Music Streaming Set A New Record By Crossing The Trillion-Play Threshold In 2022, With R&B And Hip-Hop At The Helm

by
Apple Music Spotify streaming music
Getty Image

Musicians and industry professionals have a well-documented obsession with chart placement. However, now in the dawn of streaming, there’s a growing pressure to deliver in other analytical ways, including streaming numbers. With physical albums sales continuing to fall, artists like Billie Eilish, Drake, and Ed Sheeran have all dominated across streaming platforms.

Although, traditional music medium such as vinyls seeing a huge spike in popularity, with artist like Taylor Swift and Adele (much to the displeasure of independent artists) including it in their album rollouts, streaming remains in the top spot of music activity. In fact, according to Luminate, the entertainment and data insight company behind Billboard‘s chart tracking, “on-demand song streams (audio and video combined) increased 12.2% to 1.268 trillion,” marking “the first time that yearly U.S. on-demand audio streams surpassed 1 trillion.”

The report revealed that “29% of all on-demand audio streams in the U.S. in 2022 were R&B/hip-hop songs.” No further information was provided for what role other genres play in this milestone.

Digital streaming platforms have like Apple Music and Spotify have continued to introduced new features to increase users’ app usage. Last year, Apple Music introduced Apple Music Sing, which gives subscribers an elevated experience with their favorite songs through enhanced karaoke abilities. While, Spotify expanded their Spotify Wrapped data points to include mood breakdowns and personality points of users most popular songs.

Nike Air Force 1 Low “Four Horseman” Pays Homage To LeBron

by

One of the greatest shoes ever made is the Nike Air Force 1 Low. If you are a huge sneakerhead, then you have certainly owned a pair at one point. Overall, it is just a timeless silhouette that will never get old. Even 40 years later, this is still a lot of people’s favorite Nike sneaker.

Interestingly enough, back in the mid-2000s, Nike made a “Four Horsemen” Air Force 1. This shoe was meant to pay homage to LeBron James and his inner circle of Maverick Carter, Randy Mims, and of course, Rich Paul. There were multiple colorways in this series, and now, it seems like it is coming back.

Nike Air Force 1 Low
Image via Nike

A New Nike Air Force 1 Low

Below, you can find the official images for the latest “Four Horsemen” color scheme. Overall, this one pays homage to all four members of the High School friend group. If you love LeBron and the lore behind his career, then these will be an absolute must-have.

Firstly, this shoe begins with a white leather upper. Secondly, we get some green on the Nike swoosh, outsole, tongue, and inner lining. There are even some green Knight chess pieces on the back heel. Moreover, this is complemented by the initials of all four men on the back heel.

Four Horseman – Image via Nike

This is definitely not a shoe that will appeal to everyone, although it is a cool piece of history. LeBron and his friends have made huge waves in the basketball and entertainment worlds. They are most definitely deserving of their own sneaker.

Release Details

At the time of writing this, the shoe does not yet have an exact release date. However, it is expected to drop at some point in April. Let us know what you think of these, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the sneaker world.

Nike Air Force 1 Low
Image via Nike
Nike Air Force 1 Low – Image via Nike
Image via Nike

[Via]

Tyrese Defends Will Smith After Eddie Murphy Golden Globes Joke

by

It was a quip made in good fun, but Tyrese felt it necessary to stand up for Will Smith. The 2023 Golden Globes was arguably one of the most uncomfortable of its broadcasts to date, but Eddie Murphy lightened the atmosphere by joking about Smith. Murphy was honored at the ceremony with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and during his acceptance speech, he mentioned Smith’s unfortunate Oscars moment.

The acclaimed actor gave aspiring creatives advice for success. Then, he added: “It’s very simple. You just do these three things: pay your taxes, mind your business… and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth!”

Read More: Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Turn Heads At Golden Globes

The joke was well-received, and quickly, outlets and social media sites shared clips. When Murphy spoke with Entertainment Tonight, he briefly touched on mentioning his famous friends.

“I’ve worked with Jada,” he said. “I love Will. I love Will, and I love Chris — and it’s all love.”

It seemed light-hearted enough, but Tyrese didn’t appreciate Smith continuing to be at the center of jokes. He shared a photo of himself with the Fresh Prince icon and praised the actor.

“I’m still team WILL SMITH there’s nobody on this earth that will ever influence me to ever have a change of heart towards the BIGGEST INFLUENCE in my life,” Tyrese wrote.”

Read More: Twitter Reacts To Jerrod Carmichael Telling Golden Globes Audience To Shut Up

“I’m just saying man…. Move on already,” he continued. “I just watched EMANCIPATION for the 3rd time I just can’t believe how masterful this overall movie is…. #MyBrothersKeeper.”

That wasn’t all. The Fast & Furious star returned with a video about his thoughts. It seems he believes it’s time to leave the Will Smith Academy Awards jokes in 2022.

Check it out below.

[via][via]

50 Cent Details Confronting Tyler Perry About Mo’Nique’s Career

by

50 Cent helped Mo’Nique pick her career back up but that only came after a difficult conversation with Tyler Perry.

At the time, Mo’Nique struggles to find work in the entertainment industry after failing to thank Lee Daniels during her Oscar speech for Precious. She also claimed that Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry blackballed her.

with TWESTWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 03: Actress / Comedian Mo’Nique attends the premiere of “Almost Christmas” at Regency Village Theatre on November 3, 2016 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

However, 50 Cent was adamant about reviving her career. He encouraged the Black film community to cast her in new films while pushing back against cancel culture.

“We only [supposed] to cancel shit that ain’t good for the culture. We need you to WIN again now MO’NIQUE,” he wrote.

During his recent interview on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, 50 Cent discussed helping Mo’Nique and his conversation with Perry following the incident. While the famed filmed director initially asked Mo’Nique to apologize for “blackballing” claims, Fif offered another perspective to Perry.

“Like, Mo’Nique, why is she cancelled? I had to revisit that,” he explained. He was confused that she was out of work for 13 years because of something she said.

“I know Tyler wouldn’t support that,” he continued. “He never told nobody not to work with her… When I talked to him, he was like, ‘Nah, I never told no one not to work with her.’ And I said, ‘But you’re Tyler Perry and you never told anyone to work with her.’ He was like, ‘I never looked at it like that.’”

50 Cent recalled telling Perry that, in this instance, he needed to recognize how powerful his influence is on the industry.

Mo’Nique will appear in the second season of STARZ’s BMF, executive produced by 50 Cent. Check out the episode 1 recap here.

Check the clip out below.

Naomi Osaka Reveals She’s Pregnant

by

Naomi Osaka has been through a lot over the past couple of years. There have been numerous times in which she has gone home early at major tournaments. Furthermore, she has gone through some injuries that have hampered her ability to play at the highest level.

Overall, it felt like Osaka has been completely fatigued by tennis. She has taken various sabbaticals and it remains to be seen if she can be number one again. However, it seems like the answer to that question won’t be answered anytime soon.

Naomi Osaka of Japan attends the post match interview on Day 2 of the Toray Pan Pacific Open at Ariake Coliseum on September 20, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

Naomi Osaka Is Pregnant

While taking to Twitter today, Osaka revealed she is pregnant with her and Cordae’s first child. This is fairly shocking news, to say the least. In her message to her fans, Osaka noted she won’t play at all this year. Although she will be back in time for the 2024 Australian Open.

“The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that its the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun. These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to,” she wrote.

“I realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moments for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure. I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future. One thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom,’ haha.”

Coming back from pregnancy is no easy task. Regardless, Osaka is looking to make it happen, and she certainly has all of the support in the world.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.

[Via]

Tyga Owes Exotic Car Company $1.3M Over Late Lambo & Bentley Payments: Report

by

A car company claims Tyga still hasn’t coughed up a default judgment from a 2016 lawsuit surrounding a pair of exotic vehicles.

Choice Motors Credit wants $1.3M from Tyga, stemming from a judge granting them default judgment. The company claimed Tyga was behind on payments for two high-end cars. The two vehicles listed are a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador and a 2014 Bentley Mulsanne.

A judge ordered to cover the costs of the vehicles — $390k for the Lamborghini and $91k for the Bentley.

Since he hasn’t paid yet, they want the “Rack City” rapper to pay the full amount including the interest incurred. Rather than $481K, Choice Motor Credit wants their full $1.3M from the rapper.

So far, Tyga hasn’t responded to the recent claims made by Choice Motor Credit.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Tyga attends amfAR Gala Los Angeles 2022 at Pacific Design Center on November 03, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for amfAR)

Unfortunately, the Young Money rapper’s no stranger to trouble with car companies. In 2021, the rapper agreed to a payment plan after his Rolls Royce and Ferrari were repossessed. Midway Rent a Car, Inc claimed that Tyga owed $267K for the Ferrari and another $174K on the Rolls Royce. Though they admitted Tyga was making regular payments, he allegedly stopped after a few months.

Ultimately, Tyga and Midway Rent A Car agreed on a payment plan with the latter demanding a $43K payment for the Ferrari and an additional $84k on the Bentley. Both parties agreed to a settle in Dec. 2019 on a payment plan that would last 12 months or longer.

“The matter remains settled and Defendant is timely on his obligations or has asked and been provided accommodation due to financial hardship by deferring several monthly payments under the settlement agreement,” the legal documents read.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding Tyga and Choice Motor Credit.

Lil Zay Osama Reportedly Arrested, Firearms Seized

by

While details remain scarce, new reports state Lil Zay Osama has been arrested in his hometown. Information about the Chicago rapper’s alleged arrest first circulated following Tom Ahern’s tweets. The Deputy Director of News Affair and Communications for the Chicago Police Department shared several images of firearms seized during an investigation.

“Illinois State Police @ChicagoIsp identified a stolen vehicle with multiple occupants who fled into a building,” Ahern stated. “ISP has a person of interest in custody at this time. Firearms were recovered. Investigation continues.”

Read More: Lil Zay Osama Calls For Help From Jay-Z & Kim Kardashian After Arrest

Ahern further added, “[Three] of 4 offenders have been taken into custody. 6 firearms were recovered. @Area3Detectives are investigating.”

Later, a Chicago PD Scanner account added more context, alleging that Osama was one of the people detained.

“One of the offenders in custody is reportedly Chicago rapper Isaiah Dukes, better known as Lil Zay Osama,” the tweet read. “He has a net worth of approx $600k. Dukes is a member of Bad Side Cali 6300 gang, a mix of Black P Stones, Gangster Disciples & Black Disciples.

It also shared, “He signed to Warner Records.”

Read More: Lil Zay Osama Arrested After Leaving Gun In An Uber: Report

In September 2022, Lil Zay Osama was arrested in New York after reportedly leaving a firearm in an Uber. The rapper was on Livestream when it occurred, and later, he called on Jay-Z and Kim Kardashian to help him with his case.

Additionally, Osama reportedly posted $350K bail and was released. He has not yet confirmed or denied reports of this most recent arrest.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 27: Lil Zay Osama backstage during G Herbo In Concert at Tabernacle on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Ice Spice Responds To Snippet Of New Song Leaking Online

by

Ice Spice is undeniably one of the hottest names in the game right now. Ever since the arrival of her viral single, “Munch (Feelin’ U)” last August, she’s demanded everyone’s attention through her catchy songs and charisma.

Unfortunately, she’s no stranger to her music leaking on the internet though.

Rapper Ice Spice (L) watches the New York Knicks play the Golden State Warriors in the game at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

On Tuesday (January 10), a snippet of one of her unreleased songs began circulating on social media. The track is allegedly a collaboration with fellow Bronx rapper, Lil Tjay.

However, the 23-year-old caught wind of the unauthorized leak. Taking to her own Twitter account, she expresses her feelings about it. “stop leaking my sh*t lmfaooo this a bop tho,” she says in a quote tweet of the since-deleted snippet.

Since the aforementioned “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the Bronx native has dropped two other highly successful singles. The first of which is yet another viral hit in “Bikini Bottom,” arriving in October last year. The SpongeBob-inspired track continues to be popular on TikTok. Her most recent and her first release of 2023, is “In Ha Mood.”

Additionally, she also appears on one of Maryland rapper B-Lovee‘s singles from last year, “One Time.” J.I the Prince of N.Y and Skillibeng feature on the posse cut as well.

Ice Spice has yet to release her debut project. However, it seems as though she’s gearing up to release a six-song EP sometime soon.

“I’m about to put out an EP. It’s about to be, like, six songs. Bikini Bottom’s on there, and then there’s some that people haven’t heard. It’s gonna be a vibe. Visuals coming with it too,” she says while appearing on the Rap Caviar podcast in November.

It will certainly be interesting to hear her first project. Hopefully it arrives in the near future.

What are your thoughts on the new snippet? Comment what you think down below. Finally, be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases.

The Weeknd Revealed He’s ‘Been In The Studio’ Working On New Music Amid Oscars Buzz

by
the weeknd avatar way of water 2022
Getty Image

The Weeknd just celebrated the one-year anniversary of his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, but it looks like a new era may soon be upon us. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed that he has begun working on new music.

“I’ve definitely been inspired,” he said. “I’ve been in the studio.”

Earlier in the interview, he shared that this bout of inspiration has been largely in part to being placed on the shortlist for the upcoming Academy Awards. His song, “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength),” which was used as the theme for Avatar: The Way Of Water.

“I feel honored to be part of that list,” he said. “Any kind of recognition for it feels like a blessing.”

The original Avatar premiered in 2009, which The Weeknd said was a dark time in his life. At the time, he had dropped out of high school and wasn’t sure where his musical endeavors.

“I didn’t know if I was going to be able to live to see tomorrow,” he said. “And I remember I somehow got to see the film in theaters. I don’t know how I got in. It was such an escape from my real life that the film is tattooed in my brain.”

Landing his song in the second movie sure feels like a full-circle moment for the pop star.