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Fashion Mavericks: Tyler, The Creator And Celebrities Making Waves In Men’s Fashion Trends

The summer is here, and everyone is on the hunt for the hottest menswear items in America. But have you ever wondered which fashion pieces are trending across the country? Well, the clothing gurus at boohooMAN have conducted an exciting study to unveil the most coveted menswear items of the season. They dug deep into the vast realm of Google search data, dissecting it with precision to uncover the fashion trends that have captured the nation’s attention.

The researchers meticulously analyzed the average monthly search volume for a wide range of menswear items. From trendy men’s earrings to stylish men’s sandals, no fashion stone was left unturned. And what did they discover? They unveiled not just the most sought-after items but also pinpointed the states where men’s fashion is hitting its peak. Who knew that men cared so much about what they wore? I guess it’s time to break out the pocket squares!

Men’s Sandals

Did you know that men’s sandals are the fifth most popular item in the world of men’s fashion? It’s true! With an average of 10,2978 monthly searches across America, these summertime shoes are making waves.

However, which states are leading the charge in the search for men’s sandals?

Men’s sandals are all the rage in Massachusetts, with 2,773 monthly searches. Washington is not far behind, with 2,050 monthly searches, followed closely by Tennessee, where the sandals craze rakes in an impressive 1,992 searches monthly.

menswear
Men’s sandals. Image source: Pexels.

But what makes sandals so popular, especially during the warmer months?

Well, it’s pretty simple – sandals are the perfect footwear for hot weather! They offer comfort and versatility, making them an excellent match for formal and casual outfits and everything in between. With sandals, you can look stylish and feel at ease no matter the occasion.

Despite that, here’s an interesting twist to the sandal’s story.

When the multi-talented Tyler, The Creator, took to the stage at Coachella 2023, he rocked a pair of sports sandals, paired them with white socks, beige cargo shorts, and a vibrant pink graphic shirt. The result? A fashion statement that caused a stir online.

menswear
Tyler, The Creator at Coachella 2023. Image source: Getty Images.

After Tyler’s performance, searches for ‘socks and sandals’ increased by 270% just one week later! Looks like Tyler is really “socking it to ’em”!

Men’s Earrings

Men’s earrings have become the fourth most wanted item in men’s fashion, sparking curiosity and interest. They are searched 13,976 times each month. That’s a lot of people wanting to rock some stylish ear bling!

Ohio takes the lead with 4,208 monthly searches—and North Carolina clocks in at 4,067 searches per month. But let’s not forget about Virginia, with a respectable 3,458 searches each month. These states are truly leading the pack and embracing the fashionable ear accessory.

Men’s earrings. Image source: Pexels.

Speaking of style, who can forget Lil Nas X‘s electrifying appearance at the Pre-Grammy Gala 2023? This Academy Award-winning artist knows how to make heads turn. He turned up the heat on the red carpet, sporting a pink illusion suit that caught everyone’s eyes. But what stole the show were his diamond-encrusted, heart-shaped earrings. He knew how to take ‘hearts’ to the next level!

Lil Nas X was on the red carpet at the Pre-Grammy Gala 2023. Image source: ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ, GETTY IMAGES.

Men’s Sunglasses

Men’s sunglasses are not just for looks; they’ve earned themselves a shiny bronze medal as the third most desired item in men’s fashion! With an average of 14,597 monthly searches nationwide, these shades are all the rage. But where is the sunny enthusiasm coming from?

Let’s travel across the states and discover which places have a serious love affair with men’s sunglasses.

Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona are stepping up their sunglasses game with some seriously high levels of interest. Georgia alone records 5,208 monthly searches, while Michigan follows closely with 4,058 searches, and Arizona shines bright with 3,050 searches. It looks like these states know how to protect their eyes in style!

Men’s sunglasses. Image source: Pexels.

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a killer pair of sunglasses. Fresh and trendy styles hit the shelves of men’s fashion outlets every year. This allows you to find your personal favorites and rock them like a true fashion icon. So, how will you stand out from the crowd? Will you go for classic aviators, sleek wayfarers, or perhaps experiment with bold and unique designs?

Speaking of standing out, let’s take a moment to appreciate the legendary Lenny Kravitz. At the 2023 Oscars, he effortlessly made a statement with his chunky and attention-grabbing black Saint Laurent shades. Now, that’s what we call rock ‘n’ roll style! If Lenny can pull off such a bold look, imagine the endless possibilities for you to express your own fashion flair.

Lenny Kravitz attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, California. Image source: Arturo Holmes, Getty Images.

Men’s Bracelets

 Men’s bracelets are on the rise as the second most searched-for menswear item.

Let’s talk numbers. Based on 15,0893 searches per month across America, it’s clear that these accessories are a big deal. It’s like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining speed and momentum as it goes. As more people search for men’s bracelets, the popularity of the item increases, encouraging even more people to search for them.

Men’s bracelets. Image source: Pexels.

But which states are the biggest fans of men’s bracelets? Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania lead the way. Bracelet fever has hit Illinois with a monthly search count of 6,567, closely followed by New Jersey at 5,708 and Pennsylvania at 5,608.

Let us now return to the world of celebrities. The dashing Timothée Chalamet, known for his impeccable style, recently set tongues wagging at Paris Fashion Week 2023. Sporting two beaded bracelets, he effortlessly elevated his look. In the same week, searches for ‘men’s bracelets’ skyrocketed by 122%.

Timothee Chalamet wearing his bro-celet at Paris Fashion Week. Image source: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images.

If you’re wondering how to rock these trendy accessories, take notes from Chalamet. He paired his beaded bracelets with a sleek black bomber jacket accented with leather details, along with laid-back navy-blue joggers. But don’t limit yourself to summer ensembles! Men’s bracelets can add personality to casual outfits or jazz up tailored suits for formal occasions.

Men’s Shorts

And finally, men’s shorts have claimed the number one spot as the hottest menswear item, racking up an average of 17,7442 monthly searches nationwide. California, New York, and Florida dominate the search market, with California hitting 21,958 searches, then New York with 15,508, and Florida with 12,233 searches per month. Looks like it’s time to invest in shorts stocks!

menswear
Men’s shorts. Image source: Pexels.

Pedro Pascal, the ultimate style icon, is rocking men’s shorts! The beloved actor graced the red carpet at the Met Gala 2023 in a killer ensemble featuring sleek black Valentino shorts, complemented by a fiery red trench coat and black combat boots. No doubt his appearance got people talking, resulting in a 61% increase in searches for ‘men’s black shorts’ during the gala week.

Pedro Pascal at the Met Gala 2023. Image source: Christopher Polk, Getty Images.

Black shorts seem to be the ultimate style statement this season.

But what makes men’s shorts so irresistible? Is it their versatility, comfort, or effortless elegance? Perhaps it’s the perfect blend of fashion and functionality that keeps us coming back for more.  Whatever the reason, men’s shorts are here to stay and will continue to be a staple item in any wardrobe. With so many styles and colors available, there’s something for everyone. From casual to dressy, shorts are the perfect way to stay cool and stylish all year round.

Exploring The States Most Engaged In Menswear

You may have thought that was the end of the story, but it was not.

The latest research has dug deep into the fashion preferences of different states, and they found some interesting results. They analyzed search data, compared it to the population, and calculated the number of searches per 100,000 residents.

The fashion capital of the United States, New York, ranks as the state most obsessed with men’s fashion. They’re averaging 559 monthly searches for menswear items per 100,000 residents. Geez! They must have a ‘wardrobe crisis’ every morning – too many fashionable options!

Second place goes to New Jersey! This state is keeping up with trendsetters, with 493 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Fashion is a way of life for those Jersey folks! Nevertheless, the style extravaganza continues. Massachusetts is hot at third place, with an average of 460 monthly searches. California jogs behind with 444 monthly searches, while Illinois brings up the rear with 437 monthly searches.

Now, I bet you’re curious. Which state has the best fashion sense? Who’s breaking the mold and setting their own trends? Let your imagination run wild and ponder this: Are there any surprising states that didn’t make the top five but are secretly harboring hidden fashionistas?

Keep your eyes on the runway because this fashion journey is just getting started! Who knows what other stylish secrets we’ll uncover?

Stay Ahead Of The Fashion Curve: Insights From The boohooMAN Spokesperson

 A spokesperson at boohooMAN has commented: “The new study has highlighted the most popular menswear items of this summer by analyzing online search data. In turn, consumers will know what to expect this season. Men’s shorts are the most sought-after menswear item, with most states searching for this item the most, followed by bracelets, sunglasses, earrings, and sandals.

“These trending styles can be influenced by upcoming events, such as red carpets and music festivals with flared silhouettes and bright colors taking center stage this season.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

RELATED STORIES: From Concert To Catwalk: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Inspires The Rise Of Silver Fashion And Metallic Cowboy Boots

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Tyler, The Creator, On The Newest Episode Of Rap Radar

Today Interval Presents brings fans the newest season of the fab hip-hop podcast “Rap Radar” with Tyler, the Creator. And given the caliber of this opening segment, this “Rap Radar” season is shaping up to be even hotter than the first.

A year ago, Interval Presents gave hip-hop fans something extra to dig into with “Rap Radar,” a finely constructed platform designed to meet the intellectual and creative needs of the community. Brian “B Dot” Miller and Elliot Wilson hosted hours of exclusive interviews with top hip-hop artists on the new platform. And it was fire. This platform opened access to uniquely intimate and informative moments, with fan favorites in a space unlike any other.

Tyler, The Creator, On Rap Radar

Tyler, the Creator, on Rap Radar
Tyler, the Creator. Image source: Interval Presents.

Tyler Gregory Okonma, known as Tyler, the Creator, didn’t come to play. In his ultra-exclusive sit-down with Miller and Wilson, he showed all the way up. His laid-back vibe and electric personality made today’s mega-hype episode one to watch. Tyler and “Rap Radar” fans will find some of the most interesting tidbits in this hour-long episode.

The hosts methodically explore Tyler’s world through targeted inquiry. But Tyler takes the wheel, leaning into a rich conversational flow. Viewers will find of particular interest revelations on the Creator’s past projects, latest projects, the depth of his creativity, and talent, which Tyler is not afraid to admit he has in spades. He even adds a bit of insight for others on topics of execution and finding personal success in their endeavors.

Tyler, The Creator: What Makes Him Great

Tyler The Creator
Tyler, the Creator. Image source: Courtesy Photo.

Tyler, the Creator, is a master craftsman when it comes to art. He’s far from ordinary. Tyler’s multifaceted yet signature talent set him apart. When one’s umbrella creativity is exceptionally expansive, finding a single word to define it is difficult. But if one word were chosen to represent Tyler, the Creator, and his approach to his projects, it would be visionary.

For most, such may seem trite, for” visionary” is a moniker often haphazardly assigned to many. But so is not the case with Tyler, the Creator. In fact, no words need to define what his body of work exemplifies. One merely needs to look at this accomplishment. Tyler has the first album in history to reach #1 three years consecutively. 

When one is not only super talented but successful, it makes others desire to understand whence one derives such a fastidious and exuberant nature. What factors underlay the execution of success? As the artist once said,

“Since the start, I’ve always had a big vision. The way my brain has worked since I was a child, everything fed into the other thing. And I only surround myself with people who dream and want the best for themselves,”

which is something most aspirants can get down with. But that is a mere external expression of the internal. What separates him from the legion of his industry colleagues has much more depth. One can pinpoint this to his down-to-earth persona. Tyler, the Creator, is just plain honest (almost brutally so) with a penchant for taking pleasure in even the simpler things, recognizing the value in even the leanest times when “not having everything is everything.”

Who Is Interval Presents

Interval Presents is a Podcast Network that sits under the umbrella of the Warner Music Group. This network is a community and cultural asset offering a “slate of programming that amplifies underrepresented voices and cultures and explores the impact of music artistry from diverse perspectives.”

Although launched in 2022, some of Interval Present’s offerings have been the dopest, bringing the community offerings such as “Rap Radar,” “Drink Champs,” and “Holding Court.” And the illest news is, there is more on the way. Fans will soon have even more to look forward to, not merely with “Rap Radar” but with future projects. These projects are said to include shows to be hosted by “Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and Grammy-nominated singer Jason Derulo.”

Make Time

Those who tuned in to the last season of “Rap Radar” know how exciting each segment can be. And this season will be no different. Today’s episode takes it to the next level, making it a must-see. So be sure to check out Tyler, the Creator, on season 2, episode one of “Rap Radar.”

Written by Renae Richardson

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The Game Once Stole A Skateboard From Tyler, The Creator

The Game is currently on a press run while getting ready to release his new album “Drillmatic – Mind Vs. Heart“. In a recent clip from HipHopDX, he recounts a time when he stole a skateboard from Tyler, the Creator years ago. This was after being asked about their collaboration “Martians vs Goblins” from his 2011 project The R.E.D. Album. Additionally, he hilariously ends off by telling the interviewer that he still has Tyler’s stolen skateboard to this day. The two have always had a pretty positive relationship & this is just another humorous story between respected West Coast rap peers. Here’s the full clip from HipHopDX linked below:

 

More Details About The Story & Their Friendship

Before stealing the board, he recalls pulling up on the Odd Future leader & the other collective members at a store in California. While Tyler’s crew thought The Game stopped by to say hello, the Compton legend immediately snatched one of their skateboards. Tyler even chased after the rapper who already drove off with the board, and he even reached out to The Game for a few months afterward to have it returned. Again, it’s pretty funny hearing stories about real genuine interactions between industry friends. While the two are still cool, it’d be nice to get a new collaboration between both artists this decade.

 

The Game Is Still Dropping Music In 2022

As previously mentioned, The Game is dropping a new album this summer that is primarily produced by Hit-Boy. It’s unfortunately seen quite a few delays, but should still be available for fans this summer. So far we’ve gotten two singles including “Violence” & “Eazy” with Kanye West. Despite questions about the upcoming project, one thing that’s certain is The Game’s confidence in his rapping ability is still high. Recently, he even claimed being the biggest & best rapper in the world. Are you ready for new music from one of the West Coast’s best talents?

Read more of FM Hip-Hop’s featured articles today.

 

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Parklife 2022 Festival Line-Up Includes 90+ Artists

The effects of the pandemic have altered nearly every aspect of our society. One section which took a particularly large hit were music festivals. It turns out it is kind of hard to get a party going with parties of less than six people. Parklife 2022 is looking to make up for lost time.

The UK festival sat out 2020, but made a resurgence in 2021. As part of its return, it reportedly more than doubled its attendee capacity. Looking to capitalize on this momentum, the festival looks to be bigger and better than ever in 2022. The line-up for Parklife 2022 was just released early this morning, and it includes over 90 individual artists.

The Hottest Hitters

The reveal for Parklife 2022 showcases some very big names. In the foremost position, and largest font, Tyler, the Creator is displayed. The California rapper, who was recently featured in a Louis Vuitton fashion show, is looking to debut in the UK scene. Not to be outdone, 50 Cent is right up next to Tyler. This marks the second time 50 Cent has made headlines in the past week, the first being when he announced his new hip-hop homicide show. Following up these legends, are other massively recognized names in the industry including Megan Thee Stallion, Lewis Capaldi, and Bicep.

Public Reaction to Parklife 2022

The public is nothing short of pumped for Parklife 2022. The festival received such a demand, they had to implement a pre-registration for their pre-sale tickets. Which, by the way, had already sold out before they even announced the line-up. If you didn’t manage to land a spot in the pre-sale, don’t lose hope. Any remaining tickets go on sale to general public this Thursday, January 27th at 10am GMT.

Commenters on Twitter gave a mixed reaction to the announcement. Many people are excited to attend, while others lament the large amount of first-time festival performers.

https://twitter.com/nalini_p/status/1485984951677992967

Let us know which camp you fall into!

by Chris Colasurdo
@cfcolasurdo on Twitter

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Tyler the Creator’s Music Featured In Louis Vuitton Fashion Show

Louis Vuitton premiered its Men’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection on January 20. This is a unique fashion show due to it having two hip-hop stars involved with the production. The late Virgil Abloh designed the clothes, while Tyler the Creator did the music.

The fashion show was in remembrance of Virgil Abloh, who tragically passed away in November. He died of a rare form of cancer at the age of 41.

The show consists of previous pieces that Abloh had done over the years. The show can be watched for free on YouTube or via their website.

Tyler confirmed his involvement with the fashion show through Twitter after someone asked him if the music was him. He wrote “Bingo” and subseqquently added that he felt “blessed”.

On Instagram, Tyler the Creator thanked the people that he was working with, saying that he loved them. The picture was of the show’s string section, which included members of the Chineke! Orchestra.

Shortly after Abloh was reported dead, Tyler talked about him on Instagram. He called Abloh a cheerleader for himself and various other artists. “I’ll keep pushing and trying things while leaving the door open. He’ll shake those pom-poms. we’ll keep that on loop. safe travels.”

More recently, he talked about Abloh again. During an interview with Fast Company, Tyler said “I wanted him here so bad to see like, ‘Hey, look what I did. Because I wanted him to just say, ‘Fire.’ And I wanted him to know.”

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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Tyler, The Creator Might Change His Stage Name

In a recent interview with Fast Company, Tyler, the Creator revealed that he might change his stage name. The California artist uniquely dominated the past decade of music with his former Odd Future collective. It’s rare to see an artist with this much success & influence change their name this late in their career. If there’s one thing we know about Tyler, he’s hard to predict. Tyler has never expressed any past resentment towards the iconic stage name. Regardless, there’s nothing wrong with making changes like this when you’re as established as he is.

Origin Of His Stage Name

His stage name has an exciting & lengthy origin story. According to Tyler himself, “My stage name was from, I made a MySpace page when I was 13– I had 3 of them.” The artist continues, “one was regular for friends, another one was for something else, and then the third one was just ideas. I would put drawings and photos I would take and upload beats on there.” It’s fascinating seeing how the old platform has impacted many music careers, including Tyler’s.

He also said, “I started using that one more, and random people from Kentucky would be, like, ‘Cool beats, bro!’ And so I just kept the Tyler, The Creator thing going and, you know, I’m 17 in high school, around LA, the name’s getting around, and I kind of just kept it as my stage name.”

Why Tyler Might Change His Stage Name

Tyler’s more mature now than his stage name would imply, and this interview confirms that he’s grown past it. In Tyler’s own words, “It’s really dumb, but it stuck with me, so it just works. But my full name, Tyler Okonma, in all caps, just looks really cool. So you might see more of that, I don’t know, I’m getting older, and I think when people get older, they start to realize shit, you just start changing.”

Are you ready for this new direction & change in Tyler, the Creator’s career? Read more of FM Hip Hop’s featured articles today.

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Playboi Carti No 1. On Rolling Stones Best Hip Hop Albums List; Twitter Reacts

It’s that time of year again; where people look back on the past 365 days and determine the best and worst. In that spirit, Rolling Stone released their list of the 20 best hip-hop albums of 2021  on December 15.

Albums that made the list included big names like Kanye West’s “Donda” at no. 13, Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy at no. 10, Doja Cat’s “Planet Her” at no. 6, and Tyler The Creator’s “Call me if You Get Lost”  at no. 3. Rolling Stone also highlighted critical darlings, placing Little Simz’s “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” at no. 18 and Pi’erre Bourne’s “The Life of Pi’erre 5” at no. 9.

To many fans, none of that really matters, though. Who made no. 1 this year? Playboi Carti’s polarizing, super-charged “Whole Lotta Red.”

As with any subjective list, some people are not happy with the results, especially. since the album Rolling Stone chose was technically a 2020 album, released on Christmas Day.

Though the album was released in 2020, Rolling Stone argued it defined much of the music of 2021. Rolling Stone writer Jeff Ihaza writes:

“The week between its release and the start of [2021] is irrelevant when you think of what a seismic shift the album represents. Carti stakes ground in the current generation’s sonic sensibility and delivers one of the most forward thinking rap records since Kanye West’s ‘Yeezus’… [‘Whole Lotta Red’s’] fingerprints are all over everything we heard in 2021.”

As far as this writer is concerned, let people like whatever they like. Just because they put something at number 1 that you don’t like, it is not the end of the world. People have different opinions and that is fine. In fact, it is even good that people do. It lets people change and grow. It is certainly better than being in a stagnant echo chamber. Kudos to Rolling Stone.

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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BUKU 2022 Music + Art Festival Releases Lineup

The BUKU Music + Art Project is gearing up to begin in March 2022. The Music + Art Project planners took to social media to announce the lineup for the two-day event. This will mark their 10th anniversary and they will be doing it big in New Orleans.

Headlining the festival are Tyler, The Creator, Baby Keem, Vince Staples, and Tierra Whack. In addition to these heavy hitters, 60 artists will perform at the first BUKU fest since 2019, including Trippie Redd, Maxo Kream, Kali Uchis, Teezo Touchdown, and more.

BUKU 2022 will also serve as a reunion tour stop for rap rock band Rage Against The Machine, with rap duo Run The Jewels.

Past headliners included Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, Flatbush Zombies, Ari Lennox, GoldLink, and Young M.A.

What if we linked in New Orleans?

The excitement for the event is vamping up as BUKU opens up for presale tickets on December 17. As the world starts to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, BUKU is moving full steam ahead.

Festival safety concerns

In the wake of Astroworld, festival curators are taking safety concerns seriously. BUKU acknowledges its responsibility to the safety of the festival community on its website, sharing their “Safe Space Policy”:

Together with you, the BUKREWE, we stand for acceptance, compassion, encouragement and love. BUKU, both on-site and online, is intended to be a safe space to enjoy music, art, expression and community without worrying about any form of hatred or harassment. We thank y’all for working together over the years to keep each other feeling safe to party in complete freedom.

The BUKU Project opens for presale sign-up on Friday (Dec. 17), which gives members access to discounted tickets. Correspondingly, merch is also available via their website.

Read more on some of your favorite celebs attending the festival.

Written by Antoinette Ford

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Earl Sweatshirt Is Dropping New Album ‘Sick!’

Finally, Earl Sweatshirt is dropping Sick! on January 14th. He made this announcement on Instagram today (December 10). This is his first official post-pandemic release coming off of his 2019 EP Feet Of Clay. In his own words, “Sick! is my humble offering of 10 songs recorded in the wake of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns.” His first 2021 single 2010 was an incredible way to start this album rollout.

 

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Releases New Single ‘Tabula Rosa

In addition to the album news, Earl dropped a new single from the project called Tabula Rosa. The song features the underground rap duo, Armand Hammer (Billy Woods & Elucid). He delivers a phenomenal & brings tons of energy to their verses to start the record. Earl’s rapping is a form of poetry as he effortlessly flows over the nostalgic vocal samples & glimmering piano keys. The song’s title is the name of a theory stating that the human mind is born with a fresh clean slate. Tabula Rosa‘s music video is recorded with a vintage VHS style and features cameos from Boldy James and London producer Budgie.

The People Could Fly

Earl was working on a completely different project titled The People Could Fly before the pandemic. He explained, “Before the virus, I had been working on an album I named after a book I used to read with my mother (The People Could Fly). Once the lockdowns hit, people couldn’t fly anymore.” Instead, the pandemic itself would spark the idea & inspiration for the album we’re getting on January 14th. The recording process for this project had Earl feeding off the gloomy energy of the angry, exhausted & crippled American citizens.

Are you excited about Earl Sweatshirt’s new album? He has always proven to be one of the most gifted rappers in the past decade. Earl Sweatshirt is dropping Sick! on January 14th.

Follow for more on your favorite artists at FMHipHop.com.

Written by: Oryah Brown

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BET’s Hip Hop Awards 2021: Honorees Nelly and Tyler the Creator

The BET Hip Hop Awards is underway, and fans are raving about its winners. The “I Am Hip Hop Award” and “Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award” are huge awards for the night. These prestigious awards honor those who have influenced the hip-hop momentum. The honorees are:

Nelly

“I Am Hip Hop Award”

Music and Entertainment Icon - Nelly- Named the “I Am Hip Hop” Award Recipient for the 2021 “BET Hip Hop Awards” | News | enidnews.com

Why Nelly is Hip Hop?

Nelly raised the bar in entertainment after stepping onto the scene in 2000. With his country grammar and very distinct vocals, he changed how we would enjoy rap in hip hop. His debut album, Country Grammar(2000), has sold over 10 million copies to date. In 2021, Nelly celebrated 20 years of “Nellyville” and “Country Grammar.”

Ground-breaking hits such as “Hot in Here,” “Country Grammar,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Just a Dream,” His collaboration with Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” reached diamond status. His hit song with Kelly Rowland, “Dilemma,” marked 1 billion views on YouTube! His music has also earned him 3 Grammy awards.

“He is 100 percent hip hop and he deserves every award he can possible get.”

Beyond the music

In 2005, Nelly made his big-screen debut in “The Longest Yard.” alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Returning to the big screen, he starred in “Reach Me” with Sylvester Stallone in 2014.

BET’s hit show “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” cast the rapper as a regular. His time on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020 showed America that their country gem had more in the bag. Although he finished in third place, his fans were pleased. His time as a sports commentator with Fox Sports made him one of few actors with three shows airing at one time. Nelly has performed on NBC’s The Voice, The American Music Awards, and ABC’s Greatest Hits. He also served as a judge on CW’s “The Next.”

We can’t forget his women’s clothing line, Apple Bottoms. He is part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats alongside Michael Jordan. The RIAA ranks Nelly as the fourth-best-selling rap artist in American music history, with over 35 million albums sold in the United States.

Taking hip hop to country

Twenty years later, Nelly is still making headlines as his country music album “Heartland” reaches Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Subsequently, his single featuring Florida Georgia Line, “Lil Bit,” nears double-platinum status. As a diamond-selling, multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning rap superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actor, Nelly has cemented his place in Hip Hop history.

Tyler the Creator

“Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award”

Five Finger Death Punch: 5 Things to Know About the Metal Band | Billboard | Billboard

LL Cool J is the founder and CEO of Rock the Bells, the voice for classic and timeless hip hop.

“I am proud to honor Tyler The Creator, with the first-ever Rock The Bells cultural influence award, which celebrates an artist who continues to break down the conventional boundaries of hip hop culture,” LL Cool J said in a statement.

Hip hop’s “weird boy” proves why he’s still in the game after 15 years. Tyler, the Creator, is an award-winning artist, producer, director, fashion designer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. He became the co-founder of the hip-hop group and record label Odd Future in 2007. To date, Tyler has released six solo albums. His album IGOR won the rapper a Grammy in 2020. He went on to win a BRIT Award: following the artist being banned just 5 years prior. His album, Call Me If You Get Lost, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2021

Consequentially, the record won the 2021 BET AwardsCall Me If You Get Lost has successfully become the best album of the year.

Tyler continues to push beyond the constraints of hip-hop culture. He stays true to himself, which in turn brings him the respect and recognition he deserves. When asked about his creative process, he shared with BET, “I just make what I like and try to make it the best.”

Written by Antoinette Ford