Top Dawg Entertainment rapper Reason released a new album, Porches, earlier this month, and now he’s celebrating with an appearance on the latest installment of UPROXX Sessions. Standing in front of the classic colorful graffiti wall, he delivered an A-plus rendition of the introspective album highlight “Call Me.”
Porches is Reason’s second album and the follow-up to his 2020 debut, New Beginnings. The project saw Reason seamlessly integrate himself into the contemporary hip-hop landscape as he linked up with featured artists like Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Rapsody, and Ab-Soul. His debut LP arrived after a series of independently released mixtapes caught TDE’s attention; He initially released There You Have It on his own in 2017, but TDE reissued the project the next year. Also in 2018, he landed an appearance on Black Panther: The Album, one of the year’s most beloved releases.
Check out Reason’s UPROXX Sessions performance of “Call Me” above.
UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.
Reason’s issues with Top Dawg Entertainment spilled out into the public eye last week. The TDE rapper and label president Moosa went head-to-head on the Bacc On Figg podcast over Reason’s release schedule. However, one thing Reason made clear is that he’s received plenty of love from the Dreamville crew over the years. He’s a frequent contributor to the Dreamville compilation efforts and it seems that he got the opportunity to hear some new music from J Cole.
During a recent interview on New Rory & Mal, Reason reflected on Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse before sharing his thoughts on J Cole’s upcoming album, The Fall Off. Reason explained that Cole is on pace to surpass Kendrick Lamar once the new album drops. “I think when The Fall Off drops, only on the strength of — ’cause TDE fans are f**king crazy — not ’cause he’s better than Dot, but just because he’s been more active. I feel like when The Fall Off drops, the fruits of his labor from being so active are gonna show,” Reason explained.
Fans have frequently debated whether J Cole or Kendrick Lamar is the better rapper. Although Kendrick’s earned a list of accolades that have set him apart from his peers in hip-hop, J Cole’s undoubtedly been far more consistent in recent years. Projects like K.O.D. and The Off-Season silenced many of Cole’s critics over the years. However, Reason feels as though Kendrick and J Cole have their respective moments. “But they’ve done this for years, though. To me, they’ve kinda like — Dot is bigger at this point, Cole [is bigger at that point]. They’ve kinda done that for a long time,” he explained.
Reason is fresh off of the release of his latest album, Porches, which arrived on Aug. 11th. The body of work boasts an array of features from TDE artists including Doechii, Ray Vaughn, Sir, and Zacari. Artists like Baby Tate and London Money also appear across the tracklist. Maybe, we’ll see him on J Cole’s upcoming album, which has yet to secure a release date. We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates.
Reason is officially in beast mode, with his second studio album arriving this Friday, August 11. The Porches project is the Carson, California rapper’s third release under Top Dawg Entertainment. It follows 2020’s New Beginnings and the 2018 re-release of his There You Have It mixtape. In promoting his upcoming album, Reason appeared on the BACKONFIGG podcast, discussing his place on TDE and his relationship with his labelmates. He also expressed frustrations with his album’s rollout. Label co-president Moosa called into the livestream, confronting Reason for his comments, resulting in an on-air tiff between the two.
Despite the disagreements between him and his label, Reason assured fans that Porches would be the “best hip hop album of the year.” Throughout his career, he has worked with notable names in hip hop, including many of his TDE contemporaries. As we wait for Reason’s next project to be released this Friday, we are looking at his best collaborations so far. This list contains both Reason’s songs and tracks on which he had a prominent feature. Ranked from least to greatest, here are Reason’s seven hottest collaborations. Take a look at the list below.
7. “LamboTruck” with Cozz & Childish Major (2019)
The TDE and Dreamville labels have hosted incredible talents on their rosters, with fans often comparing the two. On “LamboTruck,” we see Reason and Cozz go back and forth, rapping about being undervalued on their successful labels. They compare themselves and their labelmates, taking things to the extreme by planning a robbery of their bosses. In an exchange of bars that emulates Eminem and Dr. Dre’s “Guilty Conscience,” Reason and Cozz hatch their plan and showcase their chemistry. Additionally, Childish Major’s chorus rounds out this highlight from Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers 3 compilation.
6. “Extinct” feat. Isaiah Rashad and JID (2022)
Another collaboration between members of TDE and Dreamville, Reason features Isaiah Rashad and JID on “Extinct,” a standout track from New Beginnings. The instrumental, which repurposes a sample used by both Westside Gunn and Joey Bada$$, allows the three to exhibit their unique flows. Reason’s deep voice cuts through the beat while JID skips over it, with his high vocal tone complimenting the melody. Isaiah Rashad, who has clearly influenced the two of them, provides his signature wordplay and nonchalant delivery.
5. “I Can Make It” feat. Rapsody (2020)
Many of Reason’s best collaborations are when he links up with members of the TDE and Dreamville camps, but one of his most memorable collaborative moments is “I Can Make It.” The song sees Reason recruiting Rapsody for one of the best songs on his debut album. The two rap about making it in the music industry with different perspectives. Rapsody’s commanding voice and lyrical ability allow her to outshine almost anyone, and she does exactly that on this song. One of the track’s best lyrics is when Rapsody likens her bars to that of a Tommy gun while sneaking in a Peaky Blinders reference. She raps, “I can make you understand the inner workings of a spitter / That let off like Tommy, boy, no Hilfiger, he’ll figure.”
The menacing instrumental on “Pop Sh*t” allows Reason to flex his rapping skills while ScHoolboy Q makes the song his own. The two deliver violent street raps that bring the best out of each other. Reason steps his game up as he raps beside one of the most successful rappers from TDE. ScHoolboy Q is at his most focused since Blank Face LP, spitting mean bars with a touch of humor. The beat works for both of their rap styles and emulates the prime eras of TDE.
3. “Revenge” With Lute, Omen, Ari Lennox, EARTHGANG, & Childish Major (2020)
Reason collaborates with a host of different artists on “Revenge,” a standout moment on the deluxe edition of Dreamville’s 2019 compilation. EARTHGANG, Childish Major, Lute, Omen, and Reason all contribute verses about overcoming obstacles in life. Ari Lennox takes the spotlight without saying a single word on the chorus, just singing a couple of “oohs” and “aye’s.” An introspective song with vulnerable moments, each rapper brings their best effort. Still, Reason closes the song with arguably the best verse.
2. “Still Up” – EARTHGANG feat. Reason (2020)
“Still Up” is another collaboration between EARTHGANG and Reason on the Revenge of the Dreamers 3 deluxe. Over an exciting bass-heavy instrumental, Olu starts the song with a playful chorus before Reason floats over the beat. Weaving between different flows, he spits one of his hardest verses full of clever schemes. WowGr8 comes next, keeping the upbeat energy with a rapid flow. The knocking beat works for both Reason and EARTHGANG, allowing the three to showcase their skills and personalities.
Arguably Reason’s best song to date, he teams up with Ab-Soul on “Flick It Up.” The two had previously collaborated on “Trapped In” and again joined forces on this upbeat banger. Both hailing from Carson, California, Reason has better chemistry with Ab-Soul than anyone else on the TDE label. The song is catchy but full of slick bars from Reason and Ab-Soul. The two switch between flows in their verses, impressing with skillful rhymes and punchlines. Songs like “Flick It Up” showcases Reason’s ability to craft quality songs, which he likely will continue to do on his upcoming album.
Punch has responded to Reason’s recent rant about being signed to TDE and says that the narrative of labels being the villains is “getting stale.” Reason made the original comments during an episode of BACKONFIGG. During the interview, TDE co-president Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith Jr. called into the stream and the two got into an argument.
“That big bad mean ol label narrative is getting stale,” Punch wrote on Twitter, Tuesday afternoon. When asked how he felt about Moosa getting involved, he explained: “I’m never cool with discussing things publicly that should be discussed in private. BUT if things are being brought to the public then everyone should get a chance to state their truth on a subject.”
Reason also commented on the situation on Twitter, thanking his supporters for reaching out. “I appreciate ppl that’s reached out to me,” he wrote. “Trust I’m as good as I can be. We’ll have a real convo at some point about what happened, just trust that wasn’t a “rollout move” lol that actually happened! All positive energy as of now moving forward tho! Porches Friday! Love y’all!” As for the original complaints, Reason admitted he was unhappy with the rollout process for his new album, Porches. He claimed that TDE dropped the ball when it came to getting EST Gee and Latto on the project.
Punch Addresses Reason’s Complaints
He explained: “It was a few different things. I had Latto lined up for something, not executed. I had EST Gee lined up, not executed. Like, us not pushing through. Features lined up, we got a price set, video and verse for the love, takes too long. I’ll speak on the EST Gee shit specifically — took too long to get through to EST Gee and his people and be like, ‘Yo, this is what we wanna do.’ By the time we ended up connecting with him and reaching out, he dropped a record with Future and the record went cr*zy. Now, the feature is $25,000 more than what it already was.”
Reason voiced his frustrations with Top Dawg Entertainment while speaking with the label’s co-president, Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith Jr., for a recent episode of BACKONFIGG. In doing so, Reason explained that he is unhappy with the rollout of his upcoming album Porches. He revealed that TDE dropped the ball on securing features he wanted from Latto and EST Gee.
“We had certain features lined up that could’ve went through,” he vented. “We had the budget, we had the feature lined up, takes too long to get pushed through, feature price ended up going up or something goes away. Content ideas lined up, not executed. Rollout ideas lined up, not executed.”
He elaborated: “It was a few different things. I had Latto lined up for something, not executed. I had EST Gee lined up, not executed. Like, us not pushing through. Features lined up, we got a price set, video and verse for the love, takes too long. I’ll speak on the EST Gee shit specifically — took too long to get through to EST Gee and his people and be like, ‘Yo, this is what we wanna do.’ By the time we ended up connecting with him and reaching out, he dropped a record with Future and the record went cr*zy. Now, the feature is $25,000 more than what it already was.”
Reason Voices Complaints About TDE
At one point, Moosa called into the stream directly to discuss the situation. As things got heated, Moosa claimed that TDE’s former co-president, Dave Free, never even wanted to sign Reason in the first place. “Aye, Dave, Dot [Kendrick Lamar], I love them n****s. Dave never wanted us to sign Reason. He called him a substitute teacher. Dot only said Reason had talent, but it’s gon’ take more than just talent in this game right now and everybody know that.” Amidst the arguing, Reason at one point asks, “You wanna have a conversation or you wanna go viral, which one you wanna do?” Porches will be releasing on Friday, August 11. Check out the full interview above.
TDE rapper REASON is back with a vengeance on his bouncy and charismatic new single, “You Betta (Jesus Take The Wheel).” Of course, this is far from the first notable release from the California MC this year, with Jay Rock hopping on the remix of his track “At It Again.” This time around, his newest musical offering takes things back to a more light-hearted and joyful tone with an optimistic hook and exciting background group vocals. Sure, it still talks about all the expected themes in a contemporary rap song, especially one that’s meant to hype listeners up for the summer season. Still, it’s the rapper’s lyrical cleverness, infectious delivery, and laidback flows that give the track its power.
Lyrically, the hook mentions a few things that REASON leaves up to faith, and therefore isn’t worried about: catching charges, having a Glock on his lap, and romantic pursuits. Even though the subject matter may seem darker, his melodic inflections and breezy cadence firmly root “You Betta” as a summertime banger. In addition, the verses themselves are decidedly more sensual, centered mostly around his lust for other women. However, there are still some throwaway lines about gossip, switching narratives, and his come-up in Los Angeles. As such, you don’t really know where the track goes next, but you fully lock into the sunny instrumental.
REASON’s “You Betta (Jesus Take The Wheel)” Music Video
Through a bass-heavy beat, and a fast tempo, the beat makes sure that you don’t lose the song’s playful energy. Overall, it’s an entertaining and occasionally anthemic cut that hopefully hints at this artist dropping something long-term soon. If you haven’t heard it, you can find it on your preferred streaming service and catch some standout bars below. As always, check back in with HNHH for the latest on REASON, and for more great hip-hop releases each week.
Quotable Lyrics I just need a little energy, we try to take this s**t across the water Eat your p***y on the balcony, my appetite go harder I’m a dog, h*e, I beat the brakes off it Know you stressed, all that pressure, let me take the weight off you
Jay Rock is back with his latest single, “Eastside,” featuring Kal Banx. The release of the new song marks Rock’s first new single in five years. Back in 2018, Jay Rock released his third studio album and major label debut, Redemption. The album featured the biggest hit songs of his career, including “King’s Dead” and “Win.” The former earned Jay Rock his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 2019.
In the wake of his new single, Jay Rock has been teasing his upcoming fourth studio album. Speaking about his forthcoming release, Jay Rock promised “good quality music” with “no skips.” When it comes to Jay Rock’s consistency over the years, the expectations for his next release are high. We have compiled a list of his best songs to commemorate Jay Rock’s return. This list draws from Jay Rock’s discography, including his three studio albums. Take a look at the list below, ranked from least to greatest.
“Hood Gone Love It” is a quintessentially west coast hip hop song from Jay Rock’s 2011 debut album, Follow Me Home. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced the anthemic track. Jay Rock represents his hood in his hometown of Watts, California, rapping with a tough yet relaxed delivery. Kendrick Lamar shines on the song with a choppy and rhyme scheme-heavy verse.
He raps as if he does not need to take a single breath. Jay Rock and Kendrick depict scenes of poverty and crime in their verses, but the song is still celebratory as they embrace where they come from. “Hood Gone Love It” is one of many songs the Black Hippy collaborators have made together.
“Easy Bake” is yet another phenomenal display of Jay Rock’s and Kendrick Lamar’s chemistry. The song is a hectic exchange of bars between the two over a slowly bouncing trap beat. Outside of Black Hippy, “Easy Bake” is easily one the best songs Jay Rock and Kendrick have made together because they naturally flow off one another. I
f the first part of the song was not exciting enough, the track shifts into a funky, choppy instrumental made for summertime cruising. SZA contributes one of her best vocal performances, and Jay Rock spits another verse. On the remix to “Easy Bake,” titled “Traffic Jam,” Kendrick Lamar also contributes another verse.
Much like “Easy Bake,” “Wanna Ride” is a song with unexpected beat switches that create an exciting listening experience. Jay Rock flows smoothly over the twinkling instrumentation for a minute before the song transforms into a bouncing instrumental, which he floats over. The lyrics stick to Jay Rock’s signature gangsta rap style, but his delivery is much more playful on this song. While Isaiah Rashad does not spit a verse, his hook is powerful enough to take the spotlight.
2. “Gumbo” (2015)
Jay Rock is known for his ultra-tough delivery and gangsta rap bars, but some of his greatest songs see him at his most reflective. Over an instrumental that blends modern with vintage, Jay Rock raps some of his most potent lyrics, looking back into his childhood and at his place in hip hop. Even when he does not rap aggressively, his voice is just as commanding. The chorus’s hypnotic soul brings the song together, reinforcing Jay Rock’s idea that he brings his own flavor to the music.
1. “Money Trees Deuce” feat. Lance Skiiiwalker (2015)
Jay Rock’s verse on Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” is still regarded as a show-stealing appearance on one of hip hop’s best masterpieces. On “Money Trees Deuce,” Jay Rock expands on his legendary verse, painting a picture of the lifestyle of doing whatever it takes to get money. He raps about the causes and effects of street life and the paranoia that comes with it. “Money Trees Deuce” is equally as descriptive as its predecessor but takes on its own unique perspective as Jay Rock’s story is a much more cautionary tale. For its instrumental, “Money Trees Deuce” flips a song from a Marvin Gaye soundtrack into its own cinematic experience.
ScHoolboy Q, born as Quincy Matthew Hanley, has an estimated net worth of about $6 million as of 2023, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This sum underscores the significant strides he has made in his journey from a troubled childhood to the apex of the rap scene.
From Streets To Studio: ScHoolboy Q’s Musical Journey
ScHoolboy Q’s path to prosperity was paved through his passion for music. Bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s, Q quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the hip-hop world. His albums, including the platinum-certified Oxymoron, have been commercial successes, considerably enhancing his net worth. The rapper remains one of Top Dawg Entertainment‘s most applauded standouts. His work with the California label and fellow label signees has earned them a respected reputation in hip-hop.
Diversification: Beyond Music For ScHoolboy Q
ScHoolboy Q’s income sources extend beyond his music career. He has delved into acting, appearing in TV shows and movies. These ventures have provided additional income streams, contributing to his $6 million net worth. In addition to his music and acting careers, ScHoolboy Q has shown astute business sense. He has invested in merchandise, selling branded clothing and accessories to his fans. These entrepreneurial pursuits have helped to swell his net worth.
Philanthropy: ScHoolboy Q’s Commitment To Giving Back
While ScHoolboy Q’s net worth is certainly noteworthy, his philanthropic efforts are equally admirable. He has used his wealth to give back to the community, supporting causes close to his heart. His charitable endeavors have made a positive impact, demonstrating that his wealth is not just about personal accumulation but also about contributing to societal good.
Recap/TLDR
To conclude, ScHoolboy Q’s net worth of $6 million as of 2023 reflects his diversified career. From his successful music career to his ventures in acting and entrepreneurship, each aspect of his professional life has contributed to his financial success. Moreover, his commitment to philanthropy shows that he understands the value of wealth beyond personal gain. ScHoolboy Q’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the ability to diversify one’s income. His story inspires many, illustrating that success can be multifaceted and wealth can be used as a force for positive change.
Top Dawg Entertainment’s run to the top of hip-hop will forever be enshrined in the genre’s history. Rising out of Carson, California, the label went from Los Angeles’s impoverished streets to selling out world tours. The label’s rise mirrored what Death Row could do decades earlier—with less chaos. However, Ab-Soul’s name was rarely mentioned in the context of Top Dawg Entertainment’s mainstream success. The Carson MC is more so an under-spoken and patient verse creator compared to his contemporaries. However, he’s meticulously compiled an impressive resume over the past decade.
Ab-Soul wrote his first rap verse at 12, scheming over Twista’s “Emotions.” A self-described nerd and outcast in school, he contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which is the reason for his light-sensitive eyes and trademark black shades. Severely teased at school for his condition, he began utilizing rapping as an outlet. By the early 2000s, he started recording songs before he met the president of TDE. After signing with Top Dawg Entertainment in 2007, he joined the West Coast hip-hop group Black Hippy. The collective consisted of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q.
Ab-Soul Broke Out With 2012’s Control System
Black Hippy quickly gained notoriety throughout Los Angeles, making Ab-Soul’s solo career under TDE a logical next step. While Longterm served as his debut mixtape, 2012’s Control System would become a beloved and gatekept project for alternative rap fans. The album mirrored many of the sonic ideations of Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80, picking from various jazzy beats. Ab-Soul would continue to lean into a darker persona over the next four years, releasing 2014’s These Days and 2016’s Do What Thou Wilt. The latter would become his most critically acclaimed project of the lot, featuring the hit track “The Law” featuring Mac Miller and Rapsody. While Ab-Soul has never reached the mainstream popularity of many of his contemporaries, his ability to stay true to his eclectic nature has garnered a loyal fanbase.
Ab-Soul’s New Album Focuses On Vulnerability
In 2022, Ab returned after a six-year hiatus for the personal and reinvigorating Herbert. The project saw him motivated for the first time in a long time. The wait wasn’t intended to be that long, as the album was initially slated to release in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic. He told GQ, “The pandemic is probably where it was the roughest, where it was the darkest for me. We all kinda had to sit with ourselves, in solitude.” However, Herbert isn’t as focused on the negativity that Ab-Soul was feeling during the pandemic. Instead, the record focuses on his personal improvements in mental health. The rapper admitted to attempting suicide and detailed his incredible recovery.
The seasoned veteran went on to discuss the album with XXL, stating, “The album Herbert is about getting back to self. I just kinda feel like I was becoming Ab-Soul more than Herbert. So, this album, to say the least, is dedicated to the people that refuse to call me Ab-Soul. That still call me Herbert or Herbie or Herb. It’s about getting back to the roots. Getting back to the foundation, to the source. Getting back to self.” Ab-Soul expressed growth in his musical chops on the project, experimenting more with auto-tune choruses while proving he’s still one of the most intricate writers in Los Angeles’s hip-hop arena.
He’s L.A.’s Underground MC
In essence, Ab-Soul has morphed himself into TDE’s staple underground artist over the years. For fans who resonate less with the booming 808s and larger-than-life production of Kendrick Lamar or Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul’s sound acts as a refreshing detour for Los Angeles loyalist rap fans. He’s heavily contributed to hip-hop’s continued focus on lyricism and emotional vulnerability. As he puts it plainly on Herbert, “I don’t know what to think.” However, Ab-Soul embraces that sense of obscurity through his music, gaining his respect within the industry.
The past calendar year has been a period of change for Ab-Soul. Following up on the success of Herbert, he collaborated with fellow TDE member Zacari on “Motions.” Beyond his music creation, he welcomed a pair of twins to the world in April. However, he’s remained purposefully coy regarding who the mother is. In addition, he is partnering with the Mickey Factz Pendulum Ink Academy, where he’s teaching a class surrounding hip-hop songwriting. He isn’t the first MC to spread his pen game to the rest of the world, with rappers such as Lupe Fiasco and Q-Tip also teaching hip-hop courses. The placement speaks volumes to Ab-Soul’s notoriety and respect within the genre, making him the untold hero of Top Dawg Entertainment.
Top Dawg Entertainment’s putting in work this year. The label closed out 2022 on a high note with releases from Ab-Soul and SZA. However, Top Dawg confirmed that they had more in store for the year. Reason’s on pace to light on the year with a new project. Although it’s been nearly three years since New Beginnings, he’s released a string of singles, from records like “Barely Miss” to The Game-assisted, “Impalas & Hydraulics.” On top of the number of freestyles he dropped, Reason is evidently in go-mode.
To kick off the campaign for his next body of work, the rapper released “At It Again” earlier this year. With production from Coleman, Motif Alumni, and Tariq, who deliver a triumphant soundscape, Reason comes out the gates swinging with anthemic flows and instantly quotable bars. However, he leveled up the record today with the release of the official remix with a little help from Jay Rock.
Jay Rock Joins Reason On Remix
It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Jay Rock. However, he didn’t disappoint fans with the release of his new verse on “At It Again.” Joining forces with Reason, Rock comes through with a firm reminder of why he’s one of the coldest MCs on TDE. Rock glides through the horn-heavy production for his first offering of the year and matches Reason’s high energy. It’s a verse that highlights Jay Rock’s successes from getting it out of the mud to establishing himself in hip-hop. Thankfully, he also gave fans a little update on what he has in store for this year. “Top Dawg hit me like ‘we at it again,’ Rock comin’ soon, new bag for the win,” he raps.
Earlier this year, Top Dawg confirmed that there were a handful of projects from the label on the way. He confirmed Jay Rock would drop this year while also hinting at a potential Black Hippy EP. Although no update surrounding the reunion of the rap supergroup has surfaced since, it’s been five years since Redemption so we’re long overdue for a new album from Jay Rock. Check out the “At It Again” remix above.
Quotable Lyrics Can’t be talkin’ just to be talkin’ When I do tour, it’s never often Trying to run Central like Nip did on Slauson Julio in a teacup on a saucer