Tupac

Ashanti’s Best Hip Hop Collabs: Ja Rule, Fat Joe, & More

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Ashanti Is best known for her R&B classics and Hip Hop collaborations. It’s no wonder she was crowned “The Princess of Hip Hop and R&B” so early in her career. After her eponymous debut album was released in 2002, she became a global sensation. Her debut single, “Foolish,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and announced her presence with a bang. From then on, Ashanti successfully became the go-to singer for Hip Hop collabs. She has since been featured on a number of tracks by some of the biggest rappers around. 

Ashanti has partnered with many celebrities as a singer and songwriter. In 2022, her efforts were further crowned with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She remains one of the most influential musical artists of all time. Additionally, Ashanti’s Hip Hop collabs also helped popularize the rapper and singer duo. Her longtime partnerships with Ja Rule, and features on tracks by Fat Joe, Plies, and more, have made her a Hip Hop darling. 

With over two decades of success, Ashanti’s career is quite enviable. Like many other musicians, she also made a reasonably notable crossover into acting. Her most famous roles are in John Tucker Must Die and Army Wives. She held the 2000s down as a singer with several notable Hip Hop collabs.

“Always On Time” (2001)

“Always on Time” is unarguably one of the most successful songs of the 2000s. The 2001 single is one of many timeless Hip Hop collabs by Ja Rule and Ashanti. “Always on Time” was released as the second single from Ja Rule’s third album, Pain is Love. “Always on Time” further reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Ashanti’s first No. 1 song. It also put the singer on the map ahead of her mega-successful debut single “Foolish” was released. “Always on Time” is the song that set eyes on Ashanti and kicked off her journey in the public eye.

“What’s Luv?” (2002)

“What’s Luv?” is a single by Fat Joe that features Ja Rule and Ashanti vocals. Released in February of 2002, the song dominated airwaves around the world. It was the second single off Fat Joe’s fourth album, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E). “What’s Luv?” was Ashanti’s second Hip Hop collab that performed exceptionally well on charts worldwide. The single also reached the penultimate spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was blocked from the top spot by Ashanti’s debut single, “Foolish.” “What’s Luv?” has become one of Ashanti’s signature songs over the years, and rightfully so.

“Unfoolish” (2002)

Though released over two decades ago, “Foolish” is still widely considered to be Ashanti’s signature track. The R&B single spent ten whole weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. “Unfoolish,” while not a hit song, was a promotional single that featured a verse from The Notorious B.I.G. His guest appearance on the track was thanks to a verse from his song “F—king You Tonight.” Overall, “Unfoolish” has quickly become a cult favorite from Ashanti’s endless Hip Hop collabs. 

“Mesmerize” (2002)

Ashanti and Ja Rule reigned supreme in the early 2000s, and “Mesmerize” is one of their standout tracks. The 2003 Hip Hop track features Ashanti and Ja Rule confessing their desire for one another. Both artists also appeared in the music video greatly inspired by the musical Grease. In the now iconic video, Ashanti and Ja Rule play a series of amusement park attractions before riding off together. “Mesmerize” hit the penultimate spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and is another staple in both artists’ discographies.

“Into You” (2003)

The “Into You” music video may have featured Tamia’s re-recorded vocals, but Ashanti’s voice on the album track is unmistakable. “Into You” is a Hip Hop love song by Fabolous, with vocals by Ashanti. Irv Gotti famously refused the singer to appear in the video, which led to Tamia’s version. However, Ashanti still received credit on official singles charts due to the mass appeal of both the album and single versions.

“Pac’s Life” (2006)

“Pac’s Life” is a song that celebrates the life of rap icon Tupac Shakur. The famous single was released as a part of the artist’s posthumous album release. “Pac’s Life” is a Hip Hop and R&B collab that features T.I. and Ashanti. Furthermore, the music video of “Pac’s Life” was highly anticipated and debuted on BET in November 2006. “Pac’s Life” was also filmed at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center, and T.I. and Ashanti appeared in the video paying homage to the legend. With the announcement of an incoming Tupac biography, the single has enjoyed more airplay.

“Body On Me” (2008)

Nelly and Ashanti have rekindled their romance after a decade apart. In 2008, the rapper featured Ashanti and Akon on the track “Body on Me.” Initially meant for her album The Declaration, the single was recorded while the pair were dating. Moreover, the Hip Hop and R&B collab features Ashanti’s sultry vocals anticipating a steamy night with her man. “Body on Me” didn’t achieve mainstream success but resonated with fans of the couple at the time.

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Craziest Suge Knight Stories

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Suge Knight is perhaps Hip-Hop’s most infamous villain of all time. The former Death Row Records CEO is currently serving a prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. Yet, this is just one of many instances of violence throughout Suge’s life. Knight’s career is marred in sadistic violence, much of which has been documented in interviews or writing. Many rappers, executives, and other people within the music industry have shared their own stories as the legend of Suge Knight continues to grow with time. Here’s a look at five of the craziest Suge Knight stories.

Sending Goons To Hawaii For Eminem, Dr. Dre, & Snoop Dogg

In an interview with Cam Capone News in 2019, Eminem’s former bodyguard, Big Naz, spoke about when Suge Knight sent goons to Hawaii for Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. At the time, Snoop and Suge were engaged in a feud after Snoop left Death Row Records to sign with No Limit. While Snoop prepared for a show with Dr. Dre and Eminem in Hawaii, things went bad. According to Big Naz, Suge sent around 50 goons from Los Angeles to disrupt the event.

About the event, Big Naz stated, “The scariest moment is when we went to Hawaii. When the plane landed we are greeted by twenty Honolulu police officers, and they told us that Death Row is here — they tried to hem [Snoop Dogg] up. Suge Knight had sent fifty guys to try to break up the show. When we got there, vacation mode was over, we were lockin’-n-loading, putting on bulletproof vests with their wives and girlfriends sitting next to them. We had to have Interscope pick up the tab to put Honolulu police with each bodyguard because of how deep Suge was over there.”

Big Naz also mentioned that the goons were on the plane back to Los Angeles with them. Naz had a confrontation with some of them on the plane that did not get violent. Eminem also told one of them that he was not working with Suge while on the flight. The incident, fortunately, did not result in violence. However, it showed just how far Suge Knight would go to get what he wanted.

Napoleon’s Story About Standing Up To Suge Knight

Another Suge Knight story comes from Outlawz member Napoleon’s Bomb1st interview in 2022. In the interview, Napoleon told the story of the first time he stood up to Suge Knight. While in New York for Tupac’s Saturday Night Live performance, things almost got violent between Napoleon, Suge, and Tupac. Suge took one of Napoleon’s friends into a room for allegedly disrespecting him, and things escalated from there.

While speaking about the incident, Napoleon stated, “Suge took one of my homies in a room, and he was mad at something he said. I went in there, and I remember pushing Suge’s hand because he was pointing at one of my homies. And, when I pushed his hand, then Pac got mad at me.” Tupac expected Napoleon to fall in line and side with Suge, as he asked him to “bomb” on his homie. However, Napoleon refused, as he knew the violent extent Suge could have gone to.

According to Napoleon, he may have also saved Suge that night. His homie’s uncle, known as “The Reaper,” was pacing outside the room and ready to intervene. Thankfully, Napoleon was able to act first. However, as we’ll see in the next story, things could have worsened for Napoleon and his friend.

Allegedly Making A Promoter Drink His Urine

This Suge Knight story comes from excerpts published in the New York Times from Hip-Hop journalist Ronin Ro’s book Have Gun Will Travel: The Spectacular Rise and Violent Fall of Death Row Records. The entire book examines the inner workings of Death Row Records, yet this story is particularly crazy. Ro claims that Suge made a promoter drink his urine after beating him with champagne bottles.

On Suge’s actions, Ro wrote, “If Suge felt someone was trying to cheat him, the offender would be dragged into a storeroom by his goons and pounded to a bloody pulp. Death Row employees went about their filing and faxing as bloodcurdling shrieks filled the office. They saw the doorknob jerking, knowing that people were desperately trying to escape a beating.” 

Suge allegedly took it one step further with Mark Anthony Bell at a Christmas party in 1995. After refusing to reveal Diddy’s home address, Bell was dragged into a room for a beating. After being assaulted with champagne bottles, Suge allegedly forced Bell to drink his urine. Despite the insanity of this story, it is just one of many detailing how sadistic Suge could be.

Allegedly Spat In Lyor Cohen’s Face During Prison Visit

On an episode of the Boss Talk 101 podcast in 2023, former Death Row Records executive Reggie Wright Jr. alleged that Suge spit in Lyor Cohen’s face over Snoop Dogg’s deal. At the time, Lyor Cohen was the co-president of Def Jam Records. Cohen visited Suge in prison to negotiate an agreement for Snoop Dogg. However, his asking price was too high. This led to Suge allegedly spitting in his face while incarcerated.

On the incident, Wright Jr. said, “He comes and offers Suge $7 million. ‘Tell Lyor the most that I can get for Snoop is $7 million.’ Suge never really liked the East Coasters or labels or whatever. And I’m like, ‘Okay, Lyor, yeah, we got a deal.’ Suge goes and tells Lyor, ‘No.’ Spits in Lyor face. Spits in his face, because of however the conversation went. At the prison. At San Luis Obispo.”

Suge Cried Due To Ja Rule’s Similarities To Tupac

This Suge Knight story is crazy for reasons other than those mentioned before. While Suge’s image is filled with violence, Tupac seems to have held a soft spot in Suge’s heart. After Irv Gotti first told the story on VladTV, Ja Rule corroborated it with Toofab. Ja stated that Suge cried when he first met him because he reminded him so much of Tupac.

In the clip, Rule said, “It was an emotional moment for Suge because I think he’s seen qualities in me that I guess he’s seen in Pac. And then actually meeting me, we had, I guess, similar energy to him because he asked me a question, and when I answered, he said, ‘Yo, that’s exactly what Pac said.’ And he got real emotional. This is real sh*t.” He added, “Like when you’re around them, and the first thing you would say is, ‘This is the guy that is responsible and all these crazy stories are about? Because he is a sweetheart to people that are good to him.”

While Suge Knight has been portrayed as something almost inhuman, it is important to remember that he is, in fact, human. As Ja Rule mentioned, Suge could be ruthless, yet he was still a man at the end of the day. However, Suge may be more complex of a man than he is given credit for. More stories obviously exist, like the one about dangling Vanilla Ice off of a balcony. We’re sure more exist in the Hip-Hop-sphere, just waiting to be told.

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7 Rappers Who Have Won Posthumous Awards: Pop Smoke, Tupac & More

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Sadly, posthumous releases from slain rappers are an occurrence that is more common than it should be. From legends like Notorious B.I.G. to young MCs like Pop Smoke, some artists don’t get to see the full impact they made on fans. While they, by no means, make up for such losses, some rappers get their accolades after their passing. Even in death, the music and creative forces of these rappers can not be quelled. Here are seven rappers who we’ve lost and the posthumous awards they have won. So pour one out for some of the rap game’s greatest titans in a bittersweet tribute to their talents.

7. Pop Smoke

Bashar Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke, was a rapper who we lost far too early. Smoke was murdered in a rental property in Los Angeles on February 19th, 2020, at the tender age 20. His loss was a massive blow to the hip-hop community, and the music industry, at large.

His legacy and music continued to touch fans everywhere after his death. In 2021, the Billboard Music Awards posthumously awarded the late rapper five accolades including Top Rap Artist and Top Rap Album for Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. His mother Audrey Jackson accepted the awards on her late son’s behalf. Simply heartbreaking. Smoke has also posthumously won an iHeartRadio Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Song in 2022.

6. Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle was a West Coast legend in his own right. After a string of speaker-crushing mixtapes, the LA-based MC would release his first studio album Victory Lap in 2018. Unfortunately, it would be the only studio album Nipsey would see released in his lifetime. On March 31st, 2019, at the age of 33, Nipsey was gunned down in the parking lot of Marathon Clothing.

Nipsey’s legacy of community activism and music was not lost in the wake of his untimely death. At the 62nd annual Grammy Awards, the late rapper’s song “Racks in the Middle” would take the Best Rap Performance award. Nipsey’s family accepted the posthumous award on his behalf. DJ Khaled’s song “Higher” also earned Nipsey a second posthumous Grammy the same night.

5. Juice WRLD

Juice WRLD (born Jarad Higgins) was a SoundCloud rap luminary as a teenager. The Chicago native would go on to amass a large fanbase and see a pair of successful album releases in his life. Sadly, on December 8th, 2019, Juice WRLD died due to an acute overdose of pharmaceutical opiates, at the age of 21.

After his passing Juice would go on to earn posthumous accolades. His work won the Favorite Male Artist – Hip-Hop at the 2020 American Music Awards. He would also earn the Best Hip-Hop Album Award at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards for Death Race for Love, which was the last release before his death.

4. XXXTentacion 

Jahseh Onfroy (better known as XXXTentacion) was a figure in hip-hop who was as influential as he was controversial. The Florida-native rapper/producer helped usher in a new wave of lo-fi rap with a DIY punk attitude. Despite his complicated legacy, XXXTentacion has remained a massive influence on artists across genres. However, his influence was cut short when Onfroy was murdered on June 18th, 2018, at the age of 20.

XXXTentacion won an American Music Award in the Favorite Album-Soul/R&B category for 17, only a few months after his death. The win was met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing the award going to a convicted abuser with a violent past. Onfroy’s mother, Cleopatra Bernard accepted her son’s posthumous win.

3. Takeoff

Takeoff was one-third of hip-hop hitmakers Migos, along with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset. A member of Migos, he was the recipient of an MTV Video Music Award, an American Music Award, and several BET Awards. That’s just to name a few. Unfortunately, Takeoff died in Houston, Texas on November 1st, 2022, at the age of 28 from gun violence.

In 2023, Takeoff and his bandmate/uncle, Quavo took home the Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song at the NAACP Image Awards. The duo won for their song “Hotel Lobby.”

2. Notorious B.I.G.

The legend known as Notorious B.I.G. was an irreplaceable stitch in the tapestry of rap music. Born Christopher Wallace, the incomparable NYC rapper was (and always will be) considered one of the biggest influences on modern hip-hop. His body of work still hits the airwaves around the world and his syrupy lyrical delivery has yet to be replicated. He was truly larger than life.

Unfortunately, a drive-by shooting on March 9th, 1997 cut that life short. The rapper was 24 years old and had untold potential ahead of him. After his death, Biggie would earn a pair of MTV Music Video Awards and a Soul Train Music Award. In 2020, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inducted Christopher Wallace.

1. Tupac Shakur

What can be said about Tupac Shakur that hasn’t already been said? The man was an American icon who transcended mediums in both music and film. He was heartfelt poet with a silver tongue and a complicated history. He was also one of the faces of rap music’s Mount Rushmore (along with Biggie Smalls). However, the world lost Pac on September 13th, 1996, at the age of 25.

Shakur had won a handful of awards, most of them posthumously. In 1997 he won the Soul Train Music Award for Best Album of the Year for All Eyez on Me. That same year, Tupac won an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist.

Rappers Inducted In The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

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Rappers being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more common than people realize. It covers several genres and serves as a place of recognition and validation. Inductees are not eligible until their first album is 25 years old. They do not have to be active musically at the time of their nomination. Like the GRAMMYs, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means a lot to many artists. For rap specifically, being inducted means recognition, but the recognition is not from their core audience. There’s also a certain satisfaction to being recognized by that audience as it shows the impact of the music has reached them. We’ve gathered some inductees we already know are well deserving of praise for their musical impact but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame agreed with us on them too.

Missy Elliott – 2023

Missy Elliott is the latest to join the rappers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is the first female rapper nominated and the first to be inducted. Missy Elliott is an innovator in the rap world. And that’s not just in the lane of women in rap – it’s in the lane of rap, period. Additionally, Missy’s eccentric style, flows, and music videos have been celebrated for decades. She’s viewed as an inspiration to anyone going against the norms in their musical lane – or life. Missy is a legacy artist that still appears in the occasional feature with modern artists. She embraces many of them, keeping her in touch with multiple generations. Missy being inducted is a validation of something her listeners have known for years – she’s a legend at her craft. 

Eminem – 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 13: Recording artists Eminem performs onstage at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for MTV)

Eminem is a rapper that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. To some, this came as no surprise. Eminem’s place as a white rapper in the rap game is no longer a hot topic. He has spoken about it in his music in multiple ways. People respect him because he never tried to be something he wasn’t. However, his showcases of being himself were criticized – and praised – throughout his entire career. Many people have cited Em as their inspiration. However, they often end up emulating him, which draws criticism and comparison. Em is an artist that is well aware of everything people say about him and has responded to them through his music. This keeps him quite active in the modern rap world with his own music. 

Jay-Z – 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: Jay-Z attends 2020 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

Jay-Z joined the list of rappers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. They inducted him the first year they nominated him. This is a testament to his legacy as an artist and, of course, as a mogul. Jay has been active in the rap game for decades and has done nothing but ascend his entire career. His “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man” quote is still used by go-getters, rise-and-grinders, and more today. He has inspired multiple generations in the rap world, with many artists still citing him as inspiration. Jay is another artist active in the modern-day rap game. He’ll pop up occasionally on a feature, with his most recent one being a four-minute verse on “God Did” from DJ Khaled’s latest album.

The Notorious B.I.G – 2020

Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

The Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Naturally, people hailed him as a legend for decades before then. Biggie is on the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop icons, and no, we’re not debating who is up there with him in this piece. Biggie’s influence in the rap world is still popular today. Some people are even trying to keep his spirit alive in too literal of a way. Still, his legendary status is not debated by many. Because of this, his induction did not come as a surprise to most supporters. But, the “delay” is only because Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die had to turn 25. Biggie’s legacy has continued to live on long after his tragic passing, as he has been cited as an inspiration for rappers of all generations.

Tupac – 2017

NEW YORK – JULY 23: Rapper Tupac Shakur performs onstage at Club Amazon on July 23, 1993 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Tupac is a legendary rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Like our previous entry, many people have him on their Mount Rushmore of hip-hop legends. His induction also did not come as a surprise due to his impact on listeners from his time and long after. Clips of Tupac from videos of all kinds are still posted across socials today. One of today’s most prominent artists, Kendrick Lamar, has cited him as an inspiration multiple times. Tupac’s voice can be heard on the closing track, “Mortal Man,” from Kendrick’s critically acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly. Kendrick has shared that the original title of this album was going to be Tu Pimp A Caterpillar which would have made the acronym for it “TuPAC.” This is also one of several examples of how his legacy has branched generations through the art of music.

N.W.A – 2016

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Rappers MC Ren, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and Dr. Dre of the rap group NWA pose for a portrait in 1991 in New York, New York. DJ Yella is giving the middle-finger. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

N.W.A is a group of rappers that were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. The group was the home of now-legendary artists Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E. The classic cover art for the group’s debut album Straight Outta Compton is still being replicated today. N.W.A.’s music covered several topics, with the most poignant one still being relevant. They talked about Black oppression through an aggressive and non-sugar-coated delivery. For lack of a better word, this also caused many people to fear them. People were proud to protest their music, and there is footage of people destroying physical copies of it in the streets. This further capitalized on the point they were trying to make in their music. Music that tells of people’s experiences in a country they are told loves them will forever be relevant.

Public Enemy – 2013

NEW YORK – 1988: (Clockwise from bottom left) Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X, S1W and Chuck D of the rap group Public Enemy pose for a portrait in a studio. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Public Enemy is a group of rappers inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 2013. They are another group whose message was politically charged. Chuck D delivered most of the message-centric content in the group, while Flavor Flav helped make their music a little more accessible. His animated verses, ad-libs, hooks, and overall personality did this. PE was a group with many rock elements and collaborations in their music. They remained active long after their most popular era. One of the most recent things listeners may remember was their April Fool’s Day prank in 2020, where they said they had kicked Flavor Flav out of the group. They did this stunt to also commentate on the power of disinformation. They followed this by resigning to Def Jam and releasing their album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – 2007

Portrait of Grandmaster Flash (seated in center) and the Furious Five, New York, December 1980. (Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first group of rappers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were inducted in 2007. For many listeners nowadays, these are one of the groups their parents excite and consider “real hip-hop.” This is true from a technical sense as they are one of the true genre pioneers. They brought it to mainstream audiences and did it in a way that made that audience love it. Without groups like theirs, we would not have been able to expand the genre of rap/hip-hop to the point of having multiple subgenres like it does today. Groups like these laid the groundwork for the importance of flow, delivery, cadence, and all the other core elements of what rapping truly is. It’s only fitting they were the first inductees since they helped build the genre.

Who are some of your favorite rapper inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Let us know in the comments section.

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Hip Hop Mother’s Day: 11 Rap Songs Dedicated To Moms

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As Mother’s Day approaches, now is a great time to look back at some of the songs inspired by our favorite rappers’ mothers. It’s a topic that many rappers have dived into in order to show gratitude for everything their mothers did to help them succeed. From Tupac to Lil B, here’s a look at the best 11 songs dedicated to Moms in Hip-Hop history.

11. Lil B, “Best Mom Ever” (2010)

Lil B is largely known for his “meme” style of rap that has captured the internet over the last decade. However, if you dig a bit deeper into his prolific catalog, Lil B’s also shown that he can tug heartstrings with emotionally potent records. His 2010 dedication to his mother, “Best Mom Ever,” is proof of that. He opens the song as though he’s speaking directly to her, rapping, “It’s ya boy Lil B, actually it’s your son, Brandon.” After this, Lil B praises his mom, rapping that she, “kept it more realer than any best friend”, and “gave me strength even when I didn’t have weight.” Lil B closes the record as he declares, “you the best mom ever.” The entire track is heartfelt and uplifting; a perfect celebration of all great mothers.

10. Rick Ross, “Smile, Mama, Smile” (2015)

“Smile, Mama, Smile” is a raw track in which Ross details everything his mother has done for him throughout his life. In the first verse, Ross speaks on the impact his mom had on him after he had seizures in 2011. However, the underlying theme is gratitude, especially as Ross details how his mother raised him and expresses hope to repay her in his adult years. Cee-Lo Green’s beautiful chorus supplements Ross’ verses. The song is one of Ross’ most vulnerable and is a testament to his appreciation for his mother.

9. Mac Miller, “I’ll Be There” (2011)

Mac Miller’s tribute to his mother, “I’ll Be There,” came from his 2011 mixtape, Best Day Ever. On the record, Miller details how his mother instilled confidence through her loving words of encouragement throughout his childhood. However, his gratitude for her bears no limits as he thanks her for giving birth to him. Ultimately, he turns to the listener and urges them to similarly show love to their moms at any opportunity. “If you have your moms, you better treat her right/ Call her up, say ‘wassup’ before you sleep tonight/ Tell her you love her and thank her for what she did/ You may be grown now but remember being a kid when she fed you in your bed,” he raps.

8. Snoop Dogg, “I Love My Momma” (1999)

Over hypnotizing West Coast production, Snoop Dogg delivered a captivating dedication to his mother in “I Love My Momma.” In his single verse on the song, Snoop details how his mother took on the roles of both parents, rapping, “My momma was my homey, my daddy, and my best friend.” He reflects on the musical palette that helped form his own artistry as Snoop recalls his mother played oldies in the living room. However, he perfectly summarizes their relationship towards the end of his verse. “She taught me everything, but she didn’t charge a fee/ She taught me everything, except how to see a G/ For the nine months you carried, I hope you bury me/ Instead of the other way around, and I put that on Dogg Pound,” he raps.

7. J. Cole, “Apparently” (2014)

The entire album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, is a grand reflection of J. Cole’s childhood and upbringing. While Cole mentions his mother throughout the album, “Apparently” serves as a proper dedication. Cole reflects on his mother’s dedication to ensuring he had a better future, such as struggling to pay for his college tuition. The final lines of his first verse are, in particular, the most heartfelt. In them, Cole raps, “Wish you could live forever/ So we can spend more time together/ I love you, mama.”

6. Chance The Rapper, “Hey Ma” (2012)

Chance The Rapper’s song “Hey Ma” is not only a tribute to his own mother but to all the mothers who helped raise him. In the song, Chance details the mistakes he made along the way and the gratitude for his mother’s acceptance. “Hey ma, I know I never did behave a lot/Never got good grades a lot,” he raps, reflecting on his childhood. However, he also mentions the maternal nature of his friends’ moms, as well as the women throughout his neighborhood who looked after him. In his own words, Chance states the song is for “anybody who’s been a mother to a motherless child.” “Hey Ma” is a tribute to the women who’ve cared for a child, whether or not it was their biological child.

5. Nas, “Dance” (2002)

“Dance” is an emotional tribute to his deceased mother. Perhaps the most ” emotionally charged song on this list, Nas reflects on his mothers sacrifices and imagines his mother dancing in Heaven. “Jesus finally got his bride/ mommy dance with him,” he raps. Throughout it all, Nas concludes that he wants one more dance with his mother. “Dance” is a tearjerker and Nas’ pain vibrates throughout the track. Much like other entries on this list, “Dance” is a firm reminder to appreciate their mothers while they’re still alive.

4. Drake, “Look What You’ve Done” (2011)

Drake’s sincerity shines on “Look What You’ve Done,” a song dedicated to his mother, grandmother and uncle. The Take Care highlight details Drake’s appreciation for his mother and the hardships they faced throughout his childhood. The first verse plays out like an argument between the two before Drake details the pain that these arguments cause him. Despite these heated moments, he makes it clear that his love for her never fades. More significantly, Drake details her struggles with illnesses, explaining that his primary motivation for his extraordinary work ethic is to see his mom healthy.

3. Jay-Z, “I Made It” (2006)

Jay-Z’s “I Made It” is a triumphant track that celebrates the rapper’s success as well as the impact his mother had on that success. Jay-Z shares his thankfulness for her role in repairing his relationship with his father before he passed, as well as his mother’s efforts to keep the lights on as he grew up. In the third verse, Jay-Z promises to give his mother everything. He raps, “now your lil’ misfit make sure every day is Christmas, write out your wish list.”

2. Tupac, “Dear Mama” (1995)

“Dear Mama” may be the greatest dedication to a mother in music history. Tupac opens up about their relationship, from the struggles his mother faced to the good times they shared together. For example, Tupac shares his admiration for his mother’s ability to defend herself in court while pregnant. “Dear Mama” is regarded as one of Tupac’s best songs ever and for good reason. It is not only a sincere dedication to Afeni Shakur but also a universal tribute to all mothers. In the words of ‘Pac: “Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place.”

1. Kanye West, “Hey Mama” (2005)

Kanye West’s “Hey Mama” has taken on even more emotional weight after the passing of West’s mother, Donda. Kanye debuted the song on an episode of Oprah with his mother sitting on stage with him. During the third verse, Kanye danced with his mother and handed her the mic to sing along with him. Along with Tupac’s “Dear Mama”, “Hey Mama” has become one of the most well-known celebrations of mothers in music history. Kanye has continued to perform the song as a tribute to his mother, most notably at the 2008 Grammy Awards, in which Kanye broke down mid-performance. In its totality, “Hey Mama” is a deeply touching and powerful song, and is both a celebration and tribute to mothers around the world.

Biggie Disses Himself & Bad Boy On AI “Hit Em Up” Cover

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The world of AI has shook up the rap world as we hear Drake cover Kanye songs and now, Biggie cover Tupac records. Last week, Yedits, a Reddit group dedicated to “mixing and editing of a wide variety of artists’ music,” shared a minute-long snippet of an AI cover of Tupac’s “Hit’ Em Up” with The Notorious B.I.G’s vocals. The astounding preview landed online last week but over the past few days, it’s gained significant traction on social media and YouTube. 

The AI cover is something you wouldn’t expect to hear, especially when considering that Biggie is dissing himself and Bad Boy as a whole. The technology used created an uncanny resemblance to Biggie Smalls’ actual voice. However, it makes us wonder how this could impact further posthumous releases from his estate. Meta already hosted a Notorious B.I.G. VR concert including a “true-to-life, hyperrealistic” avatar of the late rapper as he performed his hit records. Perhaps, as AI technology evolves, there might be some sort of way to recreate his voice to produce new records.

AI Biggie Strikes, Again

The cover of “Hit Em Up” came right before Timbaland debuted his own collab with the late Biggie Smalls via AI. Earlier this week, the Virginia legend debuted a new song that utilized AI to recreate Biggie’s vocals. On the song, Biggie references Young Dolph, Nipsey Hussle, and Pop Smoke over Timbo’s futuristic production. However, Timbaland did acknowledge some of the issues surrounding AI technology, promising that he’s “got a solution” that he’s working on. “It’s gon’ be beneficial to everybody,” Tim said.

Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly spurred concerns already, especially as the “Godfather of AI” apologized and expressed regrets over these advancements. Prior to this, Universal Music Group called for streaming platforms like Spotify to take action against uploading AI covers as it takes away money from the artist and the label. We’ll ultimately have to see how this pans out in the future. Check out Biggie’s AI Cover of “Hit ‘Em Up” above and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. 

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Best Diss Tracks: From Nas, Jay-Z, Tupac, Ice Cube & More

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Diss tracks have always been an inherent nature of the hip-hop industry. In the early ’90s, the beginnings of the East Coast vs. West Coast rap beef took place. Death Row Records was at odds with Bad Boy, playing an integral role in the growing animosity at the time. With many MCs making it out of difficult childhood circumstances, the battle to make it to the top of rap is a cut-throat one. Several of the greatest rappers aren’t afraid to tone down their words, which has resulted in plenty of iconic diss tracks throughout the years. Today, we’re looking at the best diss tracks of all time, in no particular order.

9. “Ether” – Nas (2001)

Who’s the greatest MC out of New York? It’s a question that spans multiple decades, with Nas and Jay-Z consistently at the top of lists. The two had been close friends in the mid-1990s. However, they would begin to beef about who was the greatest and who deserved more respect in the industry. By 2001, this tension had reached its boiling point. While Jay-Z released “Takeover,” Nas responded with “Ether,” widely regarded as one of the greatest diss tracks ever. On the track, Nas aimed Jay-Z’s appearance, career, and personal life. He stated, “Well, life is harsh, hug me, don’t reject me or make records to disrespect me, blatant or indirectly.”

8. “Takeover” – Jay-Z (2001)

Jay-Z took direct shots at New York heavy hitters Nas and Mobb Deep on “Takeover.” The Kanye West-produced track was featured on The Blueprint, a record that changed hip-hop landscape for good. Jay-Z accused Nas of dropping a slew of mediocre albums after the critically acclaimed Illmatic. He stated, “One was nah, other was Illmatic / That’s one hot album every ten-year average.” In fact, Jay-Z went as far as to call Nas “straight garbage.” In addition to being a lyrically masterful song, “Takeover” was a commercial and critical success, solidifying Jay as one of the biggest MCs. While the two ended their beef in 2005, their nearly decade-long riff remains an iconic era in hip-hop history.

7. “Hit Em Up” – 2Pac (1996)

With hip-hop now an aspect of worldwide culture, the East Coast vs. West Coast beef that took over the scene no longer exists. However, this wasn’t the case when Tupac released “Hit Em Up.” You had the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac against Jay-Z, Nas, and Biggie. With two distinctive sounds, the competitiveness between the regions sprouted an iconic era in the genre. “Hit Em Up” was a heavy attack on Notorious B.I.G and Bad Boy Records, as 2Pac insults their image and romanticization of violence.

6. “No Vaseline” – Ice Cube (1991)

Widely hailed as the greatest diss track of all time, “No Vaseline” set the standard. The diss was directed at NWA, Ice Cube’s former rap group. As documented, Cube didn’t believe he was being adequately compensated, leading to him leaving NWA. Eazy-E and Cube would be at odds, often taking their grievances to the studio.

“No Vaseline” helped to solidify Ice Cube’s legacy as an iconic MC. Taking aim at the likes of Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, he claims that the group betrayed him and held him back. Despite the aggressive bars, Cube and Eazy were said to have mended fences just prior to the latter’s death. In an interview with Howard Stern in 2016, he stated, “We just went forward. We’re always gonna be like that. I don’t care if we don’t talk to each other for 10 years. When we see each other, it’s gonna be like yesterday.”

5. “The Story of Adidon” – Pusha T (2018)

The beef between Drake and Pusha T indirectly began before Drake’s career took off. Back in 2006, Pusha T took shots at Lil Wayne after he was seen sporting BAPE, Clipse’s signature look, in a magazine. With Drake and Lil Wayne later becoming consistent collaborators, it’s argued that the Toronto-born MC was influenced by Wayne’s opinion of Pusha.

After a series of subtle disses over a decade, the beef culminated with Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon.” The ex-Clipse act spent no time numbing his words, exposing the existence of Drake’s kid while once again accusing him of having ghostwriters. Drake addressed the diss on Lebron James’ HBO Show, The Shop, stating, “I knew something was gonna come up about my kid. They had to add the deadbeat dad thing to make it more appealing.” Re-using the instrumental from Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.,” “The Story of Adidon” is the defining diss track of the Gen-Z generation.

4. “Back Down” – 50 Cent (2003)

While 50 Cent has had his fair share of feuds, there’s none more iconic than his decade-long beef with Ja Rule. The two Queens-born artists began beefing in the late ’90s when Ja was reportedly robbed at gunpoint by a group of men affiliated with 50 Cent. Believing that 50 was behind the robbery, he began to dish out insults in a slew of diss tracks. Over the next five years, the two would exchange jabs at each other.

However, “Back Down” by 50 Cent is arguably the defining diss between the two. His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, featured the iconic song. The Dr. Dre-produced track saw him question Ja’s street credibility and authenticity throughout. “Back Down” would become one of the most popular tracks off of the No. 1 project. Over the years, the beef has only grown as Ja and Fif continue to take jabs at one another.

3. “Killshot” by Eminem (2018)

While Eminem’s career has been up and down over the past decade, “Killshot” is undeniably an iconic moment from the 8 Mile MC. Released in September 2018, the track features his trademark menacing and rapid flow directed at Machine Gun Kelly. MGK’s previous diss track, “Rap Devil,” was confusing because he was complimenting and dissing the legendary artist. Eminem addresses this in “Killshot,” stating, “Wait, you just dissed me? I’m perplexed / Insult me in a line, compliment me on the next.”

The bad blood between the two started back in 2012. MGK made a comment directed at Eminem’s daughter. He would continue taking shots at Eminem over the next five years until Em finally responded. On “Killshot,” Eminem directly insults MGK’s appearance and lack of commercial success in the hip-hop lane. This beef had a clear winner, as MGK later admitted that his loss in the rap battle directed him away from hip-hop for good.

2. “Pest Control” – The Game (2016)

In 2016, The Game and Meek Mill were in a public beef that primarily took place on social media. What initially seemed like a money grab quickly turned into a genuine argument between the two, as The Game accused him of snitching about a robbery at a nightclub. Amid a series of diss tracks between each other, Game would release “Pest Control.” On the track, he once again accused Meek of snitching while also attempting to prove that Mill has ghostwriters. Soon after, Meek would go to prison for violating the probation of a crime he committed at 21. By the time he got out, the beef between them had essentially run its course.

1. “Back to Back” – Drake (2015)

Meek Mill has been the burden of plenty of disses throughout his career. In 2015, Drake responded to Meek Mill’s accusations that he had ghostwriters with the critically acclaimed “Back to Back.” However, Meek’s accusations cut even more profound, considering that he claimed Drake hired ghostwriters for his verse on “R.I.C.O,” a highly successful song off of Meek’s Dreams Worth More than Money. “Back to Back” would reach No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drake accuses Meek of being all talk, stating, “Trigger fingers turn to Twitter fingers.” The menacing production and smooth bars make it one of the better disses of the last ten years.

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Tupac Docuseries Premiere Breaks FX Viewing Record

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Fans have long awaited Dear Mama, a documentary series about the relationship between Tupac Shakur and his mother Afeni. Directed by Allen Hughes (Menace II Society, Book Of Eli), the five-part mini-series is set to provide an intimate look into one of the most important relationships in the late rapper’s life. Additionally, it chronicles their respective histories, such as Afeni’s time as a Black Panther.

The first two episodes of the series premiered on FX and Hulu on April 21. The series was also released on Disney+ in international markets. The series currently holds a 100% critics rating and a 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Furthermore, industry legends helped create the series. They include Lasse Järvi, Quincy Delight Jones III (QD3), Staci Robinson, Nelson George, Charles King, Peter Nelson, Adel “Future” Nur, Jamal Joseph and Ted Skillman.

“Dear Mama” Tops “Welcome To Wrexham”

Prior to Dear Mama‘s release, the most-watched premiere on FX and Hulu for an unscripted series was Welcome To Wrexham. That documentary follows the journey of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in buying the English soccer club Wrexham AFC. That series debuted in August 2022 and is preparing to release a second season later this year. While Dear Mama trailed Welcome To Wrexham initially, it surpassed the record when streaming figures were factored in. The record set by Welcome To Wrexham was 271,000. However, nearly 200,000 people alone watched the live FX premiere of Dear Mama, which gave it a strong footing.

Furthermore, FX were overjoyed by the new record. Their feelings were expressed by entertainment division president Nick Grad. “It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes’ definitive piece on Tupac and Afeni Shakur delivered a record performance for us and it speaks to Tupac’s enduring legacy. Allen’s examination of Tupac viewed through the prism of his mother Afeni is a fascinating take that really gets beneath the education and experience that shaped his life and inspired him to become one of the greatest artists ever.” However, what do you think of Dear Mama? Did you help it break the record? Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your first stop for entertainment news.

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A Beloved Los Angeles Mural Featuring Snoop Dogg And Tupac Is In Danger, But There’s A Petition To Save It

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Snoop Dogg Tupac 1996 VMAs
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The legacies of Snoop Dogg and Tupac loom large in Los Angeles, as their fingerprints are all over West Coast rap, but one muralist is trying to preserve a tangible homage to them.

Earlier this week, a Los Angeles painter going by @sloe_motions on Instagram posted that his mural prominently featuring Snoop and Tupac is at risk of being taken down. The late Kobe Bryant, Danny Trejo, Vin Scully, and Oscar De La Hoya are also in the mural.

“SAVE THE LA MURAL IN BELLFLOWER! we recently received a notice to take down this mural in the city of bellflower. I want to reach out to everyone n help get the word spread to keep this up. this is our culture and these are our city’s,government policies n politics shouldn’t have any effect on the peoples art or expression,” the artist captioned an Instagram video showing the mural in question.

The caption continues, “I’m tired of the cities tryna stop artist and make things hard on us when we are the ones giving the inspiration to the community’s n giving back in a real way. this mural is also on the owners property. I want to start fighting for what is ours and stop letting these city people silence our art and making them think there’s no encouragement in our community’s without them. they love to hop on the train tho when we bring good attention n want to act like they were apart of it the whole time and take credit.”

They added, “Everyone i had been in touch with loved this mural and long time residents of the area kept saying ‘we have nothing cool like this in our area.’ let’s get this mural to stay and please share if u can.”

Fox 11 Los Angeles quoted the property’s owner, Renae Cornejo, “I guess [we] broke a code we didn’t know about.” Cornejo was confused as to why city officials are getting involved because “it’s our home; we own the property.”

“We didn’t know about the code violation until we got served last week with it. So we’re doing our best to work with the city,” property co-owner Robert Cornejo added.

The Change.org petition to save the mural was closing in on 5,000 signatures as of April 28.

Los Angeles Rallies To Try And Save Iconic Mural

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Los Angeles has long been a hub of entertainment greatness. The Lakers have called the city home since 1960. The Dodgers have been in LA since 1958. The city is also the beating heart of the film industry, anchored by iconic Hollywood. However, perhaps the city’s greatest contribution to entertainment has been the music industry.

In particular, rap and hip hop would not be the genres they are today without Los Angeles. The city was, and still is, the hub of the West Coast scene. This was particularly important in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of the East Coast-West Coast beef that pitted New York against Los Angeles. However, a mural memorializing that iconic history is now at risk.

Fans Fight To Save Mural Featuring Snoop and Tupac

Street artist Sloe Motions took to Instagram with a passionate plea to save one of their most iconic pieces. “SAVE THE LA MURAL IN BELLFLOWER! we recently received a notice to take down this mural in the city of Bellflower. I want to reach out to everyone n help get the word spread to keep this up. This is our culture and these are our city’s, government policies n politics shouldn’t have any effect on the peoples art or expression. I’m tired of the cities tryna stop artist and make things hard on us when we are the ones giving the inspiration to the community’s n giving back in a real way. this mural is also on the owners property.” read some of the lengthy caption.

The mural in question, located on the side Speedy Auto Tint on Woodruff Avenue, depicts a number of LA icons. Most notably, these icons are legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. A petition launched in defense of the mural notes that “At Speedy Auto Tint we are proud of our mural because we are a Latino/ family-owned small business, and we believe this mural represents the city of Los Angeles and the culture it embodies.” Bellflower city officials have stated that the mural, “Does not comply with the established mural standards in the Municipal Code, and we have received complaints about that fact.”

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