by Will Schube
LL Cool J has revealed his Mount Rushmore of Def Jam artists, but his list contains a few notable omissions.
The rap legend sat down for a wide-ranging interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast on Wednesday (July 31), during which he was asked to share his picks for the iconic Hip Hop label’s top four acts.
LL began by making a case for his own inclusion, reminding Sharpe that he was “the first artist on Def Jam.” (His 1984 song “I Need a Beat” was the label’s first release, while his classic 1985 debut LP Radio was the first album it put out into the......
by Will Schube
Vybz Kartel has received a warm welcome home from some of Hip Hop’s biggest names, including Drake, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
The dancehall legend was released from prison on Wednesday (July 31) after Jamaica’s Court of Appeals upheld his overturned murder conviction. He had spent 13 years behind bars.
Drizzy, a noted fan of Kartel, celebrated his newfound freedom by posting a selfie of him wearing a T-shirt adorned with a painting of the self-proclaimed king of dancehall.
He also wrote in a separate post: “BOSS FREE UP NOW! Adidjaaaaaaa,” referencing the artist’s real name.
Cardi......
by Staff
Cardi B has revealed that she is expecting her third child with Offset, just hours after it was confirmed by her rep that she has filed for divorce from her husband for the second time.
The “Enough” rapper took to Instagram on Thursday (August 1) to share a first look at her growing baby bump, in a stunning photo set against the New York City skyline as a backdrop.
She captioned the photo with a note to her unborn child, in which she mentioned an “ending,” without addressing the divorce news directly.
“With every ending comes a new beginning,” Cardi started. “I am so grateful to have shared this......
by Will Schube
Raekwon has answered whether Wu-Tang Clan fans will be treated to another album anytime soon, while also teasing a new solo project of his own.
The Chef took to Instagram Live on Monday (July 29) to respond to speculation surrounding the Wu potentially reuniting for their eighth LP.
“Good question. I mean, we tryna get it together, you know?” he said. “Everybody’s spread out. Everybody’s doing something great in their life, so when it’s time for everybody to get in the room, it just seems like it’s the hardest shit in the world. But it ain’t like we......
by Will Schube
Fat Joe has suggested that J. Cole dinged his own legacy after apologizing to Kendrick Lamar.
The rapper sat down with the Jay Shetty Podcast for an episode that aired on Monday (July 29). He offered up his opinion on the way in which the Dreamville leader backing down in his rap battle with K. Dot affected his reputation.
Joe began: “I had one of the biggest, most dangerous beefs with 50 Cent, and I was sitting next to him at the game yesterday, having the best time in the world. We’re brothers. When you’re called out in Hip-Hop, you gotta respond. I’m a big fan of......
by Sam Moore
Chino XL, the cult rapper and actor, has passed away at the age of 50, his family have confirmed.
Using the rap legend’s Instagram account to make the announcement, his family announced on Tuesday (July 30): “The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing. Chino died on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home. He was 50.”
The statement continued: “Chino is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis, and Dyani; his mother, Carole; and his former longtime partner Stephanie.
“In......
by TAI SAINT-LOUIS
DJ Polo, who is perhaps best known for his work alongside Kool G. Rap, has reportedly died unexpectedly, and the news has impacted quite a few Hip Hop greats.
According to Hot 97, the legendary DJ passed away early Saturday morning (July 27), though a cause of death has not been revealed.
Perhaps one of the first to publicly morn Polo was DJ Chuck Chillout, who took to Instagram and Facebook with a simple tribute, in which he captioned a photo of his deceased friend and colleague with: “This Hurt real Bad RIP To DJ POLO.”
Others soon joined in with tributes of their......
by SHAWN SETARO
Drake doesn’t appear to be particularly beloved in his hometown — at least amongst Limp Bizkit fans.
During the band’s concert at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Wednesday (July 24) as part of their Loserville Tour, the band’s frontman Fred Durst mentioned that Drake was watching from the side of the stage, and received a less-than-enthusiastic response.’
“Did you know Drake’s here tonight?” Durst asked, to audible boos.
He seemed confused, responding: “I thought Drake was your homie? What? No? Drake’s my......
by STAFF
Rakim returned on Friday (July 26) with G.O.D’s Network – REB7RTH, his first album since 2009’s The Seventh Seal — but his primary role on it may shock even devoted listeners.
While the God MC provides vocals (verses and/or hooks) on six of the project’s seven songs, his main job on the project was not as a rapper, but as a producer. He also provided scratches.
“I always was attached to making beats,” Ra told Grammy.com. “But I got to the point where I’m confident with my production now. I got the chance to produce the......
by ANDY BUSTARD
Snoop Dogg has expanded his Death Row Records roster with a new signing, and it’s already going down well with fans.
Tha Doggfather, who became the owner of the legendary rap label to which he was previously signed in 2022, introduced Charlie Bereal as his latest recruit on Wednesday (July 24).
In a joint Instagram post, Snoop and Death Row wrote: “Introducing the newest artist on Death Row Records… Pasadena’s Finest: Charlie Bereal. @charliebereal.”
The post included a video teaser of Bereal’s debut single on the label, “Never Gonna Take Away My Love,” ahead of its release on......
