The art of fast rap goes by many names, be it "double-time flow" or the more condescending "rappity-rap." A far cry from the formative flows of hip-hop's birth in 1973. In the years that followed, artists like Jaz-O, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Busta Rhymes, and Twista began experimenting with their tempo, developing a style built on speed and stamina. In recent years, Tech N9ne and Eminem have implemented double-time into their arsenal, likewise have Tory Lanez and Joyner Lucas, who recently reached hyperspeed on a remix of DaBaby's "Suge." In truth, many technicians have tried their hand but only one has left The Game awestruck. 

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On this week's episode of Love & Hip Hop: New York, cast members Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena officially tied the knot, but some Twitter users did not prove to be their biggest supporters. After Safaree proposed to Erica on Christmas Day in 2018, they got married the following year in October, a few months before they welcomed their first child together. Since then, the notorious couple have been causing some major drama on the show since the series' 10th season premiered in December.  On Monday night, the world finally got to witness their wedding ceremony take place on their TV screens.

Delonte West has been struggling as of late and fans are both upset and worried about the former NBA player. Earlier this week, disturbing footage hit the internet of West being beaten up in the middle of a street while people drove past. There was also a video of West being handcuffed and interrogated by police. Since the release of the video, fans and former teammates have hit social media to give their opinion on the ordeal and are calling for measures to ensure West's safety moving forward.

According to Complex, a huge development in the incident has come to light. In a recent press conference, Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski spoke about how the department is doing an investigation into how the video made it to the internet. In the meantime, the officer who took the video has been suspended and could face harsh punishment if he was the one who released the footage.

Vanessa Hudgens is a single woman now which means paparazzi and over-reaching fans are constantly checking in on her personal life to see if she is dating anyone new. Recently, Hudgens has been spotted at various Los Angeles Lakers games and has been checking out none other than Kyle Kuzma. She has even been commenting on his Instagram photos which is something that piqued the interest of numerous fans. Now, fans have even more reasons to talk about Kuzma and Hudgens as yesterday, they were spotted having dinner together.

Images of Hudgens and Kuzma immediately hit social media and it sent both Hudgens and Kuzma fans into a state of emergency. 

For the past several years, Young Thug has essentially run a masterclass in brand development. For one: his avant-garde approach to gender-bending attire helped usher in one of hip-hop’s prominent fashion trends, much to the dismay of Black Air Force aficionados. For two: his malleable take on language and seemingly infinite supply of cadences have solidified him as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices; even esteemed lyricists like J. Cole and Drake stand firmly behind the YSL serpent. And all this while by and large remaining a cultlike figure, one who only recently secured his first number one album with So Much Fun.

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Given the man’s artistic prowess and undeniable mystique, the price of his presence on stage has skyrocketed as a result. Today, Thugger took to Instagram to flex accordingly. Looking like a customizable character from Cyberpunk 2077, Thug boasted in royal fashion. A move likely to leave pocket watchers angrily clutching fistfuls of lint.

“1.5 for a 45 min show,” he declares, sparking a chorus of praise from Lil Baby, J.I.D, EarthGang, and Mike WiLL Made-It. And rightfully so; that’s approximately thirty-three thousand dollars a minute. Whether forty-five is a justifiable show length is up for debate, but one has to wonder if venues could even afford his hour-plus rate to begin with. 

Meek Mill is not a very big fan of Tekashi 6ix9ine. In fact, he straight up doesn’t like the kid. Throughout the last year and a bit, the Philadelphia superstar has voiced his opinion on the rainbow-haired rapper on several occasions, using him as an example of why you should never snitch, participating in the meme barrage during his trial, and referring to him as a “vicious kid.” I think it’s fair to say that, upon 6ix9ine’s release from prison, he won’t be reaching out to Meek Mill for a feature. Last night, the Brooklyn native’s girlfriend shared an update after her man was denied the chance to go home early to serve the remainder of his sentence from the comfort of his own crib. The statement was accompanied by a new photo of Tekashi and, lurking in the comments, Meek Mill made sure to come through with some more quick work.

Jade’s picture with Tekashi69 was reposted by The Shade Room, among other outlets, and Meek Mill took the time to compliment/troll the rapper on his get-up. Realizing that he will need to likely enter a witness protection program against his own will, Meek wrote: “That witness protection drip.”

Although his hair is darker, there are still signs of multicolor dye, which begs the question… who has been touching up this man’s hair? How do you think 69 is looking these days?

Jordan Brand's annual All Star collection is always loaded with highly coveted sneaker releases, but this year is especially loaded with the NBA's festivities returning to Chicago for the first time since 1988. Needless to say, February is going to be jam packed with Air Jordans, ranging from the Air Jordan 1 all the way up to the Air Jordan 34.

It’s basically a given that Eminem will debut on top of the Billboard 200 next week when his stats have been calculated, dethroning Selena Gomez after she officially defeated Roddy Ricch to earn her first No. 1 album of the new decade. In a year that feels like it will be historic in terms of music drops, surprises, and general quality sounds, Marshall Mathers started us off by dropping Music To Be Murdered By out of absolutely nowhere. Despite 50 Cent’s warnings, nobody was expecting Slim Shady to impact us the way he did at the end of last week and, if you’ve been feeling the album for the last few days, you can now cash out on some branded merchandise to show your support.

Packaged alongside a copy of the digital album (gotta pad those pure unit numbers, nahmean?), Music To Be Murdered By officially has its own merch capsule on Eminem’s webshop.  The project is available to be purchased in vinyl, cassette, and disk form, with hoodies, long sleeve shirts, and t-shirts being offered featuring the cover art and other designs attached to them. Items are reasonably priced with tees going for $30, long sleeves at $35, and hoodies at $55. Keep in mind that products listed on the site are pre-orders and will only be shipped out in a few weeks.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Roddy Ricch is having a very fortuitous 2020. The 21-year-old Compton rapper made a case for his talent when his breakout single, "The Box," prevented Justin Bieber's "Yummy" from topping the charts earlier this month. Following Bieber's attempts and subsequent failure to debut "Yummy" at No. 1 in a panic, Bieber's ex Selena Gomez mirrored his public pleas for streams when Roddy's debut album, Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, posed a threat to Selena's album, Rare, debuting at No. 1. While Selena may have ultimately achieved what she set out to, it wasn't without having to resort to desperately begging fans to help her get there, all because Roddy Ricch proved to be more powerful than either of these pop stars could have ever predicted. Now, Roddy has further solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with, as "The Box" spends a second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Charts.

Ballplayers want to be rappers and rappers want to be ballplayers. It’s an age-old adage. The NBA has long been a core piece of hip-hop culture – from Allen Iverson heralding a new era of emphatic urban style to rappers being fanatical about basketball sneakers. And of course, rap songs are often laden with references to the game’s most iconic players.

“Which park are y’all playing basketball/Get me on the court and I’m trouble/Last week fucked around and got a triple double/Freaking niggas every way like MJ/I can’t believe today was a good day” – Ice Cube

“Real quick, real sick, raw nights, I perform like Mike/Anyone—Tyson, Jordan, Jackson, action, pack guns” – Biggie

“But I’m limitless mentally, I’m lyrically ZMT/Lebron shit, I was in that 6 after 23” – Wale

“Went from most hated to the champion god flow/I guess that’s a feeling only me and LeBron know” – Kanye

NBA stars have attempted to crossover into rap with great regularity. Shaquille O’Neal dropped four studio albums (although he’s not quite as dominant in the booth as he is on the block) and Ron Artest even started a record label. And whether its Stephon Marbury in Big Pun’s “Whatcha Gone Do” video or LeBron popping up in Jay-Z’s “D.O.A” visual or, let’s not forget, Ray Allen’s unforgettable cameo in Public Enemy’s “He Got Game,” Ballers haven’t ever been shy about popping up in rap videos. MC’s are mainstays at NBA games; if you turn on a Hawks game, you’ll often see Gucci Mane sitting court-side or Ice Cube on the hardwood at Laker games. Given all the crossover and cultural importance these two share, I thought it was only right to draw some comparisons.

Trae Young (DaBaby)

New on the scene but with an adept game and a lot of swag. Their moves on the court/stage get the crowd going. Both are more than willing to provide a good assist. DaBaby with a host of saucy features, including Megan Thee Stallion‘s “Cash Shit” and Quality Control‘s “Baby.” Trae with the frequent no-look pass or alley-oop. Young Ice is Top 5 in the NBA in scoring and assists. Neither’s success has come without hate. People criticize DaBaby over his singular method of flow. But those nay-sayers may be missing the actual bars he’s spitting. Like, are you even listening? Not to mention he’s got a chart-topping album. The same goes for Trae. People talk about the Hawks record but overlook the fact he a). Has 0 help and b). Is putting up historic numbers for an NBA sophomore.

Anthony Davis (Meek Mill)

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It always seemed like one thing after the other for these two. Nick-nack injuries, an incompetent General Manager – probation, legal fight after legal fight, beef. Neither could ever quite seem to get over the hump but now they are in significantly better situations. Davis is a Los Angeles Laker; running flank to LeBron James. Meek has rebounded from being the target of maybe the biggest hit diss record ever and has been released from prison. With monkeys off their back, Davis is vying for a title this season and Meek is eyeing his first Grammy for Album of the Year. These two have the potential to be the best in the game. Before his coup to exit New Orleans, Davis was pegged as next in line to take over the league while Meek was pinned the new Jay-Z. They have the talent but questions still remain about whether they can elevate their game even more to reach their potential.

Luka Doncic (YBN Cordae)

Young but polished. These guys both burst onto the scene looking to compete immediately with absolutely no fear – I’m sure to the surprise of many. Cordae’s delivery as velvety and fluid as Luka’s step-back jumper. Each has his eye on running the game for years to come. they’re also not afraid to go at the neck of an all-time great. YBN responded to J. Cole’s “1985” while Luka has dropped a 30-point triple-double on LeBron’s head top. Bright futures await this pair. Both will be hoisting trophies in the years to come. 

Damian Lillard (Dame DOLLA)

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There’s not a better comparison for Damian Lillard on the court than Damian Lillard in the booth. He plays the way he raps. Even keel. Consistent. Sharp. And they’ve been underrated for a long time. Another similarity, they both need to get out of Portland! Neither is willing to back down from a challenge. Damian went nose to nose with Russell Westbrook who barked and barked at him during the first round playoff series – sending OKC home with an elimination-game buzzer-beater. Dame DOLLA is no stranger to beef wither. He’s battled rapped the likes of Marvin Bagley III and Shaq, taking home victories in both bouts. 

James Harden (Travis Scott)

Their numbers are as gaudy as their eye for attention-grabbing ensembles and jewelry. To go along with their creative fashion choices, each posts flashy numbers. Stats tell you they’re two of the best in their individual games. But success hasn’t just come on a silver platter. Harden began his career as a 6th man, coming off the bench in OKC. Then transformed in the virtually unstoppable scoring machine we see today. As shown in his recent documentary, Travis had a steep climb up the mountain as well. A video that went viral shows Scott performing for a few dozen people in 2013. Compare that to La Flame selling out the AstroWorld festival just 6 years later. Harden went from 6th man of the year in 2012 to NBA MVP in 2018. An equally impressive rise. 

Jimmy Butler (Pusha T)

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These two do so much for their team. Jimmy is Mr. Everything for Miami while Pusha T is the President of GOOD music with the second most releases under the label. Neither puts up the splashy numbers but they’re incredibly effective in big moments. While their stats won’t jump off the page, they consistently deliver. Both are winners. Put them up against anybody rapping or hooping and they have the ability to come out on top. Of course this pair is not afraid of a little beef. Pusha and Jimmy have regularly had spats with peers. Butler can trash-talk with the best of them while Pusha diss records are the stuff of legend. 

Nikola Jokic (Jack Harlow)

At first glance and maybe even second, most people wouldn’t recognize them on a city block. But these two are erudite in their craft at the highest level. Harlow and Jokic can hold their own against some of the best in the game. In the basketball community, Jokic gets mad love but the casual fan may not fully appreciate his ability. The same could go for Harlow who isn’t as well known as he should be. 

LeBron James (Drake)

The numbers say they’re the best ever, but both have their doubters. Harshly criticized by the general public each just keeps on compiling milestone after milestone. Drake and LeBron have had their forgettable moments that amount to tiny stains on Rushmore resumes. The fact is, you can’t tell the story of hip-hop without Drake and you can’t tell the story of the NBA without LeBron James. The pair have single-handedly changed the culture of their respective industries. LeBron ushered in positionless basketball while Drake took the role of rapper-singer to new heights. Label them, all-around players, because of their versatility. Lebron can do just about everything on both ends of the court, while Drake can rap, sing, act, do comedy. Hell, I’m not sure if there’s anything this guy can’t do. To top the comparison off they are both chasing legacies many feel are untouchable no matter what they do (Jay-Z & Michael Jeffery Jordan).

Kawhi Leonard (Kendrick Lamar)

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Both L.A. guys. Both don’t quite get the recognition they deserve but are arguably the best in the game. The only question left about them is, how much longer will the run continue. Mild-mannered and unassuming off the court or stage their performance has a mercurial nature about it. Oh, and they make greatness look effortless. Two defensive player of the year awards, two finals MVPs and two championships versus 37 Grammy nominations and 13 wins. All since 2013. They’ve got the hardware to back up an all-time resume. Each has accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Both had to pay their dues before having the breakout year that changed their careers.  

Giannis Antetokounmpo (J. Cole)

Giannis and Cole are humble superstars, true to their roots and the soil that bred them. Both possess a tremendous work ethic and the ability to make those around them better. Giannis is one of the only players in the NBA averaging more than 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Cole dished out plenty of assists on features in 2019, including some fire bars on Jay Rock’s “OSOM.” He’s even featured on what may be the Grammy winner for Song of the Year – 21 Savage’s hit, “A lot.” But don’t let the smile and even temperament fool you. If you push them far enough, they’ll get gully on you real quick. These stars are giving but they don’t have a problem shouldering a superstar’s burden. Giannis has been vocal about not wanting to team up with other marquee players in the league, rather wanting to beat them. Similarly, Cole had an album go platinum with NO FEATURES. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Kevin Durant (Wale)

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Some things just write themselves. There’s the obvious DMV connection. Both are constantly in their feelings, funny and candid on twitter. Seems like they’re always at war with themselves. Neither is afraid to speak their mind and go after their critics. Wale and Durant seem to search for the validation and praise they feel aren’t justly given. Wale has classic mixtapes but people say he doesn’t have a classic album while Durant has two rings but doubters say he rode the coattails of the Warriors big three for those. Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State – Wale left Atlantic Records for Warner. Both are cemented in the eyes of some but personally feel there’s something left to be proven.  

Steph Curry (Young Thug)

Their Innovative styles changed the game. Curry virtually eliminated traditional centers and is single-handedly responsible for the rise of 30-foot chucks in the game. Few have influenced this era of rap like Young Thug; BBC named him the 21st Century’s most influential. Curry attracted KD to join him in Golden State. Thug attracted some of the game’s hottest new artists like Gunna and Lil Keed to YSL records, his label. Curry has kids everywhere emulating his style. Thug has kids everywhere dressing like him and rapping/singing auto-tuned.  

This article is sure to stir up some heated debate, but I SAID WHAT I SAID! Sound off in the comments with your opinion.