Nas & Hit-Boy Team Up Once Again On Illustrious “Magic”

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They make for a match made in Hip Hop heaven and after blowing up the genre with back-to-back records, Nas and Hit-Boy have done it again. The producer and rapper pairing has been a staple in Hip Hop from its inception (along with DJs), and fans have been eating up each release from Nas and Hit-Boy. They surprised the world by announcing that they had yet another project on the horizon and now, Magic has arrived in all of its glory.

On Instagram, Nas said that the album is “brand new music to vibe to,” while Hit-Boy added, “3rd time is MAGIC.” There was much conversation about King’s Disease and King’s Disease II during their rollouts, but Nas and Hit-Boy have maintained this sense of mystery for this surprise release.

Nas’s name has come up more than once during these recent debates regarding who could take on Jay-Z in a Verzuz, and we’re sure Magic will reignite the conversation.

Magic hosts only two features from A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier. Stream the album and share your thoughts.

Tracklist

1. Speechless
2. Meet Joe Black
3. Ugly
4. 40-16 Building
5. Hollywood Gangsta
6. Wu for the Children
7. Wave Gods ft. A$AP Rocky & DJ Premier
8. The Truth
9. Dedicated

Fireboy DML Adds Ed Sheeran To “Peru” Remix

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Over the summer, Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML released his hit track “Peru” that would catch the attention of megastar Ed Sheeran. The British singer spoke with Elton John on the Pop icon’s Rocket Hour, saying that he found “Peru” to be “very intriguing.” Sheeran and Fireboy were able to connect on the track’s remix where Sheeran is heard singing a few words in Yorùbá.

“It has been a dream knowing Ed Sheeran is a fan of my sound and having him jump on a song that was inspired by me traveling the world,” Fireboy DML said in a press release. “Not only is this an exciting moment for me, but also for Afrobeats. I hope this is the first of many collaborations with Ed and other artists around the globe, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this song during the holidays.”

Stream “Peru (Remix)” and let us know what you think of this pairing.

Quotable Lyrics

Giving me feelings, no I’m not leaving
Until I fly LA next weekend
Peru, nah, girl I’d rather go find somewhere quiet
You’ll glow, and I’ll get lost here in your eyes
Omoge no be so
Girl you just capture my soul

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Remy Ma Launches All-Women Battle Rap League, Chrome 23

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Hip Hop is about to have a new all-women Rap league thanks to Remy Ma. Not every artist and lyricist has the chops to enter Battle Rap arenas, but we’ve seen a mainstream resurgence of sorts in recent years. Drake is intimately involved in the scene and is known to host events, and recently, Remy Ma revealed that she’s launching Chrome 23, a Battle Rap league that will feature artists like Ms. Hustle, 40 B.A.R.R.S., and Jaz the Rapper.

The ladies will not only battle one another but others in the competition as well. Remy spoke about the venture with OTFMZ Battle Rap Media and explained why she believed a league such as this is necessary for today’s music climate.

Remy Ma
Phillip Faraone / Stringer / Getty Images

Remy shared that the league’s name is short for “Chromosome 23,” adding that in science, it determines if “you’re a male or a female.”

“I just want all the women that have ever, you know, put their blood sweat, and tears into this, that’s been doing this for years, to get a chance to really make some decent money,” she said. “Anybody that has anything negative to say or that feels like I’m trying to take somebody’s place or feels like I’m trying to step on somebody’s toes, y’all are more than welcome to donate to the cause.”

“It’s costing me hundreds of thousands of dollars to do it out of my pocket and out of the favors that I’m calling in, so you’re welcome to come in and assist. Like, I’m not doing this because of me. I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing. I’m rich, I really am. I really, really am.” One of the hosts mentioned that with Battle Rap, artists have one shot, unlike a song that they can redo or perform over and over. 

However, Remy contested that those rappers could “do those same rhymes” while out on a Battle Rap tour. “People would want to see it live! Why not? Why the f*ck not? I’m trying to think of every way we can get money.” Although the league is all women, Remy did admit that there will be times when the men will have the opportunity to showcase their talents, as well.

Watch Remy Ma detail her new venture below.

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Daunte Wright Case: Officer Kim Potter Found Guilty Of Manslaughter

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Earlier this year, activists demanded justice after 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. It was reportedly learned that Wright had an outstanding warrant and during the arrest, he briefly struggled with the officers. Officer Kim Potter, 49, shot Wright at close range, and later, it was stated that she meant to reach for her Taser but instead pulled out her gun.

Potter’s trial has come to an end today (December 23) after she was convicted on all charges including first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter. She was immediately taken into custody and is reportedly being held without bail until her sentencing in February.

Kim Potter, Daunte Wright
Stephen Maturen / Stringer / Getty Images

“We have a degree of accountability for Daunte’s death,”  said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Accountability is not justice. … Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. But accountability is an important step, a critical, necessary step on the road to justice for us all.”

NBC News reported:

The prosecution played video from Potter’s body camera for jurors, showing how she had the Glock in her hand for at least five seconds before she fired the deadly round.

The Glock used to kill Wright weighed 2.11 pounds, compared to the 0.94-pound Taser, which emanates light and needed a safety switch to be pulled before it could be used, prosecutors said.

During the trial, defense attorney Earl Gray reportedly told the judge, “She’s not going to run. She’s obviously, she’s not going to commit any more crimes. She’s been convicted of an accident. She’s been convicted of being reckless.”

Potter faces upwards of 15 years in prison.

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Future Agrees That People In Atlanta Believe He Can Beat Jay-Z In A ‘Verzuz’

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Jay-Z left the rap community to argue amongst themselves after he made a bold declaration during a conversation on Twitter Spaces earlier this week.. “Ain’t nobody that can stand on that stage with me,” Jay said in response to a question about Verzuz from Alicia Keys who was a part of the Twitter Spaces conversation as well. “I ain’t gonna lie, no disrespect. Everyone’s amazing, they’ve done what they’ve done. No one can stand on that stage with me. Theres not a shot.” Fans of the rapper later duked it out on Twitter with supporters of other big-name acts like Ye, Lil Wayne, and Drake who felt that their favorite artist was worthy of a matchup with Jay-Z.

Another rapper that some brought into the conversation was Future. Podcaster and Atlanta personality Big Bank TDE took to Instagram to say that Atlanta residents believe that Future would not only fair well against Jay-Z but beat him in a Verzuz battle. “I Promise You, Errbody from Atlanta Feels Like Pluto Can Win A Verzuz Against Hov,” he wrote. Moments after the message was shared on Big Bank’s Instagram Story, Future reposted it to his own Instagram page leaving many to believe that he agreed with the message.

Future’s repost comes after he teamed up with Lil Baby to supply a pair of verses on Rvssian’s “M&M.”

You can view a screenshot of Future’s repost of Big Bank TDE’s message above.

Travis Scott Cactus Jack Foundation Holiday Drive Gifts 2,000 Toys To Kids In Need: Report

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As his legal team attempts to battle lawsuits reaching into the billions of dollars, Travis Scott is moving forward with his holiday giveaway. The rapper has been laying low since the Astroworld tragedy that took the lives of 10 people, including children. Many have blamed Scott for the fatal festival’s turnout while others have contested there wasn’t any way for him to know that such devastation was happening in the audience.

Things didn’t get better for Scott after he sat down with Charlamagne Tha God for his first interview since Astroworld. However, his attorney recently told TMZ that the rapper is not focused on business, but on aiding and connecting with the victims’ families.

It was reported today (December 23) that Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation organized a holiday toy drive for families in need in the rapper’s hometown of Houston. Scott is known for his charitable efforts in the city and this time around, TMZ reported that “more than 2,000 kids in Houston who come from struggling families” will now receive toys for the holidays.

Those who attended the toy drive were able to receive one gift per child, according to the Cactus Jack Foundation Instagram page. They also shared a few photos of the event, as well, and you can swipe below to check that out.

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Tammy Rivera Claps Back At IG User Who Claims She “Wants Half” Of Waka Flocka’s Money

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Although they haven’t confirmed or denied the rumors that they have split, Tammy Rivera does not want to be involved in any online antics from social media users regarding her husband Waka Flocka. The couple has been relatively quiet in recent months as fans have questioned them about the status of their relationship. They have been featured on shows like Growing Up Hip Hop and Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka, but after rumors surfaced that they’ve been separated for some time, information about that aspect of their personal lives has been held close.

Recently, Waka took to his Instagram to pose a question to women: “How y’all wanna be married and don’t split the bills, but get a divorce and want half of his sh*t [thinking emoji].” 

Waka Flocka, Tammy Rivera
Jerritt Clark / Stringer / Getty Images

An Instagram user jumped into a comment section, criticizing the couple and calling out Rivera. “TAMMY WANTS HALF!! DAMN HE BECAME A WHOLE FATHER WHEN HE DIDNT HAVE TOO.” The person was referring to Waka’s relationship with Charlie, Tammy’s daughter. Waka may not be hee biological father, but the rapper has consistently said that Charlie is his daughter and he has been a proud father throughout their time together. Even amid the gossip about a divorce or breakup, Waka continues to post about Charlie and her accomplishments.

Tammy caught wind of the Instagram user’s comments and took a minute to respond.

“Sweetie stfu, I ain’t her,” Rivera replied. “I don’t need half of nothing from no one got my own bread.. leave my name out this chat.” Check it out below.

Nas Says His ‘Hip-Hop Is Dead’ Album Was ‘Mainly’ Talking About New York Rap

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Anytime you label a genre as “dead,” there’s sure to be a sizeable amount backlash from its supporters. We see this happen nowdays with R&B, but fifteen years ago, Nas attempted to place this label on rap with his 2006 album Hip-Hop Is Dead. As expected, the title received a lot of criticism, but the rapper was undeterred by the comments as it arrived without change and much delay. Fast forward to today and the album, as well as its concept, were the center of discussion during a recent episode of Nas’ Spotify podcast, The Bridge: 50 Years Of Hip-Hop. It featured an appearance from Jeezy who spoke about his feelings towards the album’s title.

“When he did Hip Hop [Is] Dead, I thought he was talking about us,” Jeezy said. “I wanted to be the front guy and say what I said. At the time, you gotta think, I’m just getting on. I’m just seeing my first legitimate money. I’m just getting my shows going. And then you got the Don in New York saying ‘hip-hop is dead!’” In response, Nas clarified his intentions with Hip-Hop Is Dead.

“I didn’t think about that part,” Nas admitted. “I didn’t think that certain people would think I’m talking about them.” He added, “I’m talking about mainly New York! Mainly New York. I’m talking to everybody, but I didn’t explain it thorough enough.”

The episode arrives as Nas prepares to release Magic, his third consecutive project produced by Hit-Boy. It follows this year’s King’s Disease II and 2020’s King’s Disease.

You can listen to the full episode of The Bridge: 50 Years Of Hip-Hop with Jeezy here.

Ed Sheeran Briefly Sings In Yoruba With Fireboy DML For A Remix Of ‘Peru’

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There are plenty of records released this year in the afrobeats world that helped to boost the genre’s worldwide appeal. Whether it was Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence,” which was later remixed by Justin Bieber, or Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti,” the amount of songs that appear on this list is far from short. Fireboy DML’s “Peru” is another track that can be found here and it’s one the singer released after dropping his second album Apollo during the summer of 2020. In a matter of months, the track’s lyrics were being belted out by afrobeats lovers all over the world. Today, it receives a new remix from quite the big name.

Ed Sheeran steps into the afrobeats world to deliver a remix of “Peru.” It’s a new take that the two singers have been teasing for a few weeks and now it’s finally here. On it, Sheeran shows off his bilingual skills as he briefly sings in Yoruba on the track. The new remix sees Fireboy DML leading the way with his original verse before Sheeran steps in for a fresh verse.

The updated version of “Peru” arrives after Sheeran hit a one-of-a-kind milestone. His 2017 track “Shape Of You” became the first song on Spotify to reach 3 billion streams. After learning about the feat, he thanked fans and said he’s “really, really chuffed with it.” He added, “We’ve had a really great ten years together and hopefully we have a great ten years more.”

You can press play on the remix in the video above.

Ed Sheeran is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Trump Refutes Candace Owens Anti-Vaxx Stance: “The Vaccines Work”

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His followers and fans are ready for former President Donald Trump to return to the White House in 2024 and have continued to advocate on his behalf. It is easy to find Trump supports contesting the COVID-19 vaccine and vocalizing their disgust with mask mandates, but a recent sit down with Candace Owens shocked Trump’s fan base.

Trump, who reportedly came down with COVID during his presidency, was being questioned by Owens regarding the death toll of COVID cases under the Biden administration. “Yet, more people have died under COVID this year, by the way, under Joe Biden, than under you, and more people took the vaccine this year. So people are questioning how…” Owens began before Trump interrupted her.

Donald Trump
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“Oh no, the vaccines work, but some people aren’t taking it. The ones who get very sick and go to the hospital are the ones that don’t take the vaccine. But it’s still their choice. And if you take the vaccine, you’re protected,” Trump told Owens. “Look, the results of the vaccine are very good, and if you do get it, it’s a very minor form. People aren’t dying when they take the vaccine.”

Trump also called the COVID-19 vaccine “one of the greatest achievements of mankind” and said that without it, we would have another Spanish Flu that “killed 100 million people.” He also took credit, saying he “came up with three vaccines” expeditiously, ahead of schedule. Watch a clip below.