This week in Hip Hop brought the bittersweet release of Pop Smoke's first posthumous album, Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon. Also, Kanye West returned with his first single of the year, "Wash Us In The Blood" featuring Travis Scott, which is also the first offering from his upcoming album, God's Country. Finally, Freddie Gibbs and Akademiks traded virtual fire in a week-long feud that spiraled to involve Teletubby disses, Tekashi 6ix9ine and more.
Hip Hop Week In Review: Swizz Beatz Fires Shots At Drake & Eminem Beefs With REVOLT
This week was full of Hip Hop beef. First, Swizz Beatz called Drake a "pussy" after a collaboration between the OVO boss and Busta Rhymes leaked online. Also, Eminem received return-fire from Diddy's REVOLT TV after he dissed the network in a newly-released version of a 2019 song. Finally, YoungBoy Never Broke Again told J. Prince to "mind [his] fuckin' business" after the Rap-A-Lot Records founder offered to help the 20-year-old following a break-in.
Hip Hop Week In Review: J. Cole Draws Controversy & Hip Hop Celebrates Juneteenth
This week in Hip Hop, J. Cole drew criticism for seemingly taking shots at Noname in his police brutality single "Snow on tha Bluff." Then, Hip Hop celebrated Juneteenth with new releases from Beyoncé, Teyana Taylor, Public Enemy and more. Finally, Eminem sparked conversation when he revealed his picks for greatest rapper of all time.
This week in Hip Hop, Nicki Minaj faced criticism after linking back up with her infamous former collaborator, Tekashi 6ix9ine, for "TROLLZ." Also, Dave Chappelle addressed George Floyd's death and police brutality in a surprise Netflix comedy special called "8:46." Finally, HipHopDX hit the Los Angeles streets to find out what protesters are listening to while they fight for social justice reform.
Griselda Records' Armani Caesar Vows Not To Be A 'Cookie-Cutter' Female Rapper
Get to know Griselda Records' first female signee, Armani Caesar, in an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. The Buffalo native talks about her upcoming album, wide-ranging flows and getting signed during the age of coronavirus.
Hip Hop Week In Review: Kanye West Joins Protests & JAY-Z Demands Justice From Minnesota Governor
This week in Hip Hop, Kanye West joined the movement in his hometown of Chicago, as protesters across the U.S. continue to revolt against the recent police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black men and women. Also, JAY-Z personally called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and demanded justice for Floyd, which was met with new charges for the four officers involved in his death. Finally, Run The Jewels surprised fans by releasing their album, RTJ4, two days early and for free, as fans were encouraged to instead donate money to protest efforts.
Armani Caesar, Griselda Records' first female signee, explained to HipHopDX her decade-long friendship with label bosses Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn and teased an upcoming collaborated EP.
This week in Hip Hop, outrage flared across the nation as yet another unarmed black man, George Floyd, was killed in police custody. Trae Tha Truth, Lil Keke and more mourned Floyd's death and revealed his Houston rap roots and connection to DJ Screw. Also, Hip Hop leaders like T.I., Ice-T and Meek Mill rallied behind protestors and demanded justice for Floyd in the days leading up to ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's arrest. Finally, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist closed out the week with their surprise joint album, 'Alfredo.'
Montana Of 300 Still Wants To Prove He Can Lyrically Hang With Lupe Fiasco & Kanye West
After declaring himself the "best rapper" in Chicago and betting $500,000 on himself against any MC, Montana of 300 reveals to HipHopDX which Windy City artists he has in mind.
Montana Of 300 'Not Surprised' No Chicago Rapper Met His Challenge As He Declares Himself 'Rap God'
After challenging other Chicago-bred rappers to take him on in a lyrical battle and offering a prize of up to half a million dollars, Montana of 300 says his claimed status as the city's "best rapper" remains untested.
This week in Hip Hop, DMX said he would take on Eminem on Verzuz, although he's still aiming for a virtual showdown against JAY-Z. Also, Tekashi 6ix9ine accused Billboard, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber of cheating for the Hot 100 No. 1 spot and got responses from all three parties. Finally, Lana Del Rey was dragged on Twitter after claiming she's been "crucified" for her lyrics, while suggesting fellow female artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Beyoncé have enjoyed "number one" hits without criticism.
This week in Hip Hop, Meek Mill continued his crusade against Tekashi 6ix9ine and his newly rebooted career. Also, Swizz Beatz got a few rappers on board with his idea to raise $1 million in "taxes" for Hip Hop pioneers. Lastly, Future released his eighth studio album, High Off Life, which went gold in a matter of minutes.
How The Houston Rap Scene Has Fared Through Lockdown & The Future Of Local Shows
After weeks of being on lockdown, Houston's restaurants, salons and stores are opening back up, but what about concert venues? Local concert promoter Tony Snow talks to HipHopDX about how his business has survived the pandemic and what the future of Houston concerts will look like.
How Youngboy Never Broke Again Managed To Squeeze One Last Show In Before Lockdown
YoungBoy Never Broke Again played a viral concert in Houston, just before the entire city began closing down venues and canceling shows. Local concert organizer Tony Snow reveals how YoungBoy's show was one of the city's last before the pandemic.
Hip Hop Week In Review: Tekashi 6ix9ine Returns & T.I. Demands Justice For Ahmaud Arbery
This week in Hip Hop, Tekashi 6ix9ine made a viral return to Instagram Live and premiered his new single and video, "GOOBA." Also, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Meek Mill and others demanded justice for 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, who was gunned down by father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael back in February. Finally, DMX said he wants to continue his rap battle run with JAY-Z on Verzuz.
Kendrick Lamar Engineer MixedByAli Showcases Nipsey Hussle Plaque Collection
MixedByAli remembered Nipsey Hussle's platinum-certified 'Victory Lap' album, and its gold-boasting tracks, with a commemorative post on Instagram. The engineer mixed the Grammy-nominated album back in 2018.
2 Chainz Reopens Atlanta Restaurants As IHME Projects Georgia Coronavirus Deaths To Rise
2 Chainz has now reopened his two Atlanta-based restaurants after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp allowed for businesses to open their doors last month. However, the state continues to experience more coronavirus cases.
Crunchy Black Says RZA & Ludacris Told Him DJ Paul & Juicy J Were Doing Him Dirty
In a new interview with DJ Vlad, Crunchy Black claims that Three 6 Mafia groupmates DJ Paul and Juicy J prevented him from being featured in collaborations as a solo artist.
Polo G Announces Sophomore Album 'THE GOAT'
Polo G's sophomore album 'THE GOAT' is expected to arrive on May 15. Taking to Instagram, the 21-year-old rapper shared the forthcoming album's cover art, which shows himself and his young son.
Polo G Calls Out California Police Officers For Not Wearing Face Masks
Polo G claims he hasn't seen any California police officers wearing protective equipment, despite several regulations across cities that are requiring police departments to have face masks.
Hip Hop Week In Review: Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' & Eminem's 'Stan' Home Intruder
This week in Hip Hop, Drake released his surprise Dark Lane Demo Tapes mixtape, which saw collaborations with Chris Brown, Future, Young Thug, Playboi Carti and more. Also, it was reported that Eminem came face-to-face with a real-life Stan, who broke into the Detroit native's home while his security slept. Finally, Swizz Beatz announced that Erykah Badu and Jill Scott will go head-to-head -- virtually -- for the next round of Verzuz.
