1060 Hip Hop Uncut

 Explore the legendary partnership between the dynamic trap duo Future and DJ Esco.  More Than a DJ: The Origin of the Freebandz Partnership Before the multi-platinum singles and global tours, the bond between Future (Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn) and DJ Esco (Jacob Dutton) was forged in the competitive, yet creatively vibrant, crucible of the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Esco’s role quickly evolved past simply spinning records. He became a curator, a confidant, an executive producer, and perhaps most crucially, a creative sounding board for Future during his prolific and often experimental recording sprees. Esco’s influence can be traced back to early tapes like True Story (2011), but it was their mid-2010s run that cemented their legendary status, coinciding with Future's transition into one of the most raw and compelling voices in trap music. This era saw Future embracing a more moody, introspective, and drug-infused style, perfectly channeled and presented by ...

Beyond the Mic: Analyzing Wiz Khalifa’s $80 Million Empire Built on Authentic Cannabis Entrepreneurship Wiz Khalifa, the multi-platinum selling rapper from Pittsburgh, has successfully transcended the music industry to become one of the most credible and profitable figures in the modern cannabis landscape. His net worth, now estimated to be significantly higher than the initial $30 million (with more recent reports putting it closer to $80 million), is a testament not just to his musical genius but to a savvy approach to brand building rooted in genuine authenticity. Wiz Khalifa’s financial powerhouse is a masterclass in diversification, centered around his proprietary strain, Khalifa Kush, and a smart collaboration with RAW Rolling Papers. He didn’t just endorse products; he became a cannabis entrepreneur, controlling the quality and narrative of the very culture he helped popularize. Khalifa Kush: The Core of the Cannabis Empire The Strain that Started It All The Khalifa ...

Photo Source 📸 @Pigeons&Planes ​BigXThaPlugg's Personal Journey: A Father's Love and a Powerful Partnership with the Autism Society ​In the world of hip-hop, authenticity and personal storytelling are a rapper's greatest assets. Yet, for Dallas-based artist BigXThaPlugg, his most powerful story isn't one of street life or chart-topping success. It's a deeply personal, heartfelt narrative about fatherhood and his mission to champion the autism community. By teaming up with the Autism Society, the rapper is using his platform to share his family's journey and shine a much-needed light on autism awareness and neurodiversity. This partnership goes beyond a simple campaign; it's a testament to a father's love and a powerful step towards creating a more inclusive and understanding world. ​The Genesis of a Movement: BigXThaPlugg and His Son's Autism Diagnosis ​For BigXThaPlugg, whose real name is Xavier Landum, the journey into ...

From N.W.A. to TDE: Ice Cube's Endorsement of Kendrick Lamar's Lyrical Legacy In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few voices command as much respect and authority as Ice Cube. As a founding member of N.W.A. and a solo artist who defined the sound of gangsta rap, Ice Cube is more than just a rapper; he is a cultural icon and a master storyteller in his own right. So when he speaks, the hip-hop community listens. In a recent interview, Ice Cube showed profound admiration for Kendrick Lamar, highlighting what he believes is the most crucial element of his artistry: a commitment to delivering powerful messages through intricate storytelling. "To me, it's a lot of artists that are out there still doing that," Ice Cube said. "It's just they're not pushed by what you call the mainstream. So it seems like they're not as loud. But then you got artists like Kendrick Lamar, who's one of the loudest, and he puts a lot of thought and symboli...

:  A Throwback to 2019: When Kendrick Lamar Covered Up a Legendary Tattoo In the world of celebrity news and fan lore, few things are as personal and symbolic as a tattoo. For an artist like Kendrick Lamar, whose every move is scrutinized for deeper meaning, a change in his body art is a moment of cultural significance. While many remember the iconic “Hustle Like You Broke 💰” tattoo on his right forearm, a significant event in 2019 marked the end of that chapter. It was then that the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper met with acclaimed Brazilian tattoo artist Davi Escobar to perform an intricate, 16-hour cover-up, transforming a piece of his past into a new work of art. This is a deep dive into the story behind that change, exploring the meaning of the original ink, the master artist who covered it, and what the transformation tells us about Kendrick's evolving journey. The Philosophy of "Hustle Like You Broke" Before we get to the cover-up, it’s important to und...

 Doja Cat's 'Vie' Album: A Return to Pop for the "Rapper Who Makes Pop Music Doja Cat's Artistic Evolution: A "Rapper Who Makes Pop Music" Doja Cat has always been an artist to defy expectations. From her viral hit "Mooo!" to the genre-bending sounds of Hot Pink and Planet Her, she has consistently blurred the lines between rap and pop. Now, with the upcoming release of her fifth studio album, Vie—French for "life"—she's once again challenging listeners' perceptions and defining her own sound on her own terms. In a recent interview, she declared herself a "rapper who makes pop music," a phrase that perfectly encapsulates her unique position in the music world. This statement is more than just a soundbite; it’s a self-aware acknowledgment of her artistic journey and a clever way to frame her new, highly anticipated project. Following the darker, more rap-heavy album, Scarlet, which didn't pe...

Cardi B's Masterclass in Marketing: The DoorDash Deal and The Rise of 'Am I the Drama?' The Business of Being Cardi B: How a DoorDash Partnership Paved the Way for 'Am I the Drama?' In an age where album rollouts are as much a part of the art as the music itself, Cardi B has once again proven she is a master of both. The release of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, 'Am I the Drama?', was a moment seven years in the making, and it arrived not with a whimper, but with a bang, courtesy of a groundbreaking and highly innovative brand deal with DoorDash. This collaboration was more than just a promotional stunt; it was a masterclass in modern marketing, a powerful demonstration of creative synergy, and a testament to Cardi's unique ability to connect with her audience in an authentic and unforgettable way. The Strategic Genius of the "Cardi Bodega" The heart of the DoorDash partnership was the creation of "The Card...

  The Return of a Queen: Cardi B's 'Am I the Drama?' Certified Platinum in a Historic 24 Hours The seven-year wait is over. On Friday, September 19, the rap world held its breath as Cardi B released her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama? The anticipation was immense, built over years of chart-topping singles and a meticulously executed, viral album rollout. But no one was prepared for what happened next. In a move that sent shockwaves through the music industry, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album platinum in less than 24 hours, a feat that cements Cardi B's status as a commercial and cultural powerhouse. This historic achievement isn't just about sales numbers; it’s a powerful statement about star power, strategic album packaging, and the changing dynamics of how music success is measured in the streaming era. The question isn't just "Am I the Drama?"—it’s how did Cardi B pull off this incred...

​ ​ In a revealing interview, rising star Ice Spice opens up about the business dealings with Nicki Minaj, why she didn't sign to Nicki's Heavy On It record label, and the lasting respect she has for the rap icon despite their rumored fallout. ​From Co-Signs to Complications: Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj's Business & Musical Relationship ​The dynamic between established artists and rising stars in the music industry is often a complex one, fraught with creative synergies and challenging business negotiations. The relationship between Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, two of the most talked-about female rappers in recent years, provides a perfect case study. What began as a high-profile co-sign and successful collaborations on tracks like “Princess Diana (Remix)” and “Barbie World,” took a turn when reports surfaced of a potential business deal that never came to fruition. Ice Spice has since shed light on the situation, clearing up misconceptions and expressing her...

Cassper Nyovest, also known as Refiloe Maele Phoolo, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most successful musicians in South Africa, with numerous awards and critically acclaimed albums under his belt. However, there is a growing sentiment in the South African music community that Cassper Nyovest is a culture vulture, someone who appropriates elements of different cultures for his own gain without proper understanding or respect for their origins. One of the most common criticisms of Cassper Nyovest's alleged cultural appropriation is his use of traditional African attire and symbolism in his music videos and performances. Many South Africans argue that he is exploiting these elements without paying proper homage to the cultures they come from. In addition, many feel that he only uses these elements when it suits him financially or artistically, without actually caring about the cultures behind them. For example, in his m...

Across fashion, sneakers, music, and more, we have hip-hop to thank for shaping the culture. From its humble beginnings on the streets of New York This year 2023, Hip Hop turns 50. Coincidentally, so does Timberland's Classic Yellow Boot that every hip hop head fantasizes about, a piece of footwear that forged an everlasting bond with hip-hop, becoming just as synonymous with it as the city that birthed it...New York In celebration of the shared history between the genre that gave us Pac, Biggie, Busta Rhymes, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg Nas, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar and the world-famous "Wheat" 6-inch boot, Timberland looks to deliver a special-edition iteration boot dubbed 'Hip Hop Royalty.' Serving as one of several installments in an upcoming program of releases with some well respected designers across the industry, the upcoming style is unlike anything ever seen on the 6-inch. First and foremost – the color. Switching out...

A new AI-generated song using a Kendrick Lamar voice filter has Young Guru concerned. The legendary producer shared a viral video clip of a man making use of an AI-generated Kendrick Lamar voice filter to create a song that's quite spot on replica of the Compton rapper's voiceThe quick momentum advances in AI have dominated the news recently as of late, with ChatGPT, Bing, and other AI tech giants making the news.Recently ,  Spotify rolled out  a new AI-powered listening guide called DJ that it hopes will entice users. Young Guru says that while the advances were anticipated, the rate at which things are moving means it's time to start regulating AI before it gets out of hand....But the million dollar question remains ⚛️Can AI get regulated? "This has dominated my Howard group chat for a couple days," Young Guru wrote on IG. "Ok I’m at the point where I can voice my concerns with our current state of AI. I have followed as many versions of wha...

If you download or stream from pirate sites, think twice. Online piracy puts a strain on emerging artists as much as established artists who have already made their mark, but the relative damage could be worse than estimated.The impact of piracy on established artists is often cited because it’s easier to put a number to it.  Keith Kupferschmid, CEO of the Copyright Alliance, states: “Piracy arguably hurts independent creators who are struggling to make it – including photographers, film producers, musicians, and app developers  more than it harms established artists. Independent creators are striving to earn a livelihood and make a career.  When they are pirated they lose essential income, they lose confidence, and the lost income prevents them from re-investing in their creative work.”  Kimberly James, President of indie label CBM Records, says within two hours of releasing music she has found it illegally downloaded on hundreds ...

J. Cole – The Off-Season Released: May 14, 2021 Label: Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope Records Guest Artists: 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Morray, Bas, 6LACK, Diddy, Cam’ron, Lil Jon, Damian Lillard, TS Rose Producers: self, Timbaland, Boi-1da, T-Minus, Jake One, Tae Beast, DJ Dahi, Frank Dukes, Wu10, Maneesh, Sucuki, DrtWrk, Don Mills, Mario Luciano, Coleman Rick Ross -Richer than I ever been Label: Maybach Epic Guest Artists: Still confirming them from our sources Producers: AraabMuzik Bink Black Metaphor Boi-1da Carnage Cheeze Coleman DJ Toomp Don Cannon Fuse Infamous Jahaan Sweet Jonny Shipes Lyle Leduff Nick Brongers StreetRunner Tarik Azzouz Timbaland Vinylz Nas – King’s Disease 2 Released: August 6, 2021 Label: Mass Appeal Records Guest Artists: Lauryn Hill, EPMD, Eminem, Hit-Boy, Charlie Wilson, BLXST, YG, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Don Toliver, BJ The Chicago Kid, James Fauntleroy, Garren Producers: Hit-Boy, Jansport J, Dustin James Corbett, Brian Alexander Morga...