Apr 30

Hip Hop Week In Review: Kanye West, Meek Mill, J. Cole & Nas

HipHopDX – This week in Hip Hop, Kanye West continued to shake things up on Twitter by showing his unwavering support for Donald Trump. Meek Mill also got out of prison this week and J. Cole’s KOD album broke first-day streaming records. Lastly, a recent interview with Kelis shed light on her allegedly violent and rocky marriage with ex-husband Nas.

Kanye West Shows His Support For Donald Trump

As Kanye West continues to make Twitter his philosophical canvas, he’s determined to keep pushing things to the edge by declaring that not only does he support Donald Trump, but that he loves him too. West was even photographed in a picture with one of Trump’s red “Make America Great Again” campaign caps.

The Hip Hop community showed concern, with Ebro from Hot 97 and John Legend among those who made attempts to figure out why Ye is supporting Trump. He also dumped Scooter Braun as his manager.

This has folks like conservative political pundit Alex Jones and Trump himself very excited.

Chance The Rapper stepped in to back up Kanye and ruffled some feathers by saying Black people don’t have to be Democrats. This caused confusion as to whether or not Chance was a Trump supporter too. Trump offered praise to him for his support, which Chance rebuffed, explaining himself and apologizing for his “poorly timed” tweet.

West also announced that he will run for president in 2024.

Read more here.

Meek Mill Is Free

#Repost @fatjoe This is what i care about our kids need their fathers especially a hard working men that provides for many I’m proud of how our people stood together for @meekmill now let’s continue the fight for the voiceless many who have endured many injustices s/o to Des and jay and the whole Rocnation God is great

A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Apr 25, 2018 at 6:45am PDT

After being locked up for five months over a probation violation, Meek Mill walked free from prison this week. His release had a lot of his supporters celebrating, including Kevin Hart and JAY-Z.

The first thing Meek did after getting released was head to the Philadelphia 76ers game with his son. He did admit in a recent interview that he doesn’t feel free.

Read more about Meek Mill’s release from prison here.

J. Cole Breaks Records With KOD

http://dreamville.lnk.to/KOD KOD the album. Available now. Physicals in stores 4/20

A post shared by realcoleworld (@realcoleworld) on Apr 19, 2018 at 9:08pm PDT

HipHopDX’s editor-in-chief Trent Clark reviewed J. Cole’s album KOD, declaring it to be one of the most important rap albums ever. The album came out the gate breaking records, including dethroning Drake’s Apple Music for most first-day streams (but then getting knocked off himself by Post Malone). Fans can anticipate a deluxe version of Cole’s album to come out soon.

The release of KOD was followed by a music video for “Kevin’s Heart,” which also happens to star Kevin Hart.

Read the review for J. Cole’s KOD here.

Kelis Alleges Domestic Violence Past With Nas

According to Kelis, Nas allegedly got physical with her in the past. She revealed this information during an interview with Hollywood Unlocked. It was so bad, he reportedly would leave her body riddled in bruises. The incident with Rihanna and Chris Brown resonated with her the most.

“I remember so clearly when the pictures came out with that whole thing that happened with her and Chris Brown,” she said. “I had bruises all over my body at the time. That day, I remember being in Atlanta, sitting in the kitchen … and I wasn’t ready to walk, so I didn’t say it … Seeing her, the way she looked and then looking at myself, I was embarrassed. I wasn’t ready for that move … I thought I could love past this.”

Read more about Kelis’ interview here.

DX Reviews

J. Cole — KOD

Flatbush Zombies — Vacation In Hell

Smoke DZA — Not For Sale

Jim Jones — Wasted Talent

 Jean Grae and Quelle Chris — Everything’s Fine

EJ Carter — 5800 

DXCLUSIVES: CHIKA, Kvng Guap, Method Man Redman

CHIKA Goes Viral With Epic Response To J. Cole’s “1985”

CHIKA’s rap response videos have gotten her a lot of attention and her rendition to J. Cole’s KOD track “1985” is no exception. HipHopDX had the chance to speak with CHIKA about her new-found popularity.

“I was happy … I’m someone who likes to slave over their words,” CHIKA says. “I like to make sure that the songs I put out have a message and some sort of impact to them. As someone trying to break into the industry, I find it disheartening to see cats rhyme cat in the hat and sit around with million-dollar deals.”

Method Man Redman Explain How “Drop The Mic” Is A Win For Hip Hop

Method Man is the host of TBS’ Drop The Mic show and he (along with Redman) spoke with DX about why the show is good for Hip Hop.

“And it’s not actually commercializing Hip Hop, it’s commercializing battle rap for lack of a better term,” Meth explained. “Now, we’re not trying to take anything from battle rap. It’s like a pleasant retreat. Battle rap is raw in its own form and hopefully some of the viewers that watch our shit will start tuning into the real-world authentic shit.”

YouTuber Kvng Guap Is Putting A Younger Generation Up On Biggie, JAY-Z Nas

DX caught up with YouTube sensation Kvng Guap about his reaction videos to old Hip Hop classics. The 18-year-old explained why he thought it was important to do.

“I feel that it is important to educate yourself on the legends of Hip Hop because a lot of kids my age don’t know anything about the music that founded the music that we listen to today,” Kvng Guap tells HipHopDX. “So I feel it’s like paying respects to the true legends and also getting to hear these amazing songs that I never even knew about.”

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46661/title.hip-hop-week-in-review-kanye-west-meek-mill-j-cole-nas

Apr 30

Hip Hop Pays Respects To The Godfather Of Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.

Carson, CA – Ted “The Godfather” Devoux — founding member of the legendary West Coast Hip Hop group Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. — passed away on Sunday (April 29), according to a Facebook post from his fellow T.R.I.B.E. members.

The Carson, California native established the Boo-Ya T.R.I.B.E. in the late ’80s alongside his Samoan brothers Paul, Donald, Roscoe, Danny, David and later Vincent Devoux (who stepped in to fill David’s role once he left).

The first part of the group’s moniker was intended to represent the sound of a shotgun blast, while the acronym in the second half of the name stood for, “Too Rough International Boo-Yaa Empire.”

In 1993, the West Coast gangsta rap pioneers appeared on the Judgment Night soundtrack performing “Another Body Murdered” with Faith No More. Following the news of Devoux’s death, fans of the Mike Patton-led band spoke to FNM bassist Bill Gould who talked about the making of the song.

“We didn’t know the Boo-Yaa guys before we did the collaboration…in fact, we met at the studio. They were all great musicians in their own right, and what was surprising is that we clicked immediately on a musical level. Once the instruments were set up, we proceed to do a probably 30 minute jam, which I have to say was excellent. Sadly, the engineers thought we were just soundchecking.”

So we did another, for probably another 30 minutes straight. It was also really good, maybe not quite the same as the first attempt, but great nonetheless. However, as luck would have it, the producer had forgotten to hit “record”. The music on this soundtrack came from our 3rd attempt, which turned out ok, but sadly probably the least interesting of the three takes.The Godfather was cool, everyone in the band deferred to him, he was definitely a respected leader.”

Over the years, Boo-Ya T.R.I.B.E. has collaborated with Hip Hop artists like Mack 10, Eminem, Layzie Bone and Luniz’ Yukmouth, among others.

Ice-T, Cee-Lo Green, KXNG Crooked, Paul Wall, DJ Rhettmatic of The Beat Junkies, Vinnie Paz, Ras Kass and more all hit social media to send their condolences.

Check out the posts below.

Sad news ???? rest in paradise OG west coast legend and icon ????? #Repost @estevanoriol with @get_repost ・・・ Saddest news this year, the passing of a good Brother OG Godfather – Booyaa tribe . Sorry to hear this bad news for my homies @og.kobra @bg_gawtti @ogmonstao @ganxstaridd I’m gonna miss him!!! So many good times like this one of @misterctoons doing his back piece! #RestInPeace home #OGgodfather #booyaatribe #OG #samoan #famila #DevouxFamily #ripOGgodfather #westcoastlegend #LAlegend

A post shared by Paul Wall The Po Up Poet (@paulwallbaby) on Apr 28, 2018 at 4:59pm PDT

#RIP Godfather. You and #BooyahTribe laid the path for us. You’re A CArson legend more than that; a West Coast TripleOG! Salute the Uso

A post shared by Ras Kass Is Peter Darker ? (@ras_kass) on Apr 28, 2018 at 4:55pm PDT

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46662/title.hip-hop-pays-respects-to-the-godfather-of-boo-yaa-t-r-i-b-e

Apr 30

Boosie Badazz Raps Over Kendrick Lamar & Drake Tracks On “BOOnk Gang Vol. 1” Mixtape

Boosie Badazz has dropped BOOnk Gang Vol. 1, his first full-length project of 2018.

The 20-track mixtape — which arrived on Friday (April 27) — sees Boosie rap over a number of instrumentals including Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” Yo Gotti’s “Rake It Up,” and Drake’s “God’s Plan,” among a number of others.

The project features no listed guest appearances.

WHO GO PUT IN SOME WORK ??????? #BOOnkGangVol1 THIS BIH GOT THE STREETS ON ???????????

A post shared by Boosie BadAzz (@officialboosieig) on Apr 27, 2018 at 12:41pm PDT

BOOnk Gang Vol. 1 serves as Boosie’s first release since BooPac, his 24-track double LP that he dropped back in December.

Boosie Badazz Raps Over Kendrick Lamar Drake On “BOOnk Gang Vol. 1” MixtapeBoosie Badazz Raps Over Kendrick Lamar Drake On “BOOnk Gang Vol. 1” Mixtape

  1. Shoot’em Up Bang Bang
  2. Who Go Put N Some Work
  3. My Project
  4. Let Me Fuck

  5. Bad Things
  6. Catchin A Fade
  7. Scorpio Love
  8. Letter To My Enemies
  9. My Boosie (Bounce)
  10. Memories
  11. Side Peice
  12. The Fiyah
  13. Crazy 101
  14. Mama Hurtin
  15. Ready Or Not
  16. God Is Great
  17. By The River
  18. Papa Smurf
  19. I’m In Yo City (Bonus)
  20. Say You Wanna Thug (Bonus)

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46663/title.boosie-badazz-raps-over-kendrick-lamar-drake-beats-on-boonk-gang-vol-1-mixtape

Apr 30

Kanye West Supports Smokepurpp’s "Lift Yourself" Remix & Parkland Activist Emma Gonzalez

Kanye West’s busy week on Twitter didn’t slow down during the weekend. Yeezy kept up his social media activity by sharing his approval of Smokepurpp’s “Lift Yourself” remix and calling Parkland shooting survivor/activist Emma Gonzalez his hero on Saturday (April 29).

Much like West’s “Lift Yourself,” Smokepurpp’s version is a trolling record full of nonsensical lyrics. Some have assumed it’s a jab at J. Cole since he’s namedropped on the record, but the G.O.O.D. Music founder said his love of this new rendition isn’t a slight at the KOD MC.

“I’m posting this but not as a diss to J Cole,” he wrote. “I love J Cole. I also love where Purp took his flow.”

Earlier in the day, West shocked some supporters of his pro-Trump messages by praising outspoken NRA critic Emma Gonzalez. The teen activist has been at the forefront of the fight for gun control since surviving the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

“My hero Emma Gonzalez,” West tweeted before sharing a picture of himself “inspired by Emma.”

Gonzalez responded to West’s tweet by putting the spotlight on James Shaw Jr., who wrestled away the rifle from the gunman in the recent Waffle House shooting.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46657/title.kanye-west-supports-smokepurpps-lift-yourself-remix-parkland-activist-emma-gonzalez

Apr 30

Nipsey Hussle Performs "FDT" In Front Of Kanye West’s "MAGA" Hat Photo

Washington, D.C. – Nipsey Hussle isn’t down with Kanye West’s love of Donald Trump.

During a set at the 2018 Broccoli City Festival, the Victory Lap MC performed the anti-Trump anthem “FDT” and used a photo of West wearing the “Make America Great Again” hat as a backdrop.

“Performed #FDT in Washington D.C,” Nipsey wrote in an Instagram picture of the scene. “Picture Speaking A thousand Words.”

Performed #FDT in Washington D.C Picture Speaking A thousand Words ?

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on Apr 28, 2018 at 5:46pm PDT

#NipseyHussle is clearly not feeling #KanyeWest endorsing #DonaldTrump. Without actually naming him, Nip shades Ye saying “n*ggas out here wearing #MakeAmericaGreatAgain hats. I ain’t feeling that sh*t” before singing #YG’s #FDT at #BCFest2018 ?? #TwoBeesToldMe

A post shared by ?? (@miss2bees) on Apr 28, 2018 at 8:14pm PDT

The picture comes from West’s recent Twitter spree affirming his support for Trump. In the photo, ‘Ye is seen wearing the “MAGA” hat alongside music industry powerhouses Lucian Grainge and Lyor Cohen.

Nipsey’s public jab comes on the heels of West’s new song “Ye Vs. The People,” a collaboration with T.I. that portrays a conversation about the G.O.O.D. Music founder’s pro-Trump stance.

Listen to the track below.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46659/title.nipsey-hussle-performs-fdt-in-front-of-kanye-wests-maga-hat-photo