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Meet SahBabii: The Atlanta Artist Redefining Trap Music
Sahab Aljohara Babii better known as SahBabii, is a upcoming figure in today’s rap scene.
Sahbabii is known for his smooth yet gritty style.
He uses a unique blend of melodic hooks and heavy-hitting bars has helped carve out a fresh lane in the world of trap and melodic rap.
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From Atlanta’s Underground to Global Stardom
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, SahBabii’s breakthrough came in 2016 with the viral success of his single “Pull Up Wit Ah Stick.”
The track, with its hypnotic beat and catchy hook, became a cultural moment, earning SahBabii recognition for his effortless flow and ability to craft addictive melodies.
The song’s success not only propelled him into the spotlight but also helped define a new era of Atlanta rap that balanced trap roots with more experimental sounds. He basically came up around the same time as playboi carti.
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Following this initial success, SahBabii’s 2017 project S.A.N.D.A.S. (an acronym for SahBabii And Nothing But A Smooth) further cemented his place in the rap game.
With standout tracks like “Outstanding” and “Marsupial Superstars,” the album showcased his versatility, blending auto-tune, experimental beats, and lyricism in ways that hadn’t been done before in the mainstream trap scene.
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SahBabii’s Sound Is Unlike Any Other
SahBabii’s music is characterized by its distinct mix of haunting melodies and laid-back yet hard-hitting trap beats.
Influenced by the likes of Young Thug, Lil Keed, Playboi Carti, Future, and Chief Keef, SahBabii uses his voice as an instrument, often experimenting with pitch and texture to create a sound that’s both atmospheric and deeply personal.
His songs frequently explore themes of struggle, triumph, and the surreal, often weaving together references to his upbringing and his dreams of success. SahBabii’s song also have somewhat of a playfulness to them.
Despite being associated with the trap genre, SahBabii has always prided himself on being a nonconformist.
His music combines the hypnotic, bass-heavy production of modern trap with surreal, almost otherworldly vocals, setting him apart from the crowd.
Tracks like “I Like” and “Evil” are prime examples of how SahBabii can seamlessly blend a catchy melody with sometimes cryptic lyrics that invite deeper reflection.
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2024: The Viral Hit “Viking” on Tik Tok
For a few years it had be quiet for Sahbabii. In 2024, SahBabii experienced a major resurgence with his viral TikTok hit “Viking.”
The track, with its infectious hook and captivating energy, quickly became a TikTok sensation, dominating trends.
The song’s bold beat and SahBabii’s effortlessly smooth flow made it a perfect fit for the viral, high-energy content that dominates TikTok.
countless fans, with TikTok videos incorporated the track’s signature hook and lyric “I feel like a Viking,”
Within weeks, the track accumulated millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, further solidifying SahBabii’s status as a mainstay in modern rap.
The success of “Viking” also prompted renewed attention to his back catalog, with fans revisiting his older hits and discovering the evolution of his sound.
SahBabii’s ability to blend internet culture with his unique artistry has made him an influential figure in both the music industry and the social media landscape.
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Meet SahBabii: The Trailblazing Atlanta Artist Redefining Trap Music
was originally published on
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Jussie Smollett‘s holiday season is off to a fine start. The former Empire star’s conviction for attacking himself back in 2019 has been overturned.
The Illinois State Supreme Court has overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction for lying about a hate crime.
His case will be dismissed.
“We hold that a second prosecution under these circumstances is a due process violation, and we therefore reverse defendant’s conviction.” pic.twitter.com/Z6RohP8KJK
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 21, 2024
On Thursday (Nov. 21), the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Smollett should never have been prosecuted for a second time. The initial charges against him had been dropped after a sort of plea deal with the DA.
Smollett was charged with filing a false police report after he had claimed that he was the victim of a homophobic and racist attack. Soon after the story made headlines, his alleged tale started falling apart with the attackers (two brothers) coming forward to say that they had actually been hired by the actor to perform the hoax for a smooth $3,500. Nevertheless, a dismissal was negotiated with the Cook County state’s attorney.
However, a special prosecutor revived the case, and a grand jury restored charges that included disorderly conduct and lying to the police. Smollett continued to insist that he was innocent throughout the trial but he was eventually convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct in 2021.
Although Smollett was sentenced to about five months in jail, he only served six days and was released pending appeal. Now, he’s in the clear.
While Smollett entered a rehab facility in late 2023, most recently he wrote and produced a new film called The Lost Holliday which he also starred in. Peep social media reactions, MAGA is big mad, again, to Smollett’s latest news in the gallery.
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Hip-hop originating in The Bronx will always make the East Coast a focal point of the culture, especially when discussing the pillar of DJing. Even at its roots with late NYC club king Francis Grasso, credited as being the godfather of beatmatching and the club mix during the 1960s, the origins for any disc jockey will always trace back to the Atlantic Coast.
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East Coast DJs have a place in the culture from the very beginning, starting with that 1973 community room party at 1520 Sedgwick Ave hosted by the “Father of Hip-Hop” himself, DJ Kool Herc. Through his invention of “the break,” rap culture elevated in ways that provided the b-boys and b-girls at the helm of the movement something to, well, move to. One b-boy in particular, GrandMixer DXT, went on to mix things up even further as the first DJ to use a turntable as a musical instrument. The classic 1983 film Wild Style perfectly illustrates this era in hip-hop to a tee.
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From there, pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, DJ Grand Wizard Theodore, Kool DJ Red Alert and DJ Scratch were each creating core techniques to the craft — record scratching, punch phrasing, breaking the barrier of broadcast radio and even defining what a mixtape was were all part of the plan. As we moved from the late ’80s into the 1990s, a proverbial gold rush of DJs hailing from the East Coast enter the conversation and further pushed the genre forward. DJs are impacting the music industry in a huge way at this point, with legends like DJ Jazzy Jeff, the late Jam Master Jay, DJ Polo, Eric B., Pete Rock and DJ Spinderella each lending their turntable skills to the Billboard hits of Will Smith, Run-D.M.C., Kool G Rap, Rakim, CL Smooth and Salt-N-Pepa, respectively.
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Solo stars also found a way to highlight the DJ in their own way: Mister Cee got his own song on Big Daddy Kane’s debut album, Kid Capri lended heavily to the chorus of the late Big L’s debut single, Swizz Beatz gave DMX the “anthem” that jumpstarted his much-too-short career and the recently departed DJ Clark Kent helped Dana Dane strike gold on his debut LP. Others got in the game as artists themselves, primarily with DJ Premier and the legacy of Gang Starr. Red Alert’s reign on radio led to other impactful DJs that followed suit, including DJ Chuck Chillout and the inescapable signature bomb effects of Funkmaster Flex. DJ Stretch Armstrong took it a step further and brought college radio into the conversation during his days at Columbia University.
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In a similar fashion, successors of Scratch elevated the mixtape era to peak levels: DJ Clue, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Whoo Kid, Statik Selektah, Tony Touch and the late DJ Kay Slay each had a tape series that kept the streets in a chokehold. Actually, the work each of these guys put in during the early to mid 2000s set them up to be the new age legends to those shaping their DJ careers in the East Coast today.
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With the influx of rising East Coast DJs coming into the game today, from Austin Millz out of Harlem and Jam Master Jay’s son T.J. Mizell carrying on the legacy of both his father and the borough of Queens to the DMV’s own DJ B-Hen and genre-bending siren Suzi Analogue, let’s just say the art of mixing is in good hands.
They don’t call it the Beast Coast for nothing!
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Enjoy this special Hip-Hop History Month salute to East Coast DJs with a selection of music below inspired by the mixmasters mentioned above:
Kool Herc
GrandMixer DXT
DJ Grand Wizard Theodore
Grandmaster Flash
Kool DJ Red Alert
DJ Scratch
DJ Chuck Chillout
DJ Jazzy Jeff
DJ Jam Master Jay
Spinderella
Mister Cee
Kid Capri
DJ Clark Kent
DJ Premier
DJ Polo
Swizz Beatz
Funkmaster Flex
DJ Stretch Armstrong
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Clue
DJ Green Lantern
DJ Whoo Kid
Tony Touch
Austin Millz
B-Hen
Suzi Analogue
T.J. Mizelll
Hip-Hop History Month: A Tribute To East Coast DJs Who Set The Standard
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As we all wake up to the tough news that Kamala Harris didn’t make it in her presidential run, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment. This would’ve been a huge moment, especially for young folks and people rooting for her. As the first woman of color to hold the vice presidency, Harris has been a symbol of breaking barriers. But losing the race? That’s a hard pill to swallow because, despite all her experience—being a senator, attorney general, and VP—it still wasn’t enough to land her the top spot.
D.L. Hughley Defends Kamala Harris, Digs At Donald Trump During DNC Speech
For many people, it would’ve felt like a setback, especially for young Black and Brown voters who saw her as someone they could look up to. The hope was that her win would’ve been more than just about her; it would’ve been about showing that the door is open for all kinds of people to lead.
But losing? It doesn’t erase her impact. Even if she didn’t get to the top, Kamala still changed the game and proved that anything is possible. Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t the end of her story—just a chapter.
Let’s check out some of the reactions to the news of Kamala Harris not winning the presidential race below:
#NotMyPresident pic.twitter.com/ETuMV28Ch2
— Voice of Reason (@raggapegs) November 6, 2024
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To our Madam Vice President, Kamala Harris, Thank you.
Thank you for a lifetime of service. For being the most qualified presidential candidate ever by being the only candidate to work in all three branches of government. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/UmfPqYmexM
— BET (@BET) November 6, 2024
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Cardi B shares thanks Kamala Harris:
“You really wanted better for ALL of us! This may not mean much but I am so proud of you! No one has ever made me change my mind and you did!” pic.twitter.com/CMz972w1wE
— EmeverseTv (@emeversetv) November 6, 2024
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Such a frustrating day. #KamalaHarris you ran such a honesty campaign and for that we (💙) love you 4 that. So sad and disappointed in this country. This just doesn’t feel right. Those who voted for him I hope you’re happy w what’s about 2 happen 2 UR rights over the next 4 years
— Tony (@4thplanet) November 6, 2024
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💔 My heart is actually broken. Sending big hugs to @KamalaHarris @DouglasEmhoff @Tim_Walz & @GwenWalz. I’m genuinely sad we won’t get to see your vision unfold. America & the world will be the worse for it. Thank you for a beautiful, truly hope-filled few months. #HarrisWalz 🗽 https://t.co/zc8ww0n0sa
— 𝙸𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝙱. 🥥🌴🐈🐦🌿🚜🌻🇺🇦 (@TheOtherIndrani) November 6, 2024
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RELATED: Oprah Winfrey To Host ‘Unite For America’ Virtual Event In Support Of VP Kamala Harris
RELATED: Flat Earth Enthusiast Lord Jamar Continues Attacks On Vice President Kamala Harris’ Blackness
RELATED: You Promise? Lil Pump Threatens To Leave America If Kamala Harris Is Elected President
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Quincy Jones, the legendary music icon whose influence shaped the sound of generations, passed away at 91. A true pioneer, Jones’ career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. From producing Michael Jackson’s iconic albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” to composing scores for critically acclaimed films like “The Color Purple” and “In the Heat of the Night,” Jones demonstrated unparalleled versatility and innovation.
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In addition, his impact on Hip-Hop cannot be denied. As the culture transitioned from neighborhood block parties and boombox speakers into a dynamic force in the mainstream, many rappers and producers drew inspiration from Jones as they crafted records that would resonate beyond their place on the map.
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“Young people are seekers, man! They always have been.” Jones said in a 2021 Revolt interview. “When we’re young, we all want to break the mold and find our truth, and that is a central tenet of both jazz and classical music! Besides, it all comes from the same stuff. I fell in love with hip hop in the late 1970s because it reminded me so much of bebop, and classical strings are what elevated some of the world’s best funk music.”
The art of sampling had been a fixture within rap since its very inception, so it was inevitable that the many works of Quincy Jones would become woven into the fabric our Hip-Hop music.
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In remembrance of Quincy Jones and in honor of Hip-Hop History Month, we look back at 20 classic rap records that sampled one of the most brilliant musical minds of the past century.
Hip-Hop Classics That Sampled Quincy Jones
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1. The Song: “P.Y.T.” by Michael Jackson
2. The Sample: “Good Life” by Kanye West
3. The Song: “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson
4. The Sample: “It Aint Hard to Tell” by Nas
5. The Song: “I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson
6. The Sample: “Breakadawn” by De La Soul
7. The Song: “Body Heat” by Quincy Jones
8. The Sample: “How Do U Want It” by Tupac Shakur
9. The Song: “Kitty with the Bent Frame”
10. The Sample: “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep
11. The Song: “Liberian Girl” by Michael Jackson
12. The Sample: “Keep on Keeping’ On” by MC Lyte
13. The Song: “Summer in the City”
14. The Sample: “Passin Me By” by The Pharcyde
15. The Song: “Roots Mural Theme” from ‘Roots’ Soundtrack
16. The Sample: “Mic Check”by Juelz Santana
17. The Song: “The Lady in My Life” by Michael Jackson
18. The Sample: “Hey Lover” by LL Cool J
19. The Song: “Soul Bossa Nova”
20. The Sample: “Number One Spot” by Ludacris
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You can add Kevin Hart to the list of individuals who are disassociating themselves from Diddy. The comedian refused to answer questions about the time he hosted a party for the mogul.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native was recently on his way to dine at LAVO restaurant in West Hollywood. Paparazzi happened to be there and asked him if he ever saw any baby oil when he hosted an event for the Bad Boy Entertainment founder. Kevin Hart responded cryptically saying, “when I hosted for Diddy?” The Ride Along star then made it clear that he doesn’t want to be involved with any scandal. “You asking the wrong person the wrong question, man. It’s not a good question.” When asked if he thought if Diddy would be safe in jail he doubled down on his earlier response saying, “wrong person, wrong question.”
Back in 2010, Kevin Hart hosted a private party for Diddy at The London Hotel in New York City, and the footage from this evening has since resurfaced. The invite-only event featured scantly clad women in each room of the penthouse and bottles of Cîroc vodka everywhere. At one point, a female’s hair catches on fire while sitting in a tub. This party was also attended by Usher, Swizz Beatz, Fabolous and Diddy’s Dirty Money bandmates Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper.
It is unclear whether Diddy is accused of any wrongdoing at this specific event. You can view the footage from the Kevin Hart-hosted Diddy party below.
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Actress Maya Rudolph thrilled audiences in her SNL return as Vice President Kamala Harris over the weekend.
As Saturday Night Live opened up its 50th season over the weekend, the cold open featured the return of veteran comedienne Maya Rudolph portraying Vice President Kamala Harris. “Well your fun aunt has returned,” she began, “The fun has been rebooted. Too fun, too furious.” From there, Rudolph demonstrated how uncanny her portrayal of the Democratic presidential nominee is, right down to recapturing the exact facial expression Harris displayed during her debate with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Stepping in to portray Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was comedian Jim Gaffigan. “What can I say? I’ve got that BDE- Big Dad Energy!” Gaffigan said. He continued to portray the effervescent energy of Walz in the intro. “I’ve got to be honest here folks. When Kamala Harris called and asked to be her vice president, I said, ‘Uh, yeah,’” Gaffigan said before adding: “This is personal for me. I love this country. And as a former teacher, I need the money. This suit is from Costco!”
The skit also introduced another SNL alum, Andy Samberg, who played Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff who referred to himself as the “Second Gentle Minch,” and James Austin Johnson as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Lastly, SNL alum Dana Carvey appeared as President Joe Biden leading to a comical exchange where Rudolph said thanks for “putting the country first and for handing over the reins,” to which Carvey replied, “I didn’t want to! They made me.”
Rudolph’s portrayal of Harris has garnered her two Emmy Awards – the first in 2019 for her presidential debate sketch, and in March 2021 when she hosted the show. “When I see her, I see her having fun,” she said in a Variety cover profile about the role. “And so the fictional Kamala that we created tapped into her fun. And then [SNL producer] Steve Higgins said to me that his wife called her a ‘fun aunt,’ and we were laughing at how that sounds like ‘funt.’ We just went from there. That was the moment where you realize, ‘Oh, now I know how to do this.’”
Check out the entire opening sketch above.
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Memphis rapper GloRilla is being celebrated online for changing a lyric in a new song that fans found offensive.
On Friday (Aug. 23), the Shade Room posted a clip of GloRilla rapping along to her upcoming single.
“H*e you must not know what you just started/Me and my b**ches retarded,” Glo raps over the trap production. “Give a f**k about this party/We gon’ step on sh*t regardless.”
Several people commented under the post criticizing the use of the term, which is deemed a slur against those with special needs. “It’s hurtful to people with disabilities so just don’t use it,” one user wrote.
A few days later, on Monday (Aug. 25), she posted a new version of her unreleased song without the r-word on Instagram. In the song, the lyric is replaced with a less offensive phrase.
“H*e you must not know what you just started/Me and my b**ches go gnarly,” Glo rhymes in the clip below. “Give a f**k about this party/We gon’ step on sh*t regardless.”
The new version is earning Glo the admiration of fans.
Shout out to Big Glo for taking the feedback from her fans and taking the high road. Love to see it.
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Nelly and Ashanti are sharing that they welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18.
A representative confirmed the birth and the baby’s name with People and added “The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!”
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ashanti shares how their son got his name, “His dad named him with a lot of pride,” she said, adding that Kenkaide is a tribute to her own father’s name and Kareem meaning generous, kind and dignified, spoke to the couple.
She also revealed that the baby came a little early, causing Nelly to have to quickly fly in for the birth. “Having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time, I cried it was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time,” Ashanti recalled. “Having a vision of this moment for so long…it was such an electrifying feeling.”
The announcement comes after Ashanti shared her first post-delivery photo on Instagram where she posed in disposable underwear from a company called Frida Mom–which specializes in products for pregnant women and new mothers.
“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings! This is what postpartum looks like I’m loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts! I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, boy,” the singer wrote in the photo caption, adding a heart eyes emoji.
The couple reconciled after nearly a decade apart and were married in December 2023.
In April of this year, Ashanti confirmed with Essence that she and Nelly were expecting. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” she said. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
She also offered some advice to other new moms, “follow your gut instinct and keep strong no matter what the obstacles bring,” adding, “Your child absolutely feels your energy. Make sure that the baby feels secure and safe and you have to have space for you as well. Don’t get too lost into the world of the baby. I think that it’s really important to create a balance.” But, as she’s quick to laugh and point out, “I’m super brand new so I’m not trying to give the golden advice.”
She also shared, “My son definitely dictates everything now, he is the priority overall and I don’t care what it will take, what I have to do, I’m just going to give everything and my all to my son. This little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”
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Barbz beware…Nicki Minaj is releasing a deluxe edition of her fifth studio album Pink Friday 2. The album, released in December 2023, was Minaj’s first full-length album in five years.
The album is sample-heavy “Barbie Dangerous” interpolates Notorious B.I.G.’s “Notorious Thugs,” while “Pink Friday Girls” samples Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Super Freaky Girl” samples Rick James’ “Super Freak,” according to HypeBeast.
There is no official release date for the new album, but that is not stopping the Barbz from making noise online.
Meanwhile, Nicki also announced that she is headed back out on tour. The Pink Friday 2 World Tour: Gag City Reloaded will kick off on September 4 in Philadelphia and close on October 11 in Nicki’s hometown of Queens, NY.
August 21st was a busy day for Nicki who also went on a rant throwing shots at who, some believe, were Ice Spice and JT. She also unfollowed both of them on Instagram.
“Don’t ask me about nobody,” she said in the voice message. “If you don’t see someone around me, don’t ask me about them. Go and talk to them,” she added. “The truth of the matter is that y’all don’t want to know the truth of the matter.”