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LL Cool J caused a bit of a stir a couple weeks ago during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay.
The NFL Hall of Famer asked the Queens rapper turned actor who he would pick to be on Def Jam’s Mount Rushmore. Naturally, LL put himself on there, given that his debut single “I Need a Beat” and debut album Radio were the first official releases on the fabled rap label. He also picked groups Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys, and had Slick Rick round things out. Shannon Sharpe pushed back about leaving Jay-Z off, but had to remind him that the rapper was on the label “a thousand years later.”
His picks caused a bit of controversy online because some felt Jay-Z and DMX should’ve been on his list, however, the rap legend based his picks on the acts that helped build Def Jam from the ground up. While making an appearance on the Joe Budden Podcast, LL defended his reasoning.
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“I know DMX is supremely talented, used to kill the stage, sold a ton of records. I know Jay did a ton of stuff up there… I can name a zillion artists up there who did unbelievable shit up there. I’m very clear about that,” he said. “But I also know that when I walked into Rick Rubin’s dormitory, it was a f—king idea, bro, like you trying to talk to me about guys that are popular. I watched the sh—t when it was a f—king idea on a Post-It. It’s two different conversations.”
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Adding, “The world is talking about the most popular. That’s all they care about. Who’s the most popular, who’s the richest, who sold the most records, who was exciting. I get that, and I respect it, I love it. But that’s not what built the company, that’s what expanded the company at a different point.”
He also reminded detractors that his song “4,3,2,1” helped introduce DMX to a larger audience. “I introduced DMX to the world, you think I don’t love DMX?” he asked. “I put him on my song to introduce him to the f—king world. I put the guy on. You know what I’m saying?”
The full episode is a Patreon exclusive as of right now, but it should be more widely available soon.
Under the embrace of the afternoon sun in Diriyah, a city known as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a symbol of the Kingdom’s rich history, Billboard Arabia meets August cover star Ghareeb Al Mokhles for a photoshoot and an interview. In this captivating setting, Ghareeb’s enthusiasm and radiant smile reflect his deep connection to his roots. From the outset, it was clear that Ghareeb was fully at ease in this atmosphere, ready to share his insights into Shelat – a music genre known for its rhythms and vibrant melodies, with lyrics built upon colloquial Bedouin poetry.
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After the photo session, the artist moves to the interview location with a calm and composed demeanor. Ghareeb is calm albeit passionate about his work and the genre of music he performs. He proudly identifies as a son of “Najran” and a devoted Shelat enthusiast, passionately discussing his lifelong love for music. He credits his inspiration to his older brother Talal and iconic artists like Mohammed Abdu and Khalid bin Abdulrahman, fondly recalling his early artistic experiences, including performing national anthems and songs during his school years.
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As he shares these memories, it is clear that his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and his unwavering passion for Shelat continue to shape his artistic journey. Delving into the origins and essence of Shelat, Ghareeb explains that it is “an ancient folk heritage that has evolved into an artistic form distinct from conventional songs, marked by its Bedouin influences.” Traditionally, Shelat consists of poetic verses sung to specific melodies, often performed a cappella with echoes, originally by camel herders and during special occasions like weddings. Over time, this tradition expanded with the addition of music and instrumental arrangements, evolving into the Shelat genre we recognize today. “We’ve added rhythms and beats to it, we’ve added instrumentation.”
Ghareeb’s foray into producing Shelat began as an experimental project shared on social media in the mid-2010s. To his surprise, the overwhelmingly positive response and high demand for his work in this genre ignited a deeper passion within him. Reflecting on this, Ghareeb notes, “The audience’s enthusiasm fueled my passion for Shelat, turning it into a genuine talent. I fully embraced this art and continued to pursue it.”
Nearly a decade later, Ghareeb has established himself as a leading figure in the genre, amassing millions of views across various platforms. His 2021 release of the Shelat “Kheeba” (Disappointment) exemplifies this success, garnering nearly 240 million views on YouTube alone. He describes it as a defining moment in his career: “It marked a significant turning point for me. I was able to truly showcase my talents, and I’m deeply grateful for the success it brought. This Shelat song holds a special place in my heart, and each of my works has built upon the foundation laid by the previous ones.”
This success culminated in a record-breaking milestone, with his YouTube channel surpassing one billion views. Ghareeb credits this achievement to the widespread popularity of his Shelat, stating, “This figure reflects the audience’s appreciation of what I offer.”
Capitalizing on this record-breaking moment in the world of Shelat, we ask Ghareeb about his reaction to reaching his first million views, “It was an incredible joy,” he says. “I was in the south (of Saudi Arabia), eagerly waiting for that million. I stayed up all night.” This milestone has solidified Ghareeb’s status in the Shelat industry. Not only has he advanced the genre, infusing it with new musical and artistic dimensions, but he is also frequently cited on social media as a trailblazer in the field. His lyrics, known for their simplicity, are a key part of his appeal. During our conversation, Ghareeb emphasizes his commitment to choosing clear and straightforward lyrics to connect with a wider audience.
Ghareeb Al Mokhles
Hayat Osama/Billboard Arabia
Each artist is distinguished by their unique use of color and thematic elements in their music and lyrics, and this is particularly evident in Ghareeb’s work. His standout tracks, such as “Kheeba” (Disappointment) and “al-Boad Motei” (Distance Is My Demise), vividly capture the themes of separation and sorrow that often follow farewells. In the interview, Ghareeb talks about his preference for “melodies and tranquility in melancholic compositions” and shares his deep-seated admiration for Khalid bin Abdulrahman’s work since childhood. When asked if his life was marked by sorrow, Ghareeb responds, “No, thank God. May God keep sadness away from us and you. I just have a deep affinity for melancholic moods.”
Contrary to the belief that Shelat is reserved for specific occasions or exclusive to Gulf listeners, Ghareeb explains that Shelat is versatile, performed across various settings, and resonates with audiences beyond the Gulf and the Arab world. Ghareeb elaborates on the multifaceted nature of Shelat encompassing a range of themes such as expressions of reproach and sorrow, tributes to distinguished camels, celebratory pieces for weddings, and renowned tribal Shelat that convey praise and pride at family events. He also makes note of his fan base spanning South Asia, including India and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, underscoring the genre’s broad appeal.
The rising success of young Shelat artists like Ghareeb Al Mokhles signifies that this art form is far from a transient fad; it is a dynamic and evolving genre. Its increasing popularity is reflected in the growing streaming numbers and a steadily expanding audience, and the launch of Billboard Arabia’s Shelat chart.
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From Florida to London! To celebrate the final night of her Eras Tour European leg at London’s Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night (Aug. 20), Taylor Swift welcomed a special guest onstage. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news For The Tortured Poets Department hit, “Florida!!!,” Swift surprised fans with […]
Doja Cat and Joseph Quinn are painting the town red with their rumored new romance — with the pair stepping out in London holding hands over the weekend — and fans have a lot to say on the matter. The public’s first sighting of the apparent couple came Aug. 17, when the rapper and A […]
Doechii is giving fans more reason to celebrate her 26th birthday with the arrival of her Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape.
The project is her first in two years and will be released on Aug. 30. The Top Dawg Entertainment artist revealed the tape’s tracklist on Tuesday (Aug. 20) which is filled with 19 songs and a lone feature from Kuntfetish on “GTFO.”
“Alligator Bites Never Heal Track-list 19 songs. Which one are you claiming,” she invited fans with her caption on social media.
The automobile-themed “Nissan Altima” is the only previously-released single to make the cut after arriving earlier in August. Other tracks on the project include “Slide,” “Beverly Hills,” “Boiled Peanuts,” “Denial Is a River” and “Catfish.”
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Doechii received plenty of love from fans and her music peers on Instagram with the likes of Kehlani, Joey Bada$$, Reason and Yebba showing support in her comment section.
“19 songs I used to pray for times like these,” an excited fan wrote.
The Florida native revealed the cover art for the project — which finds her holding an albino alligator in her lap — earlier in August, which came as a special surprise. “Happy Birthday to me,” she wrote.
Doechii has been feeding fans with her “Swamp Sessions” throughout summer Fridays, which acts as more of a creative exercise for her. “I set a timer for an hour and I write a song. Whatever I get in an hour is what gets posted!” she wrote to Instagram in July. “I’m adding one scene visuals to scratch that creative director itch, enjoy.”
She’s posted a handful of “Swamp Session” singles to IG such as “BULLFROG,” “CATFISH,” “NISSAN ALTIMA,” which features Isaiah Rashad, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock, as well as “FLORIDA WATA” and “SUNDAYS BEST,” featuring Fana Hues.
Alligator Bites Never Heal arrives two years since her her last project She / Her / Black B—h. The EP boasts collaborations with Rico Nasty, Jst Ray and SZA. The SZA-assisted “Persuasive” reached No. 33 on Billboard‘s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2022.
Find the Alligator Bites Never Heal tracklist below
Tony Goldwyn took the stage as host for the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday night (Aug. 19), and the actor sat down with Variety to share his thoughts about the evening and that he feels “confident” about Kamala Harris‘ chances to win the presidency in November. Explore See latest videos, charts […]
Wale and Nike have finally linked up. The rapper out of the DMV has been influential within the sneaker community over the years and has promoted Nike for free in his music from the start. His 2008 song “Nike Boots” was a hit during the Blog Era and helped him make a name for himself.
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Wale has been known for the sneakers he wears ever since, but for some reason, he and Nike hadn’t collaborated before. This is something that he’s brought up on multiple occasions, most notably in 2018 when he hopped on Instagram Live to show off his massive collection. While holding up an Air Mag sneaker from Back to the Future, Wale asked when the sneaker giant was going to hit him up. “When is Nike going to play fair, man? Just call me. Hello?” he said while using the sneaker as a phone. “They ain’t on the phone, they givin’ everybody else deals and s–t.”
That is until now.
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Wale is the face of Nike’s DMV Cherry Blossom Foamposite One campaign, and not only is he in the commercial, he’s rapping a new song in it. Produced by Emil and Tommy Black, “Ghetto Speak” is a somber love letter to the greater Washington, D.C., area. “From a land that far too well comprehends universal madness,” Wale raps. “Not too far from the symbolic architecture that masks it/ But all is fair, I guess/ ‘Cause broken glass, cherry blossoms, them bullet fragments don’t look as fantastic on the pamphlet.”
The song then comes to an abrupt end and the ad features underground king Big Lordy (formerly known as Ankhlejohn) sitting down on a stoop, saying, “Background checks, you know where it started,” as a nod to the conversation around the DMV’s overall influence on hip-hop sneaker culture, especially when it comes to Foams, New Balance and the Nike Air Max Goadome aka Nike Boots.
Last year, Wale and Jim Jones got into a back-and-forth about which region started the Nike Boot trend. On the track “Fine Lines” from the Rick Ross and Meek Mill album Too Good to Be True, Wale throws a subtle jab at the Harlem rapper. “North Faces and Foams, we grew up in that jawn,” Wale raps. “We was ballin’ in Goadomes before we could Jones.”
Wale and his label, Universal Music Group, are hosting a giveaway in which fans submit pictures of themselves wearing their favorite pair of Foams for a chance to win. You can submit pics here.
There’s no word yet on whether or not “Ghetto Speak” will hit streaming.
Though 14-time CMA Award winner Miranda Lambert is gearing up to release her upcoming Sept. 13 album, Postcards From Texas — her first under her new deal with Republic Records — she’s also learning to relax. In an interview on Bunnie XO‘s Dumb Blonde podcast that arrived Monday (Aug. 19), Lambert opened up about how she’s learning to balance work with living life.
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The musician discussed how she and husband Brendan McLoughlin recently took two weeks off and traveled to Italy. “It was like a little panicky, but then once you settle into it, you really need to do it. You just don’t know you need to until you get the chance,” Lambert said.
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The past year has been a hectic one for Lambert, who concluded her Las Vegas residency last year. Earlier this year, she also inked her new label deal and is preparing for her new album release.
She also revealed, “I reached a pretty high level of burnout last summer and I didn’t realize what it was until I was like, I think this is what we call burnout, from just not taking a break or a long enough one. Just a couple of days at a time just wasn’t enough for the amount of busyness, and so I feel like we have to learn to balance. It’s really hard when you’re so driven, to like relax into doing nothing. If you don’t recharge, it’s like you’re only operating at 50% anyway. Recharging is so important — it’s just hard to do.”
Lambert also noted the importance of living life to help inform her music. “As a creative, if you don’t let go and live your life, there’s nothing to write about,” she told Bunnie, who is married to Jelly Roll. “There’s no fuel. You know what I mean? If you just constantly are going to the next goal.”
Bunnie XO noted that Lambert has been in the music industry for almost 25 years, saying, “That’s a long time. So for you to just have reached burnout last year? You’re a savage. Like, you are an animal!”
Lambert responded, “It wasn’t the burnout where I’m like, ‘I’m quitting forever.’ It was just one of those moments — I’ve had those over the years. Honestly, a lot of it for musicians — as you know, because you’re on tour [with Jelly Roll] — is August, when you’re doing summer tours. By the time August comes, I’ve been hot all year. You’re playing outside. August is usually [when] everyone is like, ‘I don’t wanna tour anymore.’ But then you take a break and you’re like, ‘OK, I’m ready again.’”
Lambert also noted that at 40, she’s more interested in being selective in pursuing things that are beneficial. “You just go,’ I really just wanna go after the good s–t, and not deal with any of the other noise that doesn’t really matter in my life.’ And also spend my time, whether it be personal or professional, on things that really add to my life,” she shared. “I do love what I do for a living — that’s why I’ve done it for so long. But you can’t love it all the time.”
For Lambert, getting away often means being around her beloved animals and riding horses. “It’s taking moments and also chasing hobbies, and like, doing other forms of art. I need to just sit down. I don’t paint. I’m terrible at it, but I should try. I ride horses and like, I love that, and it’s physical, and it’s good for your mind and spirit. So taking time to do those things is important.”
She also noted that she goes antiquing, saying, “I go to this place called Round Top in Texas twice a year and its just miles and miles — the biggest flea market ever … my friends Junk Gypsy, they’re a lifestyle brand and are the staple of this whole vibe and they have a bed and breakfast called the Wander Inn. We go around in golf carts and drink wine and buy old s–t. It’s heaven.”
Listen to Miranda Lambert chat with Bunnie XO on Dumb Blonde:
Legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle will perform at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday (Aug. 20) in Chicago at the United Center, the Kamala Harris campaign confirms to Billboard. The multiple-Grammy winner follows country singer Mickey Guyton and Americana artist Jason Isbell, who played the opening night (Aug. 19) of the four-day event. Longtime Democratic supporter and […]
Nicki Minaj still has some tricks up her sleeve in her Pink Friday 2 era. The superstar took to X on Tuesday (Aug. 20) to announce a deluxe version of her latest album, though she noted that she’s going to keep fans “posted” on the release date. “I love it so much. I’ll be performing […]
