Another week has gone by, and the fight for Black lives and racial equality is as unwavering as before. Artists have continued to use music as an outlet for their frustrations and to bring greater attention to issues like police brutality and racial injustice. In the same vein as last week, we’re highlighting some new protest anthems of sorts that highlight the systemic racism in America and demand change for the Black community.

Lil Baby came through with the immensely powerful “The Bigger Picture,” which examines the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests. He also opens up about his own experiences with racism on the track, including the conditions of his two-year stint in prison back in 2014. DaBaby and Roddy Ricch also used their voices to speak out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement by releasing a BLM remix of their smash hit, “Rockstar.” 

One song that proves unrelated to the current climate but is worthy of a spotlight is the latest posthumous single from Pop Smoke, “Make It Rain,” with Rowdy Rebel. This week, Pop’s manager, Steven Victor, announced that the rapper’s posthumous album would be delayed until July in light of recent events.

Check out the rest of our latest additions to our “Fire Emoji” playlist and let these songs motivate you to get up and fight against injustice.

Follow HNHH on Spotify.

Follow FIRE EMOJI on Spotify.

Follow R&B SEASON on Spotify.

Follow our Wake & Bake playlist here.

Follow our G.O.O.D. Music playlist (for a GOOD ASS FRIDAY) here.

Fans have been impatiently anticipating the release of Pop Smoke‘s posthumous record, but it looks as if they’re going to have to wait a tad bit longer. 50 Cent has been teasing the project for some time, and back in mid-May, it was shared that Pop Smoke’s forthcoming album would drop Friday, June 12. That would have meant we would be enjoying the new tunes in just two days, but considering the times we’re in at the moment, it’s now been announced that the project’s release date has been pushed back.

Jamie McCarthy / Staff / Getty Images

Universal Music Group executive Steven Victor took to his Instagram page to share the news with the world on Wednesday (June 10). “Music is the tool of revolution. We have been watching, along with the rest of the world, as long overdue change starts to take root. We have seen Pop’s music become the soundtrack of the moment, unifying the masses,” Victor wrote.

“Given recent events, we have decided to delay the release of his album out of respect for the movement. ‘Make It Rain’ will be released this Friday, June 12th. The album will be released on July 3rd.” At least we can look forward to a new single. Check out the announcement below.

The world is in peril and, doing the right thing, Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9inepushed back his new music release another week. Now is not the time to be dropping, unless you're speaking on what's happening during the protests.

As we continue to fight for change and an end to systemic racism and police violence, Tekashi 6ix9ine decided that the next best thing to do was to provide people entertainment as only he knows how: by trolling and getting back together with DJ Akademiks.

The rapper teamed up with his good buddy for a 45-minute live-stream, where they discussed everything from Blueface's one-hit-wonder status, Trippie Redd and his ex-girlfriend, their love for the late Pop Smoke, and more. They even mimicked YK Osiris' cringe-worthy boxing skills by facing off against each other and earning tons of face-palm emojis in the comments.

"Who’s behind this ridiculousness?" asked Royce Da 5'9", reposting a video of their bout.

One of the high points from the Live session -- if you can believe that there were any -- came when Tekashi spoke about fellow Brooklyn talent Pop Smoke.

"I'm actually a fan of the kid," he says. "Rest in peace, Pop Smoke. Listen, they shouldn't have done that. That was a great talent from New York City. And I think, to be honest with you, he was the fresh New York City."

Check out some highlights below.

View this post on Instagram

#6ix9ine talks to the ppl

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks) on Jun 4, 2020 at 7:29pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

#tekashi69 and #djakademiks debate if #blueface is a 1 hit wonder. Via @iamakademiks

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks) on Jun 4, 2020 at 11:11pm PDT

When it comes to boasting about his accomplishments, 50 Cent never misses an opportunity. The media mogul remembers where he came from prior to building his empire, and it was through hard work and careful maneuvering that he’s been able to amass the success that he sees before him. While he has a slew of hits under his belt, there are hip hop fans who don’t recognize Fif as a formidable force in the rap game. It’s been years since he’s released a full-length music project, but the Power boss is here to remind you that he’s still better than your favorite rapper.

Bryan Bedder / Stringer / Getty Images

Twenty years ago, 50 Cent was set to release what was supposed to be his debut album. Power of the Dollar was slated to hit the streets in the summer of 2000, but when he was shot in May of that year, it forced the record to be delayed. Two years prior, Fif completed a sampler of the project, and just a few hours ago, he shared a photo of the tape. “?Damn i did this in 1998 ?‍♂️ and i still can rap better then you fools ???‍♂️,” he penned in the caption.

He also took the opportunity to give a shout out to Pop Smoke by reminding the public that the late rapper’s posthumous album hits streaming services on June 12. Check out 50 Cent’s post below.

Pop Smoke’s death was a tragedy that shook the hip-hop community. The rapper was slain on the brink of superstardom, just as his name was making its way into household status. Still, Pop Smoke’s family and management are forging onwards with the late New York MC’s first posthumous album now scheduled for release.

We knew it was coming, but Steven Victor, Pop Smoke‘s manager, shared the official details on his Instagram. Victor shared what could be the artwork– or could simply be a promotional image– alongside a release date: June 12th. The manager didn’t leave more information in his caption than the release date, so stay tuned. In the interim, the rapper has already popped up posthumously on several records recently, including a verse on Nav’s new album Good Intentions and Lil Tjay’s State of Emergency EP.

50 Cent recently shared a few details about Pop Smoke‘s album as well, as he filled the role of executive producer. The OG confirmed they were adding a select few features, naming Roddy Ricch among them– so we’ll have to see if that one came together.

Check out Steven Victor’s new IG post below, and keep your eyes peeled for more details on the album.

Budding artist Pop Smoke was just getting his feet wet in the music industry when his life was cut short. Back in February, while staying as a Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles, authorities believe Pop Smoke was murdered in a home invasion robbery. As the months have dragged on, there hasn’t been any new updates regarding his case, but hip hop has certainly felt the effects of the tragic incident.

Carmen Mandato / Stringer / Getty Images

Many rap artists already have fierce security measures set in place to ensure their protection and the protection of their loved ones, but Pop’s death still shook everyone to the core. Boosie Badazz chatted with VladTV about the 20-year-old rapper’s death and how it forced him to change his ways. “[It] makes you tighten up security, sh*t like that,” Boosie said. “Anytime a rapper dies. In Cali, you gotta have your guns out. That’s where everybody get robbed at. That’s where everybody get jacked at. That’s where the home invasions going on.”

Boosie Badazz added that any rapper visiting California needs to be prepared for anything. “You basically gotta have your hand on the gun in the jacket. Them n*ggas ain’t playing out there,” he continued. “It’s wicked out there. N*ggas in the industry know what I’m talking about… You gotta be ready to smoke them n*ggas ’cause they ain’t playing. They ’bout they business out there.” Hopefully, we’ll hear more about the investigation into Pop Smoke‘s death in the months to come. Watch Boosie Badazz talk about the late rapper below.

Toronto native NAV has been itching to release some new music for weeks. He admitted that quarantine had him feeling antsy, announcing his plans to release his new album Good Intentions to allete some of the madness. After a series of leaks by his manager Cash, the XO Records star has officially returned with a brand new body of work.

Spanning 50-minutes and 18 songs, the brand new NAV album Good Intentions has arrived. The title of the project directly follows his last studio album Bad Habits. He may have bad habits but, at the end of the day, NAV claims to have good intentions. 

This time around, he’s collaborating with some of the biggest stars in the music business, including Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna, Young Thug, and more. He’s even got his second collaboration with the late Pop Smoke included. Elsewhere on the tracklist, Lil Durk and Don Toliver make appearances.

This is the third studio album from Toronto rapper NAV. He has released a new album in each of the last three years, beginning with Reckless before moving onto the next two. 

Check it out below and let us know what you think! What’s the standout in your opinion?

Though some of the headlines surrounding Lil Tjay‘s recent antics have been less than flattering, the fact remains that the self-declared “Prince Of New York” is one of hip-hop’s buzzing new stars. It’s likely that will only be furthered with the release of his State Of Emergency EP, which hits digital streaming platforms at midnight — we’ve already seen the Fivio Foreign & Pop Smoke assisted “Zoo York” hit select international markets right here. 

 Miikka Skaffari/WireImage/Getty Images

With the seven-track project dropping in mere hours, Lil Tjay took it upon himself to unveil the full cover and tracklist, which includes a decent number of key features. Look for appearances from Fivio Foreign, Pop Smoke, Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, Jay Critch, Jay Gwuapo, and J.I. The Prince Of N.Y, a promising roster of local talent and Brooklyn drill innovators.  

“LOTTA SHIT GOING ON RN .. AND IM JUST TRYNNA BE THE HELPING HAND TO MY CITY,” captions Lil Tjay. “EVERY BODY NOT GON GET THIS BUT I KNOW WHAT THE STREETS NEED AND IMA FLOOD THEM ‼️” Should you be so inclined to check this one out tonight, be sure to check back at midnight for State Of Emergency to arrive in full. Do you think this album will help bring Lil Tjay to the next level?

This weekend, Lil Tjay attempted to declare himself the King of New York. That did not go over well with other rappers in his city. His post called out A Boogie wit da Hoodie and others, kicking off a feud with the Highbridge collective. Unfortunately, it appears as though the end of A Boogie and Lil Tjay’s collaborative relationship has come as they both vie for the top spot and, with a new mixtape arriving this week, Tjay may be taking a narrow lead.

His controversial antics fall in line with a brand new release called State Of Emergency. In two days, Lil Tjay will return with new music and he’s already sharing glimpses of what we can expect from the tape, including a preview of a song with Fivio Foreign and the late Pop Smoke.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

“WE OUTSIDE LIL BITCH,” wrote Lil Tjay on Instagram, previewing the track. “ZOO YORK FT @fivioforeign_8fs & @realpopsmoke DROPPING THIS FRIDAY !!”

The 19-year-old rapper was filming a music video last night, possibly for this song, where he set up in the middle of A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s neighborhood. Many have seen that move as another shot.

Listen to the track preview below and let us know if you’re excited to hear the full version. “Zoo York” drops on Friday.

Pop Smoke‘s family and manager, Steven Victor, made a joint statement on Wednesday announcing that they’ll be releasing new music from the late artist throughout the next year. It’s been almost three months since the world lost such a promising young talent, after a fatal shooting resulted in the 21-year-old’s untimely death. While fans have been mourning his loss in the months following his passing, they were treated to a few posthumous releases, including the single, “How We Move,” featuring Dave East. There is also currently a whole posthumous album in the works with the help of 50 Cent and Steven Victor, the owner of Victor Victor label who helped launch Pop’s career. On Wednesday, Steven shared an official statement from himself and Pop’s family on Instagram, giving an update on all future Pop Smoke releases.

“Bashar ‘Pop Smoke’ Jackson – so genuine, bright, loving, and so full of promise,” the message reads. “A rare soul, wise beyond his years whose smile, voice, mere presence would brighten the room. He was all the things one could hope for in an artist, friend, leader, and partner. Pop’s passing leaves us all broken hearted with a wound that will never heal.”

SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP Getty Images

“The public show of support and grief, by everyone touched by Pop during his lifetime, has provided some semblance of comfort during these difficult times for his family, friends, and colleagues,” the statement continues. “Throughout the next year we will be sharing new music, as we continue to build Pop’s legacy. In conjunction with his estate we will be making formal announcements on his foundation and music projects.”

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

“We love him so much and miss him so dearly,” the message, signed by “Victor Victor Worldwide & The Jackson Family,” concludes. Pop had just released his second mixtape, Meet The Woo 2, less than two weeks before he tragically passed. According to 50 Cent, the album should be arriving sometime later this month. There is also a Pop Smoke documentary in the works from Steven Victor himself.