New Hip Hop News

That Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren fight has been the talk of the town. The mega-hyped showdown was over before it began in the first round after Paul knocked out Askren in a surprisingly quick feat, leaving the match to be discussed among sports elite and fans alike. There has been speculation and accusations hurled toward both Paul and Askren as people accuse the pair of staging the bout’s ending, but Paul and his team have been enjoying the victory while ignoring the critics.

After it was shared that Paul would take home $690K for the fight, boxing champ Adrien Broner couldn’t believe that a rising fighter could make that much money.

Al Bello / Staff / Getty Images

“This is crazy niggas train they whole life and never get a chance to make this type money I’m happy for @jakepaul and I think he deserves everything giving to him but this is mind blowing,” wrote Broner on Instagram. “Cause @showtimeboxing and al Haymon do pay the f*ck outta me but I really put the work in since I was 6 to get to where I am but this is just my opinion I’m not hating or nothing ….. F*CK IT MY NEXT FIGHT GOT TO BE ON @triller [crying laughing emojis].”

Some commented that Paul has 20 million YouTube followers and 15 million Instagram followers, and as a viral celebrity, he could bring in viewing numbers that many other fighters couldn’t. In fact, it’s reported that the fight itself made over $65 million in PPV earnings. Check out Broner’s post and Paul tossing around cash below.

[via][via]

There were rumors last month that the Bryant family was plotting new business moves after reportedly trademarking the terms “Mamba” and “Mambacita.” Reports stated that the documents showed Kobe Bryant’s phrases were to be used for future merchandise, and it looks as if that may be true now that it is being reported that on April 13, Kobe’s partnership with Nike ended. 

Kobe, who tragically passed away last year along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven of their friends, first joined forces with Nike in 2003 after ending his partnership with adidas. The Bleacher Report shared details of the end of this iconic union, adding that fans will still be able to look forward to “new editions of the Hall of Famer’s signature sneakers this year.”

Kevork Djansezian / Staff / Getty Images

The Bryant family reportedly decided not to renew the contract with Nike and now the brand has reportedly issued a statement. “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”

Venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar claims to know the inside scoop on Bryant’s plans just prior to his untimely death. “I met with Kobe Bryant in late December 2019,” tweeted Pishevar. “Kobe wasn’t happy with Nike and was going to leave it in 2020. Kobe was going to start Mamba, a shoe company owned by players. He passed away weeks later. What he was about to do in business was going to eclipse his sports career.”

We’ll have to wait and see what the Bryant family has planned. Check out the posts below, including Pishevar showing designs for the Mamba shoe brand.

[via]

In today’s music culture, social media can make or break an artist. Taking to platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even Snapchat to promote your brand or music can be instrumental in acquiring fans and racking up streaming numbers, but not every artist has opted to use social media to make their music known. Instagram is a leader for artists, but NLE Choppa has decided to build his buzz without the help of the popular platform.

Because of such, Choppa wants his credit for being an artist who has been able to build a successful career and increasing fanbase without the help of Instagram or some huge promotional effort.  

John Sciulli / Stringer / Getty Images

“I don’t get enough credit for the views I get without a Instagram, self promo, and no other rappers posting my music,” wrote Choppa. “Everybody know Instagram the app you mainly promote on for anything merchandise, music, ETC I’m a Goat for the simple fact I’m making hits without it   Every song since ‘Famous Hoes’ was no Instagram or big promotion. ‘Walk Em Down’ 2x Platinum Without it also.”

“It’s rappers thats not touching the views I get with promotion from Instagram, other rappers, and advertising,” Choppa added. He declared that he will “be one of the greatest” because he “beat the odds in every situation.” Some have argued that artists were earning Platinum certificates, building worldwide fanbases, and topping the charts before social media was invented, but others think that that to do so within today’s current culture should be applauded.

Do you think NLE Choppa deserves more credit? Check out his posts below.

Retirement is no longer on the table, at least for now, as Chika has given fans an update on how she’s been feeling as of late. The Grammy-nominated rapper had fans concerned recently after she publicly shared her mental health struggles and frustrations with the industry. There was an outpouring of love and support for Chika, including kind words from Cardi B who urged the budding rapper not to retire after Chika announced she no longer wanted to work on her career. 

Over the weekend, Chika returned to Twitter to share that she’s decided not to retire from music while thanking those who have sent messages of positivity through this difficult time.

Jon Kopaloff / Stringer / Getty Images

“I am alive. I am okay,” wrote Chika. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in. It’s been a very intense week. I’m not retiring. After what I’ve endured in the past few days, I’m not ever allowing anything to stop me or almost take me from this ghetto ass earth.” She added, “Thank you, @iamcardib for reaching out & showing such kindness to me in a time I don’t even think you knew was as serious as it was. You’ve always shown love to me & don’t think I could take that for granted. You’re appreciated.”

The rapper also gave a middle finger to her haters after sharing that she would be taking a mental health break. “I will be stepping back from social media for the time being, whether that means silence or just having someone else post for me,” Chika added. “I’m too valuable to be tampered with. And it took almost not being here to realize this internet shit isn’t worth it.”

Elsewhere, Chika cleared up rumors of what led up to this most recent mental health bout and said it was more than just online trolls. “Last week was not simply a result of online bullying. i have been working through a rough patch in life that trolls did not cause,” she revealed. “However, in one of my most vulnerable moments, i was submerged in messages encouraging me to take my life. I fought back and wished the same fate on those sending hate… I am fine and will be fine, I promise you.”

We’re happy to hear that she’s prioritizing her health over all else and hope that others will be inspired to do the same, as well. Read through Chika’s messages below.

AJ Tracey is fresh off of the release of his latest project, Flu Game. The MC has been praised as a grime artist but in the past few years, he’s shown a vast amount of growth musically. His latest project is a testament to his evolution as he tackles trap, hip-hop, drill, and pretty much every other genre except for grime.

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

There’s a reason for that as he explained in a new interview with The Guardian. The artist was asked about his break-out hit “Thiago Silva” ft. Dave and the possibilities of a sequel, given the success of the track. “It was a long time ago,” Tracey said of the track and potentially fulfilling fans’ wishes for a part 2. 

“And also, sorry, but it was a grime beat, and grime is not really lit anymore,” he explained. “It’s not what it used to be, and it’s their fault because [people in the grime scene] don’t like change. I was in there, I was open to change, I changed and I’m doing well. They did not want to change and it’s just crabs in a barrel. They don’t want to see anyone do better than themselves; it’s a horrible culture and I really don’t like it. I will not be making any more grime music … unless [scene veterans] P Money or D Double E asked me to.”

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

He expressed a similar sentiment in the past when he told a journalist not to refer to him as a grime artist anymore. It’s unfortunate since many of his fans feel like he’s at his best when he’s doing grime. 

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments. 

[Via]