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LOX, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe team up for “The Game”

LOX, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe team up for “The Game”

The LOX (sans Sheek Louch) as well as Fat Joe and Rick Ross brought together together for the release of a new single called “The Game,” a Mike Kuz, Buda & Grandz, and Setfree-produced single which was released in collaboration with sports betting company DraftKings as a collaboration with them. Therefore, the title track of the album is replete with bars that speak about the hard work needed to win, beginning with a powerful verse from Jadakiss about working hard.

“In the Game” includes a black-and-white clip that features action shots from current top NBA players in action accompanied by a variety of betting terms that are used when placing bets. The clip fits perfectly with the moment of the basketball league’s playoffs, a time when competition is at its peak, since the league is just entering the first stage of this season’s playoffs. The artists do not appear in any of the shows, which is unfortunate.

After decades of careers of Rick Ross in hip-hop, it is amazing to see how all parties have managed to remain relevant in the industry after decades of hard work. Living Off Xperience and Richer Than I Ever Been, the latest albums released by the LOX and Rick Ross, respectively, were released in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In the wake of the release of Fat Joe’s latest solo album, The Darkside Vol. 1, which hit land in 2010 and led to a new era of hip hop, and has continued to go from strength to strength through projects such as What Would Big Do 2021 featuring DJ Drama, Plata O Plomo featuring Remy Ma, and Family Ties featuring Dre. As of yet, it is unknown whether or not there will be more to come after “The Game”.

The new “Stamina” video features Ayra Starr and Young Jonn from Tiwa Savage

The new “Stamina” video features Ayra Starr and Young Jonn from Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage was one of the artists Tiwa Savage had the pleasure of recruiting to be part of the brand new single “Stamina” she released back in March. Keeping up with the momentum created by her song, the Nigerian singer yesterday (April 12) released the accompanying music video in conjunction with the song. This visually stunning video was directed by Clarence Peters, as the track’s sensual lyrics are enhanced by the use of light, shadows, and nature in ty breathtaking visuals:

It was back in 2020 when Tiwa Savage released her third studio album, Celia, which broke records at the time with 13 songs featuring Hamzaa, Davido, Stefflon Don, Sam Smit, and more. Within a year of the release of her debut EP, Water & Garri, she was able to collect a number of guest verses from such artists as Brandy, Rich King, Nas, Amaarae, and Tay Iwar. In addition to her own original music, the “Koroba” singer can also be heard on a number of recent tracks, such as “Hold Me” featuring Dice Ailes, “Fan” featuring Blaq Jerzee, “Who Is Your Guy? (Remix)” featuring Spyro, and more.

As of 2021, Ayra Starr has only released one full-length album, 19 & Dangerous, with contributions from Fousheé and CKay. It is anticipated that upon the release of the album, she will upgrade the project by adding five additional tracks and by enlisting the contributions of Lojay, Kayykilo, Kelly Rowland, and more. Jonn has continued to maintain relationships with his fans through the release of his 2022 EP, Love Is Not Enough, Vol 2.

The new video for “Gangsta’s Paradise” features Tink leading a heist

The new video for “Gangsta’s Paradise” features Tink leading a heist

With Thanks 4 Nothing, Tink’s first album in over a year, Tink returned in February with a 14-track body of work featuring features from Yung Bleu and Ty Dolla $ign. There was no shortage of excitement over the weekend when the Illinois-born singer released his video for the song “Gangsta’s Paradise” from his upcoming album. Throughout the new video directed by Josh Jones, Tink makes an attempt to pull off a robbery before the situation eventually takes an unexpected turn that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This song was written by Hitmaka over an instrumental by her that refers to her as a ride-or-die type of person:

There was an album released in 2022 that preceded Thanks 4 Nothing, Pillow Talk, which contained 16 songs and featured appearances by Russ, Fabolous, Toosii, Muni Long, Layton Greene, and others. Besides the songs she has released for herself, the artist can also be heard on some of her most recent collaboration projects; including “Somebody” with Vedo, “Whatever” with Babyface, “I’m Tryin” with Eric Bellinger, and more.

As Tink mentioned in a previous interview, she will be taking a different approach for the next body of work they will create. “I must take some time out of my busy schedule to just center myself and to do a lot of living. It’s time for me to take another direction and say something new on the next album that I’ll be releasing. It is necessary for me to experience more life. As a writer, I find that everything I write comes from a very personal place. Every time I write, I’m trying to convey the story of someone who might be struggling or trying to convey my own story,” she explained to me.

Smino performs a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick”

Smino performs a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick”

There was a time back in October of 2022 when Smino unveiled his album Luv 4 Rent. There was a number of features across this body of work, including those from Lil Uzi Vert, J. Cole, Fatman Scoop, Doechii, Lucky Daye, Phoelix, Ravyn Lenae, Kal Banx, as well as many others across the 15 tracks. There were several well-received singles prior to the release of the album, including the singles “Louphoria,” “Matinee,” and “Modennaminute.”

As of yesterday (April 10), the Missouri-born artist took the time to release a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick” that appears on the album. I believe that the newly released offering follows closely on the heels of his bar-heavy “Wyoming (Freestyle)” single which was released earlier this month. On “Ole A** Kendrick,” the rapper spits some bars about how K Dot played a huge part in capturing some of his most memorable moments.

It has been reported previously that Smino has spent the past several months out on the road with Dreamville mainstay JID as part of their joint tour dubbed “Luv Is 4Ever Tour.” Taking place in Seattle, Washington from January 22 until March 29, the tour began in Seattle on January 22 and ended in Nashville on March 29. In addition to being honored with his very own Smino Day in St. Louis, the singer has also been honored with a very own Smino Day that will be celebrated in that city every year on December 18 in honor of the singer.

A new visual for “This Is New York” has been released by Scar Lip

A new visual for “This Is New York” has been released by Scar Lip

Scar Lip will not be playing games with her city when it comes to what she wants. On the first of February, the Bronx-born, Brooklyn-raised emcee just released a new single entitled “This Is New York,” one of his most aggressive efforts that he drew inspiration from the late legend DMX. It is for this reason that Scar Lip was able to take advantage of the booming production in order to send a harsh message both to tourists and paralyzed residents.

“That’s New York” offers a vibrant visual accompaniment courtesy of WhoTheWizz that complements the track perfectly. As viewers watch the documentary, they will see the rising star mobbing heavily in various parts of Harlem, such as on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and near the St. Nicholas Houses. Overall, Scar Lip’s music is a mixture of raw energy and gangsta rap, so it’s reminiscent of what was heard during the late ’90s and early ’00s among gangsta rappers.

She revealed in a recent interview with No Jumper (above) that the name Scar Lip was given due to a tragic event.

“On the day of my aunt’s visit, I was going to a football game with my friends, and she was basically telling me to get home at a certain time so that we could meet. It is our policy not to allow you access if you are not at home.” She began. “Although it was supposed to be my responsibility to arrive back earlier than the time I was suppose to arrive back. They responded by acting as if they were not home when I requested that they open the door.”

As soon as she was turned away, an older brother accosted her and demanded money from her. As a result of several refusals, physical contact was required. “After he punched me, I fell backward and began to see stars, then I passed out. It was in the street that I awoke. My mouth bled, blood was everywhere.”