Rap Industry Recap: April

Your monthly recap of what went down in the hip-hop industry.

BYChris Tart
Link Copied to Clipboard!
122 Views

Business moves quick, and that's no exception for the rap world. From the hottest new signings, to movie deals, to album pushbacks, the industry is constantly in motion. It can be hard to keep up with at times, so we've consolidated all of the must-hear information from the past month, all in one place. Be on the look out for this monthly recap of news-worthy items you may have missed to stay afloat with the industry.

Yeezy will be at the helm of the music for Sony TV's new drama centered around the Underground Railroad.

A few years back, Diddy got the honor of being portrayed on "South Park," which is a modern benchmark for any celebrity. Now, it seems like he's using that show for inspiration for a new one he's producing for FX.

Kid Cudi announced that his upcoming studio album will be titled: drum roll... "Speedin' Bullet To Heaven." 

Tech N9ne is preparing his follow-up to 2013's Something Else for release this month.

The Game reportedly punched a man during a pick-up basketball game, and that man happened to be an off-duty cop. Whoops…

The wait is almost over fans. Frank Ocean hinted at the possible title and release date for what most likely is his next album. In related news, he also legally changed his name to Frank Ocean.

The two release-date partners took over the top of the Billboard 200 at the beginning of the month with their respective releases.

At first it appeared that Weezy had dropped his lawsuit, but nope, just moved to NOLA.

You may remember a time when Kanye West was incredibly bothered by paparazzi. This era of Ye came to a peak when the rapper grabbed a photographer outside of LAX in July 2013, and has just come to a close.

Rich Homie Quan was accused of assaulting a security guard outside of Club LIV in Miami, and turned himself in.

Tyler, The Creator has found success in rap, production, design, and festival organizing, but he's about to bring the Odd Future brand to unexplored territory-- the app game.

Kanye West and Common, as well as Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Piven, will play roles in Spike Lee’s upcoming film.

Charles Hamilton is nothing if not an enigma, and his latest move is yet another that has surprised and thrilled. 

And incites an album title change from Carter 6 to Barter 6.

Nelly was arrested in Tennessee on charges of felony possession of drugs, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

And the internet went wild!

In addition to making out with Madonna, the 6 God has decided to go on a 6 (of course) date mini-tour with Future. Future will also embark on his own tour beforehand.

Audio Push came through this past month, as promised, with some free jams.

Snoop Dogg has been one of rap's most prominent stoners forever, and now the OG smoker is deciding to put some money into the blossoming industry.

Who doesn't want some new bedroom music from Trigga?

Suge Knight will stand trial for murder charges stemming from a January hit-and-run incident that left one dead and one injured. He still could get out on bail though, with recent reports saying Floyd Mayweather may put up the $10 million.

Kendrick goes gold in a time where it’s not so commonplace.

Gucci Mane is still behind bars, though he's releasing more music than ever. Next up: an album with DJ/producer Diplo.

Lil Durk’s Remember My Name be out on June 2nd on Def Jam. 

The recent releases from Tyler and Thugga moved 56,000 units and 18,000 respectively, including streams.

Trouble in paradise.

The group was arrested after a show at Georgia Southern University, then slapped with gun and drug charges. Their tour, scheduled for this summer, has since been postponed.

No release date in sight, but his upcoming album is named after his government name.

Producer araabMUZIK will release the follow-up to 2014’s For Professional Use Only 2.

The trial for the GS9 boys begins on June 25th.

Vic Mensa is now officially the newest member of Jay Z’s Roc Nation label. We can’t wait to see the future unfold for this bright new talent.

Love Story moved 61,360 units, including streams.

You may have never heard of him, but apparently he has the ear of Paul Rosenberg and Eminem.

One of the GOATs will bless us with some new tunage this year.

Following Lil Wayne's performance at Compound nightclub in Atlanta Saturday night, shots were fired towards two of his tour buses. 

RHQ surprised us with a new tape, announcing it only days before it impacted.

Joey Bada$$ delivered his debut solo album earlier this year, and he's now announced a headlining tour to support the project.

More good news for Chance The Rapper fans! Surf is coming!

Upcoming May Releases:

Tech N9ne - Special Effects - May 5th 2015

STS & RJD2 - STS x RJD2 - May 5th 2015

Nosaj Thing - Fated - May 5th 2015

Kool Keith - Total Orgasm - May 12th 2015

A$AP Rocky - At.Long.Last.A$AP - May 12th

Canibus - Time Flys, Life Dies...Phoenix Rise - May 12th 2015

Snoop Dogg - Bush - May 12th 2015

Jamie Foxx - Hollywood - May 18th 2015

Murs - Have A Nice Life - May 19th 2015

Twista & Do Or Die - Withdrawal - May 19th 2015

Rico Love - Turn the Lights On - May 19th 2015

Troy Ave - Major Without A Deal - May 19th 2015

Camp Lo - Ragtime Hightimes - May 19th 2015

Dizzy Wright - The Growing Process - May 26th 2015

Boosie Badazz - Touch Down 2 Cause Hell - May 26th 2015

  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author