At 40 years old, Lil Wayne has made a name for himself as one of the most well-known and respected rappers in the industry. He continues to release music to this day, his most recent arrivals coming in the form of “THE FORMULA” with will.i.am, as well as March’s I Am Music project. The latter is a career-spanning compilation album, which begins with “Kant Nobody” featuring DMX and also includes appearances from names like Drake, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Swizz Beatz. There’s no denying that Weezy has one of the most impressive rosters of collaborators of all time, but it was way back in 2007 when he really hit his stride.
During a sitdown with Missy Elliott for TV One’s Uncensored, the New Orleans native reflected on the year when he put out over 100 features. “That’s unheard of,” the “1, 2 Step” hitmaker applauded Wayne. “You have to have been raking in the dough,” she added. “I was only acknowledged for 77 of them,” the legendary lyricist told his co-star. “I don’t even think there was another artist playing on the radio, dang,” Missy recalled, thinking back to ’07.
“That was real,” Wayne affirmed her memory. “That was an amazing moment and an amazing time. I remember being able to get into my car and turn on the radio. I don’t care if I got the station wrong, could’ve switched to a pop station by mistake, I’m still on that motherf*cker!” the Young Money head proudly praised his past work. Some of his biggest appearances from that time include “We Takin’ Over” with DJ Khaled, Akon, T.I, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Birdman, as well as “You” alongside Lloyd.
Other popular titles include “Uh Ohhh” with Ja Rule and “Barry Bonds” from Kanye West’s Graduation album. What was your favourite Lil Wayne release from 2007? Tell us in the comments below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Not only is today (May 5), New Music Friday, but it’s also Chris Brown’s birthday. All day long our site has been loaded with some of the hottest releases from artists like Russ, Desiigner, Lil Uzi Vert, and Gucci Mane. While we certainly don’t want to detract attention from those, we would be remiss not to celebrate the R&B star on his special day.
Brown has been keeping undeniably busy as of late, from giving out steamy lap dances on tour to headlining Rolling Loud Thailand during the festival’s first time in Asia. We’ve heard him on songs like “How Does It Feel” with Chlöe earlier this year, as well as “Do You Mind” alongside Vedo. His craftsmanship has arguably only gotten better over the years, but still, his discography is full of throwback favourites that are perfect for setting the party mood – particularly “Beautiful People” with Benny Benassi.
Chris Brown and Benny Benassi Made Magic on “Beautiful People”
The feel-good track arrived back in 2011 on Breezy’s F.A.M.E. album. Other collaborators include Tyga and Kevin McCall on “Deuces” (the latter also shows out on “No BS” and “Next To You” with Justin Bieber. Additionally, he recruited Wiz Khalifa, Ludacris, Eva Simons, Big Sean, Chip, and Timbaland to help him out as well. Of course, the project’s most popular little is undoubtedly “Look At Me Now,” which boasts some serious bars from Brown, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes.
We obviously recommend streaming the album in its entirety if you have the time, but if not, the Benny Benassi joint effort is all you need to kick-start your Friday night the right way. Revisit Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People” visual on YouTube above, or add the throwback to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. What’s your favourite song from the birthday boy’s discography? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later this weekend for more HNHH release recommendations.
Quotable Lyrics:
Live your life, live your life, let the love inside It’s your life, it’s your life Your beauty’s deep inside, inside you Don’t let ’em bring you down, no The beauty is inside you
If there’s anyone who’s been feeding their fans quality work with consistency over the past few years, it’s Drake. 2022 saw the arrival of both Honestly, Nevermind and Her Loss with 21 Savage, both of which will be performed on the duo’s quickly approaching (and highly-priced) It’s All A Blur tour. Before that, in 2020 he boosted the mood amid the COVID-19 pandemic with 14 new titles on Dark Lane Temo Tapes. Today (May 1), that project is celebrating its third anniversary, giving you the perfect excuse to revisit it on DSPs.
If you don’t have time to stream the nearly 50-minute-long effort, we suggest revisiting one of the most popular titles from the tracklist, “Chicago Freestyle,” which is always guaranteed to invoke plenty of emotion thanks to Giveon’s beautiful vocals. Of course, Champagne Papi also does his thing over the Noel Cadastre and Sevn Thomas-produced beat, chiefly reflecting on the most important lessons he’s learned throughout his years spent climbing to the top of the charts, and the industry.
Revisit Drake and Giveon’s “Chicago Freestyle”
Aside from that joint track, Drake also worked with several other friends on DLDT. Chris Brown came through for “Not You Too,” while he and Future made magic together on “Desires.” Other familiar voices we hear include Young Thug, Playboi Carti, Fivio Foreign, and Sosa Geek. As for solo songs, some of the 36-year-old’s highest-streamed work on this project is “Toosie Slide,” “War,” and “From Florida With Love.”
Even with all of the aforementioned releases, the father of one has been teasing even more coming our way in the near future on social media. It remains unclear when, or what, he plans to drop next, but we’ll certainly keep you posted as we find out more. Revisit Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle” featuring Giveon on YouTube above, or add the fan favourite to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. What’s your favourite title from Dark Lane Demo Tapes? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later this week for more streaming recommendations.
Quotable Lyrics:
AMEX had a limit in the past I had plenty women in the past I done plenty sinnin’ in the past You don’t need to know, but you can ask
Playboi Carti is one of the biggest artists in hip-hop right now. However, his rise to fame has been counter to what you would expect. For instance, his last project Whole Lotta Red was completely panned upon its release. There were a ton of fans who absolutely hated it due to its punk and metal aesthetic. Although, many eventually came around on the project’s sound. It also didn’t help that this project was a follow-up to 2018’s Die Lit which had some of Carti’s best work of his entire career.
When we talk about Playboi Carti, however, it is important to talk about his self-titled mixtape from 2017. This album came out on the same day as Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. Moreover, it featured some truly incredible songs. One of which was the Lil Uzi Vert-assisted “wokeuplikethis.” If you remember that era, you probably understand that “Magnolia” was the biggest hit from the project. I mean, who could forget the infamous Pi’erre Bourne “hey Pierre you wanna come out here” drop at the start of the song?
Playboi Carti Snapped With “Magnolia”
This song was a moment when it was released. Of course, oldheads were confused by this song thanks to the complete lack of lyricism here. Instead, Carti simply focused on flow and putting words together that sounded fun and melodic. The production was hypnotic, and his voice helped create this soundscape that was previously unheard of. Six years later, and every new artist is trying to do a bastardized version of what Carti has been doing this while time.
While Playboi Carti has grown passed “Magnolia,” it is still important to bring attention to songs like this. It is a huge part of Carti’s legacy, and in some ways, he helped change the direction of the genre. Let us know what you think of this track, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
In New York I Milly Rock (rock) Hide it in my sock (sock) Running from the opp (opp) And I shoot at opp (opp) uh, uh (what?) And I’m on the block (what?) Uh, uh (what? What?) And I’m on the block (what?)
Kendrick Lamar remains one of the greatest artists of our entire generation. Overall, he has dropped hit album after hit album. Moreover, his penmanship is considered some of the greatest we have ever seen in hip-hop. His last album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was an incredible body of work that showcased growth as both an artist and as a human. Additionally, it was a long-awaited follow-up to his album DAMN. which had released five years earlier. Overall, Kendrick did not disappoint.
Speaking of DAMN., the 14-track masterpiece has officially turned six years old. If you remember, this album dropped the exact same night as Playboi Carti’s self-titled mixtape. It was a great night for music, with the lyrical fans and the trap fans being appeased. That said, Kendrick Lamar and his project certainly took the world by storm. DAMN. contained some of the defining tracks of Lamar’s career, and even today, fans remain mesmerized by this project. Today, we take a look at the track “DNA.”
Kendrick Lamar Shined On “DNA”
“DNA” is technically the second song on the album as “Blood” serves as the intro. However, “DNA” proves to be an incredible way to kick off an album. From the driving production to Kendrick’s killer flows, this entire song is a journey. Moreover, this song has some great lines that will have your rewinding parts of the song. It is a lyrical masterpiece that lets you know Kendrick Lamar is a master of his domain. All these years later and the song still hits the same.
Subsequently, it is going to be very interesting to see where Lamar goes next with his career. After all, he is an incredible artist who is always evolving. Additionally, he is off of TDE now, which means he might be going for a completely different sound. Let us know your thoughts on “DNA,” in the comments down below. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it’s in my DNA I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA
Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, just shared an inspirational post about supporting children in their dreams with an adorable childhood picture of the two sisters. Moreover, he spoke on his experience with encouragement and shared some of his own dreams. Since he always saw a lot of support from his mother, Knowles expressed gratitude for how that prepared him to do the same for his kids. Whether it was education or basketball, the father or two superstars felt compelled and motivated at every turn. From what his words indicate, his advice led to a beautiful family and two beautiful careers.
“We need to encourage our children,” Knowles began, who once managed his daughters’ solo careers. “I believe our young people are often more intuitive than adults in many areas. Those early passions many children possess should be nurtured and supported. When I was young, my mother supported my every ambition. We didn’t have a lot of money, but as I’ve always been a learner and a reader, I vividly recall her buying me a set of Encyclopedia books so I could absorb knowledge and educate my young mind.
“That encouragement to learn stayed with me my entire life during my corporate career in sales and marketing, in the music industry, and even today at 71 years old where I’m still finding new things to learn and discover!” he continued. “When I expressed an interest in basketball at a young age, again, she put up a basketball hoop with the limited funds that were available to the family. I went on to play basketball at the college level and ultimately became a part owner in the WNBA championship-winning Chicago Sky. A few of my dearest friends today are some of the most notable NBA legends in history. My love for basketball started at a young age, and because it nurtured, it remained with me throughout my entire life.
“When Beyoncé and Solange showed an interest in music at a very young age, Tina and I (who were already corporate professionals and entrepreneurs) didn’t attempt to downplay their passions,” Mathew concluded. “Rather, we encouraged them, we guided them, we supported them. As long as they took it seriously and strived to be the best they could, we were happy with whatever career path they chose. The world needs more people who are connected to their inner ambitions and passions, and are surrounded by those who nurture them. It’ll make the world a better place for us all.” For more on Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé, and Solange, come back to HNHH.
For most people, today is like any other Tuesday, but for Summer Walker, April 11 marks her 27th trip around the sun. The vocalist has accomplished plenty at such a young age, from giving birth to three children – including twins – freeing herself from toxic relationships, and releasing albums like Over It and Still Over It. To help celebrate her special day, we’ve decided to throw it back to one of her earliest releases, “Riot,” which first landed on her CLEAR EP along with three other titles.
Since its January 2019 debut, the short and sweet song has been streamed over 30 million times on Spotify alone. “You said you want love, babe / You said you can give it to me just how I, I need,” Walker’s stunning voice rings out as “Riot” begins. “And you think of roses and daisies / And I think of passion and fire like Hades,” her expressive lyrics continue. “You say all the time, peace and quiet / But for my love, I need a riot, a riot.”
Revisit Summer Walker’s “Riot” on Her Birthday
Other titles on the CLEAR EP include “Grave,” “Wasted,” and “Settling,” all of which have become beloved by fans in their own right. After over four years, Walker announced during her recent set at J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival that she’ll be coming with a follow-up to the four-track project later this spring. Called Clear 2: Soft Life, the highly anticipated release is slated for this coming May, though we don’t know how many songs, or guest features (if any) to expect.
The EP will mark the Atlanta native’s first major arrival since 2021’s Still Over It. Stream Summer Walker’s “Riot” on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. What’s your favourite throwback track by the R&B starlet? Let us know in the comments below, and check back later this week for more HNHH release recommendations.
Quotable Lyrics:
And you think of roses and daisies And I think of passion and fire like Hades You say all the time, peace and quiet But for my love, I need a riot, a riot
Chlöe’s been in the industry for a while, and a throwback pic with Beyoncé is one of her most treasured reminders of that. Moreover, the In Pieces singer recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and reflected on working with Bey as a child. Furthermore, she shared a picture of both of them on the set of the 2003 film The Fighting Temptations as she spoke of her industry experience. Given the Bailey sister’s performances in other media such as the recently released and Donald Glover-led TV show “Swarm,” her longtime star power should come as no surprise. Still, it’s heartening to see that two stars of R&B go way back.
“She was so nice to me and even at the wrap party she’d hold me, and we’d dance the night away,” Chlöe remarked about her costar. “That was the moment my love really began for her because she was so kind to little Chloe.” She shocked no one when she mentioned Beyoncé as one of her major influences as a singer, performer, and multi-hyphenate artist. Clearly, taking notes from the RENAISSANCE superstar got Halle Bailey’s sister and duo partner very far in the industry.
What’s more is that Chlöe will soon stun fans live at her first-ever headlining tour in support of her debut solo album. Beginning on April 11 in Chicago, she’ll embark on a nationwide trek through May 3 in Los Angeles, which she expressed much excitement for. “I’m headlining my very own solo tour performing all the songs from the new album,” she wrote in the Instagram announcement post in February. “Y’all I’m so excited. See you there.”
Meanwhile, Chlöe recently remarked how staying off social media went for her. “For a minute, I removed all socials off my phone and I just turned it over to my team,” she stated on The Tamron Hall Show. “Of course I’d make the content, I’d come up with the captions and I would just send it to them, but I got rid of my social media because I realized the things people were saying.” For the latest news and updates on both Chlöe and Beyoncé, stick around on HNHH.
Drake makes music for all moods, but his most emotionally transparent throwback songs hold a special place in the hearts of his diehard fans. Drake’s older material has aged well and is still considered the prime era of his career. Fans were ecstatic when he played some of his deepest album cuts and throwback hits at the Apollo Theater in New York earlier this year and at a recent performance for J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival in North Carolina. It was a reminder of how deep his catalog of music goes. This list of Drake songs focuses on his older tracks for when you’re “in your feelings.”
The tracks range from the beginning of his career to as recent as five years ago. The songs are listed chronologically and focus explicitly on Drake’s emotional vulnerability, which evokes the same feeling in the listener.
“I Get Lonely” (2010)
On 2010’s “I Get Lonely,” Drake made TLC’s “FanMail” his own. While the original version is a groovy R&B song, Drake’s version is slow and sensitive. He sings over the classic 40-produced sound of spacious, minimal R&B that never fails to bring out Drake’s softer side. The production and vocal tonality of Drake’s version is able to induce feelings of longing for companionship and stability. Because it is a cover, it often goes under the radar but deserves a place on a Drake songs list.
“Trust Issues” (2011)
Much like “I Get Lonely,” Drake’s “Trust Issues” reprises an existing song—but this time, it is his own. “Trust Issues” was released just a month after “I’m On One,” his 2011 collaboration with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne. If “I’m On One” is the soundtrack to a night out at a club, then “Trust Issues” is the soundtrack to the quiet ride home late at night. “Trust Issues” is about Drake’s lack of trust in women and how fame has affected his relationships and his ability to rely on others. Drake’s relaxed instrumental and syrupy crooning are guaranteed to have one in their feelings.
“Shot For Me” (2011)
“Shot For Me” is one of Drake’s most underrated throwbacks on this list. In the song, Drake misses his exes and thinks about what could have been between them. He sings, “All the love that we made / Now you’re trying to find somebody to replace what I gave to you / It’s a shame you didn’t keep it.” He is clearly bothered by how his exes moved on when he sings, “First I made you who you are and then I made it / And you’re wasted with your latest.” It is one of Drake’s most sensitive songs on the list and mays the groundwork for similar releases in Drake’s catalog.
“Marvin’s Room” (2011)
Perhaps the most iconic in-your-feelings song ever, “Marvin’s Room” captures being so drunk and alone that it leads to calling an ex. It encapsulates a feeling of desperation for a past lover while also hating her new relationship. In the song, Drake still holds onto the good times they had together in hopes of her feeling the same way, which she does not. He sings, “I know you still think about the times we had / I say f*ck that n**** that you think you found / And since you picked up, I know he’s not around.” The instrumental perfectly soundtracks the feeling of basking in one’s alcohol-induced emotions. Drake’s regretful and agitated lyrics make for one of his most legendary throwbacks.
“Doing It Wrong” (2011)
“Doing It Wrong” is a classic ballad from Drake about the most demanding breakup challenges. In the song, Drake pours his heart out while singing about going through a difficult split. Though both parties care deeply about each other, they know that the relationship must end. He sings in the chorus, “So cry if you need to, but I can’t stay to watch you / That’s the wrong thing to do.” Lyrically, it is a sincere song that predates Drake’s toxic era. Sonically, it is the perfect song for late-night vibes as the warm and slow instrumental compliments Drake’s heartfelt singing, not to mention Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo.
“The Motion” (2013)
This song was a bonus track on 2013’s Nothing Was The Same. “The Motion” is all about going through the motions of being a public figure. Drake raps about constantly traveling and conditional relationships that depend on him doing favors for others. These experiences clearly weigh on him, but he knows that it comes with the territory of being famous. The production is minimal and moody, and the song also includes guest vocals from Sampha. The combination of the instrumental, Sampha’s addition, and Drake’s vocals make for a laid-back track.
“From Time” (2013)
“From Time” is a reflective song that ranks high in Drake’s catalog. The instrumental is simple yet very layered and leaves room for the listener to ponder their own thoughts. In the song, Jhené Aiko steals the show with a beautiful chorus, playing the role of one of Drake’s exes who wants to reconnect. Drake responds to Jhené’s lyrics with thoughtful rhymes about his relationships with women and his parents. It is a special song that makes one think about their past and present feelings.
“Jungle” (2015)
The “rock me real slowly” sample that opens Drake’s 2015 song “Jungle” aligns perfectly with the downbeat tempo. The cozy production allows Drake to sing from the heart about a relationship that lost its spark. Everything about the song will have the listener in their feels, from the openness in Drake’s lyrics to the addictively sad production.
“My Side”
An underrated bonus track from If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, “My Side” has a hypnotizing reverse effect on its instrumental that will have one basking in their emotions. Drake’s sloppy rap flow captures the feeling of swirling in one’s own thoughts. He frustratingly raps about reevaluating his relationship with a woman. He states, “Why are we wasting our relationship on a relationship?” Drake is struggling to hold on or let go of her. “My Side” is the soundtrack to staying up late and fixating on one’s worries.
“Redemption” (2016)
“Redemption” is now seven years old and undoubtedly belongs in the list of Drake songs that’ll have you in your feelings. It is about feeling down when you miss an ex and thinking about what you would say to them at that moment. It is a relatable song about not wanting an ex to move on without you. He’s contemplative when he raps, “Why do I settle for women that force me to pick up the pieces? / Why do I want an independent woman to feel like she needs me?” He is also done with her by saying, “I gave your nickname to someone else.” “Redemption” is a transparent mix of emotions.
Overall, Drake’s back catalog of music is unmatched and has some of the greatest throwbacks to vibe to. This song list consists of some of his best and most vulnerable. Drake fans can catch him on tour during the summer when he hits the road with 21 Savage.
Because she rose to fame at such a rapid rate, little is known about the early life of Ice Spice. She was born Isis Naija Gaston on the first day of the year 2000. While many simply love her for making bad bitch bops like “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood,” others have been dying to know more about her past, and what led her to become one of the Bronx’s most prominent rising drill artists. Thankfully, internet sleuths have been able to unearth old photos of Spice, showing just how much change has taken place since her low-key childhood in New York.
We’ve already seen some of the 23-year-old’s high school yearbook photos (which markedly had users drawing comparisons to Lauren London), as well as images of her on the volleyball court. Prior to blowing up thanks to “Munch (Feelin’ U),” Spice was a talented athlete who played for both Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers and the State University of New York at Purchase. While she’s left those skills behind in favour of pursuing rap, she recently said that her initial dream was acting. This is something the Spice Cabinet hopes she still chases, especially now that she’s well-known within the industry.
Ice Spice’s Sudden Rise to Fame
Rapper Ice Spice performs onstage during day 3 of Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 05, 2023, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
As XXL notes, this past weekend saw even more old photos of the Like..? artist surfacing on social media. Among them were candids snapped of her applying mascara in the mirror, throwing up peace signs while goofing off with friends, and letting her naturally brunette curls blow in the breeze while posing for photos outside. Apart from the childhood snapshots, Twitter user @icesmood also included more recent content of Spice before fame, which finds her sporting platinum blonde hair and putting her rap skills on display.
“And ending off with the ‘Thriller’ of our generation,” they previously wrote atop the thread’s final part, including a video of the rap diva twerking her behind in a cutout-clad two-piece black suit. The footage comes from the visual for “No Clarity,” which was produced by RIOTUSA and released in November 2021. Keep scrolling to see Ice Spice’s recently resurfaced throwback photos, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
