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XXXTENTACION’s Father Thanks Kendrick Lamar For His Support Of X’s Career

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Kendrick Lamar was a big fan of XXXTENTACION’s music before the latter’s tragic passing, something that his family won’t soon forget. Moreover, the Florida rapper’s father posted a video thanking the Compton lyricist for his support of his son’s career, specifically his shout-out of the 2017 project 17. Of course, given X’s history of domestic abuse and similar, albeit unconfirmed, accusations against K.Dot, this relationship falls under a darker context. But it doesn’t change the appreciation that the late MC’s family showed to the former TDE member, nor does it justify past actions or close the door on accountability, growth, learning, or recovery.

“Special big-up, shoutout goes to Kendrick Lamar,” XXXTENTACION’s father began his message. “Yeah, powerful king, powerful, powerful. My name is Dwayne Onfroy, father of rapper known as XXXTENTACION. I just want to say, first off all, thank you for giving my son a platform when he was an unknown artist. On his first single. You gave him a shoutout when his album released. You stepped up to the plate for him when a lot of people just stood by and stood back. And Spotify had him under pressure, wasn’t even attempting to play songs. Real king. I’ll always respect you for that, always. California was my home, still love Cali. You understand? Kendrick Lamar: salute, salute, salute. Real yute. Much, much respect, brother.”

Read More: XXXTENTACION Speaks On Sleeping With Jocelyn Flores While Underage In Alleged Leaked Audio

XXXTENTACION’s Father Thanks Kendrick Lamar + X’s Own Past Words For K.Dot

In addition, the mention of Spotify also brings up one of Kendrick Lamar’s controversial alleged moves when it comes to XXXTENTACION. The streaming service threatened to remove X, R. Kelly, and others’ music due to their criminal behavior, something that Kendrick’s label fought against because it would be unjust to subject Black musicians to this rule and not white counterparts. Nevertheless, many saw it as a direct defense of X’s actions despite the real story being more complicated and not directly from Mr. Morale. It’s still a hot-button issue, and one that came up in his beef with Drake.

Speaking of the Toronto superstar, his relationship to XXXTENTACION is much different to Kendrick Lamar’s. They had some rumored beef that involved direct shots and accusations from X, and Drake was even accused of having a hand in his murder. These rumors were quickly debunked by both a court of law and by X’s close friends and loved ones. His legacy is a very complicated one, but Kendrick was one of those who saw the good in him despite the warranted backlash that this empathy prompted.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar & His “Pop Out” Guests See Major Streaming Boost After LA Show

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Ebro Laments The Lack Of Artists Thanking Hip-Hop On Its 50th Birthday

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The foundation that sonic innovators and entertainers stand on is every bit as important as what these figures create from it. Ebro knows this, and expressed disappointment with many artists who didn’t take the time to acknowledge that. Moreover, this refers specifically to hip-hop recently celebrating its 50th birthday, and artists within the genre not releasing any statements or tributes about it. “Making all this $$$ because of HipHop and artists can’t even post a ‘Thank You’ …” the media personality wrote on Twitter on Monday (August 14). Whether his comments accurately reflect the response to the genre’s five decades in the cultural sphere is a debate for the comments.

After all, there have been plenty of MCs, producers, executives, and other hip-hop figures who celebrated this milestone. For example, there are tribute shows, media projects like music, film, and beyond, plus an avalanche of written or recorded testimonies on it. In fact, an age bias probably factors in here, since many artists that engaged with this history have more experience than contemporary leaders. Maybe Ebro is specifically calling out people who generally don’t make it clear how much they owe to past legends.

Read More: Ebro Darden Net Worth 2023: What Is The Radio Icon Worth?

Ebro Calls Out People Not Honoring Hip-Hop’s 50th

Regardless, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that the radio host is often dishing out reflections on the culture. Most recently, he caused an online stir when he called Drake out for not speaking out on more social issues. “Y’all know I’m the biggest Drake fan on this show,” Ebro told co-hosts on Apple’s Rap Life Review show. “Drake has never shown up to have anything to say about anything going on in society with Black folks or anything other than himself.”

Of course, plenty of people agreed with him, but a whole lot of folks were quick to push back, as well. Eventually, he clarified his comments and stated that he only compared the 6 God’s output to others because Drake criticized “This Is America” by Childish Gambino. Still, it made many think about what artists can do better when it comes to their platform, and the same can be said about honoring this genre. Stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Ebro, and for more on hip-hop history.

Read More: Ebro Darden Clarifies Viral Drake Comments: “We Don’t Need Him To Be Some Social Activist”

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Travis Scott Sends Thankful Message To Fans For Inspiring Him Amid “UTOPIA” Hype

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UTOPIA season is still underway, and it seems like Travis Scott is feeling grateful, inspired, and jubilant every step of the way. Moreover, a lot of his die-hards absolutely loved the new album, and while there are some detractors, its massive commercial success is certainly a strong indicator of that. Of course, that goes to show how important fans and listeners are to an artist’s success and ability to move forward in their careers. As someone who has always shown love to them, the Houston native knows this well. Especially considering the hype around UTOPIA, he recently took to Twitter with a special message for his supporters.

“One time for the fans,” Travis Scott wrote on the social media platform. “F**k that, yall family just overly thankful for yalll. Y’all keep me inspired. I forever just wanna create and do things to maximize life experiences and hopefully ur able to find inspiration and joy in it. That can help u one day build ur own saga.” In addition, it’s important to consider that La Flame has a lot to thank his fans’ loyalty for.

Read More: Travis Scott Promises Fans He Will Make More Beats This Year

Travis Scott Thanks His Fans

Sure, there’s the obvious reasons: streams, sales, support, fame, and everything that comes with being one of the biggest rappers in the world. But his fanbase in particular also has to reckon with the deaths of those among them at the Astroworld Festival in 2021, a tragedy that may forever taint Travis Scott’s career. While he somewhat addressed it on UTOPIA, his lack of accountability and deep reflection or remorse rubbed many the wrong way. As such, to still have a massive following after this is worth much more than any of us can imagine.

Whether he deserves that following after Astroworld is another question, and a far too complicated one to definitively answer. Some completely disregard his responsibility and follow blindly, whereas others’ love for him fuels their frustration, disappointment, or their hope and well-wishes for him to repent for it and rise above it. Regardless, the 32-year-old knows how important his fans are right now, and we just hope he keeps that in mind in many more live settings, media appearances, and the rest of his career. For more news and the latest updates on Travis Scott, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: Travis Scott Performance Draws Strong Reaction From Houston Police Union

The post Travis Scott Sends Thankful Message To Fans For Inspiring Him Amid “UTOPIA” Hype appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Uzi Vert Thanks Ken Carson For Producing “x2” Off Of “Pink Tape”

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After years of anticipation, hype, and speculation, Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape boasts no shortage of highlights, collaborations, and production highlights. After all, with 26 tracks ranging across rage, plugg, contemporary trap, and metal, how could it not? Still, one particular song that many old-school Uzi fans probably appreciate is “x2,” one of the synthiest and bounciest cuts on the whole project. With expressive vocalizations, simple flows, and outlandish lyrics from the Philly MC, it’s an energizing and fun track to bump wherever. In addition, the beat features the quick and lasery synths that much of their catalog boasts, and that became part of their trademark sound.

Moreover, “x2” actually features production credits from none other than Opium signee and new school fan favorite Ken Carson. Furthermore, in a recent Instagram post showcasing their latest performance, Lil Uzi Vert thanked the rage specialist for producing the beat. “Thank you for this beat,” they wrote to Ken Carson, including a black heart and vampire emoji. What’s more is that some of Uzi’s flows and delivery actually resemble occasional collaborator Yeat’s, another important figure in the rage genre.

Read More: Travis Scott & Lil Uzi Vert Perform “Aye” For 1st Time Together In Ireland

Lil Uzi Vert Is Grateful For Ken Carson’s Production

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Of course, this also confirmed previous teases that Ken Carson participated in Pink Tape to some degree, which surely pleased fans. However, another artist that Lil Uzi Vert teased to potentially be on the album was Playboi Carti, which didn’t end up panning out. While fans expressed disappointment at that reality, not all hope vanished as Uzi’s team accidentally uploaded a Carti collab to YouTube upon Pink Tape‘s release instead of the Don Toliver-assisted “Patience.” Many hope that this suggests that a collaboration between the “wokeuplikethis*” MCs isn’t far away.

Meanwhile, Uzi confirmed that their next album will be entirely new, and not a deluxe or expanded version of Pink Tape. With that, hype once again surged for their next musical moves, as we’re sure will happen any time there’s a gap in releases. Hopefully that next project also features more Opium involvement, or goes in an entirely new direction altogether. With that in mind, come back to HNHH for more news and updates on Lil Uzi Vert and Ken Carson.

Read More: Ken Carson Fan Runs On Stage, Gets Tackled By Security

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Nicki Minaj Thanks Barbz For Showing Love To “Endless Fashion”

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“Endless Fashion” is one of Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape‘s many highlights, and that’s obviously owed to Nicki Minaj’s great track presence. Whether it’s her melodic interludes, witty bars, or infectious energy, the Queen pleased longtime Barbz and naysayers alike. Moreover, she recently reacted to her fanbase and more showing her love for the track online, dividing it up into a few different areas. First, she addressed fans (particularly straight men) who typically dismiss her music, but thought that she did a great job on “Endless Fashion.” Then, the Trinidadian rapper thanked these people for supporting the song, calling them “undercover” fans.

“S/o all my undercover barbz playing #EndlessFashion all day reminiscing,” Nicki Minaj wrote on Twitter. “I know y’all gotta pretend not to be in love wit da 1 (not da 2). I still love y’all. I can feel the vibrations. Muva thanks u. Come let me give you a noogie in yall big a** head. *virtual hugs*.” In addition, she spoke more specifically on a few clips that went viral of guys reacting to her verse.

Read More: Nicki Minaj & JT Talk About “Endless Fashion” Verse On Lil Uzi Vert’s “Pink Tape”

Nicki Minaj Thanks “Undercover Barbz”

“Nah the way they just switched up like that is cr*zy,” one user on Twitter captioned a video compilation of the phenomenon. “These str***ots be trying it chi,” the 40-year-old replied in a quote-tweet. “Nah they cute or whatever & actually I rlly appreciate them being MEN comfortable in their own skin.” There are plenty of fans of every demographic online who turned around on Nicki Minaj after this verse, despite their own biases. Given the amazing year that she’s been having so far, we’re sure that even more people will be praising her by her next album in November.

The Queen Addresses Haters-Turned-Fans

Also, she spoke a bit more earnestly about why this fan reaction happens, and why people have those biases. “Music is more than metaphors & ppl r free to like who & what they like for their own personal reasons babe,” she responded to a fan who asked why men discount her talents. “For instance, those guys in the 2 videos clearly identify with Uzi & they have his temperament. That like-able quality. But shy. Very deliberate/conservative w/who & what they like. I think they’re dope.” For more news and the latest updates on Nicki Minaj, stay logged into HNHH.

Read More: Natalie Nunn Reacts To Nicki Minaj Mentioning Her On Lil Uzi Vert’s “Pink Tape”

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Jack Harlow Speaks On “Jackman” Reception, Thanks Fans & Peers For The Love

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Jack Harlow’s recently released album Jackman saw him return to what his OG fans knew him best for. Rather than engage in more pop production and songwriting with big features, the Louisville rapper took on ten hip-hop instrumentals by himself on his latest full-length. Of course, not everyone is a fan of the project, whether for its quality as it stands or because they’re haters of his style. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, Harlow is thankful for the support and acclaim he’s received. Moreover, he took to Twitter to express a message to his listeners and industry colleagues two weeks after Jackman hit digital and physical shelves.

“2 weeks have passed,” Jack Harlow began his remarks. “I just wanna say the love & respect I’ve felt from not only my peers… but from YALL… the fans… the folks that have supported me from the beginning… it feels f***in amazing… I have never felt so connected to the people listening to my music… thank you.” While Jackman‘s sales numbers saw a dip from his previous effort (Come Home, The Kids Miss You), clearly it’s not at the top of his mind. Furthermore, it seems like he’s mostly concerned with appreciating what people love about the album and being grateful for it.

Read More: Jack Harlow Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

Jack Harlow Thanks His Jackman Supporters

Unfortunately, many don’t seem to vibe with the release, with the garage featured on the album cover being graffitied over. One rapper (and pop-punk dabbler) in particular even took shots at Jack Harlow during his latest freestyle: Machine Gun Kelly. However, as the 25-year-old hasn’t addressed such occurrences, it seems like he’s letting those blows brush off his shoulder. After all, given its surprise release and more focused vision, he indicated to his audience that number’s weren’t the name of the game this time.

Meanwhile, the “Blame On Me” MC recently launched his own foundation to give back to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. As such, even if through a press release and an organization, he made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave his roots in the dust. With other industry figures like DJ Drama supporting his vision, he’s likely only going to go up from here. Regardless, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Jack Harlow.

Read More: Why Is Machine Gun Kelly Beefing With Jack Harlow?

SZA Thanks Fans, Addresses Doja Cat

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SZA and Doja Cat recently graced music fans to the “Kill Bill” remix, which got a lot of love from fans. In fact, it was owed equally to the already excellent quality of the original track and Doja’s impressive verse that tied in thematically and narratively with ease. Of course, the TDE singer thanking fans for their support is practically a guaranteed post every week for someone of her success and humility. After the track made waves online over the past week, SZA took to Instagram to pen some words of gratitude. Not only did she address her die-hards and speak on industry pitfalls, but she shouted out the “You Right” artist for her passionate contributions.

“I jus wanted to say THANK YOU,” SZA captioned her post. “To every single person rooting for me. Thank you doja cat for your talent and time! This music s**t is weird and fickle, but y’all always come together for me at the end of the day. It’s why I always try my hardest to give you my best. That won’t ever stop. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!’ STREAM KILL BILL REMIX (feat doja cat) AND ORIGINAL.”

SZA Thanks Fans & Doja Cat For Success Of “Kill Bill” Remix

However, this excitement and gratitude is likely to continue from both artists in the future. On SZA’s end, she recently announced another leg of her highly successful SOS tour. For Doja Cat, this means continued teases and anticipation for her upcoming album, reportedly titled Hellmouth. Recently, she teased each track on the album in the most Doja way possible: playing about two seconds from each on Instagram Live before cutting it off. What’s more is that she kept up a nice mix of sincerity and playful misdirection through her social media messages.

“I also agree with everyone who said the majority of my rap verses are mid and corny,” the 27-year-old posted on social media. “I know they are, I wasn’t trying to prove anything I just enjoy making music but I’m getting tired of hearing y’all say that I can’t, so I will.” In another message, though, she wrote, “The whole album is no longer rap y’all. It’s rock/spoken work and the album title is not ‘Hellmouth’ anymore.” Doja instead teased Moist Holes, a “French conceptual experimental country/bohemian fusion with the essence of blue-grass.” No matter how Hellmouth lands, it’s expected to be every bit as fun, creative, and exciting as the artist herself. Regardless, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Doja Cat and SZA.

Hailey Bieber Thanks Selena Gomez For Defending Her, Says They’re Moving Past Narrative

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Selena Gomez recently cleared the air and directly addressed her speculated feud with Hailey Bieber, and the latter thanked the singer and actress for her defense. Moreover, this comes after weeks of speculation that they threw shade at each other on social media. In fact, things escalated online so much that Selena fans actually sent death threats to Hailey. As such, the “Only Murders In The Building” star took to Instagram to call out those people and urge everyone to think more considerately. With that, she basically dispelled (or at least reverted) any inkling of bad blood, and the model also took to Instagram to thank Gomez for her actions.

“I want to thank Selena for speaking out, as her and I have been discussing the last few weeks how to move past this ongoing narrative between her and I,” she wrote on her IG Story. “The last few weeks have been very hard for everyone involved and millions of people are seeing so much hate around this which is extremely harmful. While social media is an incredible way to connect and build community, moments like this only create extreme division instead of bringing people together.

Selena Gomez Defends Hailey Bieber, She Thanks Her

“Things can always be taken out of context or constructed differently than they were intended,” the 26-year-old continued. “We all need to be more thoughtful about what we post and what we say, including myself. In the end, I believe love will always be bigger than hate and negativity, and there is always an opportunity to meet each other with more empathy and compassion.”

Moreover, the “Lose You To Love Me” singer directly addressed the issue hours prior, after some indirect chastising of people attacking Bieber. “Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity,” her IG Story read. “This isn’t what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying. I’ve always advocated for kindness and really want this all to stop.” Come back to HNHH for more updates on this story and the latest from Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber.

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