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The NFL Will Play Both Sides Of The Kendrick-Drake Beef With An Upcoming OVO Collab

December 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

When Kendrick Lamar was announced as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans this coming February, it certainly seemed as though the NFL was taking a side in the year’s biggest rap beef between Lamar and Drake.

The truth is, the NFL is agnostic when it comes to believing in anything other than making the most money possible, but it did make for a lot of funny jokes on social media when the Kendrick announcement dropped. We got further confirmation of that fact on Tuesday, when Drake’s October’s Very Own label announced it’s latest upcoming merchandise collaboration with the NFL, teasing a pair of Starter-esque jackets on Instagram with a release date of December 13.

It’s not the first time the NFL has partnered with OVO, as they’ve done a handful of collaborations in the past, but the timing on this one certainly will generate plenty of buzz given the upcoming Kendrick Lamar performance. That said, it’s probably safe to assume this has been in the works for quite some time, likely before Lamar’s announcement as the Super Bowl halftime act. In any case, the NFL always seems to find a way to come out on top, no matter what side of most any issue people find themselves on. I will say the funniest outcome to all of this would be for Kendrick to wear one of these jackets at his Super Bowl halftime performance.

Drake Teams Up With NFL For OVO Collab Despite League’s Association With Kendrick Lamar

December 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake and Kendrick Lamar engaged in one of the most jaw-dropping beefs in the history of hip-hop. Overall, this is a feud that is going to go down in history, especially with the way it ended. Kendrick ultimately got the win, and he did so in a brutal fashion. His mastery of tone and strategy were second to none, and Drizzy didn’t really have an answer. In the aftermath of Lamar’s win, he was even awarded the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which has proven to be a controversial decision.

Despite the league’s newfound association with Kendrick, it would appear as though Drake is still in business with the league. Over the years, Drake has dropped a few collaborations alongside the NFL, through his OVO brand. The OVO imprint is mostly known for its impressive streetwear designs. Overall, these collaborations draw a ton of hype, and most importantly, they look good. Now, OVO and the NFL are teaming up for a brand-new collection.

Drake’s OVO x NFL Collab Sneak Peek

Drake’s OVO announces a new collaboration with the NFL drops Friday pic.twitter.com/IphHmbQnim

— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) December 10, 2024

As you can see in the tweet above, it would appear as though this new collaboration is going to bring the OVO aesthetic to some unique jackets. In fact, these jackets seem to be in the same style as those iconic Starter jackets that were popular decades ago. As for the release date of the collaboration, you can expect the new pieces to arrive on Friday, December 13th. Essentially, these are coming out right in time for the Christmas holiday.

It will be interesting to see what else Drake will do with the NFL, in the future. There were rumblings that Drake had been asked to perform the Super Bowl Halftime Show twice. However, on both occasions, Drake decided that it would be best to just politely decline. One has to wonder if the artist will change his tune on that in the future. After all, performing at the Super Bowl is one of the biggest things you can do as a legacy act.

[Via]

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Smiley Returns With A New Single “Understand” Amid Potential Album Rollout

November 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Smiley seems to catch a lot of strays online for not being the most thrilling talent on the OVO label. However, the Canadian act is encouraging those doubters to “#dontboxmein” This is a hashtag he’s been using quite frequently on his social media accounts, and it could mean something else. In the middle of September, the fifth-year rapper put out “Spill The Tea,” which was delivered in his exaggerated tone, along with his unique cadence and accent. It remains to be a divisive quality despite the fact that Drake has his back. In some cases, the co-sign is enough for some, especially when it comes to someone as big as The Boy. But we again go back to that “#dontboxmein” mantra. Smiley wants to make sure that no one belittles his abilities and that’s what he’s partially conveying on “Understand.”

It’s his newest release, and it might be teaser for a project that’s not officially in the works yet. That quote could be the title for it, but no one knows. However, it does help that Smiley packaged this track with “Spill The Tea.” On “Understand,” he’s making sure that people are aware that he’s a special artist and he’s lived/is living a one-of-a-kind life that most would dream for. The production on the track is ethereal and crisp, and the efforts can be attributed to Pooh Beatz. In terms of the flows, Smiley, is mixing auto-tuned singing with rapping, something he’s been doing for years now. It’s another fine addition to his still-growing catalog and one that we are sure he hopes will succeed. Check it out with the music video link below.

“Understand” – Smiley

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Drake Promotes OVO Clothing Line With Moody “No Face” Music Video

October 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake seemed like he was gearing up for something big with 100 Gigs. He dropped a handful of new songs, but then the rollout seemed to stop. The rapper did a few features, and announced an album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, but he’s been quiet on the solo front. Until now, Drake has returned with a new music video for the 100 Gigs standout “No Face.” The video serves a dual purpose, though. It does not cover all of Drake’s verses in the song, but it gives fans a taste while promoting the rapper’s OVO clothing line.

“No Face” is not a long song. It comes it at 2:17, but the music video is even shorter. The video comes in at 1:12, before fading out mid-song. It’s a tactic Drake employed on the teaser/promo video for his smash 21 Savage collab “Jimmy Cooks” in 2022. The new video sees Drake rolling around a shopping mall with his OVO squad. He’s rocking all black with skeleton gloves, similar to the OVO clothing brand photoshoot he did a few weeks back. The continuity between the photoshoot and the video would lead us to believe they were knocked out at the same time, actually.

Drake Gets In Tough Guy Mode For New Video

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A post shared by October’s Very Own (@octobersveryown)

The music video is a reminder that “No Face” is one of the best Drake songs of 2024. He throws subs at everybody who tried to test him during the Kendrick Lamar battle. “I’m expressionless. N**gas be talkin’ ’bout don’t shoot the messenger,” he raps. “Fah-fah-fah, you get shot for way less in here. None of you pussies is blockin’ my blessings here, what?” The black-and-white aesthetic has always worked for the Toronto rapper, whether it be the moody “Take Care” video or the menacing “Nonstop” video. It proves to be just as effective this time around.

To nobody’s surprise, there is no Playboi Carti present in the “No Face” video. The rapper was on the original version of the song, but was subsequently removed. An explanation was never given, but Carti has a history of refusing to clear his vocals for other artists. To be fair to Drake and the music video, it doesn’t even stick around long to get to Carti’s verse if the latter did approve its use. “No Face” still slaps, and proves that the 6 God knows how to make a catchy song in 2024. Let’s hope this leads to something more substantial.

The post Drake Promotes OVO Clothing Line With Moody “No Face” Music Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Roy Woods Is Ready To Get Freaky On “Hold Still”

October 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s been almost a full year since Roy Woods put out a solo single, but this weekend ends that drought in the form of “Hold Still.” The R&B singer with ties to Drake’s OVO has been busy assisting other artists over that period such as Flau’jae, Lithe, Dimi, and PARIS. But he did drop a project in 2023, which was also his first in six years with Mixed Emotions. That went on to include features from Coi Leray, Jada Kingdom, and Vory. Over the course of his career, he has put out a lot of loosies. That’s what he was doing in between 2017-2023. But hopefully, this latest Roy Woods release isn’t just one of those.

One of the reasons why is because his fans are really eating it up. The 2016 era was a memorable one and it seems it left an indelible mark on everyone. They could also be referencing Roy’s introduction year (2015), as that spawned tracks like “Drama” with Drizzy, “Get You Good” and more. These cuts had a dreamy quality to them and that’s what “Hold Still” possesses too. Additionally, listeners are enjoying the late night vibes it evokes. It’s certainly got that going for it also, as Roy is singing passionately about how he wants to rock this woman’s world. ” If you need more convincing, here are a few testimonials. “Sounds like some early Roy and I am soooooo here for it . ” “2016 Roy is back ”

“Hold Still” – Roy Woods

Quotable Lyrics:

I’m tryna do some things to your body
I’m tryna do some things now that I’ve got your body
Emotions running deep since you saw me
It’s been so long, tryna go crazy on your body
Lil’ baby, bring that body
That lil’ wet, wet, that tsunami

[Via]

The post Roy Woods Is Ready To Get Freaky On “Hold Still” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ab-Soul May Have Dissed Drake’s Associate, Chubbs, During A New Funk Flex Freestyle

October 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ab-Soul joined Funkmaster Flex‘s radio show on Monday to perform a new freestyle, which may be referencing Drake’s friend, Chubbs. On the show, he rapped over the beat from Big L‘s freestyle on The Stretch & Bobbito Show in 1998 while possibly referencing one of the OVO associate’s recent social media posts.

When Hot 97 shared the freestyle on YouTube, fans expressed their love for the effort in the comments section .”NY loves you Soul! God bless your journey always!” one user wrote. Another posted: “Nice, hella short. Which was to the point and dope. Hope no ish comes out negative for this man. The industry is wild lol.” As caught by HipHopDX, however, other fans noticed that it appears Soul may have been dissing Drake’s OVO affiliate Chubbs when he rapped: “Actions speak loud but so does moments of silence.” Last week, Chubbs posted a series of selfies on Instagram with the caption: “Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Y’all Boys Talk To Much.”

Ab-Soul Attends The TDE Pool Party

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Isaiah Rashad attend the TDE Pool Party at a private residence on July 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images)

Both Soul and Chubbs have weighed in on the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) back in July, Soul referenced Lamar’s diss track, “6:16 in LA.” He wrote: “GOD… my confession is yours!!! But, who am I if I don’t go to War? There’s opportunity when livin wit loss. I discover myself when I fall short… This was not a rap battle. It was scripture.” Chubbs, on the other hand, has dissed Lamar in posts online throughout the year as well. He once referred to him as a “little boy” who “knows better” than to take on OVO.

Ab-Soul Freestyles For Funk Flex

Check out Ab-Soul’s freestyle from his appearance on Funk Flex’s radio show below. It comes ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s highly-anticipated performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ab-Soul on HotNewHipHop.

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Drake’s OVO Honors Toronto Sports With The New ‘Hometown Heroes Collection’ Merch Drop

September 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake has long been connected with the sports world, most notably via his love (and since 2013, official role as an ambassador) for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. Now, he’s honoring some of his home city’s most beloved athletes as his brand October’s Very Own (OVO) announces the “Hometown Heroes Collection.”

The new merch drop honors “the legendary athletes who have shaped the city’s sports and culture,” per a press release. The ten-piece collection includes hoodies, t-shirts, and basketball and hockey jerseys featuring OVO branding, in partnership with the Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.

OVO is launching the collection with a campaign highlighting three Toronto favorites: former Toronto Maples Leafs captain Mats Sundin and former Raptors Muggsy Bogues and Morris Peterson.

The Hometown Heroes collection will be able to shop on the OVO website and at OVO flagship stores in the US, Canada, and UK, starting today, September 27, at 10 a.m. ET. Prices range from $68 to $198 USD.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that on multiple occasions, Drake has turned down an invitation to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Jamil “Mal” Clay of the New Rory & Mal podcast claimed, “Drake has been offered the Super Bowl show for some years now and has turned it down. Probably four years, he’s been offered to perform at the Super Bowl, said no for whatever reason.”

Smiley Continues To Showcase His Unique Sound With “Spill The Tea”

September 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

When Smiley first burst onto the scene, there were some fans out there who simply did not know what to make of his sound. Overall, he has a unique voice and his flow is also something that a lot of listeners were not used to at first. Moreover, with a Drake co-sign behind him, there was pressure to perform and give fans the best music possible. He has kept an even head and about himself, and recently, came through with a new song called “Spill The Tea.”

On this new effort, we get some solid production as well as Smiley’s signature voice, cadence, and flow. It is a song that reaffirms Smiley and his current standing in the rap game. At this stage, there is no doubt that Smiley still has a lot to say, and he is improving with every new effort. While he may still be an acquired taste to some, his loyal fanbase is loving what he’s putting out. You can’t help but be happy for the success and the growth.

Let us know what you think of this new track from Smiley, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that this is a good representation of the artist and his sound? How do you feel about the early criticism that he faced? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Smiley Returns

Quotable Lyrics:

I used to be bad at school
I used to be bad at rapping too
Stop asking them to know if it’s true
Broski let us know what to do
Out herе late night’s writing these tunеs
That’s all I really know what to do

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Drake Draws Laughs From Internet Trolls Thanks To His Mansion Basketball Tournament

September 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

If you follow Drake, you know he loves his sports. Whether its betting, spectating or even playing, he’s going to be a part of it in any way possible. Even though he’s into a lot of different professional leagues, basketball has always seemed to be the one he’s most consistent with. After all, he does have a lot of ties to the hometown Toronto Raptors. Furthermore, Drake is always posting photos or videos from his own indoor court at his lavish mansion. In fact, in early June, The Boy shared himself getting some work in with some of his boys after the end of the Kendrick Lamar beef.

That post captioned “Members.” perhaps seemed to be foreshadowing the now tournament that seems to have just gotten underway. According to a repost from 2Cool2Blog, one of his cameramen gave the rapper’s fans a sneak peek of everyone warming up, including the MC himself. Basketball tournaments at his house are nothing new and the running joke around them is that he always wins them, and that the competition is sorry.

Drake Seems To Be Living Life Right Now

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A post shared by 2Cool2Blog (@2cool2bl0g)

More of those comments were made underneath the post above, as the internet continues to rip Drake for every move he makes. “Drake loves living in a world where reality isn’t present. LOL Basketball tournament with yes men where nobody guards him. LOL”, one user remarks. “N****z look sorry af ”, another laughs. “Let me guess he wins the championship ”, someone else quips. The internet is always going to be savage, but it seems that Drake is enjoying his time and that’s what’s important.

What are your thoughts on Drake running a basketball tournament at his house? Do you think he’s eventually going to respond to Kendrick Lamar’s recent song? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

[Via]

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The Kendrick Lamar Mural In Compton Was Vandalized With Gang Graffiti That Was Mistaken For A Pro-Drake Message

September 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

According to XXL, a video has surfaced on social media of someone vandalizing a Compton-based mural of Kendrick Lamar with gang graffiti. While the tags represent a local Mexican-American street gang, the graffiti was mistaken for a pro-Drake message after some fans interpreted the “CVTF” as an “OVO.” (A reminder, some of you are really not like us, and should keep out of hood politics, thinking it’s entertainment.)

The mural, on the wall of Honduras Restaurant Mi Sabor, depicts Kendrick being honored with the key to the city in 2016 and accepting his Best Rap Album Grammy for his album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in 2023, along with a reference to his Good Kid, MAAD City cover. It’s easy to see why some fans — perhaps the ones who should be wearing 50 SPF sunblock at all times, even in the winter — would want to interpret the vandalism as the latest extension of the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. After all, it’d be fair to say that plenty of Drake fans are still sore about the drubbing he received at the hands of his former collaborator.

However, it seems, although Kendrick is very much a hometown hero, even he isn’t bigger than hood politics — or ratchet ass kids trying to make a name for themselves.