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 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 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 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.
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, 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.
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.
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
New Orleans vibrates with music and has given the world artists who have changed the soundscape. Lil Wayne stands as one of those artists. As jazz notes float through the French Quarter, Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest, founded in 2015, filled the Smoothie King Center with fans and the sounds of a legend. Wayne is a cultural icon and hometown hero, celebrated as such. However, even though he can pack an arena, Wayne will be found standing outside of the Super Bowl as a performer.
Kendrick Lamar being chosen earlier this year as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer has caused a stir in the industry for several reasons. The biggest: The game will be held in New Orleans, and many believe Wayne should have been given that opportunity.
Wayne has been a fixture in hip-hop culture since 1991 when he signed to Cash Money Records at age 9, becoming the label’s youngest artist. His signing was the start of a revolution. His years with the Hot Boys laid the foundation for Cash Money, and his solo career would show the world what Wayne was capable of.
The numbers tell the story.
“Tha Block Is Hot” went platinum. “Tha Carter III” moved 1,005,545 copies in its first week and went octuple platinum. “Tha Carter IV” sold 1,184,103 copies in its first two weeks, and “Tha Carter V” crossed the million-unit threshold in sales and streams.
Wayne has 186 entries on Billboard’s Hot 100 and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. The numbers he has amassed are impressive; however, his greatest impact came through his mixtape run. The “Dedication” and “Da Drought” series changed the game, introducing us to Lil Wayne the MC, who recorded these legendary tapes in hotel rooms and tour buses.
Wayne’s influences are hailed by today’s notable artists like Young Thug, who tapped into Wayne’s melodic offerings to create his own style. Kendrick Lamar hails Lil Wayne as his favorite rapper. We also can’t forget to mention that Wayne built Young Money and provided the world with Drake and Nicki Minaj, fundamentally altering hip-hop’s landscape.
Considering Wayne’s global impact, it’s easy to understand why he and many of his fans feel an opportunity was taken from him. Since Roc Nation has been at the helm of the Super Bowl selection process, it has been more rap-friendly, and Lil Wayne would seem like the perfect fit based on his legacy alone.
Wayne hasn’t been without flaws along his journey. In 2020 he was locked up for a firearms charge for which he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump and he has had some unfavorable and controversial political stances when it comes to Black people. Even during these challenges he managed to stay consistent and provide music to his fans.
However, on the heels of a fiery battle between Kendrick and Drake, and the smash hit “ Not Like Us” playing at every sporting event and homecoming across the country, one could say Kendrick’s selection was the smart decision.
While many may debate this, one thing that can’t be debated is Lil Wayne’s legacy. On Nov. 2, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and his longtime rival and New Orleans native Master P presented him with a key to the city.
Wayne addressed his thoughts on not performing at the Super Bowl during Lil WeezyAna Fest:
“When the first Super Bowl was here, I made sure I bought tickets at the beginning of the season, and you know I did the same when I moved to Miami. I was wishing my team made it, and guess who made it that year? The Saints,” Wayne said. “I was able to give my mama that suite. She was able to bring my family and other people from New Orleans, and they had a ball. That moment I said to myself, ‘I want to be on stage for the Super Bowl one day in front of my mom.’ And I worked my ass off to get that position, and it was ripped away from me. But this moment right here, they can’t take this away from me.”
Young Thug during his RICO trial (Photo source instagram: @thuggerthegoatt)
Hip-hop culture stands at a crossroads. Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, was released from prison after serving two and a half years behind bars due to Georgia’s RICO case against him. Before Judge Whitaker delivered her sentencing – 15 years of probation and specific conditions – Williams shared a poignant statement about his lyrics and influence.
“I understand rap lyrics. I understand how they could be twisted. I understand what they could do to the minds of people… I promise you, I’m 100% changing that,” Williams said. With notable gravity in his voice, he added, “I’m older. I’m grown now. I’m smarter, there’s more things to rap about.”
In many circles, Young Thug is considered one of the greatest of all time. His statement will likely reverberate throughout the industry, marking both a moment of potential redemption and highlighting the complex relationship between artistic expression and legal liability.
History of Lyrics on Trial
Adriane Love, the Fulton County chief deputy district attorney, read Williams’ lyrics in the courtroom, connecting them to real-life events. This practice echoes rap’s early years when the genre faced intense scrutiny.
The criminalization of rap lyrics isn’t new:
Late ’80s: Ice-T’s “Cop Killer” drew national attention, forcing its removal from Body Count’s album
1988: N.W.A received a warning letter from FBI Assistant Director Milt Ahlerich about their content
1989: 2 Live Crew released “As Nasty As They Wanna Be”
1990: Judge Jose A. Gonzalez ruled the album obscene and illegal to sell
These events led to collaboration between the Recording Industry Association of America, the Parents Music Resource Center and the National Parent Teacher Association to create the Parental Advisory sticker.
The Science of Sound
Scientific research demonstrates music’s profound effect on our minds and emotional states. In Harvard Medicine, Allison Eck writes, “Music also lights up nearly all of the brain – including the hippocampus and amygdala, which activate emotional responses to music through memory; the limbic system, which governs pleasure, motivation and reward; and the body’s motor system.”
These findings validate Williams’ concern about lyrics’ influence on listeners, extending the conversation beyond mere entertainment to public responsibility.
A New Era for Hip-Hop
Williams’ case and statement potentially open doors for transformation while raising questions about artistic expression. His acknowledgment forces artists to consider legal ramifications when writing lyrics.
Lil Durk’s ongoing legal challenges may provide the next test case for using lyrics as evidence. Known for violent narratives and raw storytelling, Durk’s existing catalog could face scrutiny if prosecutors choose this approach.
The Legal Debate
Using rap lyrics as evidence draws both support and criticism. Prosecutors argue lyrics can provide crime insights, while civil rights advocates and defense attorneys contend this practice unfairly targets hip-hop culture compared to other genres.
The Future of Music
Williams’ statement about expanding subject matter suggests broader artistic horizons. His influence could inspire artists to embrace lighter themes, potentially shifting away from trap music, gangster rap and drill – subgenres often associated with violence.
A Cultural Crossroads
Hip-hop emerged from Black and Brown communities’ struggles, using available resources to transform lives and influence global culture. Today, rap music stands as one of America’s most significant cultural exports.
The genre now faces creative challenges requiring new approaches to storytelling. While Williams’ declaration points toward positive change, its long-term impact remains uncertain. Still, his commitment to transformation marks a significant step forward for hip-hop culture.
