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Black Hippy: Where Are They Now?

January 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite never releasing a full-length project as a group, Black Hippy is one of the most revered hip hop brands of the 2010s. The rap supergroup, composed of Compton-based artists Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Kendrick Lamar, was active from 2008 until 2016. The members met and began collaborating after signing to the independent music label Top Dawg Entertainment. There, each of their solo careers would flourish, making most of the members household names in the hip hop community.

Though the four members have never officially announced a breakup, they have not released a joint effort in over six years, leaving many fans to assume that Black Hippy will never drop a debut album. Additionally, Kendrick Lamar’s split from the TDE label in 2022 likely means the quartet will not reunite for any new tracks in the coming years.

ScHoolboy Q

ScHoolboy Q is the artist primarily credited with the formation of Black Hippy. Q has admitted that, as the last of the four to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment, he was intimidated by the roster of top-tier lyricists on the label. Once he began recording sessions with his labelmates, Q quickly determined that their chemistry would flourish in collaborations. He noted that rapping within a group would afford him the luxury of penning only one verse for each track.

In the years since Black Hippy informally disbanded, ScHoolboy Q has released solo albums, including the 2019 effort CrasH Talk. Though the album received positive reviews from fans and critics, hip hop heads noted a mysterious lack of features and inclusions from his Black Hippy peers. Kendrick Lamar features in several minor uncredited appearances on the album. However, other TDE signees, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, are nowhere to be heard on the record.

Further, ScHoolboy Q has been vocal about his difficulty creating music in the years since Mac Miller’s death. The rapper was incredibly close with Mac, both musically and personally. Q also credits Miller’s passing as a key influence in his decision to get sober in 2019. Outside of music, the rapper has become an avid golfer. Q has appeared in advertisements for TopGolf and participating in the 2022 PGA tour.

Ab-Soul

Ab-Soul appeared alongside ScHoolboy Q on the 2013 XXL Freshman cover. Similar to many TDE artists, Soul’s output has seemingly come to a halt in recent years, with only one project released since 2016. The album, titled Herbert, features a host of features from his TDE label mates, though none of his Black Hippy affiliates are among the credits. Herbert was released in December of 2022. The album serves as one of the rapper’s most revealing and introspective pieces yet.

In 2022, Ab-Soul opened up about his struggle with drugs and mental health, revealing that he had attempted suicide earlier that year. In an interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Soul stated, “I jumped off a freeway overpass, man, it was about 50 feet. I think a car broke my fall. No brain damage. It’s God. That was, ‘Alright bro, now sit down and shut up. Take it all in. Relax. You blessed, man.’”

Luckily, the rapper has assured his fans that he is mentally in a much better place following the event. Ab-Soul performed an NPR Tiny Desk concert in February of 2023, highlighting some of his biggest songs and newly released pieces from his latest album.

Jay Rock

Still That Way BTS Out Now! @BongoByTheWay #ESJ #TDE https://t.co/KoobT8pxqV pic.twitter.com/WV0oBxkQgm

— Jay Rock (@jayrock) November 30, 2023

In 2016, Jay Rock experienced a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in a number of broken bones and required extensive surgery. Though he recovered well, the healing process served as a long and arduous journey for the rapper. This incident became the focus of Jay Rock’s most recent solo album, Redemption. Redemption was released in 2018, with several features from Kendrick Lamar but no Black Hippy reunion tracks.

Jay Rock won his first-ever Grammy award in 2019 for the song “King’s Dead,” which featured Kendrick, Future, and James Blake. The track originally appeared on the soundtrack for the film Black Panther, with each of the four Black Hippy artists featured on separate songs. An abridged version of the track, without James Blake and Kendrick, appeared as a rerelease on Rock’s Redemption album.

Additionally, Jay Rock continues to tease an upcoming release titled Eastside Johnny, which is expected to drop in 2024. One of the lead singles for the album, “Blowfly,” was released in October 2023 and features a lively performance from Ab-Soul.

Kendrick Lamar

big steppers tour (directors cut) @PrimeVideo https://t.co/LkJuKSDIHG pic.twitter.com/PHvyr5U1bN

— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) November 23, 2022

Kendrick Lamar is the Black Hippy alumnus, which likely requires the least introduction. The multi-platinum-selling rapper has achieved massive critical and commercial success in recent years, including a Pulitzer Prize, 17 Grammy awards, and the highest-grossing headline tour of all time by a rap artist. Kendrick has released two studio albums since the last Black Hippy collaboration, 2017’s Damn and 2022’s Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers.

His latest album marked an end to his contractual obligation with TDE, resulting in the “Humble” rapper departing the label. Kendrick has since founded PGLang alongside Dave Free, which serves as a multimedia and creative communications company. Under the PGLang banner, Lamar has collaborated closely with his cousin, Baby Keem, and signed on to produce a feature film with the team behind South Park. In 2023, Kendrick made waves by appearing on a remix of Beyoncé’s “America Has A Problem.”

[Via] [Via]

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Ab-Soul Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

January 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ab-Soul, a prominent figure in the rap industry, has made a significant mark with his lyrical prowess and unique style. Ab-Soul’s career trajectory has been remarkable, from his early mixtapes to his critically acclaimed albums. His distinct lyrical style and collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar have solidified his place in hip-hop. These milestones have not only increased his popularity but have also been pivotal in building his financial portfolio.

Ab-Soul’s net worth in 2024, as reported by RappersMoney, stands at an estimated $2 million. This wealth stems from various sources, including album sales, streaming royalties, and revenue from live performances, showcasing his multifaceted income streams. Additionally, Ab-Soul’s affiliation with the supergroup Black Hippy and his collaborations with other artists have played a unique role in his financial success. These partnerships have expanded his reach and contributed to his standing in the rap community.

Comparison To Peers & Industry Standards

Ab’s discography is a beacon of intellectual rap, with albums that challenge and provoke thought. The 2012 release, Control System, is often cited as a turning point in his career, an intricate tapestry of social commentary woven with personal narratives that solidified his place in the genre. Following this, These Days… continued to push the envelope, showcasing Ab-Soul’s versatility and depth. His 2016 album, Do What Thou Wilt., further delved into esoteric themes and showcased his evolution as an artist, intertwining complex ideologies with the raw realities of his own life, cementing Ab-Soul’s reputation as a thinker’s rapper and a maestro of conscious hip-hop.

Ab-Soul’s net worth is a testament to his success in a competitive industry when placed alongside his peers. His financial achievements reflect his status as a respected artist in the rap genre. Further, beyond music, Ab-Soul’s savvy investments and business ventures have contributed to his net worth. While details of these are private, they signify his acumen and foresight in growing his wealth.

Future Outlook For Ab-Soul’s Net Worth

Looking ahead, Ab-Soul’s net worth is poised for potential growth with upcoming projects and collaborations. His continued influence in the industry suggests a promising financial trajectory. Overall, Ab-Soul’s net worth of approximately $2 million in 2024 reflects his successful career in the rap industry. His journey from underground hip-hop to mainstream success illustrates the potential for growth and prosperity in the music business.

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ScHoolboy Q Stands With Kanye West

December 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

ScHoolboy Q is an artist that fans have been wanting new music from for quite some time. It has been a while since his last project, and you can imagine that fans are hungry. However, that doesn’t mean Q has been absent from the public eye. Oh on the contrary. In fact, the artist was recently at the TDE Toy Drive that took place in Watts this past week. SZA and a plethora of other TDE artists were also there. It was a tremendous occasion and the fans turned out to see their favorite artists in action.

Of course, during this special occasion, ScHoolboy Q had his very own set. It was here where he got to play a plethora of his hits. One of those songs just so happens to be “THat Part.” The song came with a Kanye West feature, and Q was excited to highlight that. In the video below, he sang Kanye’s verse for him, and the crowd loved it. Furthermore, Q offered a message, noting that he would never cancel Ye. Despite everything, he still loves the artist.

ScHoolboy Q Speaks

“I don’t know about y’all but I ain’t canceled Kanye,” Q said. “That’s the homie. I don’t give a fuck. I’m fucking with Ye.” Needless to say, Ye and his latest antics have not fazed the artist one bit. This seems to be a pattern as very few artists have actually denounced Kanye. Instead, most of them have continued to embrace him amid his antics. The new album Vultures is a prime example of this. Only time will tell whether or not that project actually ends up coming out on New Year’s Eve as promised.

Let us know what you think of ScHoolboy Q and his support of Ye, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed on your favorite artists and all of their upcoming releases.

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SZA Reveals That She Started Making Music To “Prove A Point” To A Specific Person

December 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

SZA’s undoubtedly one of the leading figures in R&B, and music at large, right now. Although CTRL put a massive spotlight on her name, the release of S.O.S. transformed her into one of the biggest stars of the year. With several accolades to her name, SZA’s success was a result of years of hard work. However, what truly motivated her was that she had to “prove a point.” During a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, she shared a bit of her mentality when she began pursuing music.

“Some people choose music as a career, and they feel very certain about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it, but I was never quite certain, and I really only did music to prove a point,” she said around 26:19 mark. Zane Lowe pried further into who put that battery in her back to ensure that this path worked for her. “When I started making music, it was to my ex-fiancé because he was paying for everything. My food, my clothes, where I lived, and he was eight years my senior, so I was so co-dependent,” she revealed.

SZA Reflects On Career Beginnings

SZA continued to explain that her ex-fiancé’s success pushed her further into music, which she said she was “randomly good at.” “And he was so talented, and like, he’s a designer — so brilliant. His ex-girlfriends were all lawyers and businesswomen and artists that went to [Rhode Island School Of Design], and all these things, right? And you know, I’m a college dropout. I’m still bartending at the strip club, so it’s giving — like, I felt like a lacked value,” she added. “So, when I started trying to make music, it was this thing that I didn’t have to try at but was randomly good at because I’ve always written poetry and always felt emotional.”

Clearly, she was destined for this success from the jump. From her early days with TDE to her current status as the most nominated artist at the 2024 Grammys, SZA has undoubtedly had a spectacular year. Most recently, she began teasing LANA, the deluxe edition of S.O.S. Although she shared cover art pieces for the deluxe, she has yet to confirm a release date.

[Via]

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Jay Rock Refutes Rumors Of Internal Drama At TDE Label

November 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Across the past decade plus, Top Dawg Entertainment has been home to some of the most interesting acts in all of rap and R&B. Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock have been the faces of TDE for a while now. But last year, Kendrick Lamar announced his departure from Top Dawg with his album Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers serving as his final release from the label.

Another one of the label’s artists, Reason, sparked controversy of his own earlier this year. He publicly spoke on some of the ways he felt they mishandled his new album rollout which caused rumors of behind-the-scenes tension to emerge. But during a recent interview, Jay Rock shut a lot of that speculation down. “People love starting rumors and spreading all type of, you know… I call it bad ink. Sometimes people like to write in bad ink, you feel me? Especially on blog sites and different internet things,” Rock said to discredit a lot of the rumors. But he went on to make and even more definitive denial. Check out his full statement below.

Jay Rock Says Things Are All Good At TDE

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Jay Rock went on to say even more about the current state of TDE. “But we all good, though. The family, TDE family, despite what everybody’s saying — the breakup — everybody’s all good,” Rock said. He also clarified that he’s still close with Kendrick Lamar even after Kendrick left the label. “That’s my little brother. I hollered at him the other day. That’s still bro. Ain’t nothing changed.”

Last month, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul teamed up for a new track. It’s the first time in eight years that the pair of label mates have collaborated on a song together. It’s called “Blowfly” and was met with pretty positive reception from fans. What do you think of Jay Rock shutting down the rumors surrounding Top Dawg Entertainment? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

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Ab-Soul Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

November 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Ab-Soul’s net worth in 2023, as reported by RappersMoney, stands at an estimated $2 million. This wealth stems from various sources, including album sales, streaming royalties, and revenue from live performances, showcasing his multifaceted income streams. Additionally, Ab-Soul’s affiliation with the supergroup Black Hippy and his collaborations with other artists have played a unique role in his financial success. These partnerships have expanded his reach and contributed to his standing in the rap community.

Comparison To Peers & Industry Standards

Future Outlook For Ab-Soul’s Net Worth

Looking ahead, Ab-Soul’s net worth is poised for potential growth with upcoming projects and collaborations. His continued influence in the industry suggests a promising financial trajectory. Overall, Ab-Soul’s net worth of approximately $2 million in 2023 reflects his successful career in the rap industry. His journey from underground hip-hop to mainstream success illustrates the potential for growth and prosperity in the music business.

The post Ab-Soul Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

ScHoolboy Q Reflects On Kendrick Lamar Relationship: “Dot Saved My Life”

September 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

ScHoolboy Q recently discussed the impact Kendrick Lamar has had on his life, admitting that the former TDE rapper saved his life. Q also admitted that he was nearly breaking into tears just talking about it while on the BACKONFIGG podcast.

“Dot taught me,” he said. “Dot taught me so much, bro. Dot… Dot gave me… Dot gave me so much confidence. Dot made me a rapper. This shit make me want to cry right now.” From there, he joked that “Charlamagne [Tha God] got me to cry, never again.” He was referencing an appearance on The Breakfast Club in 2019 following the death of Mac Miller. Q added: “Dot saved my life. I owe a lot to Dot.”

ScHoolboy Q Speaks On Relationship With Kendrick Lamar

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 30: Recording artists Schoolboy Q (L) and Kendrick Lamar perform on the Marilyn Stage during day 1 of the 2014 Budweiser Made in America Festival at Los Angeles Grand Park on August 30, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch)

From there, he recalled a time when Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, and Derek “MixedByAli” Ali met to discuss dropping Q from TDE, but Lamar intervened. He also spoke about Lamar bringing him to the studio to work with Dr. Dre. Check out the interview below.

ScHoolboy Q On Working With Kendrick Lamar

Later in the interview, ScHoolboy Q explained why he’s slowed down his music output in recent years. “This is our life, like me talking about our situations, like y’know, the shit we done been through, homies we done lost to the system or to the streets,” he said. “Like me talkin’ about my mama trauma from her own brothers is like … you can’t compare that to somebody that won a[n] NBA championship. When it comes to music, I don’t look at it as like, ‘Oh, you have to drop every year.’ I’m like, no, your favorite rapper has to drop every year because he needs chilli. I do what I want because I move off peace, I move off my experiences. As a[n] artist, if I bring nothing to the table that comes from my life, I don’t feel I should put it out.”

[Via]

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Reason Claims No One From TDE Attended “Porches” Listening Party

August 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Reason has made the bombshell claim that not a single person from his record label, TDE, attended a recent listening party for his new album, Porches. The rapper made the claims while guesting on the Rory & Mal podcast on August 18. “That’s what I thought was going to be the weirdest part,” he said, asked if he was worried about label drama ruining the party. “But it ended up not being as bad. I had a release party, and nobody showed up from the label, so…Ray Vaughn showed up — shout out to Ray Vaughn,” he said. “I took it as, you know, maybe n-ggas giving me some space.”

Of course, Reason has not be afraid to bash the label and its President, Moosa, in recent weeks. However, it’s a pretty scathing indictment on the part of the label to send no one to one of their own artist’s listening parties. Porches dropped on August 11 and has been reasonably well-received by the music industry.

Reason’s Beef With TDE Continues

Of course, this is just the latest twist in the saga between artist and label. Last month, Reason openly accused Moosa of fumbling his release. We had certain features lined up that could’ve gone through,” he vented. “We had the budget, we had the feature lined up, takes too long to get pushed through, the feature price ended up going up or something goes away. Content ideas lined up, not executed. Rollout ideas lined up, not executed.”

He continued. “It was a few different things. I had Latto lined up for something, not executed. I had EST Gee lined up, not executed. Like, us not pushing through. Features lined up, we got a price set, video, and verse for the love, takes too long. I’ll speak on the EST Gee shit specifically — took too long to get through to EST Gee and his people and be like, ‘Yo, this is what we wanna do.’ By the time we ended up connecting with him and reaching out, he dropped a record with Future and the record went crazy. Now, the feature is $25,000 more than what it already was.”

[via]

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Weekly Dope: REASON, Noname, Joell Ortiz, Emotional Oranges & More

August 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A collection of our favorite songs of the week.

Rapper Reason’s 7 Hottest Collabs

August 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Reason is officially in beast mode, with his second studio album arriving this Friday, August 11. The Porches project is the Carson, California rapper’s third release under Top Dawg Entertainment. It follows 2020’s New Beginnings and the 2018 re-release of his There You Have It mixtape. In promoting his upcoming album, Reason appeared on the BACKONFIGG podcast, discussing his place on TDE and his relationship with his labelmates. He also expressed frustrations with his album’s rollout. Label co-president Moosa called into the livestream, confronting Reason for his comments, resulting in an on-air tiff between the two.

Despite the disagreements between him and his label, Reason assured fans that Porches would be the “best hip hop album of the year.” Throughout his career, he has worked with notable names in hip hop, including many of his TDE contemporaries. As we wait for Reason’s next project to be released this Friday, we are looking at his best collaborations so far. This list contains both Reason’s songs and tracks on which he had a prominent feature. Ranked from least to greatest, here are Reason’s seven hottest collaborations. Take a look at the list below.

7. “LamboTruck” with Cozz & Childish Major (2019)

The TDE and Dreamville labels have hosted incredible talents on their rosters, with fans often comparing the two. On “LamboTruck,” we see Reason and Cozz go back and forth, rapping about being undervalued on their successful labels. They compare themselves and their labelmates, taking things to the extreme by planning a robbery of their bosses. In an exchange of bars that emulates Eminem and Dr. Dre’s “Guilty Conscience,” Reason and Cozz hatch their plan and showcase their chemistry. Additionally, Childish Major’s chorus rounds out this highlight from Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers 3 compilation.

6. “Extinct” feat. Isaiah Rashad and JID (2022)

Another collaboration between members of TDE and Dreamville, Reason features Isaiah Rashad and JID on “Extinct,” a standout track from New Beginnings. The instrumental, which repurposes a sample used by both Westside Gunn and Joey Bada$$, allows the three to exhibit their unique flows. Reason’s deep voice cuts through the beat while JID skips over it, with his high vocal tone complimenting the melody. Isaiah Rashad, who has clearly influenced the two of them, provides his signature wordplay and nonchalant delivery.

5. “I Can Make It” feat. Rapsody (2020)

Many of Reason’s best collaborations are when he links up with members of the TDE and Dreamville camps, but one of his most memorable collaborative moments is “I Can Make It.” The song sees Reason recruiting Rapsody for one of the best songs on his debut album. The two rap about making it in the music industry with different perspectives. Rapsody’s commanding voice and lyrical ability allow her to outshine almost anyone, and she does exactly that on this song. One of the track’s best lyrics is when Rapsody likens her bars to that of a Tommy gun while sneaking in a Peaky Blinders reference. She raps, “I can make you understand the inner workings of a spitter / That let off like Tommy, boy, no Hilfiger, he’ll figure.”

4. “Pop Sh*t” feat. ScHoolboy Q (2020)

The menacing instrumental on “Pop Sh*t” allows Reason to flex his rapping skills while ScHoolboy Q makes the song his own. The two deliver violent street raps that bring the best out of each other. Reason steps his game up as he raps beside one of the most successful rappers from TDE. ScHoolboy Q is at his most focused since Blank Face LP, spitting mean bars with a touch of humor. The beat works for both of their rap styles and emulates the prime eras of TDE.

3. “Revenge” With Lute, Omen, Ari Lennox, EARTHGANG, & Childish Major (2020)

Reason collaborates with a host of different artists on “Revenge,” a standout moment on the deluxe edition of Dreamville’s 2019 compilation. EARTHGANG, Childish Major, Lute, Omen, and Reason all contribute verses about overcoming obstacles in life. Ari Lennox takes the spotlight without saying a single word on the chorus, just singing a couple of “oohs” and “aye’s.” An introspective song with vulnerable moments, each rapper brings their best effort. Still, Reason closes the song with arguably the best verse.

2. “Still Up” – EARTHGANG feat. Reason (2020)

“Still Up” is another collaboration between EARTHGANG and Reason on the Revenge of the Dreamers 3 deluxe. Over an exciting bass-heavy instrumental, Olu starts the song with a playful chorus before Reason floats over the beat. Weaving between different flows, he spits one of his hardest verses full of clever schemes. WowGr8 comes next, keeping the upbeat energy with a rapid flow. The knocking beat works for both Reason and EARTHGANG, allowing the three to showcase their skills and personalities.

1. “Flick It Up” feat. Ab-Soul (2019)

Arguably Reason’s best song to date, he teams up with Ab-Soul on “Flick It Up.” The two had previously collaborated on “Trapped In” and again joined forces on this upbeat banger. Both hailing from Carson, California, Reason has better chemistry with Ab-Soul than anyone else on the TDE label. The song is catchy but full of slick bars from Reason and Ab-Soul. The two switch between flows in their verses, impressing with skillful rhymes and punchlines. Songs like “Flick It Up” showcases Reason’s ability to craft quality songs, which he likely will continue to do on his upcoming album.

[via]

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