R&B/Hip-Hop
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“Hello Miss Johnson,” Jack Harlow’s calling. The rapper unveiled his latest single on Thursday (Nov. 21), and dropped an accompanying video that all plays out on security footage. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The clip, which presents itself via CCTV on Harlow’s love interest’s home in […]
AJ Tracey and Pozer, two of U.K. rap’s most in-demand names, have joined forces on new single “Heaterz.” Released via west London rapper AJ’s own label, Revenge Records, the track samples “Gunshot Riddim” by pioneering grime producer Ironsoul. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “Heaterz” forms part […]
Snoop Dogg’s Missionary album is on the horizon, and the Doggfather alongside Dr. Dre dropped off the second single from the LP on Thursday (Nov. 21) with “Outta Da Blue.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Snoop and Dre turn back the clock to trade bars over the […]
You might recall that Future and Metro Boomin‘s hit two-fer We Don’t Trust You and it’s sequel album, We Still Don’t Trust You, were larded with shots at Drake. Not only from the two stars whose names were on the cover, but also from The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar. At the time, the barrage of disses were a head-scratcher to some, since Drizzy had worked with all parties in the past, even if some of those relationships had sometimes run hot and cold.
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Now, according to a series of tweets from hip-hop journalist Elliott Wilson of pages from the new Men of the Year issue of GQ in which Hitmakers of the Year Future and Metro Boomin dig into the origins of their beef with Drake, the heart of the matter was personal, not professional.
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“Me and [Drake], we had a personal issue, and for the record, not over no girl or nothing silly like that,” Metro told GQ senior editor Frazier Tharpe about the war of words sparked by the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 Kendrick Lamar-featuring song he produced for the first Trust You volume, “Like That”; that track was a response to the 2023 Drake/J. Cole song “First Person Shooter.”
“It was a personal issue that really hurt me and disappointed me,” Boomin’ said, without specifying what he was referring to. “But if you take all the rap entertainment out of it, it’s like, have you ever been real cool with somebody, and y’all fell out over something? It happens every day. It’s just regular s–t. This just happens to have an audience.”
As for chatter that Boomin’ cooked up his two-album set with Future with the explicit aim of dumping on Drake, the producer/songwriter said that was “for sure” nonsense. “People really think we sat for two years, making two albums [to be] like, Yo, f–k this dude. What kind of s-t is that?,” Boomin, 31, said. “You really think we are going to spend that much time, effort, resources on just trying to get at somebody on an album? Blowing budgets on two albums—going over budget? That’s some serious hate. Neither one of us rock like that.”
Though the albums kicked up a lot of dust and attention, Boomin told the magazine that he did have some regrets about how he handled the issue online in a series of tweets attacking Drake in response to Drizzy firing back with his own Metro/Lamar diss tracks, “Push Ups” and “Family Matters.”
“Now I did have my moment online, which I do regret. I should have been stronger than that. That was out of character for me,” Boomin said. “But at a certain point, it’s like, I don’t rap, bro, so you’re going to just s–t on me on all of these songs […] I’m not going to get in the booth, so I’m finna tweet at you.”
While Boomin was willing to open up about his feelings about the feud, Future was more circumspect, saying, “There was a beef?… I didn’t even know there was a beef. I didn’t even know they had nothing going on. I ain’t never participated in rap battles, man.”
Despite his seemingly joking response, Future did wonder why no one asked him if he was upset at being left out of the “Big Three” list on “First Person Shooter,” on which Cole claimed he, Drake and Lamar are the undisputed top tier of modern hip-hip.
“I’m supposed to be the one who gets mad; I’m still confused about that,” Future told GQ, according to Wilson’s posts. “Nobody cares what I think. That’s what was so f–ked up about the s–t. To the point where I’m so player that I ain’t even said anything to the public about how I feel about it. Like, why is everybody mad when he was talking about me on my song? So y’all just forgot about me, I ain’t part of this Big Three, I’m nobody on my song, man.”
At press time a spokesperson for GQ had not responded to Billboard‘s request for confirmation of the quotes posted by Wilson.
Last month, in a tweet from jail, Young Thug called for peace between Drake, Future and Metro. “@Drake @1future @MetroBoomin we all bruddas. Music aint the same without us collabin,” wrote the MC who was released from jail after cutting a plea deal in his long running YSL RICO case in Georgia.
Allow Snoop Dogg to be the soundtrack to your Black Friday shopping spree. The West Coast icon is set to close out season three of Amazon’s Amazon Music Live series with a career-spanning performance on Black Friday (Nov. 29).
Following the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders Black Friday Football game on Amazon Prime Video, Snoop will take the stage at 7 p.m. ET.
As a lover of both the NFL and hip-hop, it’s only fitting Snoop is closing out season three. The Doggfather’s performance will be live-streamed on Prime Video as well as Twitch.
The Death Row legend is slated to run through classics from his decorated catalog and give fans a taste of his upcoming joint album with Dr. Dre titled Missionary. Snoop follows in the footsteps of previous AML performers such as Big Sean and Jelly Roll this season. Girl group TWICE is set to perform on Thursday (Nov. 21), and will be the first K-pop group to take the Amazon Music Live stage.
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Before Missionary hits streaming services on Dec. 13, Snoop and Dre gave fans a sneak peek of the LP during a live episode of Drink Champs at ComplexCon in Las Vegas over the weekend.
The early returns saw the project draw rave reviews, as LeBron James, Jamie Foxx, Travis Kelce, Tony Yayo, Russ and more celebrities gave Snoop Dogg his flowers in his IG comment section.
Missionary marks the reuniting of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on a full-length project for the first time since Snoop’s 1993 Doggystyle debut album. The hitmakers have kept details of the LP on the low, but some special guests expected to appear on the album include Sting and Jelly Roll.
Jelly Roll raved about landing the collaboration in an October interview with Bootleg Kev, during which he confirmed his cameo.
“I won’t say anything about the record because he didn’t, but man, it’s special. It is really good,” he said. “I’m legitimately on the Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre album. It’s crazy. It’s unreal. Dude, Jimmy [Iovine] hits John [presumably Jelly Roll’s manager John Meneilly] and says, ‘Can we get on a FaceTime with Jelly Roll and Dre?’ I’m like, ‘Dr. Dre?’ I get on a FaceTime from my back porch. I’m like a kid. Jimmy’s there and I’m already like, ‘I cannot believe it’s Jimmy Iovine.’”
This article was created in partnership with White Claw®.
White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard is a premier event series that celebrates music, creativity, and social connection. On Monday night, this free experience touched down in LA, delivering electrifying performances from some of today’s most exciting acts. Fans were invited to bring themselves and their crew out to enjoy an evening of musical sets from New York rapper FERG, West Coast rapper Larry June, and DJ/producer Zeemuffin.
The evening kicked off with an intimate discussion with FERG, bringing his VIP fans closer to the multihyphenate. FERG gave insights into his storied career, ranging from stories behind his new album DAROLD to his fashion journey, in conversation with Billboard host Tetris Kelly.
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When asked about the legacy he wants to leave behind, FERG enlightened fans: “If I can do anything, it’s to inspire the next generation, or somebody, to want to do better for themselves, you know what I’m saying?” he shared, “And do better for humanity. Figure out your purpose, figure out your ‘why.’ Why are we here? Why are we doing what we do?”
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In addition to the exclusive Q&A, White Claw surprised a select group of superfans, who arrived at Sessions first in line, with a meet and greet and photo op with FERG.
Ferg shares insights into his career and new music at White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard in Los Angeles.
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The party continued as doors opened, filling the room with excitement as concert goers grabbed their favorite White Claw® beverages and got ready for a night of fun and music Anticipation was high as the crowd waited for the show to begin, knowing that they would be some of the first to hear songs from FERG’s new album DAROLD live. Zeemuffin warmed up the crowd with today’s biggest hip-hop hits as fans enjoyed drinks, dancing, photos and merchandise to commemorate the night. Larry June followed her set with an energetic performance that got his fellow Californians moving, showing off his dance moves to hits including “Clocked In.”
FERG closed out the night with a set balancing tracks from his new album DAROLD with earlier fan favorites. He opened the set to the explosive new track “Thought I Was Dead,” following it with other star-studded DAROLD selects including “French Tips” featuring Coco Jones and “Demons” with Denzel Curry. Despite the fact that DAROLD had dropped less than two weeks before the event, many fans knew the words and rapped along. “Now last but not least, you know I can’t leave this place without doing this one song that I got,” teased FERG as he approached the end of his set, “What song y’all think I’m finna do?” After the crowd chanted in response, the headliner gave fans one last performance of his biggest song to date: “Plain Jane.”
From can’t-miss shows and fly away festival experiences to partnerships with top charting artists and exclusive fan giveaways, White Claw® is no stranger to the music space. The White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard will continue to bring fans closer to the music they love throughout 2024. Don’t miss your opportunity to Grab Life By The Claw: make sure you’re signed up to be notified about all-access gigs, epic drops, everyday thrills, and community vibes. For you and your crew.
See more from White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard with FERG, Larry June and Zeemuffin.
DJ/producer Zeemuffin got the celebration started at the White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard in Los Angeles.
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White Claw surprised a select group of superfans with a meet and greet and photo op with FERG.
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Larry June performed his biggest hits at White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard in Los Angeles.
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Fans enjoyed their favorite White Claw® beverages at White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard in Los Angeles.
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FERG shared songs from his new album ‘DAROLD’ onstage at White Claw® Sessions Powered by Billboard in Los Angeles.
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Travis Scott will be making his return to Coachella. The Houston rap star confirmed Wednesday (Nov. 20) — after rumors circulated online — that he’ll be heading to Indio, California, to perform at Coachella in 2025 and he’s appearing to tease some new music. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
As TDE continues to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Compton record label has announced their 11th annual Christmas concert, toy drive, and community giveback. SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, SiR, Ab-Soul, Ray Vaughn, Zacari and Kal Banx are all set to perform alongside special guests. Prior special guests have included the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Big Sean, and A$AP Ferg, so you wouldn’t want to miss out if you’re in town.
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The event consists of two days.
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First, on Thursday, Dec. 12, there will be a concert and toy drive and then, on Friday, Dec. 13, family friendly activities, a raffle with gift giveaways, and a job fair that offers employment on site, and are aligned with creating reentry pathways for ex-offenders. They’ll also be giving away free haircuts and family holiday photos like you used to get at the local department store. If you want to get into the concert, fans can gain entry by bringing unwrapped toys, new clothes/shoes, or other donations.
TDE CHRISTMAS
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The two-day event presented by TDE’s charity Top Dawg Love the Kids, has become a holiday tradition for Nickerson Garden residents in the Watts neighborhood and surrounding LA communities.
TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and TDE rapper Jay Rock both grew up in the Nickerson Garden Housing Projects and this is a way for them to give back to the community that helped shape them into the successful men they are today.
Gates open for the concert on Dec. 12 at 11:00 a.m. PST and Community Giveback on Dec. 13 will be from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST. Both will be located at 11251 Compton Ave. Los Angeles, C.A. 90059.
Trey Songz, Omarion and Bow Wow, along with special guest Rick Ross, are among the performers slated for The Millennium Tour 2025. Launching March 7 in Louisville, Kentucky, the tour’s artist lineup also includes Plies, Boosie, Ying Yang Twins, Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, Pleasure P and Nivea.
Concurrently, it was also announced Wednesday (Nov. 20) that Bow Wow has signed with Day After Day Productions (DADP) for worldwide touring representation. With nearly 25 years in entertainment, the rapper joins an agency roster whose clients include Bobby Brown, Lil’ Kim and Teddy Riley.
The Millennium Tour 2025 is being produced and promoted by The Black Promoters Collective (BPC). It’s the organization’s latest edition of its successful Millennium Tour franchise. In the release announcement, BPC CEO Gary Guidry said, “We’re happy to bring The Millennium Tour 2025 to life, building on the energy and nostalgia our fans love while pushing the boundaries of live entertainment.” In addition to Louisville, KY, the tour will make stops in Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Brooklyn, Atlanta, Chicago and Las Vegas before wrapping in Los Angeles on April 27.
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Regarding Bow Wow’s aforementioned signing announcement, Day After Day Productions founder/CEO Seth Shomes stated, “Bow Wow’s undeniable talent and charisma make him a perfect fit for Day After Day and the passion we have for our clients. We’re honored to represent him and build upon his unique ability to create unforgettable live experiences for his fans around the world.” Added Bow Wow, “My team and I are excited to partner with Seth and the whole DADP team, our visions aligned from day one and I look forward to our continued growth.”
Ticket presales for The Millennium Tour 2025 begin Nov. 21; sales to the general public start on Nov. 22. The complete tour schedule, ticket sales and additional information can be found here.
Snoop Dogg stayed neutral during the rap battle that popped off earlier this year between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. However, he’s a big fan of the latter’s knockout blow “Not Like Us.”
Sitting alongside Dr. Dre during a recent sitdown with Drink Champs in Vegas at ComplexCon, Snoop said Kendrick’s anthem united not only West Coast rappers, but also rival gangs.
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“Let me tell you what that record did do. It unified the West,” he said. “So, it may have been disrespectful, but it’s hip-hop, so it’s part of hip-hop. I chose no sides because I have no individual cause. That’s a grown man going against a grown man. But what it did do was unite the West, and make everybody out here start looking at each other like how much love we got for each other.”
He added, “The Bloods had a peace treaty. You had certain Crip gangs that came together and became real friends as opposed to being enemies. So, that record did a lot for us on the West as far as uniting, so we should speak on that.”
He said something similar after Kendrick’s Pop Out concert in June. “Sending a big shout-out to K. Dot and all the homies in the West that stood together, unified, organized in peace, love,” he said in a video as he was in Canada. “That was beautiful, that was fun to watch. Beautiful to see all my peoples come together. And K. Dot, you are the King of the West. That’s the kind of sh—t kings do, we unite, bring people together.”
Snoop was inadvertently included in the battle early on when Drake decided to release “Taylor Made Freestyle” featuring A.I. versions of Snoop and 2Pac‘s voices in order to get a response out of Kendrick. That plan backfired, though, as the Tupac Shakur estate threatened to sue, forcing the Toronto rapper to take the song down.
The West Coast legend had a funny response once he got wind of the diss track, posting a video on social media of himself asking questions and being confused. “They did what? When? How? Are you sure? Y’all have a good night,” he said. “Why everybody calling my phone, blowing me up? What the f—k? What happened? What’s going on? I’m going back to bed. Good night.”
Snoop and Dre have been working together once again and are releasing an album soon. Missionary will hit shelves on Dec. 13.