A collection of our favorite songs of the week.
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Las Vegas Sphere Dazzles on Opening Weekend, Looks to Change the Future of the Live Concert Experience
After years of waiting, the highly-anticipated Las Vegas Sphere finally opened this week with U2 kicking off the venue’s inaugural weekend. And what a weekend it was. The $2.3 billion dollar project was met with amazing reviews with critics complimenting the visuals, sounds, and overall ambience of what some dubbed “the concert of the future.”
The concert’s opening night, which was attended by celebrities such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Josh Duhamel, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos, Jon Hamm, Paul McCartney, Flavor Flav, and more, was preceded by a DJ that drove around in a neon car playing classic pop hits before U2 took the stage (a half hour late, reportedly due to technical issues).
U2 performed two hours of their classic hits (and some new ones) on a rotating stage while the sphere’s domed ceilings and walls changed from digital collages of Las Vegas nostalgia to colorful kaleidoscope imagery to falling night stars to a desert scene that was so hyperrealistic that it almost seemed like concertgoers were outside during the day time.
The Sphere’s architects have noted that until now, no major indoor venues were build specifically for music with many concerts taking place at football or basketball stadiums, meaning that the acoustics and viewing were not always ideal for concerts.
Since July, Las Vegas residents and visitors have already seen the Sphere’s 580,000 square foot fully-programmable LED exterior (the Exosphere) become an eyeball, planet earth, a basketball, an emoji, and much more. This weekend,
The Exosphere consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, spaced eight inches apart. Each puck contains 48 individual LED diodes, with each diode capable of displaying 256 million different colors. The Sphere is 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide. For reference- the venue could fit the entire Statue of Liberty (including the base and torch) inside The interior’s bowl-shaped seating area holds 18,600 and boasts 160,000 speakers with over 260 million video pixels, immersing the audience in the experience while still keeping the performers as the central focus.
For now, U2 has scheduled their two month residency, “U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,” at the venue although many other artists are reportedly in talks for 2024 performances.
While tickets for the U2 show are pretty costly (starting at about $500), the Sphere also offers “the first Sphere Experience,” Postcard from Earth directed by Darren Aronofsky, with tickets starting at about $49. More info on all the venue’s upcoming events can be found here.
The post Las Vegas Sphere Dazzles on Opening Weekend, Looks to Change the Future of the Live Concert Experience first appeared on The Source.
The post Las Vegas Sphere Dazzles on Opening Weekend, Looks to Change the Future of the Live Concert Experience appeared first on The Source.
Fredo Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?
Fredo, a name that resonates with hip-hop enthusiasts, especially in the UK, has been making waves in the music industry. As of 2023, Fredo’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 Million US Dollars, according to The Sun, a testament to his talent and hard work. But how did he amass such wealth, and what’s the story behind this British rapper’s rise to fame?
The Rise Of Fredo
Born Marvin William Bailey on March 6, 1994, in Queen’s Park, London, Fredo’s journey wasn’t always smooth. He faced challenges early on, getting expelled from school before completing his GCSEs. Despite the hurdles, his passion for music remained undeterred. His diverse background, with a father from Barbados and a mother of English and Moroccan descent, might have played a role in shaping his unique sound.
Read More: Stormzy Locks In With Fredo On “Toxic Trait”
Chart-Topping Hits
Fredo’s musical career took off in 2016 with the release of his EP They Ain’t 100. Collaborations with renowned artists like Dave and Tory Lanez further solidified his position in the industry. His collaboration with Dave, “Funky Friday,” even secured the top spot in the UK charts in 2018. Other notable tracks include “All I Ever Wanted” and “Money Talks,” showcasing his versatility and prowess as an artist.
Read More: Fredo Kicks A “Dave Flow” In His Latest Release
Albums And Achievements
His debut album, Third Avenue, released in 2019, was a significant milestone. Following its success, Fredo dropped two more albums in 2021, Money Can’t Buy Happiness and Independence Day. Both albums received acclaim and showcased Fredo’s growth as an artist.
Read More: Dave Taps Fredo, Giggs, Ghetts & Meekz On “In The Fire”
Streams And Partnerships
A significant portion of Fredo’s net worth can be attributed to his massive streaming numbers. With over two million monthly listeners on Spotify, it’s evident that his music resonates with a vast audience. Additionally, his partnership with the trainer company Kick Game has been lucrative, with the rapper hosting events at the company’s stores.
Read More: Fredo Unloads On His New Single “Talk Of The Town”
Social Media Presence
Fredo’s influence isn’t limited to music. He boasts a strong social media presence, with over a million followers on Instagram and nearly 400,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, where his music videos garner millions of views.
Conclusion
Fredo’s net worth in 2023 stands as a testament to his talent, dedication, and the love he receives from his fans. From facing challenges in his early life to becoming one of the UK’s most popular rappers, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. As he continues to produce chart-topping hits and collaborate with big names in the industry, there’s no doubt that Fredo’s star will only shine brighter in the years to come.
The post Fredo Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.
Rick Ross and Meek Mill Unite for New Single “Shaq & Kobe”
Rick Ross and Meek Mill are the “Shaq & Kobe” of rap. The duo have returned with a new single, the first from their forthcoming album Too Good To Be True.
The new single opens with the trademark MMG tag before allowing Meek to take off, showing his time away didn’t take away from his abilities. Anchored by a hook of “too much and power,” Ross tags in to bring the single home. The new video shows the riches of the two with Rozay’s private jet flanking the duo, luxury cars lined up in the hang and plenty of Bel Aire Rose being poured out.
You can see the video below.
The post Rick Ross and Meek Mill Unite for New Single “Shaq & Kobe” first appeared on The Source.
The post Rick Ross and Meek Mill Unite for New Single “Shaq & Kobe” appeared first on The Source.
Today in Hip-Hop History: Souls Of Mischief’s Debut Album ’93 ‘Til Infinity’ Turns 30 Years Old!
On this day in Hip Hop history in 1993, Oakland trio Souls of Mischief released their underrated debut album 93 Til Infinity. Hailing from Oakland’s Hieroglyphics camp, which is led by Del Tha Funky Homosapien, these conscious adolescents put together an LP that, despite their “inexperience”, held it’s own against the work of East Coast artists thriving in New York’s backpacker, boom-bap scene. After a quarter of a century, this album is regarded by real Hip Hop purists as a classic.
Quietly peaking at #84 on the Billboard 200 chart, this album is the crown jewel of the Hieroglyphics collective and ranks among some of the most timeless albums of the time. Critically, this album was highly regarded by journalists and other artists as well. It’s a genre-defying subject matter, jazz, and funk-infused production, and unique style apart from anything else in California made this album stand out (even if it didn’t have the sales to show it). The majority of the album’s success was a result of its lead single “’93 til Infinity” which peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Souls Of Mischief’s Debut Album ’93 ‘Til Infinity’ Turns 30 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.
The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Souls Of Mischief’s Debut Album ’93 ‘Til Infinity’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.
Tory Lanez Social Media Accounts Post Voice Message Updates from Artist about prison conditions, album update
Tory Lanez may be behind bars, but that isn’t stopping him from keeping his fans updated on his current situation. The “Color Violent” rapper shared a recorded message to his fans from prison in which he discussed his improved conditions as well as upcoming releases.
A post, which featured an old school cordless phone with the name “Tory” on it was shared to the rapper’s Instagram account along with the caption “Message To The Umbrellas 
#AloneAtPromDeluxe #FreeTory.” The audio transcript is as follows:
Hey yo, Umbrellas, man was good…I’m talking to you live from prison right now man…I’m just happy to get out that bulls*** county jail. They was hating on a young fly n**** you heard? Had me on 24 hour lockdown, half size cell by myself. No windows, no mirrors, n**** ain’t even seen himself in a whole year, yo. But with all them disadvantages against me, my head has always been held high, man. And I want you all to know I’m in great spirits. My drive and my ambition is growing stronger and stronger every day. And I’m so proud of how y’all been moving in my support. Man, I know this feels like a scary time, but don’t be afraid, man. This sh** don’t spark no fear in my heart at all. In fact, I’m more prepared than ever. The music, the videos, and all the projects you wanted- they all ready to drop. So let’s just start with the one we want the most, Alone at Prom Deluxe.
Alone at Prom Deluxe is the rumored follow up to the artist’s 2021 release, Alone at Prom. In a now-deleted tweet, Lanez originally had said in the summer of 2022 that he would release the album at an unspecified later date, tweeting: “Alone at prom deluxe will drop after my case is over and I can receive the proper PLAY-LISTING and support … the music did over 160 MILLION STREAMS .. with no support .. I don’t want the album getting overlooked twice . It’s too good.”
Lanez, (real name Daystar Peterson), 31, was recently transferred to Administrative Segregation at North Kern State Prison in Delano, CA on September 19. Lanez was convicted on Dec. 23, 2022 for shooting and injuring Megan Thee Stallion in 2020 and received a 10 year sentence without the possibility of parole.
The post Tory Lanez Social Media Accounts Post Voice Message Updates from Artist about prison conditions, album update first appeared on The Source.
The post Tory Lanez Social Media Accounts Post Voice Message Updates from Artist about prison conditions, album update appeared first on The Source.
Outkast’s “ATLiens” Turns 27
OutKast, the iconic duo consisting of rappers André 3000 and Big Boi, has left a profound and enduring legacy in the musical and cultural landscape. While together, the duo released six albums, and their sophomore studio album, ATLiens, turned 27 in August this year. Besides their success, OutKast has been widely celebrated for their groundbreaking approach to music. They famously blended various genres, including Hip Hop, funk, soul, jazz, and R&B. Moreover, they created a distinctive and ever-evolving sound that defied easy categorization. Overall, ATLiens is a remarkable album that effectively showcases the duo’s peculiar genre-blurring style. 27 years after its release, its cultural impact and relevance in Hip Hop is still strongly felt. Furthermore, it is regarded by many as one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time.
Read More: Beyond OutKast: Andre 3000’s Successful Solo Ventures And Collaborations
A Daring Venture
ATLiens was released on August 27, 1996, following the duo’s 1994 debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. The album marked a notable evolution in OutKast’s sound and style. It was particularly a more experimental and daring album than their debut. Also, it explored a broader sonic soundscape as well. At the time of the album’s release, the rappers were both 21-year-olds, but they had begun writing and recording songs for it since they were 18. Soon after releasing their debut album, OutKast worked on ATLiens between late 1994 and early 1996.
Read More: The 10 Best Outkast Songs
The Evolution Of OutKast On ATLiens
The beats on ATLiens were handled by Organized Noize, a production team known for their work with the Dungeon Family. Their sound incorporated a blend of funk, dub, gospel, soul, and electronic elements, expertly creating otherworldly and futuristic production. This helped to reflect the duo’s desire to explore uncharted territory in Hip Hop. Furthermore, their musical evolution succeeded in challenging conventional norms.
The genre-blurring production provided by the duo, with help from Organized Noize, effectively depicts the artists’ vision. In addition to this, the lyrics on the album delve into a wide range of topics including social issues, personal introspection, and sci-fi references. ATLiens also reflected the duo’s artistic growth, as well as their open-mindedness and experimental nature.
Read More: Big Boi Says He’s Got Enough Unseen Footage To Make “The Greatest Outkast Documentary”
Collaborations And Standout Singles
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the four songs released as singles from the 15-track album are some of its strongest offerings. “Elevators (Me & You),” “ATLiens,” “Wheelz of Steel,” and “Jazzy Belle” were some of the hit songs on the album, and received significant airplay, all while contributing to the commercial success of the album. There are a limited number of collaborations on ATLiens, and guest verses only appear on four of the 15 songs on the album. The featured artists are: Witchdoctor on “Ova Da Wudz” and “E.T. (Extraterrestrial),” T-Mo and Khujo on “Mainstream,” and Big Gipp and Cool Breeze on “Decatur Psalm.”
Read More: OutKast Drops New “Two Dope Boyz” Video In Honor Of “ATLiens”
Success And Cultural Impact
ATLiens unsurprisingly received critical acclaim upon its release. Critics had particular praise for its innovative production, lyrical complexity, and unorthodox themes. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and has since sold over two million units in the United States, earning it a 2x Platinum certification by the RIAA. With the album, OutKast became a formidable force in Hip Hop’s history. As a matter of fact, Billboard ranked the duo atop their list of the greatest rap groups of all time.
ATLiens remains a seminal work in OutKast’s discography. Moreover, it is often cited as one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time. The highly influential album solidified the duo as icons of Southern Hip Hop. Its widespread success and critical acclaim was the beginning of a magnificent run for OutKast in mainstream media. ATLiens maybe 27 years old, but it is renowned and respected for pushing creative boundaries. It is an inimitable album in Hip Hop that deserves every bit of honor it receives, and then some.
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StockX Partners with Doja Cat and Skechers for Early Release of Doja’Lite Sneakers
StockX, the renowned online marketplace, has teamed up with global artist Doja Cat and footwear brand Skechers for an exclusive pre-release of the Skechers x Doja Cat Doja’Lite sneakers. This limited-run drop will be available exclusively on StockX starting September 21st at 12:00 PM ET, priced at $125 USD. The wider release on Skechers is scheduled for September 28th.
“Starting September 21st at 12:00 PM, you can grab a pair of my new Skechers Doja’Lite sneakers on StockX while listening to my new album Scarlet,” Doja Cat said. “I am excited to share part of my world with my fans.”
READ MORE: Paint the Charts Red: Doja Cat Secures Hip-Hop’s First No. 1 Single Since Aug. 2022
The Doja’Lite sneakers combine the heritage Skechers upper with a modern, rugged bottom, using high-quality materials and colors curated by Doja Cat herself. The capsule collection features unique details such as translucent pearlized or marbleized metallic lugged outsoles, along with premium leathers, including snake-embossed patent or genuine suede. For the StockX pre-release, two colorways from the Doja’Lite collection will be available: black and white.
READ MORE: Doja Cat Reveals There Will Be No Features on Upcoming Album ‘Scarlet’
Deena Bahri, CMO at StockX added, “As the marketplace for current culture, StockX is committed to providing access to of-the-moment products, artists, and trends. Today’s consumer continues to lean into the nostalgia trend and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Skechers — a brand with a rich history of conversation-driving collaborations — to help release a product that not only draws inspiration from the recently revived Y2K aesthetic, but also pulls at the heartstrings of those of us who grew up wearing the Skechers D’Lites of the early aughts.”
Sneaker enthusiasts and Doja Cat fans alike can secure their pair of these exclusive kicks through StockX, offering a one-week head start before the wider release. Don’t miss the chance to step up your sneaker game with this unique collaboration.
You can see the sneaker below.
The post StockX Partners with Doja Cat and Skechers for Early Release of Doja’Lite Sneakers first appeared on The Source.
The post StockX Partners with Doja Cat and Skechers for Early Release of Doja’Lite Sneakers appeared first on The Source.
Sherri Shepherd Shows Off Breast Reduction, Jokingly Offers to Donate Old 42DD Bras to Drake
“New Season, New Boobs!” That was the announcement that Sherri Shepherd made to open Season 2 of her namesake “Sherri” show. Joking that “everything is going to be bigger except these boobs,” the television host took time to poke fun of Drake‘s massive bra collection.
Shepherd started out by telling viewers that despite decades of unsolicited comments about her body from others, she did indeed get a breast reduction over the summer, making note that she did not get the procedure based on the input or opinions of other people, but because she was experiencing back pain and other physical issues as a result of her breasts (which she shared with the audience were a 42DD). She took time to explain how her breast size was something that she had struggled with her whole life and struggled with even more as she aged, making a series of hilarious jokes before describing some of the physical pain that she had endured before going to the doctor for a consultation and eventually going through with the procedure.
Shepherd then put Drake up on the screen behind her before making a series of jokes about the women who threw their bras at Drake, musing about how difficult it must be to take one off at a concert before going and getting a wheelbarrow full of her whole bras and spilling them out on stage and joking that someone needed to make sure that Drake got them for his collection.
The full episode can be seen here: https://www.sherrishowtv.com/episodes/monday-september-18/.
The post Sherri Shepherd Shows Off Breast Reduction, Jokingly Offers to Donate Old 42DD Bras to Drake first appeared on The Source.
The post Sherri Shepherd Shows Off Breast Reduction, Jokingly Offers to Donate Old 42DD Bras to Drake appeared first on The Source.
50 Cent’s “8 Mile” TV Series: What We Know
One fact has proven true in these current times: nostalgia sells. When news broke of the development of a fan-favorite Hip Hop classic film, 8 Mile, as a TV series, excitement for what is to come has steadily built up. The award-winning, semi-autobiographical film depicted the life of the young veteran rapper Eminem and his journey within the gritty Detroit music scene. A huge success during its run, it is no wonder that a reboot is underway.
Part of the growing anticipation is owed to the names involved in this project. The acclaimed rapper, movie producer, and actor 50 Cent revealed his collaboration with Eminem on the adaptation. This iconic team up of two illustrious icons has, of course, strongly built up anticipation. Soon enough, 8 Mile is expected to bring to our screens a modernized remake of a unique come-up story.
8 Mile, The Movie
The 2002 film 8 Mile was a massive hit on the silver screen. Furthermore, the film was not only a success at the box office but also in the commercial music space. Grossing about $242.9 million dollars and receiving RIAA certifications, the movie was easily one of the best films of that year. The title emanated from the name of a roadway in Detroit called 8 Mile Road. Detailing the struggles and story of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr. (played by Eminem) and his rise to fame, the film became a major crowd-pleaser classic.
There’s not much more alluring than a typical but well-done underdog storyline based on true events. 8 Mile was exactly that and more, as it also featured phenomenal music and performances from Eminem. The hit song off the movie’s album, ”Lose Yourself” was well received in the music scene. The track earned Eminem his first No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. The single also went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.
Besides its many awards and achievements, the impact of 8 Mile was, by and large, a notable one for Hip Hop. The movie not only accentuated the Detroit rap scene but also served as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists. The thematic elements employed in the film greatly resonated with the audience two decades ago and can potentially repeat history in the newer generation with this adaptation.
What To Expect From 8 Mile
The Power producer unveiled plans concerning 8 Mile on Big Boy TV earlier this year. He stated, “I’m gonna bring his 8 Mile to television…It’s gonna be big, I ain’t got no duds, I’m battin’ a hundred.” Considering the success of the series and spin-offs he has produced, his guarantees stand to hold some weight. When asked on how far along in the process they were, he simply responded, “We in motion.”
However, during a sit down with Men’s Health in August 2023, 50 Cent shed more insight on what viewers can expect. He promised that the upcoming television series will be “just as big as the feature film, just huge.” Following his remarks, he offered more information about why the series will stand out. 50 Cent divulged that a modern retelling of the classic story will showcase how the music business operates today. “The interest in it is because the time period of 8 Mile was capturing per the bat…” he continued. “So as we move it into modern times you’ll see things about how we function now, how technology changed the way people enter the music business.”
Release Date
Details on directing, casting, and the release date have not yet been publicly announced. Also, it’s uncertain whether the original 8 Mile cast members will have anything to do with the project. Mekhi Phifer has, however, revealed he has no interest in returning for a sequel to the hit film. Furthermore, 50 Cent and Eminem have remained reticent on any specifics. Nonetheless, details will be forthcoming later on.
The collaboration on the reboot of a classic has most certainly attracted high hopes from fans and critics alike. Many questions have been raised regarding its possibilities and potential level of success. Can the two seasoned performers and rappers transcend the feats of the 2002 film? Can a modern approach be well-executed? And will the series live up to 50’s hype?
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