Tag: Cardi B

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Young Devyn Is Real New York Vibes

Cardi B knows how to love. Whether the megastar rapper is collaborating with emerging artists like Glo Rilla and Kay Flock or shouting out the next wave of talent, she is known to share the spotlight. An up-and-coming talent the “Bodak Yellow” artist felt deserves her acknowledgement is Young Devyn. 

“I don’t even know what to say or where to start when it comes to her,” says Young Devyn. “The love that she showed me has been so unexpected. It just goes to show me that you gotta just keep working, because you never know who’s watching you.”

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Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Young Devyn gives authentic New York vibes. Full of swagger, the energetic 20-year-old rapper has the bars to match. Take a listen to her freestyles which have gone viral or her singles like the Fivio Foreign-assisted “Outside” and you’ll see.  
The versatile femcee who is signed to 4th & Broadway/Def Jam is a sight to see live also. Starting at the age of eight years old she was performing. Long before the Brooklyn-bred Trinidadian was considered one of the best drill artists in NYC, she was turning up as a young soca artist. Whether she’s headlining shows at iconic venues such as S.O.B.s, or performing at Rolling Loud or on tour with Skip Marley, she brings the energy to any stage she touches.

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Young Devyn’s debut project, 2021’s Baby Goat gave listeners a small sample of what to expect from her. A little bit over a year later, she circles the block with the sequel, Baby Goat 2, which drops today. 

The 8-track EP features hard-hitting bops like “Decisions” and “All Gifted” alongside the Caribbean-tuned “Toxic.” She also gets in her r&b bag on “Real Love” and the Capella Grey collab “Cruise Control.” 

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Drilled-out versions of past hits such as Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” (“Outside”) and Offset’s Cardi-collab “Clout” (“Rap Sheet”) appear on Young Devyn’s sophomore project.  

When making her latest project, Young Devyn says she set out to tell the “story of that relatable everyday girl who is making it out. ” She put it the work to make sure her mission was accomplished. “I took my time out to just pay attention to everything from the production, the lyrics, the storyline, the tracklist— just everything to make sure that it was concise,” she says. 

On Baby Goat 2, she taps into the sound of her hometown, while staying in touch with her roots and also showcasing her vocals. “Like, it’s not like I’m just doing one type of sound throughout the whole project. It’s just different things, but it all makes sense,” she says proudly. 

It’s safe to assume that her eclectic listening habits as a child may have had an influence on the artist she is today.  “I didn’t really have a favorite genre growing up, because I was always exposed to so many different types of music early on like soca, pop, hiphop, reggae, even gospel,” she says. 


Young Devyn’s hard work has been paying off, because more and more eyes have been on her. The likes of Nicki Minaj, Offset and The New York Times have also been peeping her game. Although she’s already gotten recognition from some of the biggest artists in music, she’s not letting it get to her head. “ I don’t think that anybody owes me anything,” she says. “That is why I’m always super humbled when artists do show me love. Cause I’m never entitled or think that anybody should know me.”

Stream Young Devyn’s latest project, Baby Goat 2 below:

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The Best Debut Rap Albums of the 2010s

It’s well-known that hip-hop is one of the most popular genres in music. A big part of that success has been a result of the emergence of new generations of talented rappers who’ve set the standard for what rap could be with their debut albums. If you’re a fan of rap music, it’s expected that you’ve heard of some of the best debut albums released during the last decade. 

The 2010s may not have been hip-hop’s golden age, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been iconic albums released during that ten-year span. The 2000s in general have been a great period for rap music and debut albums have been some of the best projects that have come out during that time period. The 2010s was a decade that saw rap music reach new heights and produce some truly unforgettable albums.

Some of these albums introduced the world to some of the most successful artists of all time and are now considered to be some of the best rap albums of all time. Several of these albums changed the landscape of hip-hop and cemented their respective creators as legendary artists. These albums have helped to define a generation of hip-hop and are now essential listens for just about any rap fan. They pushed the genre in new and exciting directions. 

When it comes to best debut rap albums, there are a few that stand out from the pack. In the 2010s, there were a number of fire debut rap albums. Here are some of the best debut rap albums of the 2010s.

Drake – ‘Thank Me Later’ (2010)
Republic Records

Singles: “Over,” “Find Your Love” & “Fancy” 

Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Luckily, it did not disappoint. Drizzy proved himself to be a master of both sing-rapping and delivering bars on this album. He showcased his unique vocal style with tracks like “Over” and “Find Your Love.” He also proved himself to be a hell of a storyteller, with songs like “Fireworks” and “The Resistance” giving listeners a glimpse into his life and experiences. Thank Me Later was a defining moment in Drake’s career and solidified him as one of the biggest names in rap music.

Waka Flocka Flame – ‘Flockaveli’ (2010)
Warner Records

Singles: “O Let’s Do It,” “No Hands” featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale & “Hard in da Paint”

Flockaveli was lowkey a game-changer. It helped to cement a new wave of trap music and set the sonic foundation for drill music, which became synonymous with Chicago artists like Chief Keef. Led by the hard-hitting production of producer of the moment Lex Luger, Waka Flocka Flame’s debut is full of tracks sure to keep your head nodding. The 17-track project, which was praised by the likes of Complex, Billboard, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork features most of Waka’s best-known songs, including the Drumma Boy-produced top 10 hit “No Hands.”

Nicki Minaj – ‘Pink Friday’ (2010)
Republic Records

Singles: “Your Love,” “Moment 4 Life” featuring Drake & “Super Bass”

Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday was an instant hit. It set the stage for her to become one of the most popular and influential rappers in the world. Nicki’s lyrical skills, distinctive flow and knack for crafting catchy tunes were on full display throughout the album. The 13-track project featuring production from Swizz Beatz, T-Minus, J.R. Rotem and Bangladesh also showcased her more introspective side, which came through on songs like “Dear Old Nicki” and “Here I Am.”

J Cole – ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’ (2011)
Roc Nation/Columbia Records

Singles: “Work Out,” “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Trey Songz & “Nobody’s Perfect” featuring Missy Elliott 

Prior to the release of his debut, who would have thought that J. Cole would go on to be one of the best rappers of all time? Cole did! With Cole World: The Sideline Story, Cole proved that he was a force to be reckoned. The Fayetteville, North Carolina native’s debut was met with critical acclaim, and helped solidify him as one of the best rappers ever. The album sheds light on the story of Cole’s life and his growing up in North Carolina. Songs like “Work Out” and “Can’t Get Enough” showed that not only did he have bars for days, but that he could also make hits. Cole World debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured Jay-Z, Drake and Missy Elliott.

Meek Mill – ‘Dreams & Nightmares’ (2012)
Atlantic Records

Singles: “Amen” & “Burn”

Meek Mill’s Dreams & Nightmares was one of the most highly anticipated rap albums of the early 2010s. Meek’s first official project featured collaborations with Drake, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Rick Ross, John Legend and others. It also featured one of the greatest hip-hop intro of all time, “Dreams and Nightmares.” Whether you’re a fan of Meek or not, his debut is worth a listen or two.

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)
Aftermath/Interscope Records

Singles: “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, “Poetic Justice” & “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.”In the early 2010s, there were a number of excellent debut albums that set the tone for the decade to come. Kendrick Lamar’s major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d city is a perfect example of this. The album which tells the story of Kendrick’s upbringing in Compton immediately established him as one of the most important voices in hip-hop. good kid, m.A.A.d city is widely considered to be one of the best rap albums of all time, let alone one of the best debut albums. Throughout the project he demonstrates his expert use of wordplay and metaphors. He also shows he can crossover with addictive singles such as “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, “Poetic Justice” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.”

Chief Keef – ‘Finally Rich’ (2012)
Interscope Records

Singles: “I Don’t Like”, “Love Sosa” & “Hate Bein’ Sober”

Even before he dropped an album, Chief Keef was a local legend. Months after receiving a cosign and a remix from Kanye West, the teenage star-in-the-making released his debut album, Finally Rich. The forefather of Chicago’s drill music collaborated with day-ones like Lil Reese, as well as legends like 50 Cent, Rick Ross and Young Jeezy on the album that featured cult-classics like “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa.”

A$AP Rocky – LONG.LIVE.A$AP (2013)
Polo Grounds/RCA Records

Singles: “Goldie,” “Fuckin’ Problems,” “Wild for the Night” & “Fashion Killa”

A$AP Rocky took the hip-hop world by storm following the release of his debut single “Peso.” Over a decade later, he continues to be an influence on the culture. His debut album, LONG.LIVE.A$AP is a part of what helped him make his mark on the rap world. The album that would eventually be certified platinum housed an eclectic collection of songs and spawned the hit “Fuckin’ Problems,” which featured 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Other guests on the album included Santigold, Florence Welch, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Joey Badass and others.

Pusha T – ‘My Name is My Name’ (2013)
GOOD Music/Def Jam

Singles: “Pain,” “Numbers on the Boards” & “Sweet Serenade”

Pusha T was a seasoned veteran by the time his debut album My Name is My Name hit the streets, and it showed. Released in 2013, the album was one of the best projects from a rapper that year. Featuring production from Kanye West and The Neptunes, My Name is My Name showcases Pusha T’s lyrical prowess and knack for storytelling. It was met with critical acclaim and was praised for its lyrical content and production value.

YG – ‘My Krazy Life’ (2014)
Def Jam Recordings

Singles: “My N***a” & “Who Do You Love?”

After building a buzz with a series of mixtapes, YG broke through with his debut album, My Krazy Life. According to the Def Jam rap star, the album featuring hit singles like “My N***a” and “Who Do You Love?” was like “a day in the life of YG from the morning until the night.” Superproducer DJ Mustard handled much of the well-reviewed album’s production, incorporating his signature West Coast sound. Rich Homie Quan, Drake, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Kendrick Lamar were just a few of the artists that appeared on My Krazy Life.

Rae Sremmurd – ‘Sremmlife’ (2015)
Eardrummers/Interscope

Singles: “No Flex Zone”, “No Type”& “Throw Sum Mo” featuring Nicki Minaj and Young Thug

Rae Sremmurd seemingly came out of nowhere when they dropped their first single, “No Flex Zone” in 2014. By the time their debut album dropped, months later, the Mississippi-born dynamic duo individually known as Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi were household names. Executive produced by hit-maker Mike Will Made It, Sremmlife featured several top 40 hits, including “No Flex Zone”, “No Type” and the Nicki Minaj and Young Thug-assisted “Throw Sum Mo.” The group’s first album landed on several best of 2015 lists and even made it to Rolling Stone’s The 200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time list. Sremmlife was so successful that it spawned a couple of sequels.

Travis Scott – ‘Rodeo’ (2015)
Grand Hustle Records/Epic Records

Singles: “3500” & “Antidote”

Following the release of two mixtapes (2013’s Owl Pharaoh and 2014’s Days Before The Rodeo), Travis Scott let it be known he was here to stay with his debut album, Rodeo. The 14-track project was a sign of things to come from one of popular music’s most sought after artists. Rodeo’s lead single, “Antidote,” peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not only did the album feature a smash hit, it also featured a fire rap verse from Justin Bieber.

Nipsey Hussle – ‘Victory Lap’ (2018)
Atlantic Records

Singles: “Rap N*ggas,” “Last Time That I Checc’d” & “Dedication”

It’s not a secret that some of the best debut rap albums are created by artists that have something to prove. After grinding for much of his life, delivering dope mixtapes and attention-grabbing guest appearances, Nipsey Hussle finally released his debut album in 2018. Titled Victory Lap, the Grammy-nominated album featured everything from soulful vibes to motivational anthems. Offering a more polished sound on this album than on previous releases, the late rapper delivered a project that was both fresh and familiar.

Cardi B – ‘Invasion Of Privacy’ (2018)
Atlantic Records

Singles: “Bodak Yellow,” “Bartier Cardi,” “Be Careful” & “I Like It”

Cardi B’s debut album, Invasion Of Privacy was released in 2018 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album introduced Cardi’s in-your-face style to the masses. She tapped into her own personal experiences and observations and crafted a project that was personal and universally relatable. It was also an album to turn up to! The well-crafted songs and clever lyrics resonated with listeners, helping her debut to not only achieve mainstream success, but also make history.

Playboi Carti – ‘Die Lit’ (2018)
AWGE/Interscope

Singles: “Poke It Out” featuring Nicki Minaj

Golden era-loving hip-hop heads may not get it, but Playboi Carti is a hugely influential artist. A couple of years before his Whole Lotta Red album was coined one of the best rap albums in modern history, Carti further established himself as an innovator with Die Lit.

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7 Ways Cardi B’s Great Debut Album Made History

Atlantic Records

Debut albums can be tough to create. But Cardi B surely figured out how to deliver a great one. Released on April 6 2018, Cardi B’s great debut album, Invasion of Privacy hit all of the necessary marks to make it a hard-to-forget record.

Invasion of Privacy’s production, provided by heat-makers such as J. White Did It, Murda Beatz, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard and others, was top-notch. A who’s who in hip-hop and r&b was recruited for perfectly chosen guest appearances.

The unapologetic and outspoken rapper put her rags-to-riches story, as well as her in-your-face style and personality on full display, which helped make her debut both relatable and empowering.

Invasion of Privacy, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, featured massively successful songs, such as “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It.” The album was not only a commercial success, but also a critical success, earning rave reviews from critics and tastemakers.

Rolling Stone recently included Invasion of Privacy in their list of 100 Best Debut Albums of All Time, as well as their 200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time list, which says a lot. We may not agree with the positioning, (the 20 & 16 rankings are kind of wild!) however we do agree that the 13-track album can be defined as great.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since the release of Cardi’s Invasion of Privacy. And that’s because the Bronx bomber hasn’t skipped a beat following the release of the multiplatinum album. Super successful singles like “WAP” and  “Up”, as well as standout guest appearances on tracks from Migos, Summer Walker and Normani have continued her hot-streak.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Cardi just delivered the first taste of what to expect from her hotly anticipated, as-of-yet untitled sophomore album. Her latest single is the Tay Keith-produced “Hot Shit”. And it features two of Chicago’s finest, Lil Durk and Ye.

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Cardi B’s great debut album helped establish her as one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop. It also broke several records. Here are seven ways Cardi B’s great debut album made history.

First album by a female rapper to chart 2 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100

Invasion of Privacy made history for a few reasons. One was that it was the first album by a female rapper to have two songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The singles “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” were the chart-topping joints that etched Cardi’s name in the history books.

First album by a female rapper with 2 diamond-certified singles

To receive a diamond plaque, a song or album has to move at least 10 million units. Invasion of Privacy featured not just one, but two tracks to achieve diamond status. Both “Bodak Yellow” & “I Like It” received diamond-certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which made Cardi the first female rapper to have two diamond-certified singles.

First album by a female artist to have 13 tracks appear on the Hot 100 at once

Invasion of Privacy made history immediately after it dropped when it became the first album by a female artist to chart 13 songs simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100.

First album by a solo female rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album

Almost a year after its release, Invasion of Privacy, became the first album from a solo female rapper (Lauryn Hill also won, but as a part the group The Fugees) to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Cardi beat out competition from the likes of Mac Miller (Swimming), Nipsey Hussle (Victory Lap), Pusha T (Daytona) and Travis Scott (Astroworld) to take home the coveted prize. This marked a milestone for women in hip-hop and further proved that Cardi B was a legit force to be reckoned with.

Longest-charting debut album by a female rapper on the Billboard 200

Invasion of Privacy dropped in April 2018 and remained on the charts for quite a long time. A huge success, it spent more than 175 weeks on the Billboard 200, making it the longest-charting debut album from a female rapper on Billboard’s album charts. For over 21 years, the impressive accomplishment of being the longest-charting debut album from a female rapper was held by Lauryn Hill’s classic The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

First album with every song going platinum

All 13 tracks from Invasion of Privacy have been certified platinum. This makes it the first album in history to achieve this feat.

First album by a female rapper to reach 3.5 billion streams on Spotify

Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy album has been streamed more than 3.5 billion times on Spotify alone. This makes it one of the most-streamed albums by a female rapper in the platform’s history.

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The Five Best Moments From HOT 97 Summer Jam 2022

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 12: Fat Joe, Jim Jones and Busta Rhymes attend 2022 Hot 97 Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium on June 12, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Among first-time and returning attendees of HOT 97’s Summer Jam concert, the same question remained: “Will it rain?” For what’s an annual tradition alongside the legendary NYC hip-hop radio station’s yearly display of the culture’s most popular stars, it tends to rain spectacularly upon those in attendance. But this year? The weather chose to relax and watch the show.

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On Sunday (June 12th), the 28th annual HOT 97 Summer Jam took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, its usual location. The home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets was packed with thousands of attendees who first watched performances in the parking lot; before moving inside the stadium.

Headlined by the likes of platinum rappers Lil Baby and Lil Durk, this year’s Summer Jam lived up to its expectations of providing surprises and moments we won’t forget.

Here are the five best moments from HOT 97 Summer Jam 2022.

Young Thug shares a message to his supporters
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Even though it’s been over a month since Young Thug was arrested on RICO charges, his presence has remained felt throughout the hip-hop community. As supporters of the YSL founder have come together to support him, fellow YSL labelmate Gunna, and others in the fight against hip-hop music getting used in court, the man himself shared a message to his fans.

“I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us,” Thugger said. “You know, your support during this time means a lot to us, ya know.” All across the stadium, signs proclaiming “Protect Black Art,” “Free Young Thug,” and “Free Gunna” was proudly held high in the sky.

Cardi B surprises fans as she joins Bronx drill stars Dougie B and B-Lovee on stage
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The first (and honestly the biggest) example of Summer Jam providing memorable surprise moments was earlier Sunday afternoon. During their festival stage performance, Bronx drill stars Dougie B and B-Lovee were joined by no other than Cardi B.

The proud Bronx, NY native and multi-platinum artist came out of a black Mercedes sprinter van to a thunderous ovation from fans as she performed her show-stealing verse from Kay Flock’s “Shake It” remix; which also features Dougie B.

Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, and other legends honor DJ Kay Slay
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Throughout hip-hop, especially in NYC, DJ Kay Slay left a massive impact on the culture in various ways— his ability to DJ, break new artists, host on HOT 97, and become a spokesperson for the city’s movement. After passing away from COVID-19 on April 17th, tributes have come at a rapid rate for the legendary DJ but what occurred on Sunday was special.

In tribute to the “Drama King,” Busta Rhymes, Papoose, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, The LOX, and Dipset (With Jim Jones and Juelz Santana) all came out and, performed their most popular records either made alongside him or in his honor. The MetLife faithful was routinely stunned as each legend stepped on stage and did their thing.

At the end of DJ Kay Slay’s tribute, Papoose spoke to the crowd and asked everyone in attendance to turn their phone light and wave it in the sky; further illuminating a beautiful sight to the “Drama King.”

Roddy Ricch makes last-minute apperance despite sudden arrest on Saturday
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While the popular Compton, CA MC was already in the tri-state area because of his slated appearance at Governors Ball the day before, he almost didn’t make it to either performance. That’s because “The Box” hitmaker was arrested for gun charges upon arriving at Governors Ball.

But 24 hours later, Ricch was on the Summer Jam stage, not only free but unbothered by those charges as they were dismissed. Halfway through his set, Ricch was joined by his frequent collaborator, producer DJ Mustard, as “High Fashion” and “Ballin” played to the fans’ approval.

City Girls and Chloe Bailey joined Fivio Foreign
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Already amid a stellar year, Brooklyn’s own Fivio Foreign was given the honor of closing out this year’s Summer Jam. Aided by a montage declaring him the “King of New York,” Foreign’s set mixed in his most popular cuts, new music, and surprise appearances that kept the fans entertained.

As the “City of Gods” collaborator was performing “Hello” from his latest album, B.I.B.L.E, the crowd was surprised to see Chloe walk on stage. The talented singer/songwriter/producer effortlessly performed her verse from “Hello” and provided an up-close look as to what makes her a superstar in the making.

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Dope Sneakers Designed by Female Pop Stars

It was once unfathomable to walk in the shoes of world renowned pop stars like Billie Eilish. Things have changed, however. The average fan can now not only picture themselves in Billie’s kicks, they can now actually rock them. The Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling international singer-songwriter just released her second sneaker collab. The limited-edition Billie Eilish x Nike AF 1 Highs — which retail at $170 — come in cream-ish colorway and feature eco-friendly materials. The vegan kicks that were first previewed late last year dropped alongside a matching clothing collection consisting of t-shirt, a hoodie and pants.

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The Happier Than Ever singer had goals for her latest sneaker design. While using the iconic Air Force Ones as her canvas, she wanted to “respect the originals,” but still create something unique. “It was also important for me to mix in environmentally preferred materials where we could and present them in a way that felt fresh,” she explained.

Billie isn’t the only woman pop star to step outside of the booth and into the sneaker game. Some of the biggest names in music have also proven that they are big steppers with their sneaker creations. Allowing their creative juices to flow, these leading ladies have cooked up dope silhouettes featuring unique design patterns, luxury materials and eye-catching color ways for both women and men looking for style and comfort. There are several sneakers designed by female pop stars that are worth revisiting. Here’s a look at a few of them.

Missy Elliot’s Respect M.E. Collection
Released: 2004
adidas

Missy Elliot is one of the G.O.A.T. female rappers. She’s also an OG sneakerhead. It was a match made in sneaker heaven when the Grammy Award winner partnered with adidas for her Respect M.E. sneaker and apparel collection. Known to dress from head to toe in adidas gear, the singer-songwriter designed a set of 3-striped-branded kicks, track jackets, hoodies, pants and accessories with her signature flare.

Teyana Taylor’s Teyana Taylor X GLC Promo ‘Harlem’
Released: 2013
adidas

It’s been almost 10 years since Teyana Taylor dropped her first sneaker collab. Back in 2013, the G.O.O.D. Music singer teamed up with adidas Originals to deliver the Teyana Taylor X GLC Promo ‘Harlem.’ Inspired by Taylor’s streetwear centric athletics, the high top kicks made a minor splash following their debut during that year’s NBA All-Star weekend.

Rihanna’s Puma Fenty Creepers
Released: 2015
Puma

Rihanna’s PUMA creepers sneakers were a huge hit when they were introduced in 2015. The must-have shoe sold out within hours of its pre-sale launch. The platformed version of the classic Puma Suede silhouette was worn by women and men and helped establish the Anti singer as a formidable presence in the fashion world. 

Beyoncé’s adidas Sleek Super 72 Beyonce Ivy Park
Released: 2020
adidas

Although Beyoncé didn’t quite put her best foot forth with her first foray into fashion (remember House of Deréon?), she surely redeemed herself with Ivy Park. The athletic brand was first introduced in 2016 and then relaunched a few years later in partnership with adidas. King B’s debut Ivy Park collection featured several pairs of kicks, including the Ultra Boost, the Nite Jogger and the Sleek Super 72, which resembles adidas’ classic Samba model.

Chika’s Vans Old Skool
Released: 2021
Vans

A lot can change over the course of a few years. Ask rapper Chika. She went from a viral sensation to a Grammy nominated artist who designs sneakers within a few years. With the Vans Old Skool as her backdrop, the Alabama native delivered an astrology-inspired pair of kicks.

Cardi B’s Club C Cardi
Released: 2020
Reebok

The Club C Cardi was the first sneaker designed under the direction of Cardi B. A remix of Reebok’s classic Club C silhouette, the shoe was announced in 2020 and was released in a limited run soon after. The athletic shoe was a part of Reebok x Cardi Footwear Collection.

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Music

15 of Our Favorite Met Gala-Inspired Rap Lyrics

Ray Tamarra, Rabbani and Solimene Photography, Taylor Hill

It’s that time of year again. It’s the first Monday in May, which means the Met Gala is once again upon us. This year the hotly anticipated gala officially returns to its normally scheduled programming. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the annual event, also known as the Costume Institute Gala, was placed on hold in 2020, while last year’s downsized version took place in September during New York Fashion Week.

The Met’s 2022 theme is In America: An Anthology of Fashion. It’s the second half of the Costume Institute’s two-part exhibition dedicated to American fashion, which began with 2021’s In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. For this year’s Met festivities, Hollywood A-Listers Regina King, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are holding down the co-hosting duties.

The Met Gala raises funds that benefit programs and exhibitions sponsored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It also gives celebs a reason to pop out in some of the most unique and eye-catching outfits. With nicknames like the Super Bowl of fashion and fashion’s biggest night out, the Met Gala is arguably the biggest night in fashion. Famous faces from all walks of entertainment come together in celebration of the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s yearly fashion exhibition. It’s a big deal not only for the fashion world, but for the world of hip-hop as well.

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Nowadays, hip-hop heavyweights are permanent fixtures on the Met’s red carpet and at the after-party. The likes of Ye, Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Cardi B, A$AP Rocky, Diddy, Migos, JAY-Z and many, many others have made their presence felt at the Met Gala. So it should come as no surprise that the Met Gala has been the subject of quite a few rap songs and lyrics. The star-studded affair has inspired some dope bars, as well as some not-so-dope lyrics. The gala has been mentioned by rap stars who have attended and popular artists who haven’t been lucky enough to strut their stuff at the event. In honor of the 2022 Met Gala, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Met Gala raps.

“I was that n*gga locked up in the cell and they treated me like I was normal/Thankin’ the Lord for them blessings I just left the Met Gala dressin’ up formal.” -Offset on Gucci Mane’s “Met Gala” (2017)
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“It’s easy to slip, don’t want you to fall/Walk in with the drip, that Met Gala Ball” — Gunna on “Met Gala” (2020)
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“You can’t even get on my guest list/They want me to go to the Met Gala/I want a Percocet and a gallon/That Actavis, Hi-Tech it don’t matter” — Future on Drake’s “Grammys” (2016)
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“Met Gala, 42/but I fuck ’em like I’m 22/Macking and hanging that’s all I do” — Nas on The Weeknd’s “Tell your Friends (Met Gala Remix)”
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“Attitude, gotta holla/She caught me slippin’, dressin’ like the Met Gala” — 24hrs & PnB Rock on “Met Gala” (2018)
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“I had to give her a new nickname/Designer call us Met Gala Gang” — Quavo on“Champagne Rose” (2018)
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“Watch how I drip when I hit that Met Gala/Codeine I sip with my lip, don’t get splattered” — Gunna on “Drip Or Drown [Remix]” (2018)
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“Saint Laurent boots on Gucci saddles, Met Gala/ dab capital, abracadabra” — Quavo on Migos’ “Too Hotty” (2017)
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“I’m a great example, great sex haver/In-shape for the Met Gala” — Kevin Gates on “Kung Fu” (2018)
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“Red bottoms on, I’m at Met Gala” — Young Thug on “Daddy’s Birthday” (2017)
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“They was losin’ they mind when I hit the Met Gala/Tail so long, it dragged 30 minutes after” — Cardi B on “Bet It” (2021)
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“Spend a quarter million on a coupe, guess what?/MET Gala, hunnid for the suit, bless us” — Rick Ross on Russ’ “Guess What” (2020)
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“A vet stylin’ in Met Gala/tuna salad from La Scala” — Nas on “White Label” (2018)
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“I brought a Hollywood bitch to Club Crucial/I was at the Met Gala with my shooter” — 21 Savage on “Runnin’” (2020)
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“I missed the Met Gala, eatin’ linguine with the best scallops/I knew we was the best before I met Khaled” — Dave East on “Bad Boy On Death Row” (2016)
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Categories
Music

19 Rap Songs that Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

TikTok does it again! The popular social networking platform has helped catapult another song to the top of the Billboard charts. After a snippet of Jack Harlow’s latest single, “First Class” trended on TikTok, the full version upon its official release (April 8th) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<code><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@missionaryjack/video/7082818184440532267" data-video-id="7082818184440532267" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@missionaryjack" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@missionaryjack">@missionaryjack</a> <p>“First Class” …available everywhere this Friday 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨</p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ First Class - Jack Harlow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/First-Class-7081344356355001131">♬ First Class - Jack Harlow</a> </section> </blockquote></code>

The second single from his upcoming album, Come Home the Kids Miss You has been making noise outside of Tiktok also. With more than 10.6 million streams in the first 24 hours of its release, the single that samples Fergie’s Ludacris-assisted No. 1 hit “Glamorous” had one of the biggest single-day streams of the year on Spotify’s global chart. Currently the fastest selling single of 2022, the Louisville, Kentucky native’s latest hit moved more than 420,000 units in its opening week.

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In the history of the Billboard Hot 100, there have been 17 hip-hop songs that have debuted on top of the chart. These songs represent some of the biggest hits in hip-hop history. This significant achievement is a testament to not only how dope the songs are, but also the popularity of the artists (and producers) and behind them. Once a rare feat, debuting in the top spot has become more and more frequent over the last few years. There were 10 songs released since 2017 alone that spent their first week on Billboard’s singles chart in the No. 1 position. Drake has dropped several first-week-chart-toppers and so has Travis Scott. Here’s a look at all of the hip-hop hits that have debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Jimmy Cooks” by Drake featuring 21 Savage

Debut Date: June 27, 2022

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  • “Wait For U” by Future featuring Drake & Tems

Debut Date: May 9, 2022

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Future landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the eight time with I Never Liked You. The album features tracks with Kanye West, Gunna and Young Thug. Pluto’s ninth album also features the Drake and Tems-assisted single, “Wait For U,” which also debuted in the top spot on the Billboard charts. The video for the song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 within seven days of its release racked up 5.7 million views in just four days.

  • “First Class” by Jack Harlow

Debut Date: April 18, 2022

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Jack Harlow has another smash hit on his hands. “First Class” is receiving love from all around the world. The song debuted at No. 1 in the US, as well as in New Zealand and Australia. It also debuted at No. 2 in several countries including the UK, Germany and Ireland.

  • “Way 2 Sexy” by Drake featuring Future and Young Thug

Debut Date: September 18, 2021

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The first official single from Drake’s Certified Lover Boy claimed the top spot on the Hot 100 after a massive streaming week “Way 2 Sexy” led the way on the single’s chart, while nine other CLB tracks occupied the top 10 slots on the chart, making Drizzy the first artist in history to do so. “Way 2 Sexy” became the 6 God’s ninth number-one and extended his reign as the rap star with the most No. 1 songs in history.

  • “Rapstar” by Polo G

Debut Date: April 24, 2021

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Polo G is leading the way as one of hip-hop’s next undisputed superstars. He further cemented his status in the game with “Rapstar,” his first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. With more than 77.7 million streams in its first seven days, the lead single to Polo’s first No. 1 album, Hall Of Fame, became an instant hit. 

  • “What’s Next” by Drake

Debut Date: March 20, 2021

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If in 2021, you wondered what was next for Drake, he had an answer for you: more hits! “What’s Next,” the lead single for his three-track, Scary Hours 2 ep, conquered the Hot 100 immediately after its release. While the high energy track landed at No. 1, the accompanying tracks “Wants and Needs,” featuring Lil Baby and the Rick Ross-assisted “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” occupied the No. 2 and 3 spots. Drake became the first artist ever to have three singles debut in the top three positions of the Hot 100.

  • “Franchise” by Travis Scott featuring Young Thug and MIA

Debut Date: Oct. 10, 2020

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Travis Scott has been a franchise player for a while. The Cactus Jack head honcho was assisted by all stars Young Thug and MIA for “Franchise,” his third number-one debut. The hit single was at the time supposed to be the lead single for Scott’s fifth solo album, Utopia. Scott is the only artist to have three songs debut at number-one in less than a year.

  • “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion

Debut Date: Aug. 22, 2020

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What happens when two of the biggest female rappers of the moment come together? Well, when Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion connected for “WAP,” they almost broke the internet. Their bass heavy, sex-positive Balitimore club-inspired banger spent four week on top of the Billboard Hot 100. With the immediate success of “WAP,” Cardi became the first female rapper to chart a No. 1 in two decades. “WAP” was her fourth and Megan’s second chart-topping single.

  • “Trollz” by 6ix9ine & Nicki Minaj

Debut Date: June 27, 2020

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Controversy sells and the career of 6ix9ine has been proof. For his single, the infamous rapper linked up with Nicki Minaj for a third time. The combination of controversy and lots of hype resulted in the tandems’ track debuting at No. 1. The track only spent four weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • “The Scotts” by Travis Scott & Kid Cudi

Debut Date: May 9, 2020

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The legend known as Kid Cudi made his first appearance on top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “The Scott’s,” the 2020 collab between him and Travis Scott. Following the huge debut of the single produced by Take A Daytrip, Dot da Genius and Plain Pat, Scott became one of only six artists in history to have multiple songs debut at No. 1.

  • “Toosie Slide” by Drake

Debut Date: April 18, 2020

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“Toosie Slide” became Drake’s third number-one debut on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as his seventh chart-topping song. The song named after social influencer, Toosie was the lead single from Drizzy’s Dark Lane Demo Tapes mixtape.

  • “Highest In The Room” by Travis Scott

Debut Date: Oct. 19, 2019

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The 2019 single brought in 59 million streams in its first week and was remixed by Lil Baby and Latin star Rosalia.

  • “This Is America” by Childish Gambino

Debut Date: May 19, 2018

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“This Is America” was the 31st song to spend its opening week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also Childish Gambino’s first chart-topping and top ten single. It went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Best Rap/Sung Performance, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Music Video. “This Is America” became the first rap song to take home the Grammy trophies for both Record and Song of the Year.

  • “Nice for What” by Drake

Debut Date: April 21, 2018

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An ode to the independent women out there, “Nice for What” contained a sample of Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor,” as well as vocals from Big Freedia. Upon its debut, it replaced “God’s Plan” in the No. 1 spot, making Drake the first artist in history to replace one No.1 debut with another No.1 debut. The hit song held down the top spot on Billboard’s single charts for eight nonconsecutive weeks.

  • “God’s Plan” by Drake

Debut Date: February 3, 2018

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Drake seemingly had a plan when it came to his 2018 album Scorpion. That plan was to rule the charts. “God’s Plan” was the first of several Scorpion singles that topped the Billboard Hot 100. The Grammy Award-winning song broke first-day streaming records on Spotify, as well as on Apple Music and became the most streamed song of 2018 for both Spotify and Apple Music.

  • “I’m The One” by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne

Debut Date: May 20, 2017

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DJ Khaled told us he had been grinding all his life. With “I’m The One,” the second single from his tenth album, Grateful, he finally reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song which has been streamed more than a billion times on Spotify also debuted in the top position on the UK Singles Chart.

  • “Not Afraid” by Eminem

Debut Date: May 22, 2010

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What hasn’t Eminem done? The megastar rapper broke several records through his lengthy career. His 2010 single was the first rap song in about 12 years to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Boi-1da-co-produced track became Em’s second certified diamond single.

  • “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill

Debut Date: November 14, 1998

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One of the G.O.A.T. female rappers, Lauryn Hill shook up the game when she released her debut solo single, “Doo Wop (That Thing).” The lead single from her debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill became the first debut single to top the Hot 100 in its opening week. The two-time Grammy Award-winning song is also the first song by a female rapper to hit No. 1.

  • “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112

Debut Date: June 14, 1997

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The first rap song to debut on top of the Billboard Hot 100 was a tribute to the late and great Notorious B.I.G. “I’ll Be Missing You” featured Biggie’s wife Faith, as well as Bad Boy crooners 112. In the US, the single spent 11 weeks at No. 1, while it also landed in the top position in 15 countries around the world. To date, the Grammy Award-winning single is one of the top-selling songs of all time.

Categories
Music

Bops That Just Dropped: ONE37pm’s New Music Round Up

Def Jam Records, Capitol Records, Atlantic Records

If you’re searching for some new music to add to your daily rotation, look no further than this week’s list of new releases. This roundup of songs and projects that have dropped within the last seven days is packed with lit new tunes that are perfect for just about any contemporary hip-hop fan’s new music playlist. From New York Drill to southern trap, there’s something for just about everyone on this list.

Bronx Drill rapper Kay Flock just dropped a new song with none other than Cardi B and it’s quickly gaining lots of traction. The track, titled “Shake It,” also features verses from Dougie B and Bory300. The high-energy club anthem with its catchy hook can easily get stuck in your head. The Bronx-bred foursome trade verses about running down on opps and turning up. It’s hard not to love Flock and Cardi’s raw energy and lyrics. This is definitely a song that can get you moving. We just had to add it to our new music playlist.

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Fredo Bang is back with a new project, 2 Face Bang 2. The sequel to 2018’s 2 Face Bang opens with the soul-baring “Street Lights,” and features collaborations with Roddy Riich, Money Man and Brooklyn Drill rapper Sleepy Hallow. Filled with raw lyrics, infectious beats and catchy hooks, the Louisiana native’s latest Def Jam release should be a hit with fans of his previous work, as well as with newfound listeners.

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After all of these years in the game, Gucci Mane remains one of the hardest working guys in hip-hop. He doesn’t let much time go by without releasing a single or two. In 2022, he dropped his YoungBoy Never Broke Again-diss, “Publicity Stunt”, the Young Dolph & Key Glock-assisted “Blood All On It” and “Rumors” with Lil Durk. This week he introduced the solo track, “Serial Killers.” Big Guwop glides over the menacing beat with his signature flow.

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There have also been new drops from the likes of Blueface & G Herbo, Trina & Latto, Quando Rondo, Duke Deuce, Yungeen Ace, NoCap, Bas & Gunna and others. If you’re in the mood for some new bops, be sure to run through this week’s collection of new releases. You shouldn’t be disappointed.

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