Move Over PinkyDoll: Nicki Minaj Joins NPC TikTok Trend In Hilarious Video

TikTok has brought forth plenty of interesting trends since its inception. The latest one taking over the internet is NPC streaming. If you’re not familiar, the acronym stands for “non-playable character,” and finds users acting like video game extras while taking direction from those tuning into their broadcasts, usually in exchange for money. PinkyDoll is one of the best-known TikTokers blowing up thanks to her NPC posts and streams, though it seems Queen of Rap Nicki Minaj is coming to give her a run for her money.

On Sunday (August 13), a video from the mother of one’s latest Live quickly began making rounds. “A TikTok gun, it’s sending out money,” Minaj says in a robotic-like voice as viewers add on-screen effects to her face and background. “Oh, it’s a microphone. Y’all know what I do on that mic. I dest- I destroy these h*es. Whoa, a cake! Um, something from medieval times,” she continues, trying to keep up with the never-ending random objects being thrown at her.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Teases “The Greatest Song She’s Ever Written” On Twitter

Nicki Minaj is an NPC Natural

While her performance was pretty impressive, Minaj did break character a few times throughout. “Get them muthaf**kin hands outta here,” she sternly tells misbehaving viewers. “I told y’all that b**ch, don’t get blocked, b**ch.” Without missing a beat she then went back into NPC mode, continuing to amuse us with her effortless comedy routine. It’s unclear if we’ll be seeing the “Barbie Dreams” hitmaker partaking in the trend anymore in the future, but as many are pointing out, she could easily make a career for herself as a fulltime TikTok star.

It’s not likely we’ll see Nicki Minaj and PinkyDoll dropping a song together anytime soon (though the Head Barb has made a point of working with lesser-known artists lately). Still, she has her sights set on connecting with Ice Spice in the future, and some fans seem to be on board with the idea. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Ice Spice’s Next Collab Could Be PinkyDoll If NPC Streamer Has Her Way

[Via]

The post Move Over PinkyDoll: Nicki Minaj Joins NPC TikTok Trend In Hilarious Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SZA’s Nearly Naked Robot Lap Dance From “Snooze” Music Video BTS Is Seriously Hot

Earlier this summer, rumours began circulating about a potential romance between SZA and Travis Scott. The pair have made plenty of music magic in the past, most recently connecting on “TELEKINESIS” and in the “K-POP” music video ahead of the Houston native’s UTOPIA album. Neither artist officially confirmed a fling unfolding between them. Earlier this weekend, Scott was spotted in Ibiza with Tianna Lynnm and other friends. This leads us to believe he’s still living the single life.

Since that news began circulating, fans have noticed that SZA has turned up the heat significantly on her Instagram page. On Saturday (August 12) afternoon, she shared a clip of behind-the-scenes footage from the “Snooze” music video with a seemingly unreleased song layered over it. In the video, the Ctrl songbird channels her inner stripper and shows off her best seductive dance moves in little more than a thong. “Whew sex appeal on 1000 😮‍💨😍😍😍,” fellow recording artist Flo Milli gassed her up in the comments.

Read More: Travis Scott & Model Tianna Lynnm Vacation In Ibiza With Friends Amid SZA Dating Rumours

Travis Scott Visits Ibiza with a Model While SZA Shakes Her Booty for a Robot

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by SZA (@sza)

“The song, the a**! This a lot to take in at once but thank you 😍,” City Girl JT wrote. SZA’s first post practically broke the internet (and many jaws), but she wasn’t done there. “Sharing ideas cause therapy. (More snooze bts),” the TDE creative captioned another brief video, which finds her getting up close and personal with an unrecognizable man as the cameras flash away.

A release date for the “Snooze” video hasn’t been confirmed at this time, but in the comments some are speculating we could received a deluxe cut of SOS in the future. To provide us with some comedic relief after flaunting her famous BBL, SZA ended her posting spree with a mirror selfie that had some followers mistaking her for Steve Harvey.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Sparks Outrage After Fat-Shaming SZA In Unhinged Rant

More “Snooze” BTS Content

Keep scrolling to see more of what went down behind the scenes on the set of her “Snooze” music video, followed by SZA’s silly moustache selfie. Are you looking forward to watching the full visual when it drops? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by SZA (@sza)

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by SZA (@sza)

[Via]

The post SZA’s Nearly Naked Robot Lap Dance From “Snooze” Music Video BTS Is Seriously Hot appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mark Zuckerberg Seems To Call Off Fight, Says Elon Musk “Isn’t Serious”

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the “tech bro fight of the century” since Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg first teased it. With that being said, the two of them have been going back and forth regarding the details of the fight as of late. Last week, Musk took to Twitter/X to announce that the UFC would no longer be involved. Apparently, Zuckerberg never agreed to that. He further alluded to the fight taking place at the Colosseum, but it looks like now it could just not happen at all.

Today, Zuck hopped on Threads to let fans know that he’s not playing around anymore. According to him, Musk’s not been taking the fight seriously, and he’s over it. “I think we can all agree Elon isn’t serious and it’s time to move on,” he wrote. “I offered a real date. Dana White offered to make this a legit competition for charity.”

Read More: Mark Zuckerberg Pushes Back Against Elon Musk’s Desire To Control MMA Fight

Zuckerberg Wants To Compete With Those Who “Take The Sport Seriously”

Mark Zuckerberg Calls Off Elon Musk Fight
SpaceX, Twitter and electric car maker Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during an event at the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, on June 16, 2023. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP) (Photo by JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

“Elon won’t confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead. If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me,” he adds. “Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”

Zuckerberg’s post doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, as the Meta founder’s been hinting that he’s sick of Elon’s antics for some time. With that being said, there’s still a chance that if he fully commits, they could still battle it out. For now though, it seems like Zuckerberg would rather spend his time with a more worthwhile competitor.

Read More: Dana White Revisits Idea Of Hosting Musk V Zuckerberg At The Colosseum

[Via]

The post Mark Zuckerberg Seems To Call Off Fight, Says Elon Musk “Isn’t Serious” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kanye West’s Twitter Return In The Works As Social Media Expresses Concern For Bianca Censori

When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were publicly navigating their rocky divorce, it seemed as though the “Flashing Lights” artist would never be able to move on from the socialite. As she explored romance with Pete Davidson, her estranged husband engaged in radical displays of affection to win Kardashian back. He eventually changed tactics to unleashing hatred on the new couple, along with anyone else he felt like attacking. After taking some time away from the spotlight, West resurfaced late last year with a new woman, Bianca Censori. The couple’s avant-garde outfits have made them the subject of much discourse, including how controlling the Chicago native is over what his romantic partners wear.

“There are multiple scenes with him throwing out all of the clothes that she said she loved, with her crying saying this was very difficult,” Australian Association of Psychologists director Carly Dober told DailyMail when reflecting on Kimye’s tumultuous marriage. “It is not clear how much of this was dramatized for the cameras and viewers. Still, the fact remains that Kanye and Kim both publicly stated he had very clear ideas of how Kim should be dressing and her style did change throughout the relationship,” she added. Of course, his marriage to Censori is kept far more secretive, so it’s hard to say exactly what she’s feeling. Nevertheless, social media continues to discuss the often sombre expression on her face while out in revealing looks.

Read More: Kanye West & Bianca Censori Happily Dance & Sing Along To The Black Eyed Peas At Dinner

Twitter CEO Speaks on Kanye West’s Expected Return to the Platform

Speaking of social media, Twitter/X’s new CEO, Linda Yaccarino spoke about the Yeezy founder’s expected return to the platform after his ban for his aforementioned online antics. “Kanye who hasn’t rejoined the platform yet but is planning to do so will operate within the very specific policies that we have established that we’re clear on and everyone listening on Spaces can access themselves,” she clarified, as per HipHopDX.

“We also have to remember what’s at the core of free expression. You might not agree with what everyone’s saying,” Yaccarino reminded listeners. “We want to make it a healthy debate and discourse but free expression at its core will really only survive when someone you don’t agree with says something you don’t agree with… So deciding certain people are good or bad are not a universal thing.” Do you think that Kanye West’s return to Twitter will result in more chaos for the father of four? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Kanye West Returns To Twitter With A Gold Check

[Via] [Via]

The post Kanye West’s Twitter Return In The Works As Social Media Expresses Concern For Bianca Censori appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Weeknd Previews “Another One of Me,” Final Feature Of His Career Unless Daft Punk Reconnects

The Weeknd’s vocal chops have long regarded him as one of the best in the music industry today. During a recent concert, he revealed that he has no future plans for guest features – save for one special duo that he’s long looked up to. As Pitchfork reports, the Canadian is currently touring through Europe on his After Hours Til Dawn tour. On stage in Warsaw, he teased a new verse that could mark his last time collaborating with another artist.

“And I just wanna say, this, this is gonna be the last feature I ever do, ever in my career, so I wanna perform it for you guys tonight,” Abel Tesfaye said before belting out “Another One of Me.” It remains unclear who else will appear alongside the Dawn FM artist, or when the complete version is expected to be released. While fans are certainly sad to hear this could be The Weeknd’s last joint effort, he did leave us with some hope for the future. “The final feature… Unless Daft Punk ever get back together,” he wrote via Twitter on Friday (August 11).

Read More: Daft Punk To Premiere Unreleased Song For 10th Anniversary Of “Random Access Memories”

The Weeknd Attempts to Bring Daft Punk Out of Retirement

The electronic artists announced the end of their lengthy 28-year run together in February 2021. Prior to going their separate ways, Daft collaborated with The Weeknd on “I Feel It Coming” and the title track from his Starboy LP, both of which were performed at the 2017 Grammy Awards. In the past, the Uncut Gems actor has credited the French creatives as “one of the reasons [he makes] music.”

It’s unclear what the likelihood of a Daft Punk renaissance is at this time, but seeing as he’s still so young, fans of Tesfayes are hoping that he doesn’t retire from making music with his contemporaries quite yet. Elsewhere during his ongoing European tour, The Weeknd left audiences stunned as he managed to hold a 15-second note. See that incredible moment at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: The Weeknd Displays Incredible Vocals: Video

[Via]

The post The Weeknd Previews “Another One of Me,” Final Feature Of His Career Unless Daft Punk Reconnects appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mark Zuckerberg Pushes Back Against Elon Musk’s Desire To Control MMA Fight

The proposed MMA fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is once in doubt. The fight has been linked to the UFC as long as it’s been a possibility. However, Musk made the unusual decision to cut ties with the Dana White org. In a tweet, the X/Twitter owner said the UFC was no longer in the picture and that “The fight will be managed by my and Zuck’s foundations.” He also said the fight would occur in an “epic location” and mentioned Italy. This comes just a day after White had said he was in active negotiations with the Italian government for the use of the Colosseum as a venue.

Furthermore, it appears that Zuckerberg didn’t get the “bye bye UFC” memo. Speaking on Threads, Zuckerberg cast doubt that the fight would go ahead. “Please assume anything [Musk] says has not been agreed on,” the Meta founder wrote. “Not holding my breath for Elon, but I’ll share details on my next fight when I’m ready,” he added. “When I compete, I want to do it in a way that puts a spotlight on the elite athletes at the top of the game. You do that by working with professional orgs like the UFC or ONE to pull this off well and create a great card.”

Read More: Bellator 300 to feature four title fights

Musk Balks, Needs Surgery

 

 
Post by @zuck
View on Threads

 

However, Elon’s desire to wrestle control of the fight from the UFC is not the only reason the fight is being shelved. Musk has revealed that he is undergoing minor surgery to rectify an issue with his shoulder blade. This means that he will be out of action for several months. The fight likely wouldn’t happen before UFC 300 anyway. Even then, Musk will need time to recover and resume training before he was ready to fight again.

Despite this, there is an interesting part of Zuckerberg’s statement that appears to be going largely overlooked. Not holding my breath for Elon, but I’ll share details on my next fight when I’m ready.” Does this mean that Zuckerberg is planning an MMA debut without Musk? After all, he takes his combat sports very seriously and even has a practice octagon in his backyard. Perhaps one of the reasons that Musk was unwilling to leave Dana White was because he has bigger plans for the UFC beyond his gimmick fight with Musk. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

[via]

The post Mark Zuckerberg Pushes Back Against Elon Musk’s Desire To Control MMA Fight appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

2Pac & DMX’s AI-Inspired Track Is Fan Approved

Artificial intelligence’s growing presence in music has often divided fans. However, a new track that features a posthumous link-up between 2Pac and DMX has been well-received by fans. The snippet has sent fans into a frenzy online. Posted by Youtuber dopfunk, the track entitled “Facing Death” finds the two legends recalling their own demise.

I’m gone, but I will never be forgotten/ Was talkin’ about death ’cause I knew n*ggas was plotting,” the AI 2Pac raps. “So I came back, only to haunt these n*ggas/ Snakes will slither/ It don’t matter who pulled the trigger!” Following that, DMX’s AI-generated verse takes on a disturbingly similar haunting tone: “And in due time, you’ll find out for yourself who you be. Ain’t no riches that will help you in hell when you meet/ Your maker/ He’ll break you down and analyze what you did in your life/ N*gga, everybody has to die.”

Some Are Still Skeptical About AI’s Growing Use in Music

The comment section was flooded with comments about the track’s authenticity, and one person even said that it “resurrected the essence of these great artists.” Some even proposed that the Youtuber should make more music. Another fan wrote, “They live on through your art man, Dopfunk keep this coming a full album would be intoxicating. This gave me chills and reminded me what real hip hop is again, thank you for what you do. 2Pac and DMX are immortal, hataz can never kill a legend!!”

But not everyone is on board with AI technology being used in music. Earlier this year, Drake and The Weeknd’s voices were used on the AI-inspired track “heart on my sleeve.” In response, Universal Music Group, where both artists are currently signed, issued a statement. In the letter, the company asked its stakeholders about “which side of history” they want to be on. Whether it’s on “the side of artists, fans and human creative expression, or on the side of deep fakes, fraud and denying artists their due compensation.”

Read More: Capitol Records “Severed Ties” With AI Rapper FN Meka, Issues Apology: Report

[Via]

The post 2Pac & DMX’s AI-Inspired Track Is Fan Approved appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Tay’s “Death” Sparks Suspicion

The internet was shocked by the sudden news that Claire “Lil Tay” Hope had suddenly passed away on August 9. Hope gained infamy in the late 2010s for her boisterous internet persona. Her videos often showed her wads of cash and posting up in luxury apartments. While she called herself the “internet’s hardest flexer”, many YouTube detectives argued that it was just an act. These commentators argued that Hope was likely being directed by her parents. Furthermore, evidence emerged that Hope was likely filming at properties managed by her mother Angela Tian, a realtor.

However, Hope’s star quickly faded into tragedy. First, videos containing then then-nine-year-old Hope using racial slurs emerged. Then, several interviews with outlets such as The Daily Beast saw Hope claim parental abuse and a forced move to Vancouver to be with her father after he reportedly threatened to have her mother arrested. Hope’s social media pages were inactive from 2018 until the sudden announcement of her death this week. Despite all this, people are starting to question the sudden obituary.

Read More:

Is Lil Tay Dead?

Speculation has begun to emerge that Hope may not be dead and that her parents have faked her death in an attempt to bring new attention to the Lil Tay brand. This comes after her father, Christopher, seemingly refused to confirm her death. “Yeah, you have the right person, but I don’t have any comment right now. I’m not able to give you any comment right now. I’m sorry — I can’t,” Hope told the New York Post in a brief phone call. A similar statement was made by Henry Tsang, the alleged ex-manager of Lil Tay. “I have been in communication with individuals who have an intimate understanding of the family’s situation. Given the complexities of the current circumstances, I am at a point where I cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy of the statement issued by the family,” Tsang told the US Sun.

Additionally, it’s unclear where Hope was at the time of her alleged death. A spokesperson for the Vancouver PD told The Post that they had not received any reports of deaths matching Hope or her brother, Jason Tian. Tian was also reported to have died alongside Hope. Furthermore, The Post was unable to contact Hope’s mother Angela, or the LAPD. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

[via]

The post Lil Tay’s “Death” Sparks Suspicion appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kai Cenat Breaks Silence On Giveaway Riot

Twitch streamer Kai Cenat has made his first public comments since a surprise giveaway in New York City turned into a full-blown riot. Cenat himself for arrested and charged with a number of things, including inciting a riot. However, in his first stream since the incident, Cenat has put all the blame on the fans. “I am beyond disappointed with anyone who became destructive that day,” Cenat declared. “That shit is not cool, I want people to know that. I don’t condone anything that went on that day. I’m seeing random videos of people getting sturdy on people’s cars and I’m asking myself, why? Why?”

“None of that was my intention. I had good intentions for this whole thing. I don’t condone any of the things that went on that day,” he continued. Furthermore, he asked for people to leave his family alone, revealing that at least one person had visited his mother’s house. In addition, Cenat revealed that he would be streaming less frequently and had a court date on August 16.

Read More: 103 soccer fans charged after stadium riot leaves a man dead

Cenat Takes Little Accountability For Riot

In the 19-minute stream, Cenat took little personal responsibility for the riot. While he said the incident had “opened his eyes to the power and influence” he has over his fans, he took little more responsibility than that. However, it’s a weak excuse for what occurred. Cenat, the most popular streamer on Twitch, clearly doesn’t view himself as a person who commands an army of millions. And so, he announced an impromptu giveaway to his viewer base of millions. It highlights the dangerous power of internet fame.

The entire debacle could have been avoided, or at least the negative effects mitigated, if Cenat had worked with city officials to plan a more structured event ahead of time. Instead, he simply told thousands of teenagers and young people to show up at an undersized location. Kai Cenat is not responsible for “inciting a riot”, as he has been charged with. However, his actions showed a negligence and lack of forethought that is incredibly prevalent in young influencers. We are just a few years removed from a YouTuber trying to start their own convention with disastrous results. The consequences of Cenat’s giveaway continue to be a developing story.

[via]

The post Kai Cenat Breaks Silence On Giveaway Riot appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Best Beat-Making Software 2023

In music production, the right tools can make all the difference. As we journey into 2023, let’s explore the top three beat-making software programs shaping the industry. These programs are the secret weapons behind the beats that get our feet tapping and heads nodding. From amateur bedroom producers to Grammy-winning hitmakers, these three programs are the ultimate toolkit for creating the perfect beat.

Ableton Live

First on our list is Ableton Live. Known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, Ableton Live is a favorite among both beginners and seasoned professionals. The software’s unique session view allows for non-linear beat arrangement, making it easy to experiment with different arrangements and create unique beats.

Ableton Live boasts a range of built-in instruments and high-quality effects, allowing you to add different elements to your beats and bring them to life. The software also supports third-party plugins, providing endless possibilities for customization. Ableton Live’s “warping” feature allows you to change the tempo or pitch of a sample without affecting its overall timing, making it easy to incorporate samples from other songs into your tracks. Further, Ableton Live is also great for live performances. Its session view allows real-time switching between different parts of your beat, making it perfect for DJs and live electronic musicians.

FL Studio For Beat-Making

Next up is FL Studio, also known as Fruity Loops. FL Studio is known for its intuitive interface and a wealth of advanced features. The software’s step sequencer allows for a quick beat layout, and the piano roll editor enables the creation of custom melodies and chord progressions. Additionally, FL Studio comes with various built-in instruments and sound effects, and it supports several file formats, making it easy to import samples and loops from other sources. The software is also compatible with most MIDI controllers, allowing you to use it with your favorite hardware. With its comprehensive features and flexibility, FL Studio is a great choice for anyone looking to get into beat-making.

GarageBand For Beat-Making

beat-making
An Apple iPad showing a screen from Apple’s GarageBand app, photographed during a studio shoot for Tap Magazine, November 24, 2011. (Photo by David Caudery/Tap Magazine via Getty Images)

At number three, we have GarageBand, a free digital audio workstation (DAW) for Apple devices. Despite being free, GarageBand is a powerful tool for creating beats. The software’s user-friendly interface and built-in loops and sounds make it easy for beginners to get started. GarageBand also supports many third-party plugins, allowing you to expand the software’s capabilities. The software also includes a drum machine designer and a built-in MIDI editor, providing a wide range of tools for fine-tuning your beats. GarageBand also makes it easy to share your beats with others, making it a great choice for collaborative projects.

The post Best Beat-Making Software 2023 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.