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.
While some rappers unfortunately did not live to see the full fruits of their labor, they live on through their music, fandoms, and family. An old video of a very young Mac Miller spitting a freestyle on a bus recently resurfaced on the Internet. Moreover, it’s incredibly heartwarming to see the late artist having fun with his colleagues. In fact, there’s not even a beat, just one of Mac’s friends beatboxing. Also, you can tell this is incredibly early into his artistic journey, as he’s still got a full head of hair and an even more youthful demeanor than what he broke onto the scene with.
“I ain’t God, but you can call me Hova,” the Pittsburgh legend raps in the new clip. “In the Ranger Rover, never sober, I don’t even know ’cause you know I am a flower.” It’s a short but sweet reminder of Miller’s early style and the fun-loving attitude he brought into even his most pained music. Since his tragic passing in 2018, many fans noticed the deeper themes behind his spunkiest material. While projects like Swimming and Circles certainly wore them on its sleeve, this video shows Mac still finding his voice before looking inward.
Regardless, it’s a treat for fans to see. Fans and fellow musicians alike continue to celebrate his legacy, positive impact, and definitive artistic voice. For example, Earl Sweatshirt took to Twitter to express that he misses Mac a couple of months ago. Even with some posthumous releases giving fans new ways to appreciate the artist, his energy and presence feels irreplaceable. Earl’s tweet prompted many to remember some of the collaborators’ best work, as other tribute moments call us back to our favorite Mac moments.
Meanwhile, other artists have spoken on how his vocal struggles with addiction and strides to turn his life around inspired them. Whether it’s French Montana or Demi Lovato, the late 26-year-old touched many hearts in the industry with his experiences. After they resulted in tragedy, his memory and journey became just as crucial to discuss as the issues he was tackling head-on. Check out the freestyle above and let us know your favorite Mac Miller, song, album, or moment in the comments.
For the countless babies born on a leap year, February 28th marks the time to celebrate their birthdays most of the time. Among those turning up to mark another trip around the Sun today is Ja Rule, who turns 47. On his Instagram Story, the Fyre Festival co-founder has been reposting thoughtful messages from friends on his Instagram Story. Conversely, his fans have been at home, streaming some of his biggest hits to commemorate along with him.
For our part, we’re highlighting Ja’s early 2000s collaboration with Ashanti, “Always On Time.” To this day the joint is often found in the best throwback R&B playlists, and can still be heard blasting at parties and clubs on top volume as music lovers bump and grind. What more could you need to get into a celebratory mood in honour of the birthday boy?
Revisit Ja Rule and Ashanti’s “Always On Time” Visual
Listeners have always praised the effortless connection between Ja and Ashanti, but as it turns out, she almost didn’t earn the female part in the song. While speaking with the New York Post last year, the R&B starlet revealed that it was first sent to Brandy, who actually turned the opportunity down. “She ended up not doing it, and Ashanti came in and alley-ooped!” the “Foolish” singer dished.
The salacious song went on to become one of the most-streamed in each artist’s catalogue. Other major releases for Ja include “Mesmerize,” “Livin’ It Up,” “Wonderful,” and “Put It On Me.” His most recent release, “Blow, came back in 2021 featuring Somong. Now that he’s beginning a new chapter of his life, it’s entirely possible we could see the lyricist head back to the studio soon.
Stream Ja Rule and Ashanti’s “Always On Time” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your favourite track from the man of the hour in the comments. Make sure to check back later for more release recommendations and music news updates.
Quotable Lyrics:
C’mon and get a piece of this late-night lover You know, the one that swing d*ck like no other I know, I got a lot of things I need to explain But, baby, you know the name, and love is about pain
Reginae Carter recently posted an adorable video on Instagram of her dedicating a song to her parentsLil Wayne and Antonia Johnson as a teen. “I’m just gonna sing a little song for you guys and I hope you like it!” she said in the clip. “It’s about my mommy and my daddy. My heart beats for two / One for me and one for you / I can feel it in my bloodstream, your love is what I bring / Your love, your love, your love / Your love is so sweet, unconditional, I just thought I’d let you know / You try not to let me down, ready to catch me if I stumble / No one other thing in this whole wide world could replace the parents of this girl.”
What’s more is that Reginae actually hits those notes quite well, indicating a lot of talent from a young age. Amid a lot of laughing emojis, she penned a cute tribute to her parents in her caption. “I hope my kids love me like I love my parents,” she expressed on Instagram. “The song is giving i wanted something biggg, had to be a car cause I’m singing my heart out. Jk love my Tootiesss.” Of course, the 24-year-old often tributes her parents in everything she does.
Recently she aired out frustrations over new rappers comparing themselves to her dad, Tunechi. “‘KEEP MY FATHER’S NAME OUT YA MOUTH,’” she tweeted, adding two laughing emojis to the post. “Nah fr y’all need to stop comparing my dad to the new kids on the block .. gotta stop ! Everybody is super talented and dope ! Let them have their run and time will tell .. but leave that marathon Wayne ran out of it …”
Also, Reginae’s clapped back at critics of her relationship. Even though some call it naive and maybe too corny, she clearly feels strongly about her bond to Armon Warren. “It’s really super weird to me when people get mad at you for loving your significant other out loud…” she expressed on Twitter. Still, with her talents and loving personality, Reginae’s kids will likely have an excellent role model to look up to. Regardless, check her video out below and log back into HNHH for the latest on Reginae Carter.
Now that Ice Spice has obviously made a name for herself, many are wondering about the New Yorkers’ humble beginnings. We recently learned that her dream before rapping fell into her life was to pursue a career in acting. Additionally, she’s revealed some of her biggest rap influences, and how she crafted her stage name.
Ice Spice at Coach Fall 2023 Ready To Wear Fashion Show at Park Avenue Armory on February 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images )
The 23-year-old can obviously tell us all about her past. Still, we all know a picture is worth a thousand words. Thankfully, internet sleuths have been able to unearth photos from Spice’s time in high school, including her yearbook photo. When that began circulating social media some weeks ago, users were quick to point out the resemblance between the rising artist and Lauren London.
Of course, not everyone agreed. However, many couldn’t deny that seeing the “Bikini Bottom” hitmaker sporting straight black hair rather than her usual tight red curls made them look incredibly alike. On her “In Ha Mood” single, Spice even seemingly referenced the comparisons, rapping, “Pretty face like Lauren and a big ass butt.”
On Tuesday (February 14), yet another throwback photo of the Bronx native appeared online. This one proves that she previously spent some time dabbling in athletics. The slightly blurry image sees a much younger Isis Gaston sporting her usual curly hair. She offers the camera a closed-mouth smile while seemingly kneeling in her high school volleyball uniform.
During her time on the team, Spice proudly repped number four. According to a TikTok posted earlier this year, she went on to play for Purchase College Athletics Women’s Volleyball after graduating. Thanks to a scholarship, she was also allegedly able to study Biology while playing the sport she loves.
Fans are clearly eating up the older images of the redhead. Thankfully, there have been plenty of new ones surfacing lately too. Less than a year ago, hardly anyone had heard of Spice, and now she’s sitting front row during runways and performing at New York Fashion Week parties. Read all about the starlet’s latest adventures here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
As of January 20, Aquarius season is finally upon us. This means that several iconic artists will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming weeks, including Justin Timberlake. The Social Network star’s big day is today (January 31), and it marks his 42nd year here on Earth.
Of course, the R&B star has been in the public eye for the better part of his life. His early childhood in Memphis, Tennessee previously found him appearing on shows like Star Search and The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. By the late 90s, he made a name for himself as the youngest member of NSYNC, but would eventually leave in favour of a solo career.
Singer Justin Timberlake attends the Kenzo Menswear Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 26, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
His 2002 debut album, Justified, chiefly earned him two Grammy awards. By 2006, he really caught the world’s attention with FutureSex/LoveSounds. The hot and heavy project remains in rotation to this day, and boasts titles like “Summer Love” and “SexyBack” featuring Timbaland.
Timberlake and the renowned producer have since worked together numerous times over the years. In celebration of the former’s birthday today, we’re throwing it back to 2009 with their highly favoured “Carry Out” collaboration.
Appearing on Timba’s Shock Value II album, the track has since been streamed upwards of 120M times on Spotify alone. The same project also holds popular songs like “If We Ever Meet Again” with Katy Perry and “Morning After Dark” featuring Nelly Furtado.
It was an undeniably exquisite time in music, and absolutely deserves a revisit in celebration of Justin’s life and work.
Stream Timbaland and Timberlake’s “Carry Out” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your favourite throwback track from the birthday boy in the comment section.
Quotable Lyrics:
And if there’s room for dessert then I want a piece Baby, get my order right, no errors I’ma touch you in all the right areas I can feed you, you can feed me Girl, deliver that to me, come see me
