throwback

Mac Miller Bus Freestyle From His Early Days Resurfaces

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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.

Mac Miller’s Resurfaced Bus Freestyle

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.

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Ja Rule’s 47th Birthday: Stream “Always On Time” Feat. Ashanti To Celebrate

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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 Posts Throwback Dedicating Song To Lil Wayne & Toya As A Teen

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Reginae Carter recently posted an adorable video on Instagram of her dedicating a song to her parents Lil 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.

Reginae Carter’s Song For Lil Wayne & Toya

Ice Spice’s High School Volleyball Photo Surfaces Online

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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.

@1200ceejay

#greenscreen #1200ceejay #reaction #icespice #icespicee #fyp #fypシ #fypage

♬ Munch (Feelin’ U) – Ice Spice

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.

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Justin Timberlake Turns 42: Celebrate His Birthday & Revisit “Carry Out” With Timbaland

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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

Celebrate Aaliyah’s Heavenly 44th Birthday With “Are You That Somebody”

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Each and every August, fans of the late Aaliyah mourn her untimely death, but when her birthday comes around in January, it marks the perfect occasion to celebrate the Princess of R&B’s life. This year, we’re specifically streaming “Are You That Somebody” in her honour.

Released in May of 1998, the song has chiefly gone on to reach critical acclaim and influence artists long after the vocalists’ tragic passing. As The Rolling Stone Album Guide previously put it, Timbaland’s production acts as a springboard for Aaliyah’s voice. R. Kelly’s, on the other hand, was more of a “cradle.”

Singer Aaliyah (1979 – 2001) attends the premiere of ‘Planet of the Apes’ at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York, 2001. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images)

As Genius notes, the song was surprisingly first recorded for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack, and even earned a Grammy nomination. In the past the late 22-year-old was known for singing ballads, but this introduced the world to a new side of Aaliyah.

“Is it my go, is it your go? / Sometimes I’m goody-goody / Right now I’m naughty-naughty,” she flirtatiously sings on the catchy chorus. “Say yes or say no, ’cause I really need somebody / Tell me are you that somebody.”

The accompanying visual sees Aaliyah showing off her keen sense of style and expert dance skills.

In his usual fashion, Timbaland got creative with sampling for “Are You That Somebody.” He used a baby’s coo from Prince’s “Delirious” which remains talked about in music history to this day.

Stream Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody” on Spotify or Apple Music. Afterward, find this week’s new music recommendations on our R&B Season playlist here.

RIP.

Quotable Lyrics:

But if I, if I let you know
You can’t tell nobody, I’m talkin’ ’bout nobody
Are you responsible?
Boy, I gotta watch my back, ’cause I’m not just anybody

A$AP Rocky Marks 10 Years Of “LONG.LIVE.A$AP” With “Angels” Alternate Video

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It’s been nearly five years since A$AP Rocky delivered his Testing album, and while fans are undeniably eager for new music from the father of one, the hiatus has given us plenty of time to celebrate the rest of his discography.

Today (January 15), the New Yorker’s debut project, LONG.LIVE.A$AP marks its 10-year anniversary. Complete with hit songs like “F**kin’ Problems” with Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar and “Hell” featuring Santigold, the effort has been in streaming rotation since its initial debut.

A$AP Rocky attends the Amazon Music Live Concert Series on December 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music)

Another fan favourite from the tracklist is “Angels,” which arrived later on the deluxe cut. At the time it came with a music video, but to celebrate a decade of success, Rocky dropped off an alternate visual for audiences on Sunday afternoon.

As HipHopNMore reports, the clip finds the 33-year-old linking up with friends in NYC. The late A$AP Yams is prominently featured in some never-before-seen footage.

Of course, the new release takes inspiration from the original, though this version is shorter. In his usual fashion, Rakim Mayers made a few noteworthy changes to keep things fresh to help his audience celebrate.

Throughout “Angels,” Rocky chiefly raps about his violent and drug-filled childhood before his inevitable rise to fame. He gets vulnerable about selling marijuana and crack cocaine at a young age and recruiting other children to aid him in his illegal endeavours.

His new visual has been sitting well with fans, with many of them singing its praises in the comment section. “10 years later and still fresh,” one person wrote. “Rocky a real trendsetter.”

Others added, “This song is so timeless,” and “Give this man a Lifetime Achievement Award for visuals while he’s alive please!”

Check out the alternate “Angels” video on YouTube above, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates.

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Beyoncé & Blue Ivy Look Like Twins In Throwback Snapshot

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Beyoncé has made a tradition of wishing her fellow celebrities a happy birthday by sharing their childhood photos on social media. In the past, stars like Lizzo have been left amazed by celebratory greetings from the Lemonade hitmaker. Somehow, she surprisingly seems to mysteriously conjure up the snapshots out of thin air.

It’s not her birthday, but now Queen B is going viral for some throwback pictures of her own. Earlier this week a 1990s capture that finds the mother of three getting her hair braided began circulating. The main topic of conversation surrounding the image is how the vocalist’s oldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, undeniably resembles her.

Jay Z, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé Knowles attend the 66th NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center on February 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

“Nah that’s Blue Ivy with a ’90s filter,” one person joked.

Additionally, others quickly noticed that the hairdresser resembles another famous face who has close ties to Beyoncé – Chloe Bailey. Though there’s an obvious age difference between the two, it’s hard to argue with the undeniably similar features they share.

“Blue Ivy getting her hair braided by Chloe Bailey in Houston, Texas (2022),” one Twitter user wrote, mimicking the original caption. Another asked, “This isn’t Chloe Bailey doing Blue Ivy’s hair?”

The comments may be comparing her to her mother now, but in the past, the 10-year-old has made headlines for her resemblance to her father, Jay-Z, as well.

In January, the young fashionista made waves with the rap mogul at a Rams Game. At the time, Hov was in full dad mode as he took photos of his daughter and Rihanna.

The very next month, the pair hit up the Super Bowl together, with Jay-Z acting as cameraman once again. Read more about that here, and check back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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