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Nipsey Hussle‘s older Blacc Sam sat down with legendary radio personality Big Boy on his Off Air interview series.
In the recently published episode, they talked about a bunch of topics ranging from Sam and Nipsey’s childhood to the rapper’s untimely death that shook up the rap world. Toward the end of the interview, around the 1:07 mark, Blacc Sam opened up about the day his younger brother was killed in 2019. He remembered being optimistic that Nipsey would make it as they headed to the hospital but admitted to having his faith shaken when he ultimately passed. “Just couldn’t understand it. It was like the Twilight Zone after that,” he told Big Boy. “Everything I believed in — my faith was shattered.” Big then asked Blacc Sam if the murder was really as random as the public was led to believe, which prompted Sam to discuss the security protocol that was usually implemented whenever Nipsey visited his Marathon Clothing store.
“Somebody come to the shop, they know we in the doorway,” he said. “When Hussle pull up, we in the doorway. You’re gonna see me with a hoodie on and I got a pistol on me. You’re gonna see one of the team members in the hoodie in the doorway with a pistol. That’s protocol when Hussle pull up.
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“So, it’s Sunday. It’s busy in there. Why the n—a in there didn’t follow the protocol? I wasn’t there. Why they didn’t follow it? Maybe they was f—king around, helping a customer who was doing some f—king customer service. This is what I’m thinking, trying to transition into some legitimate, just selling clothes. But nobody was in the doorway. From my understanding ol’ boy walked up with no shirt on first to check the scene ‘cus he knows what’s going on in that parking lot,” he said. “Had a conversation, probably seen no one was in the doorway, checked Hussle had on shorts, checked everybody else, left. They say he came back with a red shirt on. Tip-toed through the alley, went right and started shooting.”
He continued: “So, to me that’s premeditated. Number one, there’s no red shirts in the hood. Can’t buy no red shirt, no liquor store sell no red shirt. Number two, when a n—a come through the alley with the red shirt, that’s the throw-off.”
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Nipsey’s death. His girlfriend at the time, Lauren London, paid tribute to the late rapper on Instagram, writing, “If you know me You know March is always tough for me 31 days of holding my breath,” she said. “This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024 Interesting…. considering your name #GodWillRise Energy never dies…. I love you. Eternal.”
Nipsey was recently in the news because he has a posthumous verse on Rakim’s first album in 15 years. The legendary MC talked about getting a Nipsey verse in an interview with Billboard last month.
You can watch the full Big Boy interview here.
Actor Haley Joel Osment reacted to being referenced on Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria,” and he believes K. Dot purposefully mixed him up with pastor Joel Osteen on the Drake diss. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Associated Press caught up with Osment at the Blink Twice premiere […]
When it comes to consistency and authenticity in hip-hop, Larry June has long been a standout figure. Over the course of 15 years, June has cultivated a sound that is unmistakably his own, one rooted in the laid-back vibes of the West Coast, but broad enough to resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Now, with the release of latest album Doing It for Me, out last Friday (Aug. 9), the San Francisco rapper is stepping into a new phase of his career — reflecting not only on his growth as an artist but also his evolution as a person, a journey that his fans can relate to.
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“I did a lot of collaborating on projects before, and everything was smooth, but I wanted to do this 100% my way,” he tells Billboard on the day of the project’s release. “I wanted it to be something I’d want to play when I’m in the whip, something that’s made for me to vibe to. And if people f–k with it, that’s even better.”
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June’s previous album, The Great Escape — a collaboration with legendary producer The Alchemist, also featuring appearances by Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, and Wiz Khalifa — peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard 200, and was hailed by fans and critics as a masterclass in West Coast rap. “Our chemistry, it’s easy,” June explains. “Alchemist brings me into a different world, lyrically. We’ve got a good friendship and bond, so it’s natural.”
Unlike his previous releases, Doing It for Me is a solo endeavor, and features no guest appearances. This was an intentional choice that June believes allowed him to fully express his artistic vision: While The Great Escape was a collaborative effort, Doing It for Me is all about June’s solo journey, boasting rich production with the classic funk influences that have become a staple of his sound.
“I’d say the only thing that sets [this project apart from others] is me taking a little more time with it, adding more to the production,” he says. “Other than that, it’s the same vibe. I talk about the same stuff, just making it better quality, adding better stitching here and there, and touches I didn’t care to add in previous projects. But inspiration-wise and lyrically, it’s the same.”
Below, Billboard speaks to Larry June about where he’s mentally at this career stage, manifesting a collab with The Neptunes, what fans can expect from a second project with Alchemist, and why he keeps creating.
This album showcases a lot of your personal growth. It’s like your perspective on life has changed over the years.
Yeah, for sure. I feel like people are just growing with me as I grow, and I talk about it and show it through visuals and stuff. It’s just growth, man, and I’m growing in a cool way. I’m very appreciative and just keep going.
So how do you stay motivated and find inspiration after all these years? What drives you to keep pushing boundaries or staying creative?This answer always changes for me because things change, but right now, I just love making music. It’s my outlet to free any anxiety I’m going through. I just love making music, so I do it for fun, put it out there. I can put projects together. And that’s what keeps me going. I’m not looking for high expectations, more often than not I’m just doing me. And whatever comes with it, comes with it.
You have a loyal fan base who supports you and is dedicated to all your releases. Do you have any memorable moments with your fans that really stick with you?
Yeah, when I was in New York at SOBs performing my first solo show, I looked in the crowd, and a dude had a NutriBullet asking me to sign it. So I signed it on stage. That was cool. He brought his smoothie machine to the show. That was hard. I’ve got some cool-ass fans, man. When I meet my fans, it doesn’t feel forced. It feels like I’ve known them for so long — it’s kind of weird, but in a good way.
Every artist has a certain kind of fanbase. Your fans seem educated, smart, but cool and laid-back.
I appreciate that. I think it’s because when I walk into a building or anywhere, I don’t rehearse this. I’m just myself — like I’m talking to my mom, my dad, or anybody. You’ll get the 100% me, so it’s easy. If you f–k with me, you do; if you don’t, you don’t. But I don’t give a fuck. I’m doing it for me. Not even being selfish, but — sometimes, you’ve got to do it for yourself. We only got one life to live, so do what makes you happy.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?
That I like natural spring water. I get it delivered to the crib, six cases. That’s all I drink, and it makes me feel a lot better. It’s called Alive Waters. They come to the crib and fill the tank with this natural water. You can’t have it in the sunlight, or it’ll grow algae and s–t. It’s real, no chemicals, nothing.
Are there any other creative endeavors you’re exploring right now outside of music?
I’ve been brainstorming. I want to come out with a blender or something like a juicer, kind of how George Foreman did his thing. I’ve been thinking about that, figuring out the best way to do it. I want to get the best products and everything, so I’m looking into that. I think it’d be dope.
Your previous album The Great Escape with Alchemist got a ton of praise. I saw a clip recently where you mentioned you have another project with Alchemist on the way. Can you give us a hint about what to expect from that?
It’s gonna feel like The Great Escape Part 2. We’re still escaping, so it’s gonna be another sequel to the movie. The vibe won’t change; it’s just a continuation.
Is there anyone else you can see yourself wanting to do a collab project with?
I’d like to do something with the Neptunes — that’d be dope. I haven’t really thought too deeply about it, but that’d be crazy. I’m always down for more with Curren$y, too. We can do this in our sleep.
SZA keeps her fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in music, but there are even times the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is blown away by her peers.
Solána came across a video of Sabrina Carpenter’s cover of Jazmine Sullivan’s “In Love With Another Man” over the weekend, and SZA gushed over Carpenter’s dulcet vocals while playing the piano.
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“Wait huh !??????? Am I crazy for not know she got down like this,” SZA wrote while in shock after coming across the viral clip in an Instagram comment.
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Fans from both sides loved seeing the heartwarming interaction between the stars, and chimed in about hoping to see them collaborate down the line.
“I love how sza supports the true talent girlies,” one person replied.
Another added: “Imagine a SZA x sabrina collab tho omg?”
One more sang Sabrina’s praised: “Wait cause i ain’t know she got down like that either chi OUU SHES TAKING IT I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO STAN.”
“In Love With Another Man” hails from Jazmine Sullivan’s 2008 debut album Fearless.
The 25-year-old will have the chance to show off her vocal range on her upcoming Short n’ Sweet album, which arrives on Aug. 23. In the weeks leading up to the project, Carpenter continues to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 with “Espresso” (No. 4) and “Please, Please, Please” (No. 9) remaining in the top 10.
Sabrina is slated to hit the road in September as part of an arena tour supporting the LP. The North American trek kicks off in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 23 and will make stops in Toronto, Detroit, NYC, Philly, Montreal, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Los Angeles and other cities.
Carpenter served as a headliner at San Francisco’s Outside Lands 2024 on Saturday (Aug. 10), where she surprised festivalgoers by bringing out Kacey Musgraves for a performance of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 Hot 100 No. 1 “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
As for SZA, she announced earlier in August that she’s stepping away from the stage for the foreseeable future. The announcement came after she headlined Montreal’s Osheaga Festival on Aug. 5.
“Yesterday was my last show for a while,” SZA wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.”
Snoop Dogg did it all while serving as a special NBC correspondent during the just-concluded Paris Summer Olympics. And just as the closing ceremonies were about to kick off and pass the torch to the next host city, Los Angeles, the Doggfather checked one more bucket list item off his list: rubbing shoulders with the […]
With the newly released version of ATEEZ’s No. 1 single “Work” poised to make crossover impact for the K-pop group via the all-English remix featuring G-Eazy, the rapper’s verses have also sparked speculation among fans online that he used the track to take a jab at his ex-girlfriend, Halsey.
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Released Friday, Aug. 9, the “Part 4” remix of “Work,” which topped World Digital Song Sales in June for ATEEZ’s first chart-topper on the ranking, features G-Eazy delivering a verse that has fans talking: “Actin’ innocent, no, it’s not your first time/We’re far away if Libra is her sign/ Oof, danger, danger (Danger, danger)/Don’t be a stranger (Don’t be a stranger)/ She said no one can save her.”
This particular line has drawn attention due to Halsey’s Sept. 29 birthday, making her a Libra and leading to widespread speculation that the lyrics could be a thinly veiled reference to his experiences and their past relationship. The stars were in a highly publicized relationship from 2017 to 2018 before an abrupt breakup in July 2018. While neither has spoken up directly about what ended their time together, both artists have released music that fans believe alludes to their breakup. Halsey has also previously mentioned being in an “abusive relationship,” though she has never explicitly confirmed if G-Eazy was involved.
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After the collaboration’s release, one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote that they “got weirded out when he sings that [because] I immediately remember Halsey…this is ATEEZ’s song why tf did u make it about u.” One X user added, “A collab of all things to make a little diss at your ex,” with another saying, “G-Eazy shading Halsey in a K-pop collab…this was not on my bingo list AT ALL.”
As some fans have noted, the particular lyrics in G-Eazy’s verse stand out against the backdrop of ATEEZ’s original message in “Work,” which is about focusing in on pushing toward your goals and achieving success. One fan on X wrote, “We’re talking about clocking in and he’s over here harassing his ex.”
Indeed, the K-pop group sings about the hustle in lines like, “I like to party when it’s a party/That’s payin’ me to pull up” and the addictive chorus of “Gotta work, gotta work / Gotta make that money, make purse.” G-Eazy later adds, “Work, flex, work, flex, always in the lab/ How I earn checks/ Hundred thousand dollars for a verse, yes/Wouldn’t lift a finger if it were less.”
The collaboration comes after ATEEZ’s established admiration for Halsey. The K-pop group’s fans, known as ANTINY, know the members frequently share music recommendations: Both Wooyoung and Jongho have shared their fondness for “Boy With Luv,” her hit collaboration with BTS, Yeosang has recommended Halsey’s chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 hit “Closer” with The Chainsmokers to fans. Mingi has also praised G-Eazy’s work, notably his Hot 100 hit “Me, Myself & I” featuring Bebe Rexha, and previously recommended Calvin Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 album, where Halsey features on two tracks.
Representatives for G-Eazy nor ATEEZ did not return Billboard‘s request for comment at press time.
Even if the potential diss has dominated most of the conversation, it’s important to recognize the latest steps in ATEEZ’s barrier-breaking 2024 that includes multiple “Work” remixes, being named an “Up Next” star in Variety’s Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the ongoing [Towards the Light : Will to Power] in North America arena and stadium tour that just took over New York’s CitiField on Saturday, Aug. 2. This year has also been momentous for G-Eazy with the June 21 release of his seventh studio album, Freak Show, marking his first full-length project in nearly three years, which precedes a world tour hitting North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand through this and next year.
Listen to Part 4 of ATEEZ’s “Work” with G-Eazy below:
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TikTok user @lockerblocker20 recently came across a treasure trove of Ye merch during a livestream. They found boxes of everything ranging from performance costumes to Yeezy design notes to recording equipment. The latter of which caught the attention to former Ye collaborator Mike Dean. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts […]
When an Italian soccer club was staring down bankruptcy, an unlikely hero showed up at Venezia FC’s doorstep ready to lace up his shinguards.
According to GQ Italia, Drake played an integral role in helping raise $40 million for the Venice soccer club to stay afloat in Serie A. The franchise was looking at filing for bankruptcy heading into the 2023-2024 season and possibly being demoted to the lowest Serie D with a poor performance.
“I got a call from Brad Katsuyama, co-owner of Venezia and a good friend of mine,” said Drake’s CBO Matte Babel, who also works in management. “He laid out the problem to me in a simple way: Venezia has to raise €10 million in a couple of weeks, and then at least €30 million in a few months, or the club will go bankrupt.”
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Babel gave Drake a call and the ball was immediately rolling to help Venezia FC get back on its feet. It only took two weeks to raise the money needed to hang up the phone on bankruptcy thanks to Drake and his team mobilizing efforts. Billboard has reached out to Drake’s reps for comment.
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“Venice is an incredible city and Venezia has always been a special club. I spoke to Drake, then Brad and I discussed the details of how we could help. Within two weeks we had a deal, raised the money needed to pay the salaries and avoid bankruptcy.”
GQ Italia continues to report that the $40 million came from a group of North American investors and heavily credited the 6 God’s involvement. The new ownership crew formed an Operating Committee to “oversee the strategic direction of the club.”
“Matte was my first call when I knew the club needed help,” Katsuyama said. “Drake’s value to any football club is undeniable, given his scale as a global superstar and the reach of his brand. This intersection of culture and sport is exactly where we want to be, and the chance to collaborate with a brand like NOCTA, who is moving along the same lines, is incredibly valuable.”
Venezia FC also struck an apparel partnership deal with Drake’s Nocta line, who help design their new uniforms. The club has made a €315 investment into building a new stadium, indoor arena with state-of-the-art facilities, which the team hopes to open in Venice for the start of the 2027 season.
Latto made her return on Friday (Aug. 9) to serve up her anticipated Sugar Honey Iced Tea album. The 25-year-old’s fiery LP closer “S/O to Me” generated chatter among fans online as she sniped at potential targets with her lyrical barbs.
Apple Music’s Ebro Darden saw Latto trying to get into her “Jay-Z bag” while others thought “S/O to Me” was inspired by something in the vein of Drake’s famed timestamp series.
As far as Latto’s rhymes go, over smooth Saint Mino production, fans believe she took more shots at Ice Spice ,as it doesn’t look like this feud is stopping anytime soon.
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“Bye sis, funny thing about it, you can’t look me in my eye, sis,” she raps in an apparent jab at Ice using her government name, while later spewing: “Ice is just water when it melts/ Wipe you down, I got plenty towels on the shelf, it’s easy.”
Another bar that could be a stretch when related to Ice ties in the name of her 2022 “Karma” collaboration with Taylor Swift. “Karma will deal with you, though, I promise, your judgment awaits,” Latto ominously spews.
In another lyric, Latto raps, “You fighting for radio play, he fighting a government case,” which some took as a Nicki Minaj diss. Minaj has voiced her frustration with a lack of radio support and her husband, Kenneth Petty, is still dealing with the ramifications of a 1994 sexual assault case.
A fan wrote to X after hearing the menacing track: “Latto is at it again coming for the rap girls. Wordplay on Ice Spice name and another sub for her and Nicki. Latto takes me out she don’t care!”
However, Latto told Ebro Darden on Apple Music that she’s “exhausted” by the rap feuds she’s been entrenched in. “I’m exhausted. For real, I’m so over the beef. I’m gonna put this out there, Latto don’t got no problems with nobody,” she said.
When Ebro named some of the aforementioned lyrics that could be taken as shots at Ice Spice, Latto said she doesn’t look at the jabs as real “beef.” “That’s not beef though, that’s art to me. I think art is up for interpretation and that’s the beauty of it,” Latto added.
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Ice Spice addressed the rumored feud in her Rolling Stone cover story, but she didn’t think there was any real static between Latto and herself. “I feel like if we ever spoke and I asked her, ‘What’s the issue?’ it’d be like a blank stare,” she stated. “It’d really be no issue whatsoever. Especially from me. I can understand a friendly competition, but I just feel like at this point it’s a joke that she’s just dragged out, and it’s just not even funny.”
Latto said she didn’t think Ice Spice was the kind of rapper who would want to engage in a rap battle that involved them exchanging full diss tracks. “If I was to do [a battle], it would have to be with somebody I feel like Imma go tit for tat with,” Latto told Billboard in her July cover story. “I really don’t mean it as shade. Would she even want to do that?”
Listen to “S/O to Me” below.
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Lil Pump — who has supported Donald Trump since 2020 and has a tattoo of the former president’s mugshot on one of his thighs — has promised to leave the country if Kamala Harris wins the presidential election.
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The Miami rapper recently gave his fans the news in a video shot in his car. “I swear on my dad’s grave, if this stupid-a– bi— Kamala Harris wins the f—ing election, I’m moving out of America, boy,” he said. “I swear on everything.”
He then claimed on X that he’s going to perform a diss track aimed at both President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris during Trump’s next rally. “I will be performing the joe Biden kamal Harris diss track at the next trump rally,” he tweeted.
I will be performing the joe Biden kamal Harris diss track at the next trump rally— Lil Pump (@lilpump) August 9, 2024
After Harris was announced as the hopeful replacement for President Biden as the Democratic nominee, Pump took to X and to voice his displeasure, tweeting, “Kamala Harris isn’t even black… she’s Indian. She locked up over 1,500 people for weed related crimes and then laughed about it years later. The worst VP in American History. Trump 2024”
If you remember, back in 2020 during a rally, the former president introduced Lil Pump as “Lil Pimp.”
“Speaking of sound, music and other things, one of the big superstars of the world, Little Pimp,” he said. “There he is! How’s it going? Do you want to come up and say something?”
When Pump got onstage, he told the crowd, “I came here to say, Mr. President, I appreciate everything you’ve done for our country. You brought the troops home and you’re doing the right thing. MAGA 20, 20, 20. Don’t forget that! Don’t forget that. And do not vote for Sleepy Joe at all!”