George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are all people of color who were tragically taken from us way too soon. The most recent of these tragedies is Floyd who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota this past week. Since his murder, there have been protests all across the country and people are rightfully demanding justice as the deaths of black people at the hands of the police have become all too common in our society. 

Many celebrities are speaking out on these atrocities and are urging fans to donate to various causes that will help those most affected by these atrocities. Today, Travis Scott used his voice, as well as his partnership with Nike to help speak out on what's happening. In the ad below, there are numerous pieces of text that urge people to not remain silent. Instead, the ad asks those with a voice to speak up and let it be known that as a society, we won't stand for these injustices any longer.

Smokepurpp is fresh off the release of his new music video for “It’s Whatever,” his latest single produced by Ronny J. The Florida native has been promoting his upcoming album Florida Jit for the last week and fans have been wondering when the full project was set to drop after Purpp previously gave a mid-June timeline. We were lucky enough to speak with the rapper over the phone and he blessed us with some exclusive information, announcing the official release date.

You heard it here first– Smokepurpp’s new album Florida Jit will be out on June 5. 

When asked about the upcoming body of work, Purpp had a lot to say.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

“I wanted to make the project good,” he said, claiming that he did not rush things. “It took me about two, three months to do the project and the rest has been mixing and clearing. You know I got to get [Young] Nudy on there too, Jack Harlow on there, Pump is on there.”

Perhaps the most exciting feature marks a mash-up of generations as Rick Ross joins the fray, re-connecting with Purpp.

“He been giving me the stamp in my city, and the key to the city is next, watch,” he said.

Stay tuned for Smokepurpp’s new album, out on June 5.

It’s hard to imagine a time where Roddy Ricch was only beginning to buzz, building a name for himself on his Feed Tha Streets mixtapes. All of that changed with the release of his proper studio debut Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, which released in December of 2019 to instant acclaim. And while the Compton rapper explored a variety of different sounds on the sixteen-track endeavor, one of the clear highlights arose with “The Box,” produced by 30 Roc, Datboisqueeze, and Zentachi.

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By now you’re likely aware that the single went on to captivate the masses in a major way, quickly climbing the charts and scoring Roddy his first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Not to mention the heavy TikTok usage it went on to gain, its infectious refrain of “EEE ERR” proving wholly relatable to all walks of life. Even to this day it endures, having officially sold six million album-equivalent units since its release last December. 

As of now, Roddy’s “The Box” has gone sextuple platinum, making it stand tall as the year’s biggest track so far. Aside from providing the young CPT rapper with another plaque for his walls, it proves that people have yet to tire of “The Box,” which bodes well for his longevity. Congratulations to Roddy Ricch, and may he continue to make hits that prove equally fruitful.

Nearly three months after accepting Eminem's #GodzillaChallenge, Twista has finally tried his hand at it—and, to say the least, he succeeded. Back in March, while Em's challenge was in still in full swing, Twista declared that he would indeed be participating. Although the contest, which challenged participants to attempt to spit Em's rapidfire verse on the Music To Be Murdered By track, was technically only open to amateurs, several pros like Bizzy Bone and Biz Markie decided to give it a shot. Considering Twista has one of the most high-speed flows of all time, having once held the title for fastest rapper ever in the Guinness Book Of World Records, it seemed like a no-brainer that he too would answer the call—and annihilate the verse.

Unfortunately, Twista never shared his attempt, and later that month, Em crowned a winner of the #GodzillaChallenge. However, it looks like Twista didn't forget about his promise to show off his chops, and on Friday (May 29th), he finally took on the #GodzillaChallenge. "I feel like rapping fast today #GodzillaChallenge," he tweeted. "I’m going to do this #GodzillaChallenge in under a min and put it right out."

Smokepurpp‘s reputation precedes him. One of Florida’s most prominent new-school rappers, the 23-year-old has been referred to as one of the leaders of his generation. He is emblematic of the SoundCloud rap wave that took over the Sunshine State so fervently several years ago. Alongside XXXTentacion, Denzel Curry, his best friend Lil Pump, and others, Smokepurpp took charge as a chaotic rapper that loved to get the hype train rolling.

You’ve likely read all the headlines about his antics with his close buddy Pump on social media. The two love to get the world talking, often getting into situations that mimic those of a frat house. While he loves to party, Smokepurpp is more than just a party-boy.

With Florida Jit, it’s time for Purpp to earn back your respect. While it will take more than my words to entice you, he plans on shutting up the critics with the arrival of his new album.

This week, I hopped on a call with Purpp to speak about his upcoming project, his relationship with Lil Pump and Ronny J, his upcoming reality show, what we can expect from him moving forward, and much more.

Read our exclusive interview below, edited for clarity and length.

HNHH: Hey Purpp, how’s it going?

Smokepurpp: Sup fam! Everything’s good, everything’s good, what about you?

Everything is good, I’m happy to talk to you. I was just listening to the album, actually. I got an advance copy. I wanted to start off by congratulating you on that.

What do you think about it?

I don’t want to say it sounded like the old Purpp but it sounded like the SoundCloud material, if you know what I mean.

That’s exactly what it is, that’s exactly what it’s supposed to be.

That’s amazing. Aside from a return to that sound, what did you want to communicate with the album? Is this kind of like your gift to the people who have been asking for the old Purpp?

Yeah, so I’m a Florida kid, so basically me being a Florida kid, it’s just going back to the basics, it’s going back to being a Florida kid. So basically I’m just being on my day one, you know what I’m saying?

I appreciate that. It’s a little chaotic too, in a good way. What made you want to release a Florida-themed album?

I grew up in Florida, and like Florida is really what made me, what made my character. Florida pretty much made me, so it’s only right I do this for my city and I do more and more for my city. This isn’t enough but this is a start. I want to do a lot of stuff for the city. I want to donate money, I want to donate to charity, and this is just the start of that.

That’s amazing, man. I found you were experimenting a lot with new melodies and different kinds of voices. Did you go into the album wanting to try new things?

I wanted it to still be chaotic, still that hard-hitting shit, but I kind of threw melodies in there, which is something I haven’t done before. I’m like you know, like that hard-hitting type.

Definitely. You worked a lot with Ronny J this time around. I know y’all have a good relationship.

That’s my boy. We both got our first platinum plaque together, so we go way back. Even before that he was pulling up to me and Pump’s house recording us. Then he was living in Florida, so even before we grew up we were already friends, so me and Ronny have a good relationship, you know what I’m saying. The project is basically me and Ronny.

I feel like Ronny kind of represents the current sound of Florida as much as you do, so it’s nice to see you guys working together again on this.

Right.

You recently fought back claims from people saying you had fallen off. What would you say to them?

Look out (laughs).

I respect that. After listening to Florida Jit, I feel like this is like a whole different kind of avenue for you. I think once people listen to it, they’ll understand you more.

Right. They usually say [I’ve fallen off] when I go like a month or two without dropping a song, and then I drop a song and it goes crazy. I’m in the news the first day like “he’s back!” and it’s like, well, I was never gone.

Photo credit: James Pereria

That’s always how it is. You announced the album just last week. Did you complete it quickly, or have you been sitting on some of the songs for a long time?

I didn’t rush it or nothing, I wanted to make the project good. It took me about two or three months to do the project and then the rest has been mixing and clearing. You know I got to get [Young] Nudy on there too, Jack Harlow on there, [Lil] Pump on there. The producers, shout out all the producers on there besides Ronny. So, the past two months have really been clearances and stuff like that, shooting videos. We just now getting ready for the fire.

Speaking about Nudy, Denzel Curry, Jack Harlow, and a few others being on the album, do you have any cool stories about working with anyone in particular?

Rick Ross. I met Rick Ross– Pump had a song on his album, the self-titled one. That was me, him, and Rick Ross. “Pinky Ring.” We made that song and we shot the video and the video had never even came out. I never talked to him since then, and being able to link back up with him, that’s cool because we’re from the same city. I’m saying no more than ten blocks away. He been giving me the stamp in my city, and the key to the city is next, watch.

How did you re-connect with Rozay? That man is a whole legend in Florida.

I sent him the song to see what he thought about it and he ain’t even told me he liked it. He just sent it right back with the verse on it, so I knew he loved it.

That’s when you know! For Deadstar 2 you said that you wrote about 800 songs. What was the process this time around?

I really recorded Deadstar 2 like six times. All the leaks were fucking it up. So we wasted a lot of money having to go back to the studio and record new songs, and shoot new videos because we already wasted the budget on videos the first time it got leaked, so it’s a lot of wasted money because of these fucking leaks. So Deadstar 2 was a hard process. At a point, it was just like, you know what, with the leaks or not I’m just gonna put it out there ’cause I don’t even care no more.

Yeah, I feel that.

It was just too many leaks so I decided I’m just gonna put this out. Like, I can’t just keep remaking the album when I’m wasting hundreds of thousands on videos for people to leak it, you know what I’m saying?

It’s nice because I feel like this time around, you didn’t have to deal with any of that shit. It wasn’t as many leaks and things were more under wraps.

They tried, but this time we had Universal on deck blocking everything the second it got leaked.

The first single from Florida Jit is with Lil Pump. You guys just dropped the video for it. How’s everything with him doing?

Amazing. That’s my best friend, my brother. We grew up together, you know what I’m saying. We came from Florida together and that’s my brother for life. We’re never on bad terms, that’s my brother. We talk every single day.

That’s amazing. Are you guys working on more music? I feel like you always have something going on.

Of course. We have like three projects done, and we have a Gucci Gang project. That’s me, him, and Gucci Mane. That hasn’t come out yet. It’s all about timing you know.

That’s true! What ended up happening with that? Y’all did that around Coachella, right?

Yeah, so the original plan was to drop the album before Coachella and then perform the album there, but, you know, clearances and shit. It couldn’t happen on time, and then after that, we all three dropped an album and right now we’re all thinking about dropping an album again. It’s just hard finding the right time.

It’s nice to hear about that though because a lot of people want that shit.

No yeah, it’s coming. It’ll come.

FilmMagic/Getty Images

I wanted to ask another question about Pump. He tweeted a few weeks ago some scary shit about wanting to die. Did you talk to him about that? What’s going on? 

I mean, shit when I tweeted at him that specific day, he didn’t call me, but I hit him the next day and he was straight, so I really don’t know what that shit was about. To be honest, I can’t really answer that question, you know what I’m saying. That’s more personal stuff that I didn’t know, he didn’t tell me anything about that. I tried calling him that day but he didn’t answer. I talked to him the next day though and he was cool.

That’s nice to hear. You see that stuff and it just hurts.

Yeah, man.

Moving back to music, I’ve got to ask. Is there a third Deadstar tape coming at some point?

I don’t know yet, I don’t know if I want to do a 3 yet.

For Florida Jit, have you set an exact release date yet?

June 5th, you heard it right here.

Let’s go!

Hot New Hip Hop, you heard it right here. June 5th!

Shit, let’s go! How do you plan on promoting the album? With the coronavirus and shit, touring isn’t really an option. I’ve seen some stuff about virtual touring, do you have any creative ideas with that?

With the coronavirus, it just comes down to entrepreneurship, you know what I’m saying. You got to have multiple sources of income. At this point, you already should have had multiple sources of income because, you know, you never know when something like this is gonna happen. I already have multiple sources of income. I had signed artists, I have producers I signed. I do real estate. I own a couple of properties. So I’m not gonna say it didn’t affect me that much because it affected the whole world, but you know I had things to back me up.

You’re absolutely right on that. Anything can happen, so it’s nice to hear that you got shit lined up.

Yeah, exactly. I’ve always been the type of person to think like that so I’m always prepared for whatever. Before the coronavirus came– I’m not saying I was thankful about it, but I was definitely thankful that I was already getting multiple sources of income. I’m just doing what I can do like rent out properties, make merch, stuff like that. Talent shows, just stuff that I can do that my fans like too besides real estate shit. An artist should always have that set up, you know what I’m saying?

Once the pandemic is over, what’s the first Smokepurpp performance going to look like?

It’s going to be insane. I was supposed to be on an arena tour right now and that was gonna be my first time headlining an arena tour by myself, but it’s nothing. When shit comes around, it ain’t nothing. I’ll probably have another project out by that time. It’s gonna be lit.

That’s it. I feel like at most, this shit’s probably gonna last like another year. You’re not going anywhere, so that’s not an issue.

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. I already have three projects finished and dropping this year besides this one.

Dropping this year? Three projects?

Dropping this year. I’m going Future, Beast Mode.

Shit, that’s crazy, bro I’m excited to hear all that. At the end of 2019, you quit drinking lean. On “24s”, you say you drank some lean. Are you still off it or what’s happening with that?

Yeah, so I recorded “24s” in 2017. I actually quit drinking lean in December 2018.

That’s amazing. Congratulations, man.

Yeah, I haven’t drunk lean since then type shit. I smoke weed, you know what I’m saying. I’ll turn up, I’ll do some shit. But lean, shit, that’s out the window.

You hear so many horror stories about it so I wanted to definitely ask you about that.

Yeah, man and not only that, but I used to rap about it because I was doing it. But I don’t want other people to do it because I’m doing it. That’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m just telling my story, you get what I’m saying?

Exactly.

Some people don’t take it as that. Some people take it as ‘yo, I gotta do this shit too if I’m gonna be cool.’ That plus my health, it just made me want to quit the lean, like that shit’s out the window. You do lean, that shit’s lame. I’m making that a new thing. Lean is lame.

Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

I love that. There’s also been some shit on The Shade Room about some girl who has a tattoo of yours… What’s going on with her, can you just clear that shit up?

To be honest, I don’t know what’s wrong with her bro, I don’t know that girl. I never even fucked that girl, nothing like that. I don’t know what that shit’s about. I would’ve understood if I knew her like that and I dicked the bitch down and gave her some good dick and she was traumatized, but none of that went down. I don’t know her like that (laughs) you know what I’m saying, like.

I mean, at least she’s listening to the music, so that’s nice (laughs).

And it’s no disrespect there either by what I’m saying, but it’s just the truth like I don’t know you.

Aside from the three projects that you have lined up, what else do you have planned for the rest of the year?

A lot of music videos, a lot of merch. I’m actually dropping merch this week. I’m gonna be dropping merch all year. I have a line that I’m working on which is a clothing brand that we launched, so that’s gonna be coming this year too. I actually have a reality TV show about to come out too. We’re shooting the first season right now.

Shit for real? A reality TV show?

Yeah, man. That’s what I’m saying about different sources of income, that’s what I’m talking about. My shit is funny, cause my cameraman records what I don’t want him to record.

Yeah, that’s incredible, man. I’m excited about all of that. Is there anything else you wanted to add for the readers? 

Be on the look out. Shout out all the fans. Merch dropping. Florida Jit.

That’s amazing Purpp. I had a pleasure speaking with you, thank you so much for me giving me the time.

Ah, yeah thank you. I have a lot of love for you guys.

I appreciate you man, thank you very much.

Many in their late twenties and early thirties still look back fondly on the early millennium, around the years two-thousand and two-thousand-three, as one of hip-hop’s definitive eras. The platinum era, where a handful of incredible producers each moved the game forward with their own wholly unique sound. Though he’s currently in the midst of an epic run with albums like Freddie Gibbs’ Alfredo, Alchemist was actually part of that era all those years ago, a younger man still turning heads with his hard-hitting production. 

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Today, on the same day he dropped off a new collaboration album with Freddie Gibbs, Alchemist took a moment to reflect on the year 2001, by way of a throwback Source Magazine story: “Chairmen Of The Board.” Highlighting and summarizing some of the time’s defining voices, the spread focuses on Dr. Dre, Neptunes, Alchemist (“he may not be a household name just yet”), Mannie Fresh, Rockwilder, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, and DJ Premier.

On paper, it’s clear that we’re looking at a one of a kind roster full of legendary beatmakers. Alc took a moment to recognize that very fact, showing his humility with a genuinely wholesome caption. “2001. Source Magazine. Look at the killers i had to swim with!!!!!” he writes. “Every person in this is a god to me. Salute to my comrades. Forever grateful.” DJ Premier also took a moment to chime in, generally speaking for all of us by saying “WOW!!! THAT WAS A GOOD YEAR!!!”

What do you think — was this the best era for producers in hip-hop history?

If there are two artists who we wish would have collaborated at some point during their respective careers, it’s Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre. Despite both standing at the height of their crafts, Dre and Weezy never properly connected for a musical link-up. Still, it’s clear they have respect for one another, as Dre has been officially announced as the latest guest to appear on Lil Wayne’s Young Money Radio. 

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Following appearances from Eminem and YBN Cordae, Dre is set to join Weezy on air at 4 pm PT/ 7 pm ET / 11 pm. From the sound of it, it’s clear that Wayne understands the significance of a Dre appearance. “This man doesn’t EVER do interviews,” he captions, alongside another enticing revelation. “Also… I’ll be dropping NEW MUSIC tonight (deluxe style) so TUNE in and watch.”

Like that, we’re looking at a meeting of the minds between two of the best artists in hip-hop history, as well as what very much sounds like a deluxe edition of Funeral lined up for release tonight. All things considered, this might be the biggest episode of Young Money Radio thus far — who’d have thought these Young Money artists would transition so nicely into the radio game? Before long, we’ll surely see Drake at the helm of his own show. 

For those interested in what’s guaranteed to be a great conversation, during which a question along the lines of “why didn’t we ever collaborate?” will surely be asked, tune in to Apple Music later tonight. And look out for that Deluxe Edition to come shortly thereafter.

Eminem has been celebrating the twenty-year anniversary of his classic album, The Marshall Mathers LP, all week long. Bringing in the occasion, the rapper released some new merch and hosted a live-chat, answering his fans’ most pressing questions about the project and his longstanding career as one of the greatest to ever spit a verse. 

During the conversation, Em revealed that his favorite song of his is likely “Fack.” In fact, he co-signed a supporter’s claim that it’s a lyrical masterpiece. When somebody followed up by asking if he would consider dropping a sequel to the track, the legend offered a semblance of hope for even more new music.

“MAKE FACK 2,” asked one person. “Finally a good question,” replied Em. “On it!!!!!!!”

Screenshot XXL

Damn, he better not be capping because there are a lot of people who would love to see this become a reality. Do you think it’ll actually happen? And will it live up to the first one?

Earlier this year, Marshall Mathers released Music To Be Murdered By, a surprise album that featured the likes of Juice WRLD, Don Toliver, Young M.A, and more. Could we be in for even more vibes from the Detroit talent before 2020 closes out? After all, he did say that he’s been writing a lot during the quarantine.

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The festival is one of the most celebrated of the Spring season, but Coachella organizers are finding themselves scrambling to piece together a delayed event. The COVID-19 pandemic caused festivals and tours to be canceled, and while artists have been releasing new music and entertaining fans on Instagram Live, events like Coachella and SWSX have been trying to figure out their next moves for the 2020 season. Initially, Coachella shared that they would be postponing their event until later on in the year, but as the quarantine continues and concerns about safety linger, Bloomberg reports that Coachella organizers are asking artists to reconfirm for next year.

Christopher Polk / Staff / Getty Images

We already know that artists like Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, and Rage Against the Machine were all set to headline this year’s festival, but Bloomberg states that Goldenvoice is hoping to “minimize its losses.” A canceled event means ticket holders will receive refunds, and all monies paid out for the event are lost. Instead, organizers are hoping to roll over this year’s tickets to 2021, and if they can keep the same lineup, then it will make their job much easier. However, a source claims that not all artists listed on the 2020 lineup have been asked to return.

Coachella reportedly generates approximately $100 million in sales, so it’s clear that they’re going to do whatever possible to make sure the money stays rolling in.

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Young Dolph and Megan Thee Stallion have joined forces with Juicy J to deliver “RNB,” a new single dropping tonight at midnight. On Thursday (May 28th), Dolph posted an image on Instagram depicting a drawing of a woman on the phone, wearing a blue wig and a pink Chanel outfit. A thought bubble above her head reads “RNB…” the name of the rapper’s new collaboration with fellow Texan, Megan Thee Stallion, dropping in a few short hours.

“Young Dolph ft @theestallion ‘RNB’ produce by: @juicyj,” Dolph wrote, along with a ton of fire and moneybag emojis. “TONIGHT @ MIDNIGHT.” It appears as though the Memphis rapper wiped his entire IG feed clean in honour of the impending release. His account currently bears only one post, the “RNB” announcement post with the official single art, which also serves as Dolph’s profile photo now.

Maury Phillips/Getty Images for BET

Despite announcing his retirement from music back in March, Dolph has made a few separate promises to deliver new music since, but has failed to pull through. He did, however, stay true to his word last month when he dropped his single, “Sunshine,” a scathing critique of Donald Trump that also serves as a quarantine anthem. Let’s hope that this Juicy J-produced banger featuring the self-proclaimed Houston Hottie is actually brought to fruition, as well.