Tekashi 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj released their latest collaboration called "Trollz," marking the second single from the rainbow-haired rapper since his release from prison. Before it even came out, it was the subject of much controversy as people attacked Minaj for working with the accused snitch. Now that the track is getting airplay, people are picking up on some of the Queen's bars and, as always, she's got people talking.
There are a couple of lyrics that stand out in Mrs. Minaj's verse, including possible digs at LisaRaye McCoy and Usher.
"Somebody usher this n***a into a clinic/My flow's still sick, I ain't talkin' a pandemic," raps the legend in her verse. While she likely isn't directly dissing Usher, the R&B star did say that Minaj got her "blueprint" from Lil Kim. Maybe this is her way of getting back at him. After all, Usher likely does spend a lot of time at the clinic, given all the herpes accusations he has faced.
A more direct line came before though.
"Dollar, dollar bill, come get her/Even your man know Nickis do it better," she said to start off her portion of the track. This is a dig at LisaRaye McCoy, who starred in The Players Club. In the movie, Dollar Bill owns the club. LisaRaye accused Nicole Murphy (get it? Another Nicki...) of wrecking her marriage last year.
Clever lines from the Queen.
Usher & Trey Songz Join BLM Protests In L.A. On Bikes
Usher and Trey Songz joined the BLM march with Black Rides For Black Lives.
Protests have been going on across America since the death of George Floyd, though now, they have extended beyond America and even North America. The protests in Los Angeles yesterday attracted over 50K people with YG teaming up with BLM to make the peaceful protest happen. This also attracted many celebrities including NBA players like Demar Derozan and hip-hop royalty, like Kendrick Lamar.
Usher and Trey Songz also joined the march on bicycles with Black Rides For Black Lives. Riding through the streets of Los Angeles, Usher’s heard leading the “No Justice No Peace” chant while Trey Songz films and takes Usher’s lead. “Today was dope‼️ too many people to @ that came out, energy was so positive and high,” Trey Songz captioned the post.
Over the weekend, Trey Songz also released a moving new single titled, “2020 Riots: How Many Times.” Trey’s song initially debuted on DJ D-Nice’s IG Live Session and explained the song a few days later.
“Three or four nights ago I woke up in the middle of my sleep…I couldn’t sleep. My chest was hurting,” he said. “With the words in this song I just wanted to speak to everyone’s hearts and acknowledge the pain and anguish everyone is going through right now. I know this ain’t usually my message and you’re not used to hearing this from me, but this is the person I’ve always been.”
Check out Trey’s IG post below.
Claudia Jordan Blasts Barbz Who Threatened Her Grandmother & Teenage Niece
Claudia Jordan and LisaRaye McCoy recently chatted about Lil Kim paving the way for Nicki Minaj and the Barbz weren't happy with the conversation.
Superfans can be beneficial to artists as their undying support is just what an entertainer needs to catapult projects into the top of the charts, but some "Stans" can be destructive. After Usher said that Nicki Minaj was a "product" of Lil Kim, many of the Barbz dragged him on social media because they took his comment as an insult. Claudia Jordan discussed the topic on her Fox Soul talk show where she added that there wasn't anything wrong with the singer's remarks because Lil Kim was a pioneer. The Barbz then targeted Claudia and her family, as well.
Claudia Jordan took to Twitter to blast bullies who have sent intimidating messages to her family members. "WOW now the Barbz have gone too far," she wrote. "Threatening to 'BEAT HER' my 69 year old mother & now harassing my 15 year old niece? At the end of the day what will this accomplish but keep your karma bad & get you bought up on charges? WE stay protected-KNOW THIS. #OverATalkShowConvo smh."
Later she added, "So yall can justify trying to scare a little 15 year old black girl- like times aint challenging enough without you barbz being so ridiculous. I hope yall feel good about yourselves. But then again you have to be brainless & soul less to think that is cool or funny. Way to go!" Claudia's talk show guest, LisaRaye McCoy, also found herself to be a trending topic on Twitter yesterday after she stated that Nicki Minaj should "bow down" to Lil Kim. Check out Claudia Jordan's tweets below.
LisaRaye McCoy Catches Heat For Telling Nicki Minaj To "Just Take A Bow"
LisaRaye McCoy recently weighed in on the conversation about Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz bit back.
If you thought we'd settled this whole Lil Kim influencing Nicki Minaj debate long ago, you're highly mistaken. Recently, Usher got caught up in the wrath of the Barbz after he told Swizz Beatz that a Verzuz battle between Nicki and Kim wouldn't work because the Queens rapper is a "product" of the Brooklyn emcee. This sparked debate once again on social media, and now LisaRaye McCoy has found herself to be the target of irate fans.
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Staff / Getty Images
While speaking about Usher's controversial comments on Out Loud with Claudia Jordan, LisaRaye praised Kim for her contributions to the rap game. After Claudia Jordan clarified that Usher didn't say anything negative about Nicki Minaj, LisaRaye chimed in. "We can all stand together queens and we can all say that all of us are acknowledging the fact that Kim came before Nicki Minaj," LisaRaye said. "So Nicki, just take a seat. You don't have to sit down for long, but just take a bow. Just like Beyoncé said, 'Bow down b*tches."
As you can imagine, the actress's comments elicited a bevy of responses and mixed reactions. We've grabbed a few for you to read through. Check them out below.
Tamar Braxton Disagrees With Usher’s Comments About Nicki Minaj & Lil Kim
Tamar Braxton doesn’t believe that Usher was correct in saying that “Nicki is a product of Kim.”
Whew, boy. Usher has certainly ruffled a few feathers. While speaking with Swizz Beatz about the Verzuz series, Swizz mentioned that there has been an overwhelming amount of requests to see Nicki Minaj face-off with Lil Kim. Usher replied, “Nah, see…Nicki is a product of Kim.” The pair weren’t able to explore that conversation because Swizz spoke over him to say that Usher was already trending on Twitter.
Unsurprisingly, Nicki Minaj fans responded swiftly to the R&B singer’s remarks, and later, Tamar Braxton passionately weighed in on the topic. “I think of them as two different entities,” Tamar said. “I don’t give a damn, what come, what may, Lil Kim did not give Nicki Minaj her talent. So, therefore, who are you to take Nicki Minaj talents away from her?… You can’t get too involved with the Barbz or the Queen Bees, I don’t know the stans, but you can’t get too involved with it because that’s not fair.”
Tamar added that both Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim helped pave the way for this generation’s women in rap as she continued to criticize anyone who draws comparisons to “discredit [Nicki’s] talent.” Swipe through to watch Tamar Braxton share her opinions below.
Nicki Minaj Stans Attack Usher Over Lil Kim Comments
The Barbz are not happy with Usher.
The Barbz are undeniably a force to be reckoned with, and they do not take lightly to criticism about their fave Ms.Minaj. Over the weekend, Usher found himself the victim of the wrath of the Barbz after some comments he made about the rapper and arch-nemesis Lil Kim.
During an Instagram live session between Usher and Swizz Beatz, the two discussed the Verzuz battle series that has given us iconic battles between T-Pain and Lil Jon, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, and, most recently, Ludacris battling with Nelly this past weekend. Swizz mentioned that he’s seen a lot of Lil Kim vs. Nicki requests, which Usher disagreed with, saying Nicki is a product of Kim. Familiar with the ruthless behavior of the Barbz, Swizz Beatz responded, “You’re already trending on Twitter right now.”
The Barbz had some choice words for the 41-year-old R&B legend, who unleashed their rage on the singer, claiming he is using Nicki’s name for relevancy and attention, among other things.
Just last month, Usher was involved in drama following The Weeknd claiming Usher’s hit song "Climax" ripped off his sound.
Nicki also recently just achieved her first #1 single ever for her verse on the remix of Doja Cat’s hit song "Say So."
Chris Brown Vs. Usher "Verzuz" Battle Might Be Lined Up
Swizz Beatz and Busta Rhymes discuss the next “Verzuz” battle.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, musicians have rallied together to find a way to keep their fans engaged with what’s happening. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, specifically, have given the culture exactly what they’ve needed with their Verzuz series. Lining up two heavyweights on Instagram Live, fans were given the opportunity to see legendary acts play some of their biggest records and tell untold stories behind how they came to be.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Last night was a big one for the early 2000s with Ludacris and Nelly going head-to-head. It was easily one of the most anticipated battles that have been lined up. However, Swizz and Timbo are already plotting on going bigger for their next event. Swizz Beatz and Busta Rhymes spoke about who the next Verzuz battle would be and two heavyweight names were brought up — Usher and Chris Brown.
“I see a lot of Usher vs. Chris Brown. I see a lot of Usher vs. [Justin] Timberlake but for the culture…,” Swizz said.
“Listen, man. Listen. Usher and Chris Brown gotta be it, man. That’s it. You askin’ my opinion, I’m giving it to you, big bro,” Busta said. “I don’t want to see no Usher vs. Justin Timberlake. I want to see Usher vs. Chris Brown.”
After Swizz suggested Usher vs. Trey Songz, Busta said that Usher and Chris Brown’s catalog can easily go toe-to-toe since they’ve had numerous massive records.
What do you guys think? Usher vs. Justin Timberlake? Usher vs. Chris Brown? Sound off in the comments.
Ne-Yo & Nick Cannon Debate Hypothetical "Verzuz" Between Usher & Justin Timberlake
Ne-Yo and Nick Cannon discussed the possibility of a “Verzuz” battle between Usher and Justin Timberlake, and who they think would take the crown.
The Verzuz trend is far from being over. What launched during COVID-19 quarantine has turned into a lucrative business for Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, and it’s expected to roll on even after these “Stay Home” ordinances are lifted. We’ve watched a number of our favorite hitmaking artists and producers face-off in Instagram Live Battles, but there are still a few favorites that we’re hoping will hop on the Verzuz train. While chatting with Nick Cannon recently, Ne-Yo—who went up against mega-producer Johnta Austin—shared that he’d like to see Usher and Justin Timberlake hop on a Live. Nick and Ne-Yo then debated who would come out on top.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff / Getty Images
“I think Usher gon’ body him, just hit-for-hit wise,” Nick Cannon said. “If he can bring N’SYNC in then that’s a different…but if it’s just hit-for-hit…cause I mean, Usher just got more albums.” Ne-Yo wasn’t so quick to jump the gun and call Usher the victor. “I don’t know, though,” he said. “I feel like it would be an entertaining battle.” Nick enthusiastically agreed.
With so many unexpected artists and producers agreeing to these battles, we just may see Usher and Justin Timberlake one day. Until then, we’ll be tuned in this weekend on May 9 to watch Erykah Badu and Jill Scott celebrate neo-soul for the culture. Get your incense and headwraps ready. Check out Ne-Yo speaking with Nick Cannon below.
Brian McKnight’s Son Weighs In On Usher Vs. The Weeknd: "#TheBestArtistsSteal"
The Weeknd recently shared a few controversial statements about Usher, prompting Brian McKnight Jr. to weigh in with his thoughts.
The falsettos have been coming out to play as they’ve attempted to give their renditions of Usher‘s 2012 single “Climax.” In a recent interview with Variety, The Weeknd sparked controversy after he mentioned the R&B icon. “I heard ‘Climax,’ that Usher song, and was like, ‘Holy f—, that’s a Weeknd song,'” he told the publication. “It was very flattering, and I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry. But the older I got, I realized it’s a good thing.”
Diplo, who helped craft “Climax,” later tweeted that he wanted to bring “dark edges” to R&B, much like The Weeknd did with House of Balloons in 2011. The Weeknd replied that the media blew things out of proportion. “Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on climax. XO.”
Later, singer Brian McKnight’s son, Brian McKnight Jr., added his two cents to the controversy. He shared a video of himself showing off his singing skills and wrote that truly, “Climax” leans more to his father’s sound. “I always thought it sounded more like a Brian McKnight hook, personally, which is really just a Prince Rip off, at the end of the day,” Brian Jr. wrote in the caption. “But that’s only if you ask me. ??❤️. What do y’all think?”
He then tagged Usher, The Weeknd, and Eric Bellinger before tossing in a few hastags including “#TheBestArtistsSteal.” Check it out below.
Usher & DVSN Blow Up This Week’s "R&B Season" Playlist
Usher’s reunion track with Ludacris and Lil Jon, along with dvsn’s slow jam with Ty Dolla $ign and Banju Banton, highlight our “R&B Season” playlist this week.
The long-awaited reunion of past collaborators Usher, Ludacris, and Lil Jon, as well as dvsn, Ty Dolla $ign, and Banju Banton linking up are just a few reasons that this week’s “R&B Season” playlist is looking hot as hell. As usual, we’ve been keeping our specially-curated “R&B Season” playlist updated with the best R&B offerings, and this week we’ve racked up a few essential additions.
Of course, the highly-anticipated “SexBeat” from Usher, Ludacris, and Lil Jon made the cut, marking the official reunion of the iconic trio behind 2004’s “Yeah!” and “Lovers & Friends.” Although fans were made aware that such a collaboration existed back in November, Jon built the hype way up during his beat battle with T-Pain over Instagram live last weekend when he played almost the entire track. In the days to follow, fans begged Usher to let Jon drop it as a single ASAP, since Usher had initially intended to release it on his upcoming album, Confessions III. However, we were officially treated to the raunchy yet romantic “SexBeat” on Friday, and it was well worth the 16-year wait.
Dvsn also came through with a dope new single featuring the likes of Ty Dolla $ign and Banju Banton, titled, “Dangerous City.” The single is the latest from the OVO duo as they gear up for the release of their album, A Muse in Her Feelings, their first since 2017’s Morning After. We’ve also included another track from Kiana Ledé’s new album, KIKI, this week, this time highlighting the Ari-Lennox-featured “Chocolate.” And make sure to check out “On The Road” from up-and-comer, Young Rog. Get into our updated “R&B Season” playlist below and don’t forget to follow our other specially-curated playlists.
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