Culture
Cyphers to Sit-Downs: Watch Joe Budden’s New Interview With Nicki Minaj
Joe Budden’s interview with rapper, singer, songwriter, actress Nicki Minaj — one of the highest-grossing female rappers of all time was recently uploaded to Youtube. The setup was quite a positive change from Budden’s previous podcast with Nicki and two other guests where tensions were sky-high. The interview kicks off with Nicki and Budden reflecting on the ’09 BET Cypher and how much has changed since then.
Nicki Minaj (2022) From Nicki Minaj (2008)
In response, Nicki wishes that she had been more appreciative of herself from her image and her raw talent. For context, it’s pretty important to note that Nicki’s rise to stardom began at the start of social media. She also reflects on the confines of desirability, with regard to getting ass shots. Very few people can fully fathom how jaded Nicki became — especially as a Black woman whose brand was colorful, quirky, and unapologetic.
Nicki the Pinkprint: “pink wig, thick ass, give ‘em whip-lash”
Nicki and Budden transition into a conversation about the standards set for aspiring female rappers and whether or not the pop star has a hand in this “starter kit.” As we know, there is a clear image and sound that is almost requisite to recognition and success in the industry — the doll. The same image that Nicki spearheaded at the start of her music career (as the Harajuku Barbie with colorful hair and full bangs) has been replicated by a lot of today’s newest female rappers.
Nicki the Mogul
As Nicki and Budden speak about music moguls like Jay-Z, Budden inquires about Nicki’s steps toward cementing her name as a music mogul. She speaks of ‘Queen Radio,’ which will be headed to Amazon. Nicki also sheds light on the makings of her documentary, her management company and also a record company. She also mentions that she will be taking on a role in an upcoming film that will be bigger than her previous cameos.
Nicki the All-Time Influencer
Nicki and Budden spoke about the importance of Black women speaking up about their cultural impact. History has shown time and time again that black women’s creativity is often imitated and of course, their brilliance cannot be duplicated (i.e. Coi Leray, FKA Twigs). Unfortunately, though, Black women typically have to demand their flowers.
“You have to mention it or they’ll act like it never happened!”
Time after time, Nicki has had to advocate for herself after being snubbed from Grammy awards.
She’s even had to speak out against the other networks (BET) for snubbing her accomplishments as this generation’s pink print for women in hip hop. Nicki also asserts that she and Lil’ Kim shouldn’t have already been on the cover of American Vogue for their dominant influences in pop culture.
How does Nicki navigate through this new age of rap?
Toward the end of the interview, Nicki speaks about how she has remedied writer’s block in the midst of motherhood and the pandemic. Nicki says that the privilege of having “sparring partners” like Drake and Lil Wayne on ‘Seeing Green‘ has helped her get back in the ring. Many fans have mentioned that the song is very consistent with the trio’s sound from the late 2000s into the 2010s. Nicki and Budden two spoke about navigating the new era of music where artists are trying to solidify their sound but are also looking to score a hit single with today’s rap trends.
The two end the interview with discussions about the perks of parenthood and the momentum that Nicki will be picking up on shortly. Many people are excited to see the new heights that Nicki will be experiencing soon.
Audio
Kai Cenat Previews Unreleased Drake & Lil Yachty Song
Kai Cenat has managed to get his hands on an unreleased track by Drake and Lil Yachty.
The track, reportedly titled “SuperSoak,” samples “Goodness Gracious” by Mr. Hotspot. There’s no word yet on whether Drake or Lil Yachty will officially release it.
“Watching the moves and playin’ it close / S.O.D., super soaked / Rainy days isn’t hers, matchin’ coat / We f**k on the jet, it feel like a boat, stayin’ afloat,” raps Drake. This is the latest we’ve heard from him since the announcement of his appearance on Honestly, Nevermind producer Gordo’s forthcoming album, DIAMANTE, set to drop this Friday, July 26.
Kai Cenat just premiered a new Drake & Lil Yachty song on stream 👀 pic.twitter.com/y9MGMK1VQR
— SOUND (@itsavibe) July 24, 2024
Culture
The Weeknd Previews Two New Songs
As fans anticipate the third and final installment of his trilogy, which follows 2020’s After Hours and 2022’s Dawn FM, The Weeknd has teased them with a new trailer on his social media accounts. The Toronto native captioned the video with, “When you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you,” quoting German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
The trailer features two new tracks, offering a taste of what’s to come before his one-night-only show in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 7 at Estádio Morumbi. This teaser comes on the heels of his appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s collaborative LP, We Don’t Trust You, released earlier this year.
Culture
Westside Gunn Announces New Album ‘Flygod is an Awesome God 3’
Westside Gunn took to his social media platforms today (July 22) to announce the final installment of his Flygod series, Flygod is an Awesome God 3.
“FLYGOD IS AN AWESOME GOD III (TRILOGY) This ALBUM IS KRAAAAAZY!!!!,” he wrote on X. “I had to Bring the Mask back out bc this s–t toooo RAW & DUSTY, I know the game Miss me even though my kids been doing a great job with entertaining… YOUR FATHERS BACK HOME.”
Following the recent release of “Chocolate Face” featuring DJ Khaled for TNA’s Slammiversary, Westside Gunn teased fans with a new track titled “Big Dump,” featuring Stove God Cooks and produced by Cee Gee, to accompany the announcement.
The official theme song for #TNASlammiversary is “Chocolate Face” by @WESTSIDEGUNN featuring @djkhaled. Off the upcoming album “Fly God Is An Awesome God: 3”, coming this fall! pic.twitter.com/H9CyLrQVHa
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 20, 2024
FLYGOD IS AN AWESOME GOD III (TRILOGY)
— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) July 22, 2024
This ALBUM IS KRAAAAAZY!!!! I had to Bring the Mask back out bc this shit toooo RAW & DUSTY, I know the game Miss me even though my kids been doing a great job with entertaining… YOUR FATHERS BACK HOME 🦂🐐@griseldarecords x MICHELLE pic.twitter.com/PZRFrRLKLv
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