throwback

“Graduation” Turns 16: Revisit The Old Kanye West On “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”

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A lot has changed for Kanye West in the past 16 years. Still, his third studio album, Graduation, has remained an indisputable classic amongst hip-hop heads. The years since 2007 have seen the multi-talent marry and divorce Kim Kardashian, who he shares four young children with. He’s also been cancelled more times than we can count but somehow manages to (mostly) make his way back into the public’s good graces each time. Through all the ups and downs, the Yeezy founder’s carefree attitude has remained the same, as reflected on “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”

The track was selected to preview Graduation as a single. As Genius notes, it earned a sleeper reputation after being outshone by the LP’s most popular title, “Stronger.” Though he was a much younger man at the time, Ye’s confidence is evident in both his lyrics and delivery. He’s previously stated that “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” remains a favourite in his discography, and we can clearly see why.

Read More: 50 Cent’s “Curtis” Vs Kanye West’s “Graduation”: A Historic Hip-Hop Moment

“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is a Graduation Standout

“I had a dream I could buy my way to Heaven / When I awoke, I spent that on a necklace,” The Life of Pablo artist begins. Over production by himself and DJ Toomp, West continues to reflect on the comments he hears from his haters, as well as the struggles that come with a life of fame and fortune. No one else actually rhymes on the single, but Jeezy’s adlibs do bring a certain something to the throwback hit.

Revisit the visual for Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” above, or find the full album to stream on Spotify/Apple Music. Which Graduation track is your all-time favourite? Let us know in the comments, and find more HNHH release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist at the link below.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B Bring The “Bongos” To Our “Fire Emoji” Playlist This Week

Quotable Lyrics:

To whom much is given, much is tested
Get arrested, guess until he get the message
I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny
And what I do? Act more stupidly

[Via]

The post “Graduation” Turns 16: Revisit The Old Kanye West On “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Drake Praises Cam’ron’s Iconic BET Freestyle: “There’ll Never Be Another Dipset”

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Dipset’s influence is undeniable. From the wordplay and demeanor to the flamboyant fashion choices, and their general DIY approach in hip-hop, the Diplomats shifted the culture and continue to do so, as we’ve seen with efforts like It Is What It Is. However, their influence on Drake is something that the Canadian rapper doesn’t hide. Earlier this year, he ensured that Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freaky Zeeky received their flowers at his back-to-back shows at the Apollo Theatre.

Although Dipset is forever, it’s worth reminding the world of their influence on hip-hop, especially as we continue celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Harlem quartet provided many historical moments in the culture, along with a vast catalog of music to live by. One such example is Cam’ron iconic freestyle at BET’s Rap City with Big Tigger. The Purple Haze MC delivered a mean freestyle while nonchalantly counting up his money, along with the rest of the Dipset members standing behind him.

Drake Reminisces Over The Dipset Era

Drake hopped on the ‘Gram to show some love for the group. The rapper shared a video of the aforementioned Cam’ron freestyle and wrote, “There’ll never be another Dipset,” along with three face-palm emojis. Clearly, Drake’s feeling nostalgic these days but surprisingly, he didn’t have any of the Dipset members walk him out at Madison Square Garden during his three nights in New York City. However, that’s not to say that the love isn’t reciprocated. It’s quite clear that Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freaky Zeeky greatly appreciate the biggest rapper in the world acknowledging the influence they had on him.

During his concerts at the Apollo Theatre, Drake not only brought out Dipset but also, came out on stage with Cam’ron original pink mink jacket and matching hat. Jim Jones later shared a video of Drake rocking the jacket backstage, calling the Canadian rapper the fifth member of Dipset. “@champagnepapi official 5th member of #DIPSet,” he wrote in the caption. “U did tht thnku bless up to the whole #OVO.” Check out Drake’s post above.

Read More: Drake Reveals “For All The Dogs” Release Date

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Beyonce Is The Ultimate “Diva”: Celebrate Singer’s 42nd Birthday With A Feel-Good Throwback

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Before she was known as the almighty Queen B, leader of the BeyHive, Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter was a little girl with big dreams. Her father, Matthew Knowles, worked hard to prepare the young vocalist for the spotlight, even ordering her to run through the Houston heat in heels. Though obviously gruelling, the extreme tactics obviously paid off as Bey has been running flawlessly all through her RENAISSANCE World Tour so far.

She’s preparing for her third and final performance in Los Angeles today (September 4), which coincidentally also happens to be the multi-talent’s 42nd birthday. Her friends and fans have been sharing plenty of heartfelt tributes on social media, and others are replaying old favourites from Beyonce’s discography to celebrate. We’ve decided to revisit her 2008 female empowerment anthem, “Diva” for our part, which appeared on her I Am… Sasha Fierce LP a decade and a half ago.

Read More: It’s B-Day: The BeyHive Celebrates As Beyonce Turns 42

Beyonce is the Female Version of a Hustler on Her Hit Song, “Diva”

“Since 15 in my stilettos, been struttin’ in this game / ‘What’s yo age?’ was the question they ask when I hit the stage,” the mother of three sings midway through the popular track. “I’m a diva, best believe her, you see how she gettin’ paid? / She ain’t callin’ him to greet her, don’t need him, her bed’s made.”

Revisit the iconic visual for Beyonce’s “Diva” above, and if it’s not already there, be sure to add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Besides being the mother of three’s birthday, today also happens to be the anniversary of Travis Scott’s Rodeo album. See which song from that we’re spotlighting at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Travis Scott, Future, & 2 Chainz Turned Up On “3500”

Quotable Lyrics:

Since 15 in my stilettos, been struttin’ in this game
“What’s yo age?” was the question they ask when I hit the stage
I’m a diva, best believe her, you see how she gettin’ paid?
She ain’t callin’ him to greet her, don’t need him, her bed’s made

The post Beyonce Is The Ultimate “Diva”: Celebrate Singer’s 42nd Birthday With A Feel-Good Throwback appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Travis Scott, Future, & 2 Chainz Turned Up On “3500”

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Travis Scott dropped his debut project Rodeo back in 2015. Overall, this is considered a classic by many, and it is still talked about, to this day. It is the album that helped solidify Travis’ sound and his place in mainstream hip-hop. Moreover, it stands as one of the best albums of the 2010s. That said, it was released on this day, eight years ago. Yes, that’s right, Rodeo is almost a decade old. It feels like just yesterday that we got this project, but alas, time slows down for no one.

There are some terrific songs that we could highlight here. However, today, we are taking a look at “3500” which features the likes of Future and 2 Chainz. This is a certified banger that shows up as the third song on the entire album. It comes in right after “Oh My Dis Side,” which is a hard song to top. However, “3500” does a good job of at least getting close. At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with features from two of hip-hop’s best.

Travis Scott x Future x 2 Chainz

Throughout this song, we get some amazing production from Metro Boomin. Moreover, each artist brings their best in terms of sheer performance. 2 Chainz easily has the most memorable verse here as he delivers some hilarious lines with the utmost confidence. From there, Travis and Future deliver those melodic choruses and verses they are known for. It’s a well-put-together track that you can’t ignore.

Subsequently, let us know who you think had the best verse on “3500,” in the comments section below. Also, tell us which song on Rodeo is your favorite. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always bring you the biggest releases from the biggest artists in the world. Overall, there are still some great releases left for 2023.

Quotable Lyrics:

This money an option, this weed is an option, this lean is an option
Your bitch is an option, her bitch is an option
I send them through auctions
You paying that price for that punani
This gold on my neck is a new Grammy

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Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” Remains A Classic On His Heavenly 64th Birthday: Stream

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Virgo season has only just begun, but already, we’re celebrating the legacy of one of music’s most profound creatives on what would’ve been his 64th birthday. Today (August 29) marks another trip around the Sun for the spirit of Michael Jackson, and to commemorate, we’re revisiting one of the King of Pop’s biggest feel-good hits – “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

Unsurprisingly, the groovy track previously reached No. 1 on the charts in America. Like many other titles included on the Bad album, it finds Jackson feeling confident in himself, though he’s obviously more vulnerable than usual as he professes deep feelings for his lover. “Hey, pretty baby with the high heels on / You give me fever like I’ve never, ever known,” his voice beautifully croons on the first verse. “You’re just a product of loveliness / I like the groove of your walk, your talk, your dress.”

Read More: Boosie Badazz Would Take R. Kelly Over Michael Jackson In A Verzuz

Celebrate Michael Jackson on What Would’ve Been His 64th B-Day

Other memorable songs from Bad include “Man in the Mirror,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Dirty Diana,” those only begin to cover some of Jackson’s best work throughout his long-spanning career. He’s in great company as far as Virgo entertainers go, with Beyonce, Keke Palmer, Zendaya, Jennifer Hudson, Shania Twain, and Adam Sandler all among those who celebrate under the notorious perfectionist sign.

Revisit Michael Jackson’s classic “The Way You Make Me Feel” visual above, or add the song to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. If you’re in the mood for more throwback hits, we suggest Beyonce’s “Love On Top,” which the mother of three performed while sharing some extra special news with the world this week in 2011. Tap into that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Beyonce’s First Pregnancy Revealed 12 Years Ago During “Love On Top” Performance: Stream The Song To Celebrate

Quotable Lyrics:

I like this feelin’ you’re givin’ me
Just hold me, baby, and I’m in ecstasy
Oh, I’ll be workin’ from nine to five
To buy you things to keep you by my side

The post Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” Remains A Classic On His Heavenly 64th Birthday: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beyonce’s First Pregnancy Revealed 12 Years Ago During “Love On Top” Performance: Stream The Song To Celebrate

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Beyonce is an entertainer who has been the creative force behind some of pop culture’s most memorable moments. Her historic Beychella set still lives in fans’ minds rent-free, and everything she’s done so far on her RENAISSANCE World Tour has been nothing short of inspiring. Apart from making music, one of the other most important aspects of the Houston native’s life is being a wife and mother of three.

It’s hard to imagine a time when Bey didn’t have Blue Ivy performing by her side on stage, but seeing as her existence was first announced by way of performance, it’s only natural for the young girl to already be stealing the spotlight. On this day (August 28) 12 years ago, the Destiny’s Child alum confirmed that she was expecting her first child in the midst of performing one of her biggest hits, “Love On Top,” at the 2011 MTV VMAs.

Read More: Beyonce & Blue Ivy Look Like Twins In Throwback Snapshot

Beyonce Introduced Blue Ivy Carter to Us in the Most Iconic Way

After letting her vocals and dance skills do their thing, Queen B shocked the audience by popping open her jacket to reveal a budding baby bump. The excitement in the room at the time was obviously high, but perhaps the best reaction came from Kanye West, who quickly turned to Jay-Z to celebrate his frequent collaborator’s journey toward fatherhood. It’s hard to believe how much has changed since then, but we’re excited to see what the Carter children have to bring to the music industry as they grow.

Check out Beyonce’s iconic pregnancy reveal performance in honour of its 12th anniversary in the video above. If it’s not already there, be sure to add “Love On Top” to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. For more HNHH release recommendations, tap into our weekly R&B Season update at the link below.

Read More: Victoria Monet & Fridayy’s New Releases Are An “R&B Season” Mood

Quotable Lyrics:

Honey, honey
I can see the stars all the way from here
Can’t you see the glow on the window pan?
I can feel the sun whenever you’re near
Every time you touch me I just melt away

[Via]

The post Beyonce’s First Pregnancy Revealed 12 Years Ago During “Love On Top” Performance: Stream The Song To Celebrate appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Meek Mill Reminisces About Battle Rap, Wants To Go “Verse For Verse” Against Reed Dollaz

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In a recent interview, Meek Mill reminisced about his early days as a battle rapper. He discussed his rivals, soon prompting Reed Dollaz to post the clip on Instagram. The artist took the opportunity to challenge Reed Dollaz to a battle for old times’ sake, and the Philly-born performer seems open to it.

“I’m living at the top of Beverly Hills,” Meek Mill recalls in the clip. “I got every car you can imagine. My girlfriend at the time is a pop star. I’m looking at and I’m getting confused like ‘What the f*ck … I’m losing?’ Alright yeah, this battle rapping sh*t is getting kind of bad right now … but don’t put no losing [on my name], what the hell?”

Read More: Meek Mill Roasted For Trying To School A Sneaker Reseller

Reed Dollaz Tells Meek Mill “Let’s Turn The Culture Back UP!”

“DRAAAKE! (Soulja voice),” Reed Dollaz captioned the reposted clip. “Steal sharpens steal. #phillyn***as salute #meekmill  #reeddollaz (side bar) s/o to shawty in the crowed like ‘reed .. THATS MY BOO.’” He shared another clip of Meek Mill chatting about his early days, which has since been deleted, writing, “Bro was in gladiator school with us!” He continued, “@meekmill . Killas respect killas! You can hate or love it but it can not be erased!!” Meek Mill commented on the post, telling him “We might neeed to battle again verse for verse.”

He added, “I don’t know how to do the new style battling … I just do best verse for verse … always will put it on the line rap so boring.” Reed Dollaz jumped on the idea, calling for the artist to revisit his roots. “@meekmill nah foreal tho, they tried to crucify me when I came back lol but I adapted and still kept it Philly and reed!” the artist wrote. “Let’s turn the culture back UP! That idea we talked about is major! Streets need broski! U know ima call/dm away!” Stay tuned to HNHH for more updates on Meek Mill.

Read More: Meek Mill Claims Record Labels Are Benefitting From “Black Murder And Poverty”

[Via]

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Cardi B Takes Us Back To Her Stripper Days With A Throwback Photo

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There’s something in the air lately that seems to have the world feeling seriously nostalgic. Many of our favourite celebrities have been remembering the “good ole days,” or life before fame, in throwback posts online lately. Nicki Minaj sparked the trend by sharing a video of her 25-year-old self before she became known as the Queen of Rap. Now, Cardi B is reminiscing on what life was like for her before she became a Grammy Award-winning performer.

As you may know, Cardi spent years working at strip clubs in New York prior to her come-up. Her curvaceous body quickly took her to the top of the industry, and even now she loves showing off what moves her dancer body is still capable of when she gets the chance. In a now-deleted tweet earlier this week, the mother of two shared a selfie she captured many moons ago during a night at work. “If you met me in the strip club… Would you still cuff me?” the reality starlet asked.

Read More: Azealia Banks Praises Cardi B & Tinashe, Disses ASAP Rocky, Rihanna & Others

Cardi B Has an Important Question

In the photo, the 30-year-old wore her long, black hair in tight braids. Her uniform for the evening was a blue, yellow, and silver two-piece set, which kept plenty of emphasis on her busty chest. Cardi’s stomach looked perfectly toned, likely from all the hours she put in working the pole, and her famous, colourful booty tattoo is just barely seen in the corner of her selfie. There were some who questioned why the “Backin’ It Up” artist is asking such questions as a married women, but others were more focused on complimenting Cardi B’s hot bod.

Yet another celebrity who’s been taking us back in time with their photos is Blac Chyna. The former OnlyFans creator showed off what she looked like at age 17 earlier this week, and many followers were quick to compare her to her mother, Tokyo Toni. See the image at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Blac Chyna’s Teenage Throwback Photo Proves She’s Her Mother’s Daughter

[Via]

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Blac Chyna’s Teenage Throwback Photo Proves She’s Her Mother’s Daughter

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BBLs have become more accessible, and therefore increasingly popular in recent years, but one of the first people to cosmetically enhance their figure before it was a trend is Angela White (or Blac Chyna). Prior to connecting with Tyga and becoming the content creator we know her as today, the mother of two worked in a strip club and used her over-the-top butt injections, breast implants, and facial filler to set herself apart from the competition. 2023 found Chyna embarking on a spiritual journey in which she removed many of those enhancements, bringing her back to her natural state.

“Before you even start talking to me or give me a chance I want you to see, ‘Okay, this is a well-rounded woman,’” the former OnlyFans creator told Entertainment Tonight. Rather than letting her body do the talking, Chyna wants her aura to be the most memorable thing about her. On Friday (August 18) afternoon, she followed in Nicki Minaj’s footsteps by taking her followers back in time with a throwback photo.

Read More: Blac Chyna Reveals Dramatic Transformation Photos After Dissolving Facial Fillers

Blac Chyna Takes Us Back in Time

The image above depicts the reality starlet at age 17, with honey blonde hair and side-swept bangs. Her eyebrows are noticeably thin, proving how long its been since the photo was first taken. In the comments, some are saying that Chyna could be related to the Queen of Rap (she was once cast as Minaj’s double in a music video). Others are pointing out the similarities between White and her mother, labelling her “Lil Tokyo.”

On the topic of Tokyo Toni – she and Blac Chyna appear to have taken great strides to mend their relationship in recent months. After the model’s mother got her name tattooed on her birthday, we’ve heard very little, if any, of Toni publically bashing her daughter. Read more about their unconventional bond at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Tokyo Toni Debuts “Angela” Tattoo On Blac Chyna’s Birthday, Seemingly Ends Their Beef

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Nicki Minaj Shows Off Her Natural Good Looks, Shares Throwback Video

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Nicki Minaj is at the top of the game right now, and sometimes it can be hard to think about her before all the fame and acclaim. Moreover, her career has been so influential that witnessing her rise early on must make that success a very gratifying experience. It’s something that the Queen herself knows and appreciates, as she recently shared a throwback clip of her when she was around 25. Furthermore, the clip in question seems to be from an old photoshoot early on in her career, and it’s wild to see her in this more reserved and laidback state. The Trinidadian MC basically said as much in her caption of the short clip.

“25 never looked better,” she wrote of the clip on Instagram. “No surgery. No wigs. Just a brand new Colgate smile.” Of course, her fans had plenty of praise for her in the comments section. “And she still looks like this. UNTOUCHED FACE,” one impassioned follower replied, with another adding, “Always natural always beautiful, always perfect always stunning.” It seems like no matter the era, the 40-year-old is a source of inspiration and admiration for people of all walks of life.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Shuts Down Rumors Of Tupac Sample On “Pink Friday 2”

Nicki Minaj Shares Clip Of Her At 25

In addition to this physical hype, Nicki Minaj has spent a lot of time building up to the release of her upcoming album Pink Friday 2. However, she got some pushback from a fan who didn’t like her new pop direction on one of her snippets of the project, and responded in kind. “PINK FRIDAY = THE PINKPRINT TO “GOING POP” SUPERBASS, MOMENT 4 LIFE, Check it out, Save Me, Last chance, etc.” the YMCMB alum wrote on Twitter. “2nd album = STARSHIPS, POUND THE ALARM, VAVAVOOM, TURN ME ON, (disowned by the rap critics who years later were shamelessly paid off). PINK FRIDAY 2 = your worst phkn nightmare. It makes me so happy to know the jealousy is oozing through your ugly bussy.

“B/c the song I teased last night got y’all losing sleep & the full song is even BETTER!!!” Minaj went on. “Wait til u hear the RAP on that! One writer. ONE. Lastly, I don’t do diff genres. H*e i AM a genre. THEE genre. That they AWLLLLLLLLL could only DREAM of having the talent to execute AUTHENTICALLY, seamlessly, flawlessly. #LastTimeThatiSawYou Oh, & until someone outRAPS red Ruby, or Seeing Green or Fractions, touch grass Dudlee!!!!! You’ll never be like the barbz. Get tf over it ugz.” For more news and the latest updates on Nicki Minaj, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Shares “Pink Friday 2” Snippets, Hyping Up Fans For Album Release

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