Azealia Banks Unsurprisingly Chose A Side In The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud

azealia banks
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The beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is boiling like a hot pot dinner, and it’s perhaps inevitable that Azealia Banks would chime in to pick a side. Longtime fans of the controversial commenter wouldn’t be shocked by whose side she chose, but if you weren’t tapped in before, you might raise your eyebrows on discovering that she didn’t care for Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria,” preferring Drake’s “Push Ups” instead.

A few reasons she gave include Kendrick “wearing the same size” as her, “the tone and timbre of Kendrick’s voice,” her feeling that “the mix is muddy as hell,” and that the beat is “dumb trash.” Her conclusion is that “Drake won. That’s it.” In typical Azealia Banks fashion, though, she quickly lost the plot, arguing for a conspiracy theory that “Kendrick sent goons to have both diss tracks from Cole and Drake removed from DSPs.”

Real quick, though: Drake was threatened with legal action by the estate of Tupac Shakur, whose likeness he unethically reproduced using AI (Congress really needs to get on some sort of legislation about this instead of, like, banning apps and selling bombs). Cole removed his track after seeing some backlash to it, citing his internal discontent with how it all worked out.

Of course, Azealia Banks has always had it out for Kendrick Lamar, writing in a rant about Doja Cat taking her spot, “He be making the kind of rap music that allows white people to indulge in weird fetishization of ‘the Black struggle’.” Her position is also something of an about-face, considering she was just trashing Drake a few months ago for allegedly getting liposuction. Also, her quibbles with Drake aligned with much of what Kendrick said in “Euphoria,” but Azealia’s never much been one for consistency, right?

She, of course, is still best known for a song from over 13 years ago and her salty assessments of everything everybody else has done since sooo… She’s entitled to her opinion, but it certainly looks like she’s on the outs this time.

SZA Believes People Label Her As An R&B Artist Only Because She’s Black

In a new interview with Dazed published Wednesday (May 1), SZA spoke on only being considered an R&B artist because she’s Black. It’s a mistake that we and many others have committed in the past, not just as outlets and publications in white-dominant and often exploitative media spaces, but as non-Black audiences comparing Black art to the white-dominant spaces of pop music at large. It’s an issue that many Black artists like Tyler, The Creator have addressed to varying degrees.

Most importantly, it’s not meant to detach the St. Louis native from R&B, which she’s made a lot of, but rather to accurately assess the full range of musical styles that she employs as a pop artist, whose only defining characteristic is… well, being a popular artist that writes with pop song structures, which are not at all exclusive to the typical music genre expectations we associate with “pop.” “The only reason I’m defined as an R&B artist is because I’m Black,” SZA remarked. “It’s almost a little reductive because it doesn’t allow space to be anything else or try anything else. Justin Bieber is not considered an R&B artist. He is a pop artist who makes R&B, folk music, or whatever his heart desires.

Read More: SZA Shows Off Her New Zealand Journey In Instagram Photo Dump As Fans Impatiently Await “LANA”

SZA Performing At Dreamville Fest 2024

SZA R&B Artist Black Comments Music News
SZA performs during the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 06, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage/Getty Images)

“I simply just want to be allowed the same opportunity to make whatever I want without a label. [Without it being] based on the color of my skin, or the crew that I run with, or the beats that I choose,” SZA continued. “I want ‘F2F’ to be seen as what it is. I want ‘Nobody Gets Me’ to be seen as what it is, I want ‘Kill Bill’ to be seen as what it is.

“At the same time, it’s nothing to get bent out of shape about. Because it’s just how people are processing you,” SZA concluded. “As long as I don’t process myself that way. I don’t necessarily box myself into anything. I’m just trying to make music, trying to vibe out and enjoy the experience.”

Read More: SZA Delivers A Pro-Palestine Message During Recent Concert

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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Concert In England Canceled At The Last Minute

Artists canceling their concerts the day of has become a menace for some fans. Though last minute changes of plan are sometimes unavoidable, certain acts have a reputation for late cancelations. That isn’t the case for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, nor is the overnight last-minute cancelation of his show in Manchester his fault. The venue waited until the absolute last minute to cancel the show with fans having already started lining up outside. In fact, it wasn’t until 10 minutes after doors were scheduled to open that the cancelation of the show was announced.

The show was set to take place at Manchester’s new Co-Op Live. The freshly opened venue is off to a very rough start. This isn’t the first concert they’ve had to cancel, rock band The Black Keys had their event called off last week. The venue also went ahead and delayed Olivia Rodrigo’s scheduled shows which were supposed to take place later this week. “We kindly ask fans to leave the area. Ticket holders will receive further information in due course. We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many,” the venue said in a statement to social media. They later confirmed that the show was called off due to a tech related issue with the venue itself. Check out their tweet announcing the cancelation below.

Read More: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Global Tour 2024: Dates, Tickets & More

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Concert Gets Canceled Last Minute

Last month, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie dropped his new EP “Alone.” The project is only a few weeks old and all of the songs included have racked up more than a million streams on Spotify already. It’s his first batch of new material since his 2022 album Me vs. Myself.

What do you think of a Manchester Arena having to cancel A Boogie’s concert 10 minutes after doors were scheduled to open? How would you react if a concert you were already in line for was canceled before you could get inside? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Makes His Presence Felt On “Steppas”

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Janelle James Net Worth 2024: What Is The “Abbott Elementary” Star Worth?

Janelle James is a rising star in the world of comedy. She has cultivated a net worth of $1 million as of 2024, according to JustJared. James, renowned for her incisive humor and charismatic stage presence, has made significant strides in both stand-up comedy and television, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike. Her journey from stand-up stages to becoming a beloved figure on the sitcom Abbott Elementary showcases her versatility and keen ability to connect with a wide range of viewers.

Originally from the Caribbean, James moved to the United States. Eventually, she ventured into stand-up comedy, quickly making a name for herself with her bold and unapologetic style. Her ability to tackle complex social issues with humor and grace has made her stand-up specials popular and paved the way for her transition into television and film.

Stand-Up Success & Breakthrough

Janelle James
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: (L-R) Quinta Brunson and Janelle James attend the 29th. Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024, also in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

Janelle James’s stand-up career is marked by her appearances at major comedy festivals and tours across the United States. Her comedy specials have been well-received. They further highlight her unique perspective and sharp wit. James’s stand-up acts often explore themes of race, gender, and her experiences as an immigrant. It allows her to forge a deep connection with diverse audiences. Then, her breakthrough in television came with her role as Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary, a performance critically acclaimed for its humor and depth. This role introduced her to a broader audience, showcased her comedic talents, and earned her nominations for prestigious awards.

Television & Writing Career

Janelle James
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Tyler James Williams, William Stanford Davis. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, and Janelle James pose onstage during The 2nd. Annual HCA TV Awards: Broadcast & Cable at The Beverly Hilton on August 13, 2022, also in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

Beyond her role on Abbott Elementary, Janelle James has expanded her repertoire to include writing and producing. Her work in television writing has been recognized for its originality and impact. She’s contributed to some of TV’s most engaging comedic content today. Her ability to balance comedic timing with poignant storytelling also makes her a valuable contributor behind the scenes and on screen. Moreover, James’s influence extends into her participation in various other television projects. She continues to display her breadth as a comedian and creator. Her distinct comedy voice makes her one of the most exciting new voices in the industry.

Advocacy & Influence

Janelle James
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Janelle James speaks onstage during the 2023 Writers Guild Awards West Coast Ceremony at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for WGAW)

Janelle James uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart, including mental health awareness and the importance of diversity in entertainment. She speaks openly about the challenges and barriers she has faced in the industry, inspiring upcoming comedians and actors to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

James is poised to continue her rise in the entertainment industry as her career progresses, with more projects in both stand-up and television planned for the future. Her growing influence is a testament to her talent and her commitment to making a positive impact through her work. Overall, Janelle James’s success story is about her comedic talent and her ability to inspire and influence through her art. Her journey from a stand-up comedian to a television star is an inspiring tale of resilience and creativity, making her one of the most noteworthy comedians to watch in the coming years.

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Video Of White Kendrick Lamar Fan Saying N-Word Onstage With Him Resurfaces Amid Drake Beef

Kendrick Lamar’s disses towards Drake on “euphoria” are sometimes imperfect, such as the Joel Osteen and Haley Joel Osment mix-up. But even that still makes sense (at least, a little bit), and there are other criticisms against the diss track that, while valid, don’t hold up under a ton of scrutiny. For one, a clip resurfaced on the Internet of a white fan rapping the n-word onstage with K.Dot during his performance of “m.A.A.d. city,” which is -– or rather, was -– a staple of many of his live shows. The reason why it’s relevant to bring up is because of the final shot that he took at Drizzy on his new song: “We don’t want to hear you say n***a no more.”

Furthermore, many called out the hypocrisy that this seemingly suggests, but other fans quickly brought up that Kendrick Lamar already addressed this very same conflict on his 2022 track “Auntie Diaries.” However, the viral instance that he referred to on that song about how he “let a white girl say n***a” happened in 2018, and wasn’t this particular clip. It’s also important to note that this footage below, seemingly from much earlier on in his career, ends abruptly, so we don’t know if there is more context or something that the rapper might’ve said afterwards. Back to that 2018 incident, though, the white fan said the n-word while rapping the chorus to “m.A.A.d. city” (just like this older clip), Kendrick stopped the music and corrected her, and then allowed her to go on after she apologized.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar “Euphoria”: We Might Finally Get The Surgical Summer We Deserve

Kendrick Lamar Performs Alongside White Fan Who Says The N-Word: Watch

Within the context of “Auntie Diaries,” Kendrick Lamar referred to that 2018 moment as a way to call out his own hypocrisy for using the f-slur in relation to the LGBTQIA2+ community. Either everyone can say anything or folks should actually hold others accountable for the bigotry, discrimination, and violent history that their words perpetuate. But let’s also be very clear: this article has been a lot of explaining, something that Drake also deserves as far as misconceptions spreading about his racial identity, his upbringing, and his place in the rap game. Needless to say, both fanbases are definitely reaching occasionally to try to discredit the other.

Meanwhile, there’s a good chance that Drake will probably try to flip this against Kendrick Lamar in whatever he cooks up in response to “euphoria.” After all, both have done a decent job so far of retorting to each and every point that their opponent makes on wax. What’s more is that neither has really dropped “the bomb” yet, something that we don’t even know is a possibility against two titans of their stature and career history. But anything’s possible, so we’ll see how this argument holds up in the discourse.

Read More: Drake Might’ve Referenced Kendrick Lamar’s Wife Cheating On Him Years Ago, Fans Think

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Ice Spice’s Alleged Ex-Friend Accuses Drake Of Being A “Raging Predator”

Last week, an artist who goes by Baby Storme hopped online to “expose” her alleged ex-bestie, Ice Spice. She accused the femcee of colorism, cheating, and more. The concerning and unconfirmed allegations didn’t stop there, however. Earlier today, she took aim at Drake, accusing him of being a “raging predator.” According to her, Drake allegedly tried to sleep with Ice Spice under the guise of wanting her to sign to OVO Sound.

“Something a lot of people don’t know about @Drake is: just like Epstein, Weinstein, and Schneider, Aubrey Graham is a raging predator. He was trying to f*ck Isis when she was 22 years old til now, but disguised it as wanting to sign her to Ovo. He even offered to propose. The only women he can get are young girls who don’t know any better & pornstars. (hence why the mother of his child is a pornstar.) He sold his soul, & his life is ruined. That is not a happy man. And it shows,” Baby Storme alleged.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar “Euphoria”: 6 Bars Drake Needs To Respond To

Baby Storme Goes After Drake

Almost immediately, Baby Storme received pushback from commenters, who reminded her that Ice Spice is of age. In response, she clarified that she was accusing him of sexual coercion, alleging that he used his position of power to indirectly pressure the “Deli” performer into sleeping with him. “Yes, this is called Sexual Coercion,” she said. “When you’re in a position of power, so you can pressure women into having sex indirectly. Same thing Scheinder, Epstein, & Weinstein did. And there’s one thing all of these people have in common. But i’ll say no more.”

What do you think of Baby Storme’s shocking allegations against Drake? What about her accusations against her alleged ex-friend, Ice Spice? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: J Cole Praised For Bowing Out Of Kendrick Lamar Feud After Fans Hear Blistering Drake Diss, “Euphoria”

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OsamaSon Goes All Out With His Underground Sound On “Just Score It”

If you are a fan of underground rap, you are probably familiar with OsamaSon. If you aren’t familiar, then that is okay. You will be soon enough. Overall, he is a rapper and producer known for an extremely harsh and blown-out sound that will not play to everyone’s tastes. However, as it turns out, this style of rap is becoming very popular among the youth right now. They are tired of the cookie cutter beats being put out by the game’s biggest producers. Instead, fans want that extra rush of dopamine, and these wild production choices scratch that itch.

Recently, OsamaSon dropped off a brand-new track called “Just Score It.” Overall, this is a song that had been out in the ether for quite some time. Much like other underground acts, OsamaSon has a steady stream of snippets and leaks making the rounds. However, on SoundCloud, the track was officially released for fans to consume. You can go on ahead and stream the song, down below.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Brings Out Kai Cenat And Cyndi Lauper At Star-Studded Tour Stop

OsamaSon Is Up

In typical OsamaSon fashion, this song has some energetic production that is immediately going to blow you away. From there, the rapping clashes with the production but in a way that just works. For the uninitiated, this is going to be a tough listen. However, if you want to get a better sense of the Gen Z/Gen Alpha approach to music, this is a great gateway to that.

Let us know what you think of this track from OsamaSon, in the comments section down below. Are you a fan of the underground rapper? Are you a fan of these kinds of beats, or do you find them just a bit too harsh on the senses? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Quotable Lyrics:

We got racks on the floor, yeah
You don’t even got no hoes, ugh
Keep on buyin’ these clothes
Spent some racks, got my mouth on froze

Read More: TikTok Will Have Ariana Grande, The Weeknd And More Back On The Platform After Striking New Deal

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Here Is The 21 Savage Merch Available At The ‘American Dream Tour’

21 Savage
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Last night (May 1), 21 Savage kicked off his American Dream Tour in Vancouver with a setlist including hits from across his catalog like “Bank Account,” “Creepin’,” “Rich Flex,” and “Rockstar.”

In addition to learning what songs fans at future tour stops can expect to hear, the Vancouver show also revealed what merch will be available, so you can budget for items like hats, hoodies, football jerseys(!), and T-shirts. The prices listed are in Canadian dollars, so here’s a calculation based on the photo provided on Reddit. The US prices may change in the future, but here are the conversions.

Canvas bags – $45 CAD / $32 USD
T-shirts – $65 CAD / $48 USD
Football jersey – $140 CAD / $102 USD
Hoodies – $175 CAD / $128 USD

You can check out the tour dates below:

21 Savage 2024 Tour Dates: American Dream Tour

05/03 — Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
05/05 — Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
05/07 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
05/09 — Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion at Concord
05/11 — Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
05/12 — Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
05/14 — Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
05/15 — Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
05/16 — Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
05/18 — Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP
05/19 — St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05/21 — Chicago, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
05/22 — Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
05/23 — Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
05/25 — Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
05/28 — Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
05/29 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
05/31 — Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
06/01 — Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre
06/02 — Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
06/04 — Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
06/05 — Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
06/06 — Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
06/08 — New York, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival
06/09 — Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
06/11 — Birmingham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
06/13 — West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
06/14 — Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
06/15 — Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre