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24 Hip-Hop Lyrics That Reference Kobe Bryant

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

kobe_rap_lyrics(1024x450) — Getty Image/Merle Cooper

Of the last 25 years, there are few figures in the world of sports that had a larger impact on their sport and pop culture than Kobe Bryant. As a five-time champion and 2008 MVP with the Lakers, Bryant was, along with Shaq and Allen Iverson early and LeBron James later in his career, the face of the NBA. Being on the Lakers certainly didn’t hurt his cultural impact, as he is an L.A. icon, but his reach goes far beyond Los Angeles.

In the world of hip-hop, Bryant has been heavily referenced in song lyrics for the last two decades plus, eventually becoming the avatar for competing and championships. Here we are looking at 24 (plus a couple bonus tracks) times Bryant’s name came up in rap songs, as his legendary status is cemented by his impact not just on basketball but the culture as a whole. Even after his tragic death in 2020, Bryant’s legacy is still felt and artists continue to point to the Lakers great as one of the great examples of a winner and hooper.

“Overnight Celebrity” — Twista ft. Kanye West (2004)

Kanye: Give you ice like Kobe wife/We sorta like Goldie, right?/The way we mold ’em right
Twista: I could make you a celebrity overnight

The hook to Twista’s smash hit with Kanye features West referencing the massive diamond ring worn by Vanessa Bryant at a press conference after Kobe was charged with sexual assault in Colorado in 2003.

“Swagga Like Us” — T.I. ft. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and M.I.A (2008)

Tryna get that Kobe number, one over Jordan

This is another Kobe reference from Kanye, this time using Kobe as a stand-in for 24 (and Jordan for 23), which happens frequently, as Bryant became the most iconic No. 24 in sports.

“I Wanna Rock” — Snoop Dogg (2009)

Smokin’ on that Kobe, f**kin’ wit’ that purp

Unsurprisingly, Kobe is frequently referenced in L.A. rap. Here one of Los Angeles’ finest, Snoop Dogg, drops a Kobe reference in this 2009 track, which is far from the last time someone used Kobe and the Lakers as a metaphor for purple (and gold) strands in their weed.

Kobe Bryant” — Lil Wayne (2009)

Lil Wayne took the Kobe love to a whole new level in 2009 when he released a track titled and entirely about the Lakers star, so there’s not one bar to highlight here, but just the entire song.

“Beamer Benz or Bentley” — Lloyd Banks ft. Juelz Santana (2010)

Where my ring and my confetti? I’m Kobe Bryant-ready

By 2010, after winning his fifth title with the Lakers, there was no one more synonymous with winning than Bryant, with Lloyd Banks making that evident from his hit single from that year.

“See Me Now” — Kanye West ft. Beyonce, Big Sean, and Charlie Wilson (2010)

They say G.O.O.D. Music like the new Miami Heat, s**t/Comparin’ them to us, man they gotta add Kobe

After Bryant’s 2010 championship, LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade to create the Big 3 in Miami. However, as Big Sean boasted on “See Me Now,” comparisons to Kanye’s budding G.O.O.D. Music label and the Heat wasn’t good enough, as they’d need another legend in Bryant to be on their level.

“The City” — The Game ft. Kendrick Lamar (2011)

I’m Kobe on the Lakers floor, except I give you eighty-four

Bryant’s greatest individual performance was scoring 81 points against the Raptors in 2006, and that night gets pretty regularly referenced in hip-hop, with L.A.’s The Game providing one of the more notable ones on “The City.”

“Stay Schemin’” — Rick Ross ft. Drake and French Montana (2012)

Kobe ’bout to lose a hundred fifty Ms/Kobe my n****, I hate it had to be him

Rick Ross has a number of Kobe mentions in his songs (and, really, any NBA star); on 2012’s “Stay Schemin’” guest rapper Drake makes a reference to Bryant’s on-going divorce at the time — which Kobe and Vanessa eventually resolved and stayed together.

“Believe It” — Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross (2012)

Spend Iguodala on my Rolly/Young n**** ball like Kobe

Meek Mill gives us a double NBA reference here, with the Philly native shouting out then-Sixer Andre Iguodala and his 6-year, $80 million deal before noting he’s balling like Kobe.

“Kobe” — Chief Keef (2012)

While Lil Wayne’s 2009 track was very literally about Kobe Bryant, Chief Keef’s “Kobe” is more about the mindset of thinking he’s Kobe in various ways. But, like Wayne’s track, there are too many Kobe lines in it to just pull one out.

“Bugatti” — Ace Hood ft. Rick Ross and Future (2013)

Ballin’ on n***** like Kobe/F**k all you haters, you bore me

Ace Hood’s boastful hit from 2013 wouldn’t be complete without a reference to ballin’ like Kobe.

“Juice” — Chance the Rapper (2013)

I just faced a Veg-er/And you love being Kobe when you make the lay-er/Til you realize everybody in the world f**kin’ hates the Lakers

However, there was certainly some Lakers fatigue felt by fans outside of L.A., which Chance the Rapper makes mention of in this line from 2013’s “Juice”.

“untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.” — Kendrick Lamar (2014)

This the first time I confess/Me and Top is like a Kobe and Phil/A father figure f**k with him, you get killed/F**k with me and he will kill you himself

Another L.A. connection here, as Kendrick Lamar compares himself and Top Dawg ENT founder Anthony Tiffith to Kobe and Phil.

“Still Think About You” — A Boogie wit da Hoodie (2016)

I shoot up and lean back on some Kobe s**t/They don’t know how to pass on some Kobe s**t

One of the funniest Kobe lyrics comes from A Boogie wit da Hoodie on his 2016 track where he highlights Bryant’s reputation as a premier bucket-getter and not a facilitator.

“Views” — Drake (2016)

Me and Niko used to plot on how to make a change/Now me and Kobe doin’ shots the night before the game

Sometimes a reference is just a status check, as is the case here with Drake boasting about hanging out with Kobe.

“Shake It Fast” — Rae Sremmurd ft. Juicy J (2016)

I get to ballin’ like Kobe in the fourth quarter/So much money on me I can’t even get it sorted

Kobe has long been the go-to for references to being clutch, as is the case here on Swae Lee’s verse from Rae Sremmurd’s 2016 hit.

“THat Part” — ScHoolboy Q ft. Kanye West (2016)

Walkin’, livin’ legend, man, I feel like Kobe/I just dropped sixty, man, I feel like Kobe/Lamar was with me, man, I feel like Kobe

More than a decade from his “Overnight Celebrity” chorus, Kanye West was back at it with the Kobe references, this time shouting out Kobe as a living legend as well as his iconic final game performance when he scored 60 against the Jazz.

“Stargazing” — Travis Scott (2018)

I’m way too gold for this beef, feel like I’m Kobe, yeah

Surprisingly one of the few references we could find that played off Kobe Bryant and Kobe beef, but Travis Scott made it happen in his 2018 track.

“Shotta FLow” — NLE Choppa (2019)

Feelin’ like I’m Kobe, can’t nan’ n**** hold me/If he wanna run up on me, shoot him like Ginobili

Another double NBA reference, this time from NLE Choppa, who is not the only one to pair Kobe and Ginobili — a match made in rap lyric heaven for the ability to rhyme together.

“Commercial” — Lil Baby ft. Lil Uzi Vert

I turned eight million right until I’m a quarterback/Spent a million like I’m tryna bring Kobe back

“Commercial” came out just a few weeks after Kobe’s death, and clearly Lil Uzi Vert’s verse was recorded at some point in that window as he became one of the first in hip-hop to mourn the loss of the legend on a track.

“Bean (Kobe)” — Lil Uzi Vert ft. Chief Keef (2020)

You know I’m ballin’, usual like Kobe

Not long after his verse on “Commercial”, Lil Uzi Vert again referenced Kobe, this time on a track with his name in the title. However, unlike Lil Wayne or Chief Keef’s songs, this one does not feature constant references to the Lakers legend, just at the start of the opening verse.

“Woodlawn” — Aminé (2020)

Look, RIP Kobe/N****, RIP Kobe/You was like a dad to a n****, so I’m sad, my n****/Had to get you tatted on me

After his death, there were tons of tributes to Bryant from all over the basketball, music, and entertainment worlds, showing how far-reaching his impact was, and on his 2020 song “Woodlawn”, Aminé pays heartfelt homage to his idol.

“Rich Flex” — Drake and 21 Savage (2022)

Ayy, I’m livin’ every twenty-four like Kobe did/Shoutout to the 6, R.I.P. to 8

Drake often plays with numbers in his lyrics, and here he pays tribute to Bryant with both his numbers, 24 and 8.

“2024” — Playboi Carti (2023)

Ooh, two fours in the Sprite, got me feelin’ like Kobe, R.I.P., uh

One of the most recent Kobe references, Playboi Carti showed once again how Bryant remains synonymous with the number 24.

BONUS TRACKS

“K.O.B.E.” — Kobe Bryant ft. Tyra Banks (2000)

This has all-but been scrubbed from the internet, but back in 2000 Kobe Bryant made a brief foray into the rap game with a debut single alongside Tyra Banks (???). It did not go over particularly well and Bryant made the wise choice to focus his efforts on the court — but he was better on the mic than he gets credit for.

“Freestyle” — Shaq (2008)

The most legendary NBA beef of the 2000s was that of Shaq and Kobe, with the peak coming when Shaq hopped on the mic for a freestyle at a club and infamously asked Kobe “tell me how my ass tastes.”

23 Rap Lyrics That Reference LeBron James From 2003 To 2024

November 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

lebron_rap_lyrics(1024x450) — Getty Image/Merle Cooper

LeBron James is in his 22nd season in the NBA, and has been part of the national basketball consciousness since he was, at least, a junior in high school. His presence as one of the most prominent figures in basketball hasn’t just meant he’s been part of the sports conversation for the last quarter century, but he also became the reference point for basketball in the music world as well.

Similar to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Allen Iverson, LeBron has been regularly mentioned by artists in the hip-hop world and beyond. You can find hundreds if not thousands of songs that name-drop LeBron, both positively and negatively, and here we wanted to look at 23 notable examples of LeBron’s impact on the music world by way of the lyrics that shout him out, starting from 2003 all the way to 2024.

“Gangsta Sh*t” — G-Unit (2003)

I keep a holster on my shoulder like I’m John Wayne/Shooting these n****s lights out like LeBron James

One of the first LeBron mentions on a track came early in his rookie year in 2003, when Young Buck says he’s shooting like LeBron, which I have to note is a little funny given shooting was the one thing LeBron rather famously wasn’t very good at as a rookie.

“Gettin It In” — Jadakiss ft. Kanye West (2004)

N****s tryna figure out, since Kan’ came/Who the rookie of the year, me or LeBron James?

Kanye West, fresh off the release of “College Dropout” earlier that year, boasts his rookie season is as strong as LeBron’s in his verse on this Jadakiss track.

“Dough Is What I Got” — Lil Wayne (2006)

When it comes down to this recording/I must be LeBron James if he’s Jordan/No, I won rings with my performance/I’m more Kobe Bryant of an artist

Lil Wayne wouldn’t release “Best Rapper Alive” until 2008 on Tha Carter II, but his remix of Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got” two years prior asserted that position in the midst of his iconic mixtape run. To illustrate that fact, he made a reference to LeBron but became one of the first artists to use that as a bit of a jab, saying he’s more Kobe than LeBron because he “won rings with my performance.” I’m not sure what the first RINGZ argument was to be used against LeBron, but I have to imagine Lil Wayne doing so three years into James’ career was one of the earliest.

“Make Tha Trap Say Aye” — OJ Da Juiceman ft. Gucci Mane (2008)

Banana donk Chevy interior like the Lakers/LeBron James wrist when I’m f**kin’ with that caper

What did OJ Da Juiceman know in 2008 when he referenced the Lakers and LeBron James in back-to-back lines??? An aside, OJ Da Juiceman is an underrated Atlanta artist, and this isn’t even his best NBA reference off this album (“Nah Ming” is a classic).

“Empire State of Mind” — Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (2009)

Me? I gotta plug Special Ed, “I Got It Made”/If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade

Probably the LeBron reference that pops into most people’s heads first when it comes to a rap lyric. By this point, LeBron had passed Michael Jordan in terms of being synonymous with the number 23 in pop culture. The reference is to Jeezy’s “23, 24” in which he says “I used to pay Kobe (24), but now I pay LeBron (23)” in the chorus, with Jay-Z noting that if Jeezy’s paying 23, he’s just paying Dwyane Wade (3). I have to say, there’s no way this was a profitable venture for Jay-Z’s plug if he was getting bricks for $3,000. Also, in hindsight, it’s kind of wild Jay-Z put this bar down a full year before LeBron left Cleveland for Miami to play with Wade.

“Dead Presidents II” — J. Cole (2009)

I’m nothing like these ho-like rappers, my whole life practice/To be the one, what’s it like to be LeBron

Another artist who has frequently made mention of LeBron (and plenty of other NBA stars), J. Cole compares himself to LeBron with shouldering expectations to be the greatest in this track off 2009’s “The Warm Up”.

“Popular Demand” — Clipse ft. Pharrell and Cam’Ron (2009)

Used to have this white b**ch, she looked like Madonna though/Heard that she f**king LeBron, but s**t, I don’t know/Like that, Bron-Bron? I had that long time ago

As mentioned in the intro, not every LeBron reference was the most positive and this was the time where LeBron fatigue had set in a bit. This one, however, had nothing to do with James’ failures to land a ring by 2009, but instead Pusha T offered up some allegations of impropriety in what I have to imagine is one of LeBron’s least favorite mentions he’s ever gotten.

“Gotta Have It” — Jay-Z and Kanye West (2011)

West: Sorry I’m in pajamas, but I just got off the PJ/And last party we had, they shut down Prive
Jay-Z: Ain’t that where the Heat play? (Yup)/N****s hate ballers these days (Yup)
West: Ain’t that like LeBron James?
Jay-Z: Ain’t that just like D-Wade? Wait

We probably could’ve pulled 23 references about LeBron just by these two, but in their triumphant track off “Watch The Throne”, Jay-Z and West go back-and-forth with a shoutout to the two stars of the Miami Heat at the time.

“Martians vs. Goblins” — The Game ft. Tyler, the Creator and Lil Wayne (2011)

Fall back like LeBron’s hairline against the Mavericks…he lost

Leave it to Tyler, the Creator to have one of the funnier bars about LeBron James, making both a hairline joke and a Heat losing to the Mavs in the Finals joke all in one line on this track with The Game.

“Believe It” — Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross (2012)

I ball hard like LeBron James/And Rozay D-Wade n****

The LeBron/Wade pairing made for a lot of song references in their time in Miami, this time with Meek Mill comparing he and Rick Ross to the Heat duo — these two also are frequent LeBron name-droppers.

“Timber” — Pitbull ft. Kesha (2013)

Club jumpin’ like LeBron now, Voli/Order me another round, homie

One of the biggest songs in terms of popularity to feature a LeBron reference, courtesy of Mr. Worldwide (formerly Mr. 305), who shouts out the then Heat star in one of his biggest hits.

“LeBron James” — Yo Gotti (2013)

I’m LeBron James, you a f**kin rookie

There are a lot of songs that name-check LeBron but Yo Gotti was one of the first major artists to release a song with James’ name as the title, using his name as a main part of the chorus.

“Bitch Better Have My Money” — Rihanna (2015)

Pay me what you owe me/Ballin’ bigger than LeBron

Rihanna was once a regular courtside at NBA games and a noted LeBron fan, so it came as little surprise when she mentioned James in the opening verse of her 2015 hit single.

“Sleep Walking” — Migos (2015)

I’m a fool with the rock like LeBron James

For a time there were few groups that were more prevalent at NBA games and All-Star Weekends than the Migos, and Offset led off their 2015 track with a LeBron mention in the opening verse.

“Trap Trap Trap” — Rick Ross ft. Young Thug and Wale (2017)

Renzel got me all day, I’m Kyrie, he LeBron James

By 2017, the references to James and a fellow star teammate had flipped from Dwyane Wade and LeBron to Kyrie and LeBron, which pops up in another Rick Ross track, this time in Wale’s verse.

“Nonstop” — Drake (2018)

Catch me cause I’m gone (Outta there, I’m gone)/How I go from 6 to 23 like I’m LeBron?

Another artist with plenty of references to LeBron in songs through the years, Drake’s 2018 hit is probably the biggest with a LeBron mention, as he plays off both of LeBron’s numbers from Miami and Cleveland (and L.A.).

“RNP” — Cordae ft. Anderson Paak (2019)

Cordae: I bought a Moncler coat for the times we were broke
Paak: I’ma wear it in the summer on LeBron James’ boat

This might be one of my favorites because it has nothing to do with basketball, it’s just Paak flaunting that his life is dope enough he might get invited to hang out on a yacht with LeBron.

“Disco S**t” — 03 Greedo and Kenny Beats ft. Freddie Gibbs (2019)

Dope game, brought the kilos on the plane/23, LeBron James, got my package on the airline, yeah, now

A decade after Jeezy’s “23, 24” and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”, LeBron remained the go-to reference for the number 23 in rap, as Freddie Gibbs proved again on his verse here.

“Está Cabrón Ser Yo” — Bad Bunny and Anuel AA (2020)

LeBron James, cabrón, yo juego toa’ la’ posicione’/Michael Phelps tirao’ pa’ atrá’, nadando en mi’ millone’

LeBron’s influence in the music world isn’t stateside, as he has been regularly mentioned by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, including in this 2020 track (along with Michael Phelps).

“All In” — Lil Baby (2020)

I go LeBron when it’s crunch time, it ain’t no holdin’ me

One thing you notice when you lay these lyrics out chronologically is how the narrative around LeBron changed constantly. If someone had rapped “I go LeBron when it’s crunch time” in a song in, say, 2009 it would’ve had a wildly different meaning than in 2020 when Lil Baby said it boastfully.

“Dynamite” — BTS (2020)

Sing-song when I’m walkin’ home/Jump up to the top, LeBron
Further cementing LeBron’s status as a global superstar, he found his way into one of the biggest K-Pop hits with a reference in the opening verse of BTS’ massive 2020 hit.

“The Scenic Route” — Dr. Dre ft. Rick Ross and Anderson Paak (2021)

Ross: In them funny pants, I had a gun in mine
Dre: LeBron James numbers, go ‘head, analyze ’em

By 2021, LeBron had climbed to the top of most pages in the NBA’s record books which Dr. Dre referenced in his boastful track going back-and-forth with Rick Ross.

“Meet The Grahams” — Kendrick Lamar (2024)

Hey, LeBron, keep the family away, hey, Curry, keep the family away

The most sinister of the LeBron mentions comes on Kendrick Lamar’s scathing diss track on Drake from this year, in which he leaves no doubt his feelings on the Toronto star and warns LeBron, Stephen Curry, and others to “keep the family away.”

Drake Helps Rick Ross Earn His First Song With A Billion Streams Amidst Feud

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake and Rick Ross are one of the best pairings in modern hip hop. Drake and Lil Wayne did their thing over the years, as did Kanye West and JAY-Z, but Drizzy and Rozay were something special. They have a ton of classic singles dating back to 2010. One of these singles, “Money In the Grave,” achieved the rare feat of netting over one billion streams on Spotify. This is a career first for Rick Ross, and it’s supremely ironic that it came through a feature on a Drake song.

Drake and Rick Ross have been sniping at each other all year. The former friends addressed each other on record and taunted each other on social media. Rozay even dedicated an entire song to dissing Drake, “Champagne Moments.” Drizzy didn’t feel the need to throw more than a few bars at Ross at a time. He made fun of the Miami rapper’s age on “Push Ups,” and asserted that he’s responsible for most of his biggest songs. “Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this n**ga turnin’ 50,” Drake raps. “Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy. Spend that lil’ check you got and stay up out my business.”

Drake Has 18 Songs With Over A Billion Streams

Rick Ross attempted to shrug off the bar, but the numbers don’t lie. Drake has a whopping 18 songs with over a billion streams on Spotify. This makes him tied with The Weeknd for most songs with over a billion streams in music history. “Money In the Grave” marks the record-tying number 18, and “Look Alive,” the rapper’s collab with BlocBoy JB, is nearing the prestigious one billion mark as well. Drizzy is already the rapper with the most songs over a billion streams, but he’s on pace to become the artist with the most songs over a billions streams period.

Rick Ross is a different story. The Miami rapper has had a staggeringly successful career, but he has definitely benefited from the Drake stimulus package. “Money In the Grave” is far and away his most successful single in terms of streams. The second-most streamed song has to date is also a feature, Kanye West’s “Devil In a New Dress.” The classic 2010 single currently sits at 500K streams, meaning half the streams as his Drake collab. Drizzy appears three other times on Rick Ross’ ten most-streamed songs. ‘Nuff said.

The post Drake Helps Rick Ross Earn His First Song With A Billion Streams Amidst Feud appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rick Ross Proudly Unveils New Girlfriend By Showering Her With Lavish Gifts

October 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rick Ross and his past relationships have not always ended on the best terms. Him and Tia Kemp‘s constant back and forth online are basically all of the proof you need. However, to be fair, it seems the internet has been on his side more in regard to his short-lived fling with Cristina Mackey. Back in early March, she claimed that they had been done for a while and that she had been doing well afterwards. However, bystanders weren’t buying it one bit, making claims that she was in the gym to draw someone new in. Ross has been pretty silent about the whole relationship, which cannot be said about Mackey and Kemp.

It makes sense why he would be though, as he has clearly been working on strengthening his new bond with another lady. According to AllHipHop, things seem to be going swimmingly, as Rick Ross has been caught constantly gassing up his new boo. Her name is Justice J Williams, and she is the proud owner of a cosmetics brand beautywar USA. Over the weekend, Williams reshared some the best moments from their dates and they are lavish ones at that.

Rick Ross Can’t Stop Fawning Over His New Lady

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One of them includes a cute clip of Ross kissing her neck. On her neck is a stunning diamond necklace which he bought for her. “Thank you bby… it’s not even my birthday,” she captioned the post. Williams was also treated to a ride on an expensive looking yacht. Clearly, Rozay is in awe of his new lady, and we are all here for it. In addition to the big baller spending, he’s been raining down compliments any time he can when she posts. He’s been caught commenting things like “mine” and “Can’t nobody fck w you J.” Congratulations to both of them and we wish them the best moving forward!

What are your thoughts on Rick Ross showering his new girlfriend with gifts and compliments? Do you see them lasting a while? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Rick Ross. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the worlds of music and pop culture.

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The post Rick Ross Proudly Unveils New Girlfriend By Showering Her With Lavish Gifts appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Viral Drake-Inspired ‘BBL Booty’ Halloween Costume Images Were Removed From Fashion Nova’s Website And Fans Think They Know Why

October 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rick Ross made it a quippy line. Metro Boomin crafted the bass heavy instrumental. But Fashion Nova turned BBL Drizzy into a hilarious Halloween costume accessory.

On October 3, the online fashion retailer gained traction when fans of the “It’s Up” rapper noticed the not so subtle dig at Drake. However, as of today (October 5), the listing has been updated. The previous viral images of a Fashion Nova model dressed similarly to a For All The Dogs promotional image (down to the colorful hair accessories) have been removed from the website.

For clarity, the item available for purchase through Fashion Nova was a nude colored butt pad costume accessory. However, to give shoppers an idea of how to incorporate the practical joke piece into their Halloween plans, the brand drew back to Drake’s likeness and the now infamous back-and-forth with Metro Boomin.

Fashion Nova hasn’t released a formal statement stating why they took down the photos. But that hasn’t stopped users online for speculating about it. Both potential libel and intellectual property violation lawsuits topped the lists of Drizzy fans. But Drake himself hasn’t issued a public response to the matter.

Still, he isn’t the only celebrity-inspired Halloween costume offered. A get up mirroring elements of Beyoncé’s Renaissance and Cowboy Carter album element also picked up viral stem for other reasons.

10 Musicians Who Attended An HBCU Institution

September 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, Metro Boomin HBCU artists image — Getty Image/Merle Cooper

HBCU institutions have a rich music culture. Over the last few decades, its various schools across the country have helped boost the careers of numerous artists by providing a space for their music to thrive. The shortlist of artists who have seen this effect include Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Rich Homie Quan, Migos, Young Thug, Young Dolph, and more. Additionally, the importance of music can be seen through HBCU bands that are extremely important to the fabric of school life. It comes to life through big displays like the annual Battle Of The Bands competitions and smaller instances like the infamous Grambling vs. Southern rivalry football games.

With all this being said, it’s no surprise that HBCUs have also produced some of the music’s most famous artists. From legends like Lionel Richie and Common and present day stars like Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, and Metro Boomin, the spirit of HBCUs runs through a number of artists — even if their tenure at the institution was short.

Ahead of homecoming season, we decided to spotlight ten artists who have connections to an HBCU. Scroll down for the list of artists and the institutions they attended.

Megan The Stallion (Texas Southern University)

In 2021, the same year that she went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for her “Savage” remix with Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration. During an interview with Rolling Stone in 2021, Megan spoke about being in school “for so long” and how she balanced her rap career after deciding to ramp up her semester load to finish sooner. “Every time I had an assignment or something due, one of my managers would just pull me to the side and be like, ‘Hey Megan, you know you got to do this presentation today.’ Or ‘Hey Megan, you know you got to turn this assignment in today,’” she said. “I would have not been successful this semester without my team.”

SZA (Delaware State University)

SZA Billboard Power 100 Event 2024 — Getty Image

SZA attended Delaware Statue University after graduating from high school in 2008. The singer majored in marine biology and earned straight As for her first two semesters before losing interest. In a 2023 interview with Elle, SZA opened up about her experience in college. “I’m like, ‘I told you I was smart and I proved my point. I have to leave now,’” SZA said, recalling a conversation with her mother. A few years later, the singer met TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson Jr., signed to the label, and the rest is history.

Metro Boomin (Morehouse College)

Multi-platinum producer Metro Boomin spent just one semester at Atlanta’s Morehouse College before dropping out to pursue music. He spoke about the decisions that led to him leaving the school during a 2017 interview with GQ. “As grateful as I was to be there, I didn’t want to be there,” he said. “It was bittersweet, because I knew for a fact that I need to put all of my time into music. School is the same as producing: If you want to make it far, there are a million, trillion people trying to do the same thing. If you’re not in over-grind mode, it’s probably not going to work the way that you want it to.”

Rick Ross (Albany State University)

Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross attended Albany State University on a football scholarship, but dropped out of school soon after. Ross’ pursuit of a music career kicked into gear at the turn of the century, and in the decades after, Ross’ ties to Albany State University have remained strong. In 2022, he spoke to students at the school for the homecoming convocation ceremony, where he told students that “the greatest job you will ever have is being CEO of your life.”

2 Chainz (Alabama State University)

2 chainz killer mike atlanta — Getty Image

Just like Rick Ross, 2 Chainz also attended an HBCU off an athletic scholarship. His, however, was a basketball scholarship to Alabama State University. In a 2017 interview with The Daily Beast, 2 Chainz said that he left ASU after his freshman year after he “got into some trouble.” He later returned to the school to complete his degree. In another conversation, this time with Rolling Stone, 2 Chainz addressed rumors that he graduated with a 4.0 GPA. “Don’t believe anything on Wack-ipedia,” he said. “There’s a lot of false stuff on there, to the point that every time I try to fix one thing, something else comes out.”

Wale (Virginia State University & Bowie State University)

Our collection of HBCU scholarship athletes continues with Wale. The DMV rapper initially attended Robert Morris University on a football scholarship before transferring to Virginia State University. His football career would come to an end when he transferred to another HBCU, Bowie State University, but Wale would later drop out to pursue a music career. It was at VSU that Wale discovered his musical talents. In a 2021 conversation with The Ringer, Wale recalled spitting freestyles art the school’s Foster Hall. “The guy that was across the hall from me in my dorm was like, ‘Keep going, keep going. You tight,’” he said. “People really started f*cking with me at Virginia State.”

Killer Mike (Morehouse College)

Earlier this year, Killer Mike won his first Grammys as a lead artist for Best Rap Album with Michael and Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song with “Scientists.” Those awards came more than 20 years after Mike won his first Grammy thanks to a feature on Outkast’s “The Whole World.” That song was the result of Mike and Big Boi’s friendship which came about through Mike’s attendance of Morehouse College in the 1990s. “The deciding factor for me getting into Morehouse was probably my homeroom teacher,” Killer Mike told the Seattle Times. “He was a Morehouse man. His name was Mister Lee-Roy Arnold.”

He added, “I think [Mr. Arnold] saw something in me, because he pushed me and messed with me for five years, to the point where he bet me all my book money for the first year that I would not get into Morehouse.”

Common (Florida A&M University)

Before Common achieved his dreams of being a successful rapper, the Chicago native was enrolled at Florida A&M University under an academic scholarship as a business administration major. Common would only stay at the school for two years before dropping out to pursue rap. In 2019, nearly 30 years after he attended, Common would be honored with a doctorate degree in fine arts and invited him to speak at that year’s commencement ceremony. In his speech, Common said that his activism, which went on to be ever-present in his music, began right at FAMU where he says his experience was unlike anything he went through in hometown of Chicago.

Erykah Badu (Grambling State University)

Erykah Badu nearly graduated from Grambling State University with a major in theater, but she left the school in 1993 to focus on her music career. Four years later, she delivered her debut album Baduizm, a masterclass in neo-soul that’s still heralded as a classic today. In an interview with the school’s newspaper The Gramblinite, Badu recalled her time at the university. “I auditioned for several plays while at GSU at the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre,” she said. “I danced with the Orchesis and was involved in a rap group called ‘CP Posse,’ which stands for Cultural Production.”

Lionel Richie (Tuskegee Institute)

Lionel Richie Jimmy Kimmel Live 2024 screenshot — YouTube

While all the artists on this list did not experience the HBCU life until their adult years, Lionel Richie’s time at an HBCU dates back to his childhood. The legendary singer grew up on Tuskegee Institute’s campus before attending the school and earning a Bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in accounting. “In my world growing up on campus, we were surrounded by gospel music because of the choir,” Richie said of his experience to The Austin Chronicle. “R&B music was the music they played on the college campus.”

Suge Knight Alleges That JAY-Z And Dr Dre Knew About Diddy’s Crimes

September 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Suge Knight and Diddy were polar opposites in the 1990s. The former was the head honcho for Death Row Records on the West Coast. The latter spearheaded Bad Boy Records on the East Coast. They were enemies, and there has been no love lost between them in subsequent decades. Suge Knight and Diddy have succumbed to similar fates in recent years, however. Knight is behind bars, and Diddy is locked up while he awaits a criminal trial. The irony is not lost on Knight, who went on News Nation to discuss what he suggested was an open secret in hip hop.

Suge Knight has watched Diddy rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in music since the 90s. Some of these artists include people that Knight worked with on Death Row Records, like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. The former label boss alleged that none of the people who were friendly with Diddy have spoken up, however, because they know he’s guilty. Suge Knight didn’t tip toe around the topic, either. He referenced some of the biggest rappers in the game by name, including his former associates.

Suge Knight Also Criticized Russell Simmons

“Facts is there,” Knight told News Nation host Chris Cuomo. “Where we’re at now, I don’t care if it’s T.I., I don’t care if it’s Rick Ross, I don’t care if it’s Jay.” The convict went on to name other artists on the West Coast with Diddy affiliations. “I don’t care if it’s Snoop, I don’t care if it’s Game, I don’t care if it’s Dre,” he added. “Nobody stepping up on the fact that you know what’s going on.” The name game didn’t stop at musicians, either. Suge Knight proceeded to call out other industry figures who field power.

The Death Row co-founder alleged that people like Clive Davis, Jimmy Iovine and Russell Simmons are also engaging in criminal behavior behind the scenes. This is not the first time that parallels between the Bad Boy founder and icons like Davis and Simmons. Diddy’s former bodyguard, Gene Deal, told The Art of Dialogue that both men served as influences on his employer’s lifestyle. “They was heavy into beating women, and doing things at that crazy stage,” Deal claimed. “That’s gonna make him think that he can get away with the same thing.”

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Rick Ross Hilariously Roasts Shannon Sharpe Over IG Live Controversy

September 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shannon Sharpe was the talk of the internet on September 11. Which is saying a lot. Besides the obvious significance of the date, social media was ablaze with VMA hot takes and new Kendrick Lamar songs. We did not expect to hear Sharpe having sex via Instagram Live, and yet, it happened. The commentator got on his Night Cap podcast to address the controversy, and apologize to his followers. Despite his earnest response, celebs like Rick Ross couldn’t resist getting their jokes in.

Rick Ross took to Instagram Live to poke fun at Sharpe’s social media mishap. The rapper went for a night stroll and took a few comical. jabs at the commentator’s misfortune. “We forgive you,” he stated. “Because we know you old n**gas don’t know how to work that technology.” Rick Ross is only eight years younger than Shannon Sharpe, but sure. Rozay proceeded to detail what he thinks happened between Sharpe and his unidentified partner. “You were trying to film it,” the rapper said, alluding to Sharpe’s “activities.” “And when you tried to set it down on the dresser, that motherf*cka went live.”

Rick Ross Clowned Sharpe For Not Knowing Technology

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Rick Ross got a good laugh out of his theory, but Shannon Sharpe’s explanation was not quite as exciting. Sharpe claimed that he threw his phone on the bed prior to engaging in sexual activity, and simply hit a button by accident. Sharpe doubled down on his claim by noting that he’s never posted on Instagram Live before this incident. “I’m very disappointed in myself I let a lot of people down,” Sharpe asserted. There was immediate speculation as to whether there would be repercussions for Sharpe’s IG Live fiasco.

Fortunately, for him, ESPN has decided not to take action. Sharpe was absent from ESPN’s First Take show on Thursday, which furthered the online speculation, but TMZ set the record straight. The outlet noted that Shannon Sharpe typically has Thursday and Friday off from First Take, and is expected to return on Monday, September 16. Furthermore, ESPN has no plans to punish or fire the commentator. Fans everywhere can relax, and simply laugh at the situation like Rick Ross did.

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Rick Ross Taunts 50 Cent’s Celibacy Remarks With Petty Joke

September 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

At the start of 2024, 50 Cent and Cuban Link’s relationship seemed to come to a close. The rapper and TV star shared a motivating and pretty revealing post to his Instagram that further confirmed this speculation. “My new idea is so big, I don’t have time to be distracted I’m practicing abstinence, I have been meditating and focusing on my goals. I hope this New Year helps you excel to the next level”. Furthermore, we noticed that there was a shortage of pictures of Fif and Cuban on his social media.

Lastly, we got even more information just yesterday after a clip from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert began to make the rounds. In the interview snippet, Colbert questioned him about his celibacy journey and if that was actually true. Numerous times, 50 Cent said yes, and he’s said that it’s been helping him quite a bit. “When you calm down, you can focus… “It’s been good, I’ve been good to me”.

Rick Ross Continues The Trolling Battle With 50 Cent

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Of course, though, you know Rick Ross couldn’t not help himself. If there is anything posted about one of his many foes, he’s going to be on top of it. In this instance, he posted in the comments of the clip above with a petty Cuban Link dig. “Cuban Link ”, according to AllHipHop. Not surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that Rozay has joked about Fif’s breakup wtih Cuban Link. When video footage of her and Travis Scott made the rounds on the internet, the MMG boss was right there with quick wit. “Many men, many many many many men -50 Cent”. He also added, “”No Louis Vuittons today, no no no. We wearing Travis Scotts all week”.

What are your thoughts on Rick Ross making fun of 50 Cent’s celibacy claims? Do you think he’s being disrespectful or is it funny in your opinion? Will the G-Unit boss respond? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Rick Ross and 50 Cent. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

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LL Cool J Makes His Triumphant Return With New Album “The FORCE”

September 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

LL Cool J is here. The legendary rapper has released his first new album in over a decade. Not only that, but LL has aggressively promoted the album by doing interviews and podcast appearances. It feels like the New York spitter has more passion harnessed into The FORCE than he did his previous effort, Exit 13. He certainly has more guest features. The FORCE has a staggering lineup of artists from multiple eras of hip hop. It’s a testament to LL Cool J’s reputation that he could take a decade off, then come back and secure features from the likes of Nas and Eminem. Plus, the album is actually good.

“Saturday Night Special” remains a standout, with its old school production and smooth turns from both Rick Ross and Fat Joe. The collaborations between LL Cool J and his roster of guests consistently make for the best songs on the album. “Proclivities” gets LL back in smooth talking, slow jam mode, and it has a killer Saweetie verse to boot. Busta Rhymes brings out LL’s energetic side on “Huey In the Chair,” while “Praise Him” sees LL Cool J and Nas swap bars over another vintage beat. The solo cuts on The FORCE are solid, “Post Modern” and “Basquiat Energy,” in particular, but they do lack the hunger and the spark that LL gets whenever he’s feeding off others. A definite improvement over Exit 13, and overall, the best LL has sounded in a long time. No “Accidental Racist” train-wrecks here.

LL Cool J Keeps Up With His Peers On New Album

The FORCE tracklist:

Spirit of Cyrus (featuring Snoop Dogg)
The Force
Saturday Night Special (featuring Rick Ross & Fat Joe)
Black Code Suite (featuring Sona Jobarteh)
Passion
Proclivities (featuring Saweetie)
Post Modern
30 Decembers
Runnit Back
Huey In the Chair (featuring Busta Rhymes)
Basquiat Energy
Praise Him (featuring Nas)
Murdergram Deux (featuring Eminem)
The Vow (featuring Don Pablito, J-S.A.N.D. & Mad Squablz)

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