throwback album Archives - New Hip Hop News

“Illmatic” By Nas Turns 30: Revisiting One Of The Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Ever, “N.Y. State Of Mind”

April 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Nas is one of the names that pops into people’s heads when they are conjuring up their top five rappers of all time. Without a doubt, his sharp pen, incredible storytelling, and ear for production all help make him of one of the treasures of the genre. Today marks the start of his legendary 30-year career, when he dropped almost undoubtedly the greatest debut hip-hop LP, Illmatic. We wanted to go back in time and revisit “N.Y. State of Mind,” which is widely viewed at Nas at his peak.

Famously produced by another fellow icon, DJ Premier, it is viewed as one of the most recognizable beats in rap. The incredible East Coast, boom bap production synchronizes perfectly with the keys used. Nas spoke on the creation of “N.Y. State of Mind” about eight years ago and what it meant to him. “The music just spoke to the people that needed to know what was in my head and what it was like in the minds of everybody in New York at that time—that’s what I thought.”

Relisten To “N.Y. State Of Mind” By Nas

Besides the song being a face of the over 50-year old genre, it was just an incredible feat period. He was just 20 years old and the first verse was something that just came naturally to him. In an interview with XXL, according to Genius, DJ Premier recalled one of the craziest moments he ever experienced in a recording booth. According to him, when Nas says, “I don’t know how to start this s***,” that was actually true. But Preem just told him to go in after his count. “He did the whole first verse in one take, and I remember when he finished the first verse, he stopped and said, ‘Does that sound cool?’ And we were all like, ‘Oh my God!’ It was like, I don’t even care what else you write,” Premier said.

What are your thoughts on “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas? Is the greatest rap song in the history of the genre? Or is it the best New York rap track ever? Do you view Illmatic as the cream of the crop when it comes to debut albums? Where does it rank all time in hip-hop? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Nas. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Time to start the revolution, catch a body, head for Houston
Once they caught us off-guard, the MAC-10 was in the grass, and
I ran like a cheetah, with thoughts of an assassin
Picked the MAC up, told brothers “Back up!” — the MAC spit
Lead was hittin’ n****s, one ran, I made him back-flip
Heard a few chicks scream, my arm shook, couldn’t look

[Via]

The post “Illmatic” By Nas Turns 30: Revisiting One Of The Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Ever, “N.Y. State Of Mind” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Check” By Young Thug Turns 9: It’s Still An Essential Trap Cut

April 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

If there is a big three in terms of trap music and/or Southern hip-hop, Young Thug is more than worthy to enter those discussions. The Atlanta, Georgia native is a living legend now, but early on his career, his style was seen as avant-garde. His unconventional cadence and experimental approach to the subgenre turned a lot of people off, especially hip-hop purists. It took some time, but fans started to come around to his artistry and he grown to be one of most influential names we have going today. Part of the reason for that is because of songs from Young Thug like “Check.”

Barter 6, Thug’s debut solo mixtape under 300 Entertainment, officially turns nine years old today and we thought it would be fun to take a journey to the past. However, this song certainly does not sound like it belongs there. Due to the simplicity of the beat from London On Da Track, “Check” still feels as if the record dropped this year. Everything just clicks, especially Thugger, who has one of his more iconic intros to any song in his career.

Relisten To “Check” By Young Thug

On top of that, he flows like a hot knife through butter over the woozy, slow-mo bass and 808s, as well the chunky kick drums. This also set up a great working relationship between Thug and London. They would go on to make “Lifestyle,” “With That” (on the same project), “Digits,” “Memo,” and so many countless classics. Be sure to relisten to “Check” by Thug and its iconic music video above.

What are your thoughts on “Check” by Young Thug? Is this the best track on Barter 6, why or why not? Where do you rank this song amongst his entire discography? Do you view this is an essential trap song? Do you still bump this song? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Young Thug. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

I can see that bulls*** from a mile away (See it)
You can stack my money ’bout a mile away (Stack it)
I got three white b****es like it’s powder day (White)
Mink coat with the rolls like a Shar Pei
And all of my b****es sexy, call them Barbies (Sexy)
She lookin’ back like I’m flexin’, baby, no way (Uh-uh)

The post “Check” By Young Thug Turns 9: It’s Still An Essential Trap Cut appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Weeknd’s “After Hours” LP Turns Four: Looking Back At The Self-titled, Multi-faceted Masterpiece Of A Song

March 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Weeknd has so many classic tracks in his discography, that almost goes without saying. Whether its radio hits, bangers, or just well-crafted records, he really does have something for everyone. On top of having incredible tracks, he also has unforgettable albums. One of those is his 2020 contemporary R&B/80s pop offering After Hours. This was the LP that began his second trilogy in his discography and was continued in 2022 with Dawn FM. Today, on After Hours fourth anniversary, we wanted to reminisce about the captivating self-titled track to see how well it has held up.

“After Hours” was produced by The Weeknd as well as R&B legend Mario Winans, and frequent collaborators Illangelo and DaHeala. The Canadian R&B megastar made the song about a familiar topic in his canon. He is on his knees, apologizing to someone he used to be with as he looks to repair the relationship and himself. However, his old, promiscuous tendencies have come back up after being separated from her, making his vows to change less believable. It is a beautifully dark and sad tale that is executed perhaps the best on this song.

Relisten To “After Hours” By The Weeknd

The third promotional single for “After Hours” did not see the same mainstream success as a “Blinding Lights,” for example. However, it still had a respectable number 77 placement in its first week on the Hot 100 chart. It went on to eventually peak at number 20, but this record is more than the numbers. The Weeknd really went all into creating a progressive experience with incredible beat switches, especially when the second verse comes in. We see this as an essential Weeknd track and it may be his greatest performance ever.

What were your thoughts on “After Hours” by The Weeknd when it dropped? Do you consider this his strongest track in his discography, why or why not? Or, is it just the best song on After Hours? Is this The Weeknd’s best album, why or why not? Is he the Michael Jackson of this era? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding The Weeknd. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

My darkest hours
Girl, I felt so alone inside of this crowded room
Different girls on the floor, distractin’ my thoughts of you
I turned into the man I used to be, to be
Put myself to sleep
Just so I can get closer to you inside my dreams

The post The Weeknd’s “After Hours” LP Turns Four: Looking Back At The Self-titled, Multi-faceted Masterpiece Of A Song appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Drake’s “More Life” Turns 7: “Passionfruit” May Be Drizzy’s Strongest R&B/Dancehall Crossover

March 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

What makes Drake one of the most influential artists in hip-hop but also in general, is his willingness to try out different genres. While some have groaned and moaned over some of his attempts in the past, it has made him the superstar we know him to be. He was especially trying out different accents and soundscapes on his 2017 record More Life. It was cleverly labeled as a playlist, and it makes sense because of the various artistic directions across it. One song that is still thriving to this day is Drake’s dancehall and R&B fusion “Passionfruit.”

This low-key and vibey record was arguably the biggest song from More Life because of its widespread appeal. Its tropical and groovy melody are a perfect match for Drake as he sings about a long-distance relationship that is looking to be coming to an end. “Tension / Between us just like picket fences / You got issues that I won’t mention for now / ’Cause we’re fallin’ apart.” The lyrics, while simple, effectively communicate the heartbreak that Drizzy is going through on this cut.

Relisten To “Passionfruit” By Drake

Like we said, this song was massive and the stats back it up. It did not score Drake another number one hit, but it did have a more than respectable peak at number eight. Additionally, this track has helped keep the now seven-year-old album on the Billboard Hot 200 for 347 consecutive weeks. The playlist of course hit number one too. From what we can find, the song is three times platinum and has been streamed over 1.58 billion times on Spotify. That is good enough for his seventh most popular track on the platform. With all of this in consideration, we feel that this could be Drake’s strongest R&B/dancehall song in his catalog.

What were your thoughts on “Passionfruit” by Drake when it originally came out? Is this the strongest track from More Life, why or why not? Do you agree with our take that this is his greatest R&B/dancehall song ever? Is this song still in your rotation? Should he go back to this genre anymore, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

Passionate from miles away
Passive with the things you say
Passin’ up on my old ways
I can’t blame you, no, no
Passionate from miles away
Passive with the things you say

The post Drake’s “More Life” Turns 7: “Passionfruit” May Be Drizzy’s Strongest R&B/Dancehall Crossover appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Uzi Vert’s “Silly Watch” Embodies Everything About The Philly Rapper

March 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Uzi Vert had fans begging and pleading for a new album after his hit-filled record Luv Is Rage 2 dropped in late 2017. The Philly affiliate is one of the hardest rappers to trust when it comes to his promises of new music. But the wait was well worth it for fans as well as his bank account. When Eternal Atake finally hit streaming in March of 2020, it cleaned house with sales. Fans scooped up 288,000 copies, easily enough for a number one spot on the Billboard Hot 200 chart. One of the reasons why it was so successful was because of Lil Uzi Vert’s cut “Silly Watch.”

The banger about his obsession with watches also catapulted Eternal Atake to having the fourth largest streaming week ever. “Silly Watch” is quintessential Uzi as he lives up to his stage name rapping at the fire rate of the SMG. The Supah Mario beat is also very addicting with its piano-led melody. Hardcore fans of his will know that this track had a different name.

Listen To “Silly Watch” By Lil Uzi Vert

According to Genius, the record was going to be referred to as “40 Glock.” However, Supah Mario cleared things up on Twitter saying that it does not exist. When the tracklist was revealed that is when fans figured out that “Silly Watch” would be the new moniker. It has since become one of the most popular tracks on the sophomore LP and for good reason. Of course, it would go on to receive its deluxe, LUV vs. The World 2, a week later with more features.

What are were your thoughts on “” by Lil Uzi Vert? Is this one of his strongest tracks of from Eternal Atake, why or why not? What is your favorite element of the song and why? Is this project still in your rotation? Do you prefer this version, or its deluxe, LUV vs. The World 2? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Lil Uzi Vert. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

Got a Richard Mille, this not a silly watch
All this money make me wan’ hit my Diddy Bop
Tell the teller at the bank, um, just give me lots
At the dealer, I can’t pull this s*** off the lot
Me and my boys, you know that we sharin’ thots
I got n****s that be movin’ the tan rock

The post Lil Uzi Vert’s “Silly Watch” Embodies Everything About The Philly Rapper appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Drake “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” 9th Anniversary: Revisit The Classic “Know Yourself”

February 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake really put his haters and doubters on notice with his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. The Canadian was known for his softer R&B side after dropping projects like Take Care and So Far Gone. So, when If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late came out, we got to see the darker, leaner, and meaner side. It was a great change of pace to bring more minimal beats to allow for the lyrics to be the focal point. One of the prime examples of this working to perfection for Drake is on “Know Yourself.”

Everyone knows the iconic beat switch halfway through after the extremely quotable line, “I was runnin’ through the 6 with my woes.” That line itself was debated online at the time because fans thought Drake meant he was battling issues while making a name for himself living in Canada. Noah “40” Shebib, one of Drake’s closest collaborators cleared that up. “It’s a South slang word woadie meaning my friend or my n****.”

Relisten To “Know Yourself” By Drake

While some people still view Take Care or Nothing Was The Same as his best albums, there is a conversation to be had for IYRTITL. “Know Yourself” is a major reason reason why. It is so well-produced and structured while giving you confidence when it comes on. The conviction in which Drake raps is bone-chilling and it helps carry the momentum through the rest of the tracklist.

What were your thoughts on “Know Yourself” by Drake from If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late? Is this the best track from the album, why or why not? Where does this song rank in his discography? What is your overall opinion on the album right now and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to tell us in the comments below. Additionally, keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

This is that nasty flow
Top boy in this s***, I’m so international
Reps up is in here
Got P Reign and Chubby and TJ and Winnie and woah
Yeah, and you know how that shit go
I might declare it a holiday as soon as Baka get back on the road

The post Drake “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” 9th Anniversary: Revisit The Classic “Know Yourself” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Travis Scott And Young Thug’s “OUT WEST” Shows Why They Are The Best Psychedelic Trap Duo

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

When you think of the top-flight trap artists, what are some names that come to mind? For us, Travis Scott and Young Thug are near the top of that list. These two have a slightly different approach when it comes to their methodology of trap. Each takes a more wavy, woozy, and psychedelic direction compared to most. Since 2014, La Flame and Thug have been working closely together.

It all started on the Houston artist’s second project, Days Before Rodeo. “Skyfall” and “Mamacita” got things started. Since then, Scott and Thugger have nailed the perfect formula that transports you to their drug-filled world. One of the prime examples of this was 2019’s “OUT WEST.” Four years ago today, Travis’ label Cactus Jack Records released their debut collaborative album, JACKBOYS.

Relisten To “OUT WEST” By Travis Scott And Young Thug

The tight seven-song tape saw him and Thug bring a laid-back but turnt party anthem. Buddah Bless provided a floaty beat with a killer flute sample. Travis and Thug matched each other perfectly once again. The Georgia artist brought a killer chorus, while Scott, delivered his signature low-key and effortless flow on the second verse. With so many great songs together, it is nearly impossible to find the perfect spot to rank this offering.

What were your initial thoughts on “OUT WEST” by Travis Scott and Young Thug? Is this still the best song from Scott’s JACKBOYS tape? Where do you rank this track amongst the rest of his and Thug’s collaborations? Do you think that these two are the best duo when it comes to making psychedelic trap songs? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Travis Scott, Young Thug, and JACKBOYS. Finally, stay with us for the best song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

These days, I balance all the hate out with the love
These days, I pour all of my pain out in a cup (Drank)
Dreamy, that’s just a side effect when you with us (Game)
Easy, the dawgs is right behind me, they on edge
Believe me, we pop out in the city to collect (Ooh)
Vibes in this b****, they surprised that I lived (It’s lit)

The post Travis Scott And Young Thug’s “OUT WEST” Shows Why They Are The Best Psychedelic Trap Duo appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Xzibit Brought Some Funk And Great Rhyme Schemes To “Alkaholik” Featuring Erick Sermon, J-Ro, & Tash

December 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Xzibit has noticeably slowed down since 2020. That was the last year that the iconic West Coast rapper put out a full-length album. It was a collaborative record with B-Real and Demrick, called Serial Killers Presents: Summer of Sam. But, we all need to remember that the Dr. Dre collaborator possessed some incredible talent. That is why we want to go back in the time machine and look at his most successful record.

23 years ago today, Restless dropped. It was a 16-song, 59-minute-long album that featured the likes of Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and many others. One of the tracks that so many remember from this tape is “Alkaholik.” That had placements from J-Ro, Erick Sermon, and Tash.

Relisten To “Alkaholik” By Xzibit, Erick Sermon, J-Ro, And Tash

The song effortlessly mixed funkiness with tremendous rhyming from Xzibit and the gang. “Alkaholik” interpolates the production from Kelis’ “Caught Out There.” What makes the sample so great is that on this track it takes on a vintage video game-like feeling. Everyone brought the right energy for this party-ready classic.

What were your initial thoughts on “Alkaholik” by Xzibit, Erick Sermon, J-Ro, and Tash when it first came out? Is this the best song off of Restless, if not what is better? Do you think this is Xzibit’s best album, why or why not? Who had the best performance on this track? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Xzibit. Furthermore, stay with us for some throwback song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

It’s that millenium ridiculous flow, I never let go
N****s gettin’ knocked out is part of my show
Let them know who they f****n’ with yo, a rhyme wrangler
Tri-angular push-up the hillside strangler
Dangle a, n**** by the ankle off the balcony
Now let his punk a** go, look out below (below)

The post Xzibit Brought Some Funk And Great Rhyme Schemes To “Alkaholik” Featuring Erick Sermon, J-Ro, & Tash appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kid Cudi, Skepta, & Pop Smoke Effortlessly Blended Psychedelic Trap And Drill On “Show Out”

December 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Kid Cudi’s Man On the Moon series has been a cherished one ever since the first one debuted back in 2009. Each installment has provided some iconic hip-hop tracks for the 2010s decade and has helped define Cudster as an artist. What we have come to know and love about the Cleveland, Ohio native is that he is a malleable talent who is not afraid to try different sounds.

One of the prime examples of this occurs on his third entry, Man On the Moon III: The Chosen. We wanted to take a look back as the album is now three years old. Arguably the most memorable and well-put-together song is “Show Out.” On face value, you might be scratching your head as to how this would make sense. Seeing Skepta and Pop Smoke, two of the best drill artists, with a psychedelic pop rapper, does not sound like a recipe for success.

Relisten To “Show Out” By Kid Cudi, Skepta, And Pop Smoke

However, when you hear this song, everything just clicks. The beat from Dot da Genius is woozy and atmospheric, while also incorporating the familiar drill production style. On top of that, all of the performances are great. Pop does wonders on the hook. His smoky voice layers perfectly on top of the instrumental. Skepta shreds his verse with ease and Cudi finds a nice pocket on the drill and spacey ends of the beat. Another chance taken, another success for Cudi.

What were your initial thoughts on “Show Out” by Kid Cudi, Skepta, and Pop Smoke, off Man On the Moon III: The Chosen? Is this the best song from this album? Who had the best performance on the track? Does this record still hold a place in your rotation, why or why not? Finally, is where does this Man On the Moon installment rank amongst the rest? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Kid Cudi, Pop Smoke, and Skepta.

Quotable Lyrics:

Pop Smoke, big smoke
Clip in the stick, stick in the coat (Boom)
And they got guns same size as Kevin Hart
Please don’t think it’s a joke
Back on tour with the gang and it’s sold out
Twenty-two dates, I ain’t missin’ a show

The post Kid Cudi, Skepta, & Pop Smoke Effortlessly Blended Psychedelic Trap And Drill On “Show Out” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Metro Boomin And Gunna Took Us On An Intergalactic Odyssey With “Space Cadet”

November 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Metro Boomin has quite a few classic projects under his belt in his career. One of those that is in the conversation for that title is NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. For some music aficionados, an album needs to be on the shelf for at least five years to see if it qualifies as an all-time great tape. Well, this project can enter those talks. On November 2, 2018, the St. Louis-born producer put out his highly-awaited debut album and there are plenty of highlights on it.

You have tracks like horn-synth laced “10 Freaky Girls,” with 21 Savage, which is one of his many standout features. “No More” is another one with him, Travis Scott, and Kodak Black getting personal, rapping about their internal struggles. However, arguably the most wavy and vibey cut on here is “Space Cadet.” Metro and Gunna proved they have chemistry in the past and this might be there best effort together.

Relisten To “Space Cadet” From Metro Boomin And Gunna

There are so many fantastic elements to this cut. The twinkly synth-heavy beat sets up the perfect alley-oop for Gunna to float over. To no surprise, he does just that while flexing his wealth. It makes for such an easy listen. “Space Cadet” truly puts you into space as you get to go on the drug-filled joyride with them.

What were your initial thoughts on “Space Cadet” from Metro Boomin and Gunna? Is this still the best song on NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES? Do believe this is Metro’s best project? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Metro Boomin, as well as all of the best throwback jams.

Quotable Lyrics:

Bought a spaceship, now I’m a space cadet (Space cadet)
Big white mansion is my habitat (Habitat)
Aim a lot of sticks like it’s laser tag (Laser tag)
F*** a rich b****, havin’ rich sex (Rich sex)
Smoke a lot of trees, need a weed plant (Weed plant)
Addicted to codeine, where the lean at? (Where the lean at?)

The post Metro Boomin And Gunna Took Us On An Intergalactic Odyssey With “Space Cadet” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.