There’s every indication that 2024 will be a huge year for Top Dawg Entertainment. Despite Kendrick Lamar moving on from the label after releasing all of his studio albums on it, they still have a stacked roster of talent. Earlier this week during a special 10th anniversary show for Isaiah Rashad’s Cilvia Demo a document they passed out made the rounds online. The document claimed that new projects were coming out from nearly every single artist on the label. It even included projects from three brand-new artists, though their names were blacked out.
Only two of the albums they’ve confirmed are currently known about. The first is SZA’s which many fans suspect is her previously announced SOS deluxe editionLANA. Earlier this week, Schoolboy Q announced his new album Blue Lips which drops in early March. It’s his first studio album since 2019’s Crash Talk. Other big TDE artists like Doechii, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and more are also expected to drop new projects this year. During a ceremony earlier this week, SZA paid tribute to the label’s founders who set up the potential for all of this in the first place.
Top Dawg and Punch, who founded Top Dawg Entertainment in 2004, are the newest recipients of the Billboard Visionary Award. For the presentation they got one of the label’s defining artists, SZA, to give a speech and she didn’t disappoint. “I was just talking to Punch the other day about how much vision he had to have to see what he saw in me with no credentials,” she began.
“I really was looking insane and behaving insane and refused writers and all these things, and he believed in me. People would come to him and tell him he should change how I look, or I should be doing these kind of beats or working with these writers, and he didn’t change a single thing about me,” her speech continued. What do you think of SZA’s speech while giving an award to Punch and Top Dawg? What new TDE release are you most excited for this year? Let us know in the comment section below.
Earlier this week, Isaiah Rashad and Top Dawg Entertainment celebrated the 10th anniversary of Cilvia Demo. Rashad’s debut EP has been a fan favorite since it first came out and in honor of the record turning 10 a special anniversary show was put on. It took place at The Wiltern in Los Angeles earlier this week. Though the show was occupied by Rashad fans it ended up taking on an entirely new meaning for all Top Dawg Entertainment fans.
Unsurprisingly, some of his label mates like Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q appear on the project. SZA also appears on the project lending her vocals to both “Ronnie Drake” and “West Savannah.” But when she joined Rashad on stage during the anniversary show for a duet, they took on an entirely different song. Together they performed “Heavenly Father.” It’s the most popular song on the project sporting more than 80 million streams on Spotify. Check out the video of the duo performing below.
The show wasn’t noteworthy just for their performance though. A document that was reportedly handed out during the event made the rounds online earlier today. It was a list of planned released on the Top Dawg Entertainment label for 2024. Nearly every single artist on the label supposedly has a project coming up soon. It includes SZA, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Doechii, and more. The paper also includes three entirely new artists though who they specifically are is blacked out.
Many fans have speculated that the SZA project listed on the document is LANA. She announced the deluxe edition of her 2022 album SOS last month. Though she’s repeatedly teased the project information on it is pretty scant. Many fans are anticipating any possible news about who she may be collaborating with on the upcoming deluxe edition. What do you think of SZA joining Isaiah Rashad on stage for his Cilvia Demo 10th anniversary show? Let us know in the comment section below.
Jay Rock, a prominent figure in the American hip-hop scene, has made a significant mark with his unique style and impactful lyrics. As of 2024, Jay Rock’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, a testament to his success and influence in the music industry. This article delves into the journey and achievements of Jay Rock, exploring the factors that have contributed to his impressive net worth.
Born on March 31, 1986, in Watts, Los Angeles, California, Jay Rock grew up in a neighborhood that profoundly influenced his music. His experiences in Watts, a place known for its challenges and vibrant culture, shaped his lyrical themes and musical style. Jay Rock’s journey into hip-hop began with his signing by Anthony Tiffith, the CEO and founder of Top Dawg Entertainment. This pivotal moment set the stage for his future successes.
Rise To Fame
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Isaiah Rashad. The TDE Pool Party at a private residence on July 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images)
Jay Rock’s debut studio album, Follow Me Home, released in 2011, marked his arrival on the mainstream music scene. The album achieved notable success, reaching No. 10 on the US Rap chart, No. 18 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and No. 83 on the Billboard 200 chart. His follow-up album, 90059, further cemented his position in the industry. It topped the US Rap chart and secured high positions on other significant charts.
One of Jay Rock’s most successful singles, “King’s Dead” (featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake), was a part of the Black Panther: The Album soundtrack. This track showcased his talent and highlighted his ability to collaborate effectively with other artists. Jay Rock is also a hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy member. It includes other notable artists like Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. His involvement in these collaborations has significantly contributed to his net worth and industry standing.
Grammy Recognition & Impact
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock attend the BET Hip Hop Awards 2013. At the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on September 28, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Jay’s contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city. This nomination reflects the respect and recognition he has earned from his peers and the music community.
Conclusion
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Jay Rock poses with his award at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Jay Rock’s journey from the streets of Watts to becoming a millionaire artist is a story of talent, perseverance, and the power of music. His net worth reflects his hard work, dedication, and impact in the hip-hop world. Jay Rock continues to inspire and influence many with his music. His story is a testament to the possibilities of artistic expression.
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.
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 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.”
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
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Elliott Wilson and Ab-Soul attend backstage at Irving Plaza on October 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
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.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Rapper Ab Soul attends the Elliott Wilson hosts CRWN with Ab-Soul for WatchLOUD.com, presented by vitaminwater after party at the Chelsea Pub on September 16, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Electus Digital)
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.
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.
“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.
SZA’s undoubtedly one of the leading figures in R&B, and music at large, right now. AlthoughCTRL 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 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.
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 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.
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 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
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Elliott Wilson and Ab-Soul attend backstage at Irving Plaza on October 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
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.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Rapper Ab Soul attends the Elliott Wilson hosts CRWN with Ab-Soul for WatchLOUD.com, presented by vitaminwater after party at the Chelsea Pub on September 16, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Electus Digital)
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.
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.”
