On the latest HotNewHipHop livestream, Aron A. and I discussed the latest Kendrick Lamar and The Game updates, A$AP Rocky's wide-ranging new interview, and a whole lot more. We'll be doing these every Friday, so stay tapped in and check out the website for our coverage and to rate new songs and albums.
Speaking of which, we kicked things off with our "New Music Friday" segment, praising the recent Red Bull Spiral freestyle from T.I., his son Domani, and Killer Mike. However, we had split takes on the new Beyoncé "Morning Dew (Donk)" remixes, as the Jay-Z version was a little messy. Other highlights include Drake's earnest new feature on Karol G's "Ahí," some underwhelming beats on Pooh Shiesty's All Eyes On Shiest, and love to Ravyn Lenae's latest, Blue Island.
Then, we spoke about Lupe Fiasco and his recent Instagram post about the Child Rebel Soldier era, in which he dropped a song and might have previewed a potential album. Aron was a bit more hopeful about an eventual release, but it's still unclear if this Pharrell and Kanye West history will actually come out. Either way, we're excited for what Lupe does next, and found it heartening that he's reminding fans of this phase.
A$AP Rocky gave us a lot to talk about, whether it was his beef with Drake or his fallout with the A$AP Mob. We found his beef excuses and explanations a little redundant and insincere, but no more than how fans have treated the feud themselves. Also, we brought up the many diverging paths in the Mob and how it faced the inevitable and understandable group conflict of not coordinating careers in perfect sync.
HNHH Live
Later on, Aron and I looked at our features editor Erika's recent feature on Cardi B and her long history of on-wax or online feuds. We praised Cardi's ability to use bars as effectively as Twitter Spaces, and having it all be a part of her brand. But Aron gave her a bit more grace when it comes to instigating these beefs, and I still believe she's more calculated than many fans believe.
Speaking of features, Aron broke down his new piece on Pharrell working with various Atlanta artists as of late. We commended his ability to bring the best out of these established MCs, emphasizing the importance of growing as a collaborator and curator, not just as an artist.
As for The Game's recent call-out of Kendrick Lamar, we wondered why fans are still demanding a resolution or face-off between these two. A lot of this has to do with Drake battle fallout, but we looked back at the history of these tensions and why there's a double standard when it comes to beef and loyalty.
Finally, Aron and I looked back at some hip-hop anniversaries this week. There's Raekwon's forever-evocative Only Built 4 Cuban Linx turning 31, Rick Ross' definitive Port Of Miami turning 20, Ye and Jay's Watch The Throne still sounding noisily opulent at 15, and Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion's still-fun "WAP" turning six.
Tune into HNHH's next livestream next week for more great discussions and stay logged into HNHH for our latest coverage and to rate new songs and albums.
