rapper/producer

Cuzzin Howie (Johnny Shipes) Collabs With Smoke DZA For Weed Anthem “Jamaica Good”

by

Previously known as the Cinematic Music Group for years, founder Johnny Shipes (Johnnyshipes) has been taking the label in a different direction. After selling it to Interscope and Geffen back in the summer of 2023 (via Vibe), he decided to kickstart a reimagined version of CMG now referred to as GoodTalk. It was a pretty big deal, especially considering the fact that Shipes signed current hip-hop stars Joey Bada$$, Big K.R.I.T., Nipsey Hussle, and more. But so far, things seem to be working out for the visionary, as his current roster of talent is nothing to sneeze at. That Mexican OT, Cam’ron, Lexa Gates, and returning act, Smoke DZA. The latter was actually one of Shipes’ earliest finds and he’s assisting him with a new single.

After being a manager of talent for years, Shipes has obviously been able to pick up some skills from studio sessions and the like. He’s now applying those talents and releasing music under his “Cuzzin Howie” moniker. This alias is portrayed by an adventurous and troublesome purple dog that is said to have befriended Shipes, according to the label’s website. He has already released one song, that being “Verbals” with MAVI. That dropped back in late October. But this weekend, “Cuzzin Howie” has come back with DZA for “Jamaica Good.” Aptly named, especially because of the feature on the track, it’s a head-nodding and trippy weed jam. Overall, this is a very exciting move for Shipes and the label at large. Given the world building and the character creation, we could be in for a project of sorts, and hopefully soon.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s Alleged Ex Nitty Scott Reveals Why “GNX” Gives Her Flashbacks

“Jamaica Good” – Cuzzin Howie & Smoke DZA

Read More: Air Jordan 5 “Luminous Green” Will Shine Next Summer

[Via] [Via] [Via]

The post Cuzzin Howie (Johnny Shipes) Collabs With Smoke DZA For Weed Anthem “Jamaica Good” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dave East & AraabMuzik Link For A Luxurious & Gritty Collab Tape “Living Proof”

by

Dave East is here with his fifth official studio album, Living Proof, and he’s not dropping this alone. This is a new first for the Harlem spitter too, as he got to work with producer araabMUZIK exclusively for this venture. It’s worth noting though that they do have some history together, with the latter laying down beats for projects like Survival and Karma 3. Clearly, those times shared in the studio sold each other on just how great a full project could be between them. Sure enough, their assumptions were correct, because Dave East’s work with araabMUZIK might be some of the best chemistry he’s shared with another beat crafter.

Leading up to the release of Living Proof, “Buss Down” and “Percocet” were the singles kicking the rollout off. Overall, the jazzy, grand, and sort of grimy boom bap sounds you hear on both are a very accurate representation of the project’s direction. The beats on these two tracks, including many others such as “Walk Wit Me” and “The Other Side” are of high quality and really embrace East’s gravelly tone and the overall spirit of New York hip-hop. It makes sense though due to araab’s decorated past with Dipset and many other legends from the state.

Read More: Drake Loses $355K After Betting On Mike Tyson To Beat Jake Paul

Living Proof – Dave East & AraabMuzik

Living Proof Tracklist:

  1. Percocet
  2. Bet My Life
  3. Solid N****z (feat. Cruch Calhoun)
  4. Buss Down (feat. Fabolous)
  5. Walk Wit Me
  6. Lift Em Up (feat. Swizz Beatz & Benny The Butcher)
  7. Roll Up
  8. Joe Jackson (feat. OT The Real)
  9. All I Know (feat. Quany Gz)
  10. Same S*** (feat. Giggs)
  11. Everything For Sale (feat. Ransom)
  12. The Love Fake (feat. Lyrivelli)
  13. Run Down (feat. Millyz)
  14. The Other Side (feat. Stacy Barthe)
  15. Barbara

Read More: DDG Admits He Still Loves Halle Bailey In New Song “WHAT U BAD FOR”

[Via] [Via]

The post Dave East & AraabMuzik Link For A Luxurious & Gritty Collab Tape “Living Proof” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dave East & AraabMuzik Preview Their Joint Tape With “Buss Down” Featuring Fabolous

by

Dave East is looking to go out with a braggadocious bang before the end of 2024 and he’s doing so with “BUSS DOWN.” This is a brand-new collaboration with between the gritty New York spitter and longtime producer, araabMUZIK (Jay Electronica, Cardi B, J. Cole & JID, Tory Lanez, and more). But this new duo isn’t just stopping here, though. On November 15, Dave and araab will be dropping off Living Proof, a 15-song tape with features from Benny The Butcher, Giggs, Ransom, Stacy Barthe, and more. One of those other guests includes Fabolous, who is also on this lead single, “BUSS DOWN.”

As we mentioned, it’s a flexing banger all about diamond-encrusted watches, with a hint of drug talk. “Cuzzo got rich off the glass, he sellin’ crystal (Meth) / Dave tatted on your b**** a**, her name was Crystal (Crys’) / We smokin’ in this room, I paid for them, incidental.” Because of these bars, it’s also a bit of a hustler’s anthem too. The beat matches well as it contains lavish string sections and trunk-rattling 808s. When this drops, this will be Dave’s third consecutive tape with another artist of some kind. For now though, spin “BUSS DOWN” with the link below.

Read More: Lil Durk Loses Key To City After Arrest For Alleged Murder-For-Hire

“Buss Down” – Dave East, AraabMuzik, & Fabolous

Quotable Lyrics:

A couple flips and these Rollies gon’ upgrade to Pateks
I watched it happen, check my wrist if you think I’m cappin’ (Think I’m cappin’)
This cost too much to do that dappin’ with the finger snappin’ (Finger snappin’)
Nah, this is grown man timin’
S*** that make you give a handshake with no damn diamonds
The yellow presi’ Trump, the chocolate face Kamala

Read More: A Closer Look At The Vibrant Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba”

[Via]

The post Dave East & AraabMuzik Preview Their Joint Tape With “Buss Down” Featuring Fabolous appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Talib Kweli Teams Up With Producer J. Rawls For “The Confidence Of Knowing”

by

Talib Kweli is a legend in the hip-hop game thanks to his wide range of talents and ability to work with so many different artists. The Black Star and Reflection Eternal affiliate has been pretty active over the last two years in terms of singles and projects and this weekend he’s continuing that trend. Talib Kweli has just dropped off The Confidence Of Knowing, which is being advertised as album number 10.

However, he’s not releasing this 13-song effort alone, though. Columbus, Ohio underground producer J. Rawls is here too. Here, he’s tasked with laying down East Coast beats on every cut and there’s a nice mixture of sounds to be had. Of course, on top of that, Talib is bringing some food for thought and clever bars like these on one of the lead singles, “Native Sons”. “Bragging about material objects with people starving, bruh / And that’s why the phrase “eat the rich” is so popular / Please, these elitists can never defeat the populace“. There’s also some solid guests on the docket. IDK, Rass Kass, Blu, Planet Asia, and Jimetta Rose are a few of the multi-talented sidekicks. Overall, there’s a lot to like and Talib is showing that he’s still got more than enough juice for the 2020’s decade.

Read More: 6ix9ine Appears To React To Lil Tjay’s Alleged Gang Indictment

The Confidence Of Knowing -Talib Kweli & J. Rawls

The Confidence Of Knowing Tracklist:

  1. Breath, Eyes, Memory
  2. The Confidence Of Knowing with Jimetta Rose, Blu
  3. Native Sons
  4. We Outside
  5. To The Ghetto
  6. SWAT with Coast Contra
  7. Turnstyle with Skyzoo, Buckshot
  8. Shalamar with Rass Kass
  9. Pay Homage with IDK, Planet Asia, Phil The Agony, Middle Child
  10. Love For Life with Georgia Anne Muldrow, Jimetta Rose
  11. Steve Austin with Diani
  12. Sing Into The Sky with Solene, Niko Is
  13. It’s Workin with Middle Child

Read More: Elliott Wilson Insists Drake Turned Down Super Bowl Haltime Show Twice

[Via] [Via]

The post Talib Kweli Teams Up With Producer J. Rawls For “The Confidence Of Knowing” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Blu & Exile Promote Their Upcoming Collab Tape With “Gold” Featuring Nana & Ahmad Anwar

by

Blu and Exile (Blu & Exile) are one of the most underrated hip-hop duos of all-time. When it comes to the underground scene in particular, we wouldn’t be mad if you had them ranked at number one. The Los Angeles, California kids just have that special recipe that no one else will truly be able to unearth or replicate. It’s rare when they miss a step and it’s why we are thrilled for their upcoming collaborative project, Love (the) Ominous World. According to a currently unreviewed annotation on Genius, they are expecting it to drop on September 20, so just a couple of weeks from now. We got our first taste of what appears to be a 12-song outing with “Love Is Blu”.

Frequent collaborator and singer/rapper Aloe Blacc appeared on it and as usual, the song bangs. It felt triumphant but it had some serious undertones to it thanks to the spirited and lyrically conscious performances. You normally don’t go to them for catchy tunes. But “Love Is Blu” also had that going for it too. The same rings true for “Gold”, the second single from Blu & Exile. The instrumental and melodies from Exile paired with the chorus give it tremendous replay value. Typically, when a song is sticky, it tends to not change up. However, Exile throws in some instrumental switch-ups to keep the listener engaged. Disc scratches, vocal samples, and ghostly and twinkly tones are things you’ll catch here and there. Overall, we think that him and Blu went two for two with “Gold”. However, we want to know what you think, so check it out below.

Read More: Nike Ja 2 “Night Vision” Slated For This Fall: First Look

“Gold” – Blu, Exile, Blu & Exile, Nana, and Ahmad Anwar

Read More: Azealia Banks Goes After Beyonce Yet Again For Her “Ghetto” Whiskey Brand

[Via]

The post Blu & Exile Promote Their Upcoming Collab Tape With “Gold” Featuring Nana & Ahmad Anwar appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rakim Ends 15-Year Album Drought With “G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH”

by

Even though New York City multi-talent Rakim does not command the same presence as he once did in the 90s, getting a new album from him is something we will never turn down. Back in May, Tha God MC announced the end of his decade-and-a-half long drought on social media, “July 26th – “Rebirth” Rakim new album Produced by Tha God Mc himself…. #Rakim #MasterKilla #GOTTi MY GOD……”. Following that exciting reveal, Rakim would deliver the lead single for G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH, “BE ILL”, alongside Kurupt and Masta Killa.

While the track was spectacular on its first few listens, it might be even better now that it is the tape’s opener. It’s a celebratory moment for Rakim as he certainly has achieved his dreams of being “ill” and “real” now that he is over 30 years deep into his career. There are loads of winning performances from the main attraction, but his guests are holding their own, too. Speaking of which, Rakim was able to score posthumous verses from Nipsey Hussle and DMX, as well as others from Snoop Dogg, B.G., 38 Spesh and more. Wrapping up this seven-track project with a tight bow are the head-nodding instrumentals. Each one presents a feeling of wonder and awe, making it clear that Rakim’s got plenty left to go.

Read More: Will Smith, Russ And Jaden Promote Self Belief On “Work Of Art” Single

G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH– Rakim

G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH Tracklist:

  1. BE ILL with Kurupt, Masta Killa
  2. NOW IS THE TIME with B.G., Hus KingPin, Compton Menace
  3. LOVE IS THE MESSAGE with Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt
  4. GOD’S PLAYGROUND with 38 Spesh, DMX, Fred the Godson, Skyzoo
  5. PENDULUM SWING with KXNG Crooked, Canibus, La The Darkman, Chino XL
  6. INTERNATIONAL with Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, Tristate
  7. SIGN OF SE7EN with Prodigy, X-Raided, Method Man, Big Twins

Read More: Cam’ron Claims Chicago And Louisiana Produce The Best Rap Lyricists

The post Rakim Ends 15-Year Album Drought With “G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

DDG Cops An Instrumental From Cash Cobain For “Copy My Drip”

by

DDG and Cash Cobain are two artists who are pretty hit and miss. For the Pontiac, Michigan rapper, if he has a winning chorus or flow, the track tends to be solid. For the New York-bred producer, if he presents an addicting melody or an interesting drum pattern, the beat can be so good that it carries a song. However, neither is the case on this latest single from DDG, “copy my drip”. What we get from both stars is a pretty run of the mill trap beat with an uninteresting guitar loop and some painfully boring and awkward bars.

“F*** with me, I’ll f*** ’round and I’ll f*** your b**** / He ain’t do his research, he ain’t know I’m lit / Plain black T-shirt with no logo, he ain’t know this Rick / Huh, I’m like, “Where your ho go?” He ain’t know I hit“. The chorus is just one spot where DDG presents a one-note flow and delivery that makes the short track that much more of a tedious listen. Thankfully, the multi-hyphenate has put out some much more favorable tracks this year. If you need some recommendations, we encourage you to check out “she ain’t leaving” and “Shoot Up Your Block”, just to name a couple.

Read More: Yella Beezy’s Attorney Responds To Lawsuit After Alleged Chris Brown Concert Brawl

“Copy My Drip”- DDG

Quotable Lyrics:

I just had a son, and this s*** is so damn fun (Uh-huh)
Gotta keep it safe, I done locked up all my guns (Uh-huh)
We countin’ bread and these n****s countin’ crumbs (Uh-huh)
I want some head ‘fore I get up in them buns
N****, that’s mandatory, I pulled up in a Maybach, mm
Yeah, that’s end of story (Ooh)

Read More: A$AP Rocky Previews Upcoming Tyler, The Creator Collab At “DON’T BE DUMB” Listening Party

The post DDG Cops An Instrumental From Cash Cobain For “Copy My Drip” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Young Nudy Comes Back Swinging For The Fences On Metro Boomin-Produced “John Wayne”

by

It has been a little bit since fans have heard some new Young Nudy. In fact, the last time we got a solo release from the Atlanta, Georgia product was back in September 2023. His viral single “Peaches & Eggplants”, which would go on to land on Gumbo, got a remix with Latto and Sexyy Red. This slower production schedule comes as a bit of a surprise, especially given his track record earlier on in his career. But it seems that the “EA” lyricist is taking his time and it has been paying dividends. Prime examples of this include Young Nudy’s Childish Gambino collab on “Little Foot Big Foot” and now “John Wayne”.

The latter ends that previous dry spell, but it also includes production from Metro Boomin. This marks their first effort together since the duo and 21 Savage united for “Umbrella” off of HEROES & VILLAINS. Hearing them back on a track together is a real street based on their chemistry and “John Wayne” is certainly a fine addition to their collection. Back in January, Nudy previewed their song on IG Live and fans were extremely hyped. The devilish instrumental and the MC’s flows pretty much remain the same from the snippet, so listeners will be thrilled about that.

Metro reposted the teaser to his IG and was talking about how fans weren’t ready for their upcoming collab tape. While “John Wayne” does seem like it will be on a Nudy project in the future, we can only hope that their joint LP is on the horizon. Metro is a busy man right now though, as people are still waiting on a release date for the JID album as well. But “John Wayne” is more than good enough to hold us and fans over for the time being.

Read More: Kai Cenat Premieres New Drake And Lil Yachty Song During Live Stream

“John Wayne”- Young Nudy & Metro Boomin

Quotable Lyrics:

First of all, don’t get it twisted, know that I’m giving these bullets out
I ain’t even worried ’bout what you ’bout
I’m in the middle of the field, ain’t worried ’bout no n****, these n****s know what I’m ’bout
Know that I’m aiming to kill, shooting to kill, like what the f*** these n****s be talkin’ about?
Way back then you give me a ten, I’m pullin’, I’m shooting everything, what you talkin’ about?
I remember these n****s was slimin’ their twins, their friends, these n****s wasn’t really ’bout it

Read More: Rihanna Amusingly Flashes Her Friends In Public To Promote Fenty Underwear Line

The post Young Nudy Comes Back Swinging For The Fences On Metro Boomin-Produced “John Wayne” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Curren$y & MonstaBeatz Are A “Radioactive” Combo On Their New Collaboration Album

by

Louisiana rapper Curren$y is still riding on high on Highway 600, as he drops another collab tape called Radioactive alongside MonstaBeatz. This is the prolific talent’s second LP release of 2024 and it follows up on the aforementioned project with Trauma Tone. As much as Curren$y loves to make lowkey slappers, he might enjoy working with producers on his LPs even more. MonstaBeatz, in terms of discography, is not as reputable of a name as a Trauma Tone. But when you delve into the 12 tracks here you are going to be pleasantly surprised. Even with such a minimal history together (“Park Bench” with Smoke DZA), Monsta selects beats that suit Curren$y’s hazy style.

Druggy trap instrumentals are the name of the game once again. However, MonstaBeatz also mixes in some solid synth and tone work to mix things up a bit. It sort of gives the tape a West Coast flavor. Overall, it is quite the toss-up between if Curren$y’s performances are better on Radioactive or Highway 600. Also making this a tougher decision are the features. Jay Worthy, Fiend (twice), DeeLow Diamond Man, and Fendi P are all great and offer some nice cadence switch-ups. So, once again, it comes down to whether or not you prefer them over Don Toliver and Maxo Kream. While we enjoy both from Curren$y this year, check out Radioactive for yourself and let us know your thoughts below.

Read More: Childish Gambino Seemingly Disses Drake On New Song “Yoshinoya”

Radioactive– Curren$y & MonstaBeatz

Radioactive Tracklist:

  1. News Report
  2. There i go
  3. Where The Monstaz Be
  4. Pull Up Hop Out (feat. Fendi P)
  5. Blade (feat. Jay Worthy)
  6. News Report, Pt. 2
  7. The Groove (Interlude)
  8. Fill in da Blanks (feat. Fiend)
  9. Bag Talk (feat. DeeLow Diamond Man)
  10. Connecting the Dots
  11. Spring Rolls (feat. Fiend)
  12. Sending Signs

Read More: Ice Spice Keeps Showing Off Weight Loss As Fans Debate Her Slim New Look

The post Curren$y & MonstaBeatz Are A “Radioactive” Combo On Their New Collaboration Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ransom Snags MadeinTYO To Produce His 3-Track EP “SMOKE & MIRRORS”

by

Prolific underground New Jersey rapper Ransom has worked with plenty of talented producers before, but MadeinTYO might be the most interesting one of them all. While the latter was never a massive mainstream figure, the Honolulu, Hawaii born was closer to that mark than Ransom has ever been. The Atlanta based MC is known for breaking into stardom with songs like “Uber Everywhere”, “Skateboard P”, and “I Want”. All of these are far cries from the grittiness of the East Coast underground scene. So, when this surprise EP, SMOKE & MIRRORS, was announced just a couple of days ago, seeing MadeinTYO was a surprise. For those who have been following Ransom, you know that this is the second project for him this year. Beforehand, him and Harry Fraud teamed up for Lavish Misery.

That EP is longer than SMOKE & MIRRORS by five songs, so there is already a smaller margin for error on that factor alone. However, Ransom and MadeinTYO make the most of the 8:53 they share. The opening “SMOKING MIRRORS” is a smooth and chill introduction, with a peaceful guitar loop being the track’s backbone. Narratively, Ransom looks back at his past decisions in his life that have shaped him. “ANTEBELLUM” with Che Noir is a soulful cut about the give and take in relationships with her and Ransom rapping from their gender perspectives. To close things out is “HUMAN NATURE”, which arguably is MadeinTYO’s best beat here. Twinkling piano melodies along with dreamy and soft tones are an incredible marriage on this introspective cut. Overall, this is a terrific short body of work with incredible replay value.

Read More: Young Thug & YSL’s New Judge Suggests Trial Might Delay Until August

SMOKE & MIRRORS– Ransom & MadeinTYO

SMOKE & MIRRORS Tracklist:

  1. SMOKING MIRRORS
  2. ANTEBELLUM (feat. Che Noir)
  3. HUMAN NATURE (feat. J.Arrr)

Read More: Latto Shares Her Take On Kendrick Lamar & Drake’s Fierce Feud

The post Ransom Snags MadeinTYO To Produce His 3-Track EP “SMOKE & MIRRORS” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.