Columbus, Ohio rapper Latto AKA Big Latto, has reached 1 billion streams of her music on Spotify. Our Generation Music shared a post on Instagram celebrating the 24-year-old’s accomplishment yesterday.
Latto performed at Pharrell’s Something In The Water music festival in April. The MC also performed at Coachella this year, where she reportedly shaded fellow rapper Nicki Minaj. Although she never mentioned Minaj by name, she said “Pussy hoe, let a bitch know, we tired of the subtweets this year,” while exiting the stage. Tension between the two women began last year when Minaj posted a Tweet In April about her song being moved out of the rap category, claiming that if her song doesn’t qualify as rap then neither does Latto’s. She responded by texting Minaj. She wrote, “I don’t think you need to bring my name/song up to prove a point.”
Latto responded by texting Minaj. She wrote, “I don’t think you need to bring my name/song up to prove a point.” Minaj posted the text conversation on Twitter, calling Latto a “Karen” and saying she “probably mentioned my name in over 100 interviews.” She criticized the young rapper for staying silent instead of “[speaking] up for the black woman she called her biggest inspiration.” In an interview with Billboard in February, Latto shared her thoughts on the Twitter beef. She said, “It’s difficult navigating through situations like that because there’s a disconnect.” Adding, “It’s disappointing. You just got to take it to the chin and keep pushing.”
Her drama with Nicki Minaj is not the only beef she’s gotten into lately. In February, VVSNCE called the performer out on Instagram, claiming that comments the artist made in a Billboard interview were false. She said that Latto said, “I don’t work with new female artists,” claiming those to be her “EXACT words.” VVSNCE shared DMs exchanged between the two of them, where Latto tells VVSNCE that she “coulda just asked [her] wassup.” There were also reports in March of the singer getting into a fight with Doechii backstage at Billboard‘s Women In Music awards ceremony. The fight was said to have stemmed from Doechii mentioning Nicki Minaj in her speech. In April, Coi Leray called Latto out on Twitter for body shaming her in one of her songs. Coi Leray wrote, “Please do not come on here and talk about nobody BODY. Lol like seriously.”
Being a hip hop artist and gamer is more common than people realize. Biggie’s iconic “Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis / When I was dead broke, man, I couldn’t picture this” bars often come to mind when one thinks of the connection. N.E.R.D’s iconic cover art for In Search Of… features member Shay Haley playing a PlayStation. Other rappers have referenced games and characters throughout the years. These days, many rappers spend their downtime playing video games. Many stream themselves playing for fun because it serves as another income stream. Gaming has become quite a successful business, with eSports leagues generating and paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars—and sometimes even more. We’ve compiled a list of seven rappers who have been quite open about their love of gaming.
T – Pain
T-Pain is a hip hop gamer who might be able to say he was one of the “first” in that lane, too. The auto-tune legend has been streaming himself playing video games since 2016. Nowadays, he does it through his brand Nappy Boy Gaming. He already had a positive attitude, and that continued during his streams. T-Pain has played several Call of Duty games on his streams over the years, leading to a big opportunity for him. He was a co-host for the world premiere of Call of Duty: Vanguard in 2021. Supporters may remember the…unique moments he shared on the mic during that event. Still, his hosting was a testament that sticking with something can lead to significant opportunities to do something with it.
Tee Grizzley
Tee Grizzley is a hip hop gamer that has made quite a profit doing something that was once called a “waste of time.” Grizzly streams Grand Theft Auto 5 on Twitch, and his brand is Grizzly Gang Gaming. He plays on a private server, and players pay to join it. He plays a variation of the game called “roleplay” (RP), where various customizations are added to make it even more stylized and fun.
Tee has stated he made $200,000 a month through his streaming. “I stream it on Twitch. I get paid from Twitch. I take the Twitch videos I already streamed, and I put those videos on Youtube. I get paid from YouTube. And I get paid from the server. Then, you have sponsorships, ads, and all this s**t I get paid from too.” he shared on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast.
Xavier Wulf is a hip hop gamer with one of the most interactive gaming sessions. Due to being an underground artist, he doesn’t have thousands of people watching his streams. However, since recently appearing in a song with Juicy J, his listeners and viewers may increase. Xavier celebrated the release of his most recent project, Blood Shore Season 3, by playing Fall Guys with fans and then having a listening party for the project. He did so through his Discord server and talked to his supporters through an audio channel as they played together. While his music is often quite aggressive, Xavier’s natural demeanor and voice are quite calm. Xavier is very into cars and naturally has played Need For Speed: Unbound on Twitch. However, his music nor his likeness has appeared in the game…yet.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Soulja Boy’s hip hop gamer accolades in this list. Soulja’s foray into the gaming world dates back years ago. Listeners may recall when he made his Xbox gamertag public. In the same infamous YouTube video, he tossed well over 50 copies of games he had on the floor and said he bought a white PlayStation 3 because it “matched the room.”
Soulja has elevated quite a bit since then and has had a podcast about gaming as well as “made” several gaming consoles. However…these consoles are just cheaply made Chinese emulators with his branding on them. Customers expressed frustration after not receiving orders for one of their handheld consoles after waiting over a year. Also, his ban on Twitch, which lasted over a year ended in April 2023, so supporters will likely catch him on there again soon.
Megan Thee Stallion is a hip hop gamer but more in the “if you know, you know” lane. Her love for anime is well-documented in her lyrics, photoshoots, and merchandise deals. Anime lovers and gamers often overlap. However, at this point, she does not regularly stream herself playing video games. But she has done it once, and it was quite a big deal when she did. As a part of the promotion for Mortal Kombat 11, Meg did a cosplay of the game’s character Mileena and played the game on Twitch. Hosted by Fiona Nova, the gaming stream doubled as an interview (of sorts) for Megan, too. Infinitii, a notable Mortal Kombat Streamer, joined the fun and played against Megan. Fans will have to keep an eye out to see if Megan does anything for the upcoming Mortal Kombat 12.
Snoop Dogg being a hip hop gamer is not even surprising. Uncle Snoop has a catalog of business deals, has appeared anywhere and everywhere, and still records music. It’s only right he spends his downtime – still making money – on the sticks. He was once a part of FaZe Clan, an eSports and lifestyle brand, but parted ways with them in April 2023.
Snoop has streamed various games but is most known for rage-quitting games. This is when something happens in a game so frustrating that the player gets mad and stops playing altogether. However, Snoop has gone beyond playing video games…he’s literally in them. Snoop Dogg is an Operator in Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone. His character’s face and outfit mirror him quite accurately, and his unmistakable voice comes from his character too.
Logic is one of the most locked-in hip hop gamers. Upon announcing his (now voided) retirement, he shared that he had signed a seven-figure deal with Twitch’s streaming platform in 2020. But, before this, Logic was very open about his love of gaming. On his YouTube channel, he regularly shared tours of his gaming room, including memorabilia for various games, movies, and shows. He also streamed periodically on YouTube and played multiple games there, too. One of his favorites was The Last of Us; he voiced a character in The Last of Us Part II. As of 2023, he plays video games like Fortnite with fans and streams them on Twitch. Segments of these streams are regularly uploaded to his YouTube for anyone who can’t watch it live.
Who are some of your favorite rappers that play video games? Let us know in the comments section.
Snoop Dogg isn’t one to hold his tongue about hot-button topics. Since the explosion of AI and AI-generated content, it’s brought many concerns. Celebrities like Snoop have aired many concerns regarding viral AI-generated songs. Creators take artists’ voices and make tracks with the AI using their voices. Not only that, Snoop Dogg has been asked how he would feel about an AI-created track featuring his late friend Tupac and Biggie on a collab record. The Doggfather expressed his distaste for the endeavor. Moreover, he mentioned that he would rather have someone dig up old vocals or old verses to make a collaboration tape that way.
Recently, Snoop was a guest speaker at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference. Snoop Dogg spoke as a panelist next to CEO and Gamma founder, Larry Jackson. According to their website, the MIGC is a meeting of “the best minds in the world to tackle its most urgent challenges.” During the panel, Snoop went on a legendary rant regarding streaming. When the topic of streaming came up Snoop Dogg went off. “[Streaming is] exciting but streaming gotta get their s**t together,” Snoop began. The Death Row CEO continued, “Because I don’t understand how the f**k you get paid off that s**t.”
Snoop Dogg Wants Answers Now
Snoop Dogg went off the script and went in on streaming, AI and the writers strike pic.twitter.com/7vfl5Cpw1C
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) May 8, 2023
“Can somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a billion dollars?” Snoop Dogg said. “That s**t don’t make sense to me,” he told the rest of the panel. Continuing his rant, he acknowledged that he was going off script but needed to get some things off his chest. Snoop mentioned the main gripe artists have been having is not seeing where the money is going when doing massive streaming numbers. “We do major numbers with streams but it don’t add up to the money. Where the f**k is the money?” Snoop asked. He continued his rant explaining that when he was coming up the numbers were based off of physical numbers.
Furthermore, Snoop mentioned that he like the ways of old when it came to crunching the numbers for artists. During the time of physical sales, artists knew exactly what they were getting (for the most part). When it came to sales percentages and what the artist gets from the split was laid out a lot easier than nowadays. What do you think of Snoop’s rant? Let us know in the comments section what you think.
Snoop Dogg has not ever been shy about his opinion regarding streaming services. After he bought Death Row Records last year, the first thing he did was take some of the biggest albums off of streaming. Even as an owner of the label, he revealed he did it for the sake of the artists. “First thing I did was snatch all the music off those platforms… because those platforms don’t pay,“ Snoop said. “And those platforms get millions of millions of streams, and nobody gets paid other than the record labels.” Now, Snoop is asking the same thing about the WGA strike that is currently happening in Hollywood.
The WGA, or Writer’s Guild of America, is a union. It houses most of the writers of films and television shows. According to them, big studios have used the transition to streaming to cut writer pay significantly. As such, the union is on strike, demanding fair pay. Snoop thinks that musicians can take a page from the WGA book. “[Artists] need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out. The writers are striking because [of] streaming; they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office,” Snoop said. “That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers. But it don’t add up to the money. Like, where the f*ck is the money?”
Snoop Says East Coast Rap Had A Bigger Impact
US rapper Snoop Dog speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Snoop has recently made a reputation for himself as an outspoken and honest artist. He’s an artist who fights for his contemporaries and won’t let loyalties to anyone cloud the truth. However, even for Snoop, his comments on East Coast rap having a bigger impact were shocking. There isn’t really a rivalry between the two coasts these days. However, in the 90s, it was all you heard about. Snoop, however, gives credit where credit is due. During his appearance on ESPN’s First Take, the iconic rapper laid down some knowledge.
“East Coast started hip-hop,” Snoop said. “It has the biggest impact where it was born. Where it was grown, where it was developed is always gonna be the biggest impact. Because that’s the epicenter, that’s the foundation, that’s where it began. It’s the East Coast.” Snoop went on to mention the specific rappers that laid the foundation for their West Coast counterparts. “We learned from them, got our style from them. We got our swag from them, got our know how to get it together from them, our stage presence — everything from RUN-D.M.C., LL COOL J, Grandmaster Flash, to people who didn’t have no record deals. They set the foundation.” What do you think about Snoops comments? Let us know below!
Video game streaming has rapidly become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in recent years. With millions of people around the world tuning in to watch their favorite gamers, it has become a staple in the culture that is rapidly changing the gaming industry as we know it. In this article, we will explore the rise of video game streaming, how it is changing the gaming industry, and what the future of video game streaming might look like.
What Is Video Game Streaming?
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 21: Twitch streamer and professional gamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins streams during Ninja Vegas ’18 at Esports Arena Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino on April 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blevins is playing against more than 230 challengers in front of 700 fans in 10 live “Fortnite” games with up to USD 50,000 in cash prizes on the line. He is donating all his winnings to the Alzheimer’s Association. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Video game streaming is the act of broadcasting oneself playing a video game to an audience in real time. Streamers use Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming to showcase their gameplay to millions of viewers around the world. Online gaming and the growth of social media in the past decade have driven the growing popularity of online gaming.
The Impact Of Video Game Streaming On The Gaming Industry
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 16: 100 Theives celebrates after they came from behind and eliminated Faze Clan during the Call of Duty World League Championship 2019 at Pauley Pavilion on August 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
The rise of video game streaming has had a profound impact on the gaming industry. One of the most significant changes has been the way that developers market and sell games. In the past, gamers would typically buy games based on reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and marketing materials such as trailers and advertisements. Today, however, many gamers are discovering games through video game streaming. Watching someone else play provides a much better idea of the gameplay, more so than any trailer or advertisement. In that sense, streaming benefited the rise of indie games. The developers behind indie games typically have little marketing leeway. However, streaming turned into the best option to get the word out there.
The rise of esports has also played a role in video game streaming. Esports transformed gaming into a competitive sport, in a sense, often in organized tournaments with cash prizes.The popularity of esports has led to an increase in the number of professional gamers, as well as the development of dedicated leagues and tournaments. Today, many professional gamers earn a living through a combination of prize money, sponsorships, and streaming revenue.
Visitors play a virtual reality video game, wearing a VR headset while holding mock rifles, during the opening day of the “Paris Games Week” video-game fair, after the cancellation of two editions due to the pandemic, in Paris on November 2, 2022. – The largest French video game fair, Paris Games Week, is open on November 2 to 6. If video games remain the preferred digital leisure activity of young people, with 95% of 10-17 year olds playing them, the practice concerns more than 37 million French people, 53% even declaring that they play them “at least once a week”, according to the Syndicat des editeurs de logiciels de loisirs (Leisure software editors union)(Sell). (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
So, what does the future of video game streaming look like? There are several trends that are likely to shape the future of this industry.One trend is the continued growth of mobile gaming. More people are playing games on their phones as they’re not only accessible but also, a great way to kill time. Much like Twitch, mobile-specific streaming platforms, such as Omlet Arcade and Loco, allow gamers to stream their mobile gameplay to a global audience.
The rise of virtual reality (VR) gaming is another trend to look out for. VR gaming allows players to immerse themselves in a virtual world in what feels like the next step in the evolution of gaming. Streaming could play a significant role in the growth of VR gaming, especially as gamers showcase their gameplay to a wider audience.
New Revenue Streams
Streaming has opened up new revenue streams for the gaming industry. Game sales are still a major source of income. However, the average gamer is now turning to platforms like Twitch and YouTube to explore their favorite video games. As a result, game developers and publishers are now more interested in collaborating with popular streamers to promote their games. This has led to a new type of partnership between streamers and game companies. Some streamers receive early access to games or exclusive in-game items in exchange for promotional purposes.
Increased Competition
Streamers are now able to build their own communities and followings, which has given them more power and influence in the industry. However, streamers often become authoritative voices. Not due to their knowledge, necessarily but because they are the most watched. This has led to a shift in the balance of power, especially since streamers sometimes have more influence over game sales than traditional advertising methods.
Changes In The Video Game Industry
Developers now tend to design games with streaming in mind. Features like spectator modes and easy-to-use streaming tools have grown in prominence. Even software and hardware for streaming are heavily on the rise. Developers are also paying more attention to how their games will look and play on stream. There’s no doubt that this can have a big impact on how popular a game becomes.
Video Game Marketing
While traditional marketing methods like television ads and billboards are still important, there’s a major focus on social media and streaming platforms. New ventures and initiatives have launched as gaming companies collaborate with popular streamers to introduce their product to a wider audience.
User-generated content is also impacting the industry in a major way. Popular streamers and influencers are gaining significant traction through streaming and YouTube gaming channels which allow them to create and share their own gameplay videos and content. It’s not uncommon for companies to encourage their customers to use hashtag-driven gameplay clips on social media, which, in turn, creates a sense of community among fans. Ultimately, this helps build loyal following and generate organic buzz.
Why Is Understanding The Video Game Industry So Important?
Gamers take part in the “Z Event”, a 54-hour charity video game marathon of live gaming with 55 streamers in Montpellier on September 9, 2022. – Harnessed helmets and reserves of energy drinks to last two days and three nights, 55 French stars, from eSports or Twitch streamers, have launched the “Z Event” marathon in Montpellier, to raise funds for the benefit of 4 associations for the protection of the environment. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
As streaming continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that it will continue to shape the industry. From new revenue streams to changes in game design, streaming is changing the way we think about gaming. While it’s impossible to predict where this trend will take us, one thing is clear: video game streaming is here to stay.
As the world’s leading streaming service, Netflix has been a game-changer in the television industry. Since its launch in 1997, the company has revolutionized entertainment consumption. Today, the platform boasts over 200 million subscribers in 190 countries, with a vast catalog of movies, TV shows, and original content. The impact of Netflix on the television industry is undeniable, changing how we watch TV forever. We’ll explore how Netflix has influenced the future of television. From the rise of streaming services to the decline of traditional TV networks, we’ll examine the effects of Netflix on the industry.
The Rise of Streaming Services
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 02: Netflix logo is displayed during the ‘Paris Games Week’ on November 02, 2017 in Paris, France. Netflix is an American company offering streaming movies and TV series on the Internet. ‘Paris Games Week’ is an international trade fair for video games and runs from November 01 to November 5, 2017. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
Netflix’s success has paved the way for the rise of streaming services. Before its launch, traditional television networks controlled the distribution of TV shows. Networks had complete control over what was aired, when, and who could watch it. However, the emergence of Netflix disrupted this model.
With its on-demand streaming service, Netflix put viewers in control. Viewers no longer had to wait for their favorite shows to air on TV; instead, they could watch their favorites whenever they wanted. This shift in control marked a turning point in the industry, and it wasn’t long before other streaming services like Prime Video and Hulu followed suit.
Streaming services have become the norm today, and it’s not hard to see why. Viewers no longer have to worry about missing an episode of their favorite show or being tied to a specific TV schedule. The rise of streaming services has been a direct result of the success of Netflix.
As viewers continue to shift towards on-demand streaming, TV networks have struggled to keep up. With more people ditching traditional cable TV in favor of streaming services, traditional TV networks have seen a decline in viewership. This drop has led to a shift in the TV industry, with networks forced to adapt to the changing landscape. Many networks have launched their own streaming services, like NBC’s Peacock and CBS All Access. However, these services have struggled to compete with established players like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu.
Television networks have also struggled to attract advertisers. With fewer people watching TV, advertisers have shifted their focus to digital platforms like Facebook and Google. This has led to declining ad revenue for TV networks, further exacerbating their financial troubles.
One of the critical factors behind Netflix’s success has been its investment in original content. In recent years, the company has shifted its focus toward producing its own shows and movies. This has allowed Netflix to differentiate itself from competitors and attract new subscribers.
The success of Netflix’s original content has been staggering. Shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Narcos have become cultural phenomena, attracting millions of viewers and earning critical acclaim. Netflix’s original content investment has also helped bolster the careers of up-and-coming filmmakers and actors.
The Impact on the Entertainment Industry
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: The Netflix logo is displayed at Netflix’s Los Angeles headquarters (TOP) on October 07, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The IATSE union which represents Hollywood’s film and television production crews voted to authorize a strike, calling for better working conditions and higher pay amid a surge in streaming demand. Negotiations are ongoing but a strike may be imminent. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Between YouTube’s churning out of great online content that anyone could watch anywhere and the genesis of Netflix, TV as we knew it was in trouble. Why pay for cable when you can buy Netflix and watch your favorite shows anywhere? Original programming has also allowed Netflix to diversify its content offerings, creating shows and movies that cater to specific audiences.
For example, Stranger Things and The Witcher have become immensely popular among sci-fi and fantasy fans, while shows like Orange is the New Black and Dear White People have tackled important social issues. By providing a platform for niche programming, Netflix has not only attracted a wider range of viewers but also opened up opportunities for new voices and perspectives in the industry.
The impact of Netflix on the television industry has led to increased competition. There is an emphasis on quality content as networks strive to keep up with the high standards set by the platform. The rise of streaming has also affected how shows are produced and released. Many opt for the binge-watch model instead of weekly episodes.
One of the challenges that Netflix faces as it continues to grow is the cost of producing original content. While the company has succeeded with its shows and movies, it has also faced criticism for canceling fan favorites after only a few seasons. The decision to cancel a show is often based on the cost-benefit analysis, as Netflix looks at factors such as viewership and production costs to determine if a show is worth continuing. However, this has frustrated fans who feel invested in the characters and storylines.
The Challenge For Netflix
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 19: In this photo illustration the Netflix logo is reflected in the eye of a woman on September 19, 2014 in Paris, France. Netflix September 15 launched service in France, the first of six European countries planned in the coming months. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Another challenge for Netflix is navigating the regulatory landscape, particularly as it expands into international markets. The company has faced criticism and legal challenges in countries such as India and Indonesia, where there are strict rules around content that are considered offensive or blasphemous. This has led to Netflix self-censoring certain shows and movies in these markets, which has drawn criticism from some viewers and activists who argue that it goes against the company’s commitment to creative freedom.
Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for Netflix and the streaming industry. With the pandemic accelerating the shift toward online entertainment, it is clear that streaming services are here to stay. As more people cut the cord and move away from traditional TV, companies like Netflix will continue to play an essential role in shaping the future of television.
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