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.
Culture
Summer Walker Announces Third Studio Album ‘Finally Over It’ & New Single “Heart of a Woman”
Summer Walker has officially unveiled the title of her much-anticipated third studio album, Finally Over It, which will be released under LVRN/Interscope Records. The announcement came after fans engaged in a unique interactive experience on Spotify, where they filled in the blank for a canvas that teased the album’s name as “_____ Over It.”
Leading up to its release, Walker has announced the first single, “Heart of a Woman,” now available for pre-save, which she teased on TikTok. Finally Over It is the follow-up to her chart-topping sophomore album, Still Over It, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Culture
Lloyd Banks Announces ‘All Or Nothing Vol. 3: Despite My Mistakes’
After releasing Halloween Havoc IV: The 72nd Hour last October, Lloyd Banks is back on social media to announce his upcoming project, All Or Nothing Vol. 3: Despite My Mistakes. This will be the third installment in the All Or Nothing series, following Failure’s No Option (F.N.O.) in 2013 and Live It Up in 2016. As of now, Banks has yet to reveal an official release date.
Culture
Kanye West Announces New Solo Album ‘Bully’
After collaborating with Ty Dolla $ign on Vulture 1 & 2, Kanye West surprised fans by announcing his forthcoming solo album titled Bully during a live performance at the Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, China.
“I got a new album coming out,” he revealed to the audience. “The album’s called ‘Bully,’ and this song is called ‘Beauty and the Beast.’” He then debuted the song, which features his signature vocal style over an instrumental. The lyrics include, “I still think about it every night and day to try to stay away, to keep my audience / Don’t take this disrespect, I’m sitting here trying to redirect.”
Watch Kanye in the clip below.
KANYE WEST
— MukzsRAP (@mukzsRAP) September 28, 2024
BULLY 💿
(SOLO ALBUM)
🚨COMING SOON🚨 pic.twitter.com/OIcoPzRwzT
- Audio3 weeks ago
Ciara & Busta Rhymes Team Up on New Single ‘Wassup’
- Massachusetts3 weeks ago
EK39 Releases “Watered Down / Beautiful Curse”
- Audio4 weeks ago
BIA & Lil Yachty Team Up on New Single ‘Pissed Off’
- Music3 weeks ago
Rod Wave Drops New Single ‘Fall Fast In Love,’ Announces ‘Last Lap’ Album
- Music3 weeks ago
The Weeknd Releases New Single ‘Timeless’ Featuring Playboi Carti
- Culture3 weeks ago
Lloyd Banks Announces ‘All Or Nothing Vol. 3: Despite My Mistakes’
- Albums3 weeks ago
Tee Grizzley Releases New Album ‘Post Traumatic’
- Music4 weeks ago
J. Cole Joins Tee Grizzley On ‘Blow For Blow’