After starting her career on RCA Records, Tinashe has gone the independent route for her latest releases. It’s working out pretty well, too: Her latest single, “Nasty,” is a TikTok favorite and one of the biggest hits of her career. Tinashe’s RCA years were filled with conflict, so she doesn’t seem to mind rubbing her success in their faces a little bit.
As a recent video shows, Tinashe was asked by a reporter, “Do you feel like RCA kind of dropped the ball when you were on their label? Because they couldn’t do it? You did it by yourself.” Tinashe responded, “You know? We just didn’t need them. All you need is hard work, good fans, talent. I know they’re gagging.”
The cameraperson also asked about what Tinashe has on the horizon, and she teased new music, remixes, a tour, and her upcoming album (she said BB/Angel, her 2023 project, but presumably misspoke and meant her upcoming album Quantum Baby).
Tinashe has previously spoken about her dissatisfaction with RCA, saying in a 2019 Billboard interview, “There were definitely ups and downs. I give them a lot of credit for helping me start out. […] My second album process just wasn’t as seamless as the first. I first announced it in 2015, right off the back of Aquarius. For whatever business reasons, it didn’t come out for the next three years. With that process of delaying the album, I felt really deflated as a creative. I was frustrated and helpless. I was over it and felt jaded.”
Tinashe is having a moment. The singer has been dropping acclaimed albums for over a decade, but her latest single, “Nasty,” has exploded. It’s spread like wildfire on TikTok, and recently cracked the Billboard Hot 100. This marks the first time Tinashe has landed a pop hit as a solo artist, and to make things even better, she managed to do it as an independent artist. “Nasty” was released through the Tinashe Music label. She’s thrilled by the song’s success and the reaction of her former label.
Tinashe, who left RCA Records in 2019, told TMZ that her ex-label is “gagging” over the success of her new single. “Nasty” has continued to gain traction since its release in April. This is not the first time Tinashe has thrown shade at RCA Records, either. During a 2023 appearance on the Zach Sang Show, the R&B singer claimed she was forced to do collabs against her will. To make matters worse, they were often with artists who were over the hill, like R. Kelly. “I literally block out that R. Kelly song from my mind,” she told the host. “I forget that it even exists. That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly. That’s so embarrassing.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 12: Tinashe is seen at ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on June 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Tinashe was also reluctant to do a song with Chris Brown. “He was their biggest artist that they had on rhythmic radio at the time,” she recalled. “To me, I was like, ‘Well, this is a pop song. So, I really don’t feel like we should put Chris on it.’ That doesn’t compute to me, but I don’t know.” Tinashe’s instincts proved to be correct. Chris Brown wound up dissing her by asking IG users to “name five Tinashe songs.” The singer did admit that the independent grind has not been easy, though.
In a recent interview with Polyester, Tinashe detailed the effort that goes into releasing her own music. “I have to keep it 100 with people,” she explained. “It is not easy being independent. To find enough money to be able to fund the things you want to create, putting together a live show, or making a music video. Those things cost a lot of money and to be able to maintain that on your own is very hard.” Fortunately, the singer’s hard work has paid off. She scored her biggest hit in a decade, and she recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
In April 2022, Saucy Santana took one of the biggest leaps of his career, inking a deal with RCA Records. Since, he’s gone on to release his hit single, “Booty” featuring Latto, “MATERIAL GWORRLLLLLLLL!” with Madonna, “Whole Family” alongside Flo Milli, and most recently, “Walk It Like I Talk It” to close out 2023. Other solo efforts to come from the 30-year-old last year include “Meet Me in Da Skreets” and “1-800-Bad-Bxtch,” though we haven’t heard a full-length project from him since 2021’s Keep It Playa featuring Rubi Rose, Kaliii, the City Girls, and BeatKing.
Earlier this week, rumours began circulating online that Santana and his label have parted ways. No formal announcement came from either party. However, internet sleuths noticed that the TikTok star is no longer listed on RCA’s website. “No matches for your search. Run it back,” a screenshot shared by @MobzWorld on Twitter/X shows the page saying. Instead of addressing the gossip, the “Walk Em Like A Dog” artist is showing what he’s got up his sleeve next.
Regardless if RCA is still backing Santana or not, he’s ready to make his presence felt this year. In the video above, he spits bars about his perseverance. “Tried to take me off track but I’m back / Still gettin’ to it, still gettin’ to them racks,” he confidently raps. “I’m the one that put these b**ches on the map / Got a message for my opp, better tell ’em Issa wrap.”
Since first making a name for himself in the entertainment industry, Saucy Santana hasn’t been one to shy away from controversy. It seems he’s bringing that trend into 2024, as the Connecticut native shared his dreams of having Lizzo sing the bridge of a song he’s been teasing on social media in recent weeks. Check out reactions to that news at the link below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to new music from Santana in the comments.
Georgia-born singer Khalid has only spent the last few years in the spotlight, but the acclaim is heavy. Although credited as a Peach State native, Khalid spent much of his youth floating from one place to another. With a mother in the military, traveling was a staple in his life. Starting again and meeting new people along his adventures would help propel Khalid into a creative space.
While in high school, a young Khalid began experimenting with singing, teaching himself the foundations of what would shape a lucrative career. Like many others, he utilized social media and SoundCloud to help move his music to the masses. After singing to Right Hand and RCA Records, Khalid’s life would completely change. His 2017 debut album American Teen helped put him on the map, and his career hasn’t slowed since. Get to know the 25-year-old singer-songwriter.
From Online Sensation To Chart-Topping Superstar
Khalid’s first taste of success came in 2016 with his debut single, “Location.” The catchy, introspective track quickly gained traction online, ultimately catching the attention of major record labels. In 2017, at just 19, Khalid signed with RCA, marking the beginning of his professional music career. American Teen arrived that year and featured his noteworthy singles, “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Saved.” He was soon one of the industry’s most promising artists, and the investment proved worth it.
Khalid’s sophomore album, Free Spirit, was just as popular as the first. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with songs like “Better” and “Talk” helping to push it to the top. Free Spirit saw maturation in Khalid as he clearly developed exponentially sonically and lyrically. Soon, he was reaching wider audiences.
Khalid’s meteoric rise did not go unnoticed, as his work garnered numerous accolades and nominations. He’s amassed five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Best Urban Contemporary Album for American Teen, and Best R&B Song for “Location.” Of his wins, the singer has taken home trophies from the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, and more.
The Roxy and Free Spirit tours also helped expand Khalid’s fanbase. He traveled throughout Australia, North America, and Europe, etching his name into worldwide superstardom. Not only were they financially lucrative, but Khalid was able to perfect his stage presence in front of arena audiences.
Passion For Music
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 01: Khalid performs onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Khalid’s commitment to his craft shows no signs of slowing down. In an interview with Billboard, he shared his thoughts on his future in music, saying, “I just want to continue to create music and tell stories through my experiences. I think as long as I’m doing that, I’ll be content.” Given his track record of releasing critically acclaimed and chart-topping music, it’s clear that Khalid’s drive and passion for storytelling will continue to shape his career. As he explores new sonic territories and matures as an artist, fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking music from this talented singer-songwriter.
Khalid’s powerful voice, evocative lyrics, and genre-blending sound have made him one of the most compelling artists of his generation. His ability to connect with fans through honest storytelling and a genuine passion for music has solidified his place among the industry’s most influential figures. As Khalid continues to evolve and grow as an artist, one thing remains certain: his music will continue to touch the hearts of fans worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-changing landscape of popular music. Stay tuned for his next album, rumored to be titled Everything is Changing, arriving soon.
Young Nudy is quite possibly the most consistent rapper out of Atlanta with a prolific output to show for it. Though he was never poised to become a breakout star with pop sensibilities, his gritty, oddball sound has turned him into a pivotal figure in the Southern rap scene. One that is frequently championed among rap circles on the streets and online. So, with it being a new year, fans undoubtedly looked forward to what he had in store for 2023.
Each one of Nudy’s projects feels better than the last. In 2021, he blessed fans with back-to-back releases of Dr. EV4L and Rich Shooter – two projects that further cemented his name in hip-hop. Then, he came through last year with his project EA Monster, which dropped to critical acclaim. Needless to say, he’s had fans anticipating his next move throughout the last seven months, especially since he’s not one to necessarily release too many singles ahead of his next project.
Young Nudy – Gumbo
Shortly after a hacker breached Nudy’s vault and leaked over 100 songs, the rapper returned with his latest body of work, Gumbo. The 13-song project finds Nudy back into this spacey, warped soundscape that sounds even more refined than his previous projects. The majority of the project was produced by Coupe, though there are contributions from Pi’erre Bourne, 44 and Hazel. Additionally, 21 Savage and Key Glock join Nudy on the tracklist as the only two features on Gumbo.
Each song off of Gumbo is named after food (i.e. “Pot Roast” ft. Key Glock and “Fish & Chips.” The body of work further showcases Nudy’s off-kilter flow and unconventional approach that paints a broader picture of Atlanta. The “EA” rapper continues to showcase his range without necessarily leaving his pocket, even when he treads towards a more melodic delivery. Check out Nudy’s latest project and tracklist. Where does Gumbo rank in Nudy’s catalog? Sound off in the comments on your thoughts on his latest project.
Atlanta’s own Rich the Kid is back with a new single, “No More Friends.” Fans of his work will likely recognize his fast flows and minimal beat selection with an updated flair. Moreover, the track will appear on his upcoming album, Life’s a Gamble. Also, the track comes after “Motion,” which he released jointly with the announcement that he’s inked a deal with RCA Records.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Rich the Kid attends Celine at The Wiltern on December 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for CELINE)
Such moves have boosted Rich’s career, who hadn’t dropped new solo music since 2021. His output that year included the short project Lucky 7 and his collaboration with Lil Wayne, Trust Fund Babies. Still, a year’s gap between releases is still consistent enough to dismiss any claims of falling off. However, it seems that the Atlanta-raised rapper has found new life with RCA, as he excitedly shared.
“They didn’t believe in me @rcarecords DID,” the 30-year-old wrote via an Instagram post. “NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE best labels in the world Rich Forever X RCA, thank you to my team @bystormpitts everyone who helped make this happen.”
Instrumentally, the short track takes a more psychedelic tone that the Kid’s previous output thanks to the synth tones. They have a lot of atmosphere to them, and their high pitch and fragile tone are a nice deviation from his usually minimal melodies. This track feels a little more expansive as a result, with the simple drum pattern keeping his flow and rhymes in check.
As far as the lyrical content, the “New Freezer” MC wants more money, more success, but no more friends. Much of the track is dedicated to those flexes, whether about wealth or women, and it’s mostly framed around Rich as an individual. There aren’t many references to his circle, and that omission only adds to the track’s themes.
What do you think of Rich the Kid’s latest track, “No More Friends”? Let us know in the comments below and check out the song on your preferred streaming service. You can also peep the music video and some notable lines below, and stay tuned to HNHH for the best hip-hop releases.
Quotable Lyrics
Who callin’ me? This must be the money it got to be (What?) Big proud of me, before I sleep, I pray on my enemies B***h, you ain’t rich, pretend to be Got a b***h so gutter from Tennessee
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