Release Date: July 17, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: Resonance Frequency

Quotable Lyrics from World On Fire

For starters watering seeds
Regardless, even when my mental garden’s under siege
Whoever bought it, beg your pardon if you please
I ain’t here to bargain unless I’m down to get involved or intervene

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Release Date: July 17, 2026

Genre: Underground Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from STILL ACHIN’

I’m achin’, so tell me what’s shakin’
I’m chasin’ a bitch like Jason
Chainsaw on me, I’m gon’ swing it
Six pain pills, and I’m gon’ face it

The post STILL ACHIN’ – Song by Sematary appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, they have been a bit polarizing due to Mal’s insistence on taking Drake’s side in the Kendrick Lamar beef. Overall, some feel as though his commentary has been overtly biased. This has subsequently led to criticism of the podcast and some of the positions that are taken.

This week, Mal found himself in the crosshairs yet again, this time thanks to Complex’s latest list. This new list takes a look at the Top 100 LA Rap Songs of all time. Despite being two years old, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” ended up at number five on the list.

Of course, Mal was not particularly happy with this ranking, and immediately called out Complex for engagement farming.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

Mal Speaks On “Not Like Us”

Mal subsequently asked Rory to continue reading the songs on the list. Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” was ranked at number six, while “Regulate” found its way to number 10. Mal was quick to say that both of those songs should have been ahead of “Not Like Us.”

For Mal, it simply does not make sense to put a song that is not even five years old on a list like this. Baby D mostly agreed, and Rory wasn’t exactly combative about Mal’s position either.

It’s important to note that these lists are always controversial. Publications have staff with varying degrees of taste, which plays into these subjective rankings. No two lists will ever be alike. Not to mention, recency bias always plays a small factor.

Let us know what you think of Mal’s take in the comments below.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

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One of those pitfalls is that she can’t do anything without that action being critiqued or commented on. If she breaks up with a man, people have something to say. If she has a kid with someone, people have something to say. Moreover, if she is spotted on a date with a new man, once again, people have something to say.

This was proven to be true on Monday as videos were posted online of Cardi B enjoying a dinner date with soccer star Maduka Okoye. Subsequently, fans chimed in with their thoughts on the pairing. Furthermore, Okoye’s ex took to social media and aired him out for alleged abuse.

In the aftermath of all of this, Cardi B took to social media, where she offered insight into what it is like to be her. This also led to Cardi comparing her situation to that of Britney Spears.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

Cardi B Responds To Online Speculation

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Cardi B noted that there are plenty of celebrities getting up to the same things as her. However, those celebrities don’t get any coverage. In many ways, she feels like Britney Spears, who was covered obsessively during the 2000s.

It’s easy to see where Cardi B is coming from. At the end of the day, being a celebrity during the age of social media cannot be easy. Everyone has an HD camera in their pockets that they can whip out at any time. If it weren’t for that, artists and celebrities would have much more privacy.

Ultimately, it is the sad reality of our current world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though things will change anytime soon.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

The post Cardi B Compares Herself To Britney Spears Amid Maduka Okoye Rumors appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

At this time, a trial has yet to be confirmed. That is what the preliminary hearing is for. If the prosecution does its job, then the trial will be authorized. So far, the prosecution claims to have text messages and various phone logs that allegedly pin the murder on D4vd. Furthermore, they claim to have a motive. They allege Rivas was going to expose their alleged underage relationship, which prompted D4vd to allegedly retaliate.

Going into the hearing, D4vd has one very specific request for the court, according to TMZ.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

D4vd Preliminary Hearing Starts Today

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The artist does not want to be cuffed during his court hearing. During his recent appearances in court, he has been put in cuffs. However, D4vd and his legal team claim he has been on his best behavior and deserves to be uncuffed for his preliminary hearing.

It is a compelling argument, although it is ultimately up to Judge Olmedo. The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge is not in an enviable position, especially when you consider how this trial is already considered to be a public spectacle of sorts.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to his charges. He has maintained his innocence throughout the entire process. The case remains ongoing, so stay tuned to HNHH for updates.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

The post D4vd Makes Special Request Ahead Of Preliminary Hearing appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This is a project that has proven to be polarizing for some fans. However, Vince Staples doesn’t seem to care. If you’re not pushing the limits, then you’re not doing your job as an artist. It is a philosophy that Staples seems to employ at will, and it was on full display during his NPR Tiny Desk Concert on Tuesday.

The artist delivered an exceptional performance, where he was backed up by a band. The background vocals, guitars, bass, and drums were all on point, while Staples delivered a vocal masterclass.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

Vince Staples x NPR

His tracklist for the concert was short yet sweet. There were six songs in total, with four from Cry Baby. From there, he also performed songs like “Brown Sugar” and “Shame On The Devil.” It was an inspired performance, and yet another example of how NPR Tiny Desk always brings out the best in artists.

Vince Staples NPR Setlist:

• Blackberry Marmalade
• Go! Go! Gorilla
• White Flag
• brown sugar
• Shame On The Devil
• Only In America

Vince Staples is going to be going on tour this Fall, which is great news for all of his fans. Given the punk and rock elements on this new record, it will be interesting to see if he brings a band along for the ride.

We just hope that Staples continues to push boundaries and show that he can operate within a multitude of genres, while always keeping it hip-hop.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

The post Vince Staples Delivers Exciting NPR Tiny Desk Concert appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, not everyone is totally in the know as it pertains to how this beef started. Some think that this is just simply two heavyweights going at it because they want to be on top. Meanwhile, others see it as an ideological divide within the hip-hop world.

During a recent stream, DJ Akademiks made the claim that this is something that goes back a decade. While speaking to a music executive, the commentator was told that Jay-Z’s issues with Drake began when the Canadian megastar declined an offer to join Tidal. Famously, Drake joined Apple Music instead.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

DJ Akademiks On Drake vs. Jay-Z

While this is an interesting explanation, it does not account for the fact that Jay still featured on two of Drake’s songs after the fact. If tensions were really that high a decade ago, then it seems unlikely that the two would want to collaborate.

That said, it remains clear that as it stands today, Jay and Drake find themselves at odds with one another. Whether or not this culminates in more subliminal shots, or even a pointed diss track, still very much remains to be seen.

What we do know is that Drake has never ducked a battle. Even after losing to Kendrick, we could still very much see him dive into a battle with Jay-Z.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

The post DJ Akademiks Reveals The Alleged Real Reason Behind Jay-Z’s Beef With Drake appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

If you were tuned into the World Cup on Sunday, you may have seen Drake and Sexyy Red sitting with each other. Argentina was taking on Spain, with the latter coming through with a 1-0 victory in Extra Time.

However, in many ways, it was Sexyy Red who was the big winner of the day. Why? Well, it’s all because Drake ended up buying her a brand-new red Birkin bag, which she flaunted on social media.

Read More: Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop

Drake And Sexyy Red Continue Their Friendship

“First date kinda nervous,” Sexyy Red wrote. “THANKS FOR DA SHABIRKIN BABY DADDYYY BAE I LOVE YOUUUUU U MY EVERYTHING.”

Sexyy Red posted a plethora of photos of her and Drake looking exceptionally happy together. Even Drake himself was cheesing while giving Sexyy Red her new bag.

It’s certainly a good time to be Drake. His new album ICEMAN is considered to be one of the best of the entire year so far. Furthermore, his sales have been off the charts, with ICEMAN now platinum eligible. He also gave us some hit songs with “Janice STFU” and “Shabang.”

It is proof that Drake is still at the top of his game, even despite some of the missteps he has made throughout the 2020s. He’s back outside, and it feels like he’s not done dropping music this year.

Ultimately, the hip-hop world will be keeping its eyes on Drake as the Summer goes by.

Read More: Future “The Real Me” Review

The post Drake Cops Sexyy Red A New Birkin For Their Date To The World Cup Final appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The payment did not buy a pardon. It was allegedly supposed to fund the work required to pursue one. Federal lobbying disclosures show Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl registered to contact Congress, the Justice Department, and the White House on Boosie’s behalf. The agreement reportedly allowed him to request half of the fee back if clemency had not been secured by January 31, 2026, though the firm now contends that no refund provision was finalized.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Says He’s Suing Jack Burkman & Jacob Wohl For $10M Over Pardon Scandal

Boosie says the lobbyists initially spoke as though they had direct access to Trump. His attorney later received messages suggesting the application was moving through the administration and that the president had signed off. No pardon appeared. A White House aide reportedly told Boosie’s attorney that the administration had not seen his application.

That disconnect spilled onto social media, where Boosie publicly called on several conservative influencers and Republican lawmakers to confirm whether they had been contacted about his case. Laura Loomer denied knowing about the pardon effort or Boosie’s legal situation. She also suggested Burkman may have been invoking prominent names without permission. Rep. Nancy Mace offered a narrower account, saying her office received an email and participated in one call but made no promises.

Burkman’s firm maintains that it carried out an extensive advocacy campaign and still believes Boosie deserves clemency. Trump has not publicly addressed the rapper’s request or the dispute over the lobbying fee. The fight has reopened a subject that has followed Hip Hop through both Trump administrations. Presidential clemency has changed the legal futures of several rappers and music industry figures, sometimes through formal Justice Department channels and sometimes after sustained advocacy from attorneys, celebrities, or political allies. Boosie’s failed attempt offers a messier view of that process, one shaped by expensive promises, disputed access, and the extraordinary value placed on a president’s signature.

Understanding Presidential Clemency

Not every act of presidential clemency carries the same legal weight, a distinction that becomes important when looking at the names on this list. A presidential pardon forgives a federal offense and restores certain civil rights, though it does not erase a conviction or declare someone innocent. A commutation, by contrast, reduces or ends a federal sentence without overturning the conviction itself. Presidents can only grant clemency for federal crimes, leaving state convictions outside their authority.

Trump used both forms of executive power during his time in office, extending relief to figures whose stories have become part of Hip Hop history. While every case followed a different path to the White House, each demonstrates the extraordinary reach of presidential clemency.

Lil Wayne

A federal prison sentence appeared all but certain until Trump used one of his final acts in office to grant Lil Wayne a full presidential pardon. The rapper had pleaded guilty weeks earlier to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after federal agents recovered a loaded, gold-plated handgun during a search of his private jet after it landed at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in December 2019. He faced up to 10 years in prison before the pardon halted the case before sentencing could take place.

Wayne’s clemency quickly became one of the most talked-about decisions of Trump’s first term. It arrived less than three months after the two met to discuss the administration’s proposed Platinum Plan, fueling widespread speculation, though no evidence has ever shown the meeting played a role in Trump’s decision to grant clemency.

Read More: Lil Wayne & His Trump Lyrics: A Love Letter To Power

Kodak Black

More than three years remained on Kodak Black’s federal prison sentence when Trump cut it short during his final day in office. The rapper had been sentenced in 2019 after pleading guilty to making false statements on federal forms while attempting to purchase firearms. Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021, allowing Kodak to leave federal custody months ahead of schedule. In announcing the decision, the White House cited his charitable work.

Meanwhile, Kodak publicly thanked Trump following his release, describing the commutation as a second chance. His case became one of the most prominent examples of Trump’s clemency decisions involving Hip Hop, while also prompting criticism from those who questioned how clemency recipients were selected. Unlike Wayne’s pardon, Kodak’s commutation ended his prison sentence but left his federal conviction intact.

NBA YoungBoy

The remaining federal penalties tied to NBA YoungBoy’s firearm conviction ended when Trump granted him a presidential pardon in May 2025. YoungBoy had been sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He had completed his period of home confinement by the time the pardon was issued, but still faced years of federal supervision. This included probation requirements and travel restrictions. Trump’s pardon relieved him of those remaining federal penalties.

YoungBoy had also resolved a separate Utah prosecution involving a prescription drug fraud scheme. That state case was handled through a plea agreement and was not covered by the presidential pardon, since a president’s clemency authority applies only to federal offenses.

Read More: NBA YoungBoy Professes His Allegiance To Donald Trump

Michael “Harry-O” Harris

When Donald Trump announced a wave of clemency grants during his final hours in office, one name stood apart from the rest. Michael “Harry-O” Harris had already spent more than three decades in federal prison, making him one of the longest-incarcerated figures connected to Hip Hop’s early business history.

Harris wasn’t an artist, but his money helped launch Death Row Records during its formative years through Alcash Holdings. It placed him at the center of one of Rap’s most influential labels despite spending much of its rise behind bars. His sentence stemmed from federal drug trafficking and attempted murder convictions, keeping him incarcerated for roughly 32 years before Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021.

Desiree Perez

A decades-old federal drug conviction no longer stood in Desiree Perez’s way after Donald Trump granted the Roc Nation CEO a full presidential pardon during his final day in office. Perez pleaded guilty in the 1990s for her alleged role in a trafficking conspiracy before rebuilding her career into one of the music industry’s most significant executives.

The Roc Nation CEO received a full presidential pardon in January 2021, bringing formal federal forgiveness. The White House cited her years of philanthropy, criminal justice reform efforts and leadership in the music business when announcing the pardon. Her case stood apart from Trump’s clemency decisions, recognizing someone whose influence has largely come behind the scenes, reflecting the broad reach across different corners of the music industry.

Read More: Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez Receives Pardon From Trump: Report

Taken together, these pardons and commutations illustrate how presidential clemency has become an unexpected part of Hip Hop’s modern history, shaping careers, changing lives, and leaving a lasting mark on the culture.

The post Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The engagement arrives after one of the most turbulent stretches of Fetty Wap’s life. In 2023, the rapper, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The case stemmed from an investigation into a multistate drug trafficking operation centered in New York. Earlier this year, he was transferred to home confinement before his scheduled release, allowing him to spend more time with family while completing the remainder of his sentence.

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Read More: Fetty Wap Reveals He Earned His GED And Took HVAC Classes Behind Bars

Fetty Is A Proud Father

Away from music, Fetty has long been open about the importance of fatherhood. He is the father of several children from previous relationships, and his family life has often unfolded in the public eye. In 2021, he experienced the devastating loss of his 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, whose mother, Turquoise Miami, later confirmed the child died from complications related to a congenital heart condition. The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from across the music industry and remains one of the most difficult moments of the rapper’s life.

His romantic relationships have also frequently made headlines, including his highly publicized relationship with reality television personality Masika Kalysha, with whom he shares a daughter, as well as other co-parenting relationships that have occasionally played out publicly. His new engagement signals a positive personal milestone as he continues rebuilding his life following his legal troubles. For fans who have watched him navigate chart-topping success and incarceration, the announcement offers a glimpse of a new season focused on family and the future.

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