producer

Travis Scott & The Alchemist Collab Teased On Twitter

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A simple Twitter Q&A with one of the funniest and most down-to-earth producers in the game led to some wild speculation. While answering fan questions on the social media platform, The Alchemist hinted at a potential Travis Scott collab. However, if you look at the actual question and response, it’s one interpretation of many. Moreover, a fan asked the legendary producer if he’s produced music for Travis Scott yet. When Al replied with a zipped-up mouth emoji, fans took it to mean that there’s some heat on the way. For what it’s worth, they’ve been pictured together, but it doesn’t look like they’ve released anything official together yet.

Of course, the California beatsmith didn’t answer yes or no, so any possible collaborations are still secret. Also, La Flame would be just another name on Al’s incredibly varied, dense, and impressive list of collaborators. As for the future, he’s gearing up for his next album The Great Escape, a collaboration with Larry June due March 31. Its single “60 Days” actually sees ALC drop some bars of his own, bringing his talents to the mic.

The Alchemist Teases Travis Scott Collab

In fact, it’s a practice he repeated on his Hit-Boy collab “Slipping Into Darkness,” on which they rap over each other’s instrumentals. Even though it’s not the first time he’s done this sort of thing, hearing the Alfredo producer on the mic is always a treat. Given his insane production chops and penchant for woozy sampling and cavernous production, he’d actually fit well with Travis. In addition, it helps that the Houston superstar is one of the more creative artistic directors among his colleagues. As such, any collab of his will likely involve a lot of vision, creativity, and an intoxicating atmosphere for fans.

Meanwhile, the “STARGAZING” MC and producer might be dropping his highly anticipated album UTOPIA this summer. Moreover, Kevin Durant recently revealed that Travis told him the album is “f***ing insane.” Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone also recently stated that UTOPIA will likely drop in June of this year. With that anticipation in mind, the thought of a beat from these two sonic wizards has fans foaming at the mouth. Stick around on HNHH to see if it happens, and for the latest on Travis Scott and The Alchemist.

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OG Parker Can “Still Work” With Ty Dolla $ign & Muni Long On New Single

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OG Parker just dropped a new single with Ty Dolla $ign and Muni Long, the sultry R&B cut “Still Work.” Moreover, the track is built on hazy and pretty indistinct vocal samples that form a cloudy atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, both R&B singers give impressive vocal performances and captivating melody switch-ups. Furthermore, this track follows singles like “No Fuss” and “Rain Down” ahead of Parker’s next project, Moments. Also, the track’s music video employs a nostalgic vibe with a love story to represent the song’s longing themes. Overall, it’s a fitting track for the Valentine’s Day season and one that reaffirms finding love after a long time. Of course, what better way to represent that feeling with two of the most dominant current stars in soul?

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Multi-platinum producer OG Parker poses for portrait during his celebrity brunch event on June 26, 2021 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

However, OG’s production still hits pretty heavy, with a sharp trap beat with deep kicks and crisp snares. Even with the tracks more sentimental themes, you can let that hang in the background and focus on its soothing energy. Meanwhile, you can let that take a backseat to each singer’s lyrics of finding love again after rocky patches. “And the walls feel like they closin’ in,” Ty sings on the first verse. “It was good but your girls they lead a life of sin / Ayy, if you’re hearin’ this song / Girl, don’t take too long.”

Still, what did you think of OG Parker’s latest track, “Still Work” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Muni Long? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the single’s music video and standout lines below. Also, if you haven’t heard the song yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service. As always, log back into HNHH for the latest great music releases in R&B and beyond.

Quotable Lyrics
I used to wonder if you thought about me
Lurkin’ your Instagram, saw you was through and good without me
Why is it always happen like this?
Soon as I get over it, you pop back, wanna reminisce

J. Cole’s “Procrastination (Broke)” Producer Originally Made Beat With André 3000 In Mind

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Bvtman, the producer who contributed the beat for J. Cole’s latest single, “Procrastination (Broke),” says he made it with André 3000 in mind. The Brooklyn artist discussed the making of the beat with HipHopDX for a new interview.

“Actually, I had Andre 3k in mind,” Bvtman remarked.

As for the moment he first connected with Cole, Bvtman recalled being in the car with his partner.

“I’m on the highway with my girl and his mgr DMs me talking about, ‘We need to connect. Cole did something for you,’” Bvtman said. “And I’m like nah, this ain’t real.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Rapper J. Cole performs onstage at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

He continued: “He said, ‘Yo, Cole needed inspiration one day and he found one of your beats so he did a verse that he really wants to put out.’ I’m like, ‘Oh word?’ I’m still not believing it. And he hits me back up and he said, ‘Yo, he did the verse on your beat. I’m about to send it to you.’ And then he shows me the text and I’m like oh nah, this real.”

From there, Bvtman recalled the moment he got to hear the final draft of the song. He says that he and his girl listened together for the first time.

“I was in my kitchen and my girl is right there and I’m like, ‘Yo, hold up — you gotta listen to this with me!’” the producer explained. “So I played it. I played it on my speakers and I’m blasting it and I’m like, ‘Yo hold on son, hold on. This is crazy.’ So I just start screaming! I started screaming, running around yelling.”

Check out J. Cole’s “Procrastination (Broke)” below.

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Rick Rubin: “I Know Nothing About Music”

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Rick Rubin, the legendary producer whose influence is still heralded as gospel, said that he knows nothing about music. In a recent interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, he explained how he has no technical knowledge of music production. Moreover, he had some insights as to why his style and taste is so sought-after… and successful.

SANTA MONICA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Rick Rubin attends the premiere of Endangered Spirit’s ‘Bunker77’ on November 01, 2017 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/ Getty Images)

“Do you play instruments?” Cooper asked the Def Jam co-founder. “Barely,” he replied, to which Cooper responded almost incredulously: “Do you know how to work a soundboard?”

“No. I have no technical ability, and I know nothing about music,” Rubin stated. Cooper laughed, as we’re sure many did when they heard those words. Furthermore, given his track record (Kanye West, Run-DMC, The Strokes, Johnny Cash, Black Sabbath, and Eminem just to name a few), this seems preposterous. Still, the 59-year-old identified why he stamped his name into the game.

“I know what I like and what I don’t like, and I’m decisive about what I like and what I don’t like,” he expressed.

“So what are you being paid for?” Cooper asked. “The confidence that I have in my taste and my ability to express what I feel has proven helpful for artists,” the Beastie Boys producer said humbly.

In a previous interview with Channel 4 News, the producer highlighted the importance of singularity and not comparing yourself to others. Moreover, such advice likely fueled some of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Some are License to Ill by The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. However, more recent examples of Rubin’s genius are Ye’s Yeezus and Slim Shady’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2.

“We each have a singular voice, we each have our own voice,” he told Channel 4. “What I do is different than what you do…we all do something different and they’re not comparable. They have nothing to do with each other. It’s apples and oranges.

“So if you make something today and you think it can be better,” he concluded, “tomorrow you can improve it. You can continually make the thing you’re making better. You can learn and practice and do anything.”

Still, what do you think of Rick Rubin supposedly knowing “nothing” about music? However you may feel, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for more wisdom from the music industry’s genius gurus.

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DJ Dahi Slams Kendrick Lamar Leakers

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One of Kendrick Lamar’s most frequent collaborators, DJ Dahi, recently slammed leakers who put some of his demos on Spotify. The “Morale Pack,” as it’s titled on the platform, is a set of three new leaks from the Compton MC. Moreover, many thought that they were leftovers from his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. However, the legendary producer set some things straight on his Instagram story.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 24: Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during day thre of Rolling Loud Miami 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium on July 24, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

““Why are y’all leaking s**t from 4 years ago???” he wrote on Thursday (January 19). “We didn’t even bounce those records out. These kdot records are strictly demos. Y’all are really dying of thirst out here lol.” Maybe they should ask Kendrick to sing about them.

Jokes aside, leak culture caused a lot of discourse in the 2010s, and continues to hamper projects and releases today. Readers may remember the highly-anticipated state of Whole Lotta Red, when many of Playboi Carti’s songs leaked before he could drop the album. However, this is a pretty different case, as the leaked material is about four years old according to Dahi.

Still, for being four-year-old leaks, these new Kendrick tracks aren’t half bad. Moreover, they contain some interesting overlap with a few Mr. Morale cuts. When it comes to flows, certain lyrics and verses, themes, instrumental choices, and delivery, it appears to be in a similar headspace. In fact, completed tracks like “Purple Hearts,” “Silent Hill,” “Count Me Out,” and Baby Keem’s “vent” are the end results of many of these leaks’ ideas.

Even then, that’s just a theory or small observation, because who knows what else Dahi and Kendrick have in the vault. Mr. Morale was Spotify’s most successful rap album of 2022, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see more great material from these sessions. Despite our highest hopes, K-Dot is likely in another phase of his legendary career, but here’s hoping for some more untitled unmastered. tracks in the future.

Regardless, what do you think of DJ Dahi cracking down on leakers who put unreleased Kendrick tracks on Spotify? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest news regarding hip-hop’s greatest talents.

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Trauma Tone Reflects On His First Beat Placement, Cites M.I.A. As A Dream Collaborator, & More For “On The Come Up”

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Meet Trauma Tone, one of the incredibly talented artists featured on this season of HNHH’s “On The Come Up.” However, it would be criminal to describe the steadily rising producer as a novice in the music industry. In fact, you have probably already heard some of Trauma Tone’s unforgettable beats. Nearly a decade ago, the Virigina-born hitmaker was cutting his teeth with up-and-comers like Chief Keef and Rich Homie Quan. Now, when looking back, it’s evident he was also making classics in the process.

For instance, Tone’s early work includes cult classics like Chief Keef’s “Blew My High” and fan-favorite Rich Homie Quan tracks. He produced I Promise I Will Never Stop Going In standouts like “Man of the Year” and “1000.” Furthermore, Trauma Tone also created the creeping beat for Yo Gotti and Rich Homie Quan’s platinum-certified collaboration “I Know.”

Trauma Tone on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)
Read More: Hollywood Cole Reflects On Producing For Lil Wayne, Drake, Dom Kennedy & More For “On The Come Up”

After the success of his breakthrough placements in the early 2010s, Trauma Tone continued to grind. Over the following years, he put his beats in the hands of artists like Money Man, Jacquees, Plies, Iamsu!, Skippa Da Flippa, and Dreamville’s own Cozz. However, the 2020s ushered in a new — and unquestionably well-deserved — era of prominence for the hardworking producer.

In 2020, Trauma Tone supplied beats for Kevin Gates’ popular songs “Dreka” and “Always Be Gangsta Freestyle.” Soon thereafter, Trauma Tone went on to work with Curren$y on his collaborative album with Fendi P, Smokin’ Patnas. He also landed placements on Sada Baby’s “Aunty Stella,” Bino Rideaux’s OUTSIDE project, and Money Man’s popular Epidemic mixtape. However, things really took off after Trauma Tone landed a beat placement on NBA YoungBoy’s second studio album, Top. Thus, “Cross Roads” subsequently became Tone’s first-ever song to be featured on a Billboard 200 chart-topper. 

Since then, Trauma Tone’s pool of collaborators has been rapidly expanding. A wide range of artists — from Migos, BlueBlucksClan, and Duke Deuce to Dej Loaf, Lil Reese, and Shy Glizzy — have rapped over the Virginia producer’s beats in recent years. Without a doubt, Trauma Tone is currently in high demand. Get familiar with him by checking out his exclusive interview for HNHH’s “On The Come Up” below.

Read More: Gloss Up Details The Female Rap Scene In Memphis & “Don’t Play With Me” For “On The Come Up”

Randall Emmett Denies Being Under Investigation For Pedophilia

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Randall Emmett says his ex-wife Ambyr Childers’ claim that the FBI is investigating him for pedophilia is a lie. Emmett addressed the allegations in a post on Instagram shared over the weekend.

“At this point, the lies have been stretched so far,” the Hollywood producer said in the video.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Randall Emmett attends the Los Angeles Special Screening of Lionsgate’s “Midnight In The Switchgrass” at Regal LA Live on July 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

He continued: “We spent today getting confirmation because we knew there was no truthfulness to any of this, that the FBI has never been investigating me and isn’t investigating me because there’s nothing to investigate.”

The video isn’t the first time that Emmett has denied the accusations. In a statement provided to Page Six, he previously defended himself from Childers’ claims.

He wrote at the time that the notion the FBI is investigating him is “beyond absurd.”

He added: “Anyone can say whatever they want in a pleading; that doesn’t make it true. There is zero evidence that I’m being investigated for anything, and we still share 50/50 custody of our children.”

Childers made her claim as part of a domestic violence restraining order request against her ex-husband. She submitted that she “was contacted by a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation asking [her] questions about [Emmett’s] suspected activities with child exploitation and pedophilia.”

Emmett and Childers share two children, a 12-year-old named London and 9-year-old named Rylee. The Los Angeles Times reports that there is a hearing set for January 12 to review joint custody matters. The outlet also reported speaking with three other individuals who say the FBI contacted them regarding Emmett.

Check out Randall Emmett’s explanation on Instagram below.

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Hollywood Cole Reflects On Producing For Lil Wayne, Drake, Dom Kennedy & More For “On The Come Up”

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Who Is Hollywood Cole?

Producer tags are everything. At their best, they are immediately recognizable, an informal call that sparks excitement for what’s coming next. Thus, when you hear a tag like, “Cole…You Stupid,” you already know what’s going down. 

The aforementioned tag that calls back to the classic ‘90s sitcom Martin belongs to none other than Hollywood Cole, a rapidly rising producer with ties to both the West Coast — through his birthplace of Seattle, Washington — and the East Coast — through his upbringing in Virginia. After winning a beat battle at Wish Atlanta that was judged by Sonny Digital, Cole started linking up with big-name artists and producers in Atlanta, which eventually led to his work with Quentin Miller and four beat placements on Dom Kennedy’s 2020 album, Rap N Roll. Roughly a month after Rap N Roll, Cole got an even bigger look, as a beat that he produced became Lil Wayne and Drake’s acclaimed “B.B. King Freestyle” collaboration from 2020’s No Ceilings 3.

Hollywood Cole on HotNewHipHop’s “On The Come Up.” (Cam Kirk, Collective Gallery)

From that point on, Hollywood Cole’s work has been featured on countless major Hip-Hop releases, from Isaiah Rashad’s The House Is Burning single “Lay Wit Ya,” and G Herbo’s “Statement” to Latto’s 21 Savage-assisted 777 single “Wheelie,” Buddy’s “Wait Too Long,” and J.I.D.’s The Forever Story album cut “Sistanem.” 

Hence, it was a no-brainer to feature Hollywood Cole in the latest season of HNHH’s On The Come Up. Keep scrolling to familiarize yourself with the incredible producer before his next round of mindblowing beat placements rolls out.