Last night, Chris Brown and Young Thug decided to hop back in time and release their anticipated collaboration tape Slime & B on DatPiff and SoundCloud, skipping over streaming platforms for the time being. And while it has only been a few hours -- in other words, far too short a window to gain any lasting impressions from an album -- many have already responded favorably to Thugger and Breezy's concentrated dose of melodies and singsong bars.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Image, Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images
With production from Murda Beatz, Turbo, A1 and OG Parker, as well as features from Future, Gunna, Lil Duke, E40, and Too Short, $lime & B feels closer to an album than a mixtape. Not that there's much of a distinction to be made these days. In any case, the fans have wasted little time in diving into the project, emerging onto the other side pleasantly surprised and wholly satisfied. Especially given the relatively low-stakes nature of the release, which arrives on the same day as Chris Breezy's 31st birthday no less.
Even those within our own HNHH comment community seemed to respond favorably to the album, with a seemingly unanimous consensus of VERY HOTTTT. Not to mention a slew of positive feedback on the project, a far cry from the general negativity surrounding collaboration albums back in 2017. Check out a few early responses from Twitter and our own comment section below, and chime in -- did Slime & B exceed your expectations?
Lil Dicky Reflects On Success Of "Dave" FX TV Series
Lil Dicky takes a moment to reflect on his first TV series, “Dave” on FX.
Lil Dicky ventured into screenwriting, acting, and executive producing all at once, with the creation of his new TV show for FX titled Dave. The series, which is loosely based on Lil Dicky himself– whose real name is David Andrew Burd– found the rapper in the titular role, as he begins to break into the rap scene out in Los Angeles. He goes viral for the first time, gets to meet YG, performs for the first time and more through out the ten episodes of the first season.
The TV show has earned comparisons to Atlanta for its subject matter and approach– but it’s still unique, looking at life through Dave’s lens, which, is goes without saying, is an entirely different lens than Atlanta‘s Earn character.
Rachel Luna/Getty Images
Dave recently wrapped up its first season, leaving Lil Dicky with some reflecting to do. The comedic rapper shared a heartfelt post about the success of the first season and his role in it on his Instagram, along with a behind-the-scenes clip from an episode of Dave. The clip in particular shows Dicky assuming the role of director, as he provides feedback to Gata and West Coast rapper AD who makes a brief appearance in episode three of the series. Check out the clip below.
In his farewell message concerning the FX series, Dicky gets real about the effort that went into the show, while giving immense thanks to those who’ve believed and supported his journey along the way. In the photo, Dicky is lying on the grass– he writes on the caption, “This picture was captured of me during the first shoot day of season one. If I look overwhelmed, it’s because I was. I had never written a script before. I actually downloaded the screenwriting software for the first time to write this season. I had never acted before. Never executive produced before. Never done anything beyond make rap songs and videos.”
He continues, “But a lot of people believed in me. Many of you did from the start of my career. I could tell that it wasn’t just about my music, you guys actually liked and believed in ME. As a person. Then, I was lucky enough to have Fx believe in me too. And then an incredible group of writers, a cast and crew…who came to work every day on a show created by a guy who’s never even worked in the medium before, yet was demanding it be treated and approached like it was the most important work of their careers. And somehow, they all cared about it just as much as I did. They believed it was going to be special. I don’t know why, but they did.”
He ends this note with an empowering message for his fans: “Let me be a prime example when I say that things are totally possible in life. I had no legitimate reason to believe I could be a successful rapper. But I believed, and then I became that. I had no real reason to believe I could make a great tv show without any experience. But I believed, and I believe we achieved that.
The thing that was always driving me, and still is to this day: “what if I’m right…” I couldn’t afford to never know that answer. So I tried my hardest to find out…And I am so relieved that I did. Because I was fuckin right!!!! What outlandish things to believe! I did it!!!! No matter what you’re interested in pursuing, do yourself a favor and find out if you are right too. And even if you aren’t, you’ll never blame yourself for being wrong. Because you tried your best and that’s all you can do. And that’s peace of mind as far as I can tell.”
Check out the message below, and let us know if you tuned into the season finale of Dave— any thoughts?
Joey Bada$$ Opens Up About His Anticipated New Album
Joey Bada$$ opens up about his forthcoming solo album, promising a more “fun” tone and a concise runtime.
It’s been a little over three years since Joey Bada$$ dropped off his last solo album All Amerikkkan Bada$$, a politically-charged and lush reflection on the state of the world. In the meantime, it’s been relatively quiet on the artistic front for the Brooklyn lyricist, though not one completely devoid of productivity. Lest we forget about Beast Coast’s 2019 collaborative drop, a project on which he was heavily involved, and his turn on the acclaimed series Mr. Robot.
Still, fans have been eager to see what a new Badmon solo drop would look like, and it would seem the time is nigh for exactly that. Today, Complex shared an interview with Joey, who opened up about his creative process and why things have been taking a little longer than expected. In truth, it’s actually rather refreshing to hear his perspective, especially given the recent trend of churning out music at a rapid pace.
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“It’s not fast food,” he tells the publication “it’s not something that keeps coming, even though I’d like it to be like that, and my fans would like it to be like that. But I just need time. I’m talking about my life, talking about my experiences. That doesn’t always happen in six months. Sometimes, not much happens in six months that’s super significant to express through art. Or sometimes you need another six months to even process what you just went through.”
He also confirms that the project will be arriving within a six-month window, and given his disdain for extensive albums, look for it to skew closer to concise. And while the interview took place prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Joey did indicate a more lighthearted tone on this go-around — though not at the cost of telling his story. “It will speak towards the growth as both an artist and as a man. I’m just trying to find new ways to open up and to tell my story—more parts of it that haven’t been told,” he explains. “Also, I’m having fun this time around. I’m trying to have more fun than I’ve ever had, because it’s a very fun time for me right now. A lot of exciting things are happening.”
Stream Chris Brown & Young Thug’s "Slime & B" Mixtape
Chris Brown and Young Thug release their new mixtape “Slime & B” with features from Gunna, Future, Too $hort, E-40, and more.
In the last ten years, we’ve gotten some great collaborative albums and mixtapes from some of the most iconic artists in the world. Kanye West and Jay-Z teamed up for Watch The Throne. Drake and Future came through on What A Time To Be Alive. Those classics have inspired rappers and artists to join forces and attempt to create the next collaborative masterpiece. Perhaps we’ll be looking back at this one with rose-colored lenses.
Chris Brown and Young Thug announced several weeks ago that they would be working together on a new mixtape but nobody knew when it would be arriving. Would it take days, weeks, months, or years? Thankfully, we did not have to wait too long because, dropping on Chris Brown’s birthday, the duo has officially released Slime & B.
Complete with thirteen songs and features from Future, Gunna, Lil Duke, E-40, Too $hort, and more, this has all the makings of the next great collaborative project from two of the most impactful artists of the last generation. Considering the fact that this was seemingly thrown together at the last minute during quarantine, that makes this all the more impressive.
Listen to the brand new mixtape below and let us know what you think of it.
The Weeknd Performs Song "I’m A Virgin" On "American Dad!"
The Weeknd had fun with this one, and we've got a peek at the episode, and his performance, below.
He has a slew of No. 1 songs and albums under his belt and has stormed stages while performing in front of sold-out arenas worldwide. However, if you ask The Weeknd, co-writing and starring in American Dad! is one of his greatest accomplishments. The singer recently shared his After Hours project, an album that has been sitting atop charts since its release weeks ago. This evening (May 4), The Weeknd's episode of Seth McFarlane's long-running animated series finally aired, and it included a performance of a satirical song titled "I'm a Virgin."
View this post on InstagramWe hate to admit it, but the song is a little bit of a bop. Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Variety, The Weeknd spoke about how his collaboration with American Dad! came to be. “I’m a longtime fan of the show,” the award-winning singer said. “I always wanted to play a character that was the opposite of the public’s perception of me—and of course make fun of myself. Once I was given the opportunity I took complete advantage."
"Joel Hurwitz believed in the vision and he helped execute it beautifully," The Weeknd added. Just in case you missed it, we included a clip from the show below. Check it out.
French Montana Talks IG Battles: "Drake Probably Got Me… Jay Z Got Me"
French Montana has been making headlines after declaring that he could take on Kendrick Lamar in an IG Battle, and now he names artists who he says would take him down.
He was one of the first artists to participate in an Instagram Live Battle, and he’s been defending his catalog ever since. While many people believe he took the crown in his IG Battle against Tory Lanez, French Montana took it all in stride. The two artists later linked up to collaborate on their recently released single “Cold,” proving that these battles can inspire unexpected results.
Dia Dipasupil / Staff / Getty ImagesLater, French Montana spoke about Kendrick Lamar, saying that he has more hits than K-Dot. He later clarified his comments, singing Kendrick’s praises while remaining fully confident that he has the chops to go toe-to-toe musically with the beloved L.A. rapper. In a recent interview with The Bassment, French was asked if there were other artists that he believes he could go “hit-for-hit” against, and he still insists anyone is up for grabs.
“Like I said before, you can put me against anybody,” he said. “If I take the L, I’ll take the L. I’m not scared to lose. This is not about… This is about me believing in myself. I have a lotta hits. I have about 20, 23 mixtapes. Then I have the hits, the worldwide hits, this and that. So, I feel I can go against anybody.”
There are a couple of people that he believes will outshine him. “I know Drake probably got me. I know Jay Z got me,” French Montana added. “Besides that, it’s whatever. It’s open game.” However, he did also throw Snopp Dogg and Dr. Dre‘s names into the mix, saying he knows he couldn’t take them. Check out the rapper’s comments on battles and more below.
Westside Gunn Credits Kanye, DJ Premier For Motivating Him During COVID-19 Recovery
Westside Gunn recently battled COVID-19 and was motivated to push through with his “Pray for Paris” project by friends like Kanye West, DJ Premier, and Virgil Abloh.
Weeks ago, Westside Gunn shared the surprising news that he had a frightening battle with COVID-19. “I’m feeling good now, these short breaths, this sh*t was like a tornado through my chest,” he said. “I smoke a lot so I’m trying to build my lungs back up. I was going to go out for a walk, but even when I went outside to do that, I was like, nah let me wait another week. Next week, I’ll probably try to walk for 30 minutes.”
Westside Gunn recently released his acclaimed album Pray for Paris, a project he completed while visiting the City of Love. Prior to dropping his latest record, the rapper had planned out a fantastical roll out, but his COVID-19 diagnosis put all of that work on pause. “It was so bad I had to be rushed to the hospital,” Gunn, who has asthma, told HipHopDX. “I thought I was out of here and had already made calls to have everything in order, just in case… I thought I was going to die.”
During his recovery from COVID-19 and prior to the release of Pray for Paris, Gunn said that his famous friends like Kanye West, DJ Premier, and Virgil Abloh motivated him to push through. “I was having conversations with people like ‘Ye who showed me all these designs he was working on that inspired me to design even more too,” Westside Gunn said. “That’s what built this project, my connection to Paris and the people that spoke to me when I was sick.”
Boogie Talks Gaining Eminem Fans, Next Album On Shady & 1800 Tequila Partnership
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Boogie chops it up about 1800 Tequila’s upcoming Instagram Live series, his Quarantine downtime and more.
As we all figure out how to adjust to our new normal in these strange times, there are many different artists and brands starting up new initiatives to help get us through the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering just how far-reaching the pandemic is, and how deeply it affects day-to-day society, from jobs to daycare, it’s a given that many people are struggling. Still, there is hope, and there are certain figures that are instilling optimism across the country– and among those joining the fold, we can now count 1800 Tequila.
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, 1800 Tequila is kicking off a brand new live stream series, titled “Live From Inside,” that’s hosted by artists you know and love– Lauren Jauregui, Boogie, Chika and Kiane Lede are a few of the artists that 1800 Tequila is partnering with for this new digital series.
The idea is, that you’ll not only get to have an artist host a live stream with the fans, but you’ll also get a new performance each time, alongside a guest mixologist who will be showing you how to create a few simple cocktails using 1800 Tequila liquor. Essentially, you’ll get all the trapping of a night out from the comfort of your couch.
Before the digital event series kicks off tomorrow night with Lauren Jauregui, we hopped on the phone with Boogie to find out more about it, and his current quarantine situation. He tells us how he’s been keeping busy during quarantine– including making music and even learning a new instrument. We also touch on Eminem, Boogie’s label boss and collaborator, to find out more about their relationship, too, and Boogie’s recent string of collabs with TDE.
Check out our interview below, edited for clarity.
Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
HotNewHipHop: Hey Boogie
Boogie: Roseee, I miss you. How’re you?
Yeahhh, it’s been a minute, I wanted to do this myself cause I haven’t talked to you in a while thought this would be fun.
Ye, once they told me it was you I got so excited.
How’re you doing out in L.A. right now?
I’m good, tryna keep myself busy.
So I guess this 1800 Tequila initiative will keep you busy?
Yeah for sure. I’m glad they hit me up about this.
So can you tell me exactly what it is and what you’re going to be doing and what fans can expect?
Yeah, so basically what it is it’s a new live stream series of performances from different artists. It’s encouraging people to stay they a** at home and not go outside to be ignorant like everybody else. You can enjoy some 1800 cause that’s what we gone be drinking while we doing this. All the money is going directly to the people that’s affected by COVID-19, that’s what makes it so amazing because we just tryna reap the benefits of the situation. We know people affected by it. Hopefully it’ll cushion people a little bit.
Cool. How have you been entertaining yourself during quarantine? What do you do day to day?
I have a kid who irritates me but keeps me busy, a lot. Besides that, I’m just tryna work. I’m not saying it’s a good situation but I’m tryna make the best out of it cause it forces me to actually sit inside and I get to know sh*t I’m lacking on, and face reality, so I’m kind of glad it happened in a way.
Yeah for sure, I’ve been thinking about that too, you can use this time to build a new habit or just get something done that you’ve been putting off.
Exactly. I picked up a piano. I’ve been playing the piano. I’m trying to learn how to play the piano. It’s kind of frustrating but I’m trying to embrace the challenge.
It’s going to stimulate your mind. You mentioned taking advantage of this down time, and it’s been a minute since you dropped your album on Shady. Is that in the works, like another album?
Yeah. Anybody who knows me, knows how much I overthink my projects. I always wanna make sure I improve from the last project ‘cause I feel that’s what’s keeping me alive as an artist. I keep getting better. I feel like my last project was so good, I kind of got to this point where I was like nothing is good enough and now I’m finally free. My thoughts just finally more free, and I just feel that’s how my life and my music work, it depends on where I’m at and that’s where I make the best music.
I really loved your last album, the more I play it, the more replay value I get out of it. It just consistently goes up and up. I like that kind of album, it gets better with time.
Yeah, I wanted something that aged well. Our attention span is so short these days cause we get so much music everyday and every week, it’s hard to pick out songs and make sure I had something that did that.
It’s rare just to find an album like that where it’s even better now from the first time I heard it. How has life been like since you’ve signed to Shady? Has anything changed for you?
What changed is it’s a lot of Eminem fans. They are probably one of the toughest fan bases in the world. If I’m not rapping fast sometimes, they get mad but then if I start rapping fast I disappoint my other fans [Laughs]. I’m tryna have a balance with my fans and all these new fans and make everybody happy.
That’s so funny, I mean I don’t necessarily think of you as a fast rapper but you’re definitely lyrical, like low-key lyrical stuff that might impress the Eminem fans?
I put a lot of pride into my lyrics so…and my lisp is too big. I got a lisp, to be rapping all fast and sh*t, it’ll start sounding like I’m spitting.
Do you talk to Eminem? Would you talk to him over the phone or text message? What’s a normal relationship, conversation for you guys?
When we talk it’s regular, he’s like a regular person. But when he calls, somebody else calls first and then they’ll be like ‘Marshall’s on the phone,’ and I feel like I’m about to talk to my teacher or something.
Have you ever been to Detroit to visit him in the studio at all?
Yeah I have. When I first signed to him he flew me out. I been out there a couple times.
As you work on the new album, is he involved or is he more hands-off?
What makes it great about him is he just lets me grow as an artist and let me do what I gotta do. If I need something from him I can always reach out. As far as my work I don’t really want other people influencing my ideas, I wanna get my own thoughts off, I don’t really involve too many people honestly.
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You haven’t put out anything yourself but you’ve been featured on a couple of songs recently, all with the TDE camp. You have “Trapped In” with Reason, I think it was released before the pandemic but it’s also kinda timely with the title.
It’s crazy how that hook is about being inside. We did that about a year and a half ago.
That’s so crazy. And then you have the one with SIR— have you been spending a lot of time with TDE camp in general? How did that relationship develop with the whole crew?
The thing with TDE, I think it’s a relationship that’s grown over the past few years. Me and Reason was friends before he got signed, I been watching him grow and helping him when I could. Me and SIR been homies for a minute. Of course Kendrick [Lamar] is from my neighborhood, I text him like a month ago. I’m just cool with all of them. We all from LA so it’s close-knit city, as far as the industry goes.
Do you have any other records in the stash with TDE rappers? Is there something with Kendrick or ScHoolboy Q?
No, I wish. I would’ve been exposed that. No Kendrick record right now, just the Reason and SIR record. Me and Isaiah [Rashad] are actually finna work on something soon.
Once quarantine is over, who are you most excited to get back in the studio with?
When I get out of quarantine, I wanna work with… uhh. I don’t really be thinking about chasing features cause everybody I’m cool with I still be texting ‘em. Me and Jack Harlow have been working on some stuff, so that’s about it.
What’s the first thing you wanna do when you can leave your house, not studio-related?
I wanna go to the spa. I want a facial, full body massage while I’m butt naked.
That would be sick. Okay cool, thanks so much for talking to me. We’re excited to check out the 1800 Tequila Live sessions.
Yeah make sure everybody know!
You’ll be able to catch Lauren Jauregui tomorrow on IG Live with 1800 Tequila at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST. Boogie will be hosting “Live From Inside” on May 11th, Kiana is following suit on the 17th, and Chika will be capping it off as the host on the 21st.
Chris Brown & Young Thug’s "Slime & B" Tracklist Revealed
Chris Brown and Young Thug’s upcoming joint tape “Slime & B” will consist of thirteen tracks.
This Friday, Chris Brown and Young Thug are coming through with their first-ever collaborative mixtape, the aptly titled Slime & B. While we genuinely don’t know what to expect from this one, having heard little in the way of previewed music, it’s exciting to see what the duo have been concocting in the booth. Especially given that both parties are extremely versatile; should the occasion call for it, Thugger can sing his heart out as effectively as Breezy can lay down some bars.
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Though there are still a few days until the big release, Chris Brown took it upon himself to reveal the tracklist on his Instagram page — although he has opted to keep the inevitably features under wraps for the time being. Judging by the titles alone, the project will likely feature a few debaucherous anthems, with “Go Crazy,” “She Bumped Her Head,” and “City Girls” fitting that particular bill. If we’re lucky, however, Slime & B will be a diverse project, showcasing a range of talents from both Thugger and Chris.
Check out the tracklist below, and look for additional details — namely album artwork and guest appearances — to surface in the days to come. What are your expectations of Slime & B?
1. Say You Love Me
2. Go Crazy
3. Trapback
4. I Got Time
5. She Bumped Her Head
6. Big Slimes
7. I Ain’t Tryin
8. Animal
9. City Girls
10. Stolen
11. Undrunk
12. No Such Thing
13. Help Me Breathe
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Kehlani Drops "It Was Good Until It Wasn’t" Tracklist
With appearances from Tory Lanez, James Blake, Jhene Aiko, and more, Kehlani reveals the tracklist for “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.”
Though many artists have chosen to delay the release of their projects due to the coronavirus pandemic, thankfully, others have chosen to stay on track with their planned release dates. For those who’ve been hoping for a new album from Kehlani, she’ll be blessing us with It Was Good Until It Wasn’t this Friday.
Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesAhead of its release, the R&B star shared the tracklist for the project which includes appearances from some heavy hitters in the game. Tory Lanez shows up for “Can I,” Jhene Aiko links up with Kehlani on “Change Your Life,” and James Blake shows face on “Grieving.” In addition to that, she’s tapped a few other favorites for some assistance such as Lucky Daye and Masego. There’s also a “Real Hot Girl Skit” on the tracklist which would seem like a strong indication Megan Thee Stallion‘s voice might pop up somewhere. It’s even more promising since they do have a rapport with Kehlani’s appearance on “Hit My Line” off of Suga.
Check out the tracklist below.
- Toxic
- Can I ft. Tory Lanez
- Bad News
- Real Hot Girl Skit
- Water
- Change Your Life ft. Jhene Aiko
- Belong To The Streets Skit
- Everybody Business
- Hate The Club ft. Masego
- Serial Lover
- F&MU
- Can You Blame Me ft. Lucky Daye
- Grieving ft. James Blake
- Open (Passionate
- Lexii’s Outro
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