Wu-Tang Clan’s Final Chamber Tour leaves Chicago buzzing

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Wu-Tang Clan’s Final Chamber Tour in Chicago: A Night of Legacy, Loyalty, and Loud Memories

On July 7, Wu-Tang Clan brought their Final Chamber Tour to Chicago’s United Center. The crowd showed up early, ready for what would be one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. Run the Jewels opened with their signature high energy, setting the stage for what was about to come.

As soon as the first beat dropped, I was reminded of where it all started for me. Thirty years ago, I snuck into the House of Blues, just a kid looking to feel the weight of Wu-Tang Clan’s music live. That night, all nine original members stood on stage, and the entire room moved as one. Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s wild energy filled every corner of the venue. That moment shaped how I viewed hip-hop.

Now, decades later, I stood inside a packed arena. Things have changed. The men on stage have evolved. RZA has built a career as a film director and producer. Method Man is now an actor with an undeniable presence. GZA speaks on science and philosophy alongside top thinkers. Raekwon continues to celebrate his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… legacy, and Ghostface Killah still sounds as sharp as ever. Even with everything they’ve accomplished outside of music, their connection to the crowd hasn’t faded.

The show opened with “Sunlight,” leading into “Bring Da Ruckus.” From the start, the energy was high. They followed up with “Clan in Da Front,” “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ to Fuck Wit.” The crowd responded to every line, shirts with the golden “W” filling every seat in the building.

Throughout the night, they shifted focus between group tracks and individual moments. Raekwon and Ghostface delivered “Criminology” and “Ice Cream” with ease, their chemistry as strong as ever. Masta Killa and Cappadonna kept the momentum going with their verses, while GZA’s performance of “Liquid Swords” and “Duel of the Iron Mic” showed his lyrical mastery.

Method Man brought undeniable energy. He performed “Method Man,” “Bring the Pain,” and “All I Need,” feeding off the crowd and commanding the stage like few can.

Young Dirty Bastard honored his father with high-energy performances of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money.” His presence connected the past with the present, and the crowd responded with loud approval.

The night was built on classic after classic. Tracks like “Protect Ya Neck,” “Reunited,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and “Triumph” had the entire building on their feet. When Inspectah Deck delivered his verse on “Triumph,” the reaction from the crowd was overwhelming.

Standing there, it struck me that I wasn’t that kid sneaking into shows anymore. Yet somehow, the feeling remained the same. I could see it on every face around me—Wu-Tang Clan still hits just as hard.

Here is the full setlist from the night:

“Sunlight”
“Bring Da Ruckus”
“Clan in Da Front”
“Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”
“Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ to Fuck Wit”
“Method Man”
“Shame on a Nigga”
“Protect Ya Neck”
“Can It Be All So Simple”
“Holla”
“Criminology”
“’97 Mentality”
“Above the Clouds”
“Incarcerated Scarfaces”
“Ice Cream”
“Bring the Pain”
“All I Need”
“Liquid Swords”
“Duel of the Iron Mic”
“4th Chamber”
“Gravel Pit”
“No Said Date”
“Run”
“Tearz”
“Reunited”
“Shimmy Shimmy Ya”
“Got Your Money”
“C.R.E.A.M.”
“Triumph”

Thirty years later, Wu-Tang Clan remains one of the most powerful groups to take the stage. The names and venues may change, but their impact stays the same.

Fire Friday: New music from JID, Jessie Reyez, JT and more

Fire Friday: The Must-Hear Rap & R&B Releases (July 1–4, 2025)

This week’s lineup brought serious heat across rap, R&B, and beyond. From standout lyricism and fiery mixtapes to bold visuals and emotional albums, these new drops are setting the pace for summer playlists everywhere. Here’s your full breakdown of the freshest releases from the past four days.

JID – GDLU: The Preluxe (Mixtape)

JID kicked off July 4 with GDLU: The Preluxe, a sharp, four-track teaser mixtape leading into his upcoming full-length album God Does Like Ugly. Known for his rapid-fire flow and intricate wordplay, JID doesn’t disappoint here. The project features Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK, pairing clever rhymes with slick production, making it a must-listen for hip-hop heads.

Listen to the full mixtape here:

JT – “Ran Out” (Official Music Video)

JT shines in her latest solo release, “Ran Out,” a bold track packed with swagger, attitude, and confident bars. The music video matches the energy, showing off high-end visuals, fast cars, and no shortage of luxury. It’s an anthem for anyone who loves a flashy, unapologetic flex.

Watch the video here

DDG – “That’s My Ball” (Official Visualizer)

DDG keeps the momentum going with “That’s My Ball,” an upbeat track accompanied by an animated visualizer. The fun, sports-inspired video features popular creators like Kai Cenat, Ludwig, ImDontai, and Valkyrae, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the playful, competitive song.

Watch the visualizer here:

DJ Snake & J Balvin – “Noventa” (Official Music Video)

DJ Snake and J Balvin link up once again for “Noventa,” an infectious reggaeton track filled with retro charm. The video takes it back to the ‘90s with VHS effects, throwback dance moves, and summery street party vibes, making it a certified warm-weather anthem.

Watch the video here:

Jessie Reyez – Paid in Memories (Album)

Jessie Reyez delivers raw emotion on Paid in Memories, released July 2. Her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting take center stage as she explores themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, family, and healing. From stripped-down ballads to upbeat tracks, Reyez proves her versatility while staying true to her vulnerable sound.

Stream the full album here:

This week’s releases bring a range of vibes—from emotional R&B and fierce lyricism to flashy visuals and dance-ready beats. Jessie Reyez and JID deliver standout projects for listeners looking for depth and skill, while JT, DDG, DJ Snake, and J Balvin keep the energy high with vibrant visuals and catchy hooks.

No matter your mood, these releases deserve a spot in your playlist rotation.

Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert: A Mesmerizing Blend of Bars, Beauty, and Black Girl Magic

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk performance felt like an intimate revelation—a masterclass in artistry, lyrical prowess, and cultural homage. With an all-woman band backing her, she delivered a performance that transcended genres, leaning into the influences of jazz, bebop, and R&B while keeping hip-hop at its core. Opening with tracks from Alligator Bites Never Heal, including “Boom Bap” and “Denial is a River,” Doechii set the stage for a journey through rhythm, resilience, and raw emotion.

The band’s braids swayed in unison, a nod to Black girl beauty aesthetics, embodying the essence of sisterhood and pride. Their original arrangements elevated the performance, adding depth and dimension to Doechii’s intricate lyricism and vibrant delivery. A rapper’s rapper, Doechii’s ability to switch seamlessly between hard-edged verses and her angelic singing voice showcased her versatility and mastery of her craft.

Her rendition of “Black Girl Memoir” from All the Places You Go stood out as the emotional centerpiece of the set. The soul-stirring ballad, written years ago but made hauntingly relevant by today’s political climate, was a reflection on her experiences as a dark-skinned Black woman. The dedication added an emotional weight that left viewers captivated and reflective.

Doechii’s presence is a testament to Top Dawg Entertainment’s legacy of nurturing unparalleled talent. In the past decade, TDE has consistently offered music that shapes and defines culture, and Doechii is no exception. She isn’t just a rapper; she’s a messenger, weaving themes of love, joy, fun, and inspiration into her work.

With performances like this, hip-hop culture and rap music are undoubtedly in good hands. Doechii’s star is rising, and her light is undeniable.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA Continue Their Reign with the Grand National Tour Following “GNX” Release

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Kendrick Lamar is not taking his foot off the gas with his newest release, GNX. Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed album, Lamar has teamed up with Top Dawg Entertainment superstar SZA for the Grand National Tour, a 19-stadium event that promises to be one of the most electrifying tours of 2025. Presented by Live Nation, pgLang, and TDE, the tour is set to redefine live music experiences across North America.

Tour Highlights and Ticket Access

The Grand National Tour kicks off on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis at the U.S. Bank Stadium, before weaving through major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Toronto, and culminating in Washington, DC, on June 18. Fans will witness performances at some of the country’s most iconic venues, including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. With Lamar’s powerful storytelling and SZA’s ethereal vocals, each stop promises an unforgettable night of music.

Tickets go on sale with an exclusive Cash App Visa Card presale starting Wednesday, December 4, at 10 a.m. local time. This early-access window runs through Thursday, December 5, at 10 p.m. local time, offering fans the chance to secure their spot ahead of the general public. General ticket sales will begin Friday, December 6, at 10 a.m. local time via grandnationaltour.com.

Perks for Cash App Cardholders

Cash App Visa Cardholders have even more reason to celebrate. During the presale, customers can access tickets using the first nine digits of their card and receive a 20% instant discount on all official Grand National Tour merchandise purchased on-site. This partnership showcases Cash App’s dedication to delivering unparalleled fan experiences.

Complete Tour Dates

  • Apr 19 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Apr 23 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
  • Apr 26 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium
  • Apr 29 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
  • May 03 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
  • May 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
  • May 08-09 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
  • May 12 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
  • May 17 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
  • May 21-23 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
  • May 27 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium
  • May 29 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
  • May 31 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
  • Jun 04 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center
  • Jun 06 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
  • Jun 10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field
  • Jun 12 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
  • Jun 16 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
  • Jun 18 – Washington, DC – Northwest Stadium

The Power Duo of Kendrick Lamar and SZA

This tour reunites Lamar and SZA, two of the most innovative artists of their generation. Fresh off the success of GNX, and the cultural phenomenon that is “Not Like Us”, Kendrick’s lyrical depth and commanding stage presence make him a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, SZA, whose artistry has captivated audiences worldwide, adds her unique magic to the lineup. Their shared roots in Top Dawg Entertainment and pgLang create a synergy that guarantees a transformative live experience.

Why This Tour Matters

The Grand National Tour is another cultural event. Kendrick Lamar and SZA have a history of pushing boundaries and connecting with fans on deeply personal levels. From Lamar’s evocative storytelling to SZA’s soulful authenticity, the duo promises a tour that will leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Grand National Tour. For tickets and more information, visit grandnationaltour.com.

Kendrick spotlights the West Coast’s cultural richness in ‘Squabble Up’ video

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Kendrick continues his takeover of 2024. After the surprise release of GNX, he’s dropped the first video from the album for the song “Squabble Up.”

The video is a love letter to the West Coast. Kendrick stands in the middle of a yellowish-green banquet hall, wearing his cropped blue hoodie, while every facet of West Coast urban life is on full display. His understated delivery lets the representation take center stage. Crips, Bloods, low riders, and even odes to Isaac Hayes and Ice-T shine equally under the spotlight of the chandelier that opens the video.

“Squabble Up” is the perfect lead single for GNX and yet another feather in the cap for Kendrick and the West Coast.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2024 With Surprise Album ‘GNX’

Credit; Dave Free

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Kendrick Lamar has put an exclamation mark on his domination of 2024 with the surprise release of his latest album “GNX.” This release emerges as a seismic cultural moment, quickly becoming the talk of the internet. Inspired by the Buick Grand National he leans on in the cover art, Lamar embraces his “villain era” with unwavering confidence.

The album opener “wacced out murals” sets the tone with production that feels like a stripped-down, bass-driven reimagining of Whodini’s classic “Friends.” Lamar embraces the darker side of that memorable hit and weaponizes the track while highlighting haters, betrayal and self-preservation. “It used to be fuck that nigga, but now it’s plural, fuck everybody,” he raps, sparing no one. He even has a words for Snoop Dogg, whom he called out for sharing Drake’s AI-generated diss track “Taylor Made” during the height of the Drake vs. Kendrick battle.

One of the standout tracks, “reincarnated,” showcases Lamar’s strength as an artist. He demonstrates his keen ability to blend storytelling and introspection. Lyrically, he takes listeners on a journey through three lives experiencing reincarnation. The track is reminiscent of 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me.” In the first two verses, he adopts Tupac’s cadence before closing the song with his distinctive delivery. The track is layered, as the three people described are reincarnated into different lives, while Lamar’s masterful delivery suggesting that he is the reincarnation of Tupac.

The production across “GNX” captures a minimalist, bass-heavy sound of L.A. and provides space for Lamar’s verses. This is most evident on “tv off,” produced by DJ Mustard and reminiscent of 2024’s culturally relevant anthem “Not Like US.”

The album features Mexican singer Deyra Barrera and rappers, Peyso, AzChike, Dody 6, Hitta J3, Peysoh, Siete, Wallie The Sensei and Young Threat. SZA joined her former TDE labelmate on “Luther” and “Gloria.” SZA’s performance on “Gloria” is hypnotic, her voice floating with ease through the verses before building into a luxuriant guitar solo.

Another standout track, “man at the garden,” evokes the haunting tension of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” along with “One Mic” by Nas and delivers an introspective Lamar. He examines his worthiness, boldly stating “I deserve it all” when discussing his accolades, accomplishments and the work behind them.

“GNX” is a statement during a year when Lamar made it his mission to fully separate himself from his peers. He delivers his honesty with a boldness that compels listeners to dig deeper into their own identity.

Buckshot Speaks Out After Violent Assault: A Call for a Safer New York

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

The Hip-Hop community is reeling after the brutal beating of legendary rapper Buckshot in his hometown of New York.

In an exclusive statement obtained by AllHipHop, Buckshot addressed his supporters and explained what led to the incident.

“To all my friends, fans, and supporters—thank you for reaching out during this difficult time,” he said. “Recently, I was the victim of a violent assault involving multiple individuals armed with weapons, including handguns. This attack stems from ongoing disputes over my property, where I am the rightful owner but have faced issues with unauthorized occupants who escalated the situation to violence.”

Buckshot also expressed his desire to see New York become a safer place. “As someone who’s been an entertainer and part of this community for over 30 years, I am deeply disturbed that such an incident could happen in New York—a city I love and call home. Violence like this has no place here, and I’m calling on everyone to come together to make New York safer and better for all of us.”

“I am currently recovering from my injuries and am working closely with my legal team and law enforcement to ensure this matter is handled properly,” he said. “We are committed to seeing justice served, and I ask for your patience and support as the legal process unfolds. Again, thank you for all the well wishes. Let’s put an end to violence and help rebuild a stronger, safer New York.”

The 49-year-old rapper has been a staple in hip-hop culture for decades, and his call for a safer city echoes the sentiments of many in his community.

Tyler Makes History With ‘CHROMOKOPIA’ Billboard Debut

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Tyler, the Creator is having a historic year and continues to carve out his own lane within the music industry. His latest album “CHROMOKOPIA” has secured the top spot on the Billboard 200. Tyler is on a run in the past four years that is unprecedented.

The Odd Future leader’s project earned nearly 300,000 units in its first week after releasing his album on a Monday, disregarding the Friday release that most artists follow. Taking the road less traveled earned “CHROMOKOPIA” the second-highest rap release of 2024 behind Travis Scott. “CHROMOKOPIA” is the sixth-biggest overall debut this year.

The numbers tell the story. “CHROMOKOPIA” generated more than 212 million streams and sold 142,000 units that were driven by physical album sales and merchandise. What stands out with this specific release is that it is Tyler’s fourth release in the last four years that has hit No. 1. This unprecedented achievement separates him from the pack.

 Boot Camp Clik’s Buckshot Assaulted, Video Surfaces Online

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Buckshot at African Fest in Chicago (Photo credit: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre)

All Hip-Hop recently reported that Brooklyn rapper Buckshot was severely beaten. A Facebook post by Sista Asia Wildenboar shows a picture of herself with the rapper and text reading “Please pray for Buckshot of Boot Camp Clik was beaten half to death in Flatbush NYC. My heart goes out to him.”

A graphic video circulating on X shows a beaten and bloodied man resembling Buckshot struggling to stand. A man can be heard making jokes in the background as another appears to assist Buckshot.

The rapper, born Kenyatta Blake, was the frontman for Boot Camp Clik and Black Moon. He helped develop a sound that defined hip-hop’s golden age in the 1990s. The remix to “I Got Cha Opin” samples Barry White’s 1977 track “Playing Your Game Baby” and features Buckshot rhyming in a unique, memorable cadence that became his trademark.

In 1994, Buckshot co-founded Duck Down Management with Drew “Dru Ha” Friedman, managing Black Moon and Smif-N-Wessun. Buckshot has collaborated with legends like KRS-One and producer 9th Wonder.

There have been no other reports regarding Buckshot’s status since the attack.

This is a developing story.

The Art of the Troll: Inside Drake’s DeRozan Strategy

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

The Kendrick vs. Drake battle is a battle that keeps giving us cultural moments. On November 2, 2024 the Sacramento Kings faced the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. The night started off with the Raptors legend Vince Carter having his jersey retired. Many a celebrity was on hand to witness this moment but none bigger that the Toronto native Drake.

Drake has been popping up more and more since losing his most recent battle. This battle has caused rifts between Drake and many who he considered friends. DeMar DeRozen, once one of Drakes closest friends was the target of a few bitter remarks from the Canadian rapper. It hasn’t always been like this.

From 2009 to 2018 Drake and DeRozan’s friendship was a cornerstone of Toronto basketball culture. Drake consistently championed DeRozen from his court-side seats and the pair appeared on the cover of SLAM magazine. This relationship seemingly crumbled as a result of DeRozen appearing at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert in June of 2024 and followed it up with a cameo in the “Not Like Us” music video. Drake unfollowed DeRozen and others and his recent actions at the Raptors game demonstrate a certain level of disdain.

At the game Drake is seen on video mouthing “F-k outta here p–y” as DeRozen passed by. And, during the Raptors broadcast Drake mentioned that if they were to ever retire DeRozen’s jersey he would personally “go up there and take it down” DeRozen responded with a laugh saying “He gonna have along way to climb to take it down. So, tell him good luck”

The way that this is happening is in classic Drake form. He does these types of things in public forums and always uses an element of humor to soften the blow. He has mastered the art of creating viral moments and being a troll. The idea of Drake being a tough guy is hard to digest when we take his content and music into consideration. However; the fact that this conversation is on everybody’s mind shows that he has succeeded in being the most talked about rapper yet again.

Do you think this battle is real or is Drake being a troll? Share in the comments.

Timeline: Drake and DeRozan’s Evolution from Friends to Foes

2009: DeRozan drafted by Toronto Raptors, marking the beginning of his relationship with Drake

2010-2018: Drake and DeRozan develop close friendship during DeRozan’s tenure with the Raptors

2016: The duo appears on SLAM Magazine’s “6 Gods” issue cover

2018: DeRozan traded to San Antonio Spurs; Drake posts emotional tribute: “To my brother @demar_derozan I want to say 10 million thank you’s on behalf of YOUR city”

2021: DeRozan joins Chicago Bulls

June 2024: DeRozan appears at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles

July 2024: DeRozan makes cameo in Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” music video; maintains “Drake’s still my man”

October 2024: Drake addresses loyalty at Toronto’s Nostalgia Party, unfollows DeRozan on Instagram

Nov. 2, 2024: Drake caught on video making hostile remarks as DeRozan passes by; later threatens to remove DeRozan’s jersey if retired