New Hip Hop News

In the days following the passing of DMX, née Earl Simmons, it has been made clear how enormous of a loss it was for the hip hop community. Listeners and members of the rap game alike have been showering the late icon with praise and tributes. The Mayor of his hometown in Yonkers has confirmed a lasting monument will be erected in honor of X, and he is also set to be recognized at the Universal Hip Hop Museum. 

Snoop Dogg is the latest to reminisce on his experiences with his good friend DMX. While on Monday night’s episode of the “Tonight Show,” the Long Beach native reflected on how the pair met at a concert back in 1994 and remained good friends until his passing. When asked about his and X’s Verzuz battle that went down last July, Snoop explained it “meant the world” to him. 

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He added it gave folks,  “a chance to see two dogs that naturally loved each other, celebrate each other in the name of hip hop.” He continued, “We had God in the building with us that night. That makes me feel good about DMX’s transition to know that he’s off to a better place and he’s finally got his angel wings.”  

He also shared how their first link up in the 90s later went on to inspire DMX’s 1997 track “Get at Me Dog” after Snoop said the phrase to him. “That night inspired him to create that song,” he told Fallon.

He went on to optimistically insist, “Legends never die, their soul will continue to bless the world and he was a great spirit who always looked out for everybody. He always prayed for everybody.” Check out the full interview with Snoop below. 

Timbaland also recently reflected on the rap legend’s passing. “This one hit differently. This one hit different. It made me think about like Aaliyah, it just hit different bro. I can’t even explain. I know you can hear it in my voice, it just hit different,” admitted Timbaland. 

Our prayers continue to go out to DMX’s family. 

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Meek Mill has long been vocal about becoming committed to social justice and reform. As far back as 2018, the Philadelphia rapper has long expressed his commitment and desire to fight for criminal justice reform. Sticking to his word, he’s since linked up with the REFORM Alliance to work hard to achieve this. 

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The group’s latest legislative victory occurred in Virginia, achieved through a collaborative effort with Justice Forward VA, American Conservative Union, and Faith and Freedom. With the new HB 2038 law, the state’s probation population will be reduced considerably, limiting adult probation sentences to a maximum of one year for misdemeanors and five for felonies. Before this law, Virginia was one of seven states in the country with no probation restrictions. 

The law will take effect on July 1st. “This legislation is a meaningful step forward toward building better pathways for Virginians stuck in the probation trap, and sets a positive example for what can be done in other states across the country,” REFORM CEO Robert Rooks said. “We’re thankful for the support behind HB 2038 that will reunite families, prevent unnecessary incarcerations and give life back to thousands of Virginians.”

As for Meek Mill, the rapper felt particularly compelled to use his platform to help reform these laws because of his own experience with probation. “When people directly impacted by probation and our broken criminal justice system, like Meek Mill and others at the REFORM Alliance, get behind those of us fighting to make a difference on these issues, we can create substantive and meaningful change,” Delegate Don Scott said. 

HB2038 will also create a system of certain sanctions for technical probation violations in order to prevent people from being re-incarnated for certain probation violations. Big ups to Meek Mill and the REFORM alliance for this major legislative win. 

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for The Reform Alliance

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Though Anderson .Paak is easily one of the most talented musicians in the entire rap game, capable of spitting bars, slinging melodies, and holding it down on the drums — his music has never quite integrated into the mainstream. That is, until now. Thanks to a recent partnership with Bruno Mars, a veritable mainstay on the Billboard charts whenever he drops new music, the Aftermath signee has officially secured the first number-one single of his career. 

As of today’s Billboard charts, Paak and Bruno Mars’ “Leave The Door Open” — their first single as Silk Sonic — has officially locked down the top spot. In the process, they knocked down Lil Nas X’s controversial “MONTERO,” which previously held the title for a brief period. It’s a big win for fans of acoustic instrumentation and soulful songwriting, as the mainstream musical landscape can sometimes feel a little oversaturated with recurring commercial trends and larger-than-life production. 

“WE DID IT BRO!!!” captions .Paak, celebrating the major milestone on his Instagram. It is now safe to wear your bell bottoms all week!! #LeaveTheDoorOpen is the number 1 song in the country and I can’t thank y’all enough! @brunomars we poppin bottles in the Stu today I’m otw champ!” 

Congratulations to Anderson .Paak, whose widespread commercial recognition is long overdue. Are you still keeping “Leave The Door Open” in steady rotation? 

When Kanye West launched his Yeezy empire in collaboration with Adidas in 2015, the sneaker game was never the same again. Already one of the most successful sneaker collabs in history with a billion-dollar-plus revenue, it became notable for its high-end limited colorways and releases. While the brand was not officially launched until 2015, the first Yeezy prototype was actually worn by the rap mogul at the 2008 Grammy Awards. 

This prototype pair of Yeezys have just gone for private sale at Sotheby’s, valued at a whopping $1 million. The Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes were the prototype created for the first Yeezy line in 2008 designed by West and Mark Smith for Nike. According to the luxury auction company, they’re the most valuable pair of kicks to ever be on the market. 

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If the Yeezy sneakers prototype that helped make Kanye West a billionaire fetches its near $1 million valuation, they will easily break the record for the most expensive sneaker sale in history. The record is currently held by a pair of Air Jordan 1s, which sold for around half a million in May of 2020. 

Ryan Chang, the New York-based art collector who is selling the sneakers, explained the shoes were a piece of art. “The Air Yeezy Prototype is particularly special to me because it captured the cultural moment in 2008 so perfectly,” Chang said in a statement. “There he was, Kanye West, on stage at the Grammys, winning 4 awards that evening, and unveiling an incredibly important and iconic design in Nike’s storied history.” 

Although the current Yeezy line is currently in collaboration with Adidas rather than Nike, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 was still, “critical to the development of the Yeezy franchise, which has become one of the most important sneaker and lifestyle brands in history,” said Brahm Wachter from Sotheby’s. 

The Yeezy samples will be on display at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 16th through 21st, while those interested in making an offer on the pair can speak directly with Sotheby’s sales directors. Let us know down in the comments if you plan on doing so.  

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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