The recent protests haven’t just caused politicians and government officials to re-evaluate their policies, but businesses as well. On Friday (June 5), Republic Records announced that they have decided to do away with the word “urban” to describe particular styles of music. The word “urban” has been debated for some time, and even Tyler the Creator got in on the conversation when he shared that he wasn’t a fan of the term. In her recent GQ feature, Billie Eilish agreed with the IGOR artist.

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After winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album, Tyler was backstage giving an interview and said, “I’m very grateful that what I made could just be acknowledged in a world like this, but, also, it sucks that whenever we – and I mean guys that look like me – do anything that’s genre-bending, they always put it in a ‘rap’ or ‘urban’ category. I don’t like that ‘urban’ word – it’s just a politically correct way to say the n-word, to me. Why can’t we just be in pop?”

In her recent interview, Billie Eilish echoed Tyler’s sentiments and stated that she’s never been a fan of categories. “I hate when people say, ‘Oh, you look like ‘blank.’ You sound like ‘blank.’’ It was such a cool thing Tyler said. I agree with him about that term,” Billie stated. “Don’t judge an artist off the way someone looks or the way someone dresses. Wasn’t Lizzo in the Best R&B category that night? I mean, she’s more pop than I am.”

Billie Eilish added, “Look, if I wasn’t white I would probably be in ‘rap’. Why? They just judge from what you look like and what they know. I think that is weird. The world wants to put you into a box; I’ve had it my whole career. Just because I am a white teenage female I am pop. Where am I pop? What part of my music sounds like pop?” Do you agree that the word “urban” should be done away with when describing music?

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As socio-political upheaval continues across the country as people demand justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, some have turned their attention to calling out corporations and companies for their participation in black art and black culture, although remaining silent on situations of racial injustice. Republic Records is the first company within the music industry that has decided to take a firm stance against the use of the word “urban” in the industry.

Republic Records, home to artists like The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and Drake through joint partnerships, announced on their Instagram that they would discontinue the use of the word “urban” within the label. The label wrote, “Effective immediately, Republic Records will remove “URBAN” from our verbiage in describing departments, employee titles, and music genres.” Many argue that the term symbolizes the music industry’s lumping of black artists into one category which marginalizes black musicians in the process.

Captioning the announcement, “#WeUseOurVoices, Use Yours,” not only did the label ban the use of the term within the label itself, but they also encouraged the rest of the music industry to follow in their lead. They added, “We encourage the rest of the music industry to follow suit as it is important to shape the future of what we want it to look like, and not adhere to the outdated structures of the past.”

Toronto duo 88GLAM was on pace to release their brand new project imminently but, after this weekend, even that much is unclear.

The group, made up of Derek Wise and 88 Camino, has been signed to XO Records and Republic Records for several years but there are rumors that the two artists were dropped from both labels. In the subreddit assigned to the recording artists, fans have started freaking out about the fate of the album and the group’s immediate future, believing that the end is in sight for the collective.

According to the post, the group has been dropped completely from XO Records and Republic Records, which has not been confirmed. They have also been removed from the upcoming tour from The Weeknd, being replaced with Black Atlass, another singer from the XO Records camp. 

Apparently, the issues may stem even deeper than a disagreement with the label. Fans of Derek Wise and 88 Camino also noticed that the two collaborators unfollowed each other on social media, which can’t mean anything good. Shortly after, the latter actually deleted his Instagram altogether. 

HotNewHipHop has reached out to 88GLAM’s representatives for a statement. Hopefully, this is cleared up for the fans so they can finally have some clarity. 

In the meantime, enjoy our episode of Snack Review with the guys below.

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Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke tragically lost his life in what appears to have been a targeted hit in the Hollywood Hills. The “Dior” and “Welcome To The Party” star had been in the beginning stages of his career, working with Republic Records and, specifically, through Steven Victor’s imprint at the label. With Victor’s experience in the industry, Pop Smoke was able to shine, truly becoming a break-out star in the first two months of 2020. He was on pace to have a marquee year in his career and Steven Victor, the owner of Victor Victor, is speaking out about the loss of one of his shiniest stars.

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“This is extremely painful and I won’t ramble on B. Your energy, your passion and the love you gave will be missed so much,” said the executive in a social post. “Regardless of what his rap sheet said.. he was a genuine person with a kind soul, heart full of gold, a good kid with a huge heart who just wanted to win, put on for Canarsie and inspire the world. It’s tragic, devastating and my heart hurts for everyone that knew Pop… rest easy my brother. I love you.”

Victor closes his statement by saying that he will never forget what the rapper told him during a meeting two weeks ago, also promising that he will get started on establishing a foundation in his name. 

Steven Victor moved from Def Jam to Republic Records last summer, signing Pop Smoke as one of his first artists. The two had a very close relationship with Pop even mentioning the man in his music.

Pop Smoke's death continues to send ripples throughout the hip-hop community, with many still reeling over his stolen youth and promise. With further details pointing to a targeted attack, it's likely that the circumstances surrounding his murder will only get clearer in time. While authorities work on piecing the narrative together, his label Republic Records have taken to social media to issue a statement on the artist's passing. 

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"We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of [Pop Smoke]," reads the statement. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans, as we mourn this loss together." Mere weeks ago, Smoke dropped off Meet The Woo 2, a project that would go on to become his final album. In its first week, Meet The Woo 2 performed admirably, selling 36,000 album-equivalent units and sliding comfortably into the fourth spot on the Billboard charts. As is often the case, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pop Smoke's numbers rise following his murder -- a bittersweet consequence to be sure. 

Alongside Pop Smoke, Republic Records is also home to Casanova, 9lokknine, Drake, Jaden Smith, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Lil West, Metro Boomin, Nav, Nicki Minaj, Rich The Kid, Ski Mask The Slump God, The Weeknd, and many more.