HOT 97 is a platform that strives for inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best <a href="https://www.hot97.com/new-hip-hop-music/international-picks-of-the-week-davido-rosalia-kranium-coblaze-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international musician</a>s that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.Asake - "2:30"Asake is back with another banger “2:30,” produced by BlaiseBeatz and Magicsticks. This will be the Nigerian superstar's second project of the year, following his hit single “Yoga,” which conveys mindfulness, and meditation. In “2:30,” where he displays his luxurious lifestyle, it seems as if Asake made an effort to mix Afrobeats and Amapiano with Fuji, a popular Yoruba musical genre. For those who don’t know, Yoruba is a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria. For the official music video, which received over 1.4 million views in less than 24 hours, he collaborated with award-winning filmmaker and director Edgar Esteves. See below.https://youtu.be/pn26zia2_KkDarkoo ft. Ayra Starr - "Disturbing U"Nigerian-born British rapper Darkoo has released a new hit titled “Disturbing U” featuring “Sability” singer, Ayra Starr. When you listen to this song, you can just dedicate it to your haters. "All my friends say I'm loyal/ If no be money na focus/ I don't have time for no one/ That's not putting food on my table/ I'm unstable, I no send, I no send you/ I no fear, I no fear you/ I no pretend, no strength/ No strength, I no go fit lie/ This is the reason I just keep things to myself/ I mind my business, I don't mind nobody else's/ I stack my cash in silence, no one has to know/ I'm on my own," Ayra Star sings, as she kicks off the record. "More love to my real day one/ Enemies we dey hate on us we go still show love/ All this while na God/ I fit give my life for love/ Them don chop my eye taya/ But I still no reason am/ 'Cause I dey live my life," Darkoo adds in the second verse.The music video for the project features graphics inspired by video game series, "Grand Theft Auto." Take a look below.https://youtu.be/VytuuG2q-jsVictony ft. Don Toliver, Rema and Tempoe - "Soweto"Nigerian singer Victony just released the music video to the newest version of his popular song "Soweto" featuring rapper Don Toliver, Nigerian singer Rema and Nigerian record producer Tempoe. The original version, off his 7-track debut EP, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdNaylrIyoh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OUTLAW</a>, is already a vibe but mixing the unique melody and different styles of each artist into the remix, made it an even bigger hit.You can watch the music video featuring the many swags of Victony, Don Toliver, Rema, and Tempoe below.https://youtu.be/OGAngW1BZ04Look out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?

International Picks Of The Week: Asake, Darkoo, Victony, & More

Pusha T

Pusha T joins the chat.
 
Drake has been trending lately as it seems some of his previous friendships are no longer. The Canadian rapper, however, is no stranger to rap beef.
 
We&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/kendrick-lamar-seemingly-take-shots-at-drake-and-j-cole-in-new-song">previously reported</a>&nbsp;that Kendrick Lamar joined&nbsp;Future and Metro Boomin on their new album&nbsp;We Don&rsquo;t Trust You.&nbsp;In his verse on the single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9bKBAA22Go">Like That</a>", he gave the internet something they were not expecting as he raps, &ldquo;Yeah, get up with me, f*ck sneak dissing/&rsquo;First Person Shooter,&rsquo; I hope they came with three switches,&rdquo; on the single &ldquo;Like That&rdquo; taking direct shots at Drake and J. Cole.
 
&ldquo;Think I won&rsquo;t drop the location? I still got PTSD/Motherfuck the Big 3, n***a, it&rsquo;s just big me&rdquo; dissing J. Cole as he rapped, &ldquo;Love when they argue the hardest MC/Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me?&rdquo;
 
&ldquo;We the big three like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali&rdquo; rapped Cole on Drake&rsquo;s chart-topping single,&nbsp;First Person Shooter.&nbsp;Obviously- Kendrick disagreed.
 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://youtu.be/N9bKBAA22Go?si=ivndHJNxpseI3TDr</div>
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Although Pusha T is not directly involved in the "beef" this time, he is still somehow being mentioned. Over on X, a fan shares, "I just wanted to point out that after all these years of mob talk from Drake, nobody ever laid a finger on @pusha_t.."
 
Push replies, "Not a pinky nail&hellip;"
 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter">
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/PUSHA_T/status/1775308055028138100?s=20</div>
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Pusha T Reacts To Drake’s ‘Mob Talk’; Seemingly Reignites Beef

Uncle Luke

In a recent interview with Stephen Smith, Uncle Luke shared more thoughts on Diddy's recent <a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/diddys-la-miami-homes-raided-sex-trafficking-probe/">home raids</a> and <a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/diddy-speaks-out-for-the-first-time-following-multiple-sexual-assault/">allegations</a> and compared them to Kanye West's controversies.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1773834619806261672?s=20</div>
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Uncle Luke expressed doubts about Diddy's ability to bounce back, saying, "Literally take the handcuffs off me and then you better P. Diddy you, I brought a P Diddy."
 
He also brought up Kanye West, suggesting that in the music industry, there's always a chance for a comeback. However, he seemed more skeptical about Diddy's prospects, mentioning issues with sample clearances.
 
According to Uncle Luke, Kanye is struggling with getting records cleared and finding artists willing to collaborate. He emphasized the importance of features in today's music landscape, noting that artists often rely on collaborations for success.
 
Regarding Diddy's raid &amp; legal issues, Uncle Luke expressed concern that the legal issues could tarnish his reputation. He speculated that Diddy might need to mend relationships and seek support from allies to make a comeback.
 
Uncle Luke also highlighted the challenges of dealing with law enforcement, especially on a federal level. He suggested that Diddy's past statements and controversies could complicate his situation further.
 
In conclusion, Uncle Luke's interview sheds light on the complexities of Diddy and Kanye's situations. While Kanye may face challenges in the music industry, Diddy's legal issues &amp; recent raid present a different set of obstacles to overcome. Only time will tell how both artists navigate their respective challenges and whether they can make successful comebacks.

Uncle Luke’s Take On Diddy’s Raid And Kanye West’s Controversial Remarks

Lizzo

<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/lizzo-wants-to-be-a-supermodel-instead-of-a-singer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lizzo</a> is clarifying remarks she made about quitting her music career, causing a stir on social media.
 
On Tuesday (April 2), the 'About Damn Time' singer revisited her comments, prompted by an outpouring of support from fans, who urged her to reconsider.
 
&ldquo;I wanted to make this video because I just need to clarify when I say &lsquo;I quit,&rsquo; I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention,&rdquo; Lizzo begins in a new video shared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RWyNRvD91/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. &ldquo;What I&rsquo;m not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music and connecting to people. And I know I&rsquo;m not alone. In no way shape or form am I the only person experiencing that negative voice that&rsquo;s louder than the positive.&rdquo;
 
She continued, &ldquo;If I can just give one person the inspiration or motivation to stand up for themselves and say they quit letting negative people, negative comments win then I&rsquo;ve done even more than Icould&rsquo;ve hoped for. I&rsquo;m going to keep moving forward and keep being me.&rdquo;
 
Check out her latest statement below.
 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter">
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1775249122918109323?s=20</div>
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We previously reported that the Detroit-bred entertainer shocked fans following what appeared to be a retirement announcement. On Friday (March 29), amid her ongoing,<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/lizzo-sexual-assault-lawsuit-put-on-ice-by-california-judge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;jaw-dropping sexual assault and harassment lawsuit</a> aired her grievances online, prompting her to take a step back from the music industry.
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m getting tired of putting up with getting dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,&rdquo; she begins in&nbsp;the statement.
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout &amp; views &hellip; being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look &hellip; my character being picked apart by people who don&rsquo;t know me and disrespecting my name.&rdquo;
 
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t sign up for this shit &ndash; I QUIT,&rdquo; she declared.
 
Last August, Lizzo was sued by three former backup dancers &mdash; Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez &mdash; alleging a &ldquo;toxic work environment.&rdquo;
 
Despite the case being temporarily stayed, she's vigorously maintained her innocence, challenging a January ruling that denied her motion to dismiss.

Lizzo Backtracks Comments ‘I Quit’ Music

Sexyy Red

As spring blooms,<a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/sexyy-red-says-shes-the-modern-day-boosie/"> Sexyy Red </a>has debuted a striking new look. While she's often recognized for her vibrant red hair, she's not afraid to dabble in other colors like pink and yellow.
 
Yet, her recent change might catch you off guard. On <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sexyyred/?img_index=1">Instagram</a>, she shared a video and photo flaunting her sleek black pixie cut.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5PrsbDsPfy/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet</div>
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This bold departure from her usual style marks a notable shift for Sexyy, signaling a new phase in her fashion journey.
 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram">
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QApdeuAgT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet</div>
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In her post, she captioned it "BETTY BOOP 🍒." The resemblance between the two is unmistakable with Sexyy's new hairstyle. Let's also remember that Betty Boop herself sports red.