In the autumn of 2007, Soulja Boy, a then-unknown rapper, catapulted to fame with his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” The track not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks but also defined an era of hip-hop. After a decade and a half, the hip-hop sensation contemplates the potential impact of the track if released in the age of social media.
A Journey Back in Time
“This was before streaming, really,” Soulja recalled. “This was still in iTunes and ringtones. I would have went more viral right now than I did back then.”
Soulja Boy reminisces about the pre-streaming era when his career began. The world was still revolving around iTunes and ringtones, a stark contrast to today’s streaming-oriented music industry. The Chicago-born artist believes that “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” would have garnered more popularity in the current digital age.
The Potential of “Crank That” in 2023
“Imagine if I had TikTok! What the fuck?” he said. “You know how many people would have been doing the ‘Crank That’ dance?”
With a hint of regret, Soulja Boy speculates on the colossal impact “Crank That” could have had in 2023, with the advent of TikTok and other social media platforms. The viral dance challenge trend would have undoubtedly propelled his song to stratospheric heights, he muses.
Soulja Boy: The Unsung Hero of Modern Hip Hop
“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop,” Soulja wrote. “But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time.”
Soulja Boy asserts that he pioneered the evolution of hip-hop in the digital age, despite initial criticism. He remained undeterred and continued to vlog his career, upload music online, and engage with his fans live – practices that are now standard in the industry.
A Legacy Unmatched
“Now everyone vlogs their career like me,” he said. “Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not.”
Soulja Boy’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. His early adoption of the internet and streaming platforms paved the way for the current generation of artists. Whether he’s given credit for it or not, his legacy remains unmatched.
The 2023 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards will present Dr. Dre with the inaugural Hip Hop Icon Award.
This prestigious accolade acknowledges ASCAP members who have impacted hip-hop culture by inspiring and influencing fellow music creators.
ASCAP’s chairman and president, Paul Williams, praised Dr. Dre for his early contributions to shaping the foundation of hip-hop and for his role in transforming the culture surrounding the genre as a successful entrepreneur and advocate for today’s top artists.
On the 22nd of June, the birth of hip-hop will be commemorated with a grand celebration. This milestone event will be graced by two renowned DJs, Kid Capri, and DJ Drama. With their exceptional musical skills, they are sure to set the perfect tone for this historic occasion. Dr. Dre’s fans are not surprised by this achievement, given his track record of producing hits for renowned artists like JAY-Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar.
Dr. Dre won his first Emmy in 2022 for his Super Bowl halftime performance and the ASCAP Founders Award in 2010.
There are no guarantees in life except for death and taxes. The world of hip-hop is brutal, unforgiving, cutthroat, mentally taxing, and all business. New York is the birth of hip-hop, and legends such as LL Cool J, Eric B & Rakim, Wu-Tang, Big Daddy Kane are just a few of NYC living rap legends. New York is the most challenging place in the world for rising indie artists to gain notoriety and access to the golden keys in the rap game. Most artists burnout and quit within 24 months due to the high expectations, human roadblocks, financial scams, and miseducation of the rules.
Jason King, aka Timelesz A.K.A Boogs born and raised in Nyack, New York, surrounded by musicians and the influence of hip-hop. By the tender age of 12, Jason was already citing his rap idols’ lyrics and converting his thoughts into words. Jason possesses the rare trait of transferring his most profound pain, emotions, lust, love, & faith into timeless music poems. Jason’s closest friends, family, and general public co-signed his rap skillset, which fueled his passion for pursuing the music business full-time.
Jason worked around the clock and made smart investments to raise capital for his entertainment company. The first commercial release was “Hood Love,” which paid homage to his childhood roots, New York, and family. The track is soul music infused up-tempo record smothered with authentic hip-hop flava. “Hood Love” is the perfect track for a “family cookout,” barbershop, and ride out Sunday music in your favorite drop-top convertible. “Hood Love” received a warm reception via Spotify within only 30 days. Spotify listeners from multiple countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, are streaming “Hood love” in heavy rotation. The track has generated over 18,000 Spotify plays in less than 90 days.
“Hood Love” is currently receiving radio airplay in 5 different radio markets, including New York. DJs, radio personalities, social media influencers, and music executives have endorsed the record. Jason King’s bloodline is influenced heavily via music, and his sound is the light in a dark world. His lyrics invoke hope, strength, ambition, pain, struggle, and triumph in each verse. When you listen to his track “Hood Love,” it takes your mind to a place of serenity and, most importantly, realness. Jason King Timelesz A.K.A Boogs is the New Wave of Millennial Hip Hop Music.
Eminem’s single titled “Zeus” resulted in a small feud with Snoop Dogg. It is believed by the Detroit rapper’s affiliate KXNG Crooked that this feud can turn into the “most polarizing beef ever in hip hop.” In January 3rd, he even uploaded a video on YouTube where he spoke about the implications of the feud, if taken seriously.
This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards were seamless, as they celebrated the genre’s biggest heavy-hitters. While there were some changes because of COVID-19, viewers could still enjoy virtual performances by Lil Wayne,
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