Isaiah Thomas Shoots His Shot With The Lakers

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Over the last few weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling to maintain their place in the Western Conference and now, it seems like they will have to take part in a play-in round just to have a shot at the postseason. Injuries have truly hurt this team and they could use any help they could get.

Well, Isaiah Thomas has bounced around the league over the last few years and even signed a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans a few weeks ago. He has since been released and, once again, he is looking for a willing team. Having already played for the Lakers in the past, Thomas is now jonesing for a contract, and it just so happens that Quinn Cook is as well.

“Man I could help them Lakers boys during this time,” Thomas said before telling Cook “You know what it is, you’ve proven that year after year. Stay ready. We back on real soon.”

At this point in the season, it doesn’t look like the Lakers are going to make a move like this anytime soon, however, it’s good to see Thomas hungrier than ever. Hopefully, he will be able to get a chance to come back next season.

Isaiah Thomas

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

J. Cole & Isaiah Rashad’s Return Dominate This Week’s “Fire Emoji” Playlist

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The world of hip-hop was overwhelmed by rumors that TDE and J. Cole were dropping new music a week from each other. Naturally, fans speculated that we’d be receiving some new music from Kendrick Lamar before J. Cole but ultimately, that was wishful thinking. J. Cole is, however, readying a new album which is due out next weekend titled, The Off-Season. On Friday, he unleashed the first “single” off of the project, “Interlude” which was only necessary to add to this week’s Fire Emoji playlist. 

Kendrick might not be dropping any time soon but fans did rejoice at the return of Isaiah Rashad. It’s been nearly five years since Isaiah Rashad released his last album The Sun’s Tirade. “Lay Wit Ya” connects the TDE rapper with Memphis up-and-comer Duke Deuce for an energetic trap banger.

Ottawa’s own Night Lovell just came through with his new project, Just Say You Don’t Care on Friday. It was only right that we included some new heat from that project. “Ten Wishes” is on steady rotation on our side. 

Other additions on this week’s Fire Emoji playlist includes new music from Tee Grizzley, Pressa, Pooh Shiesty, Gucci Mane, and more.

Check out the latest Fire Emoji update below and make sure you subscribe to HotNewHipHop on Spotify.

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Xscape & SWV Go Head-To-Head On Verzuz: How To Watch

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Xscape and SWV are slated to hit the stage for tonight’s Verzuz showdown. The sweethearts of 90s R&B will face off at 8 pm, going song for song and sharing a slew of their biggest hits. Keep reading to find out how you can tune in for the memorable battle. 

Xscape’s LaTocha Scott recently spoke about the upcoming appearance, sharing, “It’s happening. It’s happening now. May 8th. Y’all better check it out!” All members of Xscape are expected to participate tonight including Tameka “Tiny” Harris, unlike some other past groups that have appeared.

“Everybody’s been asking about it. So, when they’re asking, we’re ready,” said Scott. “We’re never going down from a battle.  We’re ready for it. It’s great for the culture.”

As for SWV, the girl group’s official Instagram page has been posting throwback footage of the group, “Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! We are celebrating tonight at [Verzuz TV],” wrote the group. The battle between the ladies of R&B follows the Easter weekend match between The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire followed by the 4/20 Redman and Method Man match.

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A post shared by SWV (@officialswv)

To check out tonight’s Verzuz, tune into the official Verzuz Instagram account to watch it live. You can also stream the battle with Triller or the FITE app.  

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are the mastermind’s behind the incredibly popular musical battle series crafted from the desire for new and exciting entertainment while being in quarantine. It has come a long way since being strictly available for viewing on Instagram live. 

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Saweetie Took Over The Santa Monica Pier For A Surprise Performance

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Getty Image

It’s been a while artists could safely interact with crowds, but with big-name music festivals set to make their return within the coming months it appears this period is nearing an end. With that in mind, Saweetie took her talents to the Santa Monica Pier for a surprise performance. The rapper shared a clip of her performance on Instagram, showing her rapping along to her 2019 track “My Type.” Another video that was posted on social media shows her also performing her new single “Fast (Motion).”

For the performance, Saweetie pretended to be an up-and-coming artist looking to make ends meet, complete with a small container that read “Pretty B*tch Summer Donation” on the floor near her. The set seemed to be a way for Saweetie to bring some additional attention to “Fast (Motion),” which she shared on Friday, with a music video that saw her take the role of a soccer player, racecar driver, skydiver, and more.

Last month, Saweetie appeared in a trailer for the third season of Call Of Duty: Warzone. She later revealed she attended an artist development boot camp to work on her craft.

You can watch videos of Saweetie performance above.

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

Paul Van Doren, Co-Founder Of Vans, Passes Away At 90

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Vans is one of the most iconic sneaker brands in the history of the world. Thanks to their clean designs and vulcanized rubber outsoles, Vans silhouettes are always a welcome addition to any wardrobe and fans are always stocking up for their collections. Unfortunately, one of the co-founders of the brand – Paul Van Doren – passed away on Friday at the age of 90.

Van Doren founded the Van Doren Rubber Company in 1966 with his brother Jim and two other partners, Gordon Lee and Serge Delia. They opened up a retailer in Anaheim and eventually the placed was renamed “House Of Vans.” In the 70s and 80s, the shoes rose to prominence thanks to numerous shoutouts in pop culture.

Vans broke the news on their Instagram page, where they offered a heartfelt statement on the matter.

Per Vans:

“It is with a heavy heart that Vans announces the passing of our co-founder, Paul Van Doren. Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator. The Van Doren Rubber Company was the culmination of a lifetime of experimentation and hard work in the shoe industry. Paul’s bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand. We send our love and strength to the Van Doren family and the countless Vans Family members who have brought Paul’s legacy to life. Thank you for everything, Paul. You will be sorely missed.”

Van Doren’s legacy will certainly always live on, and we send our condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Saweetie Leaves Fans Puzzled By Busking On Instagram Live

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Saweetie is gearing up to unleash her highly anticipated debut project Pretty B*tch Music. She’s seen considerable success with her latest single for the project “Best Friend” alongside Doja Cat, peaking at No.14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. In the meantime, ahead of the record’s release, she’s been handing out features to various upcoming artists as part of her Pretty Summer Playlist compilation. 

With a goal of earning a $900 million empire, it seems she’s serious about putting in the work to do it. That being considered, fans were stunned to see the Icy Girl take to Instagram recently to live-stream herself busking on a boardwalk with a sign and a donation bucket. 

 
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Sporting a neon pink bikini top and shorts, Saweetie stood on a small stoop as she performed her latest single “Fast (Motion)” from her upcoming debut effort. As she performed the track, the person recording pans to a sign reading “Pretty B*tch Summer Donations” placed in front of a clear container already populated with a few bills. 

Fans were puzzled as to why an artist of Saweetie’s stature would be doing such an activity. One fan theorized that the exercise may have been an assignment for her artist development bootcamp. “Please let this be an assignment for her boot camp,” said one user. Another agreed, replying, “I think you guessed right! I could definitely see this as an exercise to up her performances. this would have my anxiety thru the roof.” 

If you recall, a few weeks ago Saweetie opened up about attending an artist development boot camp to strengthen areas of her craft “where she struggles with.”

“Well for me, I’m gonna focus on what I struggle with — I struggle with breathing control, I’m gonna work on my dance moves, my details, all that good stuff, my body, my stamina, everything,” she explained.

Bootcamp activity or not, it’s pretty fearless of Saweetie to perform so openly while still actively developing her performance skills. 

Scorey Slides On New Pop Punk-Inspired Single “Rock ‘N Roll”

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Syracuse artist Scorey has been making a big impact as of late and it’s easy to see why. He was recently discovered by Polo G who immediately signed the artist to his record label, Only Dreamers Achieve. Since that time, Scorey has been working on his craft and on Friday, he dropped a brand new song called “Rock ‘N Roll.”

What’s immediately apparent about this song is how it has a pop-punk vibe. Palm-muted guitar riffs fill the instrumental and the chord progressions will immediately remind you of the Bowling For Soup and Green Day eras. As for flows and lyrics, Scorey seems to get inspiration from Polo G although, with the choice of instrumental, the result proves to be quite unique.

You can stream the new track, below.

Quotable Lyrics:

Lil’ bro let shots fly, if they shot by, that’s a fair trade
He tried, got knocked by one of my pipes, now he scared straight
Ever since they got by one of my guys, I want their brains
Made it to the top, now it ain’t funny, let it marinate, oh

Toosii & Mulatto Team Up On “5’5”

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DaBaby wasn’t lying when he said Toosii is the hottest up-and-comer during an interview last year. While the budding rapper was only beginning to build a strong buzz, he’s built a dedicated fanbase that continues to ride with him. Hence why titled his new project, Thank You For Believing.

The 13-song project marks a formal debut of sorts while the rapper showcases his growth and maturity in his sound. While many tracks tap into his emotional side, he does come through with more than a few bangers. On “5’5,” Toosii connects with Mulatto for an R&B-influenced jam that finds both artists sharing their own perspectives when it comes to love.

Check out the track below and sound off in the comments with your favorite song of of Toosii’s project.

Quotable Lyrics
Baby got her own Glock
I’ma buy her stones, rocks
Diamonds ’cause she a dime and she own lots
And the better part about it, got her own spot

DMX Tearfully Opens Up About Reconciling With His Mother In Last Interview

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DMX passed away roughly a month ago following complications stemming from a cardiac arrest. For his irrefutable impact on the rap landscape, the late Yonkers legend will forever be immortalized. Part of keeping his legacy alive in a tasteful manner is presenting him in depictions approved by those closest to him. 

Posthumous releases are often the subject of criticism because of their perceived profit off someone’s passing. DMX’s final interview “DMX Uncensored,” set to air on TV One, provides an intimate look into the mind of the late rap legend. In the interview, he spoke about healing his relationship with his mother after reuniting on an episode of Couple’s Therapy in 2012. 


Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Bacardi

“Me and my wife went to couple’s therapy…I just remember mentioning some things about my mother, and we was in one of our counseling sessions one day and the lady said, ‘How would you feel if you saw your mother right now?’ And I’m like, I don’t know…and as soon as she asked my mother came in, she walked right through the door,” explained X before tearing up. 

He went on, “She walked in the door and I think it was at that point right there, I just let everything go. She crying, I’m crying, I don’t know it wasn’t a hurt cry it was, like, yes, this is what I need. Yeah.” 


Larry French/Getty Images for Live Nation

X has been vocal about the traumatic abuse he faced at the hands of his mother in the past. In numerous interviews, he noted his mother would physically abuse him before sending him away to a group home. 

“DMX Uncensored” is set to air May 16th at 8 pm on TV One. 

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