JAY-Z Files Trademark For Jaybo Character From "The Story Of O.J." Video

January 15, 2018 | 8:06 AM

by Danielle Harling

YouTube/JayZVEVO

Jaybo, the animated character from JAY-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” music video, is prepped to take on a life of his own now that legal docs have been filed.

TMZ reports that JAY-Z’s S. Carter Enterprises recently filed documents to trademark Jaybo, a character influenced by Sambo (featured in “The Story of Little Black Sambo,” a children’s book from 1899 that is generally considered to be racist because of its illustrations) and Dumbo (the Disney character from the 1941 film that has also been accused of making racist characterizations).

Among the items Jaybo’s mug could be featured on are T-shirts, cocktail shakers, dinnerware, and blankets.

“The Story of O.J.” served as the first visual to be released from JAY’s 13th studio album, 4:44. DX also named it among the Best Rap Videos Of 2017.

The song drew some criticism, including from the Anti-Defamation League. The Jewish organization expressed its concern over the characterization of “Jewish people” owning “all the property in America” in the lyrics. A slew of rappers also took offense to JAY’s money phone putdown.

In his breakdown of the song for iHeartRadio, JAY said: “The Story of OJ’ is really a song about we as a culture, having a plan, how we’re gonna push this forward. We all make money, and then we all lose money, as artists especially. But how, when you have some type of success, to transform that into something bigger.”

Despite the controversy, “The Story of O.J” is up for three Grammys on January 28: Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video.

Watch the video below.

Hip Hop Single Sales: Bruno Mars & Cardi B's "Finesse" Remix Makes Top 5 Debut

January 13, 2018 | 2:55 PM

by Cherise Johnson

YouTube/Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix)” featuring Cardi B has debuted at #5 on the R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales charts for the week ending January 4, while Kendrick Lamar’s Teddy Walton-produced single “LOVE.” featuring Zacari now sits at #2.

Meanwhile, Post Malone continues to maintain his #1 position with “Rockstar” featuring 21 Savage. His Stoney single “Congratulations” just hit over a million in digital sales as well.

Lastly, Cardi’s history-making “Bodak Yellow” came in at #3, a minor jump from #5 last week.

Bruno Mars & Cardi B’s “Finesse (Remix)” Makes Top 10 Debut

Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix)” featuring Cardi B pops up at #5 this week. It sold 30,105 in digital downloads, according to Neilson SoundScan reports. The track marks the Bronx rapper’s fifth song on the R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales chart and Mars’ fourth.

Despite a 24 percent decrease in sales from last week, Cardi’s breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” still manages to make its way to the Top 3 and lands in the #3 slot. At #10 is the popular Migos’ track “MotorSport” featuring Cardi (again) and Nicki Minaj, which pushed 23,048 in sales.

The “Finesse (Remix)” is a revision of the original “Finesse” cut from his third studio album, 2016’s 24K Magic. That’s not the only song Mars has on the chart. “That’s What I Like” sits at #19, “24K Magic” lands at #24 and “Versace On The Floor” comes in at #74.

Kendrick Lamar’s “LOVE.” Jumps Up The Charts

Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. track “LOVE.” took a major leap on the R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales chart from #10 to #2 this week. With 35,229 in digital downloads, “LOVE.” saw an 11 percent increase in sales for a total of 347,503 to date.

Kung Fu Kenny also nabbed another Top 10 this week with “HUMBLE.,” which came in at #6 and pushed 30,032 in digital sales.

Also trending for the Compton, California Hip Hop powerhouse are “DNA.” at #21, “LOYALTY.” featuring Rihanna at #32 and his feature on Travis Scott’s “Goosebumps” at #40. The newly released Black Panther: The Album cut “All The Stars” featuring SZA hit the chart at #100.

Post Malone’s “Congratulations” Featuring Quavo Hits 1 Million Downloads

Post Malone’s “Congratulations” hit 1,002,779 in digital downloads for the week ending on January 4. The Stoney track featuring Migos member Quavo tapped in at #15 and pushed 16,151 in sales.

Post Malone currently tops the R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales chart at #1 with his 21 Savage-assisted single “Rockstar,” which is also reaching a million in sales with 861,408 units sold to date.

The Dallas rapper has four other tracks trending on the charts as well, including “I Fall Apart” at #11, “Candy Paint” at #23, “Go Flex” at #71 and his breakout hit “White Iverson” at #61.

The Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales For Week Ending 01/04/2017

The number in bold indicates this week’s sales, while the number in parentheses represents the total number of digital singles sold.

#1. Post Malone f. 21 Savage — “Rockstar” — 49,559 (861,408)

#2. Kendrick Lamar f. Zacari — “LOVE.” — 35,229 (347,503)

#3. Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” — 32,389 (763,145)

#4. G-Eazy f. Halsey — “Him & I” — 32,331 (148,380)

#5. Bruno Mars f. Cardi B — “Finesse (Remix)” — 30,105 (61,947)

#6. Kendrick Lamar — “HUMBLE.” — 30,032 (1,107,791)

#7. Khalid — Young, Dumb & Broke — 29,556 (400,926)

#8. G-Eazy f. A$AP Rocky & Cardi B — “No Limit” — 25,174 (271,146)

#9. NF — “Let You Down” — 23,327 (194,795)

#10. Migos f. Nicki Minaj & Cardi B — “MotorSport” — 23,048 (185,257)

Kendrick Lamar Continues Billboard 200 Domination With "DAMN." Album

May 8, 2017 | 8:31 AM

by Victoria Hernandez

Rolling Loud/Luis Diaz @eyesofsiul

The year is shaping up to be a big one for Hip Hop. After Drake’s More Life made its splash, Kendrick Lamar stormed onto the scene with DAMN. The Compton MC continues his reign at the top of the Billboard 200 for another week, while Gorillaz’ Humanz and Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman make their debuts, giving Drake’s playlist its lowest position yet. Wale’s Shine also has its first week on the chart.

King Kendrick Lamar Sits At #1 For 3rd Straight Week

After performing his DAMN. album for only the second time since its release at Rolling Loud, Kendrick Lamar celebrates his third week at the top of the Billboard 200. The LP pushed 173,137 equivalent album units, a 28 percent drop from last week, but still enough to keep him at #1.

Gorillaz’s “Humanz” Ties Best Billboard 200 Placement

Coming in at #2, Gorillaz makes a statement with its Humanz album. The project earned 139,548 total units in its first week and did 115,063 in pure album sales, a feat for any project these days. This ties the group’s highest Billboard 200 placement, as 2010’s Plastic Beachreached the same position.

Mary J. Blige Stands Tall With “Strength of a Woman”

After a three-year hiatus, Mary J. Blige released her Strength of a Woman album, which debuts at #3. The project sold 77,863 equivalent album units, was purchased by 72,095 fans and was streamed more than 6 million times. The iconic singer’s last project, 2014’s The London Sessions, debuted at #9, but Blige has a resume that boasts four #1 albums and three #2 placements.

Wale’s “Shine” Debuts At #16

Wale’s Shine album sold 28,409 units to put him in the #16 slot in its first sales cycle. It was streamed 21.7 million times and earned 12,156 pure album units. His last project, 2015’s The Album About Nothing, topped the Billboard 200 upon its release.

Top 10 Billboard Top 200 Rap & R&B Albums For The Week Ending 05/04/2017

Note: The first number below is this week’s “total album equivalent units” count, an intersection of album sales, single sales, and streams implemented by Billboard’s new rating system. A pure album sales figure is available in bold in parenthesis and information about each album’s streaming count is available in brackets.

#1 Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. – 173,137 (56,557) [156,909,707]

#2 Gorillaz — Humanz — 139,548 (115,063) [31,926,483]

#3 Mary J. Blige — Strength of a Woman — 77,863 (72,095) [6,131,800]

#4 Drake – More Life – 68,308 (4,837) [87,086,351]

#7 Bruno Mars — 24K Magic — 41,081 (15,698) [24,526,457]

#13 Migos — Culture — 30,333 (2,581) [37,100,576]

#15 Future — FUTURE — 29,401 (1,484) [36,913,300]

#16 Wale — Shine — 28,409 (12,156) [21,761,016]

#17 The Weeknd — Starboy — 28,402 (6,492) [26,914,577]

#18 Post Malone — Stoney — 25,723 (1,722) [30,274,143]

Hip Hop Single Sales: Future's "Mask Off" Steadily Climbs The Charts

May 7, 2017 | 7:27 AM

by Cherise Johnson

VEVO/Future

Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar are holding down the top spots on the R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales chart for the week ending April 27, 2017. Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” has secured the #1 position for the third week in a row, while Kendrick Lamar has two tracks off his Platinum-selling album DAMN., “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.,” keeping things warm in the Top 5.

This week, we also see Future’s “Mask Off” stealthily making its way to the top while G-Eazy and Kehlani’s “Good Life” makes an impressive re-entry into the Top 10, from #20 all the way to #8 after its debut on the charts in March.

G-Eazy & Kehlani Shooting Up The Chart

G-Eazy and Kehlani’s song off The Fate of the Furious soundtrack, “Good Life,” debuted at #6 back in March and this week we see the song making a big comeback after falling off, landing at #8. This is a dramatic increase of 49% from last week’s position of #20 and the week before that at #59.

Bruno Mars’ Momentum Not Slowing Down

Bruno Mars likes being at #1. After spending 23 weeks on the chart, the 24k Magic bop continues to hold down the top spot, moving nearly a million (956,502) units total so far. Although the New Jack Swing-inspired single saw a 3% drop in sales, it wasn’t enough for the song to drop out of #1.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” continues to play its position at #2.

Future’s “Mask Off” Steadily Climbs The Charts

All those #MaskOffChallenge videos are paying off in a major way for Future’s Platinum-selling single “Mask Off.” The Metro Boomin-produced cut has been quietly making its way to the top of the charts and is Future’s best-charting single to date.

The visual for “Mask Off” made its debut this week and features the beautiful Amber Rose as the Freebandz boss’ companion, which may help it possibly displace Kendrick or Bruno. However from the looks of it, Bruno and Dot have no plans on giving up their top positions.

The Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales For Week Ending 04/27/2017

#1. Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like” – 77,574 (956,502)

#2. Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” – 55,124 (279,832)

#3. Future – “Mask Off” – 38,636 (282,529)

#4. Kyle f. Lil Yachty – “iSpy” – 36,616 (542,709)

#5. Kendrick Lamar — “DNA.” — 36,080 (87,612)

#6. Post Malone f. Quavo — “Congratulations” — 32,401 (297,115)

#7. The Weeknd f. Daft Punk — “I Feel It Coming” — 28,216 (737,605)

#8. G-Eazy f. Kehlani — “Good Life” — 24,495 (78,815)

#9. Drake – “Passionfruit” – 21,093 (140,224)

#10. Calvin Harris f. Frank Ocean & Migos — “Slide” — 20,472 (171,123)

Meek Mill Rings In 30 With "Meekend Music" Mini-Mixtape

May 6, 2017 | 5:16 PM

by D.L. Chandler

Instagram/Meek Mill

Meek Mill decided to ring in his 30th year on the planet in his own way with a quick, three-song mixtape. Meekend Music features the talents of A$AP Ferg and Young Thug, with Dreamchasers 4.5 still awaiting release.

Leading off the mixtape is “$lay,” with production from Michigan-born, Atlanta-based Honorable C.N.O.T.E. The producer is well known in the A$AP Mob circles, previously providing heat for A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg, the latter being featured on the track.

Next up is the Young Thug-assisted “Backboard” with Meek employing hometown producer Maaly Raw on the beat with some help from Murda. The final track on Meekend Music, “Left Hollywood,” has the Philadelphia spitter standing alone with Stoopid providing the backdrop.

Check out Meek Mill’s Meekend Music mixtape below.

Kool G Rap Prepping "Return Of The Don" Album Produced Entirely By MoSS

May 5, 2017 | 1:49 PM

by Trent Clark

Clockwork Music

From a technical standpoint, not too many MCs have the lyrical versatility of Kool G Rap. The godfather of Mafioso rap has been on hiatus for most of the decade, having just one full-length release back in 2011. But he’s back with the aptly titled Return of the Don to fully command his lane once again.

Scored in its entirety by Canadian producer MoSS (credits include nearly every name brand MC in the Tri-State area of the past five years), Return of the Don also employs the talents of Raekwon, Freeway, Noreaga, Fred The Godson, Cormega, Sheek Louch, Saigon, Termanology, Fame, KXNG Crooked, Conway The Machine & Westside Gunn (the newest signees to Eminem’s Shady Records) and the late, great Sean Price.

The HipHopDX offices will be rocking to this album for the next couple of weeks ahead of its June 2, 2017 release date so check down below for the cover art and full tracklist and mark your calendar for the live album stream.

1. Return Of The Don
2. Mack Lean f. Fred The Godson & AG Da Coroner
3. Criminal Outfit f. Noreaga
4. Wise Guys f. Fame (M.O.P.) & Freeway
5. Out For That Life f. Raekwon
6. Times Up
7. Capitol Hill f. Manolo Rose, Sheek Louch & Cormega
8. Running f. Termanology & Saigon
9. World Is Mine f. KXNG Crooked, Willie The Kid & Pearl Gates
10. Popped Off f. Sean Price & Ransom
11. Rest In Peace f. Conway The Machine & Westside Guns

Chance The Rapper Gets Name-Dropped By Both Barack Obama & Spider-Man Comic

May 5, 2017 | 10:21 AM

by Somhairle Cinnsealach

Seth McConnell/The Denver Post via Getty Images

How do you know you’ve made it? When the former president can’t shut up about you? Or is it when you’re being referenced in an iconic comic book? Luckily, Chance The Rapper doesn’t have to make that choice, because both of those things happened to him this week.

Let’s start with the Spider-Man comic. Chano was the subject of another Hip Hop reference from Marvel, where a character says, “I’m young! And hip! Ask me any question about Chance The Rapper…”

View image on Twitter

 Follow

Andrew Barber 

✔@fakeshoredrive

.@chancetherapper is mentioned in the new Spiderman comic book. He really is on a new level (via @ThePhlashGordon)

11:51 AM - 4 May 2017

And now we move on to Exhibit B: Barack Obama. Obama has paid tribute to Chance on plenty of occasions, inviting him to state dinners and to perform at the White House’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Now he has said that the Chicago rapper will be welcome in his Presidential Library anytime. President Obama has said that the new building will be a “hub for the community” based in Chicago, containing features never before seen in a Presidential Library, such as a play area for children and a recording studio.

According to the New York Times, Obama said he hopes for “a studio where I can invite Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg to do workshops on how to make films and a recording studio where I could invite Chance or Bruce Springsteen, depending on your tastes, to talk about how you could record music that has social commentary and meaning.”

We can’t see Chance turning down that invitation.

Listen To J Dilla's "Motor City" Project Featuring Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes

April 20, 2017 | 9:31 PM

by Kyle Eustice

iTunes/JDilla

Although coveted Detroit beatsmith J Dilla lost his life in 2006, he’s left behind a treasure trove of timeless musical compositions. His latest posthumous release comes in the form of the beat tape called Motor City, which boasts 19 tracks plus some notable features from Hip Hop pioneers like Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes, who both pop up on an exclusive J. Rocc remix, the “J-Rocc Blend #2.”

The album is packaged in a limited-edition mailing envelope and framed as a “letter” to Jay Dee from his mother, Ma Dukes. It’s complete with a handwritten message to him that is included in the insert.

Motor City follows the release of Dilla’s full-length album, The Diary, and the compilation, Jay Dee’s Ma Dukes Collection. Ma Dukes has been instrumental in arranging all of his posthumous releases through the J Dilla Foundation, which aims to enrich the community by enhancing local music programs and awarding students with scholarships, while keeping Dilla’s name alive.

Check out the album stream, cover art and tracklist below.

1. Motor City 1
2. Motor City 2
3. Motor City 3
4. Motor City 4
5. Motor City 5
6. Motor City 6
7. Motor City 7
8. Motor City 8
9. Motor City 9
10. Motor City 10
11. Motor City 11
12. Motor City 12
13. Motor City 13
14. Motor City 14
15. Motor City 15
16. Motor City 16
17. Motor City 17
18. Motor City 18
19. Motor City 19
20. Motor City (J Rocc Mix)

50 Cent To Executive Produce "The Oath" Series On Police Gangs

April 20, 2017 | 10:55 AM

by Danielle Harling

Instagram/50 Cent

Queens rapper 50 Cent is flexing his executive producing chops once again with a new scripted drama.

Billboard reports that the G-Unit helmsman has signed on to executive produce “The Oath,” a new drama that will delve into the world of police gangs. The series will air on Crackle, a streaming service that features movies and television shows, as well as original programming.

In a statement, 50 expressed his excitement at teaming with Sony and Crackle for his latest foray into television.

“I am very excited to be partnering with Sony Pictures Television Networks and Crackle,” 50 Cent said. “To be able to bring this story to life is something I’m looking forward to and Joe Halpin’s personal experience will make this unlike anything that’s been seen before.”

Written and produced by Joe Halpin, a former L.A. Sheriff’s deputy, “The Oath” will take a look at the inner workings of police gangs, and unveil the inner drama and turmoil that surrounds such organizations.

Consisting of 10 episodes, “The Oath” is set to include “real-life reflections of gang culture” and show how the secret police societies that started with good intentions got warped over time.

Crackle also announced a second 50 Cent-produced second drama series with the working title RPM, which, according to Variety, is about “the working-class streets of Boston’s most corrupt neighborhoods following a used-car salesman who starts moonlighting as a getaway driver for a crime syndicate.”

50 boasted on his latest accomplishment on Instagram, writing “Im out here, I’m not playing around. you see me getting the job done. Get with me.”

It’s currently unclear if 50 Cent will appear in the show. The musician-turned-actor has appeared on “Power,” a television show he also serves as executive producer of, and has been working on Den Of Thieves, an upcoming film with Gerard Butler.

Damian Marley Speaks On 4/20, Medical Marijuana & New "Stony Hill" Album

April 20, 2017 | 9:40 AM

by Victoria Hernandez

Instagram/damianjrgongmarley

LOS ANGELES, CA – Reggae legend Damian Marley is ready to return after mulling over ideas for his Stony Hill album for a decade. The native Jamaican told an intimate crowd at a listening session at Los Angeles’ NightBird Studio that his focus on the 18-track project was laser sharp this past year as he ground out the recordings in the West Coast city and Miami. He also revealed why this album is very personal to him.

“Stony Hill is a place in Jamaica where I grew up, so it’s kind of paying homage to my upbringing,” he shares in an interview with HipHopDX at the event. “Also, the significance of the place itself is that it’s really on the more confident side of tone, more kind of on the wealthier side of things.”

Marley previously shared the single “Nail Pon Cross” along with the announcement that he was opening a marijuana dispensary in Denver. The business has gone well so far and the Grammy-winner is expected to release another single, the aptly titled “Medication,” on 4/20.

“We’re actually going moving on now,” he says of Stony Hill Dispensary. “The one that we do have currently open, we’re gonna be moving from there and moving onto some new locations and opening a few more dispensaries out in Denver. So that’s really good in that kinda case of being part of the marijuana industry.”

In regards to the industrialization of cannabis culture, Jr. Gong says he is used to the business side of it, considering he, his family and friends all grew up smoking Mary Jane. However, he explains why the medical uses for the flowery plant catch his attention.

“The most intriguing part of it to me so far has been all of the developments in terms of the medical purposes really,” he says. “Because of course we’ve been smoking for years and it’s always been a part of our culture. So that’s nothing new really for us. So what comes out in all of the recent developments on the medical side and all of the illnesses that it’s helping, that’s really interesting to me.”

“The use of CBD so far of what we know of it’s been used for example, kids, or I guess people in general, I guess who have seizures, it’s been shown to have promising results in that department,” he continues. “Of course with cancer patients, helping people to regain their appetite after they take certain treatments and whatnot. It’s showing good promise in a lot of those areas.”

When asked about the significance of the 4/20 holiday, Marley admits he doesn’t know much of the background of the day, but understands it’s importance in marijuana education. He will celebrate the day this year with TIDAL’s High Times event on Sunset Boulevard.

“It raises a lot of awareness because of the celebration of it,” he says of 4/20. “I don’t really know, I was having a similar conversation with somebody the other day, where I was saying I don’t really know the history behind why that date was chosen or where the whole beginning of that date being celebrated came from, but at the end of the day, it’s still the fact that it does raise awareness to why marijuana is positive, is a good thing.”

Another good thing Marley sees that some like Mr. Vegas and Sean Paul might not agree with is the globalization of music. Artists like Drake have caught a lot of flak for seeming to take the sounds of dancehall without proper attribution. But the Caribbean icon believes Reggae is in safe hands.

“I think it’s happening to all music,” he concedes. “All genres seem to be doing a lot of melting into each other. It’s kind of becoming more difficult to define anything as one particular genre because they’re all being influenced by each other. That’s just because of the communication of the internet and again, just being so much more in touch with the world and up to date with what’s going on. So at the end of the day, it’s great. No matter what, it’s still great exposure for the culture, when it comes down to people using Reggae.”

Damian Marley’s Stony Hill album is due out July 21.