While walking the red carpet for the premiere of his HBO series JAŸ-Z in 8, he was asked what he hopes to hear from Hip Hop moving forward. His answer was experimentation. Jay pointed back to the culture’s beginnings, when different voices and regions developed sounds that belonged to them. Hip Hop did not grow because everyone agreed on one way to make it. New York sounded different from Los Angeles. Southern cities eventually built movements of their own, often after fighting for respect from an industry that did not immediately understand what they were doing.

For Mr. Carter, that willingness to sound different is something artists should protect. He encouraged people to develop their own voices rather than follow what is already popular and to keep testing what Rap can become.

The comments came during a particularly reflective period for him. JAŸ-Z in 8, directed by Rick Rubin, looks back on his music and creative process across three decades. The HBO series premieres Sept. 18 after a summer that also included anniversary concerts celebrating Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint.

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Hip Hop Has Always Made Room For Ideas People Hated At First

There is some irony in asking Rap to experiment at a moment when experimentation can bring its own backlash. Fans say they want something new until “new” stretches too far outside what they believe belongs in Hip Hop. Artificial intelligence has made that argument especially messy.

Fenix Flexin spent much of the summer at the center of it after “Rubberz” sounded almost nothing like the music listeners knew him for. The synth-heavy record became a hit while questions mounted about whether AI played a role in creating it. Fenix eventually acknowledged that AI technology had been used, while maintaining that it was not responsible for the recording of his vocals. His response was essentially that new technology is another tool artists can choose to use.

Jay did not mention AI in his red-carpet remarks, and his comments should not be read as an endorsement. However, the debate surrounding records like “Rubberz” shows the uncomfortable side of what he is asking for. Actual experimentation does not always arrive in a form audiences immediately approve of. Moreover, Hip Hop has a long history of sounds being mocked before they became movements. Regional accents that were once dismissed eventually changed the center of Rap. Production styles that sounded strange to one generation became the foundation for another. Sometimes the experiment works. Sometimes it absolutely does not.

Read More: Tyga Accused Of Using AI On New Album “$TARFACE”

The alternative is safer, but it is also part of the frustration listeners have been voicing for years. If everyone studies the same streaming trends and reaches for the same production choices, originality becomes something fans have to dig for rather than expect.

Jay’s argument is less about prescribing what the next sound should be than making sure there is room for somebody to find it. At 30 years into his own career, he seems more interested in hearing artists risk sounding wrong than hearing another version of something the culture has already accepted.

The post Jay-Z Wants The Next Generation Of Rap To Take More Creative Risks appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Crockett joined Texas state Rep. Venton Jones onstage at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 12 as Brown and Usher were recognized for their careers. She announced that their contributions would be entered into the Congressional Record, calling the sold-out show an example of “Black joy at the highest level.” Jones also presented a State of Texas resolution recognizing the artists.

Brown initially thanked Crockett for the recognition before returning to Instagram with another message after the backlash intensified. According to Hot 97, he wrote, “I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding me,” adding that although he is “not political,” he was grateful for the gesture.

The criticism has focused almost entirely on Brown rather than Usher. Crockett called Brown “a real one” during the presentation, a comment that spread quickly as people revisited the singer’s legal history. Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault after attacking Rihanna, who was his girlfriend at the time. More recently, he pleaded guilty in July to affray stemming from a 2023 London nightclub confrontation in which prosecutors said he struck music producer Abraham Diaw with a bottle. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced in that case in October.

Read More: Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash After Honoring Chris Brown & Usher

Jasmine Crockett Faces Questions Over The Chris Brown Honor

Some of Crockett’s critics argued that formally celebrating Brown was difficult to square with her public work around civil rights and protections for marginalized communities. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross called the decision “tone deaf,” pointing specifically to domestic violence affecting Black women, while other commentators questioned why a member of Congress would use an official recognition for Brown given his history.

Others also noted that the presentation was not simply Crockett attending a concert as a fan. Entering Brown and Usher into the Congressional Record gave the moment an official government component, which helped explain why the appearance drew more scrutiny than a backstage photo or casual endorsement.

Meanwhile, Crockett has not publicly responded to the criticism. Her office also did not comment to several outlets that contacted her after the concert.

Read More: Chris Brown Can’t Be Canceled, Regardless Of Your Outrage

The post Chris Brown Thanks Jasmine Crockett And Apologizes For Fallout Over Award appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Macklemore was dropped from his remaining U.S. dates after using two MetLife Stadium appearances to say “Free Palestine” and perform “Hind’s Hall,” his protest record supporting Palestinians. According to The Guardian, several stadium owners apparently told Sheeran’s team and promoters they would refuse to host upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Messina Touring Group ultimately removed him.

Read More: Macklemore Says Robert Kraft Got Him Kicked Off Ed Sheeran Tour

Sheeran addressed the uproar Tuesday (Sept. 15), saying the call belonged to the promoter and venues. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote on Instagram. He also said he tried to mediate between Macklemore, promoters, venue owners, and activists but could not reach a compromise. Sheeran also said he was “appalled” by the suffering in Israel and Palestine while explaining that he generally keeps his political views private and wants his concerts to remain welcoming to people from different backgrounds.

That explanation did little to quiet the criticism. Some fans questioned why Sheeran was now emphasizing an apolitical approach when he publicly supported Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. At the time, Sheeran participated in the televised Concert for Ukraine fundraiser and told Ukrainian band Antytila, “I love you, I stand with you.”

The old clip quickly resurfaced as critics accused him of applying different standards to the two conflicts. Others argued that an artist with Sheeran’s wealth and platform has enough independence to take a clearer public position. Sheeran rejected the idea that his refusal to publicly choose a side meant he did not care, writing, “I am not complicit.”

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Read More: Macklemore Says Robert Kraft Got Him Kicked Off Ed Sheeran Tour

Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts Walk Away

Meanwhile, the response from his fellow musicians became harder to ignore as Tuesday continued. All four supporting acts scheduled for upcoming dates withdrew from the tour. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who had been booked for the remaining North American dates, said his country’s history with famine and occupation informed his decision. He criticized wealthy venue owners for having the power to silence artists speaking about Palestinian suffering.

Irish traditional band Beoga also withdrew. The group, which has worked with Sheeran for years, stressed that the decision did not end their friendship with him but said they could not continue while Macklemore was being removed over his political speech. Lukas Graham followed, arguing that wealth should not determine which voices are allowed into public conversations about war and civilian deaths.

Read More: Pink Addresses Israel-Palestine Backlash After Calling Out Macklemore

Finneas also pulled out, although his scheduled appearances were on Sheeran’s South American dates rather than the remaining U.S. leg. He said artists should not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people and declared his support for Palestinians. Moreover, Sheeran’s own band has also pulled out of the tour, standing in solidarity with Macklemore.

The pressure behind Macklemore’s removal included opposition from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company operates Gillette Stadium. Kraft said his objection was based on what he described as Macklemore’s broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while also saying he would be willing to meet with the rapper. Macklemore has rejected claims that his criticism of the Israeli government is antisemitic and has repeatedly said his message is about Palestinian freedom and human rights.

The post Ed Sheeran Faces Backlash As Tour Openers Quit After Macklemore’s Removal appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: September 15, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: The Drop: A Snowfall Saga Soundtrack

The post LA Theme Song – Song by Nipsey Hussle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

A couple of years ago, with the murder trial looming, a defense lawyer for one of the defendants tried to subpoena Drake twice. Both times, the subpoenas were shot down for being filed incorrectly. The goal was to force the megastar into a deposition. However, the ploy did not work, and the judge demanded that the defense stop wasting his time.

Amidst all of this, Drake was being represented by Bradford Cohen. Cohen recently sat down with VladTV, where he reflected on the Drake situation and just how absurd it was.

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Bradford Cohen Laughs Off Drake Situation

As Cohen reveals, he actually knows the lawyer who was filing the subpoenas and believes he is a good guy. However, he also feels as though Drake’s mention in all of this was just a last-ditch effort to protect a clearly guilty client. Mentioning a celebrity like Drake in this fashion is a desperate move, and it brings publicity to the case. Clearly, the judge saw through it all.

Elsewhere in the interview, Cohen spoke about defending Ice Spice during the McDonald’s fight incident. He even had Vlad’s jaw on the floor while talking about how he advised Ice Spice to sue the person she fought. Not because of a potential payout, but to send a message to never do it again.

Ultimately, Cohen is one of the most famous lawyers in the United States right now, and these wins are an example of why.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

The post Bradford Cohen Explains How He Fought Against Drake Subpoenas During XXXTentacion Murder Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

By now, almost everyone on the planet knows that GTA VI is the most anticipated video game of all time. It has been 13 years since the release of GTA V, and gamers have been getting anxious. Thankfully, Rockstar Games is finally ready to go, as the game is set to be released on November 19.

Overall, this is great news, and it appears as though Rockstar Games is ready to slowly drop new information. Just weeks after their Netflix extended showcase, artists have begun teasing their involvement in the game. Earlier today, Travis Scott revealed he would be in GTA VI.

Just moments ago, Future and Metro Boomin followed suit. While Scott stated he was part of the Jack of Hearts strip club, neither Future nor Metro has revealed their exact role.

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Future & Metro Boomin Are In GTA VI

It is expected that these two will, at the very least, have songs in the game. This is in line with Sexyy Red, Kodak Black, and Lil Wayne also having songs in the game. There are likely to be two main hip-hop stations. For contemporary listeners, you will have a more modern option, while those who prefer the 90s and early 2000s will have Dirty South Classics.

Rockstar Games always knocks it out of the park with their soundtracks. Starting with Vice City, then going into San Andreas, Rockstar started to flex its curation muscles. Now, they are about to do the same thing with GTA VI, and we cannot wait to hear what they’ve cooked up.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

The post Future & Metro Boomin Confirmed For “GTA VI” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The video in question shows the rapper entering his Tesla before it was riddled with bullets at a gas station in the early hours of September 13th. Surveillance footage shows several men approaching his car and shooting at it. Authorities said that Bloodhound Q50 “sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and shoulder” and was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.

Per the Chicago Sun-Times, one witness claimed that he heard over 100 gunshots. “I think the markings stopped at 80 or something, but I feel like I heard way more than that,” the witness said.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Bloodhound Q50 Dies In Shooting

A woman who was allegedly in the car with Bloodhound Q50 when his vehicle was shot up fired back at online claims that accused her of setting him up.

“I am the girl that was in the passenger seat yall don’t know what the f**k happened i didnt set sh*t up,” the statement reads, per XXL. “When he got in the car I told him to hurry up and pull off because when he was in the store dudes were walking around the car looking suspicious the car would not put off because of thr seat belt while he was trying to get the car in drive i was looking out the back window and seen them running up after soon as I seen them and heard shots i got out fast as I could and ran screaming for help That was my homie my lover and my unborn baby father put some f**kn respect on me and his life.”

We will keep you posted on further updates. 

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post Meek Mill Says Bloodhound Q50 Ambush Video Haunts Him appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The festival decided to move away from Miami last year and go to Orlando instead. The 2026 Rolling Loud Florida festival was hosted at the Camping World Stadium, and it was a sellout crowd. Artists like Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, Yeat, and even Young Thug pulled up to perform.

“Orlando really showed up last year,” said Matt Zingler, CEO and Founder of Rolling Loud. “The energy was there from the second we opened the gates, and it made it clear this was a city we wanted to keep building in. We’re excited to be back this year and keep building on that momentum.”

Today, the festival revealed that it is officially making its grand return to Orlando in 2027. The dates run from May 7 to 9, although headliners have not yet been revealed.

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Rolling Loud Returns

While the festival has not yet announced the headliners or the full lineup for this year, fans can certainly expect some of the biggest artists in the genre. Guys like Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely have become festival mainstays over the years. Meanwhile, there are also some new underground artists that fans can expect to see.

The official Rolling Loud pre-sale begins this Thursday, September 17th at 11 am ET, with a general pre-sale beginning at 12 pm ET. You can find out more details on the official Rolling Loud website.

Let us know if you will be attending this year’s Rolling Loud in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

The post Rolling Loud Florida 2027 Dates Revealed: How To Cop Tickets appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Since then, Boosie has made his grievances about the interview clear, but he’s also facing even more backlash as a result of it. Many people criticized his approach and his decision to reach out to Trump lobbyists Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl to try to get his pardon. Boosie shared screenshots of text messages he exchanged with Burkman, who allegedly promised that they’re “working around the clock.” At one point, Burkman’s text reads, “Trump is very sympathetic. We are very close my good friend.”

Needless to say, fans were even more confused about how Boosie would get duped by someone who was previously convicted of fraud. Eventually, Boosie demanded his money back within three days, claiming that he “did not do sh*t that the agreement said.”

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

Boosie Combats Snitching Allegations

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On top of the text messages, Boosie combatted the allegations of snitching levied against him since his interview. He explained that the issue is entirely business-related, nothing to do with the streets. He questioned by people thought that it would be a good idea to handle it as if it was a feud between opps. “You want me to shoot a government lobbyist?” he said. 

Ultimately, Boosie doesn’t feel like he broke the code because he’s simply suing over a contractual dispute. Check out his responses and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

The post Boosie Badazz Fires Back At Snitching Allegations, Leaks Texts With Trump Lobbyists appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In a message shared on social media, Pab’s mother shared a brief message reacting to the verdict. “I’m not mad, sad, upset, or crying. I’m glad this is over!!!” she wrote, before adding, “Peace & Blessings… #LLPAB.”

Ultimately, it’s a message that emphasizes closure. Lul Pab was shot and killed in August 2022 in Beverly Hills. Prosecutors allege that Quando Rondo was the intended target of the shooting, which ultimately killed Pab.

Durk’s acquittal isn’t the end-all, be-all of the case, though. He’s currently facing another set of racketeering-related charges that claim the rapper is the head of a criminal organization the government calls Banks Gang Enterprise. The rapper is expected to stand trial for these charges on October 5th.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Lil Durk Found Not Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Case

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This week, the rapper shared a message to the youth after his trial ended. 

“To the youth, I need y’all to hear me,” Durk said. “There were times in my life when I felt lost and couldn’t see beyond what was right in front of me. I know how deeply your environment and surroundings can influence the way you think, the choices you make, and what you believe is possible for your life, but they don’t have to determine who you become. Growth is real, and it’s never too late to choose a different direction.”

We will keep you posted on any further updates surrounding the trial.

Read More: “Slime Language 3” Demands The Reconstruction Of YSL Post-RICO

The post Lul Pab’s Mom Breaks Silence After Lil Durk’s Not Guilty Verdict appeared first on HotNewHipHop.