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Usher’s “Confessions Pt. II” Named Best R&B Song Of All Time By “Rolling Stone”

January 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rolling Stone recently dropped their list of the “100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century,” featuring tracks by Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Mariah Carey, and more. Ranking in No. 1 is Usher, with his 2004 Confessions banger, “Confessions Pt. II.” The decision, of course, has social media users split. Some argue that it’s not the best R&B song, or even the best Usher song, while others think the publication was spot on.

“The entire album to be exact!” one social media user writes. “I don’t agree but I’m not mad at this either…. if that makes sense,” another says. The publication cites Usher’s vocal performance, the track’s “emotional depth,” and more in their explanation. Usher has yet to speak on the honor, simply sharing a screenshot of the news on his Instagram Story today.

Usher Reigns Supreme

Usher had quite the year in 2023, making headlines for his Vegas My Way residency, and putting even the strongest of celebrity couples to the test. Back in September, it was also announced that he’ll be headlining the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. An undertaking reserved for only the most iconic performers, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Prince, and more have taken it on in the past. Usher calls it the “honor of a lifetime.”

Rihanna was even recently asked if she had any tips for the hitmaker as February approaches. According to her, however, he’s in no need of advice. “Usher is a natural, he’s a legend, he’s been doing this since he was a teenager,” she told E! News. “He is made for that show.” Usher appears to be up for the task, and confident that he’ll pull off an unforgettable performance. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” he told supporters in a statement. What do you think of Rolling Stone naming Usher’s track “Confessions Part II” the best R&B song of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Chaka Khan Speaks On Retirement, Shades “B***hes” Who Do It “Three Or Four Times”

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Chaka Khan recently gave Rolling Stone a lengthy and illuminating interview centered around her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Moreover, she obviously has an indelible legacy in music, art, and culture, and a lot to reflect on as her trajectory continues forward in life. The funk legend still performs and is active in the music space, although she definitely considerers an exit every now and then. However, when asked whether she’d ever retire in this new conversation, she gave a surprisingly shady answer that might target other singers in her immediate genre or era circle. Either that, or it’s a comical jab at current artists “fake retiring” these days instead of older acts stretching out their relevance.

“Well, I might do that three or four times, like other b***hes do,” Chaka Khan responded to the question of whether she’ll ever fully give up performing. She explained that she doesn’t want to tour anymore but will keep doing shows, as she wants to shift gears to spending time with her grandchildren and other personal matters. Still, the Chicago native didn’t have to blast other artist to relay this info. Previously, she had dissed Mariah Carey, Adele, and Mary J. Blige for their talents.

Chaka Khan’s Shady Thoughts On Retirement

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“Recently, I [talked] about a list of the ‘greatest singers of all time,’” Chaka Khan expressed in her apology for these remarks on Instagram. “Instead of questioning the need for such a list, I was pitted against other artists and I took the bait. As artists, we are unfairly put into ‘boxes’, ‘categories’ or on ‘lists.’ Being an artist or musician is not a competition. It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful. It was not my intention to cause pain or upset anyone. To anyone that felt this way, I sincerely apologize.”

Meanwhile, another apology of sorts came when the 70-year-old spoke of her bond with fellow Chicago artist, Kanye West. She took issue with his sample of her song on “Through The Wire,” but during this interview, she called it a “silly grudge.” We’ll see what other hot takes and perspectives Chaka Khan comes through with about the music industry. For more news and the latest updates on her, stay logged into HNHH.

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Social Media Reacts To Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee” Being Best Rap Song Of 2023 On “Rolling Stone” List

December 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

December is a time that people use to reflect back on their personal lives, and at the same time, pop culture publications put out retrospective pieces detailing all that we’ve seen unfold in the industry over the past few months. At HNHH, we shared our thoughts on the biggest pop culture moments and best dressed artists, among other things, but currently, it’s Rolling Stone who’s under fire for their annual round-up of the best hip-hop songs. In the past, the outlet’s founder, Jann Wenner, has faced backlash for stating that women and Black creatives “don’t articulate” at the same level of their white, male counterparts. After seeing the publication put Sexyy Red at the top of their Best Hip-Hop Songs OTY list, some social media users are raising their eyebrows.

“Jann Wenner, the co-founder of ‘Rolling Stone,’ literally said that Black artists aren’t articulate and now using this as the benchmark for rap music… [Wild],” one person wrote after seeing the placement of “SkeeYee.” Another Twitter user argued that, “They’re trying so hard t course correct they overshot.” Elsewhere, others pointed out that while the viral track is “probably the most played rap song of the year,” that still “doesn’t make it the best.”

Rolling Stone Gives Sexyy Red Seriously High Praise

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Others named by Wenner and his staff on the list include Latto and Cardi B’s “Put It On Da Floor Again,” Ice Spice’s “Deli,” and Veeze’s “Not A Drill.” Multiple J. Cole features also got love, including “The Secret Recipe” with Lil Yachty and “First Person Shooter” from Drake’s For All The Dogs. Later on we hear from the Canadian again on “Who Told You” alongside J Hus, followed by Gunna’s “fukumean” and Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills.”

Read More: Sexyy Red Is 2023’s Hip-Hop MVP

Not Everyone Online is Here For It

Keep scrolling to read more of the incoming reactions to Rolling Stone‘s controversial hip-hop list. Do you think Sexyy Red deserves the top spot for making waves with “SkeeYee” this year? If not, let us know in the comments which 2023 release would’ve been your top pick.

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Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee” Crowned Song Of The Year By “Rolling Stone,” She Responds

December 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Sexyy Red has been having a truly tremendous year in music. Overall, it all started with the song “Pound Town.” Furthermore, eventually, it went into the song “SkeeYee” and even “Hellcats SRTs.” These songs are all massive and they are making a huge splash in the clubs, cars, and even sporting events. We even crowned her as Hip-Hop’s MVP for 2023. The reason for this is quite simple. She has had the best year out of anyone in the entire genre. Which is an impressive feat considering the great year some artists have had.

Now that we are almost at the end of the year, numerous publications are putting out there songs and album lists. These lists are always highly-debated and it is rare that anyone comes to a consensus. However, Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee” is a track that everyone can agree is a pure banger. With that said, it should come as very little surprise that a publication like Rolling Stone would give the song an honor. Just yesterday, they named the song as the best hip-hop track of the year. For some, this may be divisive. For others, it is the correct choice.

Sexyy Red Accepts The Crown

Okayyyy https://t.co/Bbz3ApX8Iw

— Sexyy Red (@SexyyRed314_) December 20, 2023

Subsequently, upon learning this news, Sexyy took to social media where she had a very simple message: “Okayyyy.” While many were trying to say that this is the downfall of hip-hop, others felt like this was a celebratory occasion. A relatively new artist got song of the year, and that should be celebrated. Quite frankly, Sexyy is proving that hip-hop is, indeed, in a good place. She is making fun music and she is unapologetically herself. That may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is, in fact, resonating.

Let us know what you think of Rolling Stone and its choice, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will be sure to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Sexyy Red’s Mystery Man Unveiled

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21 Savage Refuses To Describe Drake Friendship, Calls Doing So “Zesty As Hell”

December 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

21 Savage and Drake are two artists who have been working a lot with one another as of late. Overall, there is very good reason for this. Firstly, they are both at the top of their respective games. Secondly, they have a lot of common interests in terms of production choices and even subject matter. Last year, the two teamed up for the album Her Loss which proved to be a massive success. The album is up for a Grammy and fans are still bumping it. Moreover, the two went on an extremely successful tour together.

At this point, the two are good friends and that will stay true for quite some time. That said, you will not hear 21 describe this friendship, anytime soon. Recently, the artist was interviewed by Rolling Stone, which is where he was asked to talk about his relationship with Drizzy. 21’s response was very matter-of-fact, and quite frankly, a bit ridiculous. “I feel like describing male friendships is zesty as hell,” the artist said. It was a pretty wild thing to say, although some will always have that mentality.

Read More: Is 21 Savage Allowed In Canada?

21 Savage Speaks

Gender roles was something that was clearly on his mind during the interview. For instance, at one point he said: “Like in the argument, a man’s supposed to think more about what he say. I feel like a woman is supposed to cry, like, ‘Fuck this shit.’” Once again, this another statement that could very well come with some controversy. After all, gender roles and norms have been hotly debated over the last few years, especially. Only time will tell whether or not anyone is offended by the thoughts expressed in the interview.

Let us know what you think of 21’s remarks, in the comments section below. Did he say anything wrong or is there no controversy to be had here? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always keep you informed on your favorite artists and all of their upcoming releases.

Read More: Where Is 21 Savage From?

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21 Savage Describes Some Of His Lyrics As “Fictional As Hell”

December 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Amid debates over whether or not rap lyrics should be admissible as evidence in court, many fans and rappers have argued that the lyrics are often inaccurate depictions of events. In a new interview with Rolling Stone 21 Savage expanded on that distinction revealing that some of his cold-blooded raps may not be as auto-biographical as fans think. He explained how his stance against violence is still compatible with the subject matter of his songs.

In the interview, Savage describes some of his music as “fictional as hell.” He elaborates saying, “some of it be based off of real life, but a lot of it be creative stories.” The argument that rap lyrics are often based on real events, but can’t be used as accurate retellings of those events is a common one. It’s been used both in court by various rappers in their legal defenses and by fans speaking out against the practice online. Check out Savage’s full statement on the matter below.

21 Savage’s Lyric Revelation

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Recently, 21 Savage was honored by his adopted hometown of Atlanta. Fulton County which contains the majority of the city officially recognized an appreciation day for the rapper last week. It followed similar days for artists like Gucci Mane and Usher in their hometowns last month. Despite being born overseas, Savage has been repping Atlanta for decades. To many he’s viewed as synonymous with the city and frequently collaborates with other rappers from the city.

Savage recently just completed his first-ever tour of Europe. After fighting for years to get his American citizenship he celebrated by taking his intense live shows across Europe. Videos made the rounds online of pretty much every show looking impossibly hyped. Additionally, he closed off the tour with a massive homecoming show in London where he brought out Central Cee, J Hus, and Popcaan. What do you think of 21 Savage revealing that many of his lyrics are fictional in a recent interview? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Mia Jaye Expresses Frustration At Pace Of Young Dolph Investigation

November 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Mia Jaye, the fiancee of Young Dolph, has voiced her frustrations at how slowly the investigation into the rapper’s murder has been. “I’m fed up. It’s been two years’ worth of conspiracies. Two years’ worth of unknowing. Two years’ worth of people not properly communicating to you. I didn’t know if garnering more attention would hurt or help, and I wanted to help. I feel like I tried that, and I don’t feel like it was helping. And I feel like we weren’t being taken seriously,” Jaye told Rolling Stone.

However, things have been chaotic in the trial surrounding Dolph’s case. Last month, the presiding judge recused himself over allegations that he had acted in a disproportional manner. Judge Lee Coffee had reportedly ordered one of the defendants into solitary confinement for behavior that didn’t actually violate the rules of the prison he was being held. That held up things significantly as a new judge was seated and made familiar with the case.

Mia Jaye Says Young Dolph Died Over “Some Rap Shit”

On the two-year anniversary of Young Dolph’s murder, the rapper’s fiancée, Mia Jaye, breaks her silence about her extreme frustrations about the investigation.

“I need us to be heard.”

More: https://t.co/MSiFrefREK pic.twitter.com/gCCGjVlXND

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) November 17, 2023

However, Jaye has been increasingly vocal about her thoughts on Dolph’s death. In a recent Instagram Live, Jaye claimed that the rapper was killed over “some rap sh-t”. “I were to guess, based on the history of things…rap sh-t, bro. A song, or two. Some ego sh-t. Let’s break that down even more. Ego sh-t. He not here because of ego. That’s a spirit. If anyone just wanna call a spade a spade, it’s a spirit. He isn’t here because of some ego sh-t and he possessed the ego. And at the end of the f-cking day, we killing people because of a bruised, a scarred, ego?”

Dolph was killed back in 2021 after being ambushed outside a bakery in Memphis. Furthermore, four men are currently facing trial for his murder. However, the case has been slow-moving in many facets and fans are beginning to tire of not seeing justice done for Dolph’s family.

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Drake’s Astroworld Deposition Was “Several Hours” Long, Details Have Yet To Surface

November 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As one of the most recognized figures in the music industry, it’s not uncommon for Drake to run into legal issues. For the most part, the 36-year-old manages to stay out of trouble more than some of his contemporaries, though his performance at the 2021 Astroworld Festival with Travis Scott has been haunting him for the past two years. As his legal team previously argued, Champagne Papi had no part in planning the actual event, though he was on stage with La Flame during a massive crowd crush that caused 10 people to lose their lives two years ago.

“I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy,” Drake wrote on his Instagram Story shortly after the incident. “I hate resorting to this platform to express an emotion as delicate as grief but this is where I find myself, My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and for anyone who is suffering. I will continue to pray for all of them, and be of service in any way I can. May God be with you all,” the Canadian further empathized.

Drake Deposed Two Years After Astroworld Tragedy

According to Rolling Stone, yesterday (November 9), Drizzy finally sat down for a deposition regarding the 2021 Astroworld Festival that lasted “several hours.” Details about the “Over” hitmaker’s conversation with authorities are sparse for now. “Due to orders in the case, I don’t feel it is appropriate to comment on the matter,” Drake’s team told the outlet when they reached out.

Many already know that the legal process is a typically slow-moving one. Aside from Drake’s deposition just now finally taking place, Travis Scott also has new lawsuits naming him. The father of two wasn’t given criminal charges by a grand jury. However, he still has several civil cases that have yet to wrap up. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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DJ Khaled Recalls Nearly Losing His Mansion Amid Financial Woes

November 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

DJ Khaled says he nearly lost his mansion in Miami in the mid-2010s while investing too much capital into his We The Best company. In doing so, he found himself struggling to make rent payments on the property. He recalled the tough period during a new interview with Rolling Stone.

“I remember I had like a month to come up with this [large] amount of money. I kept saying, ‘There’s no way in the world that we worked this much this far and we don’t have nothing to show for it.’ I changed that right away,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Yo, if I want a family, I got to get my shit right.’ And I gambled on myself. I always bet on myself from day one. But I tripled down that day.”

DJ Khaled Holds “We The Best” Press Conference

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: DJ Khaled speaking at the DJ Khaled “We the Best” Press Conference at W South Beach on February 09, 2023, in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ivan Apfel/WireImage)

Elsewhere in his conversation with the outlet, he discussed his upcoming album, Til Next Time. He says that the name is in reference to a transition he’ll be making into TV and film. “I’m treating it like it’s my last album. But it’s not a goodbye,” he said. “You’re going to start seeing and hearing about all these new things that I’m doing. I’m going to be doing more TV and film. We taking over the TV and film. That’s what Til Next Time is — it’s like, I’m going to give you an incredible album, but also while I’m giving you that incredible album, you’re going to see all these big new moves that I’m doing and new categories that we going to take over.”

In that vein, Khaled is currently producing a documentary on Shyne’s life. The rapper-turned-politican previously revealed that he’s heard Khaled’s Til Next Time and described it as a “masterpiece” on Instagram. Be on the lookout for further updates on Khaled’s new album on HotNewHipHop.

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SZA Praises Lizzo In Spite Of Workplace Harassment Accusations

October 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

SZA and Lizzo have long been both friends and collaborators. The two are notoriously big fans of each other. They worked together on a remix of Lizzo’s track “Special” earlier this year. That’s why the R&B darling was probably as shocked as anyone else when a lawsuit was filed against Lizzo earlier this year with damning allegations of workplace misconduct and harassment against the singer. The “About Damn Time” singer and her team were accused of bullying dancers for their weight and race and in one now notorious incident forcing the entire team through a grueling re-audition.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, SZA talked about all kinds of different things. One thing she didn’t want to address directly were the legal issues that Lizzo was facing, but she did comment on the singer herself. “I’m just saying, based on the values and the energy that I see in my friend, I just really think that she’s a beautiful person,” she began. It’s not a surprise to hear as many fellow performers like Beyonce and Grimes have also spoken positively about the singer’s attitude since the allegations emerged. “I just really pray that everybody recovers from this because everybody deserves to heal and feel safe and feel loved,” SZA continues. Check out the entire interview below.

SZA Reaffirms Her Friendship With Lizzo

SZA opens up to Rolling Stone about her biggest year yet, wrestling with fame, and why she makes music.

“It’s not for power. It’s for me. So I can feel like I am enough.”https://t.co/L1YKMgeNyu

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 3, 2023

SZA is capping off an absolutely massive year by performing at this winter’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour. For the first time ever fans at home will get to watch as well. A supercut of various stops on the tour will air in December highlighting some of the major artists performing.

Last week, her new album SOS achieved a major chart milestone. It passed The Weeknd’s After Hours to become the longest-running #1 album in the history of Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It’s another commercial milestone for an album that has been an absolute smash hit. What do you think of SZA’s comments about Lizzo given the allegations she’s facing? Let us know in the comment section below.

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