The Weeknd Drops “Popular” Music Video With Madonna & Playboi Carti: Watch

The Weeknd hyped up his HBO show The Idol a lot last year, and while it was by no means perfect, it at least brought us some great music. It’s hard for him to miss in this regard at all, but fans were still shocked when he dropped “Popular” with two very interesting guests as a lead-up to the show. These are rap’s new wave leader Playboi Carti and pop legend Madonna, and fans were bewildered as to how these fusions would come out even if both fit with Abel Tesfaye separately. Regardless of fan expectations, it’s a pop banger, and just a couple of days after its premiere on Fortnite, we now have the official music video for the song on YouTube.

Of course, it’s a very lavish visual treatment that matches well with the shiny cleanliness and pristine production on “Popular.” The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti all appear individually at a grand mansion, a high-rise apartment, and a luxury car, respectively. It’s all very clear, crisp, and although simple, it does definitely invoke the aesthetics and mood of the record itself, so it’s a big success in our book. We would’ve loved to have seen the artists interact, though, as XO and Opium have a very strong relationship. Also, it’s wild to think about how the Queen of Pop and King Vamp would match stylistically, both in terms of fashion and general artistry.

Read More: The Weeknd Vaguely Teases New Album

Still, this is adding to a heck of a victory lap run for the 34-year-old right now, one that will probably turn into a full album rollout very soon. He recently broke some more Spotify records and teases his next effort in a vague way. Everyone’s looking forward to see how the Canadian superstar wraps up his current trilogy, and his stage moniker as a whole, it seems. But don’t fear: just because he won’t go by The Weeknd anymore doesn’t mean that he won’t stay in the industry as a creative making great art.

Meanwhile, what did you think of this new “Popular” music video? Considering rumors about an upcoming project, are you looking forward to the “Alone Again” artist making new strides in film as a co-writer? Whatever the case may be, drop your thoughts in the comments section down below. Also, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and updates on The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti.

Read More: Playboi Carti Shouts Out The Weeknd For Promoting His Rollout: “U Got Family”

Kid Cudi Responds To Kanye West’s Claims He Inspired Last 20 Years Of Hip-Hop

Kid Cudi may be stirring the pot with his longtime collaborator Kanye West following their recent reconciliation and the Vultures 1 rapper’s latest interview.

On Friday (March 15), Cudi appeared to respond to the claim West made in his new interview with Big Boy in which he breaks down how he believes he’s responsible for inventing every style of music for the last two decades.

In his brief remark, the INSANO lyricist referenced a Wikipedia article about the origins of West’s 808s & Heartbreak album, which West cited as an industry-shifting release. Though he didn’t author any text in the tweet, aside from a smiley face emoji covering up its mouth, Kid Cudi did share a screenshot of a portion of the Wiki, which cites him as one of West’s main sources of inspiration for the album.

“Kid Cudi’s sound is what inspired Kanye West to create his cathartic 808s & Heartbreak (2008), with West later stating that he and Cudi were ‘the originators of the style, kinda like what Alexander McQueen is to fashion,” the Wiki post reads. “‘Everything else is just Zara and H&M.’”

Again, while there is little to any other indication as to why Cudi shared the tweet, it would only make sense it serves as a response to West claiming responsibility for the careers of artists such as The Weeknd, Drake, Future and Young Thug.

“I done invented every style of music of the past 20 years, I created this genre. I created Weeknd’s genre, Trav, Drake…I’m gonna go ‘head and say it, with all love, Future and Thug also, because of the autotune album if you think about it,” Kanye West said to Big Boy.

Check out the full clip below.






Kanye West Fans Brawl At Rolling Loud, Transgender Woman Left Bloody

Kanye West‘s recent performance with Ty Dolla Sign at Rolling Loud California has resulted in a great deal of controversy. While countless fans eagerly awaited the opportunity to catch the Vultures artists live, many left wishing they had just stayed home. Since their set, they’ve been called out for what attendees say was a lazy performance, and even been accused of “scamming” the audience.

Unfortunately, however, bad reviews aren’t the only negative thing to come out of the set. According to various clips shared online, a brawl broke out in the crowd at one point following a heated argument. In the disturbing footage, a transgender woman and a cisgender man are seen going after each other as onlookers egg them on, with one even shouting “Worldstar!” Shortly after the fight broke out, she appeared to get punched in the nose, causing her to bleed. At the time of writing, it remains unclear what prompted the fight, or if anyone involved was seriously injured.

Read More: Kanye West Claims He Created All Popular Music From The Last 20 Years

Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign’s Rolling Loud Set Sparks Controversy

Rappers Ty Dolla $ign & Kanye West perform onstage during the “Vultures 1” playback concert during Rolling Loud 2024 the at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Kanye West’s recent performance at Rolling Loud isn’t the only thing he’s received backlash for as of late. During a recent interview with Big Boy TV, the Chicago MC claimed that he was the mind behind the past 20 years of music. Of course, this prompted various viewers to share their own takes.

“I invented every style of music of the past 20 years,” he said, “I created the genre. I created The Weeknd genre, Trav, Drake… Everybody. I’m gonna go ahead and say, with all love, Future and Thug also.” What do you think of Kanye West fans getting into a fight at Rolling Loud? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign Accused Of “Scamming” Rolling Loud With Lackadaisical Performance

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Yes, Hip-Hop Will Survive Without TikTok

Last September, TikTok announced it had collaborated with Billboard to launch its first-ever Top 50 Chart, and Sexyy Red had debuted at No. 1. The announcement confirmed what many saw as inevitable: TikTok was taking over the music industry. Prior to the Billboard TikTok 50 chart, songs from rappers were blowing up on the app, leading to chart domination. Now, as the U.S. House of Representatives gives the Chinese-based app six months to find a U.S. buyer or face stateside exile, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the music industry as a whole. The conversation around whether or not it will affect hip-hop is ongoing, especially rappers who rely on the platform to share their music. Will hip-hop survive without TikTok if it gets banned? Of course it will.

When Billboard debuted its TikTok Billboard Top 50 in 2023, rap was having far from a stellar year on the more traditional Billboard charts. The first rap-related entry on the Billboard 200 was Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape last July, followed by a Jungkook song featuring Latto that hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in the same month. Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red” emerged as the first solo No. 1 rap track of the year, but didn’t hit that spot until September. Meanwhile, on the app, the genre was actually thriving.

Rappers Take Over Billboard TikTok Chart

Sexyy Redd claimed the first-ever No. 1 spot on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart with her smash hit “SkeeYee.” Doja followed close behind at No. 2 with “Paint The Town Red.” Sexyy also appeared two more times in the top 50, with her songs “Looking For The H*es (Ain’t My Fault)” and “Mad At Me” debuting at No. 19 and No. 50, respectively.

Elsewhere, Ice Spice‘s “Deli” and NLE Choppa’s “It’s Getting Hot” also debuted in the chart’s top 10 and No. 6 and No. 8. While Charlie Wilson’s “I’m Blessed” featuring T.I. additionally debuted at No. 9, Young Thug and Drake’s “Oh U Went” debuted at No. 14 and Young Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplant” featuring 21 Savage debuted at No. 16. Gunna, Tee Grizzley, Kaliiii, Toosii, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and J. Cole also debuted within the top 50.

That trend has so far continued into March of 2024. Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival” comfortably sits at No. 1, 21 Savage’s “Redrum” is at No. 8, Bossman Dlow’s “Get In With Me” is at No. 10. Elsewhere, Jack Harlow, Flo Milli, Rich Amiri, Dej Loaf, G-Eazy and 4Batz are just a few of the rappers scattered throughout the top 50.

Read More: Sexyy Red Admits She’s Shocked By Her Success

TikTok’s Relationship With Hip-Hop

It’s impossible to ignore TikTok’s star-making power, as the app has kickstarted the careers of dozens of rappers such as Sexyy Red, Lil Nas X and Armani White. There are a few reasons for this, one of which is that a 2021 study by MRC Data showed 64 percent of the reported app’s user base were teenagers, who historically have always been more hungry for new trendy music than adults. Additionally, a behavioral poll conducted by Midia Research in 2021 showed that 40 percent of active TikTok users had a monthly paid subscription service for music, compared to just 25 percent of the general population. This means it was much more likely for a TikTok fan to switch to their streaming platform of choice and stream a new track discovered on the app.

But as time has gone on, artists have criticized major labels for funneling TikTok’s star power to their clients and choking off indie success.

“If a song is going viral on TikTok, and the artist is unsigned, and as a result, it’s getting a million streams on Spotify, the labels are scrambling to sign that song or that artist,” Tatiana Cirisano, a music industry analyst and consultant at Midia Research, told CNBC in 2022. “They’re obsessed with expanding their market share and making sure they don’t lose any market share to independent artists.”

TikTok is also showing that it may not know how to compensate artists reliant on their platform. Universal Music Group pulled the plug on TikTok in January, and said it would remove its signees’ music from the app entirely in part because of “how little TikTok compensates artists and songwriters.” The label’s roster includes Drake, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd and many other of the biggest artists in the world. In an open letter, UMG said, “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.”

Would a TikTok Ban Hurt Hip-Hop?

So, would a TikTok cancelation be detrimental to rap? Considering the messy stumbles mentioned above, all signs at this moment point to no. Not to mention the correlation between rap’s dominance on TikTok versus its tepid presence on the Billboard charts is in line with the genre’s history. Trendsetting is in hip-hop’s blood, dating back to when New York’s word-of-mouth “block parties” of the 1970s kickstarted the genre. So, it makes sense that in 2024, the place to find the hottest hip-hop records isn’t always on the charts or TikTok. It’s on streaming platforms, many other apps, internet message boards, YouTube, in the streets, on the radio and by good old word of mouth.

While sifting through TikTok can’t remotely be compared to crate-digging through a pile of records, the point is that rap will always be whereever the kids are. Regardless of where that is, even without TikTok, wherever the kids go next, rap will be sure to follow.

Not to mention, the artists don’t appear to be stressing that much, since there are so many avenues for them to get their music out. Coi Leray, whose song “No More Parties” earned a big surge in popularity in 2022 thanks to TikTok, knows the benefits of the platform. It’s benefitted her career significantly. However, it doesn’t make or break her as a artist.

“Tiktok is not a streaming platform,” Coi tweeted on March 13. “And I never looked at it as one. I’m not worried. As long as you don’t take away Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Tidal, Audio Mac, YouTube music, Amazon music, I’m good. Music and the love I have for it, is forever.”

Can’t argue with that.

Read More: Drake’s Serious Devotion to Sexyy Red Is Costing Him Big Bucks

See How Much It Costs for a Verse From Your Favorite Rapper

Any guesses on dollar amounts before you look?

Cookie Monster Shouts Out SZA, Invites Her Back To “Sesame Street”

SZA has yet more love for her recent Sesame Street appearance, with longtime resident Cookie Monster eagerly inviting the singer to return. “Me loved having you on our Street, @SZA! Let me know which type of cookies are your favorite for next time. 🍪,” Cookie Monster’s official Twitter account wrote. SZA has yet to provide CM with her preferred cookie. However, Sesame Street recently re-earned the ire of several Republican lawmakers. The GOP, which has long hated the publicly funded show, took issue with the show promoting a “stand up to racism” campaign. In the past, Republican lawmakers have gone as far as to try and defund PBS to prevent the continued production of Sesame Street.

Appearing on the long-running PBS has long been a dream of SZA’s. After appearing on the show, she shared an old Instagram Live clip of her asking her fans how to land an appearance on the show. Furthermore, SZA is not the first musician that Cookie Monster has shown love to. Last year, Lizzo appeared on the show and performed a mini-concert on a cookie flute.

Read More: SZA Wins “Best International Artist” At The BRIT Awards

Is SZA Coming To Fortnite?

However, SZA might not be done with pop culture appearances. Earlier this week, footage of SZA receiving a body scan against a blue screen emerged amid rumors that the singer is set to become a new Fortnite skin. No formal announcement has been made but fans seem pretty hyped by the opportunity to play as SZA in-game. Will you be buying the SZA skin if it becomes official? Let us know in the comments.

The Epic Games title has grown at an unprecedented rate. Fans can already buy skins based on Marshmello, Major Lazer, Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, J Balvin, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, The Kid LAROI, Eminem, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga. Athletes such as Neymar, LeBron James, and Chloe Kim have also been added to the game. Furthermore, fans of content creators such as Ninja and MrBeast also have access to skins for those individuals.

Read More: Eminem Fortnite Skin Used To Recreate Iconic Rap Battle From 8 Mile: Watch

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Drake Joins Forces With Newcomer 4batz On “act ii: date @ 8” Remix 

4batz just got a major co-sign from Drake, who hopped on the remix of his viral hit “act ii: date @ 8,” virtually guaranteeing further chart success. 

The Dallas native has been making waves with the single on social media which was further boosted by his “From the Block Performance.” The song has racked up over 80 million streams on Spotify and has been climbing up the Billboard Hot 100. It debuted eight weeks ago at No. 77 on the chart, peaking at No. 59. 

The so-called “Drake Effect” could see the track and 4batz catapulted into the mainstream. The phenomenon occurs when Drizzy joins forces with a newcomer and exposes them to his massive fanbase, causing the artist to blow up overnight. It’s happened countless times before, with Migos before the group became a household name, Yeat, Future and even fellow Toronto native, The Weeknd, and many others.

Super producer Timbaland heard the song for the first time in January and instantly recommended a Drake remix.  

“Think y’all got one with this one. Yo, his tone is crazy,” he said on Instagram. “I’m telling you now, The Boy get on this, it’s outta here. It’s already outta here. This thing right here. And y’all know who The Boy is.” 

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A post shared by Timbo the King (@timbaland)

4batz fans have anticipated a Drake feature after the OVO honcho hinted at a collab. He posted the track on his Instagram Story last week, tagging the budding R&B singer and his longtime producer, Noah “40” Shebib. 

Then a day before release, 4batz shared a video of him and his crew listening to the remix alongside Drake. “this friday,” he teased in the caption. Listen to the track below.  

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Drake Really Seems to Have the Midas Touch With New Artists

Some rappers would kill for a Drake feature. Drizzy has proved multiple times that an up-and-coming rapper who works with him receives a magic ticket to getting noticed. He’s seemingly got the Midas touch when it comes to jumping on rising artists songs. Most everything he touches turns to gold and benefits the rapper. Over 15 years into his career, the same logic still seems to ring true.

Drake has a track record for success. Migos were already blowing up with their 2013 single  “Versace,” but Drake hopping on the remix helped make the trio household names. Drake introducing The Weeknd to his fans via his October’s Very Own Blog in 2011 was a win for the then mostly-unknown Canadian crooner who would go on to become one of the biggest-selling artists in the world.

In May of 2022, rap stats blog Hip Hop By The Numbers reported Drizzy was the most valuable cosign in hip-hop. The blog reported that songs with features from The Boy increased an artists Spotify streams by 2,783 percent between the years of 2019-2022. Other rap stars’ numbers including J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Kanye West and Eminem pale in comparison.

Not every Drake cosign leads to immediate success. Even some artists on Drake’s own OVO Sound label have failed to gain significant traction in the music industry including rhymers like Smiley and Baka Not Nice. However, most artists would presumably still bet their budget on a Champagne Papi feature in 2024, given his performance history.

Recently, Yeat and 4batz have been two up-and-coming artists who have been given the Drake cosign. Drake will appear on 4batz’s remix to his rising hit “Act II: Date @ 8” on March 8. Time will tell if the helping hand leads to results.

See the artists who have thrive after working with Drake and benefitting from his Midas touch early in their careers below.

See the Artists Drake Has Helped With His Midas Touch

Erika De Casier Drops A Whole Vibe With “Still”

Multi-cultural R&B singer Erika de Casier is an extremely underrated artist in the R&B space. She has a serene and entrancing voice that can fit over pretty much any instrumental you throw her way. Born in Portugal to a Belgian mother, the soon-to-be 25-year-old artist is back with a new project that sees her attack that very challenge. Still is Erika de Casier’s first record since 2021’s Sensational.

She got this project out in late February, but we still wanted to give it a listen. We are sure glad we did, as there are plenty of fun and beautiful songs that add so much diversity to the tracklist. Speaking of which, there are 14 cuts to be heard on this one, making it her longest to date. Features include They Hate Change, Shygirl, and Blood Orange.

Read More: SZA Visits Sesame Street, Shares Clip With Elmo & Old Tweet About Wanting To Join

Listen To Still By Erika De Casier

As we mentioned, Erika is sensually singing on top of a wide range of instrumentals, many of which she had a hand in. Only herself, Natal Zaks, and Nick Leon are the producers on Still. That title may be a bit of an oxymoron, as Erika does not remain stuck with one type of production style. We highly encourage you check this one out ASAP.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new album, Still, by Erika de Casier? Is this her best project ever, why or why not? What songs are you gravitating toward and why? Who had the strongest feature performance and why? Is she the most underrated R&B artist going right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Erika de Casier. Finally, stay with us for the most informative project posts throughout the week.

Still Tracklist:

  1. Right This Way
  2. Home Alone
  3. Lucky
  4. The Princess
  5. ice (feat. They Hate Change)
  6. Test It
  7. ooh
  8. Believe It
  9. Anxious
  10. Ex-Girlfriend (feat. Shygirl)
  11. Toxic
  12. My Day Off
  13. Twice (feat. Blood Orange)
  14. Someone

Read More: The Weeknd Performs Unreleased “Take Me Back To LA” At Mike Dean Show

How Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3” Ushered Emo Rap Into The Mainstream

It goes without saying that Lil Uzi Vert shook up the Hip Hop landscape when they dropped “XO Tour Llif3” in 2017. Since the rapper broke into the scene with Luv is Rage, they have continued to push boundaries and defy genre norms in music. Consequently, their unique fusion of trap beats, punk aesthetics, and emotionally charged lyrics have catapulted them into the limelight. Despite their deserved success now, we could never forget how, with “XO TOUR Llif3,” Lil Uzi introduced a new sound to the big stage. The Diamond-certified single turned seven on February 27, 2024, and yet, its impact continues to be felt. Here’s how Lil Uzi Vert used the groundbreaking track to usher emo rap into the mainstream. 

Read More: Young Thug Vs Lil Uzi Vert: Who Had The Better Debut Album?

The Emergence Of Emo Rap

Emo rap is a subgenre of Hip Hop that was popularized in the mid-2010s, characterized by its emotional and introspective lyrics. It often touches on themes like depression, heartbreak, and personal struggles, motifs Lil Uzi effortlessly conveys in their music. When artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD began to explore similar themes within their music, it resonated with millions of listeners. Likewise, Lil Uzi Vert is another exemplary artist from that era, and “XO Tour Llife” put their name on the map forever.

Due to the emotional content in many of their hits, Lil Uzi Vert is often associated with this genre. When they debuted, their music was noticeably peculiar, blurring the lines between rap, rock, and punk. Undeniably, Uzi’s music defied easy categorization. Before long, the rapper’s distinct style and eclectic sound became a symbol of the evolving genre. The energetic delivery in their music, coupled with introspective and often melancholic lyrics, appealed to a wide audience. These audiences were hungry for a new, emotionally charged musical experience, and Uzi was there to supply it to them.

The Breakout Moment: “XO Tour Llif3”

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On March 24, 2017, Lil Uzi released “XO Tour Llife” as the lead single from their debut album Luv is Rage 2. Surprisingly, it soon became a sleeper hit, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Presumably recorded during The Weeknd‘s European leg of Starboy: Legend Of The Fall, “XO Tour Llife” is the breakout track that pushed both Lil Uzi Vert and emo rap onto the main stage of the music industry. The song’s haunting melody, paired with Lil Uzi’s raw and vulnerable lyrics, struck a chord with listeners grappling with the same or similar issues. 

By the end of 2017, it had impressively garnered over one billion audio and video streams across major platforms. Evidently, the song had found its audience, and they were loving it. “XO Tour Llif3” contains themes of betrayal, heartbreak, drug use, and emotional turmoil which are vividly painted in the lyrics. Despite these themes that are typically perceived as dark, listeners were hooked. The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain, became an anthem and resonated beyond traditional Hip Hop circles.

Lil Uzi Vert Makes History With “XO Tour Llif3”   

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“XO TOUR Llif3” not only dominated the charts but also paved the way for other emo rap artists. After its release, the song was quickly dubbed an emo rap anthem and helped push the subgenre forward. Interestingly enough, on the same day that Lil Uzi Vert released his debut album, Luv Is Rage 2, fellow emo rap pioneer, XXXTENTACION, also dropped his debut album, 17, which was not only a commercial success but became a seminal body of work within the subgenre.

Read More: Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3” Is Expected To Make $4.5 Million

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO TOUR Llif3” significantly contributed to catalyzing the mainstream acceptance of emo rap. The song broke down barriers and showcased the power of blending emotional depth with rhythmic beats. As an artist unafraid to push boundaries, Lil Uzi Vert’s impact on the genre continues to reverberate. With “XO Tour Llife,” they certainly left a mark on the ever-changing landscape of contemporary Hip Hop.

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Drake’s Take Care Album Has Not Been Certified Diamond Yet

Drake‘s Take Care album has not been certified diamond, contrary to reports.

Drake’s Take Care Album Not Diamond Yet

On Tuesday (Feb. 20), several social media outlets reported Drake’s sophomore album Take Care has surpassed 10 million album sales, placing it in coveted diamond status. XXL has confirmed through the database for the Recording Industry Association of America, the official source that tracks and reports certifications, that the beloved Drizzy album is still sitting at 8 million units sold. A rep for the RIAA has also confirmed to XXL that the album has yet to surpass the 8 million units position.

Read More: Hip-Hop Artists Who’ve Gone Diamond

The Legacy of Drake’s Take Care Album

Released on Nov. 15, 2011, Drake’s sophomore album Take Care is generally viewed as his magnum opus. The album featured the hit singles “Marvin’s Room,” “Crew Love” featuring The Weeknd, “Take Care” featuring Rihanna, “Headlines,” “HYFR” and others. Take Care won the Grammy for Best Rap Album at the 55th Grammy Awards.

Despite not having a diamond album, Drake does have three certified diamond songs including “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance.” He has also been featured on two others: Future’s “Life Is Good” and Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode.”

Read More: This Is Every Hip-Hop Song That Has Gone Diamond in Music History

Check out RIAA records showing Drake’s Take Care album is stilling sitting at 8 million units sold below.

See RIAA Records Showing Take Care‘s Certifications

Drake Take Care

RIAA

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See 20 of the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Albums of All Time