“I don’t know how many people are familiar with Cole and Kendrick’s relationship,” he explained. “When I first heard Kendrick, Cole came to work with us to write a record for Dre and Snoop. Before we started writing that record, he played us Kendrick Lamar. Dre had heard Kendrick, but what I’m trying to say is how much he loves Kendrick. He loves Kendrick.”

Stat Quo went on to theorize that Kendrick felt like Cole and Drake attacked him on “First Person Shooter,” prompting him to fire back.

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

Was Kendrick Lamar On The Fall-Off?

“Kendrick was supposed to be on that song,” he added. “If y’all don’t know, for a long time, every time Drake would do an album, he would send Kendrick something for Kendrick to get on it. So this is going on behind the scenes.”

Stat Quo continued, speculating that J. Cole ended up pulling “7 Minute Drill” down out of fear of the information about him that could come out if the battle escalated. “If there is something for someone to throw out there about your career,” he said, “That’s when you start shaking in your boots.”

Stat Quo’s comments arrive shortly after J. Cole sat down with Cam’ron for an episode of Talk With Flee. At one point in the conversation, the Dreamville performer recalled his reaction to Kendrick’s “Like That” verse. He admitted that he thought it was hard at first, but quickly became frustrated by the timing.

“I had The Fall-Off finished,” he revealed. “I probably had to tweak a couple of mixes, but I had this album finished. It’s like, yo, he was on two joints.”

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

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But in reality, all this has done has created confusion amongst his fans. So, during his recent interview with Cam’ron on Talk With Flee! he decided to set the record straight on what his official plans are.

In the clip, caught by Kurrco, the Dreamville founder essentially says that he’s not retiring. However, that’s only if he doesn’t find the drive or inspiration. If he does, then his fan base can expect something, no matter how long it takes to find that love for creating again.

He explains, “If that’s my last album, I’m cool. If I get inspired in a year, two years, five years, ten years to do another album, I’m not going to fight the feeling… Because of what happened two years ago, I’m very inspired right now, because I fell back in love with this sh*t.”

But this thinking doesn’t just apply to albums. He also mentions features and beats and how he’s got ideas bubbling at this very moment.

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

When Is J. Cole’s World Tour?

One of those seems to be It’s A Boy, a project that he teased himself years ago when rumblings of The Fall-Off began. Days after the latter dropped, he reaffirmed that it’s still coming at some point. However, with how much music he put out last month, its staying in the tuck until further notice.

“No it’s not scrapped,” he wrote during an “ask me anything” segment. “It will release. We almost put it out before the album. But with the birthday blizzard tape and 24 song album we was like it’s a lot of music to process.”

While it’s not in relation to music composition, the hitmaker also his massive, 73-date world tour coming up this summer. It will kick off in July, with the first show taking place near his hometown of Fayetteville, Charlotte.

His trek will wrap on December 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

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Release Date: March 25, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Cruel World

It’s my public execution, come and just watch this
They be watchin’ behind the screen, they gon’ watch this
They talk about they ’bout to get it, they gon’ get a clip
They can share all that other shit, but they can’t share real shit

The post Cruel World – Song by Yuno Miles appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to TMZ, if law enforcement lets her go, a member of the board that oversees licensing in Ortiz’s field wants her to be unable to practice her work. She’s had the ability to stay in this position since April 2016, and her license still has a year and change left before it needs renewing. To be more specific, it’s valid until June 2027.

But that could very well be taken away from Ortiz sooner than that if the aforementioned result occurs. She was arraigned yesterday, and plead not guilty, through an attorney, to over a dozen charges per multiple reports.

They include one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Of course, this is all in connection with her alleged attack on Rihanna’s home on March 8.

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

Is Ivanna Ortiz Facing A Life Sentence?

Rihanna, as well as her three kids, A$AP Rocky, her mother, and a handful of employees, were inside the house. Thankfully, no one was hurt physically.

Los Angeles police did arrest Ortiz shortly after she fled the scene while in her Tesla. She was found with was found with a wig, the assault rifle, and seven shell casings.

Given the severity of her actions, her bail was set at $1,875,000. She does face up to life in state prison if convicted. “This ⁠is the kind of conduct that easily could have resulted in numerous homicides,” ​deputy district attorney Alexander Bott told the court, per Reuters.

If you’re wondering if Ortiz and Rihanna somehow have a connection, they don’t on a personal level. However, the former did make some pretty hateful posts on Facebook in February. One of them said, “@badgirlriri Are you there? Cause I was waiting for your AIDS 5-head self to say something to me directly instead of sneaking around like you talking to me where I’m not at.”

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

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“My last scrap was with Puff Daddy, who would’ve thought it? / I bought that n***a album in seventh grade and played it so much / You would’ve thought my favorite rapper was Puff / Back then I ain’t know sh*t, now I know too much,” he raps.

While fans are still dying to know more about how exactly this all played out, it doesn’t look like their wishes will be granted anytime soon. According to J. Cole, he doesn’t want to tell the full story now because Diddy is already in hot water.

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

J. Cole On Talk With Flee

Apparently, he even filmed an entire podcast episode about that night, but ultimately decided not to release it. “We was gone put it out because at that time, me and Puff hadn’t had no problems for years,” he explained. “It was cleaned up quick and we was in a good spot. […] And then all the sh*t happened with him, and I was just like, ‘Nah.’ It felt like damn near kicking a man when he’s down. It would have gave the news and the world more ammo.”

While some viewers can see why Cole has decided to keep quiet, others are calling him out.

“Kicking a man while he is down… kinda like how Diddy literally kicked Cassie when she was down? Being dragged on the floor? On the video we have all seen. Cole is so disappointing at the moment,” one Twitter/X user claims. “Nah this is ridiculous. Why is Cole sympathizing with an abuser?” another asks. Someone else wonders, “Is he trying to end his career intentionally at this point? Wtf?”

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

The post J. Cole Under Fire For Refusing To Tell Infamous Diddy Fight Story appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Not just musically speaking, but on a personal level too. In his more recent sit-down with Cam’ron on Talk With Flee! the North Carolina spitter expressed just how much it hurt him to see the “culture” try to undermine Drake at every turn.

In general, J. Cole despises the concept “culture.” He believes it’s an “algorithm” and that it centers around “campaigns… positive or negative” with incentives.

Essentially, the Dreamville founder was praying for the culture to “fail” and is happy to see that it isn’t working against Drizzy. While he reiterates that he’s happy for Kendrick Lamar and the moments he seized, Cole agrees with Cam’ron that it was “f*cked up” to see the public bashing a “friend.”

The “Bunce Road Blues” rapper also makes it a point to clarify that Drake did engage with Lamar and that it’s not his place to “judge” how they handled things, though.

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

Is J. Cole Friends With Drake & Kendrick Lamar?

At the end of the day, Cole doesn’t want to lose the friendships he has, and their beef has kept him in an awkward position whenever he’s asked about it.

This is something that bothers Drake and Kendrick fans alike, but the former’s camp even more so, it seems.

But it doesn’t like he’s going to budge on his stance any time soon. Elsewhere in this same interview, J. Cole said this: “The world became like politics, you either Democrat or Republican. You either Kendrick, or you Drake. I was disgusted both ways, damn near.”

He also said this, regarding Drake specifically: “The ‘out of hand’ that to me is disgusting, how people try to use that opportunity to show how they really felt about Drake the whole time, or just to pile on and tear this dude down and create a narrative as if he’s not great. It was a whole campaign.”

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

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Needless to say, social media users couldn’t be happier for the duo. They’re making their feelings known in the comments section. “That’s what I’m talking bout shut them allegations down babyyy ,” one user writes. “The fact that we knew since day they were with each other … We need to work for the CIA,” another claims. Someone else simply says, “I’m so happy for her.”

A baby isn’t all Latto has on the way, however. She’s also currently gearing up to drop her fourth studio album, Big Mama. The project is slated for release on May 29 and will follow the femcee’s 2024 LP, Sugar Honey Iced Tea.

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

Is 21 Savage Married?

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While most are glad to see the 27-year-old embracing the next chapter of her life, others have a major problem with it. This is largely due to the fact that 21 Savage is allegedly still married to the mother of two of his kids, Keyanna Joseph. Joseph allegedly liked Latto’s album announcement on Instagram a few days back, leaving it unclear exactly where she stands in all of this.

Le’Veon Bell even hopped on Twitter/X to throw some serious shade after hearing that the former Rap Game star is expecting. “Latto just announced she’s pregnant by a married man with 3 kids and made it part of her ALBUM ROLL OUT,” he wrote. “And that’s who today’s women look up to? We’re doomed.”

Despite the backlash, it looks like Latto is enjoying her pregnancy. She popped out at an Atlanta Hawks home game last week to flaunt her growing bump. This indicates that for now, she’s unbothered by all the noise.

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

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However, last night, Ye tried to stop those fears. He released the album’s tracklist and even told fans there wouldn’t be any AI. Furthermore, he revealed that the song “Father” would be on the album, which suggests a Travis Scott feature is on the way.

With the album set to drop tonight, fans have been wondering if a release would actually happen. After all, Ye has been known to lie about this kind of thing in the past. Oftentimes, he remasters songs, changes out features, and even makes additions and subtractions to the tracklist.

Last night, numerous sources came out with information suggesting that yet again, Ye was about to delay his album.

Read More: LaRussell’s “Heaven Sent” Controversy Isn’t Being Misunderstood

Kanye West Delays Listening Parties Worldwide

A source states that Ye’s listening parties have been delayed until further notice. The artist has made it clear that he is not satisfied with how the album has been mastered. Tickets will be honored at a later date, but for now, Ye needs more time to finish up Bully.

Another video stated the exact same thing. At this time, Ye is mastering the album and is going to have to push the release date back. For now, it is unclear how this is going to develop. He could delay the album by a few days or a few weeks. Kanye has always worked on his own timeline, no one elses.

Ultimately, the fans are definitely a bit skeptical about this album. It comes at a bizarre time for Ye and his career. It is unclear how the artist actually feels about anything these days. He has been off social media, and there is very little to go off of when it comes to how this album will sound.

For now, the fans will just have to sit tight and wait things out.

Read More: Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ

The post Is Kanye West Actually Dropping “Bully” Tonight? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: March 26, 1996

Genre: Hip-Hop

Tracklist for The Coming

1. The Coming
2. Do My Thing
3. Everything Remains Raw
4. Abandon Ship (feat. Rampage the Last Boy Scout)
5. Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check
6. It’s a Party (feat. Zhane)
7. Hot Fudge
8. Ill Vibe (feat. Q-Tip)
9. Flipmode Squad Meets Def Squad (feat. Jamal, Redman, Keith M)
10. Still Shining
11. Keep It Movin’ (feat. Rampage the Last Boy Scout, Dinco, Mil)
12. The Finish Line
13. End of the World

Awards & Commercial Performance

The single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check” was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammys. Meanwhile, the album topped the hip-hop & R&B charts, while also peaking at sixth on the Billboard 200. The album is currently certified platinum in the United States, having sold a total of 1 million copies. Needless to say, it was a big success for the artist.

The post The Coming – Album by Busta Rhymes appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The rare appearance came on the heels of announcing his two (now three) headlining sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. Outside of a few appearances here and there, Jay hasn’t really performed on stage like we’d hope he would. Naturally, when he said that he’s on the offense all of 2026, we could imagine that includes not only the upcoming Yankee Stadium shows but the Roots Picnic gig with The Roots in Philadelphia. Will there be more shows announced? Maybe, but considering that he opened up about the joys of fatherhood during this same GQ interview and how he enjoys taking his kids to school every morning, it seems highly unlikely that he’ll accept any task or schedule that requires him to be away from his kids for extended periods of time.

There’s certainly a mountain of questions that Jay-Z probably won’t answer in the near future, but over the course of the 35-minute video, Hov opened up about everything from his partnership with the NFL to how he dealt with the civil lawsuit that accused him of rape. Below is a breakdown of the five main takeaways from the Jay-Z interview with Frazier Tharpe.

Rape Case Aftermath

Perhaps the biggest scandal to hit Shawn Carter’s desk in the past decade was the civil lawsuit filed by Tony Buzbee alleging that Jay-Z was involved in the sexual assault of a minor alongside Diddy. Hov refused to go through with some sort of settlement to make it go away, and eventually, the case was dismissed.

“That whole [lawsuit thing], that shit took a lot out of me. I was angry. I haven’t been that angry in a long time, uncontrollable anger. You don’t put that on someone—that’s a thing that you better be super sure. It used to be like that,” he said. “Even when we were doing the worst things, we had those kind of rules. There was a line: no women, no kids. You hear those sayings, but those are the things that I took from the street. We lived and died by that… I took that really hard. I knew that we were going to walk through that because, first of all, it’s not true. And the truth, at the end of the day, still reigns supreme.”

In one way, he cited how it exposed the true feelings that people held for him, both those who may have already held animosity toward him and those who understand his character. “I can’t take a settlement—it ain’t in my DNA. First of all, first I had to tell my wife. Let’s back up. I know the weight that this is going to bring on our family. I can’t do it. I would die,” he said.

“If I settled—make that thing go away. And for me, it would’ve been cheaper? Yes. Cheaper, quicker, move on with your life. I knew what was coming. I wasn’t naive. I called—again, after my family—my partners. They were like, ‘What do you need to help? Don’t even worry.’ In a phone call. Not even a: ‘I got to go to the board with this.’ It was like a testament because people know me. Like: ‘I know who you are and that’s impossible. Not only are we standing by you, but what do you need?’”

Kendrick Lamar & The Super Bowl Conspiracies

If you ever doubted Drake’s fanbase, just look at how quickly negative narratives began turning on Jay-Z once he announced the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer for 2025. Coming off his feud with the Toronto rapper, Kendrick Lamar landed undoubtedly one of the biggest commercial looks of his career last year, leading the way for his stadium tour. However, it didn’t take long for people to feel as though Jay-Z’s alignment with Kendrick was out of malice toward Drake. During the recent interview with GQ, Jay-Z stated that it wasn’t the deciding factor.

“I chose the guy that was having a monster year. I think it was the right choice. What do I care about them two guys battling? What’s that got to do with me? Have at it. They drag everybody in it, like everyone’s part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess,” he explained. But it’s like, what the fuck? I’m fucking Jay-Z! [Laughs.] All due respect to him. I’m fucking Hov. Respectfully. It doesn’t make any sense.”

The Death Of Battle Rap?

On the topic of Kendrick and Drake, Jay-Z reflected on the overall impact that battle rap currently has in the landscape of hip-hop. Unfortunately, it’s not something that everyone would like to hear from an elder statesman. “We love the excitement and I love the sparring, but in this day and age there’s so much negative stuff that comes with it that you almost wish it didn’t happen,” he said. Hov explained that “people that like Kendrick hate Drake” and have practically turned it into an attack on his character. Add the layer of social media into the equation, and Hov explained that he doesn’t think battle rap is necessary these days, especially when people are going as far as bringing kids into it.

“We’ve just grown so much that—I guess I’m going to say it—I don’t know if battling needs to be part of the culture anymore,” he said.

Interestingly enough, he pointed to his feud with Nas as something he regrets since they actually have a strong relationship these days. But on that note, he also noted how some of his commentary on the current state of battle rap might seem contradictory. “I realize it’s a bit hypocritical because of how many battles I’ve been in, and given the nature of ‘Super Ugly.’ It takes growth to arrive at this place, because I’ve done the bullshit too!” he texted Frazier.

Relationship With J. Cole

Maybe what feels like the most interesting part about this interview is that Jay-Z addressed his relationship with J. Cole over the years. On The Fall-Off song “Old Dog,” Cole raps, “No more record deal, yeah, I’m fresh up out of slavery,” which many perceived as a slight toward Jay-Z and Roc Nation. Plus, the seemingly distant mentor-mentee relationship they developed early on appeared to vanish in recent years. Of course, this spurred plenty of fan theories online, none of which have necessarily been confirmed by either party.

“The narrative is that we didn’t love Cole. No, we believed in him enough to let him find his journey. It took him a minute, but he found his way,” Hov explained. When the story of trying to get the Fayetteville rapper to sit down with Stargate came up, Jay said that he was only trying to expand Cole’s audience.

“I was giving him a chance to take his talent and show it to the most people possible, but his way,” he said. Jay said that he never forced the collaboration on J. Cole in the way he forced Memphis Bleek to record “Memphis Is Like.”

“Bleek is my little brother, he has to listen to me. But for J. Cole, he has to find his own direction and I’m going to give him the tools,” he continued. “Stargate made humongous records with Rihanna, Wiz Khalifa ‘Black and Yellow.’ Biggest songs in the world. You don’t want to go sit with them? Fine.”

However, Jay said there are no harsh feelings between them right now. “I don’t have any negative feelings for him. I’m actually super proud of him and what he’s done,” he added.

New Jay-Z Album?

Beyond anything, all of this chatter surrounding Hov has fans wondering one key question: Is a new album on the way? The GQ interview sheds interesting light on where Hov is creatively these days. For one, he explained that he’s “fulfilled in that space.”

“I was just so heavy [last year] and when I write, I write from experiences. And that would have been a very angry offering,” he said. “I’m not sure with the amount of negativity in the world that people needed me to add to that with my feelings—because it would have been harsh, and it would have been harsh on everybody. I don’t know how to make music that’s not reflective of how I’m feeling at the moment.” He added, “I don’t know if it would have done more harm than good. I have a lot of scratch ideas and they’re all bad [laughs]. I got to be honest.”

When asked, “what are the hallmarks of a great Jay-Z album right now?,” Jay said that he isn’t entirely sure. “I don’t know what I need to create currently that’s going to fulfill me and make me happy because that’s most important. I know I just got to be honest about what I feel and where I am. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe I’m stopping myself from just creating,” he said. “Whatever it is, it just needs to be a true representation of how I feel. Trying to create something that people like is where I think a lot of artists get jammed up. And people can feel that because it’s not authentic. I just got to make something timeless that I really love and that’s really honest and true to who I am.”

The post Five Takeaways From Jay-Z’s New Interview With GQ appeared first on HotNewHipHop.