Hip-Hop
Page: 23
Megan Thee Stallion has proven her dedication to both her music and her love for anime with a last-minute twist just days before the release of her third studio album, Megan.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The Houston rapper took to Instagram Live on Jun. 26 to share some behind-the-scenes drama with her fans, the Hotties, about having to re-record the track “Otaku Hot Girl” due to unexpected clearance issues with a major anime studio.
During her Instagram Live session, Megan explained how she initially recorded “Otaku Hot Girl” without securing the proper clearance for an anime sample she used in the song.
Trending on Billboard
The Grammy Award-winning artist didn’t reveal which anime series or studio was involved, but she assured fans that the sample would be instantly recognizable.
“Y’all will never believe what the motherf**k just happened to me!” Megan exclaimed to her followers.
“Y’all know how I told y’all I got an anime sample on my album. I recorded the song before I asked for clearance, so when I sent the people the song, they was like…” Megan paused dramatically, then detailed the studio’s stipulations: she had to change some of the lyrics and was not allowed to cosplay any characters in the music video.
The demands didn’t stop there.
Megan shared that the studio later requested the removal of all character names from the song, which presented a significant challenge since the names were crucial to the lyrics.
Despite the frustration, Megan re-recorded the track in a makeshift studio just hours before her June 11 Dallas show.
“The music is what’s really important to me, but the names really tied it all together,” she explained.
Megan’s determination paid off, and she expressed her gratitude towards the studio for eventually granting the clearance. “I really hope y’all think this s**t sound fire, ’cause I had to jump through eight million hoops to get this s**t,” she added.
“Otaku Hot Girl” is one of 18 tracks on Megan’s upcoming album, which includes the singles “Cobra,” “Hiss,” and “Boa,” as well as collaborations with artists like Kyle Richh, GloRilla, UGK, and Victoria Monét.
The album follows nearly two years after her sophomore release, Traumazine.
Megan Thee Stallion’s new album, Megan, dropped on June 28.
Chance the Rapper has just dropped a major update on his upcoming release, Star Line, and it’s the news fans have been waiting for.
In a recent chat with Complex, the Chicago native revealed that his next studio project is about 83 percent complete, bringing us one step closer to hearing what he’s been working on.
Initially, Chance estimated the collection was 85 percent done but quickly adjusted his estimate.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“That’s a little generous. I’ma say 83. 83.5, 82.7, you know what I’m saying? We’re living in the project right now,” he joked, giving fans a peek into his creative process.
Trending on Billboard
Reflecting on the journey from his debut album The Big Day (2019) to Star Line, Chance shared how different this experience has been.
“For my last project, I’d just gotten married, I just had a baby, I was about to separate from my management. Like, I had so many things going on. Now, it’s not like there isn’t a lot going on, but I’m really able to enjoy the creative process and be 100 percent myself.”
Star Line draws inspiration from Marcus Garvey’s historic Black Star Line, a shipping company aimed at connecting the global Black diaspora in the early 1900s.
Chance elaborated on this during a 2022 interview with Sway.
“He started and ran this very important, integral shipping line. He had a fleet of ships, these giant ocean liners which are the size of cruise ships, that he owned and funded with common Black folks’ money.”
Garvey’s vision of global Black connectivity deeply resonates with Chance, who aims to channel that spirit into his music. “When I think about the Black Star Line and all the spaces that it’s been in, the black star [on the line’s flag] is [also] the representation of Ghana, in their flag, in the fabric of how their country was set up,” he said.
“They believe in global Blackness, Black connectivity and a free Africa.”
Although the album was initially slated for a Spring 2024 release, Chance hasn’t confirmed a new date yet.
To keep fans engaged, he dropped “Together,” produced by DJ Premier, in May, and “Buried Alive” in April, a track that touches on his recent divorce and legal battles with his ex-manager.
In Buried Alive, Chance gets real with lines like, “Where’s his money now? Where his wife at?/ Where his manager? Where his hype at?/ Then they threw the dirt on the casket,” showcasing his raw, introspective side.
Earlier this year, Chance posted an IG Reel of “Buried Alive,” asking fans if he should drop a video. The clips he’s shared of his new direction have featured a darker tone, with black backgrounds and white subtitles, addressing the drama he’s faced since The Big Day.
“I’m really able to revel in the creative process and put everything into that and be 100 percent myself and present in the now,” he said.
Killer Mike will not be charged following his arrest in February at the 2024 Grammy Awards. After coming out of the Grammys pre-telecast victorious with three awards — best rap album for MICHAEL and best rap song and best rap performance for “SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS” with André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane — Killer […]
In a show called “The Pop Out,” Kendrick Lamar did just that and Inglewood and the culture will forever be grateful.
Billboard caught all the action from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and breaks-out five of the highlights.
He’s What The “Culture Feelin’”Though the crowd was not in its entirety a Black one, the spirit of Juneteenth was a big part of the evening considering the historical relevance of the holiday. From the excited vendors leading up to the venue, to the smiles on everyone’s faces once they entered the building, the feeling was unity. People of all ages and backgrounds fought off a lot of ticket resellers for the chance to experience this day together and you could feel that energy. The choice to have this show on this day was undeniable. Mustard is One of L.A.’s Best Producers The producer behind the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Not Like Us” is no stranger to Hip-Hop, but when his billing said “and Friends” it meant just that. The California crowd got to see just how prolific his career has been to this point. Ty Dolla $ign, Tyler the Creator, Roddy Ricch, YG, and more joined him on hit after hit to warm the crowd up for his biggest hit yet. Kendrick Reunited Black Hippy Throughout the night, Kendrick brought up day ones and this moment was definitely for those people. He reunited his rap supergroup that formed in 2008 and consisted of ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, & Jay Rock. He Brought Out Dr. Dre As if the show hadn’t packed enough punch the Kia Forum almost lost its top as Dr. Dre appeared next to Kendrick and the recognizable cords of “Still D.R.E.” grabbed the attention of the audience. The rap legend knew exactly what the people wanted and then went into “California Love”. But before he could leave the stage Kendrick asked him a favor. Dre whisper “psssss….I see dead people” and the room exploded. He Performed “Not Like Us” Five Times If there was any doubt that Kendrick would shy away from his extensive beef with Drake, that evaporated as soon as he rose from the stage and started the lyrics of “Euphoria”. Now his set didn’t stray away from his hits like “DNA”, “King Kunta”, and “Humble.” And with the occasion being Juneteenth in many ways his performance of “Alright” hit the exact cultural note that people were waiting on “Not Like Us” to deliver. But after also swinging into “6:16 in LA” the crowd went feral when “Mustard on the Beat” was heard on the speakers and “Not Like Us” began. The audience hung on every word and even extended his iconic “a-minor” line acapella. But nobody expected him to repeat the song 5 times. He continued to bring it back and the energy never dipped. The song even played as he excited the stage and the instrumental served as the soundtrack for fans exiting the venue. Not sure anybody was questioning it at this point, but he does seem to really hate Drake. What was unexpected is that a song about who he refers to as a “colonizer” has turned into what is clearly the anthem of Juneteenth. As he ended the show he stated: “It ain’t got nothing to do with no back and forth records. It’s got everything to do with this moment right here. That’s what this shit was about. To bring all of us together.”
Migos rapper Quavo’s quest to transform his nephew Takeoff’s tragic shooting into a force for change convened with a summit against gun violence on what would have been the late rapper’s 30th birthday.
Quavo held the inaugural Rocket Foundation Summit at the Carter Center in Atlanta on Tuesday (June 18) — the same day as Takeoff’s birthday. The music performer was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris in a fireside chat during the one-day summit, which included panel discussions about gun violence prevention and youth programs.
For Quavo, it’s been a rough road since Takeoff’s untimely death in 2022. But many of his family members — including his nephew’s mother — often encourage him to keep pushing forward.
Trending on Billboard
“It’s super hard every day. I’m still crying. I’m still grieving. I’m still mourning,” said Quavo, who along with his family launched the Rocket Foundation in honor of Takeoff and committed millions to invest into community violence intervention.
Last year, the Grammy-nominated rapper attended the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference where he met with political figures including Harris and Greg Jackson, who is now the deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention after his stint with the Community Justice Action Fund.
“Just to look behind me and see that I got the VP and guys like Greg Jackson and other survivors that actually fell victim to the same thing, I know that I’m not alone,” Quavo continued. “This is my second calling. This is very personal to me. That’s what makes my drive and motivation to go even harder.”
Police say Takeoff was an innocent bystander who was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after a disagreement over a lucrative dice game. Takeoff’s death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years that involved hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph.
Quavo calls the foundation and summit a “certified movement.” Earlier this year, he and the foundation created the Sparks Grant program, which supports organizations working to minimize community violence.
The program will award $100,000 in grants to Atlanta-focused organizations.
“I feel like a lot of people just announce foundations and keep it moving for nonprofit purposes or even financial issues,” he said. “But I’m on the ground. I’m actually working. We’re getting things done. We’re getting results. We’re raising real money. We’re going down into the real communities where the problem has been an issue.”
Quavo’s discussion with Harris touched on the impact that community violence intervention can make and the importance of youth support systems in decreasing gun violence. A separate roundtable discussion connected families of victims with survivors.
“To translate that pain and grief into something that is about creating strength and empowerment in the community — including our young — is pretty extraordinary,” Harris said during the discussion while speaking to Quavo. “You have chosen to use your celebrity and the gifts you have as an artist to talk about and actually work on with action. It’s extraordinary. You are an incredible leader. A national leader on this.”
The summit featured panels with a focus on the gun violence crisis in the United States and how community violence intervention is a long-term solution for this issue. Another will discuss the importance of supporting youth in the fight against gun violence and visibility of youth resources.
Quavo hopes the summit can lead to more partnerships between the Rocket Foundation and the White House. He’s on a mission to ensure his voice is heard and honor his nephew’s legacy.
“It hits hard when it hits home,” he said. “We’re trying to avoid that. Just because it’s next door, you don’t close your door. You can open the door and help your neighborhood. It’s joining hands with the world and making sure this awareness is on a national billboard. That’s my platform.”
You get what you wish for. And, in the case of Jackass star Steve-O, what he apparently wished for on his 50th birthday was to have Post Malone tattoo an unmentionable on his face. It all went down at Bonnaroo over the weekend and, let’s just get it out of the way right now: it was a penis tattoo.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
On his face.
Yup, the classically trained clown and frequently naked stuntman announced earlier this month that he would celebrate his golden jubilee by having Posty ink some naughty bits on his dome. “If you can believe it, I’m getting my first face tattoo… but that will be the day after my birthday. Post Malone’s gonna tattoo a d–k on my forehead. That’s the plan,” Steve said at the time of the image he designed himself.
In video captured by TMZ, Malone — no stranger to inking all manner of strange symbols on his mug — gets to work backstage with his trusty needle.
Trending on Billboard
Gloved up and wearing a Dallas Mavericks jersey, Malone tries to calm Steve’s nerves by asking, “are you nervous? First time?,” with the already well-inked Jackass alum admitting, “A little bit, yeah dude.” After the men exchange warm “I love you”‘s Malone gets to work, telling Steve, “I’m gonna start with the part closest to your eye,” as his tattoo rig hovers just above Steve’s right eyebrow.
“I would say start with the balls,” Steve counsels as Posty laughs out loud at the direction. A little shaky, Malone apologizes for his unsteady hand, but soon promises Steve, “now you’re stylin’!” as he reveals his very prominent handiwork across his client’s forehead. “You’re stylin’ boy, looks good!” Malone assures him.
The inking came during a weekend when Malone headlined a set at Bonnaroo, where he was joined by bluegrass ripper Billy Strings.
Check out TMZ’s video below.
It was too perfect an opportunity to pass up: Alicia Keys and Jay-Z will perform “Empire State of Mind” during the 77th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16. The show is set to air live on both coasts from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York […]
Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his key to New York City after a request from Mayor Eric Adams in response to the release of a video showing the music mogul attacking R&B singer Cassie, officials said Saturday (June 15). The mayor’s office said Combs returned the key after Adams sent letters to the embattled musician’s […]
Cash Money Records founders/CEOs and hip-hop icons Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams will be the 2024 honorees at YouTube Music’s second Leaders and Legends gala. The invitation-only event will take place in Los Angeles on June 27. Developing a roster that included pioneering hitmakers such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mannie Fresh […]
It takes a lot to surprise Post Malone. But the typically unflappable “I Had Some Help” singer seemed genuinely surprised last weekend when he ran into a rather stiff doppelgänger backstage at the Governors Ball festival in New York. In a video posted by Consequence of Sound, Posty is seen making his way backstage after […]