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Chris Brown’s Top-16 Hits List

Chris Brown's Hits List
Image source: Youtube.

16 years ago, Chris Brown released his first single, “Run It.” Since then, he has been giving our ears hit after hit. Chris has either created or featured on hundreds of great songs. Ask Alexia to play “Chris Brown,” and then see it for yourself. 

Chris is now about to release his 10th album. In honor of Chris Brown being in the industry for 16 years, these are 16 of his top hits from his nine previous albums.

*FYI- The list does not include songs Chris Brown featured on. That is a category all by itself.

The Hit List

16. “Don’t Think They Know” ft. Aaliyah

This song dropped, and people had mixed emotions. Fans are still heartbroken after the sudden death of Aaliyah. This song reminded everyone that a once-in-a-lifetime talent is gone.

The hit was produced by Mel and Mus. The track’s beat fits perfectly with the texture of Chris Brown’s voice and the sensual sound of Aaliyah.

15. “Pills and Automobiles” ft. Yo Gotti, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, & Kodak Black

This song is a great way to get the party started. The beat is instantly recognized, and then you hear the lyrics, “Wet, Wet, Wet, Wet.” This song gets you hyped in the best way.

The music video was also directed by Chris himself, and the visuals are amazing.

14. “Kiss Kiss” ft. T Pain 

Released on Brown’s sophomore album, “Exclusive,” he let everyone know he is just getting starting with making hits. T Pain then produced the up-tempo beat. The Nappy Boy also laid down the hook and a verse that elevated the song to new heights.

13. “Party” ft. Usher and Gucci Mane

Fans begged for an Usher and Breezy collaboration, and when they came together, the two didn’t disappoint. The video looks like the “You Don’t Have To Call” party never ended.

12. “With You”

“With You” went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over two million copies. To date, the record has also gone 5x platinum digitally.

11. “Say Goodbye”

Chris Brown jumped right in and made songs with serious topics. He sings about falling in love with another woman while in a relationship. Bryan-Michael Cox produced the composition, and he used a sample from “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo.

Top Ten Hits

10. “Gimmie That (Remix)” ft. Lil Wayne

Chris teamed up with Weezy-baby to show that he has an ear for the streets. The track throws away the fun and love songs.

9. “Go Crazy” ft. Young Thug

The music video to this song was a perfect addition to the song. The video was shot at Chris Brown’s house, and the theme was a giant house party. This party hit then went No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart.

8. “Take You Down”

This was the first time Chris Brown dropped a grown and sexy hit. The ladies couldn’t wait to see this side of Chris, and the guys also learned some new moves. The producer “Until The End Of Time” used the sample perfectly.

7. “Loyal” ft. Lil Wayne

The song hit the scene, and then everyone wanted a piece of it. If you don’t like the original, then I’m sure you can find a remix with your favorite artist on it.

6. “Look At Me Now” ft. Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne

This hit #1 on the R&B chart and went to #6 on the pop chart. Chris Brown flexed his rap skills on the track, but Busta Rhymes went crazy right afterward. Busta had hip-hop fans trying hard to keep up. Finally, Lil Wayne finished the song by doing his best.

Top Five Hits

5. “Heat” ft. Gunna

Let’s jump straight into what the music video delivered. Chris captured a moment in time. The video was stylish, clean-cut, and also precise.

4. “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)”

This is the second single Chris Brown officially released. You can also see the Michael Jackson influence in the “Yo (excuse me miss)” video. A story was told from start to finish.

3. “Run It” ft. Juelz Santana

Chris introduced himself to the world with this epic track and matching video. Brown then showed the world what to expect.

2. “No Guidance” ft. Drake 

Drake and Chris teamed up and played no games. The hit was released in 2019 and had then gone 8x platinum.

Number One

1. “Deuces” ft. Tyga and Kevin McCall

“Deuces” is a fan favorite, but it came after a point when Chris almost lost everything. Eventually, he made it back from that and released his fourth album. “Deuces” was also the first track on the “F.A.M.E.” album.

Check out Chris Brown’s 10th album when it drops next month.

Xavier “Writer X” Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 |Twitter @WRITER_X_713 

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Breakr & SeeHer Select 3 Women As Winners Of The #HerBigBreakContest Who Will Participate In The Accelerator Program

#HerBigBreakContest
Image Source: Antoni Shkraba.

SeeHer is a leading campaign to eliminate gender bias in advertising, entertainment, and music tech startups. Breakr proudly announces that Amanda Adams, Brianna Knight, and also D’anna Stewart are the winners of the #HerBigBreakContest. 

In addition to providing women musicians with the tools and resources needed to continue developing their careers, the contest also supports emerging female artists.

Moreover, Adams, Knight, and Stewart will participate in a four-week accelerator program. It will include mentoring by female music executives, advice on influencer marketing campaigns, and the opportunity to perform live on Twitch to help advance their careers.

Accelerator Program

SeeHer offers the accelerator program. The SeeHer HearHer music initiative works to eliminate the industry’s gender bias and increase the representation of women both in front of and behind the microphone.

Furthermore, for the first #HerBigBreakContest, the organization partnered with Breakr. Breakr connects emerging artists and brands with influencers to empower and elevate women in music.

“We were delighted by the vast number of incredible submissions for our first #HerBigBreakContest,” said Jeannine Shao Collins, the SeeHer president. “Last year, women made up less than a quarter of artists and less than fifteen percent of songwriters across popular songs.”

What Will The Winners Of The #HerBigBreakContest Gain From This Program?

Furthermore, Knight, Stewart, and Williams will have the chance to speak with songwriters, DJs, producers, and engineers to understand the music industry better. In addition, they will receive advice from marketing and branding experts.

The three winners will undergo media training before their live performance on Twitch to be more comfortable engaging with the media. Also, the artists will have the opportunity to meet and network with top music executives.

Along with the previously announced mentors, Donna Lamar, Executive Creative Director at Spotify; Tolu Ayeni, Music Partnerships, Instagram, and many more.

“There should be more resources for women artists because a lot of the music industry is built from relationships,” said musical duo and mentors Coco and Breezy. “It’s important that we share our resources, relationships, and advice with up-and-coming musicians to help set them up for success.”

More About The #HerBigBreakContest Winners

Amanda Adams is a singer and songwriter from Tampa, FL, who recently relocated to Los Angeles, CA. Adam’s covers of popular songs, including “Hrs and Hrs” by Muni Long, have been making waves on social media.

#HerBigBreakContest
Amanda Adams. winner of #HerBigBreakContest. Credit Twitter/Breakr

From Spring Valley, New York, Brianna Knight is an R&B and Neo-Soul singer, songwriter, and producer. She has appeared at the Apollo twice, appeared in Earmilk & VIBE magazine, and recently wrote jingles for Chime.

#HerBigBreakContest
Brianna Knight, winner of #HerBigBreakContest. Credit: Twitter/Breakr

D’anna Stewart is a singer, songwriter, and musician from Compton, California. She started singing at eight years old. Moreover, during the last 13 years, she has written music for television professionally. Recently, she contributed to the theme song of the rebooted TV series “The Proud Family” on Disney+. 

#HerBigBreakContest
D’Anna Stewart, winner of #HerBigBreakContest. Credit: Twitter/Breakr

The #HerBigBreakContest was open to emerging women artists from Mar 15 through Apr 6. Furthermore, participants were encouraged to post an online video showing their singing using the hashtag #HerBigBreakContest. Moreover, a panel of entertainment executives and high-profile influencers evaluated the submissions to select the winners.

A Brief Overview of Breakr

Furthermore, Breakr is a two-sided marketplace that uses influencers to connect artists and brands. The marketplace helps brands and artists launch new music and products. A key feature of Breakr is the music discovery component, which empowers creatives and facilitates real collaboration. In addition, through its community of over 60,000 creators, Breakr is changing how artists break their music and brands succeed with content-driven influencer campaigns. 

To learn more, visit MusicBreakr.com, and follow Breakr on social media @MusicBreakr (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter), @Breakr (LinkedIn).

Introducing SeeHer

SeeHer is a global movement of media, marketing, and entertainment leaders dedicated to ensuring that female characters are depicted correctly in media and advertising. Furthermore, The Female Quotient (The FQ) and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) introduced SeeHer in 2016 to alter how females are portrayed in the media. To assist members in evaluating success, SeeHer led the development of the Gender Equality Measure® (GEM®), the first study to measure gender bias in advertisements and television programming. 

In addition, Research from GEM demonstrates that representations of women accurately increase both purchase intent and brand awareness. As a result of winning the prestigious ESOMAR Research Effectiveness Award in 2017, GEM® techniques rapidly became the industry standard. These techniques first appeared globally in 2018. Also, in 2019, the movement added sports (SeeHer In Sports) and music (SeeHer Hear Her) to its verticals. 

Visit SeeHer.com and follow SeeHer on social media @SeeHer (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), @SeeHerOfficial (TikTok, Twitter).

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Romeo’s a Father, Female Fans Furious

Romeo is a Father, Female Fans Furious

Percy “Romeo” Miller is a hip-hop influencer, entrepreneur, and, thanks to girlfriend Drew Sangster, a new dad. However, not all of the audience celebrated the couple’s new addition. Romeo recently shared he lost a lot of female fans following the birth announcement of his first child. The 32-year-old former “Growing Up Hip Hop” recently revealed how disillusioned women sent him hate mail and unfollowed him on social media because he was “supposed to be with them.”

Lil’ Romeo Has Literally Grown Up Hip Hop

Significantly,  Romeo grew up in the limelight thanks to his famous father, southern hip hop legend Master P. He emerged as a star in his own right in the early 2000s as the dazzling dribbling elementary rapper Lil Romeo. Now he’s evolved into an actor, producer, and co-owner of Rap Snacks and other businesses.

“As crazy as it sounds I felt that type of pressure growing up,” he said to Page Six. “Being a child star, your fans really are a part of your life,” he told podcast Page Six.

Romeo Continues to Live Authentically

Consequently, he took his time dating and choosing a public partner.

“It’s not just a moment that happened by accident, but it has to be with somebody who is truly deserving because it’s gonna break a lot of hearts out there,” he said. 

Moreover, the heartthrob expressed appreciation for the fans who stayed loyal. Fortunately, his diverse work has earned him 2 million followers authentically.

“I’ve been successful for over 20 years because I’m living my life. I still think about those people that support me, [but]

But I got to live my life, y’all,” he said.

Watch Romeo continue to shine alongside former Destiny’s Child star and award-winning gospel singer Michelle Williams in Lifetime Original limited series: Seven Deadly Sins.

 

FM Hip Hop Story by: J.J. Braden at https://www.instagram.com/thebookmd/

For more other stories about Romeo, his legendary family, and other hip-hop news, follow and like FMHipHop on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram!

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“2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” By Yeat: The Review

2 Alivë (Geëk Pack) By Yeat The Review

LA newcomer Yeat released a repackage of his new album “2 Alivë” on April 1. Is the album hot or an unnecessary add-on?

Yeat Representing For Cali

Yeat is more than just a trendy rapper; he’s amassing a movement. The 22-year-old West Coast rapper has had an exciting 2022 so far. Since 2019 he gained a cult following due to his quirky sound and addictive aura. The newbies’ second studio album, “2 Alivë,” has moved an impressive 36,000 units in its first week. This is quite the feat in a streaming era when music is sold less and less. Even in the world of fashion, he’s making waves. His signature turban is making an appearance on fans across the globe.

With the success of “2 Alivë,” it was. A no-brainer to release a repackage. So how does “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” measure up?

“2 Alivë” Starting On A Strong Foot

Yeat begins this repackage on a characteristically confident note. ‘Poppin’ is an upbeat album starter that immediately shows you what to expect from the rest of “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack).” The earworm Uzi-like production lends itself to Yeat’s unique flow and thoroughly sets the tone.

“We got racks out, bitch, we goin’ shoppin’ (shoppin’)

When you get like this, you rich, lil’ bitch, you poppin’

It ain’t been a day that I ain’t been high, bitch, Percs’, I pop ’em, yeah”

The first starring feature on this record is “Outside” with Young Thug. The Atlanta icon is known for lending a helping hand to newcomers, and his verse only enhances the light-hearted feeling of the song. Out of all the possible reactions to sudden fame, Yeat seems relaxed and relieved instead of overwhelmed. This blithe mood can be felt strongly in the first chunk of this album. Specifically, “Real Six” and “Luh Geek” singles.

The Star Feature

One notable music trend hasn’t been proven untrue yet: the Gunna feature is usually the standout track. Similar to “What Happened to Virgil” on Lil Durk’s “7220,” Gunna’s sleek, quiet flow elevates “Rackz Got Me” from bop to an anthem. If you’re an active TikTok user, you’ll definitely recognize this crucial part of the song.

“Percs don’t stab my back

All my slimes say slatt (say slatt)

Let’s get it, slatt, slatt, slatt, slatt, slatt (slime)”

It’s no wonder why this song has gone the most viral compared to the rest. “Rackz Got Me” has this catchy quality that can’t be described. This quality is duplicated in “On The Line,” a song that best showcases why Yeat is so popular with Gen Z. References to peak and Lil Uzi Vert. Yeat’s distinct vocal inflections and a mix of eccentric bars. It all makes for an artist the industry needs. 

Underlying these braggadocios and jovial bars are beats almost reminiscent of a Nintendo 64 game. The rough “glitchy” sound makes the most significant impact in tracks like “Nvr Again” and “Double.” Yeat effortlessly floats over loud electronic sound effects that could be potentially distracting, but eventually, they only lend themselves to the aesthetic.

Keeping It Balanced

“Rollin” and “Taliban” bring back the laid-back vibes after a slightly more hard-hitting “Jus Better,” “Jump,” and “Dnt Lie.” One of the best parts of “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” is Yeat’s ability to switch between being somewhat goofy and serious lyrics meant to assert his dominance as a newcomer. Several instances of him doing so within the same song show, the most notable being “Kant Die.”

“I just been pullin’ up shittin’ on them all day, I stink (oh)

Yeah, I rock Chane’-ne’, Double C, wear that bitch got tint (oh)”

This mix of ditzy and bombast keeps “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” from being too goofy or taking itself too seriously. The entire record feels like a long party. Being in such a largely stagnant time in music, It’s refreshing to see a freshman with a clear vision and capability to carry it out.

Romantic “2 Alivë”

Of course, Yeat isn’t immune to musical tropes. “Call Me” is your typical rap love song and a nice deviation from the admittedly repetitive subject matter of the album. In addition to being about an unnamed girl, The track reveals some of Yeat’s feelings about his increasing responsibilities.

“I gotta go and hit the road, baby, ’cause this money callin’ me (callin’ me)

To be honest, I don’t really wanna do it, but these agents callin’ me”

“Geek High,” “Narcoticz,” and “Luh m” featuring Yung Kayo, Ken Car$on, and Septembersrich, respectively, are all excellent party songs. Even if you’re just listening with an old pair of AirPods (like me), many of Yeat’s songs still feel like you’ve been dropped into a big concert. This quality seems to shine the most on the tracks with features. While Yeat is definitely strong on his own, he shows out even more distinctly when there’s another artist to the play-off. It’s almost like the listener can feel the two rappers hyping each other up.

“Smooktober” and “Still Countin” are the final two tracks of the original version of “2 Alivë.” It’s obvious why these two were chosen as the album closers. They both exemplify Yeat’s best qualities and utilize some of the best productions on the album. The final 10 songs are bonus tracks, but one could still take the original cut and find it satisfactory.

The New Songs On The Block

Of course, the most anticipated songs in this repackage were the two featuring Lil Uzi Vert: “Big Tonka” and “3G.” To say that Uzi delivers is an understatement. The Philly icon comes in full swing with the same confidence we saw on the “Eternal Atake” album in 2020. His signature fast flow compliments Yeat perfectly. Notably, “Big Tonka” flaunts the crazy chemistry between the two.

One concern going into any repackage album is the obvious question of necessity. The repackage trend started with “Eternal Atake,” which hasn’t always worked in the artists’ favor. It ended up sounding unexpected yet interesting with Uzi, but sometimes the repackages can be redundant and unneeded. So where does “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” land?

“Kant Relax,” “No Comment,” “New Turban,” “Hater,” “Way Back,” “Luv Money,” and “Dub” aren’t very different from the rest of the album. Still, they’re fulfilling additions. Namely, “Hater” and “Dub” sound like they could fit right in with the main songs. “Dub” is yet another smash TikTok hit for Yeat, with thousands of users using the stellar hook for a dance or joke. Whether you like him or not, it’s simply undeniable that Yeat is connecting with the youth in a clear-cut way.

The Conclusion

Overall, “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” is an excellent showing from Yeat. The album effectively displays why we should be giving this underground rapper the flowers he deserves. There are plenty of rappers born from TikTok, many not sticking around for long. Aside from his exceptionally dedicated fanbase, Yeat stands out in his ability to stand out in an ocean of hopefuls. There are some minor faults in the record, though. Mainly its daunting length. With 30 tracks in total and a 90-minute runtime, it’s a heavy listen. To be fair, this is a typical problem with most repackage albums. But still, you’ll most likely wanna take a break around track 15. Another relatively minor tick is the same subject matter and sound of the album. “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” certainly has its standout moments. Still, it can blend together just a tad in the middle.

Despite this, “2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” is an exciting taste of Yeat’s offering. With an official cosign from Uzi, he can only go up from here.

“2 Alivë (Geëk Pack)” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and Youtube.

RELATED STORIES:

Swedish Vaulter Beats World Record While Yeat Plays in the Background

“7220” By Lil Durk: The Review

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Dreema Carrington|IG @dr3amgirl79|Twitter @notdreema

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Pacman & Hit-Boy Keep The Marathon Going

Pacman Presents "Bulletproof Soul," Produced By Hit-Boy
Pacman da Gunman. Image source: James Mooney.

Pacman da Gunman and Hit-Boy joined forces to create the “Bulletproof Soul” project. It came out earlier this month and is a great project. Pacman is also known to be with Nipsey Hussle’s All Money In Records. Now, he is thoroughly keeping Nipsey’s legacy and the marathon going.

Hit-Boy Makes Hits

The project starts off with “Not Your Average.” Giving a nice intro to begin the record, Hit presents a beat that will undoubtedly nod your head. Meanwhile, Pacman flows through the two-minute song, delivering California raps on a beat that sounds so California. 

“Bangin Late” follows, with a beat similar to “Not Your Average,” though more elevated. Hit and Pacman then pick up where they just left off to deliver a slapper. This one is to be played at maximum volume at the L.A. house party, on AUX, of course.

Presenting an anthem for the streets, Pacman also lets you know that he’s been out here for a long time, and if he doesn’t know you, you’re new here. 

Many people probably understand Pac. If you’re a part of the culture, you most likely grew up in the streets, also having to do certain (usually illegal) things until recognition. Pac was out here and knows who’s who. According to the artist, the ones getting their names now just started into this lifestyle and haven’t spent enough time involving themselves in illegal activities. Consequentially, this apparently means these artists are not real.

Pacman’s Pen

“Told Us Not To Do It,” one of Pacman’s most popular songs off his discography (according to Spotify), features Peezy. Hit-Boy is in the rhythm as the instrumentals flow right into each other. 

As previously mentioned, “Bangin Late” seems like a more elevated beat than “Not Your Average.” Meanwhile, “Told Us Not To Do It” seems even higher than “Bangin Late!” 

As soon as the beat drop, your head starts to nod again. Peezy executes his guest verse while mentioning that “The Marathon” is still going. Long live Nipsey Hussle!

Hit-Boy switches up the tempo for a minute for Pacman to really vent. In “The Cycle,” featuring B.Carr, Pacman struggles with losing people as he asks to talk to God. He realizes this is the cycle of living in the streets or possibly just the process of life. B. Carr does a great job on the chorus as he sums this song up, relating to how Pacman’s feeling.

California Vibe

There’s no way this project does not give you a California vibe! “New Heat” is a song you want to listen to while driving down the L.A. freeway, top-down with the sun in your face. Hit-Boy can make you feel good with this easy-listening record after heavy-hearted “The Cycle.” 

With the help of J Stone, Pacman helps listeners envision the L.A. life: beautiful women, fancy cars, sunny weather, big blunts, and plenty of jewelry!

The California ride then continues with “Find A Balance,” as Pacman shows his versatility by giving something the women can take and listen to. Hit-Boy takes a classic sample and turns it into my favorite song off the album!

Accompanied by Dom Kennedy, both West Coast emcees explain to women how to handle a hustler. Turns out it’s also not easy. Pacman keeps the ride going on “Cold Nights on 60th St” as he reminisces while Hit-Boy drives. He reflects on Nipsey’s advice, and as the song plays out, it reminds me of Nipsey and Swizz Beatz’s “Been Down.”

The project ends with “Ask God,” featuring Yhung T.O. and “Til We Meet Again.” The ode to Nipsey as Pacman hopes to reconnect with his friend one day. He pays homage to him for the message he spoke and how he influenced the world. He mentions his loved ones, such as Black Sam, Nipsey’s brother, Imani and Kross, Nipsey’s children, and his wife, Lauren London. Throughout the project, Pacman’s relationship with God and the afterlife is a recurring theme. He manages to keep his faith while battling through loss and struggle.

 

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A post shared by HIT-BOY AKA Tony Fontana (@hitboy)

The Marathon Must Go On

I rate this project an 8 out of 10, B+! I am a fan of this tape, and this is the second straight project Pacman has executed on. With Hit-Boy’s production, the project rises to another level! Pacman’s writing ability and Hit-Boy’s production genius can take listeners to many different places in under 25 minutes! There are songs for the club, songs for the streets, songs for the car, songs for the women, songs for a cookout, songs for a funeral, etc.

Bulletproof Soul does not disappoint. Big shout out to Pacman da Gunman and Hit-Boy, The Marathon Continues!

WRITTEN BY: Brandon Simmons

Listen To “Bulletproof Soul” By Pacman da Gunman & Hit-Boy Below:

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Rapper Dougie B Arrested After Shots Fired Outside Courthouse

Dougie B

New York drill rapper Dougie B, was arrested on Thursday after a brief shootout. The shooting took place outside of the Bronx County Hall of Justice after an argument among a group of men. Police say Dougie was part of this group, with the confrontation starting after a car collision. Also, there were no injuries during the shooting.

Dougie B was set to appear in court on an unrelated shooting charge. Footage from the New York Daily News shows officers detaining the 25 year old outside of the courthouse.

 

On Wednesday night, the rapper was filming the music video for the remix of Kay Flock’s “Shake It” with fellow Bronx native Cardi B. “Shake It,” along with other Kay Flock collabs has seen Dougie take a huge leap over the last year.

 

 

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A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

What Dougie B’s arrest could mean

Dougie’s arrest comes at a time of increased pressure on the New York drill scene. The recent murders of artists such as C-Hii Wvtts and Tdott Woo, along with the arrests of Kay Flock and C Blu, has cast drill in a negative light. Recently, New York mayor Eric Adams even called for a ban on drill rap videos.

However, Adams met with members of the drill scene in February to tackle the rising gun violence in the city. The prominent drill rappers involved in the dialogue included Fivio Foreign, B-Lovee and Maino.

“It’s been a lot of talk about drill rap, drill rap music in New York City, connecting violence with the culture, and I just wanted to create a conversation with the mayor,” Maino said in a clip posted on Instagram. [We’re here] to talk about what’s really happening so the mayor could get a real perspective and real understanding of what drill rap is and so we could have some real dialogue and really make things happen.”

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DDG Will be the First Rapper to Film a MV Off-Planet

DDG Will be the First Rapper to Film a MV Off-Planet
DDG Will be the First Rapper to Film a MV Off-Planet. Image source: Youtube, VEVO Hood Melody.

Michigan-born DDG is writing himself into music history in a very unusual way, and he wont to be grounded for long.

DDG Goes From Infinity To Beyond

YouTuber turned artist DDG is known for pushing the envelope and striving for success with his craft. Whether it’s his channel with over 2 million subscribers, a certified platinum single with “Moonwalking in Calabasas,” or making the 2021 XXL Freshman List, the Midwest star seemingly refuses to settle for less.

The “Die 4 Respect” featuring emcee also recently released a new single with Gunna titled “Elon Musk” (Feb 18). Currently, the song is approaching 3 million views on the rapper’s official YouTube channel. The single is already on the rise and is about to get a massive promo. DDG is also preparing for liftoff with an otherworldly music video.

The Pontiac artist is gearing up to be the first rapper to film a video in space. He recently spoke to Our Generation Music about the upcoming voyage. “I’m really going because I want to experience it. I like doing crazy shit.” He said.

“I went scuba diving, skydiving, and I wanted to embrace that space mentality with “Elon Musk.” I can’t wait to get up there. I’m not really that nervous. I’m just excited.”

A Look Behind The Scenes

The 24-year-old plans to launch from Houston this upcoming weekend (Mar 19). In addition to promoting the single, DDG has vlogged his preparation via TikTok and YouTube. Aside from being an excellent push for “Elon Musk,” the space voyage serves as another milestone for the “Valedictorian” rapper.

He candidly explained his creative process to OGM earlier this week. “It really started with me doing research to see what I could find to market the song. My team contacted SpaceX, NASA, and some other companies to see if we can make happen, and it did.” He expounded.

“I’m going to be up there for a few hours. I’m no astronaut or anything, but I’m going to feel weightless and be floating for the video.”

Since late February, DDG has been teasing his launch on Twitter and giving small glimpses into his mindset. Apparently, going off-planet is more pricy than you may think. 

“going to space is the most expensive shit i ever paid for [emojis],” the artist typed.

 

Came A Long Way, Has A Long Way To Go

This is an awe-inspiring feat, considering how new DDG is to the rap game. He started out making Youtube videos in 2015 and released his first project, “Take Me Serious,” in 2018. The content creator has successfully rebranded himself in just a few short years. DDG has received co-signs from established rappers, including Blueface and also G Herbo.

While some haters have used YouTube to dig on DDG, he maintains pride in his past. “With YouTube, I feel like that’s my family… Like getting dropped off at college or a high school reunion-type feeling,” DDG explained. “I know my fans there are always going to ride for me, and I feel like I’ve had to prove myself because I was [an artist] coming off that platform. It definitely shaped me and my music for what it is today.”

“I loved making videos, but I didn’t start taking music seriously until 2017,” DDG also shared. “I wouldn’t be here without the family supporting me on [YouTube].”

As DDG rises to new heights, it’s also good to know he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Take a look at his space training from back then below:

https://youtu.be/Xjv39g44f5E

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Mase Releases New Single Targeting Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Mase Releases New Single Targeting Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 27: Hip-hop artist Mase attends the 'Can't Stop, Won't Stop: The Bad Boy Story' Premiere at Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

On Mar 15, rapper Mase released his new single “ORACLE 2: Standing On Bodies.” An alleged sequel to “The Oracle (Cam’Ron Diss),” released in 2017.

Yet, what caught fans’ attention is that the song seems to be dedicated to Sean Combs, a.k.a. Diddy a.k.a. Puff Daddy.

The song doesn’t directly target Diddy. There are several lines that many fans of both Mase and Diddy believed to be about this unfriending.

Lyrics & Meaning

Mase Releases New Single Targeting Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Mase’ New Single ‘ORACLE 2: Standing On Bodies’

According to XXL, numerous phrases throughout the song mention key moments between the two artists.

“N****s sayin’ let it go

You buggin’ n***a, I can’t let it be

Tell n****s don’t call for me, I can only talk for me

I know what my budget read

I read the budget every week, then they tried to dangle money; they didn’t think I’d ever leave.

N****s never pay the artists

But they love to pay the freaks.”

The song’s first verse allegedly refers to Mase’s attempt to buy the publishing rights from Diddy in 2020. Mase supposedly describes Diddy’s recording label as “a horrendous business model.”

In “ORACLE 2,” Mase also references how the CEO of Bad Boy Records explodes from Notorious B.I.G.’s death.

“Right now, I’m only saying what you really work

You ain’t no architect

You just a n***a who know how to market death

Go pay his mother what she really worth…”

Mase & Diddy: From Friends to Enemies?

Business and personal relationships are not always a good combination, especially if one of the two parties fails.

For those of you who haven’t been following this story, you probably wondering what the factor that ruined and ended the friendship between Mase and Sean Combs was.

During the ’90s, they were good friends—best friends maybe?—composing many songs together. However, everything changed with some allegations that the Bad Boy founder wasn’t paying his artists fairly. That also includes Mase.

Mase Releases New Single Targeting Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Bad Boy Record Logo.

Several former artists revealed their ex-boss didn’t pay them their respective earnings-or sometimes anything at all. Since then, Diddy’s record label, Bad Boy Records, doesn’t exactly have the best of reputations.

Apparently, Sean Combs refused to pay Mase for the profits during his early career as a rapper. Wow.

After these misunderstandings and possibly arguments, the friendship ended. However, in recent years, Mase has used his social media to bring up this story from time to time.

Mase Releases New Single Targeting Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Mase and P Diddy in the 90’s.  Photo source: Pinterest

The 2020 Grammy Awards

During the 2020 Grammy Awards, Diddy took the stage to talk about all the problems related to the music industry’s lack of diversity towards the hip-hop genre.

“I’m being honored by the industry that I love, the family that I love, but there’s an elephant in the room, and it’s not just about the Grammys,” Diddy said during his speech. “This discrimination and injustice everywhere is an all-time high.” 

Interestingly, after this speech, Mase quickly took to his Instagram to expose his former friend. The artist mentioned Puff Daddy’s Grammy speech and old business between them, calling Diddy’s business model “horrendous.”

“[You] still got my publishing [rights] from 24 years ago in which [you] gave me $20k,” Mase informed. “Which makes me never want to work [with] [you] as any artist wouldn’t after [you] know someone is robbing you & tarnishing your name when [you] don’t want to comply.” 

Surprisingly, Diddy hasn’t commented on Mase’s new single yet. 

While we wait for Bad Boy Records CEO response to the alleged allegations of greediness, FMHipHop will be keeping an eye on this. Just like the latest stories in the world of Hip-Hop and entertainment.

 

My name is Darian Mozo, don’t forget to follow me on my Instagram! 

See ya!

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“7220” By Lil Durk: The Review

"7220" By Lil Durk: The Review
The poster of Lil Durk's "The 7220 Tour." Image source: Live Nation.

“The Voice” Lil Durk is back with a vengeance. After plenty of hype, his new album “7220″ has also arrived. So how does it stack up?

Coming Into A “7220” Era

Lil Durk has finally released his seventh studio album “7220” (Mar 11). The highly anticipated record, named after his grandmother’s Chicago address, comes after the rapper’s massive boost in popularity. Since his last solo project, “The Voice,” Durk has grabbed both a Drake and Kanye feature and his first No. 1 album. In addition to those accomplishments, he’s made great strides in his personal life. He proposed to his longtime girlfriend India Royale during the Chicago Big Jam Concert back in December. It’s clear to see the Chi native is going through a massive transitional period.

So does the music reflect this? Or does Durk stick to his old guns on “7220?”

Durk’s Family & Foes

We start off with an emotional intro track, “Started From.” Here Durkio sets the stage for the rest of the album. The song packs deeply personal details like his grandmother’s health and father’s prison bid.

“Granny got Alzheimer’s, but I can’t forget how she kept it real.”

“And I barely talked to my uncle, I’m talkin’ ’bout my mama brothers/And my daddy brother wasn’t here for us, but I still love him.”

A vivid picture is painted of Durk’s family and upbringing. It’s a story of struggle, adversity, but also forgiveness. “Started From” is a definitive mood setter for a more mature album yet to come.

“Headtaps” then continues the theme of family and the journey of growing up. We learn about Durk’s relationship with his late uncle and how he copes with that loss. The Englewood artist is all too familiar with the feeling of grief, and that resonates in the final few bars.

“Lost my cousin, that’s not okay

Lost my brother, that’s not okay

Miss my dog, and that’s not okay.”

This refers to the tragic passing of his cousin Lil Mister in 2019 and brother DThang last year. Behind the hard exterior of the Chicago, the drill is a sense of sadness that’s perfectly captured in “Headtaps.”

Durk’s Conflict

“7220” takes a hard left with the diss track “AHHH HA.” The song serves as a lead single for the album and response to NBA Youngboy. The two rappers have had tension since the 2020 November passing of King Von. They’ve been exchanging shots for months, and there’s seemingly no end in sight. Check out FMHipHop’s previous analysis of the single!

The violent content of “7220” is more impactful when the consequences are seen in real-time. “Shootout @ my crib” is a haunting track that references a home invasion that occurred at Durk’s Georgia residence in July last year. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation statement, the famous couple and unknown intruders exchanged gunfire early Sunday morning. Along with real-life weaving stories, we get a glimpse into how Lil Durk copes with his dangerous lifestyle. It’s a mix of bravado and seriousness that he’s perfected at this stage of his career.

Never Too Serious

“Golden Child,” “No Interviews,” and “Petty Too” play on that classic rapper braggadocios nature. We see Durk utterly aware of his increased status and openly flexing it. The young artist is clearly proud of himself, and it’s an infectious feeling.

“Like Kodak said, take a Percocet, nigga, everybody turn gremlin/And you know I’m winnin’ when I drop shit, nigga, everybody in my mentions.”

“Barbarian” isn’t a particularly standout song aside from one bar that’s going viral. Listen to the composition and see if you can guess which line has caught everyone off-guard.

The Emotional Side Of Durk

“7220” starts to wind down with “What Happened to Virgil.” The song effortlessly incorporates the slow melodic style that cemented Durk into the rap scene. Gunna makes an appearance and heightens the already stellar track. “Grow up/Keep it on Speaker” shows off Smurk’s incredible natural talent for melody. The same can be said for “Smoking & Thinking,” which has a pretty piano backdrop that compliments the sentimental feeling of the track.

“I’m just smokin’, why y’all let him die? I can’t believe y’all/I’m just smokin’, I’m just ridin’, smokin.”

One trend Durk doesn’t let go of is his outspoken love for India Royale. “Difference is” utilizes RnB juggernaut Summer Walker to bring an intimate feel to the album. “Blocklist” similarly introduces feelings of loyalty and learning from one’s mistakes. It’s a highly refreshing take on the topic of love in the world of rap. Unlike many rappers of his caliber, he explicitly mentions his girl by name several times throughout the album. It aids in making the love songs feel natural and not simply tacked on to appeal to a female audience.

The Last “7220” Stretch

The last few songs on “7220” are a mostly positive mixed bag.

“Love Dior Banks” contains perhaps the best moment on the album. The daughter of Durk’s late brother Dthang makes a cameo, and despite its brevity, the emotional impact is present.

“I love my daddy, I miss my daddy

He was so special to me

He took me shopping, bought me everything

I follow his footsteps and bigger dreams

That’s my daddy, that’s my king.”

The short rhyme leads into the song, which bluntly addresses how life gives no promises. “Federal Nightmares” touches on those same subjects in addition to suicidal thoughts and childhood trauma. It can be difficult as a listener to digest this type of content, but Durk raps with so much honesty you have no choice but to respect it.

“Pissed Me Off” has that signature rough Chicago drill feel that first launched the 29-year-old to fame. It’s no wonder it was chosen as a single. It’s easy to imagine this song blasting out a Hellcat or playing at everyone’s kick back this summer.

The “Broadway Girls” Doesn’t Match With “7220”

The project comes to a close with “Broadway Girls.” It’s a controversial collaboration with country star Morgan Wallen. In February last year, the Tennessee celeb came under fire for using the n-word in a leaked video. He was allegedly intoxicated during the incident. Nevertheless, that wouldn’t make the situation any better. His reputation took a hit, obviously amongst black listeners in particular. This is what makes “Broadway Girls” such an odd pair up, and fans took notice.

Frankly, The song itself isn’t anything awful. It has a beat Durk can easily ride and a catchy hook. However, the rigid pop structure of the music doesn’t allow the rapper to flex his skills. It almost feels like a track that belongs on Wallen’s album, not Durk’s.

Social Media Reacts

Lil Durk also has a famously loyal fan base. “7220” received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from fans and fellow Chicago artist Polo G.

https://twitter.com/smurkiojay/status/1502172816531095552?s=21

https://twitter.com/averageguy205/status/1502147834639884299?s=21

“7220” is projected to sell 120-130k units according to a Hits Daily Double report. Lil Durk is also currently occupying all 17 top spots on US Apple Music. This drop is undeniably a big success and a win for the soon-to-be Chicago legend. Not only is he taking leaps in his life behind the scenes, but he’s also taking all the suitable musical risks to match.

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Shenseea’s “ALPHA” Album Has Twitter Reconsidering Previous Beliefs About The Singer

Shenseea's

In regards to Shenseea’s music, it speaks for itself. Before the release of her debut album, ALPHA, some fans had concerns after hearing the singles. Those singles are “Lick,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, “R U That,” featuring 21 Savage, and “Deserve It.”

Her joint record with the Houston hottie was quick to receive criticism. This track appears to be similar to Meg’s collaboration with Cardi B on “WAP.” Others stated that the rapper surpassed the dancehall artist on her song.

Backlash Towards Shenseea’s Attempt to Appeal to a Mass Audience

Shenseea’s recent attempt to Americanize herself to appeal to a larger audience came with criticism. However, Shenseea’s fans have become concerned that the artist has become detached from her Jamaican roots because of this. The statement “Shenseea wanting to break into r&b and pop should be supported btw,” was written last week by a Twitter user after doubts arose on the social network.

“Just like all of us, she has her own goals and direction she wants for herself. I think the problem is she conquers dancehall so well that to see her fighting up to catch her footing in another genre is hard.”

As a result of the positive comments users have made regarding Shenseea’s ALPHA, it is apparent that she has what it takes to be a successful and versatile artist despite her fears. Take a look below at what others are saying about the album.

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Written by Nikiya Biggs

 

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