03 Greedo is a West Coast artist who is absolutely beloved by fans. Overall, he has a knack for catchy tracks, and he has made some truly memorable albums over the years. If you are from Los Angeles, you are certainly acquainted with Greedo and his music. Having said that, fans were very hopeful to see Greedo at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out.” Unfortunately, the night went by without a single sign of Greedo. This led to questions on social media, with some assuming he was just left out.
Thankfully, Greedo came out and addressed those fans wondering about his absence. They will certainly be happy to know that 03 Greedo was not snubbed at all. In fact, he was inviting, but due to scheduling, it just didn’t work out. “I fucc w dot i was invited but i couldn’t make it,” Greedo stated on Twitter. At the end of the day, you can’t be everywhere all at once. Plenty of artists who were expected to be at the show didn’t make it. For instance, Kanye West and Future seemed to have other engagements.
Had 03 Greedo been there, the true West Coast fans would have turned up. Thankfully, they were still greeted to a plethora of other amazing artists. DJ Hed’s set was a true homage to the West Coast, and we are thankful to have witnessed it. Hopefully, Kendrick will do it again in the future and bring out all of the amazing artists who unfortunately couldn’t make it last night.
Let us know what you thought of “The Pop Out,” in the comments section down below. Do you believe that 03 Greedo should have been there? Of all of the West Coast artists on stage, which was your favorite? Do you think Kendrick will ever do one of these again? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
JasonMartin — who used to be referred to as Problem — is back with a highly anticipated single for an equally awaited project. The Compton, California rapper is not alone on this cut either. Legendary producer DJ Quik, along with Jay Worthy, Curren$y, and Bun B are also in on the fun. This latest song from JasonMartin is called “SINCE I WAS A LIL” and it is the second offering from CHUPACABRA. That is the alleged title of what will be a collaborative effort between the Jason and DJ Quik.
The veteran West Coast MC announced that this tape would be coming a few weeks ago on his Instagram in a lengthy monologue format. He explains that this is going to be one for the books and a project that fill a void that has been open for some time, Jason feels. “This moment will be the legendary. The album we crafted together, with the help of @jayworthy142 , will restore the feeling that’s been missing from California music as a whole.”
Listen To “SINCE I WAS A LIL” By JasonMartin, DJ Quik, Curren$y, Bun B, & Jay Worthy
Jason continues, “Everything from the production to the features were created in 30 days. This isn’t about art. This isn’t about numbers. This is about two Compton powerhouses joining forces one more time to give the city some fire ass music!!”. The duo already released one cut from CHUPACABRA already just about a week ago called “GURBS & YOUNGS” with Jay Worthy and Larry June.
What are your thoughts on “SINCE I WAS A LIL” by JasonMartin, DJ Quik, Bun B, Jay Worthy, and Curren$y? Is this one of his better songs as of late, why or why not? Do you think he has a new project in the works? Who had the better performance on the track and why? Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding JasonMartin, DJ Quik, Jay Worthy, Curren$y, and Bun B. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
“Not Like Us” has become the anthem of the year. Kendrick Lamar’s number one single has taken over the airways and the parties, much to the chagrin of its target: Drake. Nowhere is K. Dot’s victory more apparent than the West Coast. Dozens of Los Angeles rappers have played the song at their shows, to the point where it’s become a trend. Buddy recent appeared at an L.A. festival, and the talented emcee decided to bring the house down by dancing to the diss record onstage.
Buddy’s music has a laid back, contemplative feel. This is what made his decision to switch it up such a surprise. The rapper decided to throw on “Not Like Us” in the middle of his show, and the crowd lost its collective mind. Everybody in the audience sang along to the diss, and Buddy loved every moment if it. He can be seen egging the crowd on. At one point, he abandoned rapping and starting dancing on the stage. The only time he used the mic was to join the crowd in chanting the “A minor” punchline that Lamar levels at Drake. The rapper had an absolute blast.
Buddy has been a longtime admirer of Kendrick Lamar. He secured a feature from Lamar on his 2014 mixtape, Idle Time, and has repeatedly credited him as an inspiration. “I’m a big Kendrick fan and that sh*t happened so damn early in my career,” he told The Fader. “Even in Kendrick’s career. He wasn’t the Kendrick he is today when I got the feature. But I was still fully aware of the talent so I was super gung-ho. I figured out my first Backwood and I got a Kendrick feature. It was like a combo.” The rapper has remained close with the other members of Top Dawg Entertainment, as well.
Buddy met Lamar through Pharrell Williams, the artist he signed to back in 2009. Despite maintaining reverence for Pharrell, Buddy has made it clear that Lamar and the entire TDE roster has had a bigger impact on his musical style. During a 2022 interview with Billboard, the rapper revealed that he borrowed a line from Ab-Soul to make his song “Ain’t Fair.” “He said that in a rap back in the day so that was like a little homage to Ab-Soul,” he noted. “Shoutout Ab-Soul.”
Tha Dogg Pound is back once again after a decently long hiatus with their ninth studio album W.A.W.G. (We All We Got). This is the West Coast duo’s follow-up to their 2021 outing Dpg 4 Life. Over the last several weeks, Kurupt and Daz Dillinger, as well their close affiliate, Snoop Dogg, have been teasing the tape with singles and music videos. “Smoke Up”, “We All We Got”, and “Favorite Color Blue”, were the lead-off tracks.
This is a major release for several reasons, with perhaps the biggest reason being that cousins, Snoop and Daz, were at odds with each other. Dogg was the one who was having issues it seemed, as he stated he was unsure if he wanted to work alongside him. But after the recent tragic loss of Bing Worthington. Snoop’s brother, the two rekindled their relationship and it is mainly why this record exists.
Listen To W.A.W.G. (We All We Got) By Tha Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg
The new owner of Death Row Records appears all over this 14-song project, and he is just one of many high-profile features. Other names include DaBaby, Blxst, Tha Eastsidaz, Butch Cassidy, among others. The producers are stacked too, with Mike & Keys, DJ Battlecat, DJ Premier, and more. Overall, Kurupt and Daz Dillinger are providing a lot of energy and grittiness to each track, and the beats are very colorful and lively, as you might expect with the talent onboard.
What are your thoughts on W.A.W.G. (We All We Got) by Tha Dogg Pound and Snoop Dogg? Do you think that this is a top-tier Dogg Pound project, why or why not? Who had the strongest guest performance? What song do view as the best and why? Which song did Snoop provide his best stuff? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Tha Dogg Pound and Snoop Dogg. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
W.A.W.G. (We All We Got) Tracklist:
Intro with Snoop Dogg
Smoke Up with Snoop Dogg
We All We Got with Snoop Dogg, Tha Eastsidaz
Imma Dogg
Need Some Space with Blxst
Favorite Color Blue with Stresmatic, Soulcat
Inside of Her with Butch Cassidy
House Party with Snoop Dogg
After Hours with Snoop Dogg, DaBaby, Butch Cassidy
LA Kind of Love with will.i.am
Grown Up with Snoop Dogg
The Weekend with JANE HANCOCK, October London
Always on My Mind with Snoop Dogg, Butch Cassidy
Who Da Hardest? with Snoop Dogg, The Lady Of Rage, RBX
Kalan.FrFr has been steadily making a name for himself in the music industry, representing Compton, California with his laid-back vibe and versatile singing and rapping skills. His distinct West Coast sound and commitment to showcasing the essence of Los Angeles are on full display across his music. With recent singles like “Everybody,” a moody ode to L.A. gang culture, and “Ain’t No Fun,” which interpolates Snoop Dogg’s iconic song of the same name, Kalan’s music undoubtedly embodies the ethos of Los Angeles’ rich musical history. His latest project, MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN, looks to further push that message and speaks volumes about his mission to revitalize the West Coast music scene.
In a recent interview with HotNewHipHop, Kalan emphasized the project’s significance as a wake-up call for the entire West Coast music scene. With Kendrick Lamar drawing attention to the region in recent weeks due to his series of Drake diss tracks, all eyes are on this side of town. “It’s about addressing the ongoing conversation in West Coast music where people keep downplaying it,” he explained. “I felt it was time to change that narrative, to give people something that would wake them up, change their perspectives.” With the assistance of L.A. heavyweights like Ty Dolla Sign and YG, he wanted to drive home the message of unity. “It was so important to make sure that we stick together as a whole,” Kalan said.
MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN is a testament to Kalan’s message. If it wasn’t clear before, he’s making it known that this is his rallying cry for the resurgence of West Coast dominance in the rap game. In an exclusive interview with HotNewHipHop, Kalan provides a window into his world, diving into the inspiration behind the EP, his take on the current West Coast music scene, and his personal journey. As summer approaches, Kalan.FrFr is ready to set the tone for L.A.’s hottest season yet.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Kalan.FrFr performs during 2023 Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 05, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/WireImage)
HotNewHipHop: Alright, let’s dive into your latest project, MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN. First off, what was the inspiration behind the name of the project?
Kalan.FrFr: Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s about addressing the ongoing conversation in West Coast music where people keep downplaying it. I felt it was time to change that narrative, to give people something that would wake them up, change their perspectives. So, MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN felt fitting. And it just stuck. It was time to give people a wake-up call and it was just like putting a battery in everybody’s back.
I like the title. It definitely speaks volumes. Did you come up with the album title before or after all the beef began?
I had the title. I had it going through the process and I came up with like a whole list of titles and stuff like that. And it was named something else at first, but for some reason, I couldn’t name it that and then somebody actually dropped a project with the same name so we couldn’t do that. And then just the whole ambiance of what was going on, it just felt like it fit.
You got Ty Dolla $ign and YG on the project, two West Coast legends. How important was it for you to collaborate with them?
It was so important to make sure that we stick together as a whole, as the West Coast. A lot of times we be so separated on the West, like a lot of people don’t see a lot of the bigger artists working with a lot of the dudes on the come-up that was grinding and stuff like that. So just having songs with YG and Ty Dolla $ign, period, is just like fire.
Was it easy to get them to collaborate with you? Have you been cool with them for a while?
Yeah, Ty and I have been making music since the beginning. YG and I go way back too. So, it was more about timing. We finally locked in and made it happen. It was cool.
What song from the project speaks to you the most?
“ANDFUK” for sure. It’s just the vibe, you know? Had too many lemon drops, turn me to a different person (laughs).
I remember in previous interviews you mentioned you didn’t drink at all. What changed?
Yeah, I changed. I changed for sure. I’ll go to lunch and get like 6 espresso martinis.
Okay, so what’s your vibe when you get in the studio, you have to drink a little bit or smoke a little bit to kind of get in the zone?
I’m smoking all day. Like from sunrise to sundown, I’m smoking. But drinking, I’m not a heavy drinker. But when I do, I’m gonna go hard or go home, for sure, if it’s an opportunity. Not in the studio. I’m just vibing, smoking, and making sure I hear some good beats, listening to it, and making sure I got something to talk about.
Where has the inspiration for the music been coming from lately? This new project has lots of different songs, lots of different sounds that you’re experimenting with. But what kind of topics, for people who haven’t heard it yet, like what are you talking about?
I just been vibing, not too serious right now. For me, I’m just taking everything one day at a time, just vibing, enjoying life for what it is, and taking situations for what they are. So the music sounds vibey, like, I’ve been outside, I’ve been living life.
What has been one of the best experiences you’ve had within the last year, whether it’s been a place you traveled to or a show you performed at? Like, what really comes to mind when you say like, life is good right now?
Man, everything. It’s so many blessings. I’m starting to want to go on this spiritual journey or trip real quick, but like, I’ve been, I’ve been so caught up in being appreciative for like the little things and it’s crazy. It’s just getting up every day, you know, and being able to make music and stuff like that. Like that’s the stuff that means the most to me right now. Because I’m watching a lot of people in situations and they’re not as vibrant. So I just thank God, you know?
That’s good to hear. It feels like you have just been able to stay positive throughout your entire journey. Who are people who have motivated you and kind of kept you inspired throughout the way?
My team for sure. Big shout out to my team. Homies, other artists like Ty for sure, and my family. It’s just the love be coming from everywhere. And then just… I got something to prove. It’s like my fans, the people that believe in me, I got something to prove to them. I want to make sure they keep getting projects, no skips, they keep growing with me, like, you know what’s happening, loving the music every time. I’ll keep making the experience for them every time they see me. I want to say I’m content, but it’s not content, I’m just comfortable.
Like you said, you have a really dedicated fan base. You know, ladies love Kalan. So when you’re making music for the ladies, what kinds of things do you take into consideration? Whose approval do you gotta get?
You know, like, I’m like the woman whisperer (laughs). I know what to say. But I ask my homegirls! I’ll play songs for them and stuff like that. And it comes naturally.
Who would you say is your Mount Rushmore of West Coast artists?
No order, right? Ty’s on there, definitely. Kendrick’s on there, definitely. Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg.
I’m glad you mentioned Kendrick. We gotta get into what’s been going on on the West Coast right now. “Not Like Us” is going crazy. I need to know your thoughts on it. Who’s side you on?
They’re not like us. That’s how I feel about it. It’s going insane. We just got to see how all this plays out. Musically though, Dot all the way. I’m rolling with L.A..
TORONTO, ONTARIO – FEBRUARY 18: Kalan.Frfr performs during YG’s Red Cup Tour at History on February 18, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images)
Has anyone ever dissed you up to this point?
Not that I’ve heard. Or someone might have said something about me but they had no followers. It was just a coincidence. But you know, I haven’t really encountered any sneaky disses or anything like that. I don’t really pay attention to what others say. You know how it is. If somebody ever addressed me with something negative, I’d address it. I don’t dwell on it too much. I’m one of those people who just let it be. It’s the internet, you know?
People talk a lot on the internet. What’s the craziest rumor you’ve heard about yourself through the internet?
Just rumors about me having kids, you know? It’s kind of amusing how stories like that get twisted. No kids. The internet has some folks thinking they’ve got my love life all figured out, but I’ve heard all kinds of random stuff like that. But none of it’s true. There’s zero truth to it. They just make up stuff.
If you had to pick one word to describe the current state of West Coast music, what word would you use?
Lively. The vibe in the city.
What kind of summer do you think we’re gonna have here in L.A. this year?
For sure, it’s gonna be lit. Some parties are gonna be crazy because it’s already hot. Pool parties are going up. I went to one the other day, and they played “Not Like Us.” It was going crazy. Everybody and their grandma thought they were from L.A.. If you don’t know what you’re doing, just stop. It’s the easiest thing in the world. Stop messing it up. Everybody’s dancing.
So what do you have planned for the summer? What can we look forward to?
I’m going wherever the wind blows. You know, I’ll travel to Houston here and there. Every time I go there, I’ll just chill for a couple of days. So I’m gonna head there. I might go to Miami a couple of times. I’m gonna have fun this summer. I’m enjoying myself. Same vibe. It’s gonna be a great summer. Everything in LA is turnt up. I can’t wait. The way people have been acting these last couple of days, with new music coming out, I’m just interested to see where it’s all going. But I’m here for it. I haven’t seen people this excited about music in a long time. It feels special, different. I’m gonna be hitting the studio heavy, record, for sure.
YG was one of the hottest names out of California when he came up in the early 2010s. He was celebrated — deservedly so — for projects like My Krazy Life and Still Brazy. Each provided tons of bangers and some terrific G-funk nods. However, his last few records such as STAY DANGEROUS, I GOT ISSUES, and etc. have not been nearly talked about as much. But YG is proving that he still has plenty left in the tank with “KNOCKA.”
This is his first solo release since 2022’s “Miss My Dawgs” with Lil Wayne. Over the last year or so, his singles have been collaborations with Tyga mainly. Tracks like “Brand New,” “PLATINUM,” and “PARTy T1M3” were all for their 2023 team effort Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist. But “KNOCKA,” according to Genius, is looking to be a promotional teaser for Just Re’d Up 3.
They believe it will arrive sometime in July of this year and it would be following up the second entry in the series which dropped back in 2013. On “KNOCKA,” YG is rapping with a lot of energy like always, but his flow may be the most impressive part. Every bar ends with some form of an “uh” sound, tying into the phonetic spelling of “KNOCKA.” The beat is also pretty addictive with a killer sample loop. Be sure to support YG with the link above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “KNOCKA” by YG? Is this one of his better tracks as of late, why or why not? Does this get you excited for his upcoming project Just Re’d Up 3? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding YG. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
The bottom, the bottom, but the top is where they spot ’em And when you on the top, all the boppers let you dot ’em Her daddy went home, now lil’ daddy got her Slut her out proper like NLE Choppa Got shotters on shotters on shotters on shotters Wipe a n**** nose like, “N****, clean that snot up”
DJ Premier and Snoop Dogg really do not need introductions at this point in their respective careers. Both have defined the West Coast and Southern hip-hop sounds for decades, delivering classics on classics. Even better, these two are still consistently pumping out new material as well. The last time we spoke about new Snoop was for the 30th anniversary of his legendary debut Doggystyle. He has also been active with the singles and features, with his assist on Benny The Butcher’s Everybody Can’t Go a standout.
For Mr. Premier he has put out some records with “Work This Out” being his most recent. That is, until DJ Premier and Snoop Dogg linked for “Can U Dig That?” This is not the first time these two greats have hit the booth together though. Funny enough, their most recent collaboration was actually on a Russ track “Free” which landed on CHOMP 2.”
Listen To “Can U Dig That?” By DJ Premier & Snoop Dogg
Premier brings his trademarked disc scratches to the table and Snoop delivers his signature laid back delivery. It is a smooth and relaxing summer jam that delivers all the vibes. The rapper hyped up the record on his Instagram hours ago, saying, “Can u dig that?? Out everywhere now. Good lookn @djpremier.” Good looking indeed! Be sure to check out the track above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “Can U Dig That?” by Snoop Dogg and DJ Premier? Is this one of DJ’s better releases as of late, why or why not? Do you think a new album is on the way from the producer? What was your favorite element of the track and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Snoop Dogg and DJ Premier. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
Dice games and dominoes Presidential Obama flows (Flows) Rivers drip with tadpoles (What?) Night clubs with bad h**s (Ooh) Neighborhoods with liquor stores And foes and baggy clothes
ScHoolboy Q is in his Pablo era. He says as much on the Freddie Gibbs-assisted, “oHio” from his latest album, Blue Lips. “Lookin’ at my life, think he Pablo/ Y’all poor,” he raps on the hook. Pablo Escobar might be a played-out reference at this point, especially as a hyperbolic benchmark of power and wealth. But ScHoolboy Q has a way of skewing the norm into a distinct portrayal of his growth and by extension, how the world around him has evolved. In this particular instance, it’s less to do with the accumulation of wealth but rather, what it’s afforded him: a sense of tranquility. As a result, ScHoolBoy Q delivers one of his strongest bodies of work with Blue Lips.
The 18-song album contains everything that CrasH Talklacked – personality, depth, and a sense of purpose. At a time when the music industry was in a major overhaul as streaming continued dominating and platforms like Triller and TikTok directed the algorithm, ScHoolboy Q found himself trying to figure how where he fit into the puzzle. He explained to Zane Lowe that CrasH Talk captured his life after the success. In a lot of ways, it felt like a long-delayed sophomore slump in his career.
Blue Lips often feels like a volatile journey with unexpected twists and turns, thanks to the excellent sequencing. Beat switches and song transitions can often feel abrupt but the abrasiveness accentuates each moment. Through this, Q’s range takes heed uninterrupted. “THank God 4 Me,” produced by Kal Banx and initially teased during the producer’s Boiler Room set, opens up with a warm, tranquil flute, accented by gentle guitar strings before switching gears entirely into an abrasive banger that surrounds self-love in a way that only Q could deliver. It’s a commonality across the album that initially feels like jumbled concepts thrown into a blender. There’s a method to the chaos that lets the cohesion unfold organically, especially in ScHoolboy’s delivery. Q compartmentalizes each flow into concentrated moments across the album. It makes each sonic shift, each flow hit harder than the last.
“Love Birds,” for instance, finds Lance Skiiwalker reflecting on the shortcomings of a relationship but Q bursts through with debaucherous brags about a “house full of whores.” Then, there are songs like “Foux” with Ab-Soul. Over fevered jazz percussion, the two deliver another successor to the “Druggies Wit Hoes” series that deviates further from the hedonistic drug-fueled sexcapades that he and Ab-Soul once indulged in. Instead, “Foux” focuses on a void in their lives that can’t be fixed by copious amounts of substances, even with strides in their personal and professional careers.
Finding Hope
The concept of embracing change appears across the album, largely in juxtaposition with pivotal life moments that shaped him. However, the ultimate takeaway is that his worth was never rooted in material possessions but rather, the purity of his intentions. Even the moments where he’s bragging about Presidential Rolexes or foreign cars aren’t necessarily flexes. They are reminders of where it all began and the strides he’s made. It’s a noticeable shift from his mindset on his early albums which felt clouded by despondence.
But on Blue Lips, an album that arrives a decade after his major label debut Oxymoron, ScHoolboy Q finds a sense of hope that only came as he became more removed from the streets. Songs like “Blue Slides” and “Cooties,” specifically, allow a heightened sense of introspection to thrive within questions of existentialism. The former finds Q ruminating on the inevitable outcome of the streets but also, how the pressures of fame manifest in tragedy, whether it be the loss of Mac Miller or the public’s attitude towards mental health, specifically in the case of Ye.
“Cooties” encompasses the other side of the coin — Q is awestruck at marijuana-scented mansions in the Hills and his growth from “being trapped from all the things that you build” – yet he’s still affected by the same anxieties that the average American face. Though he’s never been one to be overtly political, Blue Lips does shed light on his outlook on governmental bodies, including Kamala Harris’ criminal justice record, and the dire threats to the next generation. “Mass shootings, when will they stop it? Hmm another kid gone for unlimited profits,” he raps on “Cooties.” “Rather keep my kid home, before you fuck up the process.”
This consciousness of purpose and self-awareness makes ScHoolboy Q’s latest album such a refreshing entry in his catalog. Sure, the nihilism of gangster rap is pervasive on stand-outs like the hardcore-influenced “Pop” ft. Rico Nasty captures the rugged West Coast skater culture or the militant aggression of “Lost Times” and “Pig feet.” However, there’s a levity to his voice, writing, and attitude toward the world, even when he’s tapped into his most ruthless form.
While albums like Setbacks and Habits & Contradictions captured the numerous adversities he faced with an aloof tone, Blue Lips looks back at those moments as learning curves. The latter half of the project starts unraveling this album’s theme with more clarity. Songs like “germany ‘86” find Q returning to his birthplace. Through this, he details his mother’s return to Hoover after serving her country, only to be thrown to the wolves. It’s here where Q acknowledges that, despite how the women in his life tried to deter him from the streets, it was an inevitable outcome. The environment in which he grew up, regardless of whether he jumped off the porch, would’ve forced him to grow up far too quickly.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why an artist like ScHoolboy Q could wait five years before releasing another album. It’s a luxury that very few artists are afforded, no matter the medium. Blue Lips stands as ScHoolboy Q’s most ambitious album to date, one that pushes the boundaries that he set for himself. With a bit of clarity and ambition, the follow-up to CrasH Talk is a much more gratifying listen that encompasses a level of depth that we haven’t heard from ScHoolboy Q in the past. He’s at peace with himself but more importantly, comfortable in the mental space that he currently occupies.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, emerging artists are constantly stepping into the spotlight. One such rising star who’s been making waves is K2icyy. His latest release, “In Line” featuring Zoe Osama, is solidifying his place in the industry and showcases his growth as an artist. The single was initially released as part of K2icyy’s 2023 EP Talk To Me. And now, due to the surging popularity of the song, he has recruited South Central‘s Zoe Osama for the remix and video. It’s inevitable that K2icyy creates music that resonates with the masses. “In Line” for example is not just a catchy tune. It serves a testament to K2icyy’s innate talent and his ability to connect with his audience on a new level.
The track has already gained substantial traction across social media platforms, with fans and influencers alike praising the infectious beats and clever lyricism. K2icyy has been grinding for a few years now, starting his music journey while in high school. Specifically, he mentions that it was during the Covid-19 pandemic and isolation where he got a chance to delve into his passion for music. Through his music, he learned to channel his emotions and experiences into creating something meaningful.
Moreover, K2icyy’s ability to transform adversity into art is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. The pandemic, which disrupted lives globally, became a catalyst for K2icyy to invest time and effort into honing his skills. This dedication not only allowed him to elevate his own artistry but also served as a source of inspiration for his peers navigating through difficult times. However, he’s definitely in his own lane and is proving to be someone to watch this year.
Collaborating with Zoe Osama on “In Line” adds another layer of dynamism to the track. Zoe Osama, a rising talent hailing from South Los Angeles, has already made a mark in the industry with his song “Underrated.” The remix of the track features heavyweights like E-40, Snoop Dogg, and Moneysign Suede, showcasing Zoe Osama’s ability to attract established names to his orbit. “In Line” seamlessly blends the raw energy of K2icyy with the established presence of Zoe Osama, creating a synergy that resonates with listeners across diverse musical tastes. The collaboration is a testament to the genre’s ability to transcend boundaries. Let us know what you think of the track on HNHH!
It’s been 31 years since Dr. Dre dropped the project that was The Chronic, a groundbreaking album that not only marked the inception of the G-Funk era. But also propelled the careers of hip-hop legends like Snoop Dogg, Lady of Rage, Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and more. As fans around the world celebrated the album’s anniversary on December 15, one voice rose above the nostalgic cheers with a tone of discontent. Daz Dillinger, a significant contributor to The Chronic with his work on tracks such as “B***es Ain’t S***,” “The Day The N***** Took Over,” “The Roach (Outro),” and “Deeez Nuuuts,” took to Instagram to air his grievances against Dr. Dre and Interscope Records. In a fiery post, Daz Dillinger called out the iconic producer and the record label, accusing them of withholding rightful payments.
The West Coast rap scene, characterized by its gritty narratives and unfiltered authenticity, is no stranger to controversies. Daz Dillinger’s public outcry adds another layer to the complex history of Death Row Records, a label that itself has been marred with financial disputes and legal battles. In an IG post, he wrote, “HAPPY 31st C DAY TO THE CHRONIC @drdre BUT WHEN CAN WE RECEIVE OUR ROYALITIES ARE YOU OR @interscope GONE ROBB US LIKE @deathrowrecords 2024. & THE N***** FROM THE PAST WHO RAN IT str8 B**chez FUCEM REMEMBER DAZ COPYRIGHT REVERSIONS LAW IZ FILED I WANT % not points SO YALL ON A TIME LIMIT 4MORE YRS TIL IT REVERTS BAC THEN ITS REALLY LIKE FU**EM I AINT CLEARING S*** up IM COMIN.”
In the Instagram post, Daz didn’t mince words, questioning Dr. Dre’s business practices. And he drew parallels to the notorious Death Row Records era. He raised the specter of financial exploitation, asking if Dr. Dre intended to replicate the same alleged mistreatment that artists endured during the tumultuous Death Row days. “The Chronic” not only solidified Dr. Dre’s status as a hip-hop maestro but also laid the foundation for the entire West Coast hip-hop movement. It’s disheartening to witness one of the key contributors expressing dissatisfaction over compensation. Especially on an occasion meant for celebration.
The allegations pose questions about the intricate web of royalty distribution and financial dealings within the music industry. Daz Dillinger, known for his unapologetic lyrics and bold personality, has ignited a conversation. He sparked discussion about the treatment of artists, their creative contributions, and the compensation they receive in return. As fans, we find ourselves at a crossroads between nostalgia for the golden era of West Coast hip-hop and the harsh realities of the music business. Only time will reveal the true extent of the grievances voiced by Daz Dillinger, and whether his public call-out sparks a larger dialogue about the often opaque world of artist compensation in the rap game.
#LLLM (@03Greedo) June 20, 2024
