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- THE DIGITAL DEN #7
THE DIGITAL DEN #7
🎤 Welcome to The Digital Den - Your Weekly Hip-Hop Herald 🎤
THE DIGITAL DEN & M.Matrix
May 22, 2024
Marvel Comics has released the first issue of the "DOOM" comic book series, paying tribute to the late rapper MF DOOM. The series is Dr. Doom's first solo run since 2000, and it features artwork and a reference to MF DOOM's song "Accordion." The comic follows Dr. Doom as he goes on a quest to harness more power in order to try to stop Galactus from bringing about the death of the universe. Despite controversies surrounding alleged theft of MF DOOM's notebooks, it is clear that his impact and influence continue to be felt. The comic is a heartening tribute to a true fan and supervillain, and it showcases the enduring legacy of MF DOOM.
In an exciting interview with Hollywood Unlocked's Jason Lee, Wack 100 defends Tory Lanez in his shooting case against Megan Thee Stallion. He confidently believes that new evidence will soon expose Megan Thee Stallion as a liar and ruin her career. Wack 100 highlights include:
• Accusing Megan Thee Stallion of being a liar and claiming there is evidence that discredits her.
• Speculating that Tory Lanez antagonized her, leading to a vindictive attitude on her part.
• Levying accusations of alcoholism against Megan Thee Stallion, suggesting that her drinking affects her memory and makes her unreliable.
• Suggesting that Megan Thee Stallion may not even remember what happened on the night of the incident.
• Implying that the truth will come out soon, whether in court or on the internet, and prove Tory Lanez's innocence.
This interview adds another layer of controversy to the already contentious case, making it a major topic of discussion in pop culture. We eagerly await to see how this all unfolds and uncover the truth.
Get ready to take a trip back in time to 1991, when hip-hop was at its peak and the cassette racks and CD bins at local record stores were overflowing with new releases. In this article, Jeremy Smith presents a list of the 25 must-own hip-hop LPs from that year. Here are some highlights from the list:
• Slick Rick's "The Ruler's Back" showcases the emcee's exquisite rhymes and the nervous edge of a man facing jail time.
• Nice & Smooth's "Ain't a Damn Thing Changed" features goofy samples juxtaposed with lyrics about living in a dangerous environment.
• Leaders of the New School's "A Future Without a Past..." highlights the lyrically skilled trio's witty rhymes and good-natured vibe.
• MC Lyte's "Act Like You Know" showcases her ability to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the male-dominated genre.
• 2Pac's "2Pacalypse Now" presents a raw and defiant debut from the charismatic performer.
These albums, along with many others on the list, represent the diversity and creativity that made 1991 a landmark year for hip-hop. So dust off your turntable and explore the must-own LPs that defined the genre during this exciting time.
Childish Gambino has emerged victorious in a copyright case over his hit single "This is America." The rapper was previously accused of plagiarism by rapper Kidd Wes, who claimed that Gambino stole his track "Made in America." However, a district court dismissed the case on the grounds that Kidd Wes had not registered the underlying composition of the song. Wes appealed the decision but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the ruling, stating that there was no copyright for the composition underlying "Made in America." The judge also noted that the songs themselves are not similar. "This is America" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018 and went on to win several Grammy Awards.
Snoop Dogg has exciting plans for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He revealed during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that he will be reuniting with a crip-walking horse that went viral during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The rapper expressed his admiration for the horse and mentioned that he wants to meet the horse in person and let it know that he is a big fan. Snoop also commented on his upcoming debut as a vocal coach on NBC's The Voice and his role as an NBC correspondent at the 2024 Olympics. He emphasized that his love for all forms of music and his ability to connect with different audiences make him the people's champ. Overall, Snoop Dogg's busy schedule and exciting plans demonstrate his versatility and passion for music and entertainment.
Cardi B is featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, creating excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting new music from the rapper. In the interview, Cardi discusses her busy workload and her plans to vote in the upcoming American election. However, she doesn't provide any information about a new studio album, much to the dismay of fans. The cover shoot showcases Cardi in three different looks, highlighting her range of style. While some fans were disappointed by the title of the article, "The Nonstop Hustle of Cardi B," considering the length of time since her last album, others are hoping that her recent tweet about not releasing a new album until 2024 was just a joke or misinterpretation. Overall, fans are excited about Cardi B's continued presence in the media, but are anxiously awaiting news of a new album.
Killer Mike, the Grammy Award-winning rapper and member of Run the Jewels, is set to collaborate with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for a special performance at the Kennedy Center on May 21st. The concert will feature new arrangements of songs from Killer Mike's album "Michael." Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, was mentored by former opera singer Nancy Bishop during his time at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta. This collaboration with the NSO showcases the diverse musical talents of Killer Mike and highlights his ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop with classical orchestration. The concert promises to be an exciting and unique event that brings together different genres of music in a captivating way.
Hip hop producer Metro Boomin is excited about the possibility of working with artist Rod Wave on "Future type" beats. Rod Wave recently expressed his desire to move away from his signature sad sound and explore more energetic, hype beats. Metro Boomin, who is well-versed in creating beats for Future, responded to Rod Wave's tweet with enthusiasm and a fire emoji. This collaboration could bring a fresh change of pace to Rod Wave's music and provide him with inspiration from a pioneer in the industry.
However, it's worth noting that Metro Boomin also recently had a brief beef with Soulja Boy on social media, which got quite ugly. Despite this, a collaboration with Rod Wave could help Metro Boomin get back on track and leave the drama behind. Fans of both artists are eagerly awaiting a potential collaboration and producers will likely be flooding inboxes with their own attempts at replicating the iconic "Future type" sound.
From the No. 1 songs on the charts to allegations of pedophilia, the beef between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been making waves in the world of hip-hop. The feud, which has been taking place through diss tracks and provocative lyrics, has captivated the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. The two artists, who are both considered rap heavyweights, have been going head-to-head in a battle of words and music that has raised questions about authenticity, race, and cultural significance in the genre. While the beef has reached dark and controversial territory, it has also highlighted the competitiveness and theatricality that has always been a part of rap culture. Overall, the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud is an intense clash of two rap legends that is sure to go down in hip-hop history.
Fans of the iconic rap group Hot Boys have reason to celebrate as founding member Juvenile has announced that the group is working on their first album in over two decades. This exciting news comes after years of fans requesting a Hot Boys reunion. Highlights from the article include:
• The last Hot Boys album, Let 'Em Burn, was released in 2003.
• Juvenile made the announcement during an Instagram Live chat with fans.
• The reunion comes after tension between Hot Boys member B.G. and Lil Wayne, but both have expressed their willingness to work together again.
• There is no confirmed release date for the album yet, but fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
This announcement is especially significant as it marks B.G.'s release from prison after a 12-year stay. With the anticipation and excitement building, fans can't wait to hear new music from the legendary Hot Boys.
Spotify's RapCaviar has released their list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time, with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's "Still D.R.E." taking the number one spot. The song appeared on Dre's 1999 album "2001" and has become a West Coast classic. Other notable beats on the list include Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones, Pt. II," The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya?," and Kanye West's "Power." The list received some criticism for leaving out certain artists and not mentioning producers by name. RapCaviar has also released a docuseries on Hulu called RapCaviar Presents, which features episodes on artists such as Tyler, the Creator and Roddy Ricch.
Metro Boomin's latest track, "BBL Drizzy," may have started as a joke, but it could have huge implications for the future of sampling in music production. The beat, which went viral after its release on SoundCloud, features a vintage-sounding soul vocalist over some 808 drums. But here's the catch: the vocals and melody of the sample were generated by an AI music startup called Udio. Metro Boomin was not aware of the source of the track when he used it, making it the first notable use case of AI-generated sampling. This could have significant ramifications for the music industry, as producers could turn to AI to create vintage-sounding samples in order to avoid the complicated process of sample clearances. While there are legal and ethical considerations to be addressed, the potential for AI sampling is undeniable.
Highlights from the article include:
• Metro Boomin accidentally became the first major producer to use an AI-generated sample in his diss track response to Drake.
• The vocals, melody, and instrumental of the sample were all generated by an AI music startup called Udio.
• AI sampling could simplify the complicated process of sample clearances and allow producers to create vintage-sounding samples without legal issues.
• However, there are still legal, ethical, and technical issues to be addressed before AI sampling becomes mainstream.
• AI sampling could have significant financial impacts, as traditional sampling often involves ceding a portion of publishing income to the original rights holders.
• While AI sampling may never fully replace traditional sampling, it offers a new tool for producers to create novel ideas that sound like old soul samples.
In an exciting and eye-opening article, XXL explores the history of police raids involving hip-hop artists. The hip-hop community has had a complicated relationship with law enforcement, with many rappers being accused of various criminal activities. Some highlights from the article include:
• Young Thug is currently on trial for RICO charges after being accused of illegal gang activity through his label, YSL.
• Atlanta police have conducted several investigations and arrests, including Gunna.
• Rapper homes have been raided by police, with examples like Diddy's homes in Los Angeles and Miami being raided by federal authorities.
• Polo G was briefly handcuffed after his Los Angeles house was raided, proving that no rapper is safe from the law.
• In 2016, J. Cole's recording studio in North Carolina was raided unnecessarily and captured on camera, inspiring his song "Neighbors."
From Diddy to J. Cole and more, this article highlights 26 instances of police raids within the hip-hop industry, shedding light on the complex relationship between rappers and law enforcement.
Rapper Rapsody is calling out the sexism that downplays the status of female emcees in the male-dominated world of hip hop. In a recent interview on "The Breakfast Club," Rapsody discussed how women in the rap industry are often viewed as a separate sub-category of hip hop, rather than being recognized as full participants in the genre. She emphasized that there is no such thing as "female hip hop," it is simply hip hop. Rapsody argued that labeling and segregating female emcees only serves to reinforce sexism and hinder their progress in the industry. She also expressed frustration with the fact that women are often excluded from discussions about the greatest of all time (GOAT) in hip hop simply because of their gender. Rapsody's new album, Please Don't Cry, features collaborations with notable artists such as Lil Wayne and Erykah Badu.
This exciting article provides a top list of rappers who have faced allegations of being involved in gangs. Some highlights from the article include:
• Many rappers claim to have links with thugs, gangsters, and criminals in their lyrics.
• The Bloods and Crips are two gangs that many rappers are rumored to be members of.
• Rappers such as Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, and Birdman have been associated with these gangs.
• The article also explores the reputation and affiliations of each rapper mentioned.
• However, it's important to note that these allegations are based on speculation and the article does not endorse or verify these claims.
• The list of rappers in gangs (allegedly) features some of the top rappers globally.
• It's interesting to see the connections between hip hop culture and the gang lifestyle.
Overall, this article provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of rap and the alleged gang affiliations of some of its biggest stars.
Hip-hop fans, get ready for some exciting new music this week! We have a lineup of incredible projects that will surely blow your mind. Check out the highlights:
• A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is back with his fifth studio album, Better Off Alone. With 21 tracks and amazing featured artists like Future and Lil Durk, this album is a must-listen.
• Rapsody returns after a five-year hiatus with her highly anticipated album, Please Don't Cry. She explores themes of self-love and personal expression in this 22-song collection.
• Rising star Wolfacejoeyy is ready to shine with his solo project, Valentino. This Staten Island native brings a unique blend of sexy drill music and sing-songy rhymes that will keep you hooked.
But that's not all! We also have new releases from Mach-Hommy, Kamaiyah, and Big30. Make sure to listen to all of these projects and let the music take you on an unforgettable journey. Trust us, you won't be disappointed!
