Hip Hop Weekly Magazine

Next To Blow: Casino, The Powerhouse CEO of the Popular Music Label Talks Freebandz -See pg.59

Meek Mill Is Fighting The Criminal Justice System In More Ways Than One Read more page 26

Rap Snacks

Behind The Beats

James Lindsay, Behind The Flavor

With Producer Nonstop Da Hitman

VH1’s Love And Hip Hop

Tone Trump

Amara La Negra Talks Crossover Appeal

Soundcheck:

Asian Doll & Tokyo Jetz Get Us Up To Date

Talks American Hustler Project

Who Is Bhad Bhabie?

Don’t Call Her The Cash Me Ouuside Girl VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 • JULY 1, 2018

HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM 1 HIP HOP WEEKLY

COVERING THE ENTIRE HIP HOP CULTURE

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 HIP HOP WEEKLY THINK TANK

The streets is watching and I’m on the front line. Stepping into this role is no different than my past roles in the music industry. In my head, different duties, same outcome. I try to keep a thread of relativity in everything that I do. My goal has always been to help push the entire Hip Hop culture forward. I come from a promoters past; I started in radio and street promotions as apart of the Ruff Ryders movement in the southern region back in the early 00’s. So, I’m used to grassroots–organization and structure sit well with me.

You’re a part of the rebirth, renewal, and revival of Hip Hop Weekly Magazine just by reading this, and I thank you for it.

First off… I’m not here to dis other magazines or sites but what we are not, is a struggle blog or gossip magazine. Now under completely new ownership and transcendent leadership Hip Hop Weekly Magazine’s round table is consequential; filled with brilliant minds and elite think tankers with many diverse chairs pulled up and actively challenging what we consist of as real Hip Hop today.

I believe real Hip Hop is as real as all Hip Hop. New school, old school, internet kids, mumble rap, trap rap, Atlanta rap; it’s all Hip Hop. Hip Hop is a culture not a genre, kiddos. The best part is, I plan on covering it all, every lane and every sub culture of Hip Hop. Providing you, our dedicated readers, with the latest and greatest Hip Hop happenings in news, music, television, film, fashion and sports.

Now your listening preference, just like mine, is subjective–respectfully speaking. But as you’ll see from our stories in this latest issue on Tone Trump (page 17), to street aficionado Meek Mill and what he’s doing to fight for prison sentencing reform (page 26) to checking in with Danielle Bregoli (page 66) who is now rapping under the moniker Bhad Bhabie and uncovering the truth with our Trae Tha Truth (page 44) feature. We clearly embrace the aspect of our beloved Hip Hop being fully entertaining and informative.

That is just a little bit of what’s all up in Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, get into it and peel back the pages. I’m here to help bring voices to content that’s at the forefront of the music industry via our bi weekly publication and hiphopweekly.com Let us know what you think of this issue and more. Ask me anything. Email me at KimSoMajor@hiphopweekly. com.

Love you Hip Hop.

KimSoMajor Editor-In-Chief

Publisher CBJ Investments LLC Editor-In-Chief KimSoMajor Art Director Alex Mooney

Senior Photo Editor Briana Crudup Contributing Columnists A.D. Adams Arianna “Aria J.” Goolsby Briana Crudup DJ Waffles Kevin Keise Krystal Ketcham Martie Bowser Selena Williams Stockton Thasian Jordan Valerie Victor Zel Crudup Richard Ibeh Durell Westbrook Contributing Photographers B.Corder Darrin Clifton EZ Access Gregory Brown KimSoMajor Michael Anthony Sway Rodriguez Shortstop Phodeos Zaccheus Johnson Allied Integrated Marketing Clearly Focused Media Works Photography Atlantic Records Associated Press Fox Getty Netflix Sony Pictures Editorial/Photo Requests and Submissions: Info@HipHopWeekly.com Subscription Management CEO: Clarence Bradley COO: Theodore Travis CCO: Cara Atchison CBO: KimSoMajor Publicist: Arianna “Aria J.”Goolsby

2

Newsstand Distribution CJB Investments LLC 9663 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. 526 Los Angeles, CA 90210 HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

COVERING THE ENTIRE HIP HOP CULTURE

14 LIFESTYLE

29 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

44 MUSIC FEATURE

50 WRITER’S BLOCK

56 MASTERING SESSION

66 BHAD BHABIE EXCLUSIVE

Rap Snacks: Feeding Your Stomach and Intellect Since 1994

Masspike Miles Talks Sober, Inkkwell And More!

Amara La Negra Love and Hip Hop

Bridget Kelly Breaks Down Key Tracks From Reality Bites

Trae Tha Truth Exclusive Q&A Interview

Who is Bhad Bhabie?

IN EVERY ISSUE Shot Callers Word on the Street

6 10

Style 20 Red Carpet

24

TV & Film

32

Net Chicks

41

Twit Hop

42

Web Watch

43

Next to Blow

59

IndieGrind 60

Cover photo by Gregory Brown

ON THE COVER

While everyone is celebrating Meek Mill’s, recent prison release, the question still remains: Are we really free? The answer is of course not. Celebrate Meek Mill’s Freedom, But Continue Advocacy For Equality and Policy Change. See page 26.

3 HIP HOP WEEKLY

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

5 HIP HOP WEEKLY

SHOT CALLERS

Dear White People - Vol.2

Original Netflix Series Red Carpet Premiere & After party in LA. (Photos: Netflix)

Roomies! Nia Jervier & Logan Browning celebrate the new season

Selfie Moment! Jemar Michael & Antoinette Robertson snap it UP

Special Guest! Actors Yaya, Lena Waithe & Antoinette Smith enjoy the event

Class in Session! Executive Producers Yvette Lee Browser & show Creator Justin Simien all smiles

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

SHOT CALLERS

The Cast! Welcome back to Winchester

Glammed Up! Antoinette Robertson, Logan Browning & Ashley Blaine Featherson looking fab

Having A Blast! DeRon Horton & Johanna Middleton cozy cast mates 7 HIP HOP WEEKLY

SHOT CALLERS

Universal Pictures Presents a Special Screening of Breaking In at the Arclight Hollywood in Los Angeles

Photos: ABImages

Heroine! Gabrielle Union embodies her role in the movie Breaking In

Triple Threat! Actor Jason George to the rescue

Beautylicious! Ajiona Alexus shines in stripes on the red carpet

Young Killmonger! 10 year old Seth Carr is excited to have another hit movie under his belt

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

SHOT CALLERS

Success! Producer Will Packer & gorgeous wife Heather Hayslett celebrate

Power Couple! Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade pose together at the Breaking In after-party

Hey Essence! Essence Atkins showing support of longtime friends and fellow actors 9 HIP HOP WEEKLY

WORD ON THE STREET OPENER

SNOOP DOGG AND OTHERS CALL OUT KANYE WEST IN A POST ON INSTAGRAM!!

Snoop Dogg took to the instagram streets and dropped a bomb with his post about dear old Mr. West. Snoop has been very vocal on his disappointment with Kanye West and the “sunken place” actions as of late. The tipping point came when Kanye recently took to social media wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. The hip hop community was up in arms and had a lot to say, but Snoop certainly didn’t hold any punches. Snoop Dogg has remained critical of Kanye West showing support for Donald Trump, mocking him in multiple Instagram posts, including a fake tweet from former President George W. Bush saying “Kanye West does not care about black people.”

Daz Dillinger, a cousin of legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, issued a “Crip alert” for gang members in an Instagram video.

“We are in one boat and they’re killing all of us. He jumps over there and says ‘Master, I’m [on] your side,’” he said about West in the now-deleted clip, TMZ reported. “I’m with you master Trump.

Burn all these n------.”

10HIP HIPHOP HOPWEEKLY WEEKLY | |July June 2018 10 1, 1, 2018 |

“Yo national alert, all the Crips out there, y’all f--- Kanye up,” Dillinger continued, referring to the infamous Crips gang in California. “Better not ever see you in concert; better not ever see you around the LBC; better not ever see you around California.”

The rapper went on to mention the city where West lives, saying: “Stay in Calabasas, ya hear me? ‘Cuz we got a Crip alert for Kanye … All the Crips out there — you see him, bang on his ass, f--- his a-up.” The backlash shortly followed with numerous people expressing concern about the rapper ordering violent gang members to attack West.

Dillinger reportedly wrote other messages directed at West throughout the weekend.

Other rappers also weighed in on the topic, according to Page Six. “What the f--is going on,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram.

HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

“Daz Told the crips to f--- Kanye up…Crips Vs Kardashian’s…get the strap.”

Snoop Dogg’s cousin responded to backlash on Monday, posting on Instagram: “FREEDOM OF SPEECH FUC KANYE THIS CRIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP THE REVOLUTION IS ON NOW.” Late Monday evening he also posted another video, captioned: “Stick and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt me.” Dillinger is a wellknown rap artist who is still releasing music together with his cousin Snoop Dogg. bit.ly/2ka1yrJ

WORD ON THE STREET NEWS

MISSISSIPPI RAPPER LIL LONNIE SHOT AND KILLED 22 year old Lil Lonnie, whose born name is Lonnie Montrel Taylor, was fatally shot in his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi while driving his SUV. There was a female passenger in the car who luckily was not injured from the multiple shots into the vehicle nor the following crash that occurred into a nearby home during the mayhem. According to the Jackson Police Department, the motive behind the shooting is unclear, and no suspects have yet to be identified.

The emerging rapper first garnered a buzz in 2015, with his single “Colors”.

Lil Lonnie was also known for, “Special” featuring K Camp, a single that has gained over 2.4 Million views to date. Lonnie, who says he was inspired

by Baton Rouge rapper Lil Boosie, was already taking care of his father and his four siblings financially after losing his mother at a very young age. Lonnie said in a 2017 interview with ThisIs50.com, “I want to be the next icon people look up to. I want to motivate others around from where I’m from because not too many get the recognition I do, and I just want to bring that impact to where I’m from and help people out,” he said. “I’m willing to open the door to everybody.”

We send our condolences to the family and friends of Lil Lonnie, RIP.

“I want to motivate others around from where I’m from because not too many get the recognition I do, and I just want to bring that impact to where I’m from, and help people out.”

Big Sean & DJ Mustard sign on for The Remy Martin Producers Series...Singer Jacquees detained at Milwaukee airport, cited for disorderly conduct...DJ Khaled inks partnership with ProSupps Energy Drink Company...Whitney Houston Documentary alleges the singer was sexually abused as a child...

11 HIP HOP WEEKLY

WORD ON THE STREET NEWS

CARDI B AND NICKI MINAJ SQUASHED THEIR BEEF AT THIS YEAR’S “MET GALA”!!

During an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, the two female rappers were seen chatting, and not only that, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B even posed for some pictures together that of course went viral.

According to an Interview Nicki Minaj did with Apple Music’s Beats One, Nicki wasn’t happy with how she was painted out to be “the bad guy,” and subsequently was never shown any type of appreciation from Cardi for the “Motorsport” song collaboration. “She just never had anything nice to say about me,” said Nicki. “When Quavo asked if she could be on the song, I said let’s do it.”

Well there are always two sides to a story. As Cardi B’s career took off, almost everyone in the industry was shouting her out, at least all but Nicki. A source says that Nicki’s lack of embracing Cardi publicly made fans paint the picture that Minaj wasn’t feeling the new rapper and Cardi B must’ve felt so too. There was obviously some type of friction as the two didn’t even shoot the Motorsport video together, yikes! In an interview with Billboard Cardi says, “It’s always like, little issues … but you know, fans are always gonna make it a big thing.”

She adds, “I think she felt a certain type of way about something.

I definitely felt a certain type of way about something... it was a misunderstanding.”

MEEK MILL AND KEVIN GATES ARE FREE, AND ONE MORE RAP STAR WILL BE NEXT TO COME HOME! Kevin Gates finally released in early January, and appreciating his quality time with family. Recently the rapper shared his first few pictures and videos of spending time with his two children, which took social media by storm. Gates writes, “Missed 4 birthdays - 2 graduations but I never complained.” The Baton Rouge rapper has been showing his wife and kids all types of affection on Instagram.

Turning his focus to police reform, Meek Mill is in the streets using his voice to make a change. With an ultimate goal to draw attention to the flaws in the United States criminal justice system, he has been focusing his press on talking about his wrongful incarceration.

He’s already speaking on Dateline NBC, Politics Nation, and even attended an event for “The Innocence Project,” and organization dedicated to freeing a number of innocent people incarcerated.

In an interview with The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1 FM, Meek says, “I sat down with the governor and we were talking about how can we change laws, and do things... If I have a platform to do this, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Meek and Gates aren’t the only two rappers that are walking free. A reliable source says Bobby Shmurda will be home January 2019. Yes Bobby is about to be free again. A close member of his camp has disclosed that they are preparing for his homecoming for early next year.

T.I. arrested after attempting to drive into his own gated community...Twitter destroys Kevin Hart for saying dark-skinned women have bad credit...Wale signs new deal with Warner Bro. Records... Houston Police charge 6ix9ine with misdemeanor assault of a teen...

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

WORD ON THE STREET NEWS GABRIELLE UNION OPENS UP ABOUT OVERCOMING PTSD AFTER BEING RAPED AT GUNPOINT Gabrielle Union says being diagnosed with PTSD after rape at 19 doesn’t define her whole life. “I’m here to tell you that I am a PTSD survivor, thriver, badass motherf***er,” Union says in a homemade video. “I was diagnosed with PTSD at 19 after I was raped at gunpoint — and I didn’t let it stop me. I didn’t want it to define my whole life, and it doesn’t have to. Asking for help, needing help doesn’t make you weak or less worthy of love or support or success.” She adds, “You can literally be anything you want to be. PTSD isn’t a death sentence. You don’t have to be alone or feel isolated. There are so many of us out there who are feeling with exactly what you’re dealing with and it doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t make you anything but human.”

TROY AVE SAYS HE IS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN KEEPING IT REAL Last year, the New York rapper Troy Ave came under fire from fans and even some of his rap peers like 50 Cent for hinting that he may take the witness stand in Tax Stone’s murder trial and snitch. Now we all know that snitching is frown upon in hip hop culture and in the streets it’s even a more serious offense, regardless if your snitching on your friend or enemy. Troy Ave is now saying he is done keeping it real because he is facing 20-40 years in prison just because he has been loyal to the street and he hasn’t gotten anything in return but heartaches. “I Got arrested, Stayed in jail to “Kept it Real” ‘cause I believed In “The Streets,” Troy Ave wrote. “#StreetsSay: Ya friends/homies “suppose to” “handle business & put in work” while u down!? #StreetsSay: If u all get pulled over ya homies “suppose to” take the charge 4 u cause the “money earner / provider” so business can continue. Streets lied, this was myth, when the pressure was on, I’m the only one who performed, all the homies & friends where out for they self, saying things like, I got kids, I can’t go to jail.” “I’m fighting for My freedom because of a “HATER , STALKER or the “cooler new word” a TROLL” it’s all the same and it’s all fake!” he continues. Troy Ave says he already spends $2 million on his case and it could cost him a lot more as well as his freedom.

SINGER JANELLE MONAE SAYS PANSEXUAL IS NOT THE SAME AS BISEXUAL Janelle Monáe comes out as pansexual (and it’s not the same as bisexual) “Being a queer black woman in America ... someone who has been in relationships with both men and women — I consider myself to be a free-(love proponent)” she told the Guardian Magazine. “But then later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about who I am.” Monáe, who has long since kept her sexuality under wraps, hat she felt “sexually liberated” following the release of her Make Me Feel music video, which many were quick to dub a bisexual anthem. While celebrities may be bringing media attention to pansexuality, the concept is not new, GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, told USA TODAY in 2016 after Miley Cyrus came out.

BILL COSBY FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN RETRIAL While Philly gained back one native with the recent release of rapper, Meek Mill. It looks like they could lose another pretty soon. Everyone’s favorite TV dad, Bill Cosby was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The 14 hour deliberation stemmed from the retrial of Cosby’s criminal case in 2015. The original case contained more than 60 women filing allegations of sexual misconduct against “America’s Dad”, some of them dating as far back as 1980. Cosby’s new sentence come with a maximum of 30 years in prison. More bad news for Cosby, now Yale University has revoked an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby more than a decade ago, joining more than two dozen other institutions that previously honored the comedian known as “America’s Dad.” Yale said its board of trustees voted to rescind Cosby’s 2003 honorary degree after the disgraced star’s April 26 criminal conviction, according to a statement released Tuesday.

The Ivy League university said the decision was a reflection of its commitment to “the elimination of sexual misconduct.”

KELIS REVEALS THAT NAS ALLEGEDLY ABUSED HER THROUGHOUT THEIR MARRIAGE In a new interview with Hollywood Unlocked, singer Kelis revealed for the first time publicly, that she was abused by Nas during their five-year marriage. Before alleging that Nas would instigate physical fights with her while blacked out from drinking, Kelis alluded to the abuse by saying the rapper’s infidelity was not why she chose to end the marriage. “That was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” she explained. “I didn’t file for divorce because he cheated. He had been cheating for two years, and I knew that. It was because, on top of all the other stuff, and then you’re gonna cheat? It was too much.” When asked if that meant Nas would hit her, Kelis responded, “I’ve waited nine years to say anything. I’ve never talked about this man.

Ever … Did he hit me? Mmhmm. Did I hit him back? Mmhmm. I’m not afraid to throw a punch, but I wouldn’t have started it. I’ll participate in ending it, but I wouldn’t have started it.” She considered going public about the abuse when she saw photos of Rihanna’s bruised face after Chris Brown attacked her; at the time, Kelis says she had visible injuries from Nas as well. In her interview, Kelis described Nas as being volatile for the entirety of their marriage: “He was angry, and he was dark, and he’s always been that way.”

Fan sues Cardi B and Offset after Met Gala altercation...Jada Pinkett Smith admits dating Will Smith while he was still married...

Dr. Dre loses trademark claim against Dr. Drai...Swizz Beatz announces new startup initiative for up-and-coming artists in all mediums...

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RAP SNACKS! FEEDING YOUR STOMACH AND INTELLECT SINCE 1994 Whether you know him for creating Rap Snacks, co-managing Meek Mill, securing deals with companies like PUMA, Monster and Cîroc, or partnering with “the Queen of Soul Food,” Sylvia Woods, James Lindsay is quite the entrepreneur. The Philadelphia native graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and has applied his marketing skills at every turn possible.

Lindsay has been in the consumer marketing industry for over 17 years, first working for Johnson Products, an ethnic hair company, followed by Warner-Lambert, a pharmaceutical company. After really honing his marketing skills, Lindsay finally fused his talent with his two greatest passions: food and music.

Inspired by his love for potato chips—Lindsay was the kid who often ate chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner—Rap Snacks was launched in 1994 (before many of Lindsay’s target consumers were even born). The Snacks’ early success solidified a co-marketing agreement with Universal Records, which allowed the label’s artists to be advertised on all Rap Snacks bags. Fast forward 24 years, the company has re-branded and relaunched, and is now a five-million-dollar business. Like a true entrepreneur, Lindsay remains very involved in the chip-to-bag process, from manufacturing, to creating flavors, to sending celebrities samples to approve. Flavors available in stores today have been inspired by Migos, Lil Yachty, Fetty Wap and many more. We caught up with Lindsay to talk all things rap and snacks.

The Rap Snacks Foundation’s mission is “To encourage students to become selfconfident entrepreneurs through applied knowledge and hands-on learning and to encourage critical and creative thinking, problem solving, decision-making, cooperative skills, and ownership of and responsibility for their financial futures and wellbeing.” Through successful teachings of leadership, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, BO$$-UP is certainly living up to its goals and cultivating the next generation of innovators.

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

LIFESTYLE FEATURE RAP SNACKS

Q&A WITH JAMES LINDSAY HHW: Romeo Meek sense

I’ve also had the Boosie and bags. I don’t think I’ve seen a flavor yet, which would make because you’re two Philly guys.

JAMES LINDSAY: Man, we’ve been planning Meek’s flavor for a while, we’re just making sure that when he gets out that we’ll have something, but we’re ready for him.

HHW: You’re also expanding with the roster of artists featured by the brand, but there’s a new vending machine on the way. Tell us about that.

HHW: Rap Snacks has been getting a lot of publicity as of late, but a lot of the kids don’t know that this isn’t your first time around the block with this particular product.

JAMES LINDSAY: When I started the product in 1994, as an inner-city kid in Philly, I noticed that there weren’t a lot of things that looked like me on the shelf.

HHW: I remember Rap Snacks in the early 90s, then there seemed to be a quiet period, and all of a sudden, the company made a lot of noise again.

JAMES LINDSAY: Manufacturing was a big issue for me. Years ago, I made a lot of small bags and the manufacturer wasn’t really happy about that because it’s really hard on their machines and they weren’t really making any money. I limited my manufacturing for a little while and lent my services to these artists, helping take their brand from the streets to Corporate America. While that happened, I kept my eye on the industry. The economics of it have changed, the manufacturers are more plentiful and those two factors are why you’re hearing more noise.

HHW: I had the Migos chips in Atlanta during a music festival, was that a deal you locked in before they became big?

JAMES LINDSAY: Yeah, I locked that in before they became big.

HHW: You may have a future as an A&R, you’re spotting the talent early.

JAMES LINDSAY: I’ve been part of Meek Mill’s management group for seven years. I’ve been in the studio listening to other guys and when you get in that rhythm, you can tell a hit from a miss.

VIEW!

EXCLUSIVE INTER

JAMES LINDSAY: Yeah, what I did was make a digital vending machine for The Migos and Lil Boosie, and it’s another marketing tool for the brand. It’s vending and music and it just makes sense.

HHW: Social media has played a big role in spreading the word about Rap Snacks.

JAMES LINDSAY: And it’s been all organic, which tells me that people have genuine love for the brand. I posted a letter from a customer who went to the store and had never seen the chips before, but it made him feel so good. He felt good to go in the store and see someone who looks like him. It’s a God-given opportunity for me to break the ground, not only for my team, but for others who come behind me.

The success of Rap Snacks can be attributed to far more than the chips alone. Through its foundation, Rap Snacks has launched the BO$$-UP initiative.

Driven by a strong sense of entrepreneurship, BO$$-UP is a pioneering after school and summer development program that emphasizes business and financial literacy, with a special focus on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and how they enhance the entrepreneur.

Through this initiative, participants are taught professional and entrepreneurial skills in the context of building a business.

Students learn economic principles, management theories, marketing concepts, product development plans, distribution strategies, sale tactics and the role of law in business. At the end of the program, students are able to zealously demonstrate everything they’ve learned while competing for startup funds through a series of competitions at local, regional and national levels.

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HHW GETS THE LATEST WORD ON HOOK-UPS AND RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CELEBRITY WORLD

BLAC CHYNA &

YBN ALMIGHTY JAY

DATING!

Blac Chyna’s got a new love in a younger man.

The 30 year old reality star was surprised on her birthday when her boyfriend YBN Almighty Jay, 18, who showed up at the nail shop bearing gigantic balloons and bouquet of white flowers.

YFN LUCCI & REGINAE ARE

BOO’D UP!

TARAJI SAYS

YES!

Reginae Carter & YFN Lucci are dating and happy as ever despite social media’s backlash of Lucci being 8yrs her senior.

The cute couple has no problem displaying pda and ever since April we’ve seen a slew of social media post from both confirming their recent bond. Reginae shared a photo of her and Lucci on her Insta with the caption “boo’d up.”

Taraji P. Henson & and former Colts player, Kelvin Hayden are engaged. This past Mother’s Day she captioned in an Instagram post of a photo showing two hands together that read “I said yes y’all!!!” — as well as an engagement ring. The actress is thrilled and said she almost passed out during the proposal.

COUPLES 911

HHW GETS THE LATEST WORD ON DRAMA AND BREAK-UPS IN THE CELEBRITY WORLD

MAC AND ARIANA

ARE OVER!

Ariana Grande and Mac Miller amicably split but reportedly will still remain friends, despite unfollowing each other on Instagram.

The Pittsburgh rapper and power house singer decided to go their separate ways as their busy schedules became too much for the pair to continue as a couple.

TRISTAN THOMPSON

MADE A MISTAKE!!

Fans think Khloe Kardashian has forgiven Tristan Thompson and taken him out the dog house thanks to a tweet she recently posted “You will never ever regret being kind to someone.” This is following videos surfacing in April that Tristan Thompson allegedly cheated on Khloé Kardashian while she was pregnant, many fans wondered whether the couple would stay together.

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

21 SAVAGE

CALLS OUT

HIS EX!

Amber Rose and 21 Savage called it quits but Amber is having a change of heart pouring it all out on, you guessed it Instagram, saying he will always be the love of her life and she hopes they can work it out. Well 21 had his own post to share.. “You cross me once it’s f*#% you for life,” ouch!

[ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ]

Tone Trump Talks American Hustler Project with HHW

by Darrin Clifton

I

f you live west of the Mississippi, chances are you’ve never heard Tone Trump’s music. However, west of the Mississippi or not, with social media being all the rage and YouTube an app click away, if you don’t know Tone Trump you’re sleep. Need proof? Go to any internet search engine and simply type: Greatest Hustler Alive and see who pops up first. Worldstar videos with over 3 million views, national magazine features, major motion picture and television cameos (2015’s Creed and Law and Order) and cosigns from Hip Hop heavyweights Young Jeezy to current business partner and multiGrammy award winner CeeLo Green, Tone Trump has been blessed with the career that most artists have dreamed about.

T|IG: @tonetrump - Photo credits: YouTube, Instagram, Twitter

My anticipation to meet the man who coined the hashtag #letswin has built ever since seeing him on the silver screen in 2015.

After a two-year IG/DM conversation, and a trip to New York during Grammy weekend, I sat in a Times Square restaurant, on the eve of music’s biggest night, when I’m sent a screenshot of his location. After a 30 NYC block walk, I arrived at our meeting place to find Trump in a business meeting with the aforementioned Green. We talk as if we’ve met before, shout out Instagram, and in the first 10 minutes he’s mentioned every rapper, DJ and radio station that’s got him to this point or whose movement he supports.

I’m taken aback by his humility in describing all these people and the positivity he speaks of each one. I ask him, “Where does this come from?” “I’m blessed,” says the Phillybred rapper. “I remember my Umi (mother in Arabic) would always put an extra sandwich in my lunchbox to give to someone at school.

I didn’t understand the significance of that until I got older and was in a better position to help others and bless someone.”

As CEO of his own label, Top Notch Inc. “Worldstar Tony,” a name picked-up because of constant appearances on the site, has juggled roles of label owner, business man and brand ambassador. From shoe deals, socks, beard cream and everything in between Trump has harnessed his spirit of hustling into a profitable domain. Something he’s always been capable of, but because of past immaturities something that caused him a radio ban in his own city. “With Philly radio it was like an on and off thing then it became an all the way off thing,” says Trump.

“My name was involved in a lot of street beef and my music got caught up in that for one reason or another until it became popular to not support my music. But instead of dissing DJ’s I just kept working and pushing and it was undeniable. The stations came calling, my songs are in rotation and I can get in the car and hear my music at any time. ”Currently available on all streaming sites is his latest project American Hustler. An album in which he says is his best project lyrically.

“I really took my time and wanted to make stuff clever,” he said. “I wanted to give people some vibes of that soulful hip hop. I think it’s a good project people can really enjoy.” Always in hustling mode, Trump says: “My next album is Blood Sweat and Prayers, IT’S FIRE!” With plenty of show dates on the horizon, an album with CeeLo Green in the works, Summer and Blood Sweat and Tears is scheduled for release this year, is proof the ‘Greatest Hustler Alive’ is doing exactly what he was created to do. #Letswin is more than a clever hashtag, but a way of life and for Philly’s finest whose Umi put the sandwich in his lunch box, he’s still feeding the people with knowledge, blessings and leadership.

INSHALLAH!

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

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STYLE FEATURE

Who says being conscious you can’t be stylish shop www.abesishop.com

The CEO of Freebandz is known for his style and is damn near the poster child for Iceberg but on this day Casino opted to wear his Wakanda Institute Tee by Abes

www.abesishop.com

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

#WakandaForever Yes but educate yourself beyond the film & learn about the Mutapa Empire that inspired the creation of #Wakanda

Wakanda Forever!

ABESI MANYANDO LAUNCHES ACADEMIC INSPIRED FASHION LINE byKimSoMajor Public relations guru, Abesi Manyando is pouring her marketing and artistic expertise into something she says was actually her first love to begin with, designing. For the last eight years Abesi’s agency (Abesi PR) has been home to some of our favorite artists and celebs and now the entrepreneur who cites creativity as her greatest asset is intermixing art and everything she has learned in Public Relations and Brand Development to elevate her own cultural-inspired fashion collection entitled Abesi. Her first pieces will be academic inspired tees and hoodies such as Zambia University, Zanzibar College of Architecture, Zaire Institute of Arts and the popular Wakanda Institute of Technology and Sciences that you’ve seen a few of your favorite celebs rocking.

“I wanted to really tell a story about my culture, Africa’s history and I want to make higher education cool. So many kids want to be rappers and athletes which is great but so is being a doctor, engineer, tech expert, ballerina or painter. I want to open up young people’s mind to the infinite possibilities of education and how far we can go if we follow

our dreams to be somebody as Langston Hughes once wrote. I want to do all of this while giving everyone an accurate history lesson through fashion and art.

Our first tee and hoodie was the Wakanda Institute of Tech and Sciences. The idea of Wakanda was important to me because it is a fictional country based on the region that I’m actually from. Wakanda was inspired by the Mutapa Empire which is now present day Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Angola.

There was a lot of culture fashion and customs adapted into the Black Panther film that is based from our region and I think people’s love and obsession of Wakanda is an opener for them to learn about the real life history and culture of Africa and all of its beauty. It has beautifully sparked a lot of interest about Africa but we have to go deeper and beyond that. My collection is something that a lot of people can enjoy and I hope it connects all of us through love, culture, art and history.”Abesi Manyando

Abesi Manyando is here to elevate her own cultural-inspired fashion collection entitled Abesi

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CELEB TRENDS 22

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

RIHANNA PREMIERES HER ‘SAVAGE X FENTY’ LINGERIE APPAREL!

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hat’s great about Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie apparel is that it’s for the many sizes of sexy.

Of course the line features mainstream industry standards but also curvy, big and beautiful fems short and tall can find an array of various undies, bras, lingerie, handcuffs, and sleepwear from the most basic to the most provocative. Yes handcuffs. Rihanna partnered with TechStyle Fashion Group to launch her global lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.

Rihanna stated, “We want to make people look good and feel good,” the Savage x Fenty website confirms that the Barbados-born performer has created an intimate fashion line to celebrate “all shades and shapes . . . something new and fresh that everyone can relate to and feel confident in.”

Now that we’re all inspired to let our inner thotness out thanks to Queen Rih, the true alpha and omega of savage. Let’s all remember the bra with the nipples out are more than likely meant for your private life and not really summer cookout attire.

Visit www.savagex.com for information.

And customers can enroll in a special Xtra Savage program to get VIP treatment, such as early access to new and members-only products, and free shipping.

STYLE BEAUTY

Solange Knowles,

Grammy award-winning musician, style icon, and innovator has never been afraid of taking risks with her look!

While everyone was in a rave about her show stopping Met Gala attire of a highly sculpted, latex Iris Van Herpen dress number, completed with a stunning halo piece, black du-rag and custom accessories by Brother Vellies- we were more interested in her flawless face. In an Instagram post, Make Up Artist Dana Delaney highlighted the Burt’s Bees products she exclusively used to create the singer’s ‘A Seat At The Table’ makeup look.

Delaney began by blending Goodness Glows Foundations in pecan & chestnut. Pecan blended through the center of her face and chestnut was used for a light contour on her outer face and cheekbones.

Next 100 % Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in almond was blended in the center of Solo’s face for shine control.

To create Solo’s eyes and brows, Delaney used Nourishing Eyeliner in black that was smudged right in the lash line and blended up on to the lid with Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment and she finished her lashes with Nourishing Mascara in black over individual lashes that were on the top and bottom lids. A Brunette Eyebrow Pencil was also feathered through her brows to accentuate that perfect arch.

Finishing off the look, Delaney pre-prepped Solange’s pout with a Lip Scrub and Nourishing Lip Treatment. The Eyebrow Pencil in brunette was used again but this time as a lip liner, followed by Liquid Lipstick in Niagara Nude and Sandy Seas that were mixed and patted in the center of Solange Knowles lip and lightly through cheekbones as a highlight.

GET THE LOOK Nourishing

Goodness Glows

Eyeliner

Foundation

($10 Ulta)

($14 Target)

Liquid Lipstick ($10 Burtsbees.com)

A L A G G

LAM

Mattifying Powder Foundation ($14 Walmart)

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RED CARPET

THEY SLAYED!!!

HIP HOP WEEKLY TAKES YOU ON THE RED CARPET FOR FULL FRONTAL CELEBRITY COVERAGE OF THE MET GALA 2018 IN NEW YORK

Cardi B

Rihanna

Ashley Graham

The vibrant mom-to-be looked radiant showing off her baby bump in a pearl-drenched gown and headdress by Jeremy Scott.

The Bajan beauty reigned supreme dripping in pearls and crystals wearing a Maison Margiela by John Galliano mini dress, ornate robe and beaded papal headgear.

The shapely super-model stunned in a slinky gold high slit dress by Prabal Gurung and shoulder length bob.

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

RED CARPET

Nicki Minaj The triple threat arrived in full temptress mode wearing an Oscar de La Renta gown in vibrant shades of red and maroon with oversized sleeves, a decolletes neckline and a beaded headpiece.

Janelle Monae The singer kept it classic in a custom Marc Jacobs black and white ensemble with train detailing, beaded silver head scarf and Stephen Jones hat

Kim Kardashian

The chic entrepreneur shimmered looking ethereal in her cross embroidered Versace gold dress.

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FEATURE MEEK MILL

CELEBRATE MEEK MILL’S FREEDOM, BUT CONTINUE ADVOCACY FOR EQUALITY MEEK MILL IS FREE, BUT ARE WE?

By Kevin Keise

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hile everyone is celebrating Robert Rihmeek Williams, also known as Meek Mill, recent prison release, the question still remains: Are we really free? The answer is of course not.

We, being people of color, must continue the same fight that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought, the same fight that Malcolm X fought, and the same fight the Colin Kaepernick is currently fighting. The fight of human equality in America. It has always been apparent mistreatment that people of color have endured in this country and the fact that Meek Mill is a recent victim of criminal injustice, has only strengthened the advocacy for poc around the country. The attention Meek Mill’s case has garnered, sparked a series of powerful responses that’ll help aid the elimination of a corrupted criminal system. Jay-Z, Mill’s label head of Roc Nation and one of the strongest voices in hip hop, called his arrest “unjust and heavy handed.”

T.I, an open rapper/activists and someone who helped spark Meek’s career, said this a “wrongful sentence.” What’s even more interesting is Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a NFL owner who is a part of a collective unit that’s black balling Keapernick for protesting the exact same unjust behaviors, was seen going down to visit Meek Mill and calling his arrest “wrong.”

Meek Mill, 30, first got arrested on a gun charge when he was 18. That arrest led him to being convicted on gun and drug charges in 2008. He was sentenced by Judge Genece E. Brinkely to eight months in prison

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and five years of probation. Later in 2014, Mill violated the terms of his probation by performing outside Pennsylvania and went back to prison for five months. In December 2014 he was released, but Brinkley reinstated his probation conditions, giving the influential emcee five more years under her supervision. Fast-forward three years later in August 2017, Meek was again arrest on arrested on reckless endangerment charges in New York City for popping wheelies without wearing a helmet. He was arrested on a F1 felony charge and although prosecutors decided not to press charges, Meek Mill is still fighting the case.

Why is Meek Mill getting treated like a king pin dope dealer or mass murder?

Because the Philadelphia court system, led

by Brinkley, is currently using Meek Mill as an example to display their clear abuse of judicial authority. Allegedly, Brinkley has a personal vendetta against Meek Mill. Meek’s lawyer Joe Tacopina said that once Meek declined her offer for him and Nicki Minaj to remake a Boyz II Men song and give her a shout out in it, he said “things began to go downhill in his case.”

The optimism in Meek Mill’s case is that it serves as another example of the numerous power struggles people of color face in this country. Right now, Meek Mill is the face of racial criminal injustice and that’s exactly what we needed. We have to give the Black community credit for doing our due diligence in fighting for equality and human rights.

We are giving our best effort with protests, boycotts, showing more support of Black businesses and the constant enlightening we do among each other, but now that someone

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

with the notoriety of a Meek Mill became a vivid victim of these injustices, his voice could take this fight to another level.

He said it himself in a statement, “Although I’m blessed to have the resources to fight this unjust situation, I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues.” He’s already doing a great job. For one, detectives from Quest Research and Investigations, a firm focusing on wrongful convictions began doing their research on Brinkley and comes to find out, she has a history of power abuse. Right now, they’re fighting to remove her from the case, but of course she’s flexing her powers and refuses. Also, three other cases of men who were arrested by Reginald Graham, an officer who arrested Meek, got thrown away and according to a Philadelphia public defender Bradley Bridge, “more dismissals are possible now that a judge is set to review more than 100 pending petitions for new trials connected to Graham, who has since retired from the Philadelphia police force.”

The cliché, the revolution will be televised couldn’t be more revealing then it is today.

When we see the news, it’s very common to see POC mistreated. From the various unjustified cops killing unarmed Black men, to the many prejudices Blacks face socially and the corrupted judicial system, everything is seen and with the innovation of social media, these issues are brought to the light instantly. Our side of the fight has gotten stronger thanks to the circumstances of Meek Mill and we should celebrate Meek’s immediate freedom, but continue the advocacy for equality and human rights.

FEATURE MEEK MILL

During his interview with The Breakfast Club(Power 105.1 FM) Meek Mill said Jay Z helped pay his legal fees. “Jay Z is actually responsible for some of my legal fees, which I thought was the dopest in the world because it was some millions of dollars.

I don’t even think I could have afforded it.”

Meek Mill is reportedly already working on his next album

Meek Mill and Attorney Joe Tacopina joins Al Sharpton to discuss the prison system, bail reform, Kanye West and hip hop on Politics Nation.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks Meek Mill and criminal Justice System. “He’s a young man that I met and developed a affection for over the last few years. He’s really close to a good friend of mine, he’s come to me for advice on business, he’s very intelligent, a good guy. I visited him in jail and really got to see some stuff and understand really how unfair it was. We have to do something about this criminal justice system it’s not good for America”.

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LOVE & HIP HOP

ENTERTAINMENT AMARA LA NEGRA

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

T|IG: @amaralanegraaln

MIAMI BREAKOUT STAR AMARA LA NEGRA’S CROSSOVER FROM LATIN MUSIC TO MAINSTREAM STREAM MUSIC HAS BEEN SEEMINGLY FLAWLESS. SIMILAR TO THE ENERGY OF HER HOMETOWN OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AMARA TAKES A FUN AND ENTHUSIASTIC APPROACH TO CREATING ENJOYABLE, FEEL-GOOD MUSIC.

by Krystal KetchAm

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! YOUR NEW SINGLE “INSECURE” IS A SONG DETAILING INSECURITIES WOMEN FACE IN RELATIONSHIPS BUT IT STILL GIVES OFF A DANCEHALL VIBE. Yes, because it still has a Caribbean undertone which is very important to me. One of the beautiful things I like about being able to do the crossover into the American market is being able to bring a little bit of my culture, my music, my sound, and implement it to more Americanized music so it can be ear friendly.

WHO PRODUCED “INSECURE”?

The song was produced by Theron of Rock City and Supa Dups. Priscilla Renea wrote it as well. It’s an amazing song. I heard it, the moment I heard it I knew it was a hit. I knew it was a song I wanted to sing because I love to do songs women can relate to. I said it several times, but I feel like every single person has been in a relationship and felt insecure at some point. Whether your partner makes you feel as if you’re not worthy or you feel something funky is happening.

IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING “INSECURE” DID YOU INCLUDE YOUR INPUT? I heard it and I thought it was perfect. I didn’t feel like there was anything I needed to change. There are certain songs that just call you. “Insecure” was one of those songs. I heard it and we clicked.

THE VISUAL TO “INSECURE” MAKES YOU LIKE THE RECORD THAT MUCH MORE. TELL US ABOUT THAT. We shot the video in Miami, but actually a couple of days ago I recorded the remix with DJ Kool in Atlanta. I’m so excited because I know that he is classic, he’s legendary. It’s not as Caribbean this time around. You have to stay tuned and check it out.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON? I’m working on my EP. It’s like an appetizer.

It’s like a little taste of what’s to come. I’m working on that, but as on now I’m just putting out singles and recording a lot because you never know what song is going to be chosen.

Sometimes you have to record 50 songs to pick out 12.

WILL THIS BE A CONCEPT EP? I don’t know if it will be a concept EP or maybe it will be more of a vibe. I like feel good music, music that just makes you feel good. I like music that you can hear in the shower, bathroom, and club. Sometimes it more about a vibe, not so much a strategy.

Like, it has to be a story that this happened.

Maybe I don’t have a story. Maybe I just have a groove or a vibe.

ANY PRODUCERS YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON? Well Timberland hit me up at the Global

Spin Awards about working together, and I said of course. Rico Love as well. When I go back to Miami I am suppose to work with Rico Love and Supa Dups. It’s just coming together. The point is never to stop working.

Always be doing something because you never know when and where it’s going to click.

WHAT CAN YOUR FANS LOOK FORWARD TO? I just drop the song “Insecure.” The music video is on YouTube, Spotify, Google Play, where ever you want you can find the music.

I just recorded the video to the remix of “Insecure,” which includes DJ Kool. It will be out by the end of May. I just got offered a book deal. I am working on a collection of shoes. One of my favorite projects is Girl Talk, which is a TV that I am working on. Girl Talk has no filters it’s rated R. We talk about, sex, love, relationships, and everything that you can imagine. It’s really, really dope!

Another project I really like is this doll collection. I’ve been working on this for the longest time. I feel like it’s important to not only talk about it, but be about it. I always talk about representation. I wanted to do a doll collection that had different textures of hair and shades that little girls can play with, and most importantly that are affordable.

They are going to be available for Christmas.

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ENTERTAINMENT JMBLYA PICTORIAL

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

JMBLYA 2018 – THE THREE CITY TRAVELING TEXAS FESTIVAL YOU NEVER WANT TO MISS! The sixth annual JMBLYA wrapped up with over 80,000 total festival-goers in attendance throughout the three cities of Dallas, Austin & Houston.

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ENTERTAINMENT TV

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

TOP 10

NETWORK TV SHOWS of 2018 (First Quarter) According to Thrillist Entertainment

10. HIGH MAINTENANCE (HBO) 9. THE AMERICANS (FX) 8. BASKETS (FX) 7. BILLIONS (SHOWTIME) 6. THE CHI (SHOWTIME)

MARLON! The NBC smash hit situation comedy Marlon returns Thursday nights beginning June 14th. The renewal of the second season gives much deserved shine to the great American black family. Writer, director and star Marlon Wayans is the slightly immature somewhat obnoxious yet incredibly lovable Marlon Wayans, Marlon is a family friendly scripted comedy which is “loosely” inspired by none other than the man himself. Marlon is a Part Time YouTube sensation and full time father of two.

Tapping into his classic comedic & expressive antics. The well-intended Marlon attempts adulting while co-parenting alongside the lovely Essence Atkins as Ashley Waynes. (Perhaps Regina Hall was unavailable) Though the two are divorced, a commitment to family is the power that unites the two in navigating their newly single status. The only way to do that is for each to have a proper side kick, wing man or bestie. Mom, Ashley has a wild slutty friend, Yvette played Bresha Webb and dad Marlon has the uber smart socially awkward suedo homeless permanent couch buddy Stevie played by Diallo Riddle. Precocious preteens, absurd friends and try-harder parents Marlon is sure to be a weekly promise of good natured smiles.

5. THE COUNTERPART (STARZ) 4. SILICON VALLEY (HBO) 3. BABYLON BERLIN (NETFLIX) 2. THE GOOD FIGHT (CBS ALL ACCESS) 1. ATLANTA (FX)

Photo: Boston Herald

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ENTERTAINMENT TV

Y E V R A H STEVE Hip Hop Weekly: One of the things that has impressed me most with you is that it is very hard to find family friendly programming in 2018. Is that a conscientious decision?

Steve Harvey: It is a conscientious decision because I saw what was happening in television about nine years ago, I said, you ought to just go outside of where everything is going because I saw this reality stuff coming and I saw it getting a little bit more raunchy. And I just decided when I did Family Feud that was going to be the beginning. Somebody told me one time, “Wow, Steve, it seems like everything you touch turns to gold. I said, “No. I just don’t touch everything.” That’s what I learned to do. Bishop TD Jakes taught me that. So, I started watching very carefully. I can do Family Feud... Celebrity Family Feud... I can do a daytime talk show . I can do Showtime at the Apollo... I can do Big Shots: Forever Young.... Funderdome. And I can make it work because, guess what, how many times have I heard people say, I’m so glad that I can just sit down with my family and watch something. And so that’s the niche, and I have to always remember that about me.

The second thing that sticks out about you is your sense of style, sir.

Steve Harvey: Yeah, blue cheese.

Do you dress yourself, or do you have a stylist?

Steve Harvey: I have a stylist because I have to dress up so much. But I pick out all the fabrics for my suits when I have them made. Now, I have a guy that

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

ENTERTAINMENT TV

The Apollo Theater’s Legendary Amateur Night Comes To Primetime On Fox And We Talk To Steve Harvey About Showtime At The Apollo, And More!

by Stockton goes shopping for me. He knows what I like. His name is Will Phoenix, and he buys shirts and ties for me when I don’t get the shirts made. He’s a great guy; he’s smart, and he knows how I dress. That’s how I got the nickname Blue Cheese. They call me Blue Cheese because I be dressing. Oh yeah. I know that threw a lot of you. Put it on paper: I be dressing!

Have you ever thought about going back to the big screen?

Steve Harvey: The big screen is not for me, really, to tell you the truth. All of the movies I’ve been in—five or six of them— they ask me to come play a certain role. I’ve never read for a movie. I got it figured out a long time ago; I’m a TV star. I know that. I make my money on the small screen. If you blow my face up 25-feet high, it doesn’t look good. You’ve got to keep me out of theaters. If I looked like Denzel or Will Smith or somebody pretty, you might do that for me.

But my face 25-feet tall, it’s scary.

Do you ever think I’ve got way too many jobs?

Steve Harvey: I think that all the time when I realize that my friends go play golf twice a week. They’re actually at home barbecuing in the middle of the week. I just decided that I wanted to do something exceptional, and the only thing I know is work. I’ve slowly been turning my brand into a global entrepreneur. It takes work to make dreams come true. I don’t know any other way to do it. There are a lot of days that I wish I was off, but I can’t be. But at the same time, I’m really grateful and proud of the fact that I’ve been on Family Feud 200 episodes. This is the ninth year. I’ve never missed a show. I’ve never missed an episode of television, except one episode of television back in the 90s, The Steve Harvey Show when my mom passed. Other than that, I’ve never missed a day. I’m very grateful for being healthy to be able to work.

There were talks of an original Kings of Comedy biopic floating around. Is that something that you would be interested in doing?

Steve Harvey: Yeah, in a way, but they would have to include Bernie some kind of way. It was ten years after we stopped touring that Bernie passed. We had just started talking about it, maybe doing a big reunion, but when Bernie passed, that killed it. None of us, me, Ced or DL, wants to ever do the Kings of Comedy without Bernie. That was our guy. He was our dude.

Without him, it’s just not the same

Are you part of the audition process on Showtime at the Apollo, or do you see them for the first time on stage?

Steve Harvey: Well, no, I’m not involved in picking the talent at all.

That’s the first time I see them. I may see them in the hallway and give them some words of encouragement, but that’s as far as it goes.

How has the talent evolved or changed over the years?

Steve Harvey: As far as the talent—it’s the same. Somebody is going to come out and sing a song and they nail it. Somebody is going to come out and sing a song and not understand the rules of the Apollo. For example, there are some people that you can’t do at the Apollo unless you do it exact. You can’t do Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson. They don’t allow it. You can’t do Luther Vandross and you can’t do Prince. If you don’t nail these people—they are held at such high esteem. You better be on point. If you miss a note, we know it, and you’re gone! You can’t do Mariah Carey. No one does Chaka Khan. No one! Don’t even attempt Chaka Khan. Those are the rules. They come out there, and it’s the same. It’s a tough place to play, but the talent has been pretty good this year.

You started in stand-up, but was hosting something that you’ve always wanted to do with your career?

Steve Harvey: What a lot of people don’t know is I started a comedy room in Dallas in 1988, ‘89 called Voodoo. Then I had my own comedy club that I opened in Dallas in ‘91, called Steve Harvey’s Comedy House, and I hosted it. And I learned that hosting is a specialized talent because you have to be gracious. Most people are not successful hosts because they make the show about them. It’s really about the other person. You have to be gracious when people are succeeding. Then when I became host of Showtime at the Apollo, I had so much experience bringing up acts, I became good at it.

That’s why when we went to The Kings of Comedy, we were actually struggling with the order of the show because the first year. It was just me, Ced [Cedric The Entertainer], and Bernie [Bernie Mac], and then when we added DL Hughley.

We needed to get a host, and I volunteered to host The Kings of Comedy because I knew, of the guys I probably had the better skill set and most people don’t want to host because it takes away from their length of time on the stage.

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TOP 10

ENTERTAINMENT FILM

THE DARKEST MINDS A SCI-FI, THRILLER

Imagine just for a moment that we live in a world in which teens across the globe mysteriously, & unsuspectingly develop powers. Powers so great, that the government has deemed the tenacious teens a threat to society at large. Hmm... sound vaguely familiar? Adults threaten by the tide pod generation. Dismissed as perilous.

This ironically timed movie, The Darkest Minds will be in theaters August 3, 2018. In this an adaption this fantasy flick stars the multi-talented Amandla Stenberg. The principle actress you may remember from the Hunger Games as Rue or perhaps her NAACP award, humble brag. Amanda plays Ruby the unwittingly curacious leader that rallies the teens from imprisonment.

Stenberg is joined by her Co-star Harrison Dickinson.

The Brit born lad plays Ruby’s love interest. The Darkest Minds gives comic fans a break from body hugging costumes to the trendy tattered jeans with a post apocalyptic flair. Fireballs, high intensity chase scenes and an adult or two to help along the way. The Darkest Minds follows many similar movies before it.

The standards are followed but not exceeded. Fairly predictable, hardly memorable. TDM keeps in step with no real surprises… For example what typically happens when teens are forced by faint to band together to rage against the machine of their oppressors? Adrenaline filled youths with a common goal and enemy is a stew for Love.

SUPERFLY

A ACTION CRIME THRILLER SuperFly premieres Trevor Jackson 6’2 actor director & the co-star of Grownish. Jackson plays the lead character Youngblood Priest in the 1972 remake by the same name. Our parents original Superfly was an Blaxploitation film, now dubbed a classic by all standards. Priest is a smooth talking, well dressed drug dealer. (It’s worth noting Priest’s hair is coiffed so slick, it is sure to make your favorite auntie jealous & perhaps the start of a new trend.) The delicious peach of the current 2018 version of Black hits theaters June 2018. SuperFly takes place in America’s black hub, The ATL. That’s right Atlanta, where urban life has thrived giving the culture everything from infamous trap tunes, fine food and even finer women...Is that where ass shots were invented?

I digress. Priest puts in work with the premise of everybody eats. Unfortunately for Priest not everyone is loyal or deserves to be fed. Michael J. Williams, stars as Youngbloods mentor. As with any good mentor, he helps Priest navigate the rise of an empire. Many will quickly recognize Michael J.. Williams as notorious stick up kid of the rough streets of Baltimore in HBO series The Wire. Bringing a believability to the film that feels eerily authentic. Audiences will also be treated to a cameo appearance by BiG Boi. Virtually solidifying the soundtrack that features Future of Freebandz.

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

BOX OFFICE

OF FIRST QUARTER

OF 2018 ACCORDING TO ESQUIRE

10. November 9. Isle of Dogs 8. Black Panther 7. Sweet Country 6. Paddington 2 5. The Endless 4. 24 Frames 3. Love After Love 2. You Were Never Really There 1. Annihilation

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

THE WRITE STUFF:

MATHEW KNOWLES RACISM FROM THE EYES OF A CHILD

by Thasaian Jordan

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! HHW: Mr. Knowles, a pleasure to have you here today with us to talk about your new book, Racism from the Eyes of a Child.

This is your second book, it’s number two.

Tell us a little bit more about the book.

HHW: What’s your opinion on the latest advertisements, the subtle colorism that we see on mainstream television from these various branding companies in the use of their advertisements?

Mathew Knowles: First of all, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to just talk about my book Racism from the Eyes of a Child. You know my first book DNA of Achievers, I was grateful that it was number one on Amazon, and we’re number two on Amazon and number two just says that we aren’t working hard enough. You know in the Knowles family, in the music world, we don’t accept number two. So hopefully your audience will be the one that we say in a couple of days was that final push that was needed to take it to number one.

Mathew Knowles: Well it’s interesting because it’s gone from when I was a child, and when you were a child, that we saw beauty was always presented as white. Now beauty, I wouldn’t say now I actually see no difference, I would say 10 years ago with Black folks, beauty was always portrayed as light complexion. But I do notice now two things: there’s a lot of interracial that the advertisers are using now, but finally for the first time I see beauty presented from the darkest shade of Black. I noticed that, I’ve consciously noticed that, so that’s an improvement in my opinion.

HHW: How has racism transcended in the various phases of your life from childhood, going to HBCU, progressing to corporate America, and into the entertainment industry?

Mathew Knowles: Well my book takes you through that journey. I wanted the reader to go through the journey from that day at five years old until, gosh, last year when I started writing the book. I take it through each one of those areas you just said and I tell history, research that my team did in Montgomery, Alabama. The library there to go back as far as my great-great-grandfather, Calvin Moore, who was born in 1846. I didn’t know who Calvin Moore was. I didn’t know my great-great-grandfather. I didn’t know my grandmother had twin brothers, Sidney and Gidney Moore, which explains why Beyonce has twins, these were twins. So it’s a lot that I learned about myself, and we don’t know the history, and part of racism is to erase our history and so we don’t…

HHW: What can we expect next from you with this book and any other things you’ve got going on?

Mathew Knowles: Well, you know this is my 25th year in the music industry.

HHW: Congratulations!

Mathew Knowles: To find out what I’m doing, go to mathewknowles.com and Mathew is with one ‘T.’ and it’ll tell you all about my speaking engagements. It’ll tell you all about how to talk to me on social media. I have the Knowles institute, which is an online e-learning, continuing education courses. It’ll tell you about some of my philanthropy. So I always ask people to go there and order the book. I’ll sign the book, I’ll ship it to you.

Instagram: @mrmathewknowles Twitter: @mathewknowles

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ENTERTAINMENT FILM

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

ENTERTAINMENT FILM

Actor Paula Patton Talks Being Uninhibited While Diving Into Her latest Thriller To Take Audiences On A Memorable Ride In Traffik!

by Miss Conversation Piece

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

HHW: What excites you most about this story, I know that you only want to do stories that excite you? Is that is the only thing that can get you on set?

Paula Patton: I mean if you can. That to me is true wealth is when you do what you love and what really inspires you. We all have to pay bills sometimes trust me. I have and will again probably but for now I am stepping out on faith and doing the things that I love… because I’m 42 years old and I just want to have fun!

HHW: You were involved in the production aspect of the film, what made you want to collaborate with writer/director Deon Taylor?

Paula Patton: You know what I have realized is that’s the thing, I want to have more fun. I want to enjoy my life more and I want to enjoy it with others and part of it is my work. When you get to produce you can help change that environment. How do you respect the other people, the crew and encourage them and create an environment that makes everybody excited to go to work every day. That’s really important to me. Also, it is important to me to please the audience.

I want to entertain them. I think that is my public service to help you not to think about your job, bills, and stuff for a little while. On top of that if we can give you some knowledge and open your heart and your mind a little bit then that is the real juicy good stuff.

HHW: Are you dating and do you have rules about doing sex scenes?

Paula Patton: I don’t have any rules about any of it. I mean to me I honestly just think you have to do what feels right for you and that is always changing. You don’t have to make a commitment to anything.

I could go on about that. You just have to do what’s right for you in the moment. If you’re not thinking about what everybody else thinks what happened now was right in the moment. We will see down the line in different situations.

HHW: You did your own stunts did you get hurt? Any cuts and bruises doing all this and are you scared to get hurt?

Paula Patton: I never get scared to get hurt because I think you gotta go in there with no fear and that part of it I think you just want to be scrappy. It helps me be a better actor because I actually am living it. Yea nothing too bad just some scraps and bruises but nothing too gnarly.

HHW: Give me a little tidbit about you that no one knows or only someone close to you would know.

Paula Patton: Stuff that no one knows about me…that’s so hard there’s so much, girl. I ain’t telling you! I love you but no!

HHW: Aww man! Your favorite something..

Paula Patton: What do you mean? The good stuff I got to keep to myself.

HHW: I saw you looking really good in the film and there was a sex scene, kinda…

Paula Patton: Kinda? There was! [Laughs]

39 HIP HOP WEEKLY

MUSIC LOST BOYS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! HHW CAUGHT UP WITH LOST BOYZ GROUP MEMBER PRETTY LOU TO TALK THE INFLUENCE OF THE LOST BOYZ MOVEMENT, LOSING FREAKY TAH AND MORE!

by KimSoMajor The four members of Lost Boyz – Mr. Cheeks, Freaky Tah, Pretty Lou, and DJ Spigg Nice - grew up on the hard streets of South Jamaica Queens, New York. As the first hip hop artists to sign with Uptown/Universal record label, they released back to back gold albums with the help from hit singles Renee and Music Makes Me High. During the height of their success tragedy struck, as Freaky Tah was shot execution style, shocking the world and the LB Fam with his unexpected passing. Then DJ Spigg Nice caught a bid that put him in prison for decades over a robbery charges.

HHW: Was it difficult to re-live some of your past on UNSUNG or was it more cathartic for you?

Pretty Lou: Honestly, it was therapeutic, for me anyway. Like, my wife says, I get down on March 20th, that’s Cheeks birthday and also the day Tahliq [Freaky Tah] passed. So that day is hard, it’s very hard.

Imagine one of your best friends in the world telling you after you ask him to come with you to a party at this hotel and he says ‘Nah I’m in the hood, I’m safe” that’s the last thing he said to me, “I’ll see you tomorrow at Cheeks birthday party”. And it’s already after midnight so it is tomorrow, but we were gonna have the party for Cheeks later on that day… And instead of the party (we) got word your friend at the same place you were at, just at got killed.

HHW: At that time how did you guys handle the news as a group?

Pretty Lou: We didn’t really know how to grieve. We just couldn’t believe it. Not my best friend. We had been friends, the three of us best friends for so long then Spigg just came in and completed it. We went from best friends to brothers and we lost our brother.

HHW: Losing Freaky Tah in the midst of working on your next project, and you all were so passionate about music did that motivate you to continue on in his honor?

Pretty Lou: I’m not gonna lie, it stopped being fun, it wasn’t fun no more. It was a month or two after he passed and we had to do a show and it was like the hardest thing just thinking about doing this show. I’ll never forget. We did it but it was just crazy. It felt bugged out… It was really, really hard. That voice is one of a kind. When you hear that voice you know there’s no other voice like that.

HHW: How is DJ Spigg Nice?

Pretty Lou: Yo he’s doing alright, just holding his head. He got a appeal going on so, if that works, you know, he’ll be home soon.

When Spigg come home we gon’ just rock!

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

HHW: What’s your thoughts on hip hop being the only genre of music that puts an age limit on musicians working in their later years?

Pretty Lou: Hip hop is like a big snake it keeps going and going, changing itself. The problem is hip hop keeps evolving, it’s tied so much to our culture that the culture changes. If you notice people will say “oh he’s stuck in this time or that time” but where is it that we can tie all this in together? My Son is Lou Got Cash he’s signed to DJ Self and Republic records and I explain to him all the time, when we were coming up people would say, “turn that off, that ain’t real music or that’s a fad”... So we had to make sacrifices and put in work to get hip hop where it is today. We were the first generation of hip hop.

HHW: What’s your take on hip hop today?

Pretty Lou: A lot of these kids are smart as hell. Like when Lil Yachty was talking to Joe Budden saying he was happy, like last year I was a college kid poor now look at me. I can understand that, you gotta listen to what these kids are saying also. People didn’t agree with us and what we were doing. We were rebelling, right?

HHW: What’s the biggest message you want people to get from The Lost Boyz UNSUNG episode?

Pretty Lou: Lost Boyz is more of a movement then just music.

Started by my boy Born King, it’s bigger than music. We became Lost Boyz as a teenage thing- the movement came before the music.

It wasn’t something somebody just put together and said hey let’s make music.

HHW: Who’s idea was it to do music?

Pretty Lou: It was a little bit of everybody’s’ but Cheeks really wanted to do it. Tahliq [Freaky Tah] and Cheeks was more into it.

Me, I just wanted to be famous. [Laughs] I remember telling one of my friends mothers “Yo, I don’t know how I’m gonna do it but I’m gonna be famous.”

HHW: Are you content with the impact your music has made on your legacy or are you still working on that?

Pretty Lou: Me, I can’t complain. How many people can actually say they lived their dream with their best friends like actually lived their dream out with the people they dreamt it with.

Twitter: @PrettyLouLBF

NET CHICKS MODELS OF THE WEEK

SARAH L. VARGAS Originally from Newark NJ, Sarah has worked with many of the top photographers in the industry. She is dedicated and passionate. Her positive vibes and energy adds value no matter what she does. She has been published several times, and is a brand model for Naughty by Nature. Her true beauty is skin deep. She eventually plans on starting her own business, in hopes of giving back to others.

Follow Sarah on Instagram @ sarahleevargas.

KENDRA KOUTURE Location: Muskegon,MI. Figure: 36-26-46 Ethnicity: Black/White/Indian Instagram: @kouture_world Born Kendra Lewis, Kendra Kouture, is much more than what meets the lens. Her passion, ambition, and humble open arms to others are all key factors in her success today.

Aside from freelance modeling and appearing in numerous HQ music videos with artists such as: Chief Keefe, 2 Chainz, Juicy J from Three 6 Mafia, Cash Out, and E40. SheĂ­s also made numerous magazine covers and features for magazines. Not only possessing the dedication, edge, and confident presence to be a key factor in the game, but also inspiring those that aspire the same dreams.

41 HIP HOP WEEKLY

TWIT HOP WEEKLY Twitter.com/hiphopweekly | by @6sixgvd

CARDI B

J.COLE

I wish Offset can wake up so he can take me to Macdonald’s

Angie interview coming tomorrow. We couldn’t get it up in time for today.

I take all the blame.

@iamcardib

TEN HOTTEST STREET HEATERZ

@JColeNC

BlocBoy JB feat Lil Pump “Nun Of That”

PNB ROCK @pnbrock

Ladies If i shoot my shot and you BLOCK my sh*t...and the ball accidentally roll on ya friend court... mind ya fuckin business loly

FUTURE @1future

We can walk on minks.

SUPER FLY

KANYE WEST

@kanyewest

for anyone whose tried to text or call me in the past 2 weeks I got rid of that phone so I could focus on these albums

YOUNG THUG @youngthug

Man that ni**a @ pnbrock got some good jewelry #NoCap

NICKI MINAJ

BRYSON TILLER

#GetYaLifeUgly

workin on somethin special

@NICKIMINAJ

KEVIN GATES

@iamkevingates

Drake feat Lil Baby “Yes Indeed” (Pikachu)

@brysontiller

LIL BABY @lilbaby4PF

She Held It Down So She Got A Mercedes

YoungBoy Never Broke Again feat Birdman “We Poppin”

Quando Rondo “ABG”

TaySav “Ransom”

Yella Beezy feat Lil Baby “Up One”

FBG Duck feat 21 Savage “Slide Remix”

Tee Grizzley “Too Lit”

Future feat Chance The Rapper and King Louie “My Peak”

I might of did or said things that I later on regretted - but I never apologized f*ck dat - #imHim

LIL PUMP @lilpump

The stupid ppl be the richest ppl

CHARLAMANGNE THA GOD @cthagod

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

Every time I talk about dope rappers who happen to be female I often forget to mention Kash Doll and Tokyo Jetz and I have to start remembering them because I really dig what they do.

Fetty Wap “Surfboard”

WEB WATCH CELEBRITY

POSTS & PICS Instagram Celebrity Post & Pics Here’s What We’re Liking At The HHW Office by 6sixgvd

Visit us on Instagram.com/hiphopweeklymagazine 43 HIP HOP WEEKLY

MAIN FEATURE

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH:

TRAE THA TRUTH Exclusive Q&A Interview

By DJ Waffles

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! A.B.N.’s Trae tha Truth recently sat down with HHW and discussed his latest studio project ‘Hometown Hero’. Inspired by his work through The Relief Gang and his dedicated commitment to his hometown of Houston, Texas after the devastating damages caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“With everything that happened after Harvey I kinda put my career to the side. So, my first time rapping was probably a month ago.”

Trae states “I said, I was gonna take a couple days to see what vibes I get and if I can get back focused on the music and there you have it, three days later- you have ‘Hometown Hero’.”

In addition to talking with us about his many philanthropic acts including Trae Day, a business venture with Bumpboxx, relaunching his hilarious animated series with 420TV and more. The A.B.N General also talked his role as an A&R, Hustle Gang and his current radio ban on Radio One. HHW: How did Harvey actually affect you and your loved ones in the city?

Trae Tha Truth: I had to be rescued, and just seeing the situation from there I just consistently stayed at it, trying to help people.

HHW: How does it feel as an artist to know that people actually jump to help you with a situation like that going on?

44

Trae Tha Truth: It’s always an honor. At the end of the day I don’t think it was just to help me, it was to help all people in need, definitely a good thing.

HHW: Can you tell us about the process of putting this project together?

Trae Tha Truth: I went in the studio with my engineer Watson, I actually record at Tree Sound Studios here in Atlanta. I just said I was going I’m for a few days and whatever came out my time in the studio, I was going to put out. If I could only do one song then it would’ve been one song. If it was 4 or 5 it would’ve been a EP. Once I knocked the first song out, which was “Days I Prayed” I was back to back to back. I recorded all the way up to the time I was rushing to get to airport to go home and do Harvey work.

HHW: Tell us about the song “What About US”?

Trae Tha Truth: I felt it was self-explanatory, it’ was something that had to be spoke on, said, and showed. When you could

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

paint that picture about what’s really going on in Houston and who better to tell you than one of the ones that’s on the front lines one hundred percent. a lot of people had questions and curiosity and I think I answered a lot.

HHW: Who do you really want to touch with this project?

Trae Tha Truth: This was the mindset of how I was living the last 6 to 7 months. I wasn’t focused on touching nobody, whoever embraced it or adapted to it would be a blessing. Other than that it was something I had to get off my chest.

HHW: What has been the reception of this project so far?

Trae Tha Truth: Everybody is embracing the album if you’re following me on Social Media, you’ll see I reposted Lebron when he posted it, everybody from Jermaine Dupri, Chris

Paul, Bradley Beal, Tami Roman to Shaq. Shaq spoke on it on ESPN. Everybody is embracing it in different ways, it’s amazing.

HHW: Tell us about the proclamation days you have in Houston?

Trae Tha Truth: I have two holidays now and the key to the city. It’s crazy because it was black history month and they gave me the Houston Harvey Hero Day. Then I had Trae Day which is July 22nd, and I just take care of the whole city on Trae Day. All the youth, I get their school supplies, immunizations,and backpacks.

I bring camels and all types of exotic animals, moonwalks, games, rides, and a whole bunch of entertainers to the city whether it be actors, rappers, singers, or comedians to where people can actually touch them instead of just seeing them on TV or YouTube.

Trae Tha Truth Helps Rescue Evacuees During Hurricane Harvey As Seen On FOX26 Houston

HHW: Is there something you went through that motivates you to give back to the people the way you do?

Trae Tha Truth: I think it’s something you’re birthed with. I remember many of situations when I felt like I was out there on my own and not having anyone to talk to, or turn to was stressful feeling. I always said if I was ever placed in position I would try to help people not experience what I experienced.

HHW: Tell us about your support system on Hustle Gang?

Trae Tha Truth: Hustle Gang is more like a family, it’s a different situation with me they kind of let me do my own thing and follow my lead on what I do for myself, other than that we all are hands on with different things.

T| IG: @traeabn

Rockets Gerald Green Teams Up With Houston Native Trae Tha Truth In His Houston Harvey Relief Gang Efforts

Houston Natives Trae Tha Truth and Beyonce Helping Displaced Victims Of Hurricane Harvey At The George R Brown Center Houston, TX

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MUSIC SOUNDCHECKS

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N A I AS L L O D

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

photo credit: Orbitdidit

DALLAS, TEXAS NATIVE ASIAN DOLL , AKA THE SELF PROCLAIMED “QUEEN OF THE TEENS,” IS DETERMINED TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

by KimSoMajor

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! HHW: How excited are you to be on the Bhanned In The USA Tour.

have fun and live your best life. My natural personality is like ADHD almost, I be lit.

Asian

HHW: What do you want fans to feel listening to your latest project?

Doll:

It’s been crazy. We been selling out. These kids are going crazy. We’re definitely giving then a show they can always remember. I’m excited.

HHW: Tell us about how you got on the tour with Bhad Bhabie and how the experience has been so far?

Asian Doll:

Me and Bhad Bhabie, I won’t say it like a rap friends, but I look at her like a little sister. She really like a dope little girl. When I did the “Hi Bich” Remix I murdered it so it only made sense to combine our fans and do a tour. I’m really grateful that they asked me to be apart. I’m so excited it’s been the best experience so far and we still have so many things to do.

HHW: I heard you were in your hometown of Dallas yesterday?

Asian Doll:

Yes, we sold out in Dallas, Texas. They showed so much love, it was crazy. The floor was shaking, I felt the vibration of the floor shaking. Even when I was upstairs in my green room I heard, Asian Doll, Asian Doll! It was crazy.

HHW: You’ve been putting it down for a minute now, but how do you feel about this next level?

Asian Doll:

It’s all in the plan, there’s levels that I’m just climbing up. Some people stay the same. Your going to see more of me, right now I’m just having fun. If I can give anybody advice about this I’d tell them to

Asian Doll: Yes, Doll Szn.. I feel like

everybody’s watching me right now and the spotlight is on me. I want to show them what I’m about. I been showing it but some people didn’t want to hear me and some of them did.

From beginning to end it will show that I’m very versatile, melodic, rap hard, trap all of that .

HHW: Your whole stage presence is better and your style has changed a little bit.

What’s behind that?

Asian Doll:

I always wore what I wanted to wear but, I feel like back then I was just on the go so much that I was just use to doing me. Now, I rarely have time to order 30 pair of shoes and so many outfits. My stage presence is so great now because my manager is heavy on practice.

But now, I gotta hear the beat in the studio.

I write the hook first, after I hear a beat, I’ll go and record it come back write the verse, go and record it and come back. That’s how I record.

HHW: What’s on the agenda for the summer? Festivals? After this tour, do you already have something else planned?

Asian Doll:

Overseas.. When we finish overseas I’m definitely gonna go on another tour. But I’m excited about London, Paris, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark. I never thought I would go over there. So, I’m just so excited. We do Germany too!

I’m excited about Splash Fest - Everybody’s gonna be there..Lil Uzi Vert... That’s huge, I’m a be lit.

HHW: Is there anyone that you want to work with that you haven’t worked with?

Asian Doll:

Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Future and Post Malone.

HHW: Explain when you said, you don’t want to be called next, you’re right now?

HHW: Anything else you want the people to know?

Asian Doll:

Asian Doll:

I don’t want to say I’m up next because I was up next in 2017. I’m definitely up now. You’re going to see Asian Doll so much that you going to like me and my music, you can’t resist my music; it’s hard. I’m from the streets but I’m actually telling a story. I put my own taste on it.

HHW: What’s your creative process like?

Achieve your dream, If you got a dream out there please go chase it and go get that bag, because I went and got it and I got rejected so many times and they tried to use my name against me so many times, but guess what? That talent it’s gonna push through. I’m basically kicking down doors and I’m really doing it for the youth. I don’t call myself the queen of teen just for fun, I’m really like a messenger.

Asian Doll:

T: @lmasiandoll IG:@asiandadoll

With me I use to write it.

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MUSIC SOUNDCHECKS

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

TOKYO JETZ

HUSTLE GANG’S FIRST LADY TOKYO JETZ TALKS NEW SINGLE “THE ONE”, BABY GOAT AND MORE WITH KimSoMajor and zEL OF HIP HOP WEEKLY! EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

By KimSoMajor HHW: How has the last two years in this process been for you?

think you should finish it.” .... now I love the song. (laughs)

Tokyo Jetz: It’s kind of like an all-day thing. Like I could get a call at 2 in the morning when I think I’m supposed to be asleep. And someone calls like, “Yeah I need you to be somewhere.” And I can’t just say no. I have to be there, so it’s kind of consumed my entire life, but it’s what I signed up for.

HHW: One of the things that I noticed when I was listening to one of your mixtapes earlier, is that you have a very lyrical kind of flow, where did that come from?

HHW: When did you realize you wanted to make it full time and give up every job?

Tokyo Jetz: I actually worked until I didn’t have a choice. I was working at Comcast, I was also working at Apple, I was working at a shoe store called Hippie, and then I was also working at another call center.

I had used everything that I could to get out of work. I used all of my sick days, all of my everything. And when I got the call from Tip saying he wanted me to fly to Atlanta, it was either me go and lose my job or stay and keep my job. I think it just mattered more to be in Atlanta.

HHW: Talk about your latest single “The One” Tokyo Jetz: It’s produced by a group of guys. Two of them are from Alabama and the other is from Atlanta. The name of the group is 48 Hertz. It’s kind of an up-and-coming group of guys and I vibe with them like really well. And it was a song that I wasn’t actually going to finish.

HHW: Why? Tokyo Jetz: Because I just wasn’t feeling it! Like, it was more so I was working with my engineer in the studio and he always brings in outside producers and I was like let me just put something on this beat, so he can get them out of the studio. And I did the first verse, and KP heard it while it wasn’t finished like, “I

Tokyo Jetz: I actually started out writing poetry and I don’t think it’s something that I do purposely. I just kind of like to tell stories and it just kind of all flows together. But yeah, I started out writing poetry and my older brother used to do the same thing so he kind of taught me how to make things flow and mesh together.

HHW: Do you mind having that title of being an emcee?

Tokyo Jetz: I don’t, not at all. I feel like when people try to call us female artists, you’re kind of trying to limit us to just this circle of other female artists, but if I can get on a song and I can do the same thing they do, or go harder, then you gotta respect it.

HHW: Definitely! And you call yourself or did someone call you Baby GOAT? Tokyo Jetz: People started calling me The GOAT, but I don’t feel like I’ve done enough to be called The GOAT. I feel like people like Pac, Tip, Wayne, those people are GOATs. I feel like I’ll be there, like eventually, but as of right now I’m Baby GOAT, I’ll take that.

HHW: So, who do you feel is your competition?

Tokyo Jetz:: I don’t have any. I don’t feel like I’m competing with anyone. I think that I might do things for different reasons than other people. I’ve been through a lot of stuff and I wouldn’t

want my nephew to go through anything I’ve been through. I slept in my car for three months because I couldn’t live with my mom and I just didn’t want to ask for help. And I wouldn’t ever want him to feel like that’s what he has to go through to be where he wants to be. So I just look forward. Everything I do is to make life for him better. I’m not really competing with anybody. I can, but I’m not!

HHW: What are your plans , where are you planning to be in a couple of years?

Tokyo Jetz:: I plan to be a household name. I of course plan to venture into other things, but most importantly I’m going to inspire. I come from absolutely nothing and I know you probably heard a lot of people say that, but I actually give people hope where I come from. In Jacksonville they love me! And it’s hard to get your city to actually support you.

HHW: You spoke a little bit about your journey but is there anything that you wish you knew when you started that you knew now that you can share with someone walking in a similar path?

Tokyo Jetz: You gotta trust the process.

Stay true to whatever your craft is and not go for whatever dream everybody is trying to sell you because there’s a million people around trying to sell a dream.

HHW: Tell us what you can share about your upcoming project?

Tokyo Jetz: There actually aren’t any features. I felt like with my last project I kind of overdid it with the features a bit.

And as of right now I just kind of want the world to see what I can do.

T: @realtokyojetz IG: @tokyojetz

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MUSIC WRITERS BLOCK

EXCLUSIVE

Notables: “Fine Ass Mess”- Mr Probz “Kill Jill”- Big Boi 50

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

WRITER’S BLOCK Masspike Miles INTERVIEW! HHW: Working with Masspike Miles is like?

Masspike Miles: Working with Cheech and Chong; Tons of weed smoke mixed with Einstein and Tesla; While being creative.

HHW: How did you know music was your calling?

Masspike Miles: Being that my dad is a Jazz Musician it was pretty much instilled in me from birth, at 11 years old I signed my first major deal with Warner Brothers Records with a singing group named “Perfect Gentlemen” based in Boston Massachusetts.

HHW: As a songwriter for yourself and others, where do you find inspiration?

Masspike Miles: I thrive on good energy and vibes, with out that there is no inspiration...

HHW: What would you say your greatest strength is as a songwriter?

Masspike Miles: I’m melody driven, when I hear something I like I have to record it right then and there! That’s a vibe I can never get back. The melody always drives the words/ concept for me.

HHW: What’s has been your worst career moment and how did you overcome that?

Masspike Miles: Being loyal to a fault..

Cleaning up my circle.

HHW: What do you think about the state of R&B music and Where does it fall in today’s climate?

Masspike Miles: Honestly I love where it’s at, all the rappers are singing now, so it’s alive and kicking in my opinion.. As far as the core of it all, I love it!!! Tank, Musiq, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars are all doing a fantastic job...

Boston, MA

by KimSoMajor

HHW: Explain the Inkkwell movement and what’s your roll?

Masspike Miles: The Inkkwell, is a boutique artist development firm which specialize in creating custom compositions for multiple genres of music. Our songwriters/producers make up a diverse network of intricately selected top-liners, producers, arrangers, and engineers. I’m co-creator and co-owner, writer/producer, facilitator and consultant .

I except all beats and referenced records for placements at powerformasspike@gmail.com.

HHW: Who’s one of your favorite songwriters of all time and why?

Masspike Miles: Otis Blackwell was really ahead of his time. I love the way he infused R&B and Country music. Really innovative and ahead of his time. I aspire to be as dope as he was.

HHW: As an artist and a songwriter, is it ever difficult balancing the two crafts?

Masspike Miles: At times it can become difficult giving what you consider to be your babies away, but when you understand this is bigger than just “you” your mind opens a whole new universe of understanding.

HHW: How do you decide what to give to others and what to keep for yourself?

Masspike Miles: When I’m focused on the artist, that’s exactly what I do.. When it’s me time, that’s exactly what I do.

HHW: What are you excited about most to share with the fans next?

Masspike Miles: With me focusing on writing/ production over the last 4 years building The Inkkwell, I’m really excited to share my new music with the world ... Gearing up to release my new single “Sober” produced by The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League this summer!

16 BARS TEE GRIZZLEY “ COLORS”

Trappin’, I’m still into that, address, I can send you that So if my label drop me, I can still look like I rap Know a couple of n---- livin’ like they got platinum plaques (Aha) All they doing is catchin’ bags, sendin’ out and sittin’ back (aha) Rose Presi’ on my wrist, I can afford that (nice s---) Back in the day, I couldn’t even look toward that When I was broke, I couldn’t even look toward the b---Now she suck my d--- and don’t say shit when I record the b---- (catch that) Been on the indictment list, tryna see the Forbes list Went from playin’ with joysticks to out in traffic blowin’ sticks (Graa) When your fans gets your name tatted, then you know you lit Stank from my cologne, I’m a f--- her if she snort the drip (aha) Promise my brother I’m a stack and get this paper right But I’m spendin’ 60k a month just on everyday life When you that bag, everybody wanna whirl it Problems they got, they gon’ call you like you ‘caused ‘em Fall up in the club, I can rain ‘till it’s morning Start in every game ‘cause at practice, I’ve been ballin’ (swish) Heard a couple niggas wanna put me on my shit (what) Tell ‘em pull up with them sticks and let ‘em hit, you better not miss b---Key to the pad, key to the Rolls, key to the bag I got the key to the streets, don’t get a key put on your ass When I do that, you know them n----- gon’ knock you in half Heavy cash load, got my back broke B------ on the East, and on the West Coast Sent me pics and videos, you can’t get my passcode Ten up in the motor, got the hood broke B----, don’t get yo’ head painted, you gon’ look like Lil Boat (painted red) Ridin’ through Atlanta with my n---- Lil Boat (Lil Boat) N---- trailin’ us and you know what they good for ‘Bout to fly to Cali and look for that good dope If you ‘bout that life, then what you lookin’ shook for?

IG: @masspikemiles

51 HIP HOP WEEKLY

MUSIC BEHIND THE BEATS

Nonstop Da Hitman Portland, OregoN

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! byKimSoMajor

NOTABLES: “Drip” -Cardi B “Errrbody” -Yo Gotti 52

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

IG @nonstopdahitman

Q& A with Nonstop Da Hitman , Portland, OregoN HHW: WORKING WITH NONSTOP DA HITMAN IS LIKE? Nonstop Da Hitman: I already have an idea of how I want the artist to sound on my beats, so I’ll be vocal if it’s not turning out the way I expect. I have no problem telling you I don’t like what you’re doing. I have to check myself at times though, because sometimes ideas come together slow. They might start off whack but turn into bangers once they’re finished.

HHW: EXPLAIN THE SITUATION YOU HAD WITH PRODUCER CASSIUS FROM ATLANTA Nonstop Da Hitman: I gave him a bunch of beats that were supposed to be collabs.

He put his tag on majority of them without playing on them and sent them out as his own. “Made Men” by Migos for example.

That’s my beat. I left my tag off of it because I didn’t feel like it was the kind of beat that sounded good with a tag. So when the record came out and the other tag was on it, it felt like a slap in the face. I cleared it up with the label and got properly credited as the producer and got all of my publishing and royalties, but I was still mad it happened. Felt like I missed an opportunity and the recognition for my accomplishment got redirected. I didn’t understand why he wanted to stand on my back to make himself look taller. There were more situations outside of that, a whole lot of lying and backbiting but at this point I don’t even want to retain that energy. I’m excited about what’s coming up for me and I had to just let that situation go.

HHW: WHAT’S ONE THING YOU DO TO CATCH A VIBE BEFORE HITTING THE STUDIO? Nonstop Da Hitman: I turn off all music and just listen to what’s happening around me. If I’m driving to the studio I roll the windows down and just listen. Life naturally has rhythm and you can find inspiration in anything from the way a blinker sounds to kids playing ball at a park, or the way a car hits potholes. Anything. I hear sounds and grooves everywhere.

HHW: WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LIKE? Nonstop Da Hitman: I keep a Macbook by my bed because I constantly wake up out of my sleep with an idea I need to get out. So a lot of the time I start the day working. I’ll forget to be a productive member of society when I’m in the zone lol. Won’t eat, won’t shower, won’t change, wont answer my phone. Nothing. I just zone out and create.

HHW: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PRODUCTION STYLE? Nonstop Da Hitman: I just try to convey my energy at the moment, which usually comes out as unusual chord progressions, dark sounds and a heavy bass line but still melodic and somehow bright. Eerie, aggressive elements but still playful. Like if Tim Burton

was from 808 Mafia lol.

HHW: WHAT’S THE LONGEST STUDIO SESSION YOU’VE EVER HAD AND WITH WHOM? Nonstop Da Hitman: Me and PartyNextDoor probably have the longest sessions. With him we don’t just create one or two songs.

He pushes you to be making a beat as he’s recording to the one you just made, and he records fast. So you have to have a completed beat by the time he’s done.

And that process keeps going for a couple sun-ups. Lol. I’ve definitely cooked for about 40 hours straight at his house.

HHW: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST CAREER MOMENT AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT? Nonstop Da Hitman: Juelz Santana, Slow, Chubbie Baby, Bucks and I were on our way to the studio. We had an early session.

We stopped by Thumbs Up in Atlanta to get some breakfast on our way there. Mind you I was also backing up my hard drive so I had that connected. On our way back to the car I notice one of my thumb drives on the ground by the back car door and I started barking at the homies like “you could’ve at least put the drive back in the car after you kicked it out” as I’m talkin shit I open the door and realize everything was missing. Someone had broken in. Took hella money, jewelry, Juelz hard drive and my Macbook with my backup drive attached. I lost everything. Every sound, every session, everything. I felt like a homie just got smoked lol. I knew it was gone for good so I had to just suck it up and start fresh.

I had a couple placements in the pipeline and had to remake the beat when they asked for the trackouts. Smh. Now I make backups of backups of backups. Haha.

HHW: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER TO WORK WITH RIGHT NOW AND WHY? Nonstop Da Hitman: Rap wise, everything Take Off has done to my beats, both released and unreleased, has been fire. PartyNextDoor is my favorite artist to work with period though. He challenges me to try stuff I never would have on my own.

HHW: WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT NEXT THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH THE FANS? Nonstop Da Hitman: Me and TK Kravitz are working a lot, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a joint project between the two of us in the near future. PartyNextDoor is going brazy.

I’m excited to be a part of his project. Me and Swae Lee are cookin. And there’s more I can’t name yet. Super excited about it. Maybe in a later issue, after it’s been released, I’ll remind y’all of this question lol.

HHW: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? Nonstop Da Hitman: I definitely could use a few more followers lol @nonstopdahitman on all social sites.

TOP 15 PRODUCERS Based on Billboard Hot Rap Songs For The Week Of May, 19th, 2018.

1.Childish Gambino, Ludwig “This Is America” Childish Gambino 2.Corey Litwin, Noah “40” Shebib, BlaqNmilD, Murda Beatz “Nice For What” Drake 3.Cardo, Noah “40” Shebib, Yung Exclusive, Boi-1da “God’s Plan” Drake 4. Post Malone, Louis Bell “Psycho” Post Malone feat Ty Dolla $ign 5. Tay Keith “Look Alive” Block Boy JB feat. Drake 6. Tank God, Louis Bell “Rockstar” Post Malone feat 21 Savage 7. Deko, OG Parker “Walk It Talk It” Migos feat Drake 8. Pi’erre Bourne “Watch” Travis Scott feat Lil Uzi Vert and Kanye West 9. Tainy, Craig, J. White Did It “I Like It” Cardi B feat Bad Bunny and J Balvin 10. Nicki Minaj, J. Reid (Chevi Music) “Chun Li” Nicki Minaj 11. Louis Bell, Frank Dukes “Better Now” Post Malone 12. Frank Dukes, Boi-1da, Vinylz “Be Careful” Cardi B 13. JRHitmaker, Taz Taylor, TheLabCook “Plug Walk” Rich The Kid 14. Juicy J, J. Hovart, Mike WiLL MadeIt, Mally Mall “Powerglide” Rae Sremmurd feat Juicy J 15. John Cunningham “Sad!” XXXTENTACION

WEEKLY PUNCHLINE GIVE IT TO A N---- RIGHT IN BROAD DAY ON HIS BLOCK, F--- A WARNING SHOT, LET ‘EM ALL SPRAY Casanova -“Set Trippin”

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MUSIC IN THE LAB

Amina Buddafly

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC IN THE LAB

Embracing Positive Vibes In An Industry Full Of Drama, Amina Buddafly Is Happy Focusing On Music, Her Babies And Her New Album Mother!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

by Miss Conversation Piece HHW: HOW WILL FANS FEEL LISTENING TO MOTHER?

HHW: WHY DO YOU THINK THAT HAPPENED?

Amina Buddafly: Definitely more positive. When I think about the album I don’t think there is one sad song on it. It’s all like about being strong, growing, independence and just being in a happy place. There is a song on the album “Happy Girl”; it’s probably one of my favorites.

It’s about the place that I’m in right now after going through such a crazy situation publicly. I finally found happiness again without a man, from my kids, from creating. It’s just more of a positive vibe because I do have a lot of heat break songs that I’ve put out prior to this.

Amina Buddafly: I just love hard that’s why and I also pick the wrong men.

HHW: YOU ONLY HAVE ONE FEATURE FROM YOUR SISTER. Amina Buddafly: Yes, it’s my sister Jas on one song called ‘Unbothered’ and fits her perfectly. She lives back in Germany now and it’s hard for us to do music together but I always want her to be a part of anything that I release. That’s my plan from now on every time I release something she is going to be on it especially because she loves singing with me so much. She was more sad about Black Buddafly breaking up than me.

HHW: DO YOU THINK THE SHOW HELPED YOUR MUSIC CAREER? Amina Buddafly: Yes and no because a lot of people think that it ruined it. I don’t agree because all of these people that do say ‘you messed up your career by being on reality TV,’they wouldn’t know who I am if I wasn’t on the show. So, I try to take the positive from it. I just have a way bigger following now and bigger fan base!

T|IG: @Aminabuddafly

HHW: WHAT HAPPENED THERE ACTUALLY? Amina Buddafly: I think that I was the one that started drifting off doing my own thing.

HHW: YOU WANTED TO BE SOLO? Amina Buddafly: I didn’t decide I want to be solo but I was much more creative. I was writing all the music I was singing lead on every song. It was just me and her at the time and I was like I’m doing all the creative stuff. The music is pretty much me she is just singing some of it. At the time, I was teaching myself how to engineer recording at home and all those things. She would watch me and love what I do but it came from me.

HHW: WITH THE ALBUM ENTITLED MOTHER WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOTHER IS MOST PROUD OF YOU FOR? Amina Buddafly: For the person that I’ve become through life experience even through all the bad, the Love and Hip Hop, the heartbreak, that made me stronger. It made me, me. I think the way that I used to cry to my mom, not even what people saw on TV but prior to that, I was in relationships always suffering, always crying because they didn’t treat me right. I was always in a situation like what people saw on TV. I had three serious relationships and one time I was engaged and all of them ended with me just hurt and the next one was always worse.

55 HIP HOP WEEKLY

MUSIC MASTERING SESSION

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

Br

ridget Kelly

MUSIC MASTERING SESSION

The Brassy Vocalist Breaks Down Key Songs From Her Recent Project Reality Bites.

by KimSoMajor

“IN THE GREY”

Gabe Lambirth produced the music for “In The Grey”. Nowadays, relationships are really difficult to establish. Social media allows us too much access to too many options. Dating can be frustrating and so I needed to write a song about going with the flow until someone catches feelings. I hate being in that weird in between space of liking someone and not feeling secure about what’s gonna come next.

“SHOULD’VE BEEN YOU”

We all have a lost love, a “one that got away”, or at least someone we have “what if” moments about. I went through a really awful break up with someone I saw forever with. He was my best friend and I was salty about things not working out.

Despite my greatest efforts, he didn’t want me. Now I’m all glowed up and felt the need to remind him that he missed out!

“LITTLE DID YOU KNOW”

Drew Scott is a writer/producer who knows my heart. We did this song together when I was at an all time low and was ready to throw in the towel. Most artists don’t talk about flying high then falling on their face during their career. Everyone loves to discuss how tough it was when they started but the more success you have, the easier it is to lose your way. I wanted my fans to understand that I detoured for a little to get my mind right. And despite feeling defeated and heartbroken, I had to take accountability for letting my fear take over for a second.

“SOMETHING”

Chaz is awesome, he was a perfect fit for this song. I wanted a sexy vibe about being flirty and having fun. The bounce on the song is different for me, the content is different, riskier...and I love that!

“NEED A LOVE”

This was a hard song to write/record. In the wake of my break up, I felt empty and depleted. I had no energy or passion for anything, it felt like someone died. I’ve always said that even in my saddest most painful moments, I still believe in love.

That’s the only thing that could keep me alive. I need a love to save me! And that was such a real moment for me. Feeling like the love that hurt me was the only love that could heal me.

“TO YOU”

I wrote “To You” with Jordan Bratton, as an ode to my fans. They keep me honest, they affirm that I’m walking in my purpose. The melodies and lyrics Jordan and I came up with are catchy, but also left enough room for me to really sing. It’s one of my favorites on the album.

T|IG @IamBridgetKelly

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ADVERTISING SECTION

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC NEXT TO BLOW

NEXT TO BLOW Casino Atlanta, Ga Casino, the powerhouse CEO of the popular music label, Freebandz. Similar to his stage name, the mogul is full of tricks and on the verge of taking Freebandz to the next level.

Since his early days in the streets of Kirkwood, Georgia, Casino knew he was destined to take over the music industry. “ I rather play the CEO role. I rather help somebody else get on and get the money behind the scenes,” says Casino. If he isn’t busy scouting talent or listening to tracks, Casino is in a dimly lit room, sharing his thoughts behind a microphone. His single, “Deal,” featuring rapper and friend, 21 Savage, made headlines and solidified Casino’s spot as a contender in the rap game. When asked why he choose to feature 21 Savage on the track Casino said, “He’s like family. That’s what Freebandz is about, family.” True indeed, the popular music label stands on the principle of family first. Alongside his brother, Future, Casino is building an unstoppable roster. The labels starting five include DJ Esco, Young Scooter, Doe Boy, Zoey Dollaz, and Maceo. Judging from the massive success of Future and Casino, talent and drive are embedded in their lineage. The team is set to release a joint mixtape very soon. In the meantime, Casino is focused on releasing his debut album Disrespectful. “I really didn’t do too many features on this project because I have another project dropping after Disrespectful.”

Instagram: @casino_fbg

Megan Thee Stallion Houston, Tx Megan Thee Stallion, born February 15, 1995, ia an seductive femcee, full-time college student, as well as a choreographed dancer and model. The Texas native first began to gain notoriety after meeting super producer TA and releasing her first single “Like a Stallion” in April 2016. After dropping a number of hot verses on a few Texas cyphers, her verse on ‘The Houston Cypher’ over Drake’s 4pm in Calabasas caught on like wildfire, and placed her as a top trending topic in Houston on Twitter. From there her online following took off. Soon after, she released her mixtape Rich Ratchet. The rap siren is certainly a new force to be recognized and reckoned with. Currently, Megan is riding the wave of her highly anticipated EP ‘Make It Hot’ released September 2017 and to date has over 400,000 downloads on Apple,Spotify and iTunes alone.

Megan is an unsigned hype, but the industry is taking notice. Megan sees herself making her mark in the music industry, and has amassed a following on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud and YouTube of over 207,000 supporters/followers.

The H-Town Hottie is from the dirty south, but she has a vendetta for the top, setting goals for herself and hitting them, she’s definitely shooting for the head and is pacing herself to land right on the mark.

Twitter @MegTheeStallion Instagram @theestallion

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INDIE GRIND SPOTLIGHT BULIFE

Provincetown, MA The BuLife is a hip-hop music group established in Provincetown, MA. They pride themselves on their dissemblance and aim to bring that honesty/transparency to hip-hop. The BuLife is a lyrical driven group of artists with a nostalgic hip-hop sound. They have released three mixtapes: The Rosenhan Experiment, Cape Tippin, and The Nor’easter Tape. The BuLife has taken their talents throughout the North East performing in Falmouth, Boston, Cambridge, Hartford, Providence, and New York City. They bring great energy to the stage and have many performance videos & music videos available on YouTube.

Instagram @bulife Facebook : The Bulife

Dirty O

Niagara Falls, NY Up and Coming Rapper Dirty O, from Niagara Falls N.Y. is setting himself up for a nice year.

Dirty has his Spit or Go Home Freestyle segments dropping weekly. Already four weeks in, these freestyles over classic beats are worthy of a listen from any true Hip Hop fan. Dirty is set to release singles this year featuring Just Brittany and Kevin Gates, 2018 could be the year that the WORLD is introduced to 4th 2 North and Dirty O. Dirty O also dropped a single feat Benzino earlier this year titled “Bag Talk” which can be streamed on all major platforms.

If you’re a fan of real rap then Dirty O is one of the artist bringing it back to forefront.

Instagram: @DirtyO42N YouTube: Dirty O

Fleming Trap

Charleston, SC Fleming Trap of Charleston, SC grew up on Fleming Road on James Island and was raised by a single mother of two. Listening to Cash Money and No Limit Records inspired him to do music. He started recording himself on tapes free styling as a kid when he was attending middle school. In 2011, he shot a video for a song with ABC Goon Team titled “Thugging In My Neighborhood “. Due to family issues, he put his rapping career on pause until 2015.

With the motivation from his closest friend, he found himself falling in love with his passion again, this time around he’s going harder and harder than before with a mixtape called Rite On Time that’s available now on all major streaming Sites. “Come Up” And “Down Bad Feat.

Jay “are his current singles available on all major platforms.

Instagram: @fleming_trap

I.S.I.S (I.SPIT.ILL.SHIT)

Erie PA/Charlotte NC I.S.I.S (I.SPIT.ILL.SHIT) is the first new breed of hard-edged female MCs to hit the hip-hop scene. Although sexuality was certainly part of her image, she made sure to differentiate herself from other artists, by being attractive to both male and female audiences, making sure the world knew her hardcore attitude and lyrical skills of the Gods should never be doubted. ISIS was born in the small city of Erie Pennsylvania on July 20th, 1993. The name ISIS was inspired by the Egyptian Goddess herself. ISIS fell in love with her story and never looked back. As time went on ISIS got better at the art of rap, it was abundantly clear that she spit ill shit, and therefore the name was born, I.S.I.S (I.SPIT.ILL.SHIT). You can hear her latest single title “ODB” on SoundClound.

Instagram: @isis_i.spit.ill.shit

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC INDIE GRIND

KEYLOW GRAHM

Marianna, FL Florida’s finest, Keylow Grahm was born and raised in Marianna, FL and expressed an interest in music at an early age of 15. Music became his keyless escape from poverty which brought him a sense of freedom when he would hear artists like Tupac, Mase, and Cam’ron just to name a few.

Through years of hard work, Keylow landed a feature with Bando Jonez and Yung Ralph and later built his own studio started his own label entitled “Die Rich Recordings.” His album Poverty can be found on all streaming platforms, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Pandora, etc..

Instagram- @keylow_rich Facebook Keylow Grahm Twitter- @keylowG

Mutari Music

Toronto, ON MUTARI is a German born, Toronto based artist and is often coined Toronto’s Best Kept Secret.

Mutari has quickly made a name for himself by offering his fan base a “Foreign Sound” for any age, race, or gender. At 23, Mutari has grown an organic fan base worldwide via all social media platforms. His trials and tribulations through the journey of life are depicted vividly in his music.

Website: www.mutarimusic.com IG/Twitter @MutariMusic Facebook: Yannick Joseph

Rippa Da Kid

Miami, FL Rippa Da Kid a Haitian- American rapper from Miami Florida started writing music at the age of 13. His mother and father were popular singers in their home country of Haiti. He’s traveled nationwide and internationally to places such as Japan, Dubai, Paris and many more to show his talents. He released his critically acclaimed Mixtape series Fee Tape I & Fee Tape II on his official YouTube channel and website which amassed a cult like following from fans all over the world.

He released his latest Project “Built For This” on all digital platforms independently with his label, King Ciné Sound. His latest single “MOTION” featuring Jae Mazor, is currently in rotation online, underground and major radio station platforms. Currently he’s working on the 3rd installment of his Mixtape Series “The Fee Tape” and has more music to come. For more info and booking information, contact Luc@kingcine.com. Website: www.rippadakid.com YouTube/rippadakid Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: RIPPADAKID Instagram: RIPPADAKID

YAYA (On Yo Beat)

Sacramento, CA Yaya(OnYoBeat) is a Song Writer, Rapper, Singer, Performer, and upcoming Producer. Born and raised in Sacramento, CA. to an absent father and a mother addicted to the fast life. She was quickly put into foster care as a baby and remained in the system until she was 18. While growing up she found solace in poetry. Using it as a means to express her thoughts, emotions, and pain. As a young girl she started singing in the church choir, and also participated in plays and speeches at church and school. Growing up her favorite artist was and still is Whitney Houston.

However her love for Hip Hop began in her early teenage years. Some of her early influences include Tupac, Eve, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.

Instagram: @yayaonyobeat

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MUSIC DJ TOP FIVE

DJ TOP FIVE

PICKS

DJ WZRD

Los Angeles, CA @djwzrd 1. BlocBoy JB & Drake - Look Alive 2. Rich The Kid - Plug Walk 3. Vybz Kartel - Fever 4. Nicky Jam & J Balvin - X 5. DJ Snake - Magenta Riddim

LIL ZAC THE DJ

Dallas, TX @lilzacthedj 1.Drake - Nice For What 2.Yella Beezy -That’s On Me 3. KingYC - BussaBag 4. Mo3 - Numbers 5.Kenny Gee - Drip Cost

DJ SLIKK Louisville, KY

@DJSlikk 1. Sheck Wes - Mo Bamba 2.Yella Beezy - That’s on Me 3.PJ Gifted - Tokyo 4.Kori Black - Traffic 5.NFM Drama - Money Long

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HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC FOR THE CULTURE

The Magnificent Seven

by A.D. Adams Back in the day when record sales were a mere afterthought; the crown jewel of rap was being crowned the undisputed king of the microphone. Because of that, my pallet always hungers for verses that are well versed with vicious vocabulary. Dope beats are melodic, but lyric driven rhymes will always be my choice for homecoming Queen. With that said, let me formally introduce you all to “The Magnificent Seven”. A two-part piece that chronologically runs down of the most impactful and influential albums to grace the culture during my early courtship stage, through my subsequent marriage to this musical mistress.

1. GRANDMASTER FLASH AND THE FURIOUS FIVE: “THE MESSAGE” Groundbreaking, gaining critical acclaim for its experimental sounds, edgy, yet catchy lyrical content, and becoming one of the first groups to create an album featuring more than just party records. Personally, I’ve always a fan of eye-catching album covers, and this joint was one of the illest ever!

“The Message” was such an impactful release because it represented rap’s transformation from infancy into adolescence. The graphic portrait Melle Mel and Duke Bootee painted of ghetto life, forced skeptics and naysayers who considered rap a fad, had to recognize the genre as a viable art form. No longer shunned and shoved to the sidelines like the awkward kids at the playground, The Furious Five’s debut album made them pioneers, and helped solidify rap’s place in popular music.

2. RUN-DMC: “RUN-DMC”

By 1984 the look of Hip Hop had drastically changed.

The sounds blasting from the boom boxes was raw, more hardcore, its rise was inevitable, the only thing missing were artists widely recognized as superstars.

The kids tasked with spearheading rap’s progression was a dynamic duo from Hollis, Queens known better as

RUN-DMC. Teamed with their street savvy DJ Jason Mizell, the legendary trio’s self-titled debut album was the next growth spurt in the evolution of rap. Run and DMC’s call/ response method of emceeing was new and refreshing, while spitting rhymes over drumbeats and scratches was flat out revolutionary. Songs like “Sucker M.C.’s” made it crystal clear that records were now a platform to proclaim your greatness, rather than just rock party goers. The production team of Russell Simmons and Larry Smith should have been charged with a felony for the shit they concocted, I mean double Hip-Hop homicide when you include “It’s Like That”, the track is so hard; it could serve a 25-to-life prison bid without blinking. Whether it is their trendsetting style of track jackets and jeans dookie link cables, or lace free Adidas, RUN-DMC are cultural icons and it all began with this album.

3. ERIC B AND RAKIM:

“Paid in Full” Whether it was his method of metaphorically slaughtering competition on tracks like “My Melody”, the way audiences were captivated by his sophisticated wordplay on the smooth grooving joint “Move the Crowd”, or the way his complex linguistics numbed your brainwaves while trying to dissect the lyrics to “I Ain’t No Joke”, it was clear Rakim Allah was descended from the heavens to bless our headphones with harmonic, hypnotizing, headbangers.

You take these unfathomable word configurations, pair them with the ill samples and melody patterns produced

by Eric B, and you most likely experienced severe alteration to your equilibrium. Nothing before it was comparable, everything after it was measured by it, the only plausible analogy capable of describing the futuristic flow of Rakim’s release to that of his predecessors, would be describing their styles as prehistoric in contrast. Eric B and Rakim’s “Paid in Full” is the template for perfection and what I consider to be Hip Hop’s greatest album.

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MUSIC SHOW TIME

TOP 10 HI FI TIDAL

STREAMS

SHOW

TIME

Hip Hop Weekly Guide to Boost Your Night Life

1. Childish Gambino “This Is America” 2. Drake “Nice For What” 3. Post Malone feat Nicki Minaj “Ball For Me” 4. Nicki Minaj “Chun-Li” 5. Kanye West “Lift Yourself” 6. Kanye West feat T.I. “Ye vs. the People” 7. Cardi B feat Bad Bunny and J Balvin “I Like It” 8. Future feat PARTYNEXTDOOR “No Shame” 9. Nicki Minaj “Barbie Tingz” 10. Cardi B feat. Migos “Drip”

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JANELLE MONAE Pageant, St Louis, MO July 11th, 7:30pm

THE ROOTS & COMMON Chene Park, Detroit, MI July 27th, 8pm

CHRIS BROWN Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA July 12th, 7:30pm

BONES THUGS-N- HARMONY House of Blues- New Orleans, LA July 25th, 8pm

TORY LANEZ M Telus, Montreal, QC July 13th, 7:30pm A$AP FERG Upstate Concert Hall, Clifton Park, NY July 24th, 8pm WIZ KHALIFA/RAE SREMMURD Key Bank Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA July 26th, 6pm RICH HOMIE QUAN The Underground, Charlotte, NC July 19th, 8pm

HIP HOP WEEKLY | July 1, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

THE DIPLOMATS The Regent Theater, Los Angeles, CA July 15th, 9pm HOODRICH PABLO JUAN Los Globos, Los Angeles, CA July 22nd, 9pm JAY-Z & BEYONCE First Energy Stadium, Cleveland OH, July 25th, 7:30pm

MUSIC RISING ARTIST

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

HHW EXCLUSIVE MEET RISING ARTIST:

PIIF JONES

With bars as smooth and striking as his dance moves, he’s certainly a rising artist to look out for. We caught up with Piif after his live performance for an exclusive interview to discuss his journey and what’s next in store.

by Aria J. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I’ve been making music since I was 12. I started when I was a kid because my pops was a singer and he used to have a singing group with his brothers, so I was always around music. Making music was second nature for me.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TRYING TO MAKE IT AS A RAPPER IN NEW YORK CITY? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU GET THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE? Yeah, I do. New York is a tough crowd. They won’t just give it to you. You gotta take it, but I like it that way. I feel like I’m definitely making a name for myself.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST? I’m a realist. A situational rapper. I don’t rap about certain times in my life. I like to rap about situations. Any type of situation that affects me or someone close to me. I like to make timeless music. I’m a timeless artist.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? My dad is my biggest influence. He schooled me to the game. He was the first person to teach me everything and he’s still teaching

me ‘til this day. Artist wise, I would say Drake, Kendrick and J. Cole. They all have different styles, but they’re all running the game. Drake’s melodies, Kendrick’s lyrics and J. Cole’s storytelling ability--I wanna bring those three elements together in my music.

HOW’D YOU MEET DAVE EAST? I met East through one of my friends, Gutta.

I used to play basketball for Gutta--you know how they had the basketball tournaments in the hood. Gutta was coaching a tournament.

He found out I rapped and I spit something for him, then he invited me to his crib. He had a studio in his house where everyone would record. And that’s where I met East.

We got cool and the rest was history. That was like seven years ago.

WHAT’S ASPECT OF MAKING MUSIC EXCITES YOU MOST, AND WHAT ASPECT COULD YOU DO WITHOUT? I like the actual process of making a song.

Recording the song; being in the booth. I like being in the studio. I hate waiting for songs to be mixed because it takes too long.

Sometimes the mix doesn’t sound right and needs to be done over. That’s the worst part.

T|IG: @piifjones DOWNLOAD PIIF’S “ENEMIES” FT: PAPARATTZI POP

WHAT OR WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO ON A DAILY BASIS? Drake. Mostly Drake.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER INDEPENDENT ARTISTS LIKE YOURSELF HAVE TO FACE? Getting the exposure that major artists get.

There’s television and radio shows that we can’t get on. A lot of major outlets that indie artists can’t tap into. Certain outlets don’t really embrace indie artists the way they should. I think that’s a huge barrier. You just have to work through it. Work until you get the recognition you deserve.

IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE ONE ARTIST TO COLLABORATE WITH, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE? Big L. That’s my favorite rapper.

YOU RELEASED THREE MIXTAPES IN 2017.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT THIS YEAR? Yeah, three mixtapes. This Is Me, New Life and Never Stop. I’m releasing more projects this year. I don’t really like singles too much, I’m more of a project guy. More videos, better visuals. Bigger shows, bigger collabs.

A lot in store.

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MUSIC FEATURE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! 66

HIP HOP WEEKLY | June 15, 2018 | HIPHOPWEEKLY.COM

photo credit: Orbitdidit

WHO IS BHAD BHABIE? FROM TURNING HER VIRAL ‘CASH ME OUUSIDE, HOW ‘BOUT DAT’ PHRASE INTO OVER 12 MILLION FOLLOWERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NATIVE DANIELLE BREGOLI CHECKS IN ON MUSIC, FAME AND PROVING HATERS WRONG

by KimSoMajor

HHW: Where did the “Bhanned in the USA” title come from?

Bhad Bhabie: Because everybody was talking about how I can’t come to different cities and stuff so like b---h show me I’m banned, I’m coming.

HHW: You’ve done a few shows so far, how does the experience feel?

Bhad Bhabie: I did three shows already and it was really cool, I like it.

HHW: And are you meeting fans, doing meet and greets?

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah, I do meet and greets before my shows.

Dallas was really fun. It was so cool like, sometimes they just stand there and stare at me but Dallas was actually talking to me and s--t. I like that.

HHW: Let’s talk music. The project that you’re gearing up for, what is it going to be called?

Bhad Bhabie: I’m not sure yet.

It’s so close to coming out and I’m still struggling with the title.

I have a couple of options, some ideas…

HHW: Are you still recording songs for your album?

Bhad Bhabie: No, it’s all done.

HHW: How many tracks we might expect?

Bhad Bhabie: Like fifteen, something like that.

HHW: Was the Billboard Award nomination something you thought about prior to putting out music or was it even an aspiration for you?

Bhad Bhabie: No HHW: What is it you want to accomplish from the music?

Bhad Bhabie: I just want to prove people wrong, that’s really all I’m trying to do here. Besides make good music, the major thing is to prove people wrong.

HHW: Are you really like this little rebel? You started off in 2016 garnering attention as a problem child on the TV show, “Dr. Phil,” and now your on your journey from media personality to music. Are you content with the image of that’s out there or do you want people to see a different side of you?

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah, I don’t know.

I mean I’m not as bad as people think I am. I don’t just run up on people for no reason.

HHW: What is your creative process like? Are you enjoying working with producers, are you writing first, are you hearing beats? Take us through that process.

Bhad Bhabie: Well, usually I hear a beat and then go from there. It depends what I’m feeling.

HHW: Okay, are there any particular producers that you want to work with?

Bhad Bhabie: Umm, I don’t really know. I have good people I work with. That’s really it.

HHW: “Gucci Flip Flops” How did that come about?

Bhad Bhabie: Uhmm, so, basically, I did my part and then I was like this song needs to have…

I don’t want it to be a one-verse song. I want to have someone else one it, and so I reached out to Yachty, then I went and seen him and then it got done.

HHW: Did you guys work in the studio together?

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah.

HHW: What was that like?

Bhad Bhabie: Well I didn’t necessarily, I didn’t record in the same studio as him. But I recorded in my own place and then I brought it to him.

HHW: Did you have any advice or direction for him?

Bhad Bhabie: No, I just let him do

what he wanted. I didn’t really say I wanted anything.

HHW: Are there any artists that you look at for inspiration?

Bhad Bhabie: Oh, I want to work with Travis Scott so bad. I don’t really have any inspiration. I just do what I do and what I feel works for me.

HHW: Before you got into music, who did you listen to?

Bhad Bhabie: Future, people like that. 21 Savage. Like, that’s who I used to listen to but now it’s like Rich the Kid, Playboi Carti, Trippie Redd. All those types of people.

HHW: Currently you’re collaborating with Asian Doll on tour, you guys have a song together too. Talk about that.

Bhad Bhabie: Me and Asian have a song together called “Affiliated“ that’s supposed to come out very soon. We just did the video for it yesterday in her neighborhood out in Dallas.

HHW: I see you looking at your nails, we know you love the nails! Let’s get into what inspires your personal style…

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah, it’s this light in here! I’m a plain person. So, I’m growing up.

HHW: She said, “I’m growing up!”

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah, I’m growing up and I’m tired of this, I’m tired of this plain sh-- so I’m just…

HHW: What do you mean plain? Like white t-shirt type?

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah. I’m tired of that so much! I really hate it, I really hate it, and I really just do it now so people could recognize me. If it was up to me you’ll never see me in that again!

HHW: What would you prefer to be out in, what’s your ultimate style goal ?

Bhad Bhabie: I don’t know, I like

shirts like this. I like halter tops and sh--. You know, but they’re just something that’s kind of big that I can’t hide, so I try to manage them.

HHW: I see your teeth blinging out!

Bhad Bhabie: Cause yeah, I hate my teeth so much.

HHW: Why? Bhad Bhabie: Like they’re one of my biggest pet-peeves! Well, pet-peeves is that the word? Not pet-peeves but, you know what I’m saying…Insecurities! I don’t know why I said pet-peeve. But my insecurity is my teeth, I hate them so much.

HHW: So, you just blinged ‘em up?

Bhad Bhabie: Yeah, that’s why I got my tongue pierced and I got my lip pierced because I just wanted something to distract…

HHW: Are the diamonds on your teeth your biggest purchase?

Bhad Bhabie: No. I had did something really dumb. I had bought a car, for what reason I have no idea.

HHW: Do you have your license?

Bhad Bhabie: No, I’m fifteen.

In California you have to be sixteen, you have to be fifteen and a half to get your permit so I got six months. That’s really it.

Other than that I really just buy dumb shit. Unreasonable, dumb s--t.

HHW: Is there anything else you want to let the fans know?

Bhad Bhabie: Just look out for my mixtape, which is coming soon. And make sure you get your tickets for my “Banned in the USA” tour ‘cause I might just be coming to your city, h--!

T|IG: @bhadbhabie

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MUSIC STREET BUD

Street Bud Season 4 Winner of Lifetime TV’s The Rap Game To The Real Life Rap Game!

ATLANTA NATIVE, JERMAINE DUPRI, IS KNOWN FOR TURNING TALENT INTO MEGA-STARS AS A RECORD EXECUTIVE, LABEL OWNER, HIT MAKER AND RECORDING ARTIST. FOR INSTANCE, BOW

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

WOW, USHER, XSCAPE, AND NOW, 12-YEAR-OLD STREET BUD. IN HIS NEW REALITY TELEVISION SERIES, LIFETIME’S THE RAP GAME, JERMAINE IS ON A MISSION TO FIND THE NEXT SUPERSTAR. STREET BUD WEARS THE TITLE PROUDLY AS SEASON FOUR’S WINNER. STREET BUD SAT DOWN WITH HIP HOP WEEKLY MAGAZINE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

by KimSoMajor

HHW: What was your experience like on The Rap Game Season 4?

process of your single, “Run My Check Up?”

STREET BUD: The experience was fun! I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about rap.

Now that I know, when I see these problems in real life; I know how to solve them.

STREET BUD: No, it was my management, Kidchella ATL.

HHW: You’re 12 right? What problems do you face?

STREET BUD: Yes, but there is a lot of stuff going on in the industry. It’s different.

When you are a kid rapper you can’t do stuff that other artist can. You come across beef, I don’t beef. That’s another thing, you come across a lot of hate. It’s just a lot. I don’t know how to explain it.

HHW: You seem very mature. Who’s the most impactful person in your life?

STREET BUD: I would say my mom.

She inspires me to do what I do.

HHW: Was Jermaine Dupri involved in the

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HHW: Where did Kidchella ATL come from?

STREET BUD: My mom has an artist development business. So, we made it into a brand.

HHW: You’re influencing other kids. Do you like being a role model?

STREET BUD: Being a role model is great! I like seeing kids look up to me.

Kids want to be like me, but like I always say, don’t follow me follow your dreams.

HHW: How did you discover what your dreams were?

STREET BUD: I feel like when God made me, he put a music note in my heart. It’s what I do.

MUSIC STREET BUD

HHW: Tell us about your single, “Run My Check up.”

STREET BUD: “Run My Check Up” is stuff I’m going to do when I run my check up. How I’m going to run my check up, how fast I will do it, when I have to do it, and where I got to do it.

HHW: Did you freestyle or is this a track you wrote down?

STREET BUD: That’s crazy that you ask me that because the song was a freestyle. It took me like 10 minutes to record that song.

HHW: What’s the most fun you had on your season of The Rap Game?

STREET BUD: The most fun I had was during my last performance, when I rolled out in the car. That was the best.

HHW: That was really dope. Who came up with that idea?

STREET BUD: That was my mom’s idea. At

first, I thought it was goofy. I was thinking who’s actually going to roll out in this tiny, little car. I guess I just did it. It was fun!

HHW: How do you think growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina shaped you?

HHW: Your mom is your manager. How important do you think her job is?

STREET BUD: If it wasn’t for Winston-Salem, I wouldn’t be me. There’s a lot of violence going on, so, I tried to stay away from that.

Atlanta really got me swagged. Atlanta is full of swag! Atlanta is full of music. Atlanta made me. Winston-Salem made me. Everybody made me.

STREET BUD: It’s important, I can’t move without my mom really. Hold up, let me answer that question again. Without my mom, I would not be on TV! You would not be looking at me on Hip Hop Weekly. So, I want to give a big shout out to my mom and my aunt, also known as, my project manager, No Daes Off! HHW: What would you say has influenced this swag you have?

STREET BUD: What really caused me to have this swag is the stuff I grew up around, the stuff I see, and hearing other people’s music like 2 Chainz. It’s like man, I need to rap about the stuff that’s really going on in my life. I’m always swagged out. So, I need that swagged out energy in all my tracks.

HHW: What advice can you give to kids wanting to audition for The Rap Game?

STREET BUD: Don’t think The Rap Game is your only option. There are a lot more options than The Rap Game. The Rap Game isn’t the only place to show people what you can do.

You can do talent shows… You don’t have to get big off The Rap Game is basically what I am saying. But if you want to be on The Rap Game, just tag Jermaine Dupri. I sent Jermaine a couple of videos of kids that I like already.

T|IG: @Streetbud_

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