New Hip Hop News

Donovan Mitchell has been putting on a show throughout the first half of the NBA season and as a result, the Utah Jazz are currently at the top of the Western Conference standings. Not many people thought this was possible at the start of the season but so far, the Jazz have proven themselves to be real championship contenders, and fans are hoping for this trend to continue well into the playoffs.

Earlier in the year, Mitchell was challenged by Shaquille O’Neal, who told him that he felt like Mitchell didn’t have what it takes to be a true superstar. Mitchell shrugged these comments off which led to a viral moment. In a new piece from The Athletic, Mitchell revealed how he felt about the whole situation.

“It didn’t really bother me,” Mitchell said. “I thought it was blown out of proportion, but that’s just the media in general. When I said ‘Aight,’ for me it meant that’s cool, and that’s your opinion and it’s OK to have an opinion. I play to make sure that I’m the best player I can be for myself and my teammates.”

Clearly, Mitchell doesn’t need media members to motivate him and at this point, he has one goal and that is to win a championship. If he keeps playing this way, competing for a title won’t seem like such a stretch of the imagination.

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It’s about that time. Moneybagg Yo has officially finished his fourth studio album, following the back-to-back-to-back release of Reset, 43va Heartless, and last year’s Time Served. Though little is known about the forthcoming project, Moneybagg recently took to Instagram to share a welcome bit of news about the project’s arrival.

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“Album 100 Percent Done,” he announces, alongside a brief teaser video that includes brief snippets of new music, live performance footage, and behind-the-scenes clips. “Its Time ! 00/00/21.” Unfortunately, all he has for us at this moment is the year, leaving the month and date open to speculation. That being said, don’t be surprised to see Moneybagg Yo’s project arriving sooner than later, as seldom do artists play the waiting game in this new era of fast-turnarounds. 

Insofar as possible new music is concerned, it should be noted that Moneybagg dropped on his recent single “Time Today” at the beginning of February, a track that saw the rapper airing his grievances over a banger laced by YC and RealRead. While it’s not confirmed whether the song will make the final cut, don’t be surprised to see it lining the tracklist. Another mystery centers around the possible guest appearances, though given Moneybagg’s respected status don’t be surprised to see some heavy hitters coming through to support. Check out the new teaser for yourself, and stay tuned for further updates on Moneybagg Yo’s upcoming fourth studio album. 

Even if he seriously lacks basketball skills, Lil Baby is still one of the most impressive and successful artists out right now. The 4PF rapper started March in a celebratory state by witnessing his highly regarded album My Turn go triple-platinum on the one-year anniversary of its release. Lil Baby is also up for two Grammy nominations for last summer’s critically acclaimed protest anthem “The Bigger Picture,” but ahead of this weekend’s Grammy ceremony, Lil Baby has received major love from a hometown institution.

In honor of Lil Baby’s scorching run last year, the Trap Music Museum has named him the 2020 Trapper of the Year. In addition to knighting Lil Baby with such a huge title, the T.I.-owned Hip-Hop attraction also commemorated the occasion by gifting the Atlanta native with an impressive piece of jewelry and a museum exhibition inspired by his record label 4PF. 

The jewelry gifted to Lil Baby comes in the form of a ring, which closely resembles that of a championship ring won by sports teams. The iced-out ring features the Trap Music Museum’s logo and reads “Trapper of the Year” across its top, with “Lil Baby” and “2020” inscribed on the bottom and side, respectively.

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In addition to the ring, Lil Baby’s accomplishments throughout last year were honored with a new permanent “4PF” exhibit at the museum. Shielded behind a glass casing, the exhibit takes the form of a life-sized 4PF chain, that according to the individual presenting the exhibit to Lil Baby, was partially created by Icebox. The massive chain also gives a nod to My Turn and the neighborhood in which Lil Baby grew up.

Congratulations to Lil Baby for being named 2020’s Trapper of the Year and being commemorated with a 4PF exhibit at the Trap Music Museum.

When the 2021 GRAMMY Award nominations were announced a few months ago, the world was shocked about one artist that was glaringly snubbed from every single category despite having one of the top-selling albums of the year. The Weeknd, who performed at the Super Bowl and continued leaving fans awestruck over a full year of performance art, was shunned out of any recognition this year, which was surprising mostly because of the critical acclaim he received with After Hours and the lead single, “Blinding Lights”.

The Weeknd has spoken at length about his feelings regarding being snubbed at the GRAMMYs, but in a new statement provided to the New York Times, he reveals that he will not be submitting his future music for consideration at upcoming ceremonies, effectively ensuring that he’ll never earn another nomination.

“Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” said The Weeknd in a new statement. 

 
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Back in January, The Weeknd joked about how dirty the Recording Academy did him, saying, “Look, I personally don’t care anymore. I have three Grammys, which mean nothing to me now, obviously. It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want the Grammy!’ It’s just that this happened, and I’m down to get in front of the fire, as long as it never happens again. I suck at giving speeches anyways. Forget awards shows.”

This year’s GRAMMY Awards ceremony happens on Sunday, March 14, 2021. We’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all of the night’s big winners, as well as the standout performances.

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Pooh Shiesty’s brother, rapper Tee Da P, passed away last week following his reported battle with brain cancer. The buzzing Shiesty Season artist, who currently has one of the most popular hip-hop projects in the world, publicly mourned with the following statement.

“Still wondering where tf that sh*t come from,” wrote Pooh on Instagram. “Ig we gotta go out that way we both survived bullets. That sh*t ain’t strong as us these p*ssies will never be able [to] take us out. You ain’t get killed or shot I’m going out [the] same way save my spot go find Treday first.”

Drake sent his love to the rapper, who has been having a tough time processing his brother’s passing. This week, Tee Da P was laid to rest in a private funeral service, from which Pooh shared pictures and another message. “We don’t go in ground,” said the “Back In Blood” rapper, posting a video of his brother’s gold casket being placed inside of a mausoleum’s wall. “I love you boy 100k to put you away Ik u would’ve did same.”

While some are questioning why Pooh shared the price of his brother’s funeral and casket, others are being more sensitive and sharing their condolences in the comments.

Rest in peace, Tee Da P.