Jahmed Taps Freddie Gibbs, Suga Free For “ARMANI”

Los Angeles rapper JAHMED made an incredible formal introduction in 2020 with the release of his debut project, THEBOOFMOBILE. It’s been nearly one year since the project’s release but he’s continued to unveil new single after new single that shines a spotlight on his musical growth. This week, he came through with his latest body of work, ARMANI that follows a slew of singles he unleashed throughout the latter half of 2020. The project is a nine-track effort featuring Freddie Gibbs, who appears on the previously released single, “GLIMPSE,” and Suga Free whose voice opens up ARMANI and appears for a second time on an interlude.

It’s a strong follow-up to 2020’s THEBOOFMOBILE and we’re excited to hear what else he has to come this year. Check his new project out below. 

Kanye West Used To Re-Create Classic 90s Rap Albums

One does not get to the level of Kanye West by neglecting to put in one’s ten thousand hours. And while many have grown slightly weary of Kanye’s larger-than-life declarations and unapologetic nature, it’s impossible to deny that the man’s impeccable catalog of beats is one of hip-hop’s greatest. Yet as longtime Yeezy collaborator Cyhi The Prynce explains, his production craft was well-honed, complete with self-appointed homework assignments.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

During an extensive interview with Adam 22 on No Jumper, CyHi marveled at Kanye’s meticulous training regimen. “Even when he’s doing beats, he’s going through every sample,” explained The Prynce. “I heard every album that came out from ’91 to like ’99, he redid every beat on every Hip Hop album ever. He would get the whole Nas album and do every Nas song one through sixteen — every beat to a T. Nas album, Biggie album, DMX album. Everybody who came out before him.”

“He redid their album just to teach himself how to make beats,” he continues. “If he gon’ be that studious with beats, he’s going to be that way with everything. And that’s how I learned you really make sure you win, you have every option on the table.” It’s certainly an interesting revelation, which reveals something even more impressive about Yeezy’s process. Despite having gone the extra mile to recreate the classic rap canon, he still managed to bring his own original style to the table when he finally introduced himself as a producer.

Check out the complete interview below, and sound off if you think Kanye deserves more credit as a beatmaker.

Quavo Says He Was Surprised Robert De Niro Was Aware Of Migos

Fans are still waiting for Migos’s next studio album which they insist is on the way. In the three years since the release of Culture II, Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff have released solo projects, and expanded into other business ventures. Offset, for example, got deeper into the worlds of fashion and gaming. 


Erik Voake/Getty Images 

Quavo’s star-power has landed him a spot in the upcoming major motion picture, Wash Me In The River, alongside veteran actors Robert De Niro and John Malkovich. He said that he plays a “ruthless killer” named Coyote in the film. “It’s just an honor to be on the screen with Robert De Niro, Jack Huston, and John Malkovich. I’m just blessed and I can’t wait for y’all to see it,” he told Billboard, adding that it’s an action-packed film that was shot in Puerto Rico.

Even for someone like Quavo, who’s been an A-Lister for years, interacting alongside De Niro, Malkovich and Huston was admittedly a surreal experience for him. He said that he did chop it up with De Niro off-screen who shocked Quavo when he said he knew who the Migos were. “I said what’s up to him. I told him I said a line in one of my new songs about the trip I just took, and he was just like, ‘For real. M-I-G-O-S, right?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s finna go home and look me up.’ It was too hard,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to tell my Mom dukes that I’m gonna be on the screen and kicked it with him. He’s a nice dude.”


Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

In terms of new music from Migos, Quavo provided a promising update for fans, especially if you’re hoping they really take it back to their roots. A large portion of the project appears to have been recorded at their Los Angeles compound but Quavo said, “We always on them times mentally.”

“We always on them time when we away from each other and together back on the North. I just feel like it’s going to all be in the music,” he said.

Are you excited for Migos’ next album? 

[Via]

American Independent Party Set On Nominating Donald Trump For 2024 Election: Report

Following his speech this past weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), many people are convinced that former President Donald Trump will undoubtedly run for president once again in 2024. The infamous politician has not yet officially announced a campaign for the 2024 election, but that hasn’t stopped the American Independent Party from throwing its support behind the 45th President of the United States.

According to TMZ, the American Independent Party is eager to nominate Trump as its candidate for the 2024 presidential election, especially if he parts ways with the Republican Party. Despite his tumultuous relationship with the GOP, Trump would probably still be hesitant to completely cut ties with Republicans and latch on to an independent party, considering how third-party candidates typically fare in national elections. 

However, the American Independent Party could actually be a good fit for Trump if he decides to go that route. The far-right political party is historically tied to former Alabama governor and segregationist George Wallace, who ran for president in 1968 under the AIP and was also the last third-party candidate in American History to earn any electoral votes. If Trump was to make another go at a historical presidential campaign without the GOP’s support, the AIP may just be his best bet.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in the Hyatt Regency on February 28, 2021 in Orlando, Florida

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

TMZ alleges that AIP chairman Markham Robinson confirms that his party is dead set on nominating Donald Trump as its presidential candidate for 2024, stating that he “is the perfect guy to lead their party.”

What do you think is the best political strategy for Donald Trump moving forward?

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OMB Peezy Arrested For Alleged Role In Roddy Ricch & 42 Dugg Video Shooting: Report

The hip-hop community prepared for the worst after it was reported that shots were fired at a music video shoot involving Compton rapper Roddy Ricch and Detroit rapper 42 Dugg. Three people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two others transported themselves to a local medical facility shortly afterward. The story was put on ice for a few days but on Wednesday, it was reported Sacramento-via-Alabama rapper OMB Peezy was reportedly arrested in connection to the shooting.

According to HipHopDX and Say Cheese TV, OMB Peezy was arrested on Monday (Match 1) and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of the crime. The rapper, whose real name is LeParis Dade, was pictured in court wearing a facemask and jumpsuit, confirming his arrest. Reports state that he has not been released from jail and is being held on a $60,000 bond.

Peezy updated his Instagram Story on Wednesday morning, confirming his arrest and proclaiming his innocence. “I’m innocent be home soon love y’all,” he wrote.


Instagram

HotNewHipHop has reached out to OMB Peezy’s team at 300 Entertainment for a statement. We have not received a response yet.

Both Roddy Ricch and 42 Dugg confirmed that they were not shot after social media erupted with prayers for the two rappers. “Ain’t nobody shoot at me. we all good. im juss tryna feed the streets,” said Roddy in a statement. “Appreciate the concerns though I did not get SHOT!!!!!!!” added 42 Dugg.

We will keep you updated as this story develops.

[via]

Maroon 5 Enlists Megan Thee Stallion For “Beautiful Mistakes”

Maroon 5 may be one of the most adaptable bands in recent memory, seemingly switching up their style with every passing year. As such, they’ve managed to find success on the charts with damn near every single release, and today’s brand new “Beautiful Mistakes” will likely prove to be another notch in the belt. Especially given that they officially brought Megan Thee Stallion into the mix, who is in the midst of her own triumphant run.

During an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Levine praised Megan as an ideal collaborator, speaking highly about the Houston artist. “Shee is a superstar, but really in the truest sense, man,” explains Levine. “She’s all class, and just we had the best time shooting the video, and it was just a lot of fun, man. I was cracking jokes the whole time, making her laugh.” As for the music itself, there’s a clear radio-friendly sensibility to the track, which tackles a relationship gone awry — in other words, a relatable enough theme for the masses to appreciate.

Should you be interested in crossover tracks of this nature, be sure to check out “Beautiful Mistakes” right now, and look for Maroon 5’s upcoming album that’s set to land in the near future. 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Prove it, if you made a promise then keep it
Why you wanna lie and then get mad? I don’t believe it 
But really, I was doin’ just fine without ya
Lookin’ fine, sippin’ wine, dancin’ on club couches

50 Cent Flexes “Get Rich Or Die Tryin” Diamond Dominance

Few albums have made as much of a lasting impression as 50 Cent’s Shady/Aftermath debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin, released on February 6th, 2003. Since its initial release period, during which it went platinum within the first two weeks, Fif’s acclaimed classic has since gone diamond, a feat he looks to accomplish once more as The Massacre draws ever-closer. In the meantime, however, the pseudo-retired emcee has taken a moment to flex his statistical dominance, taking to Instagram to throw his weight around.

50 Cent

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

“Everybody loves Diamonds,” captions Fif. “Over 13 million records sold not bad for a first album.” Boasting classic tunes like “Heat,” “What Up Gangsta,” “If I Can’t,” “In Da Club,” “Patiently Waiting,” — basically every single song, to be honest — it’s no wonder that the album continues to move units even in this digital era. Consider the sheer scope of the influence Get Rich had on an entire generation of artists and fans alike.

Even journalist Ari Melber, who has gained a reputation for incorporating hip-hop quotables into his reports, took a moment to contextualize the significance of Get Rich Or Die Tryin. “The album not only introduced the world to 50 Cent, it has a ridiculous number of hits that slap to this day,” comments Melber. “What Up Gangsta, In Da Club, 21 Questions, Patiently Waiting, PIMP.. plus classic B sides If I Can’t and Like My Style. In today’s rap, a 16-track collection with this many hits would be released as 2 albums with 5 viral dance spinoffs etc lol shoutout to Fifty.” 

Clearly, there’s a case to be made that Get Rich Or Die Tryin is one of the most beloved albums of all time, and the proof is certainly validated in the numbers. Congratulations to 50 Cent for making history with his debut, and may he one day return with one last project before he hangs up the mic for good. 

Gunna, Wale, And Trae Tha Truth Feed 2,000 Families In Houston

With thousands of people in the South still struggling in the aftermath of a winter storm that knocked out power in Texas and froze pipes in Jackson, Mississippi (folks there haven’t had clean water for two weeks), the hip-hop community continues to pitch in to help out. After Travis Scott partnered with the city of Houston to deliver food to 50,000 residents, another hometown hero, Trae Tha Truth, recruited some assistance from friends Gunna and Wale to hand out food, water, and household supplies at a giveaway in the parking lot of Sunnyside’s Worthing High School, helping feed 2,000 families with Goodr.

Houston and hip-hop have long gone together thanks to personalities like Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott putting on for the city, but this year, it seemed rappers were more intent on exploiting Texas’ lax COVID safety laws, drawing the ire of Houston’s mayor and residents. Bow Wow held a huge, unmasked concert there in January just after an event featuring Fabolous and Trey Songz was shut down over capacity issues. With so many outsiders taking advantage of the city, it’s a relief to see some banding together with locals to help each other out of the crisis situation.

Gunna and Wale recently collaborated on the song “Flawed,” for which the two rappers released a video in November.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Solange Reveals She Was ‘Quite Literally Fighting For’ Her Life While Making ‘When I Get Home’

This Monday marked exactly two years since Solange surprise-released her acclaimed LP When I Get Home alongside a cinematic short film, which she is sharing a remastered director’s cut of through The Criterion Channel. Both the film and the LP are very personal to Solange, as the singer was undergoing health issues at the time. Her health situation was apparently much more serious than she had previously let on, as the singer has now revealed that she was “quite literally” fighting for her life.

Reflecting on When I Get Home‘s two-year anniversary, Solange took to Instagram to share a lengthy statement about how the project “changed” her life:

“When I first started creating ‘When I Get Home’ I was quite literally fighting for my life…in and out of hospitals (s/out park plaza on Binz! 🙂 with depleting health and broken spirits asking God to send me a sign I would not only survive, but that if he let me make it out alive, I would step into the light whatever that meant. He begin speaking to me. Half the time I didn’t know where it was coming from. I only knew I had to open the door and honor it. I didn’t see naann a thing I imagined. I didn’t know who I was speaking to on ‘I am a witness’. When I listen back, I hear a woman who had only an inkling of what the journey entailed, but didn’t have a clue of why or what the journey would look like. This project has shown me, once you open that door, you can’t go backwards. Believe me I’ve tried saying ‘nah I’m just playing’ so many times, ha. I’m not a big fan of talking about sh*t I don’t know yet. I didn’t do much talking during this time because of that. I’m really down for showing the process, and staying quiet when it hasn’t all yet being revealed. I make work to answer questions within me, for survival. Sometimes I am asking myself that same question many ways. Sometimes it takes me years. I have to honor that time. This Houston ting moves slow y’all. One day, I’ll tell y’all about the days I’ve had since I opened this door. The things I’ve uncovered. The life long healing I’ve begin. The great divine joy and love I’ve experienced. The stories of my past I’ve survived that I had stored all up in my body…. till it said…. no more. The re-learning. The reckoning. This album led me to all of it. Life has now become before WIGH and after WIGH. I’m so grateful for you guys allowing me the space and time.”

This isn’t the first time Solange has addressed her health problems. Back in January 2020, the singer announced she would be canceling a handful of tour dates at the Sydney Opera House due to “the physical demands of the shows.”

Find Solange’s Instagram post below.

Chance The Rapper Teases The Release Date Of His First New Single Since ‘The Big Day’

It’s been almost two years since the release of Chance The Rapper’s debut album The Big Day and he hasn’t released a new single since then — “The Return” doesn’t count, that was for a re-release of his and Jeremih’s Christmas album, and we’re not entirely sure it was all-new, to begin with. Since then, Chance has spent more time with his family while the dust settles, bringing with it a lawsuit from his former manager, a countersuit from Chance, and a whole host of quarantine movie opinion tweets from the Windy City rapper.

However, it looks like he may finally be hopping back on that horse this year, as he recently tweeted a short clip of what looks like a new music video with the caption, “The Heart & The Tongue.” Today, he confirmed that the video will be dropping on Friday with a separate tweet replying to the first, prompting an excited reaction from fans, praising the serpentine rhymes on the new track, as well as the stripped-down beat.

The new track doesn’t exactly mark a reinvention for The Rapper, but it does seem like he’s getting back to basics after blowing out the production budget on his last two projects. The time away seems to have done him some good; earlier this year, he reunited with Vic Mensa on a track for the first time since they were teenagers on “Shelter” and his verse on Justin Bieber’s “Holy” seemed well-received as well. I won’t say “the old Chance” is back because he never left — I’ll die on my “The Big Day was good” hill — but the older, wiser Chance is getting back in touch with the version that made us all fall in love with him in the first place and that can only be a good thing.

Chance’s new track releases in full this Friday. Check out the snippet above.