Meek Mill Talks Prison Labor In Video Clip For "Stay Woke"

Although Meek Mill’s current legal woes aren’t over yet, the Philly rapper is back in the studio doing what he loves — making music. On Saturday (June 23), Meek shared a video clip teasing a possible single titled “Stay Woke.”

In the clip, Meek is heard discussing his time in prison and the fact prison workers get paid .80 cents an hour.

“That’s slavery and I talk about that in this song,” he says. “I just went to jail for six months and read a lot of books. Went through some real experiences relatable to a lot of people, a lot of people going through the system.

“I felt like I gotta responsibility from when I was locked up with certain dudes and me leaving knowing that I got the support I got. I got billionaires. I got the support from fans and people. I got a lot of resources. A lot of people stuck in that position don’t got resources … I always felt I was responsible to reach back for a few and help them move forward.”

Meek was released from Chester State Prison in April after serving six months for probation violations. Judge Genece Brinkley, who’s been overseeing his weapons charges case since 2007, originally sentenced him to two to four years, which many deemed harsh. 

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47395/title.meek-mill-talks-prison-reform-in-video-clip-for-stay-woke

#DXHitList: Beyoncé & JAY-Z, 6LACK & Freddie Gibbs Top This Week’s Spotify Playlist

Spotify – Beyoncé and JAY-Z — also known as The Carters — surprised the world when they dropped their joint project EVERYTHING IS LOVE last Saturday (June 16). “NICE,” which was by produced by Beyoncé, Jay and Pharrell, is our choice pick for the #DXHitList this week.

Elsewhere, 6LACK’s new cut “Switch” also makes the list. Boasting background vocals from Ty Dolla $ign, the track examines the emotions that comes along with suddenly being in the spotlight. 6LACK recently announced his next album is done and just kicked off a tour trek with Chris Brown, H.E.R. and Rich The Kid (on select dates).

Freddie Gibbs also earned a spot at the top of #DXHitList with “Weight” off his surprise album Freddie.

Music from Freeway, DaBaby, G Herbo, Rick Ross, Redman and Westside Gunn is also featured this week.

Listen and follow the #DXHitList on Spotify below.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47385/title.dxhitlist-beyonce-jay-z-6lack-freddie-gibbs-top-this-weeks-spotify-playlist

Teyana Taylor Shares Kanye West-Produced "K.T.S.E." Album

The series of Kanye West-produced, seven-track albums has reached its conclusion … at least for now.

Teyana Taylor caps off the run of the five Yeezy-helmed projects with her offering, K.T.S.E. The G.O.O.D. Music singer’s sophomore album arrives four years after her debut, VII.

K.T.S.E. marks the first of the projects to spill over into eight songs, and features one listed feature, from Kanye West.

The hyped-up Lauryn Hill appearance doesn’t seem to have made the album.

View the K.T.S.E. stream, cover art and tracklist below.

GOOD Music/Def JamGOOD Music/Def Jam

1. No Manners
2. Gonna Love Me
3. Issues/Hold On
4. Hurry
5. 3Way
6. Rose In Harlem
7. Never Would Have Made It
8. WTP

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47388/title.teyana-taylor-shares-kanye-west-produced-ktse-album

The Breakdown: Rap & Murder: A Marriage That Won’t Divorce

The shooting death of XXXTENTACION earlier this week wasn’t the first murder in Hip Hop and likely won’t be the last. From Biggie and 2Pac to Big L and Jam Master Jay, the list is seemingly endless.

Why do so many young and talented Hip Hop artists become victims of gun violence? Who’s to blame? How can we finally put an end to this vicious and violent cycle?

Let’s break it down … 

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47389/title.the-breakdown-rap-murder-a-marriage-that-wont-divorce

Biz Markie & Cut Chemist Take It Back For New "Moonlightin’" Video

Los Angeles, CA – As Cut Chemist continues to roll out material from his new album Die Cut, he’s shared the next visual from the album for the track “Moonlightin’” featuring Hip Hop O.G. Biz Markie.

Directed by Joseph Armario and animated by Matt Taylor, the video takes a psychedelic approach with crazy colors and wild animations scattered throughout. Along with the visual, the Jurassic 5 turntablist also unveiled a behind-the-scenes clip of how the song came together, which Cut says “pretty much says it all.”

#tbt moms and @officialbizmarkie #momshouse Tomorrow the new video drops on @applemusic directed by @jonu animation by @tayliquor #itsoforreal

A post shared by Cut Chemist (@cutchemist) on Jun 21, 2018 at 11:46am PDT

“We’ve known each other for 25 years,” Cut tells HipHopDX. “He would come to town and I would take him record shopping. We would usually end the day with a little freestyle session. This time, we made it official and turned it into a song for my Die Cut album.”

“Moonlightin’” follows two previously released videos for “MetalStorm” featuring Mr. Lif and Edan, and “Home Away From Home.”

Check out a clip of the video above and watch it in full on Apple Music here. 

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.47386/title.biz-markie-cut-chemist-take-it-back-for-new-moonlightin-video