whatever,’” Hit-Boy recalled of his initial reaction to 21’s comments. “And it’s like, I feel like what me and Nas are even pushing for is a bigger agenda just with hip hop and artists being able to mature and still make the flyest shit that they could possibly make that don’t sound dated.”
For the latest installment of HNHH’s 12 Days Of Christmas, we caught up with Hit-Boy to discuss bridging the intergenerational gap in hip-hop, King’s Disease III, and the history behind “Legit.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Jacksonville, FL became a hotbed for talent in recent years, though Lil Poppa could be the most promising export. However, the grim realities of the city became a central force of his artistry. The pain-riddled melodies are coupled with vivid accounts of growing up in Jacksonville, Florida. Above all, he considers his music a survival guide to make it out of such harsh environments.
The budding star began making music at the age of 12 following a stint writing for his church just two years prior. However, his maturity and life experiences in the following years developed his songwriting skills further. 2018’s “Purple Hearts” was a turning point that provided a form of escape during a trying time in his life. The record grapples with survivor’s guilt following the deaths of his two best friends. The auto-tune in his voice induces pain and anxiety but he crafted bars that felt wise beyond his years. At this point, Poppa’s passion ultimately transformed into a therapeutic outlet. As a result, the feelings of grief and solitude cultivated a loyal fanbase. 2021’s Blessed, I Guess was an exemplary body of work revealing his maturity since he began to make waves. The album captured his ability to turn these harrowing emotions into beautiful poetry.
Lil Poppa on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)
However, it was2019’s Under Investigation 2 that set him up for success in the years that followed. The 11-song effort found Lil Poppa swapping bars with formidable artists who carried the same M.O. Mozzy, his label mate at CMG, not only appeared on the project but later returned the favor when he invited Poppa onto “Price Tag” with Polo G off of the Sacramento rapper’s critically acclaimed, Beyond Bulletproof in 2020. The unadulterated thoughts seeped through gloomy Southern production that related to a wider audience than ever before.
Given that he watched his brother pursue a career in music, Poppa naturally gained a passion for crafting bars. Then, he mixed with the ethos of Southern mainstays like Boosie Badazz and Webbie. The combination of these influences formed the foundation of his undeniably riveting sound that relies on the brute honesty that he masks through his melodic delivery.
Lil Poppa is emerging as a singular voice representing the South, minted by a deal with Yo Gotti’s CMG. Following the deal, he released the third installment in the Under Investigation series at the top of 2022. But even after turning the projects into a trilogy, he considers his CMG debut as much of a formal introduction as his previous efforts.
“[I’m] getting everybody familiar with me and to this day, I feel like when people go back and listen to my first project, they still do that. Like they still getting a chance to know me,” he says, adding that his mood is the primary indicator of his creative direction on any given song or project. “Whatever mood I’m in is whatever’s gonna come [out in] the music at the time.”
Check out Lil Poppa’s acapella of “Pledge” below, and the latest episode of On The Come Up with Lil Poppa. The Jacksonville, FL rapper discusses a dream collab with Juice WRLD, the reality of the music industry, and more.
She’s the multihyphenate “it” girl that has captivated viewers on shows like Star and Grown-ish, but Ryan Destiny’s career started in music. A global audience has already been introduced to the several talents Ryan has to offer, and often, it can be easy to box her in as an actress with a big voice. Yet, Ryan has been pursuing music since her pre-teen days, even being a part of a girl group and signing a record deal. Acting catapulted her into stardom, but R&B-Pop aspirations have lingered.
Recently, Ryan shared her new single “How Many,” and the accompanying visual was a stunning nod to R&B mavens of yesteryear. We’ve seen her star in music videos for artists like Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, and two for Big Sean. This time, she’s taking center stage as she delivers a track about a cheating partner who has taken her for granted.
In our insightful 12 Days of Christmas interview with Ryan, she opens up about perfecting the balance in juggling multiple pursuits, especially as her acting career continues to elevate.
“Just being transparent, I feel like it’s something that still has to kind of go day by day with it,” Ryan exclusively told us. “And I’m very interested to see how my next year goes because it’s probably going to be the hardest to juggle, just out of the past few years, because of the pandemic, and everything that went on, I feel like it really slowed a lot of things down.”
“But now, since things are starting to pick back up, it’s just going to be really interesting to see how it all really can be done, because of the projects that I have coming out, with acting, and then more things being produced, and then music as well. And just kind of how those two live together.”
Read more from our interview with Ryan as she opens up about maintaining her privacy, only being in competition with herself, and being okay with not having it all together.
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
Signature sneakers are easily some of the best ways for fans to feel like they are their favorite NBA star. Every single year, the biggest stars in the game come through with new offerings of their signature lines. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and more, all have signature athletes, which subsequently leads to some good old-fashioned sneaker wars.
Overall, Nike has largely dominated the signature shoe space over the years. However, it really seems like the other brands are catching up. More athletes are signing with Adidas and Puma than ever before, which has led to amazing competition.
2022 has been particularly great for signature sneakers, and with this list, we are counting down the 10 best releases of the entire year.
10. Nike PG 6 (Paul George)
Sneakers worn by Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game against Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena on November 7, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Starting off our list is the Nike PG 6, courtesy of Paul George. Throughout the years, George has consistently had one of the best signature shoes. His latest offering is perhaps his wildest yet thanks to the unique midsole and tooling on the upper. Overall, this model lends itself to some cool colorways, and they will definitely make you flash on the court. While some may prefer his first couple of releases, there is now doubt that the PG 6 has its merits.
9. PUMA MB.01 (LaMelo Ball)
The shoes of LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center on March 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball is one of the biggest and brightest young stars in the NBA. Consequently, Puma gave him his very own signature shoe, the Melo MB.01. The second variation is starting to make its way to the market, however, we prefer the first silhouette. This shoe comes complete with wings protruding from the cuff, as well as some Xs across the midsole. The shoe speaks to LaMelo’s personality and it is definitely one of the more unique signature sneakers on this list.
8. Jordan Luka 1 (Luka Doncic)
A detailed view of the shoes worn by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks as the Mavericks play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 14, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Next on the list is Luka Doncic with his first offering, the Jordan Luka 1. As a whole, this shoe is fairly basic in its construction. However, there are some unique elements here that lend themselves well to interesting colorways. The silhouette itself is sleak, and as far as signatures go, these are easily the least offensive on the market. Hopefully, Luka and Jumpman get just a bit more creative next time around.
A view of the shoes worn by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors as the Warriors take on the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Back in the day, Steph Curry’s signature sneakers with Under Armour used to get heavily roasted. Subsequently, UA went into the lab and fixed their formula. Now, Curry consistently has one of the best shoes in the league. With the Curry Flow 10, that trend certainly continues. As the name suggests, the silhouette flows incredibly well. Moreover, the upper’s construction is complex as interwoven mesh blends with the ridged midsole. If you love Curry, these are a must-own.
6. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #4 (Donovan Mitchell)
A detail is pictured of the sneakers worn by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell will always get points from us for having the most unique-named signature sneakers on the market. Mitchell is a huge comic book fan, and he has backed up that love by giving each new shoe an Issue number. As it stands, Mitchell is on Issue #4 of his D.O.N. series. Above, you can see that this shoe is just an overall simple yet effective silhouette. Adidas is great at crafting performance-driven signatures, and this is yet another example of that.
5. Adidas Dame 8 (Damian Lillard)
A detailed view of the sneakers worn by Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers against the Miami Heat at the Moda Center on October 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Miami Heat won 119-98. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Overall, Damian Lillard’s line of signature sneakers has been incredibly consistent. Every single year, Dame drops a dope shoe. This year, it has been the Adidas Dame 8. These kicks are packed with personality, and they showcase Lillard’s confidence. On the side of the shoe, “DAME” is written under some mesh, all while zig-zags complement the three stripes. It isn’t the flashiest shoe ever, however, it gets points for being yet another solid signature from the game’s most overlooked point guard.
4. Nike Zoom Freak 4 (Giannis Antetokounmpo)
Detail of the sneaker worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on November 4, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the entire NBA right now, and his signature shoe is fit for a king. His line has always been solid from the jump, and with the Zoom Freak 4, Nike has yet another hit on its hands. A chunky midsole, a backward swoosh, and unique colorways help this model stand out. If you liked the previous three models, you will definitely love this one too. For those of you out there who hoop, you know these are great to play in. Giannis has a great eye for performance, and this signature certainly deserves its top 5 ranking.
A general view of the shoes worn by Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
When it comes to signature sneakers, it feels like Kevin Durant has always succeeded in the performance department. Furthermore, his shoes always look great…which definitely helps. If you go to any college or high school basketball game, you will notice that many players are wearing the Nike KD 15. That’s because even schools know these shoes are workhorses. They hold up well on the court, and there are enough amazing colorways out there to make you stand out. KD is always a staple of these lists, and the KD 15 cemented that trend further.
2. Jordan Zion 2 (Zion Williamson)
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans wears a pair of Nike shoes prior to the start of an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on December 09, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Zion Williamson never even got to wear the Jordan Zion 1. Thankfully, Zion is back on the court, and he is proudly wearing the Jordan Zion 2, in the process. Williamson is a large player which means he needs a large shoe that can withstand his power. As you can see, this shoe takes on aesthetics from the early 2000s, when big men like Shaq were dominating the game. The strap on the toe, the reinforced upper, and the chunky midsole all come together to form one of the best releases of the year. While these might not be for everyone, there is no doubt that Jordan Brand snapped with these. Over the course of the season, we can’t wait to see Zion wear more colorways.
1. Nike LeBron 20 (LeBron James)
The shoes of LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers are seen during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on December 09, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Putting LeBron James at the top of a signature sneakers list seems a little on the nose. Over the past few years, most people would scoff at LeBron ever topping one of these lists again. However, the Nike LeBron 20 has certainly captured the attention of fans. With this model, LeBron is going back to the early days of his line with a more low-top silhouette. Even his peers like Kevin Durant have praised these. From the two-swoosh concept to the graphics that adorn the midsole underneath the toe box, these are simply stunning. More colorways are to come, and there is no doubt that this is a must-own shoe. Props to LeBron and Nike for an incredible return to form.
Let us know which of these signature shoes is your favorite, in the comments down below.
It’s an annual holiday tradition at this point for Jim Jones to join HNHH for 12 Days Of Christmas. Days ahead of his latest holiday album, Jim Jones Presents 12 Days Of Christmas,Capo joined HNHH via Zoom for another in-depth conversation about the year but this time, Juelz Santana also joined us for the latest installment of our holiday series. Juelz Santana and Jim Jones are back on the road together, more so than we’ve seen them in the past. Capo held it down in Juelz’s absence between 2019 and 2020 but now, they’re back and stronger than ever as a unit.
“We’re older. Our mindset is different, we’re thinking different. The business moves that we’re making are different,” Jim Jones told HNHH. The two have a few plans for the foreseeable future – a possible venture into the tobacco industry, and a potential joint project.
Jim Jones & Juelz Santana via Via Publicist
“Jim’s hustle has always been undeniable,” Juelz added. “It’s something I’ve always able to look at no matter what I’m dealing with and find a goal in that to get me going. I’m just happy to be back at full motion.”
For the latest installment of 12 Days Of Christmas, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana join HNHH to discuss Hip-Hop 50, KRS-One, bringing Master P to Harlem to film “Bout It Bout It III” and so much more.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HNHH: I feel like we’ve seen you guys on the road together a lot more this year. How has that been for you guys, just getting back on the road and hustling together?
Jim Jones: Feels good, man. Feels good to have my brother back. Have a brother back on the road. He was in school for a while, which took a little time from us but now we back full speed. It feels better than it did before, actually.
Juelz Santana: I totally agree.
Coming from such an iconic run during the 2000s, what are the differences and similarities between those times and now?
JimJones: What we did then, shit… The Diplomat run is undeniable. You can’t compare that to anything but it’s a bit different now. We’re older. Our mindset is different, we’re thinking different. The business moves that we’re making are different. It’s way more about the business than it is about the music, even though the music is just as much important but we more in the business now. I’d say 10% music, 90% business.
JuelzSantana: Yeah. Yeah, definitely. The approach is 100% different. But everything else is kinda the same. Jim’s hustle has always been undeniable. It’s something I’ve always able to look at no matter what I’m dealing with and find a goal in that to get me going. I’m just happy to be back at full motion. Getting ready to put out music at the top of the year. January with Drama, we’re gonna put out In Motion project. Turn sh*t up.
Jim Jones via publicist
Jim, what’s the update on the Hitmaka project and when can we expect that to come out?
JimJones: Well, before the Hitmaka project, I’m actually dropping a Christmas album next week called 12 Days Of Christmas… Got a nice compilation going on with all of my artists… just to be in the Christmas spirit. Besides that, the Hitmaka project is coming at the top of the year. It’s an incredible project fully produced by Hitmaka. I’m excited, man. I got a record with Stefflon Don that I think could be a very big record.
You just dropped a “Gunshot” with BEAM but I wanted to know, what was KRS’s reaction to hearing you use that sample?
JimJones: I didn’t actually get to speak with KRS personally about the sample but for all the samples you use from KRS-One, he has to give the thumbs up. So, that was good enough for me, man.
Back in the day, it was like, this shit ain’t even gonna last. [BDP] had to go through that era of really making people believe that hip-hop was gonna be here today as what it is.
And what memories does KRS-One’s “Step Into The World” bring back to you?
JimJones: Well, KRS-One was a big part of my life as a youngster. Not even a part of me becoming a rapper. BDP, Boogie Down Production.. *breaks into BDP’s “My Philosophy”*. BDP was so influential in the Bronx coming from Harlem. It was like the end-all-be-all. Very instrumental for me coming up as a youngster. “Black Cop,” so many records that resonates with me whenever I see KRS-One. His style. They had all the leather, the BDP jackets. Hats all fly. Man, Self-Destruction was another big record. There’s so much, man. I can recite KRS-One rhymes all day.
JuelzSantana: And they was movin’ militant.
JimJones: Super militant. It was a little different back then. They was on their God body, hard body, you heard?
Juelz, would you mind chiming in? With Hip-Hop 50 coming up, I’d love to hear your thoughts on KRS-One’s impact on you coming up.
Juelz Santana: Oh, I was a super music head coming up. It’s funny we were just talking the other day in my house and I was telling some stories. I grew up just being a music head so I was definitely into KRS-One, heavy. The whole BDP. I mean, Jim hit it on the notes, man. They carried the Bronx. They had the Bronx on their back. KRS-One… his lyrics were on point. They were styling. They were putting on for the city, what else can I say? At a time when hip-hop was shunned upon, and I mean, way more than it’s shunned upon now. Now, they just pick and choose what genres they want to– like drill music and stuff like that. But back in the day, it was like, this shit ain’t even gonna last. They had to go through that era of really making people believe that hip-hop was gonna be here today as what it is. So to me, he’s part of that era. Sh*t.
Jim Jones: Speaking of making it last, just look how long– I don’t know if people know the correlation between KRS-One and D-Nice. D-Nice is probably one of the biggest DJs in the world, at this point in time.
Juelz Santana: “25 to life, my name is D-Nice.”
JimJones: But he from BDP. DJ D-Nice in the president’s party and that type sh*t. He different. It shows you how far hip-hop came.
Juelz Santana: D-Nice still doing his thing, now. Shout out to D-Nice.
JimJones: He’s super doing his thing now. He’s the biggest DJ in the world.
Juelz Santana: He’s that dude.
JimJones: Don’t forget about Just-Ice. That was my man. Ms. Melody, KRS-One…
You mentioned how KRS-One and BDP, specifically, were moving militant. How did they influence maneuvering your way through the streets and the music industry?
Jim Jones: They set a precedent in the rap game of every era of gangsta rap to the way they were moving was different. You see them. It just felt like you shouldn’t play with them. I just watched them on TV because I didn’t even see them personally. This was something we was watching on TV. But the aura that they gave off, they might not be the n***as you want to play with. In turn, you take bits and pieces of everything you see in the rap game because that’s part of who you become. When you mix all of that together, you vicariously might have a little bit of KRS-One and BDP in you when you moving as a group. You make that into who you are as you become into your own artist and things like that.
Juelz Santana: You know how you talking about moving militant and shit and Capo was saying the difference between now and then. You know how now, certain n*ggas got that image and you kinda know, you’re like, “aww them n***as might kill you.” See, they didn’t have that aura. But they had the aura, “you gonna get a good ass whooping f*cking with them n*ggas.”
*Jim Jones laughs*
Juelz Santana: Like they gonna leave some of that leather jacket on you. They might leave the B from the BDP on your back. They look like they was gonna kick your ass. They didn’t look like they had no guns. They looked like you was going to leave the situation, but you was going to be in the hospital fuckin’ with them n***as.
Do you two feel that energy is missing in hip-hop these days?
Juelz Santana: No, it’s totally f*cking missing it. N***as ain’t kidding. N***as ain’t trying to get no a**whooping. Most n***as can’t fight. N***as get made now by picking up guns and shooting almost cooler than getting money nowadays. Sh*t, I don’t know. I’m just trying to stay safe. Make it home. Shit’s crazy out here.
JimJones: A lot of things that are missing from what we used to do. A lot of lessons – it’s just nasty. Violence is at an all-time high right now in hip-hop. Do I wish we could settle our differences with fights nowadays? Yeah, I do. Do I wish we could settle our differences without violence nowadays? Yeah. The harsh reality –
Juelz Santana: It’s f*cked up ‘cause as much as we want to tell them and we mean what we say when we say, “stop the violence, learn from our mistakes,” but there was a generation that was telling us the same thing. And we were still negating a lot of sh*t and just living recklessly and living fast and getting into sh*t in the streets. We had to live and learn. And I don’t think we want that for them ‘cause it’s ending up way worse, but who are we to really tell them? All we can do is just give our advice and sh*t. But the streets are gonna be the streets. N***as gonna be n***as in the streets.
Do you think there’s some sort of solution that could at least slow down the violence that’s happening in the culture?
JimJones: The solution is us taking a step at the solution. And that takes a combined effort of everybody with influence inside this hip-hop game. I’m not saying we could change the world and make everything stop by tomorrow but it’s worth a try. Figure out something that could help our situation, maybe make it a little bit better. You gotta be accountable, first of all. You gotta hold people accountable for what’s going on before we wanna move forward. There’s a lot to it, man. But I do know one thing, there are a lot of rappers out here that hold a lot of influence, even me and Juelz. We need to start banding together and push forward a narrative that can help start the solution. Make this gun violence disappear.
Juelz Santana: I agree. I totally agree.
I got a record with Durk, super dope. I got a record with A Boogie, super dope. I got a record with Dej Loaf and Young Thug, super dope.
I wanna just pivot back into the music quick, Juelz specifically for you, you just dropped Whitney and you were mentioning you had a new project on the way. You said the project’s called In Motion?
Juelz Santana:We In Motion. Gangsta Grillz with DJ Drama. Finally. It’s long-awaited. Me and Drama had talked about doing a tape years ago. Me and Jeezy were actually supposed to do a tape together and it was supposed to be with DJ Drama. We doin’ that at the top of the year.
Before we go into the project, can you tell me more about this Juelz/Jeezy tape that was supposed to come out? When did you guys have this discussion?
JS: Oh, you know, I was at Def Jam. Jeezy was at Def Jam. When Jeezy first came out. Right before his album came out, that was one of the reasons me and Wayne wound up doing the I Can’t Feel My Face tape. I don’t know if you know but if you look back, me and Jeezy got a couple of records together. Like, 4 records, and those were supposed to be the records for the tape but Jeezy really took off. He had a very successful career and it just didn’t pan out at the time. Wayne reached out to me like, “Yo, when that tape coming out?” I was like, “I don’t know. I’m waiting on the boy to finish some records and sh*t.” And he was like, “sh*t, if he ain’t with it, then let’s do a tape,” and it just so happened that me and Wayne ended up doing a tour the next month. It was me, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Dem Franchise Boyz. And me and Wayne had just built a bond that was crazy throughout that tour. Just going to the studio every night and just, know what I’m saying? We recorded tons of music and got I Can’t Feel My Face from that. I mean, us not doing that, got us I Can’t Feel My Face. So I’m kinda happy that it happened.
So what’s the status of the I Can’t Feel My Face project…
JS:I Can’t Feel My Face running the streets right now. We gonna turn this thing into a movement, it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s an empire. But as far as the Wayne project, that’s my brother – I don’t even need to promote that project anymore. Me and Wayne got a lot of songs in the stash and when they come out, they gonna come out. We don’t need to promote it, we just gonna slap it and say I Can’t Feel My Face out like how Beyonce did the Lemonade album. I hate talking about it ‘cause then they wanna say “Juelz said this about I Can’t Feel My Face…” Nah, I ain’t doin’ all that. Wayne’s my brother. We got a relationship that’s deeper than music but we always record music together.
That’s exciting. I will say though, your verse on Tha Carter III is probably my favorite verse on that entire album to this day.
JS: I’m still waiting on fuckin’ my Carter III plaque. Mac, I need my plaque, baby.
Well, I hope he reads this and that comes your way this holiday season.
JS: Yeah, that’d be a good Christmas gift. How many Tha Carter III sold? Almost 10 million, right? I would take that plaque.
You dropped “Whitney” and I think you recently teased a record with Lil Durk, am I correct?
JS: Yeah, I teased a couple of records. I got a record with Durk, super dope. I got a record with A Boogie, super dope. I got a record with Dej Loaf and Young Thug, super dope. I think it’s gonna be a great look. Great look for myself but also a great look for Dej Loaf. I love Dej Loaf as an artist. I think this is definitely gonna get the people like, “what the f*ck? We need some Dej sh*t, too.” So I’m really excited about this project. It’s called We In Motion. Me, Jim and Meek got a record that’s real dope that’s gonna be on there. So January, top of the year, stepping on them. We got a lot of dope artists I’m bringing with me. So, I’m just looking forward to the movement. Lotta motion, lotta motion.
Juelz Santana via publicist
Will we be hearing that as a single before the album drops or is that something we have to wait for?
JS: Well I mean the top of the year is here, that’s why I didn’t put the record out. I’m doing it around January first. Super top of the year, preferably January 1st. If all goes well. I just didn’t feel like I needed to drop too many records, you know? I’m probably gonna drop one before it but I’ma give yall what y’all been asking for, which is a whole project from Juelz Santana, at least 12-15 songs. The ball will be rolling and then we can just keep it going from there.
Jim, how much of a role did you play in Juelz and Drama together for a Gangsta Grillz?
JS: Jim played 90%. 90%.
JJ: I ain’t gonna lie. Juelz said the other day, “I wanna do this Drama tape.” I said, “Drama gon’ do the tape,” and then, we were on a No Jumper interview and Juelz was talking about it and then Drama called his phone like “where the music at?” Done.
JS: I say 90% because — of course, Jim, he don’t gotta call Drama and ask. Like, we all got relationships but just as far as helping me just get in motion and getting me in the space of where I need to be. Putting out music and being creative. You know, ready to put out music and just keeping us alive with the music he’s been putting out. Being so effective in the game. It’s just been good to watch.
JJ: It ain’t over, we just started. That’s what it feels like.
JS: By the way, we been talking about doing a project together, too. Putting out something. I think the people are ready for that now. They’ll accept that without giving us no sh*t about awww it’s not a Dipset project. But me and Jim, we working. Whatever is gonna come out of it is gonna come out of it. That’s my brother.
I did wanna ask on the status of the Dipset movie because I remember you were all waiting for Juelz to come home. Is there any update on that?
JJ: Not yet. I mean, not yet. But this is something – time changes everything but there’s no update on that but just something else to look forward to. A movie about the Diplomats history and things like that. Definitely the people need to see it. We definitely have a dope story from where we started to where we are. Where rap took us. The whole adventure in between, it’s definitely worth seeing.
Do you have any interest in directing a movie, specifically a Christmas movie?
JJ: Specifically a Christmas movie? I never think about no Christmas movie but directing, I do have a passion for. I definitely wanna naturally progress from doing videos to shooting movies and short films and documentaries. And also, that takes a lot of time, most of the stuff.
Looking back, [Master P] was definitely a good sport. I definitely would’ve told myself some fly shit like that, too, if I was Master P.
Speaking of directing, when Cam’ron was on Drink Champs he discussed the “Bout It Bout It III” music video. He recalled how Master P was under the scorching sun, and yelling at you that he’s worth $400 million. I wanted your guys’ perspective on that day.
JJ: That definitely was a different day. You know, a bit younger. Fame was coming at us fast but that day was special. Master P came out –
JS: Yo Capo, you really remember that day, though?
JJ: I remember that day clearly because I remember he came out the whip –
JS: You remember me, though? You remember what was going on with me?
JJ: What happened that day?
JS: I had a warrant that day. Remember I was hiding in the trailer?
JJ: We was tucking you and all that shit!
JS: I was duckin’ in and out of the scenes. The police was looking for my a**, boy.
JJ: That’s when you were locked up and Cam did the song couple of days later. The ‘get him out ASAP,’ right?
JS: “What’s Really Good.”
JJ: Looking back, [Master P] was definitely a good sport. I definitely would’ve told myself some fly shit like that, too, if I was Master P. He was as courteous as he could be, man, I will tell you that. But he definitely styled on me like a lil’ n***a. Like, ‘Lil’ n***a, I’ma give you the benefit of the doubt but huh, I’m worth that money.’
JS: He was at that point in his life where n***as have so much money, they don’t even know what to say. They just start makin’ up shit to say. “I got $400 million! Why I’m standin’ in the sun, n***a?” Everybody standin’ in the sun, n***a! The sun is there, mothafucka! You can’t buy the sun, n***a! You know what I’m sayin’? N***a got so much money, a n***a don’t even know what to say. “N***a, the sun? Get that n***a out of here. Move him over there.” Like, nah we can’t do that. Know what I mean? N***a be sayin’ some wild sh*t when he got all that money.
Juelz that was in your neighborhood though, right?
JS: Yeah pretty much. I mean, it was literally in my neighborhood what I would call my stomping grounds. Battle Grounds park where I always be. Hung out, grew up. Sh*t like that. But, yeah ‘bout 2 or 3 blocks away from my house where I used to live at on 53rd street. That was dope. Bring Master P to the hood. We were known for that, though. We’d bring n*ggas to so many different parts of Harlem. N*ggas had Baby on 140th. N***as had everybody everywhere.
Well bringing artists to Harlem is kind of a tradition for you guys at this point. Who else sticks out to you in terms of artists you’ve brought from out of New York into Harlem?
JJ: Everybody. We had Meek in Harlem this summer. We had Icewear Vezzo in Harlem. We had Fivi’ out there with us. You name it, they be pullin’ up. Harlem was busy this summer. We had Lil Migo this summer. We had Yo Gotti in Harlem, shooting videos. Sh*t, I had Mozzy come to Harlem, shot a video. Had Yung Berg out there this summer shooting a video. I had Stefflon Don out there shooting a video.
JS: We had the whole BMF in Harlem. We had the whole BMF in Harlem on the rooftops.
You had the whole BMF out in Harlem with you guys?
JJ: On my block! If you go to the video with me, Jeezy, and Lil Wayne called “Make It Work For You” – it’s on my second album – Meech is in that video. The video with Jeezy’s verse was shot in my mother’s bedroom. Jeezy was standing on my mother’s waterbed, damn near, like recording. My man Duke The God was like fake engineering Jeezy in the video. We was making the CDs like it was crack. That was in my kitchen where I grew up at. That was literally in my house, the whole house that I grew up at, from a baby until I met Jim and Cam and they took me out the hood. Literally, that’s where that video was shot at. And the whole BMF came. Them n*ggas had phantoms all out on the block. Meech and them was up top. There’s footage of that on the internet.
Aside from what you already do business wise, is there any other industry you’d like to enter in 2023?
JJ: I’d like to get back into the alcohol and beverage industry again. I’ve got something I’d like to push forward. We venturing into the tobacco business, me and Juelz.
Dipset cigarettes are on the way?
JJ: Not cigarettes. We don’t smoke cigarettes, we smoke weed. I had a meeting today actually, I wish I could talk about it. I been working though, man. I’m hyped. Sh*ts gonna happen that people are going to get very excited to see.
Juelz, what about you?
JS: Same. I agree man. Just building this empire right now. ICFMF. I Can’t Feel My Face. I got some super dope artists. Got the clothing line. Of course, like Capo said, we venturing off into tobacco. My brand is getting real big som of course, I’m going to go into all the products that can be sold, legally, as far as that industry is concerned. Like, the pens and all that stuff. Just everything, ‘cause the brand is just growing so strong, down to the movies. I wrote 3 scripts. You were talking to Jim and I didn’t want to [interrupt] but I actually wrote 3 scripts while I was incarcerated. I’m just waiting to get them into the right hands. I truly believe in them. They super dope. The concepts behind them — you know, that’s not our area so I’m just waiting for the right person to hear me. I know they dope. I don’t really wanna act so much, but if I get a role or something… but I ain’t shooting for that. I just kinda wanna be behind the scenes with that. As I said, just building my brand ICFMF into an empire.
Both of you came to 21 Savage’s defense when he made his comments about Nas and then, the song came out. What were your thoughts on the two of them coming together after that?
JJ: I think that’s pretty dope. It’s dope to see them do a record together, it’s dope to see Nas [took] it as any misunderstanding. We all have opinions as to what’s going on out there. But seeing generations from right now mixed in with generations from back then and both are relevant entities in hip-hop culture, it’s pretty dope. It shows a lesson to music moving forward and we both need to meet at a medium. So there’s a lot of confusion and conflict when it comes to rappers from the older generation to up-and-coming rappers and rappers from the younger generation that are very influential and things like that. But what we really need is to come together and make more music, like what 21 and Nas just did. It’s something that me and Juelz been doing all the time. We need more of it.
JS: I agree. I think that was dope that they came up with that and it didn’t lead to anything else. I think that was a positive solution for the situation, especially for the younger generation to see. It was kinda like touching back – not to move backward but like Jim was saying, just taking steps in a positive direction. That sh*t coulda went left, but it went right. Two grown men like that.
JJ: We all gotta learn to agree to disagree without causing conflict. It’s very big and what they did is exactly that.
JS: Even with Jungle, who’s Nas’s brother. He said something. He tweeted something, sharing his opinion and how he felt during the time about the situation. But like I said, it just goes to show you nobody lets too many feelings get involved and stuff. They carried that like men, and how they should have carried it.
I feel like we put our imprint on this game to the point that we are part of this history.
What do you guys think the key is to create an understanding between the younger generation and the OGs?
JJ: Everybody being open-minded. It’s not just the older people that have to be open-minded to what the younger people have. The younger people have to be open-minded to some of the things that we’ve provided for them. It’s a two-way street. But I always wanna give advice, give a helping hand — this is what I do, ‘cause I was once in a position where I didn’t have them people that I needed to count on that was in the game and that could help guide me and give the advice that I needed. So this is one of the things that I’ve been doing for so long as far as helping youngsters.
Juelz: And then, some of those guys get past that “f*ck it” age. In life, man – I don’t know what age it is, but you go through this “f*ck it” age. Some people get through it fast, they grow up quicker than others, but you go through that time where it’s like “f*ck it,” especially if you winning and you’re doing you. How do you get through that? As far as them younger kids ‘cause I think once that attitude gets instilled in them and then they start feeling themselves getting into the paper, it’s kind of like, what can you really say to somebody like that?
Do you guys feel that the impact and the lane and the contributions of Dipset are something that is recognized by the younger generations just based on your interactions with a lot of the new rappers?
JJ: You can definitely see the impact on today’s younger generation, for sure. Listen to these drill beats and these drill beats have a lot of heavy samples like Dipset. It’s no different to style. It seems like it’s 2003 again as I’m seeing the BB Simon belts, True Religion cut jeans to rock and roll this, rock and roll that. It’s something that we created wholeheartedly. The rap-rockstars is us. We did that. That was something that we started. So seeing a lot of these things coming back is pretty dope, just to see how heavy our impact was and still is today. So I appreciate that.
JS: Facts. Super facts. That’s why we can’t lose right now. I feel like we’re in a situation where as long as we keep doing what we doing – what we selling…we selling a lifestyle. We selling what we do, what we been giving them for years. People been winning off of us for years. It’s no different. It’s just under our roof now. It’s gonna be in our building now. We gotta be hands-on, which we shoulda been, but, you live and you learn.
How does it feel being a part of that history in that sense? Because what KRS-One meant to you is what you guys meant to a lot of kids who came up under you. And that impact is everlasting.
JJ: I mean, to be a part of history in hip-hop… it’s something you think about as a kid, wanting to be a rapper. But to know that you actually did that and accomplished that… I feel like we put our imprint on this game to the point that we are part of this history. That you could pull out a file on us and the things that resonates with people all over. Things that we started and created. Having opportunities to come out of our hood through our music, rap music. [1:07:00-1:07:25].
JS: Yeah I agree. I feel like, I don’t want this to come out the wrong way – *call cuts out*.
Did we lose Juelz?
JJ: He comin’ back. I think he’s on the phone.
Before he comes back, I wanted your take on Kanye’s recent presidential campaign and alignment with alt-right figures since we discussed Ye’s genius earlier this year.
JJ: Kanye is very interesting. He’s a bug out. Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of the things that he’s doing – the direction he’s going in, I don’t know where he’s going so I kinda got to step back all his antics. Is he a genius? Is he smart? Yes, he’s very smart. But sometimes, you can be too smart for your own good. Do I wish he figured all this out and maybe, there’s a method to his madness? I pray there is but where he’s at right now is a very dangerous place. And I don’t know if too many people are next to him that’s giving him some sound advice that he might need to navigate where he’s going. But for me, I’ma back off Kanye for a little while. I don’t understand where he’s going with it. Talking about things I have no interest in even getting into it It’s one thing when you fighting for a cause and making sense and things that people could latch onto. It’s crazy. He went from being a billionaire to being – I don’t even know what. Society builds you up to tear you down, they do say that. Sometimes you trick yourself out of your own position just by doing stupid sh*t and having too much money. Like Juelz said, “Move the sun! Where the f*ck is the sun? I have $400 million, n***a! Why am I out here in the sun? Move the sun over.” He’s on that trip right now. He’s trying to move the sun. This n*gga’s crazy!
JS: Crazy. All I’m gonna say, man, ‘cause I don’t really wanna say nothing. I wish Kanye the best, man. I’ma pray for the guy, my guy. And I feel Kanye gonna make it through whatever. He gonna get through it. So I’ma just keep wishing ol’ boy the best and see how everything continues to play out.
Juelz, just wanted to get you to pick up where you left off before you cut out about Dipset’s legacy in hip-hop.
JS: I was just saying how they owe us a lot more credit than they give us. Like Capo was saying, the whole sound of hip-hop is Dipset-related, from the samples. Even if people don’t know it, so much goes back to our original sound. The sound that we created and the sound that we put out there. I think our era was one of the strongest eras to ever get put in front of the people. I was gonna say – I didn’t want it to get taken the wrong way – but I feel like our era was one of the strongest eras. I’ma just say that. It’s just like the Jordan era because you’re going to have people say, a lot of people before Jordan was better than Jordan. But, they paved the way. The people in the early games – it’s f*cked up – but they never get the credit even though they put in the most work. In every sport, every category of everything, the people that start sh*t never get the full credit that they deserve. They don’t get the money they deserve. They don’t get the just due they deserve. Nothing. That’s why I say our era is the strongest ‘cause we kinda came in that era where it was super potent and effective. Like they paved the way but we kinda got to reap the benefits and really lead that impact on the world. Now, you got these artists now that see all the money from it, which is like basketball, you know?
2022’s been a wild ride filled with ups and downs but what we could all agree on was that it was an exceptional year for music. The pandemic-filled days felt like something of the past and a sense of normalcy was regained in our day-to-day lives. People were really outside, and our favorite artists were, too.
After unveiling our top 40 hottest hip-hop albums of 2022, we’re back with the accompanying list of our top songs of the year. It’s a daunting task to rank the top 40 songs of the year, especially looking back at the number of great records dropped. Some of them were viral records that took on a life of their own organically via the power of TikTok (i.e. Lil Yachty’s “Poland” and Ice Spice’s “Munch”). However, there were also plenty of album highlights from the most cherished MCs in hip-hop, from revered wordsmiths (Pusha T, Denzel Curry, etc.) to trusted hitmakers (Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch etc).
Artists like Future and Kendrick Lamar emerged following lengthy hiatus’ from hip-hop and delivered some incredible moments of their latest projects. At the same time, rappers like Lil Uzi Vert and Nicki Minaj came through with a few loosies that kept us talking in anticipation of their next studio albums.
Below, we’ve ranked our top 40 hottest songs of 2022. Skim through our picks below and let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
40. Latto – “Sunshine” ft. Lil Wayne & Childish Gambino
39. Roddy Ricch – “Aston Martin Truck”
38. Denzel Curry – “Walkin”
37. Kendrick Lamar – “Silent Hill” ft. Kodak Black
36. A$AP Rocky – “D.M.B.”
35. Fivio Foreign – “City of Gods” ft. Kanye West & Alicia Keys
34. Drake & 21 Savage – “On BS”
33. Baby Keem – “Highway 95”
32. Offset – “5 4 3 2 1”
31. The Game – “Eazy” ft. Kanye West
30. BIA – “London” ft. J Cole
29. Central Cee – “Doja”
28. Ice Spice – “Munch (Feelin’ U)”
27. Future – “PUFFIN ON ZOOTIES”
26. Lil Baby – “In A Minute”
25. Lil Yachty – “Poland”
24. Nicki Minaj – “Do We Have A Problem” ft. Lil Baby
