For those unaware, Rocky seemed to diss the 6ix God on three separate tracks on the new project, although “STOLE YA FLOW” contains the most obvious examples. “First you stole my flow, so I stole your b***h,” he raps on the cut. Some fans saw this as a direct RiRi reference regarding her previous romantic history with Drizzy, whereas others pointed out that this might instead refer to Sophie Brussaux, the mother of the OVO mogul’s child who reportedly dated Rocky as well.

In any case, many found the use of the word “b***h” disrespectful if it’s referring to either Brussaux or the Barbadian superstar, who is also the mother of the Harlem creative’s three children. Others, particularly those in The Boy’s corner, had more generally negative criticisms to make of the disses. Even some fans who don’t really have a dog in this fight found the shots meager at best, and desperate at worst. But that’s more of a fan opinion thing than anything else, so it’s up to you to judge.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Obliterates J. Cole’s New Song “Disc 2 Track 2” And His Artistry

Why Do Drake & A$AP Rocky Have Beef?

For those unaware, A$AP Rocky previously reflected on his Drake beef in a recent interview with The New York Times‘ “Popcast” program. When asked about why their friendship broke down and if “STOLE YA FLOW” is meant for him, he had a vaguely general answer.

“I don’t know, I started just seeing people who started out as friends and just became foes. Seemed like they was unhappy for you, [and] started sending shots. That’s what led to any of our misunderstandings or whatever the case is. It really ain’t smoke,” he expressed. “It don’t even need to be [resolvable]. For what? Nah [the song is not for him], [the song] is for whoever feels it’s about them.”

Fan Reactions

Many fans have speculated that A$AP Rocky’s relationship with Rihanna may have caused tensions with Drake. But at the end of the day, fans don’t know for sure.

Read More: A$AP Rocky “Don’t Be Dumb” Credits: Every Producer And Feature

The post Fans Criticize A$AP Rocky’s Drake Diss For How He Called Rihanna His “B***h” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Tracklist for Heartless

1. Heartless
2. Diamond Strip
3. DVP

The post Heartless – EP by Smiley & Baka Not Nice appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Tracklist of Serotonin

1. The Biggest Opp
2. Crew Love
3. Waymo
4. Hate Me So Bad
5. Molasses
6. Pay 4 Love
7. Upside Down
8. Broke as F*Ck
9. Heartbreak Hotel
10. Fall Out
11. Soul Cry

The post Serotonin – Album by BIGBABYGUCCI appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Overall, though, it seems like the production on this LP drew most of the heated debate around the tracklist’s quality. This was already an element on the “PUNK ROCKY” single for its alt-rock leanings. But more aggressive and glitchy cuts like “STFU” also got a lot of criticism, whereas other fans praised its surprisingly muddy approach to distortion.

Speaking of praises, fans gave due flowers to cuts like “WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)” and the title track for their intoxicating atmospheres, with others preferring the tough-as-nails presentation of tracks like “STOLE YA FLOW.”

On that note, A$AP Rocky’s disses on Don’t Be Dumb also caused a lot of division when it comes to fans’ reactions. Drake supporters were most likely always going to hate on this LP, but multiple perceived shots at the 6ix God have given them a field day online. Others are happy to see the shade. But most fans only concerned themselves with the music.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Obliterates J. Cole’s New Song “Disc 2 Track 2” And His Artistry

Who’s Featured On A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb?

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In that regard, Don’t Be Dumb continues A$AP Rocky’s trend of divisive LPs with versatile soundscapes and standout production choices. This also applied to 2018’s TESTING, although other projects like his 2011 mixtape maintain a lot of historical significance. However, in comparison to TESTING, a lot of fans seem to appreciate the genre versatility’s execution more. But it’s not perfect.

“some real standouts but some absolute misses, With more listens of course it’ll be better but disappointed first listen” one fan wrote under the NFR Podcast Instagram post above. “Im very impressed, I don’t think its near Rocky’s best work but I still think he cooked with this one so IMO I say he went 15/17,” another posited, with another writing, “9/10 absolutely worth the wait.”

Fans also had divisive takes on A$AP Rocky’s features on Don’t Be Dumb. While some performances like Westside Gunn on “WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)” left fans wanting more, Bossman Dlow and Sauce Walka got a lot of love for their “STOP SNITCHING” features. Bossman’s apparently on the Apple Music version, whereas Sauce is on Spotify. Other features on the main tracklist include Damon Albarn of Gorillaz, Doechii, Jessica Pratt, will.i.am, and more.

Fan Reactions

We will see how fans continue to discuss Don’t Be Dumb as they spend more time with the album. After all, it’s only been a few hours since it came out. In any case, A$AP Rocky definitely made a big splash after such a long wait, whether you love it or hate it.

Read More: Doechii & Adin Ross Beef, Explained

The post A$AP Rocky Draws Good, Bad & Ugly Reactions To New Album “Don’t Be Dumb” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

To no surprise, the Harlem icon brought tons of A-listers to support his comeback. Each song is treated with a lot of care thanks to the experienced and familiar talent onboard. A$AP Rocky’s synergy with Kelvin Krash, for example, is one of Don’t Be Dumb‘s many highlights.

Together, they made five, and they are arguably all the heaviest-hitting tracks. “ORDER OF PROTECTION” is a great tone setter, whereas “HELICOPTER” is shaping up to be the biggest hit. Kelvin is also on “STOLE YA FLOW,” which is going viral not only for the Drake subliminals but the nasty beat accompanying it.

But there are plenty of other names to shout out. Hit-Boy returns after producing some of Rocky’s best 2010 cuts like “Goldie” and “1Train,” popping up on the Brent Faiyaz-assisted “STAY HERE 4 LIFE.” Cardo Got Wings, cloud rap greats Clams Casino, ICYTWAT, and SpaceGhostPurrp make appearances, in addition to will.i.am.

Overall, the beat makers are just as decorated as the guest vocalists. Tyler, the Creator, Faiyaz, Doechii, Jessica Pratt, Slay Squad, and Sauce Walka all complement Rocky well in their own way. You can see where everyone falls into place below.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Obliterates J. Cole’s New Song “Disc 2 Track 2” And His Artistry

Don’t Be Dumb Credits

1. ORDER OF PROTECTION (prod. by Kelvin Krash & Soufien 3000)
2. HELICOPTER (prod. by A$AP Rocky, Kelvin Krash, Soufien 3000 & MIKE DEAN)
3. INTERROGATION (SKIT) (prod. by A$AP Rocky)
4. STOLE YA FLOW (prod. by Kelvin Krash, ICYTWAT & Danny Elfman)
5. STAY HERE 4 LIFE (feat. Brent Faiyaz) (prod. by Hit-Boy & Brent Faiyaz)
6. PLAYA (prod. by Cardo Got Wings, Johnny Juliano, Yung Exclusive & Thundercat)
7. NO TRESPASSING (prod. by A$AP Rocky)
8. STOP SNITCHING (feat. Sauce Walka) (prod. by Hitkidd & Kelvin Krash)
9. STFU (feat. Slay Squad) (prod. by A$AP Rocky & Cristoforo Donadi)
10. PUNK ROCKY (prod. by A$AP Rocky, Cristoforo Donadi, Ging & Zach Fogarty)
11. AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO) (prod. by A$AP Rocky & Manny Laurenko)
12. WHISKEY (RELEASE ME) (feat. Damon Albarn & Westside Gunn) (prod. by T-Minus)
13. ROBBERY (feat. Doechii) (prod. by Loukeman)
14. DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY (prod. by Clams Casino & Harry Fraud)
15. THE END (feat. Jessica Pratt & will.i.am) (prod. by will.i.am)
16. SWAT TEAM (prod. by Kelvin Krash, KayCyy & SpaceGhostPurrp)
17. FISH N STEAK (WHAT IT IS) (feat. Tyler, The Creator) (prod. by Tyler, The Creator)

Read More: A$AP Rocky Speaks On Deterioration Of His Relationship With Drake

The post A$AP Rocky “Don’t Be Dumb” Credits: Every Producer And Feature appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As caught by Our Generation Music on Instagram, North shared her dad’s version of a track called “Piercing On My Hand” via her Instagram Story. Whereas her original version is much more multi-faceted, aggressive, and rage-adjacent, the Chicago artist’s version is a percussion-less take with string arrangements, the same vocal sample, and a few more melodic elements.

This joins other North West song snippets and releases as of late, including a collaboration with another example of hip-hop’s family legacy. She produced a track for Lil Novi, who is the son of Lil Wayne. He and Ye have a few collaborations of their own, so this was a very cool crossover to see. Also, it’s clear that the kids are really into the rage sound in particular, something that doesn’t fully apply to their parents’ current musical output. Still, they could change that very soon.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Obliterates J. Cole’s New Song “Disc 2 Track 2” And His Artistry

When Is Kanye West Dropping BULLY?

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After all, Kanye West is dropping his new album BULLY very shortly, specifically in just two weeks on January 30. While it already faced various delays and controversies regarding A.I. music and more, it seems like we’re finally getting it this time. Or this is just another part of that long and infamous history.

Fortunately for Yeezy fans, we already have a tracklist, physical pre-orders, and more signs that point to this release. Maybe North West’s recent production will show up on it, which would be another heartening moment for fans to witness. Even if their previous collabs aren’t perfect, it’s always nice to see talented families share in their skills.

We will see if these recent teases lead to official releases or if they are just a part of North sharing her creative process on social media. She’s only 12 years old, so the sky is the limit for where her skills and talents could take her. As for Ye, he’s about to share a lot more music soon.

Read More: Can Kanye West Make A Comeback?

The post North West Shares New Song Snippet Produced By Kanye West appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

However, while they have been successful, the Georgia-based posse missed out on what is now one of the biggest songs ever in the genre. Revealing to Hip-Hop Wired, Parlae and Pimpin’ recall how Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” slipped through their hands.

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Parlae begins the story saying, “Franchize Boyz was Static Major’s favorite group; he wanted to do music with us. So he came down for a weekend, he links up with Kadife. Kadife calls me and says, ‘Aye Lae, I got Static in town, we at the studio, come on we got a song for you.'” However, Parlae couldn’t be bothered at that time. “I was like, ‘Ay man, I’m not about to leave where I’m at right now, I’ll come to the studio later on.'”

However, it doesn’t just fall on him; Pimpin’ says he’s responsible too. “I was in the club, but we was supposed to go to the studio after the club. They had already been on me, saying, ‘Yo a*s always doing this and doing that, you need to come to the studio. I’m just gonna put it like this, I f*cked up,” he admits while smiling.

Read More: A$AP Rocky Appears To Diss Drake On Three Separate Tracks Off “Don’t Be Dumb”

Is Lil Wayne’s Most Successful Single “Lollipop”?

Parlae reveals that during that same session with Kadife and Static Major, Lil Wayne pulled up. Unfortunately, for Dem Franchize Boyz that was all she wrote from there.

Given their hitmaking ability, the group certainly could have made “Lollipop” big. But that honor belongs to Weezy F. Baby, and it’s in a tie for his most successful single ever. The Jim Jonsin-produced club banger has been certified diamond by the RIAA as of December 14, 2022. That means it has sold 10 million units in the U.S.

While it is his first record of that caliber, “Love Me” featuring Drake and Future followed nearly two full years later. It joined the diamond club in September 2024. DJ Khaled’s “I’m The One” also is in this category for Wayne, but in terms of songs where he’s the lead artist, these are the only two.

Read More: French Montana Presses Fat Joe Over Money Owed For “All The Way Up”

The post Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” Was Originally Going To Be A Dem Franchize Boyz Song appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: January 14, 2026

Genre: Ambient/Electronic

Tracklist of Giane 2

1. tokyo song
2. aerial passing (with Rue Jacobs)
3. just climbing
4. purgatory
5. future
6. terms
7. the white house
8. once before
9. poker (with Clams Casino)

The post Giane 2 – Album by evilgiane appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As caught by CY Chels on Twitter, Akademiks reacted to the track on his livestream. It was a pretty harsh and scathing critique, following previous criticisms of Cole’s music and his unforgiving perspective on the Dreamville boss’ role in the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle.

“This s**t is jokes, man, I’m not listening to this bulls**t,” Ak remarked. “Cole got to cut it out… It’s still not too late to delete this s**t, too. You got to change a couple of lines, talking about ‘the best alive and what you hear now is work.‘ What the f**k are you talking about? Yo, Cole, we f**k with you and everything. But you a vegan rapper, bro. […] Best alive at what? Riding a bicycle? This is a contact sport, this is hip-hop…

“Cole, maybe your daddy a killer, but you just like Bronny James, man,” he continued. “That’s how we’re looking at you. It’s over. We don’t want to hear none of that. We just want to hear you rap about a boring-a** day. […] You just can’t respect a n***a who popped his s**t, and then he ran. […] You’re not involved in these conversations no more, man, you’re Lil Tecca, bruh. No diss to Tecca…”

Read More: A$AP Rocky Appears To Diss Drake On Three Separate Tracks Off “Don’t Be Dumb”

When Is J. Cole’s The Fall-Off Coming Out?

From there, DJ Akademiks said that anyone who raps with J. Cole these days would be a “goofy” and compared his competitiveness to a youth basketball league. Overall, he’s not impressed with Cole’s artistic approach, saying he should’ve went hard at both Kendrick and Drizzy back when he had the chance.

Ak also called the North Carolina MC “the rap [Joe] Biden” and “an impossible burger.” He would rather see Cole write for someone with more conviction, acknowledging how he thought Cole was rapping better than the rap game two years ago.

Hopefully J. Cole proves DJ Akademiks and his other haters wrong on The Fall-Off on February 6. Or, in this case, disprove the negative connotations of being a “vegan rapper.”

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Loves Being On The Wrong Side Of History

The post DJ Akademiks Obliterates J. Cole’s New Song “Disc 2 Track 2” And His Artistry appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

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Read More: Fetty Wap Explains His One-Night Stand With Masika Kalysha, Denies He’s The Daddy

To some, it looked like bitterness, but it wasn’t shocking because this wasn’t a new approach between the two. Their messy story is almost a decade long, and apparently, still unresolved. It began with music and reality TV, moved through pregnancy and paternity denials, and stalled in a cycle of co-parenting conflict that played out under the peering eyes of the public.

Love, Lust, & Reality TV

Fetty Wap was already a breakthrough star in 2015. His music was everywhere, and “Trap Queen” put him on the map. Around the same time, Masika Kalysha was already a reality television personality on Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. Soon, the rumors began. Then, things came to a head on national television.

That same year, Fetty was also romantically linked to Alexis Skyy, a fellow Love & Hip Hop personality, and part of the tangle that would come to define this chapter of his life. A feud played out on the show after Masika accused Alexis of being involved with Fetty while she was pregnant. Alexis fired back, claiming Masika’s connection to him was less serious than it looked and that she was actually the other woman. These tit-for-tats became plotlines on VH1, played out as kitschy drama.

Read More: Masika Kalysha Bashes Fetty Wap Immediately After His Release From Jail

However, the drama around Fetty’s romantic life went beyond television feuds. When Masika announced she was pregnant in late 2015, Fetty’s response was hesitant, even hostile. He publicly questioned the paternity of her unborn child, demanding a test before he would accept responsibility. It was a move that flamed their disputes and fed tabloid narratives about “baby mama drama.”

Masika, for her part, pushed back hard. She later described their relationship as more than casual. That version conflicted with Fetty’s distance, but even he made appearances on Love & Hip Hop to say he wanted to co-parent peacefully.

Pregnancy & Paternity Issues

Masika announced she was carrying Fetty Wap’s child, and reactions flooded in quickly. Their dynamic was already tense, made messier by the reality TV machine. Masika held her ground on Love & Hip Hop. She was fighting on multiple fronts against public scrutiny, Fetty’s dismissiveness, and Alexis Skyy.

Read More: Fetty Wap’s Baby Mama Lezhae Zeona Talks Getting Along With Masika Kalysha

What complicated everything was that Alexis would later have a child of her own and name Fetty as the father. That tension lingered for years until a DNA test proved otherwise. He wasn’t the father. Yet, by the time that truth surfaced, the damage had already been done. Masika had spent years being dismissed, while Fetty moved through the drama without ever really answering for what started it.

Khari Barbie Maxwell was born in March 2016. Eventually, Fetty acknowledged his child with Masika as his daughter, but she would fire off a flurry of accusations about his parenting and lack of attention in Khari’s life.

Read More: Alexis Skyy Called Out By Masika Kalysha For Lying About Fetty Wap Paternity

Social Media Clashes & Co-Parenting Struggles

After their daughter arrived, the conversations between Masika Kalysha and Fetty Wap moved through social media. Instead of private text messages or phone calls, they broadcast their tiffs for anyone to scroll past or screenshot.

More recently, after Fetty Wap’s release from prison, Masika’s response was scathing. On X/Twitter, she wrote things like, “How you get out and be an immediate disappointment?” and, “1st day out and still a b*tch ass n*gga. Go back.” She doubled down with another post saying, “I don’t play about my babies and idgaf who don’t like it. My kids have been through enough! Let my babies down and you gonna see a different side of me.”

Read More: Fetty Wap’s Baby Mama Reflects On Taking Daughter On Prison Visit To See Him

Fans and commentators could see it all play out. Fetty even addressed the controversy on The Breakfast Club after the social media storm, saying he had “nothing negative” to say about Masika. He added he was thankful she helped him keep his connection with their daughter while he was incarcerated, emphasizing that “time” was the most important thing he could give his children.

Prison & Personal Turning Points

Between 2020 and 2022, the volume of coverage of Fetty Wap and Masika Kalysha’s public conflict decreased. The direct shots faded, and the subtweets slowed. Masika seemed to pivot her focus. She leaned into motherhood, posted more about business moves than personal feuds, although they still existed, and distanced herself from the Love & Hip Hop machine that had made her a flashpoint for on-screen drama.

Fetty Wap, meanwhile, was still making music, but the momentum had changed. The hits that once put him on every chart had slowed to a trickle. He was still performing, but the momentum seemed to slow. The “My Way” hitmaker’s career wasn’t charting like it once had. Then came the indictment, federal charges that connected him to a drug trafficking ring. The allegations were heavy and would change the direction of Fetty’s life.

Read More: Masika Kalysha Epicly Shades Fetty Wap

He pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. In May 2023, he was sentenced to six years in federal prison. During his time inside, Masika didn’t say much. That silence felt deliberate because while he was inside, she was still raising their daughter. Masika was still fielding questions and watching her child grow up with a father whose very presence had become a hashtag or headline.

“You know, it is still taking a lot to get used to,” Masika explained during an interview with The Neighborhood Talk. “It’s the new norm, which I’m not ready to accept that. You know, and it’s just… my daughter, she’s seven. So it really affects her. But we’re working with it, we’re working together, they communicate very often. We’re just trying to figure out the healthiest way to manage this until he comes home.”

Who Owns The Narrative?

This feud was a fracture in their relationship that kept opening, year after year, under the weight of unspoken things. It would be easy to reduce this to drama or to ask why they couldn’t just get along for the sake of the child. That would ignore what was happening underneath it all. How one parent’s absence can reshape the other’s entire life, and how years of unaddressed harm don’t just go away when the cameras do.

Khari is growing up in a world where everything is documented, from arguments to absences. In the end, neither Fetty nor Masika owns the narrative. The story belongs to time, and time has a way of telling the truth, whether we’re ready to hear it or not.

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