New Hip Hop News

Jhene Aiko, dubbed herself the “Slauson Hills Barbie” in a new Instagram post where she stuns in a hot pink satin dress. The post promoted her collaboration with South Korean singer CL, for Rolling Stone magazine’s “Musicians on Musicians” series. 

In the interview piece, the Los Angeles native talked about staying true to her roots, how she finds balance while still maintaining her relationships, and appreciating where you come from.”It helps us to connect with one another, just learning each other’s stories. It helps us realize that we are more alike than different, no matter where we’re from or our age or gender, any of that,” the singer said.

The Grammy-nominated singer also recently signed a new publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, as stated in a press release today (October 21), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, who publishes and administers music for acts like John Legend, Anderson .Paak, Lizzo, Madonna, Pop Smoke, Summer Walker, among many others. 

Aiko has had a momentous hold on 2020, thanks to her album Chilombo, certified platinum with five gold and platinum singles, and nominated for the Grammy’s “Album Of The Year.” 

Warner Chappell Music President of A&R, U.S., Ryan Press, shared his excitement about Jhene’s domination on the charts: “Jhené’s star power only continues to rise, and it’s been exciting to see her become one of the industry’s most influential acts. With each new release, she reveals a different side of her musical talent and captivates listeners with her artistry and lyrics. She’s established herself as the defining voice of her generation and of modern R&B, and we’re so proud to be working with Jhené, her manager Taz and the whole team at ArtClub.”

Jhené Aiko shared: “I’ve known Ryan Press for a long time now and have so much love and respect for the work they’re doing at Warner Chappell. They treat their songwriters like family, and it’s great to be on this new journey together.”

Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia although the drama surrounding his status with the team is only getting worse. This past week, Simmons was kicked out of practice by Doc Rivers after he refused to participate in some drills. Simmons has remained uninterested in actually doing anything, and it’s clear that he is just biding his time until the Sixers give in and trade him elsewhere.

Today, even more drama took place as Simmons was scheduled for a workout with the team. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons ended up refusing to participate once again, although this time it was reportedly related to an injury.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Simmons told the Sixers training staff that he had back issues and needed some treatment. They helped with his back and by that point, it was believed that he would be ready to go for practice. Simmons decided against it and eventually went home without participating in any real basketball activity.

The Sixers play their first game of the season on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, and by all accounts, Simmons will not be ready to play in that match. At this point, it is looking unlikely that he will want to play in any games for the Sixers, moving forward.

Stay tuned to HNHH as we will continue to bring up updates on this developing story.

While Tekashi 6ix9ine parties in Miami with a million dollars worth of jewelry around his neck, his former manager Kifano “Shotti” Jordan is behind bars with little to no money in his bank account, telling a judge that he’s essentially gone broke in the last few years.

In new court documents presented on October 20, which were reviewed by Complex, Shotti makes an appeal citing the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) and asking for the appointment of legal counsel to his case. Shotti is reportedly unable to afford a lawyer, claiming that he’s down to his last $1,200.

As noted in the report, the CJA makes it easier for “financially unable” individuals to retain legal counsel appointed to them. 

Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images

In the documents, Shotti states that he only has $1,200 in “cash on hand or money in savings or checking accounts.” He also says that he has not received any income within the last year, listing August 2021 as his last employment. 

“The petitioner’s [Shotti’s] case is complex and beyond any understanding he has of the law and its procedures,” it says in the docs. “The petitioner desperately needs the help of legal counsel to properly prepare the issues and supporting facts and laws to support each issue that will be presented before this honorable court.”

Shotti was previously sentenced to fifteen years for his role in the high-profile racketeering case, which also involved 6ix9ine.

Are you surprised to hear that his funds have run dry?

[via]

If there is one thing that is certain about Stephen A. Smith, it’s that he is a massive fan of the New York Knicks. Throughout his broadcasting career, Smith has always been very hard on the team, although deep down in his heart, he loves the team and whenever they do well, he is the first person to say something about it.

Last night, the Knicks had their first game of the season, and they won in exceptional fashion against the Boston Celtics. The final score was 138-134, and it went to two overtimes. It was a phenomenal way to start the year, and the celebrities in attendance got a pretty fantastic show. For instance, some of the stars that were sitting courtside included Spike Lee, Michael J. Fox, and even Iggy Azalea.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

On First Take today, Smith was experiencing pure glee as he got to gloat to his co-host Jay Williams about just how amazing the win was. At the same time, Smith made sure to make some off-hand remarks about Iggy Azalea, and just how happy he was to see her there. 

“Let me be very clear, at the Garden last night, let’s not forget Iggy Azalea, she was there,” Smith said with a smirk on his face. “We like to see her there, it’s just important to me.” Williams and Molly Qerim couldn’t contain their laughter during the bit, although Smith was shameless with his thirst for the rapper.

Smith has never been shy to proclaim his attraction to certain women on the air, so I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised by his comments. Either way, it was yet another reason for why we all find Smith so entertaining on ESPN.

Last night, during the first half of the Washington Wizards 98-83 victory over the Toronto Raptors, it was reported that Wizards’ power forward Montrezl Harrell received a technical foul for arguing with Certified Lover Boy rapper and Raptors’ global ambassador, Drake. 

Harrell and Drizzy did exchange a couple of words, but the tech wasn’t a result of anything The Six God did. After scoring 22 points in his Wizards debut, Harrell took to the post game podium to clarify the situation and ensure everybody that Drake did not get under his skin. 

“I need my money back first, NBA,” Harrell began. “I definitely need my money back, because that definitely shouldn’t have been no tech. If so, you’ve got to give to me and the coach. Me and Drake was laughing. There was no problems there, me and Drake cool, we even talked after the game. It was a cool conversation, but it turned left when the coach started chiming in behind the bench, thinking that barking is something that’s gonna shake me.”

Continuing on to say that he had no interest in beefing with anybody, Harrell issued one last statement. 

“I don’t need all of Toronto on my bumper now,” Harrell said. “I don’t need Toronto on my bumper now. Don’t start DMing me on Instagram now. Me and Drake cool.”

Whether everybody, including the Raptors’ broadcast team, thought Trez had gotten T’d up for talking smack with Drake is a commentary on Harrell’s ability to block out the noise or Drake’s relentlessness on the sideline is up for debate, but according to the man himself, the “Way 2 Sexy” rapper had nothing to do with the technical foul.

What do you think of Harrell’s explanation? Do you think he was talking sh*t to Drake? Or a Raptors’ assistant? Let us know down in the comments. 

[Via]