Reason and Punch both responded to a fan placing them as the two worst artists on Top Dawg Entertainment for a ranking list on Twitter, on Friday. The full list goes in the following order: Isaiah Rashad; 2. ScHoolboy Q; 3. SiR; 4. SZA; 5. Ab Soul; 6. Jay Rock; 7. Daylyt; 8. Ray Vaughn; 9. Lance Skiiiwalker; 10. Zacari; 11. Punch; 12. Reason. The fan made the list while responding to Reason’s freestyle over the beat for Drake’s “8am in Charlotte.”
In response, Reason wrote: “See man this isn’t fair and I have a problem with this immensely!!! Smh. Like this just proves yall pay no attention to music and what’s going on and I hate it! Smh. I SHOULD BE 13! WHERE IS DOECHII???” He added that he didn’t have an issue with Rashad getting the number one spot. As for Punch, he was most upset with himself not being higher up. “11 is crazy smh. lol,” he wrote.
Isaiah Rashad & Ray Vaughn Perform At TDE’s Christmas Concert
Ray Vaughn and Isaiah Rashad at the 10th Annual TDE Christmas Concert hosted by Top Dawg Entertainment and Jay Rock held on December 19, 2023 in Compton, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
The interaction comes after Punch just recently came to the defense of his label-mate, SZA, on Twitter. When Brian “B.Dot” Miller criticized her track, “Snooze,” Punch called him a “hater.” “You can’t be a hater your whole life champ,” he told the journalist. “You should rebrand. lol.” Check out his and Reason’s latest posts on Twitter below.
Reason & Punch Address The TDE Ranking
See man this isn’t fair and I have a problem with this immensely!!! Smh Like this just proves yall pay no attention to music and what’s going on and I hate it! Smh
Despite his placement on the list, there have been rumors about Reason’s possible departure from TDE in recent weeks. When Drake dropped his Kendrick Lamar diss, “Push Ups,” he wrote in a since-deleted tweet: “Nah this final production CRAZY.” Lamar was famously a member of TDE for most of his career. Be on the lookout for further updates on TDE on HotNewHipHop.
It goes without saying that Lil Wayne’s talent is undeniable. Since the early 2000s, the rapper has been everywhere, cementing himself as a giant with each verse that he dishes out. Truly, he’s an untouchable lyricist. At one point, Lil Wayne was practically on every song, transforming him into the king of features throughout the mid to late aughts. While he has slowed down a bit in the last few years, Lil Wayne is still active and gave out several features in 2023. He always showcases his expertise and versatility, bringing his unparalleled flow and lyrical prowess to collaborations across genres. That’s why, for many, Lil Wayne is the GOAT. Of course, being the veteran that he is, his verses on other artists’ songs elevate them to new heights. Let’s run through all the features Lil Wayne appeared on in 2023, and which one stands above the rest.
19. “My Daddy’s Son” – Dame D.O.L.L.A Ft. Lil Wayne
Professional basketball player and rapper Dame D.O.L.L.A released his fifth studio album Don D.O.L.L.A on August 18, 2023. While the project has many great songs, “My Daddy’s Son” evidently stands out as one of its best tracks. On his verse, Lil Wayne is a beast, riding the beat and almost leaving Dame in the dust.
18. “Shoulder Pads” – AB Ft. Lil Wayne
Former NFL player Antonio Brown has been releasing music as AB since 2020. For his 2023 offering, he features Lil Wayne on the fire track “Shoulder Pads.” Although he does his best on the song, AB is totally upstaged by Tunechi when he comes on.
17. “Da One” – Dame D.O.L.L.A Ft. Lil Wayne
“Da One” is another track from the pro basketball player’s 2023 album that features Lil Wayne. Just like he did on “My Daddy’s Son,” Tunechi absolutely devours his verse. It is a testament to his prowess that the two tracks he appears on are among the album’s most memorable songs.
16. “I’m Mad At Me” – Trippie Redd Ft. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne was on a mission with his features throughout 2023, and he took no prisoners. “I’m Mad At Me” is a track on Trippie Reed’s 2023 mixtape A Love Letter To You 5, and sees both Redd and Wayne dropping hard bars. The rappers’ chemistry on the track is effortless and certainly worthy of note. We hope they collaborate more in the future.
On September 29, 2023, Tyga and YG released their collaborative album Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist. However, two days before, the pair released “Brand New” as the fourth single from the project. It is one of only three songs on the album with a featured artist, and arguably the best of all three. Once again, Lil Wayne flexed on the owners of the song, upstaging them in less than a minute while receiving high praise from Eminem over that Funyun bar.
14. “FMFU” – DJ Drama ft. Lil Wayne, Roddy Ricch, & Gucci Mane
“FMFU” was released on March 31, 2023, as a part of DJ Drama’s album,I’m Really Like That. The album contains 14 tracks, and “FMFU” is certainly one of its standouts, primarily because of the performance of its featured artists. Roddy Ricch, Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne all delivered on their respective parts. The only reason this song isn’t ranked higher is because the tracks that appear above it are just better songs overall. Nevertheless, despite its position, it’s a pretty good song.
13. “Ain’t Gonna Answer” – NLE Choppa ft. Lil Wayne
Featuring Lil Wayne on this track, NLE Choppa must have known he had to go as hard as he could. The Memphis rapper, riding the sample of Lil Wayne and Birdman’s “Stuntin Like My Daddy” just right, takes on the first half of the song. To his credit, he serves up good verses, matching the energy of the beat, and laying the groundwork for Lil Wayne to make his entrance. Halfway into the track, Tunechi takes the baton from Choppa and eats up his verse. With his part lasting about a minute, Lil Wayne has enough time to shine, and that’s exactly what he does on “Ain’t Gonna Answer.“
12. “The Formula” – Will.i.am ft. Lil Wayne
Will.i.am released “The Formula” in partnership with Formula 1 on May 5, 2023. A musical icon himself, the Black Eyed Peas frontman enlisted Lil Wayne’s help on the catchy song. Without a doubt, Wayne’s verse is one of the best parts of the track. It may not be among his very best features of the year, but it’s a solid verse nevertheless.
11. “Gladiator (Remix)” – Eladio Carrión Ft. Lil Wayne
This is track #2 on Eladio Carrión’s 18-track album, 3MEN2 KBRN, that was released on March 17, 2023. Carrión makes Latin trap music, and this song exemplifies his expertise in the genre. Being that he is immensely versatile, however, Wayne is not left behind on the track. While Carrión effortlessly glides through the beat spitting fluid Latin bars, Wayne equally delivers a stellar verse mostly in English, but with a little Latin of his own.
10. “Big Dog” – Benny the Butcher Ft. Lil Wayne
Featuring one of Hip Hop’s biggest dogs, this song is aptly named. The song was released on November 3, 2023, and is a single from Benny the Butcher’s upcoming album Everybody Can’t Go. Despite not appearing on charts, it is currently one of Benny’s biggest songs, and rightly so. Coupled with Lil Wayne’s stellar verse on the track, Benny’s verse and hook make “Big Dog” a great song.
9. “This Sh*t Right Here” – Swizz Beatz Ft. Lil Wayne
Released on April 21, 2023, “This Sh*t Right Here” is a track on Swizz Beatz’s EP Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2. Throughout the track’s almost three-minute run, Lil Wayne goes off on the beat, having fun with it. Tracks like this one remind us that even at his most playful, Tunechi is not an MC to be trifled with. Swizz’ EP is laced with great tunes, but this one holds the most weight.
8. “El Niño” – Big Freedia Ft. Lil Wayne & Boyfriend
Big Freedia released “El Niño” as the fourth single from Central City on June 19, 2023. With a catchy hook and energetic beat, the song is quite a memorable one. However, Lil Wayne’s verse undoubtedly elevated the track. While Big Freedia and Boyfriend snapped on their parts, Lil Wayne’s verse is arguably the standout performance on the track.
You can almost never go wrong with a pairing like this. Mario, an R&B icon, carried this song with his catchy hook. Likewise, Tyga delivered on his part, dropping an equally memorable verse. Finally, Lil Wayne, with a stellar 30-second verse, tied it all together. All three performers on this track brought their A-game, and that’s why it’s such a great song.
6. “Annihilate” – Metro Boomin ft. Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, & Offset
Following the critically acclaimed first film released in 2018, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was finally released in 2023. The soundtrack album that accompanied the film dropped on June 2, 2023, and “Annihilate” is one of its standout tracks. The combination of Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, and Offset on a Metro Boomin beat was a great idea. Indeed, whoever thought to pair them together deserves some sort of raise. Although Lil Tunechi has arguably the best verse on the song, Swae Lee certainly deserves props for a great hook. Likewise, Offset and Metro Boomin for a great verse and production, respectively.
5. “How We Roll (Remix)” – Ciara & Chris Brown Ft. Lil Wayne
“How We Roll” was originally released on August 4, 2023 as a single from Ciara’s EP, CiCi. Subsequently, on November 3, 2023, the remix featuring Lil Wayne was dropped, and it is one of his best features this year. On the remix, Tunechi takes the first verse, and he absolutely murks it, almost making it hard for Ciara and Chris Brown to match.
4. “RNB” – Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Wayne & Tate Kobang
One of the overall best tracks with features in 2023, “RNB” is a song off Nicki Minaj’s long-awaited fifth album, Pink Friday 2. The Queen of Rap, as expected, brought the heat on the song, and Lil Wayne did not relent either. Although his verse only lasts about 30 seconds, it is memorable. Moreover, and to his credit, Tate Kobang was also not obscure on the track, despite appearing beside two Hip Hop legends.
3. “Hallelujah Heaven” – Jeymes Samuel Ft. Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, & Shabba Ranks
The lead single from the upcoming film The Book Of Clarence, “Hallelujah Heaven” was released on November 28, 2023. Until the movie finally premieres in theaters, fans can listen to this track while they wait. The Gospel-infused track sees Lil Wayne delivering yet another fire verse. While his collaborators also eat, Lil Wayne’s verse is undoubtedly the star of the show on this track.
2. “Uneasy” – Jon Batiste ft. Lil Wayne
While they may make an unlikely pairing, Lil Wayne and Jon Batiste are a musical match made in heaven on this song. It’s always fulfilling to see collaborators on a song bring their A-game and lay it all out. On “Uneasy,” that’s exactly what these two musicians do. Indeed, throughout 2023, Lil Wayne delivered many great features. However, “Uneasy” is easily one of the best of them all. Besides his insane verse, the rapper also graces fans with a short electric guitar interlude that comes right before Batiste takes us to church on the piano. The two musicians exhibit beautiful chemistry and both have unforgettable verses on this track.
1. “Never Die” – Nas Ft. Lil Wayne
Rap icon Nas released his seventeenth studio album Magic 3 on September 14, 2023. The 15-track album only contains one feature, and it’s from none other than Lil Wayne. On “Never Die,” the two rap giants trade scorching hot bars, and listeners are reminded why they’ve remained relevant in Hip Hop all these years. Undoubtedly, this is among the best features Lil Wayne appeared on in 2023, and overall.
Nicki Minaj recently sat down for a very enlightening interview with Joe Budden, one that finally cleared up one of her new album Pink Friday 2‘s most memorable lyrics. “Stay in your Tory lane, b***h, I’m not Iggy,” she rapped on the cut “FTCU,” a pointed reference to both artists’ working relationship, collaborative history, the letter that Azalea wrote in support of Lanez, and possibly a Megan Thee Stallion diss. Given how much this bar stood out, we’re not surprised that the Slaughterhouse MC wanted to dive deeper in. When Joe asked, the Trinidadian rapper turned the question on him to see if his interpretation is on the right track.
“Well, it could be shade to a few people,” Joe Budden began. “Without saying if you think the shade is in mind, what do you think the line itself means?” Nicki Minaj clapped back. “‘I’m not one of them,’ that’s what I think it means,” he replied. “And I think it was a clever way to say that.” “Yeah! Thank you,” she responded, although she seemed comically taken aback by his laughter right after. “I really appreciate me getting a compliment from Mr. Buddens! I’m taking it.” “I liked your last album!” Joe hilariously defended, to which Nicki said that even she doesn’t like that album.
Elsewhere, she also spoke a little bit more on Queen indirectly via social media on Friday (December 22). Moreover, Nicki Minaj provided her “honest ranking” of all her albums on Twitter, which may surprise folks. “Ok here’s my honest ranking,” she began. “1. Pink Friday 2. 2. The Pinkprint. 3. QUEEN. 4. Pink Friday. 5. Pink Friday Roman Reloaded (The Re-Up). But I truly respect all gag city resident opinions. What the albums mean to you is your own truth based on where you were in your own life.” Considering that the 41-year-old apparently doesn’t even like Queen, this insinuation that she doesn’t like Pink Friday might be the reason she wanted to make whatever she wanted to make on its sequel.
Nicki Minaj Ranks Her Albums
Ok here’s my honest ranking
1. Pink Friday 2 2. The Pinkprint 3. QUEEN 4. Pink Friday 5. Pink Friday Roman Reloaded (The Re-Up)
But I truly respect all gag city resident opinions. What the albums mean to you is your own truth based on where you were in your own life.
Meanwhile, these comments on the Tory and Iggy bar are interesting considering other comments during this interview on her appreciation for female rappers. Surely the coming days and weeks will bring us more revelations and statements in this vein from someone so connected to their fanbase. We can’t wait to see how the new year shapes up for the Queen. For more news and the latest updates on Nicki Minaj, come back to HNHH.
After an impressive run of guest verses in 2022, J. Cole continued his reign as one of hip hop’s feature kings throughout 2023. Despite not releasing an album, he had a prolific year, appearing on tracks with a range of artists. This year in particular, he branched out to work with a wide variety of names, many of which for the very first time. Cole has shown that he can outshine almost anybody on a song. His latest run of guest verses this year built even more anticipation for his upcoming seventh studio album, The Fall Off, which he alluded to in his bars throughout the year. Today, we are ranking each of J. Cole’s guest features in 2023 from worst to best. Take a look at the list below.
J. Cole has teamed up with some unlikely names before, but his feature on Gucci Mane’s “There I Go” was certainly unexpected. Over an instrumental produced by Mike Will Made-It, he sets the tone with a short verse, riding the beat with ease. The upbeat and non-serious nature of the track is not as lyrically competitive compared to J. Cole’s other guest verses. A fun highlight from Gucci Mane’s Breath of Fresh Air, “There I Go” ultimately ranks last in the scheme of J. Cole’s features from 2023.
9. Bas – “Passport Bros”
“Passport Bros” is the latest track from frequent J. Cole collaborator and Dreamville signee, Bas. The two have an exciting history of collaborations, including “My N***a Just Made Bail” and “Night Job.” Bas’s latest J. Cole-featuring track, “Passport Bros” sees the two rapping over an amapiano-laced instrumental. Bas melodically raps two short verses and the song’s chorus while Cole spits a longer verse. He flexes his vacation destinations, including Barcelona, London, and Miami. While declaring himself and Bas as the “passport bros,” Cole clarifies that they “ain’t shelling out cash for hoes.” J. Cole’s most light-hearted feature of the year makes for a pleasant team-up between him and Bas. In addition to “Passport Bros,” the Dreamville signee’s upcoming album includes two other J. Cole features. We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up drops this Friday, so we will see how Cole’s other verses stack up.
8. Burna Boy – “Thanks”
Appearing at the end of I Told Them…, Burna Boy and J. Cole express frustrations with criticisms that they receive as a result of fame. Burna asks, “Is this the motherfuckin’ thanks I get for makin’ my people proud every chance I get?” and reminds critics that he “gave you Afrofusion.” Cole expresses similar sentiments in his verse, rapping that he “fathered a couple styles” and that he is “forever cemented” in hip hop unlike many of his contemporaries. Lyrically, he both celebrates his success while separating himself from other rappers, likening himself and Burna Boy to “Shaq and Kobe.” Sitting at the top of their respective genres, Burna Boy and J. Cole share a mutual respect for one another on “Thanks.”
7. Summer Walker – “To Summer, From Cole” (Audio Hug)”
J. Cole opened Summer Walker’s Clear 2: Soft Life EP, writing a candid letter directly to the R&B songstress. He expresses his support and gratitude to Summer Walker, thanking her for wanting a verse from him and congratulating her on the birth of her twins. In his verse, Cole also admires her for how she balances motherhood, artistry, and fame. The laid-back delivery of the verse does not require intricate rhyme patterns or entendres but instead works as an act of kindness to an artist he respects. Extending his love to Walker’s peers like SZA and Ari Lennox, J. Cole feels that they “are holdin’ the crowns” for R&B and encourages them to reach out to him if necessary. Cole’s verse is a sweet act of reassurance, conveying that he is there for Summer Walker when she “needs some love.”
A highlight from Nicki Minaj’s latest album, Pink Friday 2, “Let Me Calm Down” is the very first time that she and J. Cole have worked together. They both rap about their respective struggles within relationships. J. Cole specifically channels these experiences into life lessons. He raps, “So if you love her, then you gotta learn to play your part,” speaking to the importance of being a loyal partner. Cole also alludes to his “Jada and that Will love” lyric from “No Role Modelz” to depict how couples can overcome their turbulent moments. While not punchline-oriented, “Let Me Calm Down” is one of J. Cole’s more personal feature verses of 2023.
This year, J. Cole joined Lil Durk on “All My Life,” an uplifting song with a children’s choir handling the hook. During his verse, which is noticeably longer than Durk’s, J. Cole effortlessly transitions between subjects. He raps about overcoming obstacles and making it out of the city with his “head on straight.” Cole also puts things in perspective, humbling people with the reminder that “this shit could be gone in an instant.” Additionally, he discusses the tragic deaths of rappers and considers thoughts of retirement as a result. In this excellent verse, he even makes time to flex his rap skills, rapping punchlines like “The shit I spit out is a cheat code like I’m facing a RICO / and how a n***a put a hit out.” A well-rounded guest feature, J. Cole showcases his lyrical ability while uplifting the next generation.
4. J-Hope – “On The Street”
J. Cole and J-Hope of BTS were an unexpected match when they teamed up for “On The Street.” A motivational hip hop track, both he and Cole rap about overcoming challenges and personal struggles. J. Cole specifically steals the show with his verse, rapping about his journey to success, his belief in a higher power, and his commitment to the game.
Much like his verse on “All My Life,” he ponders retirement, likening his relationship with rapping to a father’s role at his daughter’s wedding. “I’m deep in with this rappin’, it’s all a n***a know / I never did nothin’ better, it’s hard to let it go,” he raps. “But like a father watching his daughter/ Walk down the altar with tears in his eyes/ You gotta let her grow.” For now, J. Cole is not letting go of rapping any time soon. “I contemplate if I should wait to hand over the crown / And stick around for a bit longer, I got a strange type of hunger,” he declares. One of his many impressive verses this year, “On The Street” sees J. Cole speaking from a reflective frame of mind.
3. Drake – “First Person Shooter”
“First Person Shooter” was an instant favorite from Drake’s For All the Dogs. The fiery track is Drake and Cole’s first collaboration since “Jodeci Freestyle” and did not disappoint in the slightest. The two declare that they are as “big as the Super Bowl” and J. Cole raises the lyrical bar high. He weaves between flows, flexing his rapping skills while shouting out NBA YoungBoy and Kendrick Lamar. J. Cole declares himself as “the GOAT with the golden pen, the top toucher.” He also likens his relationship with Drake to the famous Spider-Man meme as they reach stadium status for their upcoming tour. “I’m namin’ the album The Fall Off, it’s pretty ironic ’cause it ain’t no fall off for me,” he raps, hinting at his next album while continuing his impeccable run of guest features in 2023.
2. Drake – “Evil Ways”
J. Cole also features on “Evil Ways,” one of his best verses of 2023 and an instant standout from Drake’s latest batch of bars. A mellow track compared to “First Person Shooter,” the two trade lyrics in spirited competition. While not a singular guest verse like his other 2023 features, J. Cole floats over the soulful instrumental, rapping some of his toughest bars of the year. He spits some of his best punchlines, including lines like, “My paper folded like when teachers don’t want classmates to see your grade.”
Cole also brilliantly alludes to his and Drake’s upcoming tour with this clever bar: “Coke got they nose bleedin’ like the seats where you can’t see the stage / High up in arenas where they see their faves / AKA me and Drizzy Drake, we the wave.” J. Cole and Drake make a great team as they bring the best out of each other. However, it is Cole who specifically leads the charge on this track.
J. Cole and Lil Yachty were an out-of-the-box duo this year on “The Secret Recipe,” a standalone track dedicated to showcasing their lyrical skills. Yachty puts his best foot forward in his verse, favoring a more traditional rap style compared to his usual auto-tuned melodies. His verse sets up J. Cole to spit a masterclass of a verse and easily his best feature of 2023. Beyond his skillful punchlines and entendres, what is most impressive about Cole’s performance is that he maintains a multi-syllabic rhyme scheme throughout the 2-minute verse.
Hungry for bars, he boasts his impressive feature run that boosts streams of other artists while simultaneously outshining them. J. Cole likens his impact to Drake’s, rapping “I’m on your song, your streams goin’ up, not quite the Drake effect / But don’t complain, bitch, take what you get and cut the label check / My table set, I dine on your favorite, one verse’ll take his breath.” He also calls out performative social media activists, rappers who lie, and those who make empty threats. J. Cole’s in rare form on “The Secret Recipe.” He silences the competition while also uplifting younger artists like Lil Yachty. Cole closes his best jaw-dropping feature of 2023: “Signed, the greatest yet.”
Lil Baby’s impressive catalog of singles, albums, and mixtapes has propelled him to greater fame. The artist has progressively grown since he debuted with his first mixtape, Perfect Timing, in 2017. Since then, the 28-year-old has repeatedly proven to the world that he is a mainstay as far as contemporary Hip Hop is concerned. Although it may be comparatively small, Lil Baby’s discography consists of what many would argue are modern-day classics.
Lil Baby is currently one of the most successful new-gen rappers around, carving a truly impressive track record with critically acclaimed bodies of work, and chart-topping hits trailing in his wake. Whether mixtapes or official albums, each project under his belt is remarkable in its own right. However, in his growing discography, some of his works far outshine the others. While fans prep for new music, it’s only right to celebrate his string of successful projects.
Perfect Timing was Lil Baby’s debut mixtape and marked his introduction to the Hip Hop scene. It was released on April 14, 2017, and was amicably received by listeners. It was only the start for Lil Baby yet he showed great potential on this mixtape that he would hone into on later albums. Regardless, he delivered like a pro on just about every song on Perfect Timing. Although it didn’t necessarily achieve great commercial success, it created a foundation for Lil Baby to build on. The popularity of the mixtape grew and put a spotlight on Lil Baby for his eventual ascent into the mainstream. The 12-track mixtape has a couple of standout tracks, particularly: “For You,” “Option,” and “Up” ft. Gunna and Lil Duke.
This is the last of four mixtapes Lil Baby released in 2017, following Perfect Timing, Harder Than Hard, and 2 The Hard Way (with Marlo). Lil Baby had steadily built momentum with his previous releases, so upon its release, Too Hard achieved significant commercial success. Consequently, it was his only project from 2017 to chart on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 80. The project had a handful of guest appearances, including Gunna and Lil Yachty, among others.
Before his debut studio album, Lil Baby made his grand entrance into the music scene in 2017, releasing four mixtapes. However, Harder Than Hard, his second mixtape of the year, is a testament to his abilities. Released on July 18, 2017, Harder Than Hard is an underrated gem in the rapper’s musical arsenal. Despite not being as commercially successful as the aforementioned Too Hard, Harder Than Hard is arguably the better project. The 12-track mixtape is masterfully put together and doesn’t rely on any filler tracks. It showcases Lil Baby’s immense rap talents, and the handful of featured artists hold their own as well.
Lil Baby released It’s Only Me, one of his most commercially successful albums, in 2022. It is the rapper’s third and most recent album, as well as one of his best projects overall. With 23 songs and a runtime that barely exceeds an hour, Lil Baby crafts a strong follow-up to his break-out album, My Turn. Although the album ranks the lowest amongst the three official albums in his discography so far, It’s Only Me is by no means a disappointment.
Street Gossip is an essential project from Lil Baby’s discography. It was released on November 30, 2018, at a time when he was quickly rising to prominence in the Hip Hop scene. Here, Lil Baby offers a cohesion that would eventually become a mainstay in his later albums. Street Gossip was praised for its production, timelessness, and overall musical direction. It is considered by many to be amongst Baby’s very best projects, and built upon the success of his debut album, Harder Than Ever. Furthermore, its acclaim helped to set the stage for his future successes. Street Gossip features collaborations with many prominent artists. These include Meek Mill, Gunna, 2 Chainz, and Young Thug, among others. Standout tracks from the project include: “Pure Cocaine,” “Time” ft. Meek Mill, and “Realist In It” ft. Gucci Mane and Offset.
2018 was a great year for the rapper, and saw the release of two of his strongest projects to date. Harder Than Ever, his debut studio album, sees Lil Baby at some of his finest. It was released on May 18, 2018, six months before the release of Street Gossip. True to its title, Harder Than Ever saw Lil Baby in rare form, delivering one of the most impressive rap albums of 2018. Lyrically, the album touches on themes such as street life, personal struggles, and success. Additionally, Lil Baby convincingly conveys every message he intends, creating one of the year’s most lauded albums. Harder Than Ever received positive reviews from both critics and fans alike. Also, it achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 chart. Evidently, this helped establish Lil Baby as a rising star in the rap scene. Some standout tracks from the album include “Yes Indeed” with Drake, “Southside,” and “Transporter,” with Offset.
Widely considered the best of all his albums, Lil Baby received overwhelming fan love after releasing My Turn. His 20-track sophomore studio album went on to become a massive commercial and critical success that established Baby as a leading voice in contemporary Hip Hop. My Turn received two Grammy nominations in 2021 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Lil Baby also achieved his highest certifications, resulting in one of the best-selling albums of 2020. So far, it has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. Lil Baby’s discography remains a goldmine for fans of trap, as well as contemporary rap. However, My Turn is undeniably the biggest standout solo project the rapper has at the moment.
Rakim reacted to Outkast landing at the top spot on Billboard‘s “Greatest Rap Groups of All Time” list over Eric B. & Rakim during an interview with TMZ on Friday. Speaking with the outlet in New York, the legendary rapper praised Big Boi and Andre 3000 for “pushing the envelope.”
“Nah mean, I’m always gonna say I shoulda been higher but it’s a blessing to be recognized and it’s a good time to be recognized as well,” Rakim said. “It’s not really my place to say who else deserves or not, but Outkast pushed the envelope, a group that a lot of people got love for. So, you know we have to give the flowers to who earns them.”
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 8: Musical Artists Big Boi (left) and Andre 3000 of Oukast pose with their six Grammys backstage in the Pressroom at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 8, 2004 at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
In the end, Billboard ranked Eric B. and Rakim at No. 7 on the list, one spot behind Public Enemy. As for the top five, it featured Run-D.M.C. at No. 5, A Tribe Called Quest at No. 4, N.W.A at No. 3 and Wu-Tang Clan at No. 2, all before Outkast at No. 1. In the piece, Billboard explained the considerations that went into the decision-making. “Our definition of groups includes duos, proper groups and more nebulous collectives. Most notably, inclusion on this list is based on the accomplishments of the group as a unit — not what the individuals may have separately accomplished. We tried to walk the line between what constitutes a group versus a collective or a crew, though at times that was not entirely clear,” the publication explained.
Rakim Reacts To Billboard’s List
Despite their popularity, it appears that Outkast won’t be reuniting anytime soon. Also speaking with TMZ, the group’s frequent collaborator, Sleepy Brown, told the outlet: “Nah, they not. [Andre 3000] is on a-whole-nother journey and he’s, you know, doing something. But me and Big [Boi] are still doing tours and stuff like that. Don’t hold your breath for no OutKast reunion. Don’t do it to yourself. It’s not gon’ happen, folks. If you wanna see us, we gon’ be Dungeon Family. That’s about it.”
God of War is a video game franchise that debuted in 2005. The series follows the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who battles against the gods of Greek mythology. Over the years, the franchise has grown to include multiple sequels, spin-offs, and remasters. In this article, we will be ranking the best God of War games, based on factors such as gameplay, graphics, story, and overall enjoyment.
8. Betrayal (2007)
God of War: Betrayal is a mobile side-scrolling platformer game that follows Kratos on his quest for revenge against those who have betrayed him. The game features simple yet effective graphics and gameplay, making it a fun distraction for fans of the franchise on the go.
However, the game’s biggest fault is its brevity — it can be completed in just a few hours, leaving players wanting more. Additionally, the game’s controls can be clunky at times. This aspect, in particular, is frustrating to navigate certain sections. The story is also not as strong as other games in the franchise and lacks the epic scale and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from the series. Overall, God of War: Betrayal is a fun but forgettable addition to the franchise.
7. Ascension (2013)
God of War: Ascension is a prequel to the acclaimed God of War franchise, which sees Kratos attempting to break his allegiance from the God of War, Ares. The game features the signature hack-and-slash gameplay with the addition of new abilities and weapons. The graphics and sound design are impressive, and the story sheds new light on Kratos’ backstory.
Despite the good points for lore, the game has been criticized for its lackluster storyline and uninspired level design. The pacing can also be inconsistent, with extended periods of exploration and puzzle-solving between action sequences. The multiplayer mode, while an interesting addition, fails to engage players to the same extent as the campaign. Overall, God of War: Ascension is a solid entry in the franchise, but falls short of the high bar set by its predecessors.
6. Ghost of Sparta (2010)
God of War: Ghost of Sparta follows Kratos as he searches for his brother Deimos, who was taken by the gods. The game takes place between the events of the original God of War and its sequel and adds a lot of depth to Kratos’ character. The gameplay is as satisfying as ever, with brutal combat and satisfying puzzles.
There are some negative bits that took this title further down the list. The camera can be frustrating at times, making it difficult to see enemies or obstacles. The game also has some pacing issues, with some sections feeling too long or too short. The story can also be confusing at times, especially for players who are not familiar with the series.
5. Chains Of Olympus (2008)
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the franchise, released for the PlayStation Portable in 2008. This particular God Of War installment follows Kratos as he battles monsters and gods to save the city of Attica from destruction. The story is one of the strongest in the franchise, exploring Kratos’ character and backstory in depth.
The game’s graphics are impressive for the time, and the gameplay is as satisfying as ever with new weapons and abilities to unlock. However, the game’s length is on the shorter side, and some players may find it too easy compared to other games in the series. Additionally, the camera can be frustrating at times, and some of the puzzles can be repetitive. Despite these faults, God of War: Chains of Olympus is a must-play for fans of the franchise. Fans consider it one of the best games on the PlayStation Portable.
4. God Of War III (2010)
God of War III is an action-packed, hack-and-slash video game that follows the journey of Kratos’s quest for revenge against the gods of Olympus. With some of the most impressive graphics and scale ever seen on the PlayStation 3, the game offers a thrilling, epic adventure filled with brutal battles and gory executions.
However, the game’s storytelling and character development aren’t up to par with other entries in the franchise. Some players have also criticized the game’s reliance on quick-time events and repetitive gameplay. Additionally, the game faced backlash for its depiction of women and minorities as being overly sexualized and stereotypical.
3. God Of War II (2007)
Fans widely regard God Of War II as one of the best games in the franchise. The game follows Kratos as he seeks revenge against the gods of Olympus, and features improved graphics, more varied gameplay, and a more engaging story than its predecessor. The epic and brutal journey of Kratos to overthrow the gods of Olympus makes for a great and engaging story. With a more varied and satisfying combat system with new weapons and abilities, players can engage in more complex gameplay. The game comes with impressive graphics and level design, with larger and more complex environments. Boss battles are challenging and rewarding, not to mention pretty fair.
However, the game does have a few faults. Some players might find the difficulty level to be too high, especially during some of the boss battles. The game’s pacing can be inconsistent, with some sections feeling slow and others feeling rushed. Other players might feel that the game is too similar to the original, without offering enough new content or innovation.
2. God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) is a soft reboot of the popular video game franchise, set in Norse mythology instead of Greek. The game follows an older Kratos, who must teach his son Atreus the ways of the world while battling against gods and monsters. The game features a new combat system, as well as an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, adding a new layer to the gameplay. The story is one of the strongest in the franchise, with well-developed characters and emotional moments that will stick with players long after they finish the game. The graphics and sound design are also top-notch.
However, the game has its downfalls. The pacing can be slow at times, with tedious stretches of exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s RPG elements are also a bit shallow, with limited customization options and gear upgrades. Finally, some players may be disappointed by the lack of variety in enemy types. Despite these faults, God of War (2018) is a must-play game for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Its engaging story, immersive gameplay, and stunning graphics make it one of the best games of its generation.
1. God of War: Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarok continues the story of Kratos and his son Atreus. Released in November 2022, the game promises to deliver a bigger and more ambitious adventure than its predecessor, with a focus on exploring the world and its characters.
The game boasts impressive graphics and a compelling narrative, with a strong emphasis on character development and exploration. The studio refined and improved the combat with new abilities and weapons to master. Additionally, the game delves deeper into Norse mythology and features a diverse cast of characters. God of War: Ragnarok has the potential to be a thrilling and immersive gaming experience and lives up to fans’ expectations so far.
Billboard and Vibe just published their list of the top ten rappers of all time, ending their list of the top 50 MCs in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. While many on social media voiced disappointment, that always happens in a list of any capacity. Everybody’s GOAT list looks a little different, and this list reflects a wide variety of criteria. For example, some rappers made the list for their lyricism, influence, catalog, or for their commercial success. Still, the consensus online seems to agree on it being a solid list, though many would change the order around. The ranking includes Biggie Smalls, Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Nas, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (L-R) Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Moreover, Nicki Minaj placed at No. 10, Snoop Dogg at No. 9, and Drake at No. 8. Many might question Drizzy’s inclusion, given that he’s as much of a pop star as he is an MC. Still, he hasn’t left that love behind, as best evidenced by his most recent album Her Loss. However, these rappers share a few factors such as commercial viability, unique flows and styles, and most importantly, influence. Following them are Lil Wayne at No. 7, Biggie Smalls at No. 6, Eminem at No. 5, and Tupac at No. 4. Furthermore, Young Money dominated this list with three members, and Weezy in particular is the Southern representative here. Also, Nicki is the only female rapper included in this list.
Some stuff thats happened to Nicki this year
1. Ranked at #10 (#1 female rapper) on Billboard X VIBE’s Top 50 Greatest Rappers Of All Time ranking & 2. Won the first ever Billboard Power Artist Award 3. 1 of the artists fandoms kept bringing up during Grammys FOR A REASON pic.twitter.com/kJuScuVkzG
However, what people really chose to focus in on was the list’s top placements. According to Billboard, Nas is the third-greatest rapper of all time. Such an honor is fitting for one of the most impressive careers in hip-hop that continues to redefine himself. Through his King’s Disease series and album Magic, all Hit-Boy collaborations, he added four more excellent albums to the conversation. As such, Nas might be the most enduring legend on this list when it comes to quality and consistency. Although the Queens rapper has quite the repertoire, Kendrick Lamar at No. 2 represents how the newer generation carries the torch. Between his top-tier lyricism, untouchable discography, and appeals to both pop and underground tastes, he seems like the definitive hip-hop career.
Meanwhile, the No. 1 spot went to Jay-Z. Many of these MCs best qualities seem wrapped up in Hov’s trajectory, and he has the added moniker of trailblazer. Whether we talk about commercial viability, business acumen, lyrical skill, excellent catalog, or business extracurriculars, Jay has it all. Still, many people felt that this list needs some rearranging. “Jays not #1 he top 5 but he ain’t #1,” one user wrote, with another adding “This list needs to be switched up! Love the list but the placement is incorrect.”
On the other hand, some users wanted to see other rappers make the list. “Any list that doesn’t have JCole in the top 10 is made by people who don’t know rap,” one user claimed. For what it’s worth, he landed at No. 15 on Billboard‘s list. Check out the full list for yourself down below and let us know what you think about it and your own top ten rappers in the comments. As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on hip-hop culture and history.
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
It’s that time of the year to break down, discuss, and debate, which artist earned the coveted title of Album Of The Year. Since the beginning of 2022, plenty of artists, rappers or otherwise, have made up for the time lost during the pandemic so there certainly wasn’t a shortage of heat to choose from.
The trinity of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole (via Dreamville), and Drake emerged to critical and commercial glory throughout the year. At the same time, the next generation preceding them claimed their stake in hip-hop, from J.I.D., Lil Baby and NBA Youngboy.However, it’s also a year when plenty of veteran MCs came through with extraordinary bodies of work showcasing the timelessness in their pens (i.e. Nas, Pusha T, Black Thought).
Whether it’s an artist like Denzel Curry, whose Melt My Eyez See Your Future defies expectations through strong wordplay and versatile production, or the hedonistic trap god Future, who reminded fans of his innate ability to craft hit records with the release of I NEVER LIKED YOU, 2022 had something for everyone.
As difficult as it was, we ranked the top 40 albums of 2022. Scroll through HNHH’s picks and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on our Album of The Year.
https://t.co/OJpFNzDPLf
Joe Budden x Nicki Minaj interview out now on Patreon! 
(@JANAMiziK) 
FOR A REASON 
(@ProudOfYouNicki) 
