A Tribe Called Quest is reportedly on track to score the group’s first No. 1 album in over 20 years with We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service.
Frank Ocean’s long-awaited sophomore album Blonde was one of the most successful releases in 2016. Not only did it receive critical acclaim, the project did impressively well commercially—debuting at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 in its first week. Such success led many people to believe that Ocean would be a top contender at the 2017 Grammys; but unfortunately for his fans, including Kanye West, that isn’t going to happen. And Ocean is more than fine with that.
During a newly-published interview with the New York Times, the 29-year-old singer explained he doesn’t view the awards ceremony like he once did. He told journalist Jon Caramanica that his first Grammy wins—one for 2012’s Channel Orange (Best Urban Contemporary Album), and the other for his feature on Kanye and Jay Z’s “No Church in the Wild” (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration)—were significant at the time, but he now views the Grammys as an antiquated.
“That institution certainly has nostalgic importance. It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down,” he said. “I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated. I’d rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience.”
He refusal to participate in the awards ceremony is just another example of Ocean’s newly acquired freedom and independence. He’s no longer tied to a major record deal (Blonde was released through his indie label Boys Don’t Cry), so he’s taking full advantage of working on his own terms.
“Because I’m not in a record deal, I don’t have to operate in an album format,” he told the Times. “I can operate in half-a-song format.”
In fact, he’s considering spending less time on music in order to explore other art forms.
“I believe that I’m one of the best in the world at what I do, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to be,” Ocean explained. “It’s more interesting for me to figure out how to be superior in areas where I’m naïve, where I’m a novice.”
When all those crazy rumors of Taylor Swift and Drake dating hit our timelines, we knew there was something else going on and sure enough it was reported soon after that the two were working on music together.
When Hillary Clinton used a Pusha T meet-and-greet contest to encourage voter registration, Twitter users were left scratching their heads. Yes, the G.O.O.D. music president had shown his support for Clinton throughout the race, but his creative persona and work didn’t exactly scream “political champion.” Many were critical of the Democratic presidential nominee’s choice, while others thought it was nothing short of hilarious; however, it appears the move was actually pretty smart.
Karen Civil, the hip-hop insider who worked on Clinton’s marketing campaign, explained how the meet-and-greet contest boosted the candidate’s support as well as voter registration.
“I remember when [Clinton] put out that tweet, she got so much flack […] she put out ‘Win tickets to a Pusha T concert when you register to vote [on her website],’” Civil explained during an interview on The Breakfast Club. “So many people were so mad, like, ‘Why is she tweeting about Pusha T?’ But what people don’t know is over 30,000 people registered to vote off of that tweet.”
That’s a pretty notable figure, but even Charlamagne Tha God wondered how Clinton was convinced to partner with the reformed drug dealer. Civil explained Pusha was no stranger to the White House (he’s worked with President Barack Obama on the My Brother’s Keeper initiative) and he has, therefore, been vetted by government officials. But more than anything, Civil said she wanted to work with Pusha because of his support of prison reform.
“He understands the system, having people in there, and what needs to be done moving forward,” she explained. “Pusha is somebody who is very passionate, he’s educated […] so it made sense to use him […] I’m glad I did it, Pusha’s glad he did it. Coming out of it, so many people were registered to vote for the first time, and we got a lot of engagement off of it.”
Rapper 2 Chainz announced that he will be donating all proceeds from his new army-themed CEO Millionaires collection to support U.S veterans.
Big Sean confirmed on twitter that he and Jhene Aiko will release more music together in 2017 following the success of their first Twenty88 project.
With press ramping up for the 20-year anniversary of Lil’ Kim’s debut, Hardcore, the MC is again drawing headlines for comments indirectly addressing her ever-changing appearance.
OVO Sound has had an illustrious year to say the least, and now PARTYNEXTDOOR is joining in on the festivities. As of last night, the OVO singer has now officially gone platinum (and gold), as he received certifications for 2014?s “Recognize” which just broke the 1-million sales mark, while “Come and See Me,” a single off this year’s P3 album, just sold 500k units. He shared the momentous occasion with a thank you post to fans on Instagram showing off the new plaques. Check it out below.
Despite announcing that his sophomore album was “90% complete” at the end of last month, Joey Bada$$ took to Twitter to share that he has pushed back the release date of A.A.B.A. to 2017. The Pro Era rapper seems to be taking extra time for the remaining 10%, stating that, “it’s been delayed 4 perfection.” Judging by the singles “Devastated” and “Front & Center,” the project promises to be worth the wait.
There’s no doubt that hip-hop played a large role in this year’s presidential election, but perhaps not as big as many imagined.
From the beginning, rappers were using their platform to spread awareness and information. Run the Jewel’s Killer Mike took then presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders out to lunch to the local Busy Bee in his hometown of Atlanta, Ga. before taking the stage at a rally with an impassioned call for equality.
G.O.O.D. Music president Pusha T has been vocal in his support of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, releasing a pro-Clinton T-shirt reading “Delete Your Account” and teaming up with Clinton for a contest to register voters.