Quavo has released a cookbook loaded with “family recipes” to help fans out ahead of Thanksgiving. He spoke about the decision with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution during a farmers market that his foundation held at Urban Recipe on Monday in honor of the holidays. The cookbook is available for free download online.
“It’s very important to give back,” Quavo told the outlet. “We came from nothing, so it’s only right that we give back to the people that have nothing or have less. We just try to help the best way we can. This is just a small portion to the big things that we’re doing.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 20: Shauna Nep, Quavo, Paula Park and Brittany Concannon attend Quavo Cares presents “Huncho Farms” Hosted By Quavo & Urban Recipe in Atlanta Community Ahead of Thanksgiving on November 20, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
On the front page of the cookbook, Quavo writes: “What I care most about is bringing the community together to provide joy and peace. There is no better way to do it than to connect with loved ones over a home-cooked meal. This season, as my gift to you, I am sharing my family recipes to inspire you to make nutritious meals together to enjoy with laughter and love. Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving.” Among the recipes are baked apple crisps, apple glazed sweet potato, baja beans dip, cinnamon rice pudding, and much more.
During the “Huncho Farms” event, the team treated hundreds of families to fresh produce, hygiene products, and a hard copy of the cookbook. They also had the opportunity to watch meals from the cookbook be prepared in person. As for music from the Migos rapper, he teased having a sequel to his collaborative project with Travis Scott in the works, earlier this year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Quavo and how other artists are spending Thanksgiving on HotNewHipHop.
The holiday season is in full swing with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Ahead of the celebration later this week, Yung Miami took to Instagram to show off her friendsgiving setup. She didn’t hold anything back for the made up holiday grabbing some impressive flower arrangements and a 5-star menu. She shared photos of the delectable looking menu as well, though that’s where fans in the comments ran into some issues.
Numerous fans took to the comments taking issue with Miami putting “Oxtails” instead of “oxtail” on the menu. “As a Jamaican I don’t understand why ya’ll put S on oxtail. It’s not oxtails it’s oxtail,” one of the top comments reads. “The whole Caribbean coming for the grammar in 5…. 4….” another agreed. Other comments shifted the focus a bit. One fan commented “This girl is rich having a nice friendsgiving wit her rich friends and y’all worried about the S in oxtails lmfao.” Check out the full post and various fan reactions to it below.
Over the weekend, Yung Miami dealt with the fallout from the Diddy and Cassie lawsuit. Despite not being directly involved, many fans took issue with her silence on the whole thing given her proximity to Diddy. Even after the lawsuit was settled it was still on many fans mind. Pictures of her enjoying a Miami Dolphins game with her kids made the rounds online over the weekend but all fans could talk about was Diddy.
Yung Miami has continued to revolve around other artists’ beefs even when she isn’t directly involved. She continues to be caught up in the back and forth between DJ Akademiks and Saucy Santana even though her role in the drama is now weeks old. Earlier this month fans misinterpreted a tweet that they thought implied there was beef between Miami and Stunna Girl. Both parties had to eventually come out and clarify that everything was fine. What do you think of Yung Miami’s elaborate friendgiving setup? Let us know in the comment section below.
Snoop Dogg is always up to something. After making the world think he was giving up weed, he unveiled a new brand partnership with Solo Stove. This follows last week, when he and E-40 teamed up to release Goon With The Spoon, a new cookbook. That arrived just in time for Thanksgiving prep, and if you’re looking for a way to jazz up your mashed potatoes this year, Snoop has a secret ingredient for you: Hennessy.
As People notes, Snoop says of his take on the classic side dish, “These ain’t your mama’s mashed potatoes, y’all! […] I know what you’re thinking: ‘Isn’t cognac more for a concert with the Dogg rather than Thanksgiving?’ My answer to that: ‘Why not both?’”
Aside from cognac/brandy, the recipe also calls for butter, heavy cream, and mayo, meaning there should be a ton of creaminess and flavor in this spud preparation.
Check out the full recipe (via People) below and pick up a copy of Goon With The Spoonhere.
“4 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
½ cup (4 oz.) cognac or other brandy
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2½ tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium high; add potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2. Return empty pot to stovetop over medium. Add cognac; cook until slightly reduced and alcohol is cooked off, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in butter until melted. Whisk in cream and mayonnaise; cook until slightly thickened and warm, about 5 minutes.
3. Return potatoes to the pot; add salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash until combined and smooth.
Serves: 10
Active time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes”
The Thanksgiving season ushers in a transformative period as the vivid hues of autumn paint the landscape. While nature undergoes its metamorphosis, families and communities prepare for the annual tradition of celebrating the cherished holiday. 2023 has been an overwhelming year for many, so Thanksgiving gives them the opportunity to unwind with friends and family. With gratitude in their hearts, communities will reunite to celebrate the holiday before Christmas.
Just like Thanksgiving movies, music makes the holiday even more warm and interesting. Emphatically, the right selection of songs can elevate the mood, and take the celebration up a notch. In summary, we would not recommend celebrating the 2023 Thanksgiving without musical accompaniment. For that reason, we have put together a concise list of songs to add to your playlist this Thanksgiving.
As the title implies, “I Want To Thank You” is a soulful expression of gratitude and appreciation. Accompanied by a groovy live instrumentation, Redding’s emotive and powerful vocals convey a deep sense of sincerity. Admittedly, this song is not as widely recognized as one of Redding’s more famous hits. However, it remains a soulful gem in his discography. Moreover, it is appreciated for the emotional depth conveyed through Redding’s performance. Undoubtedly, “I Want To Thank You” has all it takes to become a classic song for this holiday, and it should certainly be added to your 2023 Thanksgiving playlist.
“Let’s Turkey Trot” – Little Eva
If it isn’t already a Thanksgiving staple, Little Eva’s “Let’s Turkey Trot” should certainly be one. The fun, upbeat number was tailor-made to get the family on their feet. Unlike Otis Redding’s heartfelt offering, this is not a song of gratitude. Instead, it playfully invites listeners to join in the Turkey Trot, a dance popular in the 1900s. Although the song was released 60 years ago, it is most certainly still a party starter. Our advice? Give it a spin this Thanksgiving, and get your guests dancing.
“Family Reunion” – The O’Jays
“Family Reunion” was released as a part of The O’Jay’s 1975 album of the same name. More importantly, “Family Reunion” is an expressive track that suits the beloved holiday. While it’s uncertain if the song was written with Thanksgiving in mind, it certainly fits the narrative perfectly. The lyrics revolve around family and the joy of reuniting after a time apart. Furthermore, the production on the track is sleek and accentuates the passionate vocal performance. While “Family Reunion” is six minutes long, it is just groovy enough to keep listeners engaged until the end. In fact, it could be danced to, so don’t hesitate to grab a partner and sway along. Thanksgiving 2023 would be missing a little extra magic if this song isn’t played at least once.
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
This pulsating disco anthem is an enduring hit, and rightly so. Penned by the dynamic songwriting duo Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards, “We Are Family” is a celebration of unity. In addition, it honors the unbreakable ties that bind families. The song is characterized by its upbeat disco sound, featuring a danceable rhythm, catchy melodies, and harmonious vocals. Furthermore, its iconic refrain has become not just a catchy lyric, but a cultural mantra. The soulful and spirited vocals of the Sledge Sisters also contribute to the song’s lasting appeal. Finally, their familial connection adds an authentic layer to their performance, reinforcing the song’s central theme. In 2023, like every other year, this song will undoubtedly make it into many Thanksgiving playlists.
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
Standing as a vibrant testament to the timeless quality of love, this is one of Natalie Cole’s signature hits. At the heart of the song is an infectious blend of R&B, soul, and pop. It is characterized by a lively rhythm, bright horns, and an unforgettable vocal performance by Cole. Generally, she sings of a love that transcends the fleeting moments. While she may have originally been referring to romantic love, the song also perfectly fits familial love. Likewise, the love shared between friends and other cherished relationships. “This Will Be” is a joyful anthem that will effortlessly usher in the Thanksgiving spirit this holiday season.
Despite featuring a minimalist beat, “Family Affair” was one of the biggest songs of 2001. The Hot 100 chart topper stands as a seminal work that left an indelible imprint on the landscape of R&B and Hip Hop. Additionally, its catchy hook and innovative production continue to resonate with audiences to this day. All things considered, it is an irresistible track and is sure to get people dancing. If you haven’t played this timeless song in 2023, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to kick back to some classic Mary J. Blige.
“Celebration” – Kool & The Gang
Suffice it to say that this list would be incomplete without “Celebration.” Kool & The Gang’s classic song has become an anthem for joyous occasions worldwide. Evidently, the jubilant anthem transcends its 1980s origin and now stands as an enduring symbol of positive moments. Its lyrics radiate optimism and emphasize the beauty of coming together to rejoice in shared happiness. Furthermore, its recurring refrain has become a universal call to revelry. As a result, the song has become a go-to choice for several kinds of celebrations. You can’t go wrong with “Celebration,” for the 2023 Thanksgiving festivities.
YG was seen helping prepare Thanksgiving packages at a food drive in Compton’s Campanella Park yesterday. However, also present were several armed guards carrying assault rifles. According to the event’s organizers, YG also helped provide power for things such as refrigeration units. His primary role appeared to be sorting through packaged hams and placing them in brown paper bags. However, his security team remained close by at all times. Despite the slightly tense situation, no untoward altercations have been reported.
YG has been serious about his safety since he was shot three times in 2015. He had been recording in Studio City when masked assailants broke into the studio and shot the rapper three times in the hip. Due to the rapper’s reluctance to cooperate with the police, his case remains solved. However, he would address the shooting a year later on his album Still Brazy. The track “Who Shot Me?” sees YG going over possible theories as to who his assailants were.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 18: Rapper YG attends Future Birthday celebration at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Elsewhere, he has been involved in something of an online feud. Last week, YG posted a random woman to his Instagram. That woman turned out to be the baby mama of Andre Lowe Jr, who promptly asked him to take down the picture. “THATS MY BABY MAMA TOO Take this down NOW!!!” Lowe Jr demanded of YG. However, Lowe Jr, who appears to be an online comedian, took things a step further. He posted a comedic video doubling down on his demand for YG to remove the photo.
The rapper kind of responded to Lowe Jr. The rapper posted his car collection with the caption “”. Of course, Lowe Jr was quick to further the beef by returning to the comments. Claiming he was “getting really angry”, he sounded off at the rapper. “BRUH! So you really not about to take it down????????? I’m Fina get mad,” Lowe Jr raged. Furthermore, Joey Bada$$ got in on the drama, primarily to clown on Lowe Jr. “He should’ve kept that sh-t to himself ! ain’t nobody know that was ya baby mama till you spilled the beans .”
As we count down the days in the final quarter of 2023, there’s always a renewed sense of joy during the holiday season. So much has happened throughout the year, so it’s no surprise that individuals and families look forward to experiencing the holiday cheer. Over the years, streaming services have increasingly made movies more accessible for some at-home viewing pleasure.
In a period when movies significantly contribute to the holiday magic, viewers are immensely grateful for streaming services like Apple TV Plus. With an ever-growing catalog, Apple TV Plus has an impressive selection of holiday movies available to stream. While their holiday catalog may not yet be as extensive as the likes of Netflix, they certainly have more than enough to get you through 2023. Here’s a list of seven of the best holiday movies available on Apple TV Plus right now.
7. Son In Law (1993)
Directed by Steve Rash, Son in Law revolves around Crawl (played by Pauly Shore), a free-spirited and unconventional college student. After befriending small-town girl Rebecca Warner during her first year of college, she invites him to her family’s farm for the Thanksgiving break. While there, Crawl, with his unique and eccentric personality, introduces the Warners to his laidback California style. Crawl’s unconventional behavior initially takes aback the conservative Warner family. However, as he spends more time with them, he gradually wins them over with his charm and humor. Son in Law is a lighthearted comedy that can certainly be enjoyed over Thanksgiving dinner.
6. A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
Daphne Zuniga and Faye Dunaway star in lead roles in this Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Claudia (Zuniga), a successful attorney, thinks she has the perfect life despite being a workaholic. So much so that when Thanksgiving comes, she plans to work through the holiday, making her subordinates work through it as well. With a critical work task, Claudia is feeling anything but the holiday spirit. As the story progresses, she meets a strange older woman (Dunaway) who mysteriously upends her entire life. Forced to live in a world she’d rather not be in, Claudia is initially frustrated. However, further down the story, she realizes that there are other things in life that she may appreciate more than her work. A Family Thanksgiving is one of the best holiday movies to see this November on Apple TV Plus.
5. Home For The Holidays (1995)
Jodie Foster’s Home for the Holidays follows Claudia Larson (played by Holly Hunter), a single mother who lives in Chicago. As Thanksgiving approaches, she faces a series of challenges, most notable among them being the loss of her job. After learning that her teenage daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia joins her family in Baltimore for the holiday. As the dysfunctional family reunites, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the holiday celebration takes unexpected turns. Filled with endearing, funny, and memorable moments, Home for the Holidays is another perfect film to watch this Thanksgiving.
4. The Ice Storm (1997)
Based on the 1994 novel of the same name, The Ice Storm is a drama film directed by veteran filmmaker Ang Lee. The film is set in 1973 and explores the lives of two dysfunctional suburban Connecticut families. Additionally, the story takes place during a Thanksgiving weekend marked by a severe ice storm. The star-studded ensemble cast features prominent names, including Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Christina Ricci, and Elijah Wood. The Ice Storm received positive reviews, and rightly so. While it’s not as lighthearted as some other holiday movies, it is certainly one of the most brilliant ones available on Apple TV Plus.
3. Spirited (2022)
This Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell-led musical comedy is a modern retelling of a classic done right. Taking on Charles Dickens’ iconic holiday story, A Christmas Carol, is no small feat, especially when there have been so many remakes over the years. Making the story feel exciting again seems like a herculean task, considering we’ve seen it so many times. However, Spirited is a successful attempt at a retelling and brings new life to the classic story. Featuring stellar comedic performances from its two leading men, this is definitely a movie you want to watch this holiday season.
2. Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967)
Considered a groundbreaking film for its time, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is more than just a holiday classic. Addressing the topic of interracial marriage openly and with sensitivity, it played a significant role in shaping conversations about race and relationships in the ‘60s. The story revolves around Joanna Dreyton (Katharine Houghton) and John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), an interracial couple who fall in love. Family dinners must be tough when one’s parents disapprove of their intended partner. Throughout the movie, the two have to fight for their love to triumph. The all-time holiday classic was praised and was a massive box office success.
1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
This movie follows the misadventures of Neal Page, a character hilariously portrayed by Steve Martin. Page is an uptight and stressed marketing executive trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, he unfortunately meets challenging circumstances at every turn. Neal’s journey becomes increasingly chaotic when he encounters Del Griffith (played by John Candy). Griffith is a well-meaning but overly talkative and clumsy shower curtain ring salesman. Despite their conflicting personalities, the pair reluctantly teams up to overcome the challenges and reach their destination. Loved by critics and audiences alike, this certainly ranks among the best holiday movies on Apple TV Plus.
Holiday movies have always been a beloved genre, and Prime Video has them in abundance. These films often revolve around themes of love, family, friendship, and the spirit of giving. They also come in various forms, including romantic comedies, animated adventures, and heartwarming dramas. Admittedly, for some, these films are a guilty pleasure because they can be quite cliché. However, they are enjoyable regardless, and they have never lost their charm.
With Halloween a not-so-distant memory, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Indeed, the most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us. It’s also quite unbelievable that 2023 is almost at its end. Luckily, Prime Video subscribers have great films at their disposal. However, to get into the spirit of the season, here are some holiday movies on Prime Video to enjoy during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What’s Cooking? (2000)
What’s Cooking? is a comedy-drama film that offers a unique perspective on the Thanksgiving holiday. It depicts four diverse families from different ethnic backgrounds and explores how each family prepares for and celebrates Thanksgiving. Against the backdrop of the holiday, the movie delves into various themes, including cultural identity, family traditions, and the challenges of assimilation. Despite their unique set of struggles and challenges, each family comes together to prepare their Thanksgiving meals. Overall, What’s Cooking? offers a heartfelt and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of family life and cultural diversity. It should certainly make your watchlist for Thanksgiving this year.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
The story behind the creation of Charles Dickens’s famous book A Christmas Carol is the basis for this biographical comedy-drama. Set in 1843, the movie follows the life of Dickens, played by Dan Stevens. He faces financial difficulties and struggles to develop a new literary success after a series of flops. Under pressure to deliver a hit, Dickens finds inspiration from people and events around him, eventually conceiving the idea for the book. As far as holiday movies go, this is arguably one of the best ones on Prime Video. The film is a heartwarming and whimsical piece that offers a delightful glimpse into the wonderfully creative mind of Charles Dickens.
Lez Bomb (2018)
Lez Bomb is a sapphic comedy-drama that tells the tale of a young woman named Lauren. She returns home for Thanksgiving with the intention of coming out to her family, but things don’t quite go as planned. Lez Bomb was written and directed by Jenna Laurenzo, who also stars in the leading role of Lauren. The film balances its comedy with heartfelt moments and will make for a fun and relatable watch this Thanksgiving. In addition, it offers an interesting and comedic take on the coming-out experience. It also provides both entertaining and meaningful insight into the challenges faced by individuals trying to be open with their loved ones.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
The Best Man Holiday is the highly anticipated sequel to the 1999 film The Best Man. The movie reunites the ensemble cast, including Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Latham, and more. As old friendships are rekindled and new tensions arise, the group navigates through various challenges while on Christmas holiday. The Best Man Holiday is celebrated for its relatable characters and engaging storyline. Evidently, the cast was sorely missed together, as the film became a box office success! Furthermore, it excellently conveys the holiday atmosphere and will surely put you in the mood for Christmas. Presently, The Best Man Holiday is one of the must-see holiday movies on Prime Video.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This stop-motion animated musical film created by Tim Burton is widely regarded as a holiday classic. It is one of a handful of films that pass the vibe check for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes bored with his annual routine. Subsequently, he stumbles upon Christmas Town and is captivated by the joy and cheerfulness of the holiday season. The Nightmare Before Christmas has gained a cult following over the years, deservedly so. Without a doubt, it is one of the best animated holiday movies on Prime Video.
Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah is a rap icon but has also dominated the acting space excellently. Her performance in this movie is arguably one of her best ever. She portrays Georgia Byrd, a shy and introverted woman, and she nails the character perfectly. When she learns that she has a terminal illness and only a few weeks to live, Georgia’s life takes a dramatic, ironically positive turn. With her remaining time on earth, she decides to live life to the fullest without inhibitions. LL Cool J also stars in this heartwarming and inspirational film that encourages viewers to seize the moment and appreciate the beauty of life.
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra’s holiday masterpiece is evergreen in every sense of the word. The movie stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a compassionate but frustrated businessman living in the small town of Bedford Falls. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve when George, feeling overwhelmed by financial difficulties and personal challenges, contemplates suicide. However, his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (played by Henry Travers), intervenes. He goes on to show George what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never been born.
The powerful message of the movie has rung true in the hearts of individuals and households every year since its initial release. It’s A Wonderful Life is a timeless classic and will continue to be cherished for a very long time. If there’s one movie on this list that you should make sure you watch, it’s this one. It sits atop the list of holiday movies available on Prime Video and even beyond.
The end of the year means the arrival of some of our favorite holidays. It’s all the perfect time to snuggle up with loved ones and catch some great television. Moreover, with several streaming platforms now available, viewers are often spoiled for choice. The holiday movies on Netflix, in particular, range from bitter-sweet Thanksgiving narratives to the various Christmas stories around. To help you enjoy the festivities better this month, we have curated a list of some Netflix movies that will have you glued to your screen as the holidays continue.
A Madea Homecoming (2022)
A Madea Homecoming is the latest film in Tyler Perry’s Madea series. Its plot centers around Madea’s family coming together to celebrate Madea’s great-grandson’s graduation. However, the family festivities tend to be slowed down by things from the past that the characters have to deal with. A Madea Homecoming is a great comfort film to watch with the family, especially after the long Thanksgiving cooking and dinner. In usual Madea fashion, Tyler Perry embodies an aged matriarch with strong family values and a no-nonsense, but kind approach to things.
Holiday in the Wild (2019)
Holiday in the Wild sees a woman whose husband has just called off her marriage go to Zambia on a solo honeymoon. Instead of going on her safari as planned, she meets a pilot who introduces her to elephant conservation. And just like that, a solo Christmas holiday turns into an adventure filled with elephants and a potential new partner.
The Holiday Calendar (2018)
The Holiday Calendar is not just a suitable choice for Netflix holiday movies, but it’s also a wholesome love story. The movie follows the Christmas holiday of a struggling photographer named Abby Sutton, played by Kat Graham. Abby’s life becomes a little more exciting when her grandfather hands her an antique holiday advent calendar that can supposedly predict Abby’s love life. She eventually breezes through the holiday, based on the calendar’s predictions. Also, as a result of the different men she encounters, Abby experiences the ups and downs of finding love. In the process, she also becomes more in tune with herself and falls in love with her photography again.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
In Falling for Christmas, a rich heiress, Sierra Belmont (Lindsay Lohan), gets into an accident and gets lost. She’s found by Jake Russell (Chord Overstreet), a widower who houses and takes care of her. Like in many holiday movies, the two main characters develop feelings for each other and must navigate their feelings through the holidays. Because of the accident, Sierra also can’t remember who she is. She subsequently experiences life as a normal person for the first time, and this changes her perception of everything. Falling for Christmas is not just a movie about the holidays and love but also about self-discovery.
Holiday Rush (2019)
Holiday Rush sees a widowed father lose his job just before Christmas. Rashon “Rush” Williams has had a good job for a while and has created a comfortable life for his four children. However, he now has to reconsider his choices. As the family goes through a phase of discomfort because of the limited means, they have to stay together, now more than ever. Holiday Rush is a story of tenacity and a man’s determination to give his family the best during the holidays. Moreover, the underlying story of sticking with family through thick and thin is quite marvelous. Overall, it is definitely one of the best movies to catch on Netflix, especially during the holidays.
Holidate (2020)
Holidate centers around the life of a single young woman, Sloane Benson (Emma Roberts). The holidays are approaching, and she’s under pressure from her family to find a long-term partner. That’s when she meets Jackson, a young man who is in the same boat. They agree to date for a year, but just to avoid pressure from their families. Sloane and Jackson’s relationship is non-sexual and non-committal, but feelings seem to creep, and they must now rethink their “holidate.”
Let it Snow (2019)
Let it Snow documents a snowstorm and how it changes the lives of the people in a small town forever. These changes happen around a small eatery central to the town, where characters find themselves during the storm. Let it Snow is a representation of how redefining holidays can be, as they offer the chance to rediscover one’s self and gain new experiences. Also about high school seniors, Let it Snow explores young love and its effect on people whose personalities are still forming. With an ensemble cast of young talents, it is one of the more interesting Netflix holiday movies tailored to teens and young adults.
Now that Halloween has come and gone, the holidays are quickly approaching. With the end of the year approaching, list season is also almost upon us. End-of-year lists are a fourth-quarter affair that celebrates and concludes the year in music. This year has seen a wide range of hip hop releases from legends and rising stars alike.
To kick off November and this year’s Thanksgiving season, we highlight some standout hip hop albums from 2023 that we’re grateful for. These selections have been in rotation all year long, holding significant replay value and leaving lasting impressions on hip hop as a whole. Here are 7 of the best rap albums of 2023, listed in no particular order. Take a look at the albums below.
This year, Travis Scott made his grand return to music following the tragic events at the 2021 Astroworld Festival. It had also been five years since his last album of the same name, his most significant release to date. A highly anticipated release, Utopia exceeded expectations, resulting in arguably Travis Scott’s best work since Rodeo. With cinematic production and an all-star guestlist, the album plays like a blockbuster film. While Utopia’s numerous high-profile features help create an unforgettable listening experience, Travis Scott shines bright. He raps some of his best verses in recent memory. Utopia’s tracklist is unpredictable and adventurous as Travis explores the future of his sound.
Nas – Magic 2
Last year, Nas concluded his Hit-Boy-produced King’s Disease trilogy with a bang. This year, the dynamic duo did the same with their Magic album series. They started with Magic 2, a concise listen that saw Hit-Boy push Nas out of his comfort zone. The production was significantly more modern than the first Magic, but its sequel was still built around the sound they had built together. While Magic 2 might not be Nas and Hit-Boy’s greatest work, they raised the bar incredibly high for themselves and made one of 2023’s best rap albums. Even more impressive is that Magic 2 is a great album on its own merit but is not even the best Nas and Hit-Boy release of the year.
Nas – Magic3
Just a few months later, Nas and Hit-Boy returned with Magic 3. It celebrated their historic six-album run and was the perfect end to the Magic trilogy. Compared to Magic 2, Nas and Hit-Boy’s 6th collaborative album restored the feeling of the first Magic. It is rooted in classic boom-bap production and chopped loops. In addition to continuing their reign, Nas also maintained his skills as a storyteller with the two-part “Based on True Events.” With Magic 3, Nas and Hit-Boy ended their unprecedented series of full-length releases on the ultimate high note.
J Hus – Beautiful And Brutal Yard
This year saw the release of J Hus’s highly-anticipated third studio album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard. While the afroswing pioneer’s latest album did not include any production from frequent collaborator Jae5, it did not disappoint in the slightest. Hus provides the infectious melodies he is known for, but Beautiful and Brutal Yard is significantly more rap-driven than his previous albums.
Light-hearted party starters like “Who Told You” with Drake and “Palm Tree” see J Hus at his most playful with his distinctive lexicon of slang terms. Bangers like “Cream” and “Bim Bim” show him at his most menacing. With his latest album, J Hus builds on the genre he helped pioneer while exploring the vast sounds of the UK scene. After a long wait, we are certainly grateful for some new J Hus.
One rapper whose artistry shined bright throughout 2023 was none other than Killer Mike. This year, he released his first solo album in 11 years, following 2012’s R.A.P. Music and his work with El-P as Run The Jewels. The aptly titled MICHAEL is Killer Mike’s most personal work to date as he unveils the deeper layers of his mind and upbringing. Deviating from the abrasive Run The Jewels sound, the Atlanta native’s latest solo record is uniquely southern with its blend of hip hop, soul, and gospel.
While Killer Mike is more candid than ever on the album’s most touching moments, MICHAEL still contains the hard-hitting bangers he is known for. For the past ten years, Killer Mike has been making an impact as a member of Run The Jewels, but his latest solo effort marks a new phase in his career. MICHAEL is his most transparent work yet and one of the best rap albums of 2023.
Avelino – God Save The Streets
Avelino has been making waves in the UK hip hop scene for a long time without releasing a proper studio album. Despite that, he is widely respected by British greats like Stormzy, Dave, and his mentor, Wretch 32. After almost a decade of mixtapes and earth-shattering freestyles, the Tottenham, London wordsmith’s long-awaited debut arrived this year. God Save The Streets is the album we had been waiting for as Avelino reaches his full potential. He finally captures his endlessly creative wordplay, translating into a concise body of work executive produced by Wretch 32 and overseen by Fraser T. Smith.
With a Sex Pistols-inspired album title and cover, God Save The Streets sees Avelino both proud and concerned for his home city as he declares, “Rap is the new punk.” The album is filled with cautionary tales of the “Vicious Cycle” of violence and poverty, as well as deep moments of reflection and gratitude like “Acceptance.” A UK rap masterpiece that has seemingly gone under the radar for American listeners, Avelino’s career-defining debut is undoubtedly one of 2023’s best hip hop releases.
A full-length collaboration between Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist is an underground hip hop fan’s dream. After years of speculation and a supposed YouTube-only release under unknown aliases, Voir Dire has come to fruition. The two have been more consistent than ever, especially The Alchemist, as he has produced eight collaborative projects with just as many rappers. Voir Dire is some of the best work that both Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist have dropped yet, which speaks volumes considering the quality of their previous works.
Earl spits some of his sharpest lyrics, while Alchemist provides some of his most enchanting loops. Between the original Gala Music release and the revised tracklist on streaming platforms, Earl and Al did not disappoint. A dream combination, Voir Dire is everything that fans could have wanted from the long-fantasized album. For that reason, we could not be more grateful to the two for delivering one of the best rap albums of 2023.
Tisha Campbell is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s. She is known for her roles in popular television shows such as “Martin” and “My Wife and Kids.” However, Tisha is also known for her friendliness and kind heart. This is backed up by her story about her cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac in the 1990s. In an interview with The Breakfast Club morning show, Tisha looks back on her dinner with fondness.
Additionally, Tisha Campbell admits to having had issues with not being present in the moment. It’s easy to lose track of how quickly time moves, and to get stuck in one period of time. Tisha states that as she gets older, she is able to appreciate being in the moment. But back when she was younger, she was not able to fully comprehend how much she was living in the past. She credits her friend Berkley for being able to put things into perspective for her.
Tisha Campbell Realizes Dinner With Tupac Is Not Normal
“I would say random stuff like ‘oh yeah when I made Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac’ and he was like ‘you can’t just say you made Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac’. And I was like, oh that’s not normal?” Tisha Campbell talks about how casual having Thanksgiving dinner with Tupac was to her in the 90s. She realizes now how extraordinary her connection to the famous late rapper truly was. Back then, Tupac had joined Tisha Campbell and her husband at the time, Duane Martin, for a holiday dinner.
During the 1990s, Tisha Campbell and Tupac Shakur were both rising stars in the entertainment industry. As a result, Tupac, Tisha, and Duane Martin would periodically hang out and get together. It was not uncommon for famous celebrities living in LA to be close, or even casual friends. Tisha states that she used to host large parties where she was cooking for large quantities of people at once. “Now my parties are like, two, three people. But I used to cook a lot.” Now Tisha realizes how special her connection to Tupac was, and focuses more on being present so she can develop new special connections.
Take this down NOW!!!” Lowe Jr demanded of YG. However, Lowe Jr, who appears to be an online comedian, took things a step further. He posted a comedic video doubling down on his demand for YG to remove the photo.
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