Tag Archives: Hip-Hop

#KendrickLamar is facing backlash after calling out a white woman for singing the n-word while on stage at his concert, as critics believe the woman was set up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On Sunday (May 20), Lamar invited a white woman on stage in Alabama to sing along to his 2012 hit …

15 years ago today, Jay-Z released his single “Excuse Me Miss” from his seventh studio album, ‘The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Co-written and produced by The Neptunes, with Pharrell Williams on the hook, the single was an instant hit. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ The smooth beat, along …

On January 17, 1992, the hip-hop crime film “Juice” was released in theaters. Starring hip-hop legend, Tupac Shakur, Omar Epps, Jermaine Hopkins, and Khalil Kain, “Juice” was the epitome of hip-hop culture. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ From Q’s (Epps) DJing skills to their 90s street style, the film was a classic coming …

18 years ago today, Ice Cube and comedian Mike Epps  starred in the Blockbuster smash, “Next Friday”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The film was the sequel to Cube’s 1995 film “Friday” and told the story of Craig (Ice Cube) who has survived a street fight with the neighborhood thug Debo, and is …

– blogged by @lanaladonna Twenty-three years ago today, the timeless film, “Higher Learning,” was released, bringing awareness to a multitude of things. Director John Singleton used this film to examine the personal, political, and racial challenges a group of college students faced. This was neither the first or last appearance …

Eight years ago today, Kanye West released his second live studio album, ‘VH1 Storytellers’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The album featured live editions of some West’s most popular songs such as “Good Life”, “Amazing”, “Touch the Sky” and “Flashing Lights”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Upon its release, the album received decent reviews such as …

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2017 has been monumental for most of us. It has been a year of unfathomable losses and unimaginable wins. The same can be said in Hip Hop however, the latter is more true. Hip Hop received W after W and as we close it out, BA has selected five …

On Dec. 30, 1994, rapper Notorious B.I.G. released his hit song “Big Poppa” from his first studio album ‘Ready to Die’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Sampling The Isley Brothers’ track, “Between the Sheets”, the single was an instant hit peaking number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Biggie a …

18 years ago today, Trina released the track “Da Baddest B****” from her debut album with the same name. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The song charted on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 64. With this single and her previous tracks with Trick Daddy, Trina quickly established herself as a female …

On Dec. 11, 2014, rapper Common released the single, “Glory,” featuring John Legend. Written by Common, Legend, and Rhymefest, the single was the theme song of the 2014 film ‘Selma,’ which told the stories of the 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Despite the song being a part …

Eight years ago today, rapper Fat Joe released his ninth studio album, ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2).’   The album is the sequel to the Bronx native’s platinum-selling album ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy’ (2001).   Featuring production from heavy hitters like Rico Love and The Inkredibles, with appearances …

16 years ago, Ja Rule released his third album, ‘Pain Is Love’ on Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings and PolyGram. Upon its release the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was commercially successful with two number one singles: “I’m Real” and “Always on Time.”   …

On Oct. 1, 1991, legendary hip-hop group, Public Enemy, released their fourth album ‘Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black’.   In true Public Enemy fashion, the album is filled with provocative lyrics that encourage a sociopolitical agenda. One thing fans could never deny is Public Enemy’s ability to remain true …

On Sept. 28, 2002, Nelly’s hit song “Dilemma” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 7th consecutive week.   Released on his second album ‘Nellyville,’ the song was a duet featuring former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland.   The song was an instant success, reaching number …

23 years ago today, Chicago rapper Common released one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Released on his 1994 album ‘Resurrection,’ “I Used to Love H.E.R.” is one of Common’s most influential tracks to date. Its authentic hip-hop feel with a …

On this day, twelve years ago, rapper Lil’ Kim released her fourth album ‘The Naked Truth.’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Ironically, the album was released on the first day of Kim’s sentencing, where she served nearly a year in jail on perjury charges. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With the same grit and hardcore lyrics …

17 years ago today, rapper Shyne released his self-titled debut album on Bad Boy Records. The release of the album was highly anticipated due to the similarities in Shyne and another Bad Boy member, Notorious B.I.G.’s flow.   Shyne was also in the press after being convicted in June 2000, …

On Sept. 25, 1991, rapper 2Pac released a single from his debut album ‘2Pacalypse Now’ titled “Trapped.”   Though the song was released over twenty years ago, the subject still holds true in today’s society. Through his impeccable storytelling, 2Pac tells the story of police brutality that people of color …

26 years ago today, the famous rap group A Tribe Called Quest released their sophomore album ‘The Low End Theory’. After a highly successful first album, there were many questions about ATCQ’s concerns about the ‘Sophomore Jinx’, but for group members Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, …

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One year ago today, the world lost Atlanta native and rapper Shawty Lo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Born Carlos Rico Walker, Shawty Lo got his start in music in 2003 as a founding member of the rap group D4L. Alongside other group members, Fabo, Mook-B and Stoney, the group had much success …