As Rolling Loud Miami came and went, fans got to enjoy a host of performances by over 100 of hip hop’s best acts. Likewise, there were those unable to take part for various reasons. Notably, Lil Durk did not perform due to his recent hospitalization for dehydration. Likewise, Sheff G did not take part but due to his recent legal troubles. The troubled-but-talented Brooklyn native was to make his much-awaited return at Rolling Loud Miami after serving nearly two years behind bars for gun possession. However, the “We Getting Money” rapper got himself in hot water after he and close friend Sleepy Hallow were part of a large-scale gang indictment.
Winners Circle Entertainment/ Sleepy Hallow – Rolling Loud Miami 2021 (Show Recap)/Youtube
As for Sheff G in particular, the indictment accuses him of offering up money and expensive jewelry in exchange for the commission of violent acts. In one alleged incident, Sheff G organized a crew of three shooters, drove them to a crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.
“Sheff G became a prominent member of this gang and became central to our investigation,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Sheff G used a lot of the money that he earned to facilitate further gang activity. He encouraged gang members to participate in violent crimes.”
Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G on The Phone
While Sleepy Hallow was able to bail out and make his Rolling Loud dates, the latest charges were a major setback for Sheff G who was initially scheduled to be released sometime in June and had teased his return to the stage at Rolling Loud. In light of his close friend’s circumstances, Sleepy Hallow bridged the gap between Sheff G and the fans by putting the incarcerated rapper on the phone, to much fanfare from the crowd.
In the short clip, Sheff G gets the Rolling Loud crowd amped by telling them to “turn the f**ck up.” With the drill scene’s recent stagnation Sheff G’s presence woud’ve been a major boost for New York hip hop. The Brooklynite is one of the most talented young rappers from the new-age and is one of the key figures that helped spark the drill scene in New York.
Nas continues his prolific run with his 16th studio album, Magic 2. Since the release of Nasir in 2018 — his first under his Mass Appeal label — the legendary rapper has been on a resurgent run. That’s to say nothing of Nas’ status within hip hop. However, the last few years have seen the fabled rapper get the mainstream acknowledgment his career deserves, winning his first grammy-award in 2021 for King’s Disease.
Magic 2 is Nas’ 5th collaborative project with Hit-Boy in the last 3 years
Magic 2: Nas and Hit-Boy Continue to Create
In like manner, Magic 2 sees Nas’ continue his career victory lap. The 11-track album is another collaborative effort with now-frequent cohort Hit-Boy. This latest release is the duo’s fifth combined effort in the last 3 years, beginning with King’s Disease. Short and succinct, the album’s only two features — 50 Cent and 21 Savage — showcase Nas’ range in the current hip hop landscape.
Notably, burying the hatchet with a former rival and fellow Queens native in 50 Cent on “Office Hours.” The two rap legends last worked together in 2002, with Nas featuring on two songs on 50 Cent’s mixtape Guess Who’s Back? In like manner, Nas exchanges bars with one of contemporary rap’s hottest stars in 21 Savage on the album outro “One Mic, One Gun.” In effect demonstrating the versatility in cadences and flows during this latest Hit-Boy run.
All in all, the grammy-winning producer has been instrumental in Nas fortifying his legacy. Despite his icon status and classic albums, the Queensbridge native has maintained a reputation for not picking the best beats. Together with Hit-Boy Nas has gone a long way towards shedding the skin of being another older rapper. With a healthy mix of contemporary sounds and boom bap records Magic 2 sees Nas and Hit-Boy continue to create more well… Magic.
Benny The Butcher‘s Black Soprano Family imprint continues to flood the streets. This time, Buffalo native Rick Hyde takes aim with his latest single “Streets Ain’t The Same” in anticipation of his new album, LUPARA. Featuring Benny The Butcher and El Camino on the chorus, the record sees Rick & Benny go-back-and forth while recounting their rise and grind as hustlers. “‘Streets Ain’t The Same’ is self-explanatory in a sense,” explains Rick Hyde. “After the trials and tribulations and losses, it’s just difficult for things to return to normalcy. That’s where we were at on this record,” he continues. “I asked Benny to go back and forth with me and he agreed. We just started speaking our perspectives, no pens, or paper, just pure lyricism. That’s the joy of this record. Long live DJ Shay!”
Slated for an August 4 release, LUPARA will be Rick Hyde’s second BSF project. His 2021 debut, Plates 2, featured a mix of contemporary stars and underground legends the likes of Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, A$AP Ferg, G Herbo, Meyhem Lauren and Skyzoo with production from The Alchemist, Harry Fraud, Daringer and the late DJ Shay. Quickly following that up with 2022’s STIMA, Rick Hyde now prepares for the release of his third project in as many years.
Meanwhile, LUPARA will continue the run of a Black Soprano Family release every month of 2023. All in all, Benny and the BSF team continue to make their names heard. In like manner Head Honcho and Griselda mainstay Benny The Butcher continues to take helm of his own label imprint. Much like the blueprint set by Griselda, Benny’s artists are all of a similar street ilk, making for seamless transition into the BSF fold sonically, with Benny featuring in many of his artists songs and projects.
After teasing their return at Pharell’s Louis Vuitton Fashion Show, legendary rap brothers Pusha T and No Malice — known as Clipse — will continue their resurgence with a headlining performance at Genius’ IQ/BBQ. Presented in partnership with Infiniti, Paco Rabanne, Patron El Alto, and Paramount+ with Showtime’s The Chi, the all-day event takes place on August 19 at Knockdown Center in Queens, N.Y., and will feature live performances from some of the hottest names in hip-hop, including the platinum-selling duo.
In addition to the show, IQ/BBQ will feature experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop from Paco Rabanne 1M, an art installation from Infinity featuring the new QX60, a VIP “Genius Lounge” presented by Patrón El Alto, and a Rap Cafeteriafilled with lyric-inspired dishes from local NYC food vendors – presented by Showtime Original Series, The Chi.
Clipse Making a Comeback
With this performance, The Clipse continue their teased reunion. After previewing their first joint-record in 14 years the Virginia-bred brothers have garnered fans attention with the teased record. Their last collab was the outro to Pusha T’s most recent album It’s Almost Dry, titled “I Pray for You.”
Moreover, since their days as The Clipse, the duo have been part of some of hip hop’s most iconic records. Notably, records like “Grindin’,” “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy.” Since their last album — 2009’s Til The Casket Drops — Pusha T has embarked on a successful solo career that has resulted in several Grammy nominations and recognition as one of the best rappers ever. Meanwhile, No Malice left the music industry to become a pastor making sporadic feature appearances since, including an album cut on Ye’s 2019 release Jesus Is King.
Tickets for the Genius IQ/BBQ are free and are now available at dice.fm, while the event maintains a 21+ age restriction.
In a year where hip hop is on a commercial downturn, it’s nice to see an essential part of the culture remains. This latest edition of rap beef kicked-off with Jim Jones challenging Pusha T’s validity among rap’s royalty on various hip hop platforms. However, it wasn’t Jones’ opinion on Pusha T that sparked the brouhaha, but rather his determined effort to make it seem like Pusha had little to no cultural relevance. With Jones saying, “Nobody has dressed like him. Nobody wants to be like Pusha T. I don’t remember nothing.”
Jim Jones vs Pusha T is hip hop’s latest beef
In turn, Pusha T’s expectedly cunning response created a moment on social media. In sinister tone and fashion, Push gave his reply at the Louis Vuitton fashion show, where record producer — and longtime Pusha T cohort — Pharell Williams debuted his collection as men’s creative director. With this intention, Pusha and his brother, No Malice, who make up Clipse, walked the runway in the show as their new track played. With the fabled duo sharing their first collaboration in 14 years.
Pusha T & Malice walking the LV runway for Pharrell’s new menswear collection to their new (rebuttal) track is a monumental moment. pic.twitter.com/MHPSf2utrb
Although the diss-record was previewed inconspicuously, the public pieced together the Jim Jones disses within the track. Addressing Jones’ comments, Push raps, “beware of my name, that there’s delegate/ You know I know where you’re delicate/ Crush you to pieces, I’ll hum a breath of it…I’m watching your fame escape relevance/ We all in a room but here’s the elephant/ You chasing a feature out of your element.”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vFSAG90jYZo
By the same token, Push continuously attacks Jim for his own public financial troubles, while reminding of his own mercurial standing within his circle.
“And those lab diamonds under inspection/ The question marks block your blessings/ It’s no tombstones in the desert/ I know by now you get the message,” he goes on to say.
All in all, it was a masterful move by Push to withhold his reply until the time was right. Despite Jim Jones’ assertion that Pusha T held little relevance musically, here he is walking in a fashion show for one of the world’s preeminent brands to his own record, while A-list stars like Jay-Z and Beyoncé were seen boppin’ to the song in the crowd. Jones gave an instant reply on social media, although his perceived carefree attitude did little to sway fans, Jones needed to reply with bars and couldn’t finesse his way out of this one.
Bomb First, Jim Jones Replies
To Jim Jones’ credit, he did reply, albeit with a stellar yet not quite up-to-snuff effort when compared to his adversary. His “Summer Collection, From The Block” video performance saw the Dipset rapper try his hand at Pusha T’s beat. Altogether, Jim held his own with his brand of witty wordplay and street tales, however his flow and presence on the record failed to match Pusha T’s output. That is to say nothing of Jim’s own lyrical expertise as he had his own ammo for Push. Namely, attacking his street cred and claiming that he knew little of the drug dealing he rapped about and for his association with Ye, who helped Pusha launch his solo career on his Good Music label. But nonetheless, it seemed a mistake to rap over a beat that was curated specifically for Pusha and No Malice.
“These two roach niggas don’t know what to do in no raid/ Kanye gave you whips, but that’s what they do to the slaves/ you tryna act bad, but we ain’t doin’ charades/ I really have bombs on the block just like I threw a grenade.”
Jim Jones might have felt similar sentiments as he continued to hop on airwaves and diminish Pusha’s efforts. The one they call Capo phoned in to the Joe Budden Podcast and share more colorful sentiments about this battle. Namely, called Pusha T’s diss-track “cute” and claimed that things might get violent if Pusha goes to similar extents as he did in his beef with Drake. With Capo hilariously quipping “whose going to spin the block for him, Pharrell?”
What Comes Next?
Hopefully more music. Although with Push leading the vote in public opinion, Jim may need to double-down on his attacks to get ahead of things, but would he want to poke to proverbial bear? As things stand, what else can Jim Jones say as it relates to Pusha T? Despite his best efforts, the “Diet Coke” MC remains in the upper echelon of rappers. Altogether, Push has tallied an impressive resume, with platinum-selling albums as a member of the Clipse and as a solo artist. His last two albums, 2018’s DAYTONA and 2022’s It’s Almost Dry got him Grammy nominations and he is still one of the only artists that can snag a Jay – Z feature.
All things considered, Jims’s best bet is to throw a few haymakers and hope his witty-ness is able to catch the public’s ears, basically play the social media battle. Pusha T, meanwhile, seems to be more patient and isn’t as keen to respond through the media. After all, he knows he has the advantage lyrically. Moreover, his abrupt releases and ability to find his opponents hidden skeletons seems to leave foes on edge.
As hip hop’s 50th anniversary nears (August 11, 1973), the yearlong celebration of the world’s most popular music genre has been ramping up. However, hip hop is more than just rhyming over drum patterns. After all, the graffiti artists, breakdancers, b-boys, fashion and street culture are what the music reflected. It was only fitting that more than 4,000 people gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library for the philosophy of hip hop one of the largest celebrations of hip-hop’s anniversary to take place this year.
KRS One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
About the Event
As part of the BPL’s “Night in the Library” initiative, the philosophy of hip-hop brought together dozens of artists and thinkers for a dynamic all-night exploration of the genre. The event took over the iconic Central Library from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with keynote addresses, musical performances, discussions, debates, and activities inspired by the genre’s music and culture.
KRS-One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop exhibition
Co-curated by LeBrandon Smith founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of AKILA Worksongs, Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip-Hop featured a number of Roc Nation artists, including GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Rueben Vincent.
The event tied in together several decades of hip hop history from its inception up to the present. All the while interpolating various parts of the culture and showcasing some of the less-heralded figures that have spearheaded hip hop. In addition, a host of legendary cultural figures made appearances including the likes of Dapper Dan, Angie Martinez, performers and rap legends Smif-N-Wessun, Dead Prez and Keynote speaker KRS-One. The Philosophy of Hip Hop was a time capsule into hip hop’s roots as various deejays serenaded the audience with classic hip hop cuts, culminating in a performance by Dead Prez.
Fashion has long been an integral part of Hip-Hop culture.
Dapper Dan made an appearance at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
Discussions & Lectures
Similarly, there were several panels and discussions with key hip hop figures. Roc Nation artist Rapsody provided insight while leading a discussion on “Women in Hip-Hop: Sexuality, Empowerment, Competition, Success & A Fight for Respect.” Chiefly, Rapsody and Dr. Kathryn Sophia Belle discussed the pressures women face when it comes to their presentation. “I’ve learned to see it in different lights and overall, we’re just dope MC’s at the end of the day,” Rapsody Summarized.
Rapsody participated in a discussion on Women in Hip Hop
Panels
Other notable panels and lectures included “Which American Region Is the Most Important in Hip-Hop?” Where a panel of journalists which include journalists Mitchell S. Jackson, Alvin Blanco, Chad Sanders and musical acts Jazzy Lo and DonWill. The panel answered questions on the trendsetters and groundbreaking acts from their respective regions (the East Coast, South, West Coast and the Mid-West). All the while a lively audience were eager to offer insight.
“Which American Region is the Most Important in Hip Hop?” was one night’s liveliest discussions.
In like manner legendary music journalist Bill Adler took the stage with Pete Nice of 3rd Bass for “The Expansion of Hip-Hop: How Non-Black Players Built a Home in the Genre.” A Brooklyn native, Adler has covered hip hop since the very wee points of its inception and shared stories on being one of the first writers to cover Kurtis Blow. By the same token, Pete nice shared his experiences as a Caucasian making his way through a black art form, having been on the Def Jam label during its formative years. The Long Island native shared stories of the joint-hunger and pursuit of success between him and the rest of Def Jam’s early roster.
Bill Adler and Pete nice led a discussion on The Expansion of hip hop
The evening closed with a performance from Dead Prez, who performed their cult-favorite “Hip-Hop.” With lyrics that see the Brooklyn duo criticize the capitalist nature of the music industry and its exploitation of black people, Dead Prez doubled-down with an intensified, acapella rendition of the record to hone in the message. Afterwards, the Deejay ended the night with a run of classic 80’s and 90’s tracks as the crowd celebrated hip hop in unison.
Dead Prez closed the night out with their hit-record “Hip-Hop.”
Suis generis producer MVW continues to flood the streets with a run of ear-catching singles. Coupled with vocals from frequent collaborator Valee, MVW delivered fans the Groovy sounding “Pistachio” and “Could Be,” a straightfoward take on the two artists musical philosophy. The two records offer a taste into how MVW plans to build on his sound, or add to what’s working. Namely, “Could Be” is a piano and Hi Hat laced track that sees Valee chime in with his laidback delivery. In a 2-minute loop MVW’s ominous piano riffs set the tone as Valee illustrate through various luxury items on the grand lifestyle that “Could Be” for his romantic partners.
MVW (right) and Valee (left) embark on their latest musical journey
In a similar vein, the Zelooperz assisted “Pistachio” brings a lively twist to MVW’s classic-trap blend. Likewise, Valee brings his colorful idioms, characterizations and laid-back delivery in toasting to the pistachio-colored seats of their luxury car, with each emcee bringing a whimsical confidence in their verses. The sonics, courtesy of MVW, sway with an addictive nocturnal funk. His classical roots at play, adding gorgeous hum of woodwinds giving the record a grand feel.
“‘Pistachio’ was a special track that was made together with Valee, Zelooperz, and I one night in LA all together, last summer, MVW reveals. “As soon as Valee began laying the hook, there was a particular feeling in the air, the rest was history. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I’ll never look at Pistachios the same.”
VALEEDATION will see MVW and Valee continue to grow into one of the best duos in hip hop
Valee and MVW’s VALEEDATION
These records are a continuation of MVW’s musical journey. Beginning as a classical composer and building himself up as a respected hip hop producer. In doing so, MVW has since worked alongside some of the industry’s best up-and-coming and established artists alike. His steady collaborative efforts with Valee have been a defining staple throughout this time.
Fittingly, the former Classical composer will release his third hip hop album in as many years this July. However, this installation of classical-trap symphonies will come alongside frequent collaborator Valee, as the duo embark on a full-album journey that their musical synergy demands. Slated for a September release date, VALEEDATION will be a chance for a MVW and Valee to establish themselves as a preeminent duo with unrivaled chemistry.
Cardi B continues her run of prominent features, this time bringing her New York flair to Grammy-nominated Latto’s thumper “Put It On Da Floor.” According to Billboard, Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor” debuted atop the Hot Trending Songs rankings. The official music video premiered on April 24 on YouTube and has gained nearly 6 million views.
In like manner, “Put It On Da Floor Again” sees the hottest from New York add her Midas touch to an already buzzing record. Similarly, the duo have released an accompanying music video that is trending #1 on YouTube. Together with cameos from Offset and college hoops star Angel Reese, the duo prance without care through a jewelry store flashing loads of cash before taking the sultry production to a house party as Latto and Cardi exchange combative lyrics, asserting themselves as the ones to be reckoned with.
Despite not releasing a studio album in five years Cardi B has maintained her threshold atop the hip hop mountaintop through a series of culture shifting features. Given that those records have been side-by-side with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla and Latto, Cardi B has also gained a reputation for wanting to help usher in the next generation of female rappers.
After all, since its release, “Put It On Da Floor” sparked significant conversation on social media platforms. Some listeners believed Latto took subliminal shots at her rap rival Nicki Minaj in the song after the duo clashed on social media last year. “She thought I would kiss her ass, she must ain’t took her meds,” raps Latto on both version of “Put It On Da Floor.” For their part, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have their own complicated history that has even resulted in fisticuffs.
Fivio Foreign surprised fans with an unannounced 8-track EP titled, Without Warning. The unplanned mid-week release features Ye — formerly Kanye West — as the only guest on the song “Concussion.” Executive produced by managers Elliott Hardaman & Kahran Reefer, this latest project seems to have been strictly for his die-hard fans. In like manner, the free EP is only available on Soundcloud and Youtube and no other DSPs.
Along with the EP, Fivio and his team released a 15-minute “Without Warning” documentary where the “City of Gods” rapper shared the thought-process behind this surprise release. In addition, Fivio pays ode to his fallen friend TDott Woo, who was fatally shot in the Brooklyn neighborhood both artists frequented. The album’s opening track is titled “T DOT BACC,” sees him pay tribute to his friend by angrily rapping “how many opps I got to kill? I’m trying to bring TDott back.”
All in all, Without Warning sees Fivio return to his roots of sorts. Consequently, the catchy samples and expensive features that littered throughout his debut are not there. Rather, the project is laced with the fast-paced drill beats that have become synonymous with Fivio. Additionally, Fivio maintains his charisma, flow and contagious dialect that has made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.
Diamond-selling, pop superstar Post Malone will return to the United States with another leg of the “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying”Tour. This announcement follows his highly successful trek across the U.S. and Canada last year and another stop in Europe for his long-awaited “Twelve Carat Tour.” However, the 10-time Grammy nominee returns to America to give fans his signature exhilarating performance, along with music from his upcoming album as well as fan-favorites in a completely reimagined show.
Produced by Live Nation, the 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, on Monday, July 17, 2023.
“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all. Help me put a baby through college and come on out. Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours.” Says Post Malone.
Along with the tour announcement, Post has revealed the released date for his long-awaited fifth full-length album. Titled, Austin, the project will arrive on July 28, with Post releasing the single “Mourning,” in anticipation.
Tickets for the tour can be found on the Live Nation’s website, although the tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the World Pong League VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP gift items and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
