The interminable trial of Jeffery Williams — Young Thug — in Atlanta has again veered off the highway, after a high-profile witness at the center of the case was arrested on the stand after refusing to testify.
Kenneth “Lil’ Woody” Copeland, a Ysl associate whose leaked interrogation tape last year left him labeled as a snitch, has long been anticipated as a witness for the state, but his appearance in court Friday came with only a day’s public notice. Prosecutors previously said he had been threatened as a high-profile witness.
According...
Kenneth “Lil’ Woody” Copeland, a Ysl associate whose leaked interrogation tape last year left him labeled as a snitch, has long been anticipated as a witness for the state, but his appearance in court Friday came with only a day’s public notice. Prosecutors previously said he had been threatened as a high-profile witness.
According...
- 6/7/2024
- by George Chidi
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West and Elon West were two unlikely celebrities who became friends and supported each other during the 2010s. Musk was especially vocal about West being an inspiration and one of the most influential people of their time. The two continued showing up for each other, but it all crumbled in 2022.
Elon Musk in the Netflix documentary Return to Space
Musk infamously banned West from X for posting anti-semitic tweets and violating the company’s policy. A fan recently brought together the two personalities for a surprisingly well-edited video where the two opened up about their life and their fascination with spaceships and rockets. The level of precision and flow of the dialogues of the fan-made interview is just mind-blowing.
Brilliant Kanye West-Elon Musk Fan-Made Interview Will Blow Your Socks Off Kanye West in the music video for All Day
While they may have been friends in the 2010s, Elon...
Elon Musk in the Netflix documentary Return to Space
Musk infamously banned West from X for posting anti-semitic tweets and violating the company’s policy. A fan recently brought together the two personalities for a surprisingly well-edited video where the two opened up about their life and their fascination with spaceships and rockets. The level of precision and flow of the dialogues of the fan-made interview is just mind-blowing.
Brilliant Kanye West-Elon Musk Fan-Made Interview Will Blow Your Socks Off Kanye West in the music video for All Day
While they may have been friends in the 2010s, Elon...
- 5/19/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Atlanta rapper Gunna achieved one of hip-hop’s most remarkable comebacks last year. After being ensnared in the Ysl Rico case and spending seven months behind bars, he got out on a plea deal and released A Gift and a Curse last June, buoyed by the infectious single “Fukumean,” which became his first Number One hit. He placed himself back on the same trajectory he was on in 2022, when his album DS4Ever debuted at Number One on the Billboard albums chart and marked his superstar ascension.
Enter his fifth album,...
Enter his fifth album,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
It seems like it has been a hot minute since we have had a good hip-hop feud. As the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake takes the mainstream by storm, it is difficult to not remember feuds of days gone by, ones that defined the entire generation of hip hop that they occurred in.
Drake in One Dance
While the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar picks up steam, we take a look back at three iconic feuds in hip hop through its history, the sort that is still remembered for their stinging bars and witty writing, or even the story of what started them, and how the artists used their talents to flyte their opponents into obscurity (or tried to).
50 Cent v. Ja Rule
50 Cent | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The feud that lasted almost twenty years, the beef between 50 Cents and Ja Rule defined one of the most iconic eras in hip-hop music.
Drake in One Dance
While the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar picks up steam, we take a look back at three iconic feuds in hip hop through its history, the sort that is still remembered for their stinging bars and witty writing, or even the story of what started them, and how the artists used their talents to flyte their opponents into obscurity (or tried to).
50 Cent v. Ja Rule
50 Cent | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The feud that lasted almost twenty years, the beef between 50 Cents and Ja Rule defined one of the most iconic eras in hip-hop music.
- 4/17/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
We Don’t Trust You, the new album from Future and Metro Boomin, is here (the first half anyway), and listeners are abuzz about the 17-song project. Coming in at approximately one hour, the project has elicited plenty of talking points in less than 24 hours. Kendrick Lamar pulled another “Control”-like move and got the rap world talking about his shots at Drake and J. Cole on “Like That” — which coincidentally overshadowed yesterday’s “Whole Time” freestyle from Big Sean, who originally put Kendrick on “Control.”
But beyond the mess,...
But beyond the mess,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
As rap lyrics have increasingly been introduced and weaponized in the courts as evidence against defendants, rap artist Kemba takes a look at rap music and the criminal justice system and how the two have kept colliding over the past few decades. Via conversations with fellow artists, academics, legal experts, and more, Kemba builds the case for Black artist protection and whether lyrics should be used for conviction. Following its world premiere screening at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the new feature-length documentary “As We Speak Rap Music on Trial” premieres on Paramount+ on Tuesday, Feb. 27. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Paramount Plus.
How to Watch 'As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial' When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Where: Paramount Plus Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Paramount Plus. Get 30 Days Free$5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get a Month of Paramount+ With Code: HUJQ6R.
How to Watch 'As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial' When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Where: Paramount Plus Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Paramount Plus. Get 30 Days Free$5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get a Month of Paramount+ With Code: HUJQ6R.
- 2/27/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Young Stoner Life Records rapper Strick is premiering a new music video for his song “Kisses Make Sure” with Rolling Stone. It features Young Thug, who encouraged Strick to step in the spotlight when he was just a songwriter, and James Blake. It is Thug and Blake’s first collaboration ever, according to he and Strick.
“It’s an honor,” Blake says of landing his first track with Young Thug, who the singer and producer has been a vocal fan of for years. “Hopefully people like the result. It doesn...
“It’s an honor,” Blake says of landing his first track with Young Thug, who the singer and producer has been a vocal fan of for years. “Hopefully people like the result. It doesn...
- 2/23/2024
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
Marble-mouthed “meme rapper” Yeat defies expectations on his fourth studio album, 2093, which serves as a departure from his quirky beginnings as a Young Thug clone. The album also solidifies the industrial, electronic-heavy sound he’s been developing over the past few years while unveiling a bold aesthetic vision that, while not always successful, is as ambitious as it is captivating.
This development is a relief, as Yeat’s recent wheel-spinning projects were slight variations on familiar lyrical themes and sonic concepts. On 2093, though, the rapper largely strays away from the psychedelic production palette of longtime collaborator Bynx. Instead, he appears more inclined toward beats that are louder and far more avant garde. For one, the high-octane “Breath”—which, compositionally speaking, has more in common with Edm than rap—is propelled by its deafening house bassline and a series of breathy ad-libs.
Perhaps more indicative of Yeat’s daring are the...
This development is a relief, as Yeat’s recent wheel-spinning projects were slight variations on familiar lyrical themes and sonic concepts. On 2093, though, the rapper largely strays away from the psychedelic production palette of longtime collaborator Bynx. Instead, he appears more inclined toward beats that are louder and far more avant garde. For one, the high-octane “Breath”—which, compositionally speaking, has more in common with Edm than rap—is propelled by its deafening house bassline and a series of breathy ad-libs.
Perhaps more indicative of Yeat’s daring are the...
- 2/20/2024
- by Paul Attard
- Slant Magazine
A lawyer for one of the co-defendants charged alongside rapper Young Thug in Georgia’s sprawling Ysl racketeering conspiracy case has been arrested on suspicion she called a suspect in a different case and warned him he had active warrants and should ditch his phone. Nicole Fegan was taken into custody in Gwinnett County and transported to Fulton County on charges she participated in criminal street gang activity and urged someone to tamper with evidence, a spokesperson with the Atlanta Police Department said Friday.
“During the investigation into the September...
“During the investigation into the September...
- 2/16/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
In his first single since his chart-topping fourth studio album A Gift & a Curse, Gunna lays his latest hopes and fears bare. “Bittersweet” is pensive and stripped back, with the Atlanta Mc laying stream-of-consciousness raps down over sentimental guitar and subtle percussion from producers Dystinkt Beats and 1Srael, the latter of the the popular Philadelphia beat-smiths Working on Dying.
Gunna runs through concerns about women, former friends, and drug use throughout the song, but also notes some recent highlights, like the massive success of his last album, released after a year-long stint in jail,...
Gunna runs through concerns about women, former friends, and drug use throughout the song, but also notes some recent highlights, like the massive success of his last album, released after a year-long stint in jail,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount+ will release J.M. Harper’s documentary “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial,” which debuted at Sundance, on its streaming platform on Tuesday, February 27 in the U.S. and Canada, IndieWire exclusively shares.
“As We Speak” made its premiere on Monday, January 22 in Park City in the U.S. Documentary competition. As the film is a competition title, it will be available on Sundance’s online streaming platform beginning January 25 for the digital portion of the festival. The film will also be available on February 28 in the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
While “As We Speak” was not a sales title at the fest, Paramount+’s involvement was kept quiet to the general public until its premiere on Monday, January 22. IndieWire, along with the release date, shares new stills from the film, its official key art, and the first trailer, all of which you can see below.
“As We Speak” made its premiere on Monday, January 22 in Park City in the U.S. Documentary competition. As the film is a competition title, it will be available on Sundance’s online streaming platform beginning January 25 for the digital portion of the festival. The film will also be available on February 28 in the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
While “As We Speak” was not a sales title at the fest, Paramount+’s involvement was kept quiet to the general public until its premiere on Monday, January 22. IndieWire, along with the release date, shares new stills from the film, its official key art, and the first trailer, all of which you can see below.
- 1/24/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Rapper Yfn Lucci pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a single count of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. The charge is connected to the late 2020 shooting of 28-year-old James Adams in Atlanta. The musician, born Rayshawn Bennett, was arrested in January 2021 and charged with murder for his role as a driver in the shooting. He has remained in Fulton Country Jail in Georgia since.
Bennett faced life in prison without the possibility for parole but has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 10 years served in custody and the remaining time on probation.
Bennett faced life in prison without the possibility for parole but has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 10 years served in custody and the remaining time on probation.
- 1/23/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The double standard is almost as old as hip-hop itself. A decorated filmmaker gets laurels for his or her latest bullet-laden gangster movie. A rock or country star is proclaimed a songwriting genius for violent tales of man’s inhumanity to man. But rappers are held to a different standard, their every line held up as some kind of documentary evidence of an artist’s criminal intent. Sometimes, those lyrics are even used in courtrooms by prosecutors eager to take advantage of the public’s built-in prejudices and ignorance of...
- 1/23/2024
- by Chris Vognar
- Rollingstone.com
Hours after the release of Kid Cudi’s ninth solo album, Insano, a curious sight appeared on a barge in New York’s Hudson River. It was a massive statue of Cudi, its eyes flaming red and fluorescent light shooting out of its mouth. A similar barge floated off the coast of Long Beach, while a third Cudi statue stood in the middle of Paris’ Place de la Bourse. “Satanic Kid Cudi slammed for unveiling massive statues of himself,” read a hilarious Page Six headline compiling social-media reactions to the stunt.
- 1/17/2024
- by Mosi Reeves
- Rollingstone.com
21 Savage’s third solo album, American Dream, begins with his mother, Heather Joseph, describing her family’s emigration from Britain to America during his childhood. “Every path that I walked was for my son,” she tells us. (Big Rube of Dungeon Family fame penned her introduction.) It’s a concept many others have used before, most famously by Jay-Z and his mother Gloria Carter on “December 4th” from 2003’s The Black Album.
But longtime fans worried about the Atlanta rapper veering into maudlin self-aggrandizement shouldn’t worry. “Memories in my head,...
But longtime fans worried about the Atlanta rapper veering into maudlin self-aggrandizement shouldn’t worry. “Memories in my head,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Mosi Reeves
- Rollingstone.com
Kid Cudi is getting ready to release his ninth studio album Insano on Friday — and he’s giving fans a look at its stacked, 23-song track list on Monday.
A$AP Rocky joins Cudi on “Wow,” Lil Yachty appears on “Too Damn High,” and Lil Wayne is featured on “Seven.” Travis Scott collaborates on “Get Off Me” and “At the Party,” which also includes Pharrell Williams and was released in November.
The album also includes a collaboration with the late XXXTentacion on Track 15, titled “X & Cud.” “Rager Boyz” features Young Thug,...
A$AP Rocky joins Cudi on “Wow,” Lil Yachty appears on “Too Damn High,” and Lil Wayne is featured on “Seven.” Travis Scott collaborates on “Get Off Me” and “At the Party,” which also includes Pharrell Williams and was released in November.
The album also includes a collaboration with the late XXXTentacion on Track 15, titled “X & Cud.” “Rager Boyz” features Young Thug,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Smack in the center of Paris’ Trocadéro esplanade stands 21 Savage, face-to-face with the Eiffel Tower for the first time. It glows in the distance, across the Seine river, as a light rain falls and dusk settles around us. He’s flanked by four security guards, all dressed in black like Savage, whose eyes peer out of a slick ski mask and North Face hood.
Savage’s team giddily snaps pictures while he looks on, surrounded by a bustle of tourists. A salesman sets down the light-up Eiffel Tower toys he...
Savage’s team giddily snaps pictures while he looks on, surrounded by a bustle of tourists. A salesman sets down the light-up Eiffel Tower toys he...
- 12/18/2023
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
The Ysl Rico trial has hit another roadblock. It took 10 months for the jury to be selected for the case, which features the rapper Young Thug as a prominent defendant. Now, less than two weeks in, the trial has been delayed following news from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office that defendant Shannon Stillwell was stabbed over the weekend.
On Monday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville dismissed the jury, citing a “medical issue” in connection to a trial “participant,” Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Stillwell is one of six people standing trial,...
On Monday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville dismissed the jury, citing a “medical issue” in connection to a trial “participant,” Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Stillwell is one of six people standing trial,...
- 12/11/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The defense of Young Thug began Tuesday with the rapper’s attorney, Brian Steel, explaining trap music to grandmothers.
“He is not running a criminal enterprise on Cleveland Avenue to gather money and power,” Steel says, arguing that by 2014, the rapper, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, was a superstar who wouldn’t have had anything to gain and everything to lose by running on the street. “He is not sitting there telling people to kill people. He doesn’t need their money. He’s worth tens of millions of dollars.
“He is not running a criminal enterprise on Cleveland Avenue to gather money and power,” Steel says, arguing that by 2014, the rapper, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, was a superstar who wouldn’t have had anything to gain and everything to lose by running on the street. “He is not sitting there telling people to kill people. He doesn’t need their money. He’s worth tens of millions of dollars.
- 11/28/2023
- by George Chidi
- Rollingstone.com
With lines from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Fulton County District Attorney Adriane Love made opening arguments Monday in the racketeering and gang trial of Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, and other accused members of Ysl, 18 months after his arrest.
“Ysl operated as a pack,” she said, citing the law of the jungle from Kipling’s book. The words “are appropriate for where we are today. For 10 years and counting, the group calling itself Young Slime Life dominated the Cleveland Avenue community of Fulton County. They created...
“Ysl operated as a pack,” she said, citing the law of the jungle from Kipling’s book. The words “are appropriate for where we are today. For 10 years and counting, the group calling itself Young Slime Life dominated the Cleveland Avenue community of Fulton County. They created...
- 11/27/2023
- by George Chidi
- Rollingstone.com
Last week, the news that André 3000 would be releasing an album of instrumental flute jams was greeted with enough head-scratching to draw blood. But don’t tell that to Jake Fridkis, who plays principal flute with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. If you’ve heard DJ Khaled and Drake’s “No Secret” or Roddy Rich and Ty Dolla Sign’s “llf,” among others, you’ve heard his instrument, which was woven into the fabric of those tracks. “It’s now hit the point where people are saying, ‘Flute is the new instrument in rap,...
- 11/20/2023
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Prosecutors in the Ysl trial say they have 737 witnesses they’d like to potentially call to the stand once litigation begins in Atlanta later this month. The list includes 258 lay witnesses and 479 expert witnesses, according to 11 Alive, which notes that not all witnesses actually testify.
It took the attorneys more than 10 months to pick a jury — the longest jury selection in Georgia’s history — and with so many witnesses on only one side of the gavel, the jury better hope for comfortable seats.
“That is certainly not a normal amount of witnesses,...
It took the attorneys more than 10 months to pick a jury — the longest jury selection in Georgia’s history — and with so many witnesses on only one side of the gavel, the jury better hope for comfortable seats.
“That is certainly not a normal amount of witnesses,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Rolling Loud next year will not feature previously announced headliner Lil Uzi Vert — the rapper, who uses they/them pronouns, said on Tuesday that they don’t even “understand why [their] name is on” the poster — so the festival’s organizers have added Metro Boomin and Future instead. The two hip-hop artists will release an album, billed to Future x Metro Boomin, before the fest, according to a tweet from Rolling Loud.
The fest, which also features headliners Nicki Minaj and Post Malone, will still take place at the Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood,...
The fest, which also features headliners Nicki Minaj and Post Malone, will still take place at the Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The judge presiding over the trial of rapper Young Thug ruled that his lyrics could be used against him in court.
Specifically, prosecutors can use 17 sets of lyrics performed by Young Thug and other co-defendants in their upcoming case in Atlanta.
“I’m conditionally admitting those pending lyrics, depending upon – or subject to a foundation that is properly laid by the state or the proponent that seeks to admit that evidence,” Judge Ural Glanville said.
Glanville also said that if prosecutors want to use additional lyrics as part of their evidence, they can be submitted for the judge’s review before the beginning of the trial.
“I would just ask the state or just remind the state if any other lyrics are sought to be admitted that I’d have to go through this same analysis,” Glanville continued.
Glanville’s decision comes a day after attorneys for Young Thug and...
Specifically, prosecutors can use 17 sets of lyrics performed by Young Thug and other co-defendants in their upcoming case in Atlanta.
“I’m conditionally admitting those pending lyrics, depending upon – or subject to a foundation that is properly laid by the state or the proponent that seeks to admit that evidence,” Judge Ural Glanville said.
Glanville also said that if prosecutors want to use additional lyrics as part of their evidence, they can be submitted for the judge’s review before the beginning of the trial.
“I would just ask the state or just remind the state if any other lyrics are sought to be admitted that I’d have to go through this same analysis,” Glanville continued.
Glanville’s decision comes a day after attorneys for Young Thug and...
- 11/12/2023
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
An Atlanta judge has ruled that prosecutors in the upcoming Ysl Rico trial can use Young Thug’s lyrics as evidence against him.
Per Billboard, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville rejected the rapper’s request to ban the use of lyrics in the case on Thursday morning (November 9th) while granting a motion by prosecutors to preliminarily admit them into evidence. The ruling came after a contentious hours-long hearing held on Wednesday, in which the artist’s attorney Brian Steel made a free speech argument.
“They are targeting the right to free speech, and that’s wrong,” Steel said about the prosecutors. “They are saying that just because he is singing about it, he is now part of a crime.”
However, Judge Glanville vehemently disagreed. “They’re not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote,” he said. “They’re using the songs to prove other things...
Per Billboard, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville rejected the rapper’s request to ban the use of lyrics in the case on Thursday morning (November 9th) while granting a motion by prosecutors to preliminarily admit them into evidence. The ruling came after a contentious hours-long hearing held on Wednesday, in which the artist’s attorney Brian Steel made a free speech argument.
“They are targeting the right to free speech, and that’s wrong,” Steel said about the prosecutors. “They are saying that just because he is singing about it, he is now part of a crime.”
However, Judge Glanville vehemently disagreed. “They’re not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote,” he said. “They’re using the songs to prove other things...
- 11/9/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
In a long-awaited decision sure to draw scrutiny, a Georgia judge ruled Nov. 9 that prosecutors will be allowed to admit rap lyrics as evidence at Grammy-winning artist Young Thug’s racketeering and gang trial in Atlanta as long as they pass legal relevance and foundation tests.
Judge Ural Glanville issued the ruling after Young Thug argued that his lyrics are protected, artistic free speech and that linking them to alleged crimes during trial would be “racist and discriminatory.”
“None of these lyrics are true threats, therefore it’s protected speech,...
Judge Ural Glanville issued the ruling after Young Thug argued that his lyrics are protected, artistic free speech and that linking them to alleged crimes during trial would be “racist and discriminatory.”
“None of these lyrics are true threats, therefore it’s protected speech,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Leading up to the Grammy nominations on Nov. 10, Rolling Stone is breaking down 16 different categories. For each, we’re predicting the nominees, as well as who will (and who should) win on Grammy night.
There’s been intense speculation about just what’s behind the dearth of hip-hop at the top of the charts this year. It took until August for a rap album (Travis Scott’s Utopia) to top the Billboard 200. Industry experts, troubled by the shift, have been pondering: Is this a sign of a commercial decline, or...
There’s been intense speculation about just what’s behind the dearth of hip-hop at the top of the charts this year. It took until August for a rap album (Travis Scott’s Utopia) to top the Billboard 200. Industry experts, troubled by the shift, have been pondering: Is this a sign of a commercial decline, or...
- 11/7/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
The most notable instance to date of “rap on trial” is finally about to get underway in Atlanta. After a jury selection process whose length broke state records, the Ysl Rico trial is set to begin on Nov. 27. Judge Ural Glanville, Fulton County prosecutors, and defense attorneys vetted more than 600 people to determine the best set of jurors for the high-profile case. Multi-platinum rapper Young Thug, a.k.a. Jeffery Williams, is the most well-known defendant standing trial. He’s facing eight counts in the 65-count indictment, with prosecutors alleging...
- 11/6/2023
- by Andre Gee and Delisa Shannon
- Rollingstone.com
Young Thug is taking it to trial. Finally.
After 10 months – the longest period of jury selection in Georgia judicial history – nine women and three men will decide whether Atlanta rapper Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams is guilty or not guilty of orchestrating the drive-by murder of Donovan “Peanut” Thomas in 2015.
Williams stands accused of crimes of racketeering under Georgia’s Rico statute, the same law that has ensnared former president Donald Trump. Prosecutors allege that Williams led Atlanta’s Ysl street gang and allegedly rented the car used in a hit...
After 10 months – the longest period of jury selection in Georgia judicial history – nine women and three men will decide whether Atlanta rapper Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams is guilty or not guilty of orchestrating the drive-by murder of Donovan “Peanut” Thomas in 2015.
Williams stands accused of crimes of racketeering under Georgia’s Rico statute, the same law that has ensnared former president Donald Trump. Prosecutors allege that Williams led Atlanta’s Ysl street gang and allegedly rented the car used in a hit...
- 11/2/2023
- by George Chidi
- Rollingstone.com
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When it comes to Halloween, few people do it up — and do it as well — as Rande Gerber, the co-founder of Casamigos Tequila and host of the annual Casamigos Halloween Party. Previous editions of the costume party have drawn stars as varied as Dave Grohl, Harry Styles, Trevor Noah and Megan Fox, not to mention Casamigos’ other co-founder George Clooney, and this year’s edition — taking place in...
When it comes to Halloween, few people do it up — and do it as well — as Rande Gerber, the co-founder of Casamigos Tequila and host of the annual Casamigos Halloween Party. Previous editions of the costume party have drawn stars as varied as Dave Grohl, Harry Styles, Trevor Noah and Megan Fox, not to mention Casamigos’ other co-founder George Clooney, and this year’s edition — taking place in...
- 10/24/2023
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, creativity, and innovation are the currencies that propel artists and labels. One name that has been making waves in recent years is Young Thug‘s Ysl Records. With a unique blend of catchy beats, unconventional lyrics, and boundary-pushing visuals, Ysl Records has left quite the mark on popular culture. At the heart of this story is none other than the artist, Young Thug. Known for his distinctively melodic style and fearless experimentation, Thugger has carved his own little hip-hop kingdom. With the launch of Ysl Records in 2016, he sought to create a platform for...
- 10/14/2023
- by Ima Whyte
- TVovermind.com
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Bad Bunny classes up the joint, Offset enlists Travis Scott for a standout track from his new solo LP, and Tomorrow x Together slide into some smooth Eighties synths. Plus, new music from Ice Spice and Rema), Pink Pantheress, Boygenius, and more.
Bad Bunny, “Monaco” (YouTube)
Offset feat. Travis Scott, “Say My Grace” (YouTube)
Tomorrow x Together, “Chasing That Feeling” (YouTube)
Ice Spice feat. Rema, “Pretty Girl” (YouTube)
Pink Pantheress,...
Bad Bunny, “Monaco” (YouTube)
Offset feat. Travis Scott, “Say My Grace” (YouTube)
Tomorrow x Together, “Chasing That Feeling” (YouTube)
Ice Spice feat. Rema, “Pretty Girl” (YouTube)
Pink Pantheress,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Even behind bars, Young Thug remains prolific, with the rapper dropping his new single “From a Man,” his response to Mariah the Scientist’s just-released “From a Woman.”
Approaching the same subject from two different perspectives, the dual singles continue the personal and professional relationship between the Atlanta artists, who are also reportedly romantically involved.
“[Jeff] is someone who supports and respects my vision wholeheartedly. There is a true balance in my femininity and his masculinity,” Mariah the Scientist said in a statement. “He’s the yang to my yin in every way.
Approaching the same subject from two different perspectives, the dual singles continue the personal and professional relationship between the Atlanta artists, who are also reportedly romantically involved.
“[Jeff] is someone who supports and respects my vision wholeheartedly. There is a true balance in my femininity and his masculinity,” Mariah the Scientist said in a statement. “He’s the yang to my yin in every way.
- 10/13/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Killer Mike enlisted Robert Glasper and Eryn Allen Kane for his Tonight Show performance of the poignant “Motherless,” off his 2023 album Michael.
The rendition was dedicated to Druzella Denise Clonts a.k.a. Og Mama Niecy and Kim Yvette Glasper, the late mothers of Killer Mike and Glasper, with the Tonight Show stage set up like the trio was performing at a memorial.
“When I tell the story of my mother the tales told include one when I walked in on her attempting to take her own life it gets...
The rendition was dedicated to Druzella Denise Clonts a.k.a. Og Mama Niecy and Kim Yvette Glasper, the late mothers of Killer Mike and Glasper, with the Tonight Show stage set up like the trio was performing at a memorial.
“When I tell the story of my mother the tales told include one when I walked in on her attempting to take her own life it gets...
- 10/7/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The MTV Video Music Awards have celebrated the best in the medium for almost as long as music videos have been a thing. Scroll down to see watch every single winner of Video of the Year. What years did the VMAs get it right, and what years were they shockingly out of tune?
SEEBeyonce songs, ranked: Counting down her greatest hits 2023: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
Other Awards It Won:
Song of the Year
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Visual Effects
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Attention”
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl”
Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”
Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy”
Sza, “Kill Bill”
2022: Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”
Other Awards It Won:
Best Long Form Video
Best Direction
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Woman”
Drake feat. Future and Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Ed Sheeran, “Shivers”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lil Nas X feat.
SEEBeyonce songs, ranked: Counting down her greatest hits 2023: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
Other Awards It Won:
Song of the Year
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Visual Effects
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Attention”
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl”
Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”
Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy”
Sza, “Kill Bill”
2022: Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”
Other Awards It Won:
Best Long Form Video
Best Direction
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Woman”
Drake feat. Future and Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Ed Sheeran, “Shivers”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lil Nas X feat.
- 9/13/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The best in hip-hop are being celebrated.
On Thursday, the nominations were announced for the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, with Cardi B and 21 Savage leading the pack with 12 nods apiece.
Read More: 2023 Legacy Awards: First Four Recipients Announced Including Jully Black And Director X
Both artists will be facing off against each other in major categories like Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Hustler of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video.
21 Savage – Photo: Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP/Cp Images
Coming in second place is Drake, who landed nine nominations, including Hip-Hop Artist of the Year.
Burna Boy and DJ Khaled each received sevn nods, while J. Cole came in at five.
Other big nominees include Jay-Z, DaBaby, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion and more.
The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards will be taped on Oct. 3 in Atlanta, and will air a week later, on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Read More: 2023 CMA Awards Nominations: Lainey Wilson,...
On Thursday, the nominations were announced for the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, with Cardi B and 21 Savage leading the pack with 12 nods apiece.
Read More: 2023 Legacy Awards: First Four Recipients Announced Including Jully Black And Director X
Both artists will be facing off against each other in major categories like Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Hustler of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video.
21 Savage – Photo: Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP/Cp Images
Coming in second place is Drake, who landed nine nominations, including Hip-Hop Artist of the Year.
Burna Boy and DJ Khaled each received sevn nods, while J. Cole came in at five.
Other big nominees include Jay-Z, DaBaby, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion and more.
The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards will be taped on Oct. 3 in Atlanta, and will air a week later, on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Read More: 2023 CMA Awards Nominations: Lainey Wilson,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Killer Mike has announced Michael Deluxe, a deluxe edition of the solo album he shared back in June. The new release will arrive next Friday, September 15th, and Mike is celebrating the announcement by sharing a bonus track called “Maynard Vignette” featuring T.I., Jid, and Jacquees.
Along with the original tracklist that comprises Michael, Michael Deluxe will feature four new bonus tracks: “Maynard Vignette” along with “Yes,” “Get Some Money,” and “Act Up.” A press release describes is as something like a “director’s cut,” expanding beyond the more concise version Mike had whittled down for the initial release. Additionally, fans can finally get their hands on the music in physical formats, with the long-awaited vinyl and CD versions of the album available to pre-order now.
“Maynard Vignette” spotlights Mike’s mellower side, backed by a sleek, piano-embellished instrumental and toned-down tempo. He, Jid, and T.I. take turns on the verses,...
Along with the original tracklist that comprises Michael, Michael Deluxe will feature four new bonus tracks: “Maynard Vignette” along with “Yes,” “Get Some Money,” and “Act Up.” A press release describes is as something like a “director’s cut,” expanding beyond the more concise version Mike had whittled down for the initial release. Additionally, fans can finally get their hands on the music in physical formats, with the long-awaited vinyl and CD versions of the album available to pre-order now.
“Maynard Vignette” spotlights Mike’s mellower side, backed by a sleek, piano-embellished instrumental and toned-down tempo. He, Jid, and T.I. take turns on the verses,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards nominations are stacked with recognition for some of the genre’s veteran and fastest-rising artists. Across 17 categories, Cardi B and 21 Savage garnered the most nominations with 12 each, trailed by Drake, who is up for nine awards. Also nominated at the show, which will tape in Atlanta and air on October 10 at 9 p.m. Est, are Ice Spice, Burna Boy, DJ Khaled, J. Cole, Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Latto, and more.
“This year’s ‘BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our...
“This year’s ‘BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our...
- 9/7/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Fans have been waiting for Drake’s new album, For All the Dogs, since he announced the news earlier this summer. Finally, after teasing the record for months, the rapper revealed that the upcoming album will drop on Sept. 22.
Drake made the announcement via a video posted on Wednesday evening, featuring his father Dennis Graham singing back in the day. In the throwback clip, Graham is introduced as “Cousin Dennis” from Memphis, Tenn. and performs on Stormy Monday With Danny Marks, a local television series in Toronto that aired during the Nineties.
Drake made the announcement via a video posted on Wednesday evening, featuring his father Dennis Graham singing back in the day. In the throwback clip, Graham is introduced as “Cousin Dennis” from Memphis, Tenn. and performs on Stormy Monday With Danny Marks, a local television series in Toronto that aired during the Nineties.
- 9/7/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Earlier this month, bodycam footage of the aftermath of rapper and Lil Durk signee King Von’s November 2020 death reached the internet. One clip shows Atlanta Police patrolling outside the Monaco hookah lounge, where a dispute between Von and rapper Quando Rondo erupted into gunfire (charges against Rondo affiliate Lul Tim were reportedly dropped after police determined that Apd fired the fatal shot).
An additional clip chronicles the Atlanta Police Department detaining Chicago rapper Bosstop, an affiliate of Von’s who was celebrating his birthday at Monaco that night. A...
An additional clip chronicles the Atlanta Police Department detaining Chicago rapper Bosstop, an affiliate of Von’s who was celebrating his birthday at Monaco that night. A...
- 8/31/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
On Aug. 14, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis formally announced the state of Georgia’s 41-count indictment against former President Donald Trump and 18 others for allegedly attempting to overthrow the 2020 election. Trump, who’s also facing three other indictments in New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida, is the highest-profile person ever to be tried by Fulton County — right in front of rapper Young Thug, a.k.a Jeffery Williams, who’s accused of being a gang shot-caller in the 65-count Ysl case. Both indictments outline winding racketeering and conspiracy...
- 8/16/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
During a Tuesday campaign event in New Hampshire, Donald Trump leveled a bizarre accusation against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, suggesting she had had an “affair” with a “gang member” she was prosecuting.
“They say there’s a young woman — a young racist in Atlanta — they say she was after a certain gang and she ended up having an affair with the head of the gang or a gang member. And this is a person who wants to indict me […] wants to indict me for a perfect phone call,...
“They say there’s a young woman — a young racist in Atlanta — they say she was after a certain gang and she ended up having an affair with the head of the gang or a gang member. And this is a person who wants to indict me […] wants to indict me for a perfect phone call,...
- 8/8/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Hip-hop Was Born In The Bronx in the summer of 1973. To celebrate the music’s 50th anniversary, “Rolling Stone” will be publishing a series of features, historical pieces, op-eds, and lists throughout this year.
Rolling Stone has covered the biggest and best artists in hip-hop for decades, tracing the evolution of a vital art form from Run-d.M.C. in the Eighties all the way up to Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Young Thug, Cardi B, and today’s other top stars. Here are 50 Rolling Stone covers that show how far hip-hop has come.
Rolling Stone has covered the biggest and best artists in hip-hop for decades, tracing the evolution of a vital art form from Run-d.M.C. in the Eighties all the way up to Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Young Thug, Cardi B, and today’s other top stars. Here are 50 Rolling Stone covers that show how far hip-hop has come.
- 8/8/2023
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
One of the prevailing observations of Travis Scott’s Utopia album has been how much it sounds like a Ye West project. Listeners have called out the bevy of features, momentous beat switches, and sparse, reverbed landscapes as noticeable effects of being around Ye as much as Travis has. Chance The Rapper once called himself “Kanye’s best prodigy,” but Travis may have claimed that crown by default on Utopia.
Over the last week, fans have revealed that the Travis-Ye parallels aren’t just about inspiration from Ye but tracks...
Over the last week, fans have revealed that the Travis-Ye parallels aren’t just about inspiration from Ye but tracks...
- 8/4/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
Gunna hits the Los Angeles freeways in an extremely conspicuous white Ford Bronco in the new music video for “Rodeo Dr.”
The new video, directed by Spike Jordan, features some not-at-all subtle allusions to Gunna’s involvement in the Ysl gang case, his decision to take a best-interest plea, and the backlash he’s faced since (the clip opens with two guys discussing whether they still “fuck with” the rapper). The bulk of the video is centered around a recreation of the infamous O.J. Simpson Bronco chase, with Gunna lounging...
The new video, directed by Spike Jordan, features some not-at-all subtle allusions to Gunna’s involvement in the Ysl gang case, his decision to take a best-interest plea, and the backlash he’s faced since (the clip opens with two guys discussing whether they still “fuck with” the rapper). The bulk of the video is centered around a recreation of the infamous O.J. Simpson Bronco chase, with Gunna lounging...
- 8/2/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
After his 2018 album Astroworld, Travis Scott reached a commercial steeple that allowed him to sell candles and McDonalds meals and Forgiatto rims and anything else he wanted to pick up and wail, “It’s lit!” with. He carried that eye for consumerism into his Utopia rollout to middling effect. Even after his planned performance at the Giza Pyramid was canceled (the mere possibility of a show there was striking since it was unclear whether he’d be insured to perform again anywhere after the Astroworld concert tragedy), Utopia is still...
- 7/31/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
A few hours before he dropped his long-awaited studio album Utopia, Travis Scott shared its official 19-song tracklist. The image included each title written out in near-illegible scribbles with a harsh, grainy filter overlay making it all the more difficult to decipher. Throughout the list, there were no featured artists, but the album’s arrival revealed appearances from Beyoncé, Drake, The Weeknd, Sza, James Blake, and more across its stacked guest list.
Utopia features 19 different featured artists across its run time, which clocks in at an hour and 13 minutes. Scott...
Utopia features 19 different featured artists across its run time, which clocks in at an hour and 13 minutes. Scott...
- 7/28/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Travis Scott has finally released his much-anticipated fourth studio album, Utopia, via Cactus Jack and Epic Records. Stream it via Apple Music or Spotify below.
Utopia is the follow-up to Scott’s 2018 album, Astroworld, and arrives as Scott’s first full-length since the crowd crush at his 2021 Astroworld music festival that left 10 people dead and thousands more injured. Last month, a grand jury declined to criminally indict Scott for the deaths at Astroworld.
Ahead of the album’s release, Scott shared the lead single, “K-pop,” a collaboration with Bad Bunny and The Weeknd. Other guest contributors include Beyoncé, Drake, Sza, Future, 21 Savage, and Kid Cudi as well as Bon Iver and James Blake.
Music from Utopia is also featured in Scott’s new film, Circus Maximus, which premiered at select AMC theaters beginning on Thursday night. The Houston native wrote the movie and co-directed it with Gaspar Noé, Nicolas Winding Refn,...
Utopia is the follow-up to Scott’s 2018 album, Astroworld, and arrives as Scott’s first full-length since the crowd crush at his 2021 Astroworld music festival that left 10 people dead and thousands more injured. Last month, a grand jury declined to criminally indict Scott for the deaths at Astroworld.
Ahead of the album’s release, Scott shared the lead single, “K-pop,” a collaboration with Bad Bunny and The Weeknd. Other guest contributors include Beyoncé, Drake, Sza, Future, 21 Savage, and Kid Cudi as well as Bon Iver and James Blake.
Music from Utopia is also featured in Scott’s new film, Circus Maximus, which premiered at select AMC theaters beginning on Thursday night. The Houston native wrote the movie and co-directed it with Gaspar Noé, Nicolas Winding Refn,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
On July 10, Jimmy Winfrey, a.k.a. PeeWee Roscoe, was arrested by Las Vegas police after being a fugitive for over 14 months. Winfrey’s arrest record shows he was charged with battery and using a fake ID to evade justice — but there’s another reason to watch his case closely.
Winfrey was on the run from the Ysl trial, which ensnared Young Thug and 27 others, including him, last year. He’s connected to a particularly sensational part of the Ysl indictment: the 2015 shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus. Eight years ago,...
Winfrey was on the run from the Ysl trial, which ensnared Young Thug and 27 others, including him, last year. He’s connected to a particularly sensational part of the Ysl indictment: the 2015 shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus. Eight years ago,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
Drake and London rapper Central Cee delivered stellar On The Radar freestyle performances released on Friday.
Hosted by Power 105.1 radio personality and journalist Gabe P, the New York-based platform is known for featuring freestyles by local drill rappers. Drake stopped by On the Radar Radio for his It’s All a Blur Tour and took the mic first, whilst dropping notable comparisons.
“But we know some demon guys with jealous and evil eyes/ You know that’s how Jesus died, you know that’s how Julius Caesar died/ I bet...
Hosted by Power 105.1 radio personality and journalist Gabe P, the New York-based platform is known for featuring freestyles by local drill rappers. Drake stopped by On the Radar Radio for his It’s All a Blur Tour and took the mic first, whilst dropping notable comparisons.
“But we know some demon guys with jealous and evil eyes/ You know that’s how Jesus died, you know that’s how Julius Caesar died/ I bet...
- 7/22/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
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