The Weeknd

<a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/french-montana-shows-off-for-the-bronx-during-full-summer-jam-performance">French Montana</a>&rsquo;s Mac and Cheese 5 had New York talking about the rap star from South Bronx constantly all week. But between <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/j-cole-mgk-pusha-t-kodak-black-gunna-more-new-music-you-might-have-missed">J.Cole</a>&rsquo;s surprise teaser last week and <a href="https://hot97.com/hot-news/cardi-b-and-offset-spotted-together-on-a-v-day-dinner-date-in-miami-amid">Cardi B</a>&rsquo;s anticipated freestyle this Friday, hip-hop received a huge surge in new music throughout the week from its biggest stars that went unnoticed.&nbsp;
From the return of A$AP Rocky to SZA soaring through outer space to The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti fine dining, here&rsquo;s a complete rundown of new music you might have missed this week.&nbsp;
The Weeknd, Madonna, &amp; Playboi Carti Are The Most &ldquo;Popular&rdquo;
The trio of superstars embraces the full extent of their stardom as they explore castles, mega mansions, and antiques. They sing about the price of fame and the addiction that comes with it. The first collaboration between all three, this bouncy track is one of 2024 biggest hits.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/vt0i6nuqNEo?si=Nd0Yxb-xw3u1fpqZ
Meek Mill Begins Campaign With New EP, Heathenism
Back on his dream-chasing-ish, the Philly bull roars to the top of music with an appetizing batch of new music. Featuring Fivio Foreign and Future, the project is an appreciation by the superstar for their continued support during his hiatus. The project favorites are &ldquo;Big Boy&rdquo; and &ldquo;Times Like This.&rdquo;
https://open.spotify.com/album/10OuYNhsZyIip13lZe6dzG
The Free Nationals Tap Anderson.Paak &amp; A$AP Rocky For &ldquo;Gangsta&rdquo;
The Free Nationals gets tough on the new release featuring two all-stars. In the first verse, Rocky flexed about women and other aspects of his wild lifestyle. Anderson cruises around with lines about committing crimes for riches. The song previews new music by Rocky and Paak promised this year.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/0Lb20UOpzv0?si=Pce4Tee6H0OhPmHD
Maino And Young Thug Roll Around Bumpin&rsquo; &ldquo;Poetry&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s poetry in motion. Maino celebrates his new proclamation with a stunning new visual featuring Young Thug. Shot before Thug&rsquo;s detainment, the two whip around the city in the freshest ensemble. The latest release highlights an unstoppable Maino in 2024.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/ldOkEzJo8Lk?si=7XU6HQdXsWehZYvU
Rotimi Nabs Nasty C And Mayorkun For &ldquo;Sade&rdquo;
After &ldquo;Bestie,&rdquo; Rotimi picks up Afrobeats&rsquo; finest in Nasty C and Mayorkun for an energetic new hit. While the two guests provide the trendsetting appeal, Rotimi obliges with classic riddim and adlibs. The song blends Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds.
https://youtu.be/hriTvbLYZN8?si=8UmB5z7d-vdO6zY3
Quavo Is &ldquo;Himothy&rdquo;
Quavo heads home for his latest single. He gets a few things off his chest, like the passing of Takeoff, being one of the industry's best, and what&rsquo;s to come. The track is a prelude to a forthcoming album.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/ByAkyUnf2Hw?si=fXukCYydEjS6c097
LaRussell &amp; Hit-Boy Come Together And Create A New Hit Like Rent Due
LaRussell and Hit-Boy's new collaboration showcases their hardworking, independent spirit. In support of the collaboration, the duo and company EVEN will donate $15,000 to cover rent for 15 artists or business owners in February. The project also features Tietta, Malachi, Jane Handcock, and Hit-Boy&rsquo;s father Big Hit.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0dBvFFw0BJf90rDVvXY7cv?go=1&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=309eadb06a074daa
310Babii Follows &ldquo;Soak City&rdquo; With The Anticipated Nights And Weekends
310babii went viral at 18 with "Soak City (Do It)" and started the "Squabble Dance" trend, which was embraced by fans and athletes from the NFL, NBA, and MLS. His debut album is a fresh and playful take on rap music, setting a new standard for the next generation. The debut features BIA, Luh Tyler, Duke Deuce, Tyga, DDG, and more.
https://open.spotify.com/album/39jNh5MndiuFTNjDjuWnDQ
SiR And Isaiah Rashad Believe In &ldquo;Karma&rdquo;
SiR and Isaiah Rashad's new hit cements Top Dawg Ent's legacy. Produced by Sigurd, the song has a lush backdrop. SiR reflects on past faults, takes accountability, and is at peace with the consequences of his actions.
https://youtu.be/e5YSTm2_ApQ?si=3tFJr3c68Or-qMpF
Lil Yachty Has &ldquo;Something Ether&rdquo;
Yachty features a glitchy beat from rap producer Cardo. The disorienting video comes with a seizure warning and Yachty's flow breaks down into digitally-warped shards. The song appears on the Quality Control artist&rsquo;s new EP.
https://youtu.be/jRe8PznkGJc?si=abP5uyUq-bhuHMen
Jadakiss And Uncle Murda Are All About The &ldquo;Money&rdquo;
Off Uncle Murda&rsquo;s new album, the collaboration is a smart investment. Murda and Kiss explores the pros and cons to grinding. In the end, you can&rsquo;t help but hit the repeat button.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/Lbg_nUJEBgc?si=ZEt6VYv6eY04l1nc
Buddy Enjoys Success Just &ldquo;Like This&rdquo;
Buddy's "Like This" features a G Funk beat and a laid-back vibe. The music video follows him cruising in his car and visiting iconic places in Los Angeles. The California love is on full display as he stands in front of landmarks and shows out.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/sKZAuJHNG4c?si=3KYxahE2zXBwWv2u
SZA Goes To &ldquo;Saturn&rdquo;
From her upcoming deluxe album. She soars around with more out-of-this-world soothing vocals about exploring the seven rings of the planet. Making her deluxe album one of the year&rsquo;s most exciting.
https://youtu.be/V2G8ESoDXm8?si=zjkxMcSzdxYgCLL8
Lil Durk Reflects On The &ldquo;Old Days&rdquo;
Reflecting on the good ol&rsquo; days, Durkio lays the past to rest as his future continues to blossom. The new song prepares the trilogy, Love Songs 4 The Streets 3, which has become a fan-favorite. Durk is riding high right now with his new Grammy win.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/abZ15xSBlnM?si=bE88peGlpiTEKWHL
Renni Rucci Wants To &ldquo;Love You More&rdquo;
Rucci clears up her brief hiatus with a couple of standout verses. She proceeds to share appreciation for the unwavering support. &ldquo;Love You More&rdquo; is a great lead to an upcoming album.&nbsp;&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/JaHa0u3WpaY?si=6pPNUb3oMD1yfIEP
Waka Flocka Flame Returns &ldquo;Foreva&rdquo;
After a five-year break, Waka Flocka Flame released a new song about his immortality. "Foreva" is about his love for his significant other. Waka resurfaces with a new sound that is just as thrilling as before. Looks like the man from Groves Street has made a triumphant return.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/aagFmBoXjOQ?si=DAl4NIY6UBoYFxZX
Smino Is &ldquo;mister misfit but ain&rsquo;t missed a fit in months&rdquo;
The St. Louis star continues to appease with his signature sound and consistency. In the latest, he is as unique as ever with the catchy melodic sing-a-long. Once again, Smino proves that he is about to have a breakout year in 2024.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/JQVE3E_HIwQ?si=ypLc3PfAwGBpK2ow
DaBaby Hosts His Own &ldquo;Grammy Party&rdquo;
DaBaby continues his campaign to resurgence with the latest release that stars him hosting his own award show. Sticking to the basics and delivering more slick-talking rhymes. Soon the music industry will rediscover its appreciation for the North Carolina artist, leading to the much-anticipated release of a new album.
https://youtu.be/lH3nPqyUuDc?si=L31Uqbd6qC3WqUMA
DDG Is &ldquo;Going To The Top&rdquo;
The new father drops his first release of the year and a statement for what's to come in 2024. The track highlights his strengths with a mesmerizing melody, allowing him to boast about his success and luxury. He has more new music on the way.
https://youtu.be/SO-2LaXwkF4?si=0aw2BFaT7tZysXae
Luclover Drops Sequel In &ldquo;Willy Wonka 2&rdquo;
The Houston rapper creates relatable music spanning various genres, including hip-hop, rap, rock, pop, and more. His raw talent propelled him on a steady path to widespread recognition. Now, &ldquo;Willy Wonka 2&rdquo; elevates him to the next level with much more to come.
https://youtu.be/Qq-k5j0omnk?si=_efBefyqnRFegHbO
Sofi Saint Is All About &ldquo;My Name&rdquo;
This track has gained recognition on the Genius Pop Chart, showcasing its popularity among music enthusiasts. Sofi Saint's "My Name" pushes the boundaries of musical expression and captivates audiences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeJzS1if2kk
Mellow Rackz Isn&rsquo;t Just &ldquo;Any Chick&rdquo;
Her latest release is a women's empowerment anthem produced by Grammy award-winning instrumentalist Bigg D. The music video showcases Mellow's collaboration with ATL Jacob, Lil Yachty, and Icewear Vezzo. It is an ode to self-celebration that is sure to inspire.&nbsp;
https://youtu.be/1dT32uTzP6I?si=AGwUH4OwkSFDHkYq
&nbsp;

The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, SZA, + More New Music You Might Have Missed This Week

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Last night (May 31),<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/india-royale-responds-to-rumors-that-lil-durk-got-another-woman-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lil Durk</a> pulled up on a homeless man in Los Angeles to gift him a place to stay, money, and a phone after he went viral on TikTok last month for playing the Chicago rapper and J. Cole's “All My Life” video from inside his tent on a big-screen projector.“I want to do something real special out the kindness of my heart," Lil Durk said on Instagram Live while driving around the city. “So the homeless guy that was playing ‘All My Life’ in the tent, I found him. Finna pull up on him."He then stepped out of the car to meet the man, who said his name is Pedro. "You know you were playing the video on the screen, ‘All My Life.’ You know that’s me featuring J. Cole? So look, I got you a room for 30 days. I'ma give you a couple of dollars. I'ma give you a gift card and I'ma give you a phone for showing support," Durk revealed.https://twitter.com/nojumper/status/1664174335060512768?s=20"Thank you... I appreciate you a lot. That's actually helpful a lot," Pedro replied. Last month, TikTok user <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adv.with.eli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adv.with.eli</a> shared a video of himself walking down a sidewalk in Hollywood when he spotted Pedro in a tent on the sidewalk watching the video for Durk and J. Cole's latest hit on the projector. The TikTok video has received over 7 million views up to date. https://www.tiktok.com/@adv.with.eli/video/7233797945253055786?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7231631453124396590Last Friday, May 26, Lil Durk dropped his eighth studio album, Almost Healed. The project features vocals from J. Cole, Chief Wuk, Future, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Rob49, Juice WRLD, and Morgan Wallet.

Lil Durk Gifts Homeless Man Hotel Room, Money, And Phone After Viral Video Of Him Supporting 'All My Life'

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Are one of hip hop's favorite couples over? Seems so!Lil Durk's former fiancé, India Royale, responded to a rumor online about Durk getting another woman pregnant. The Twitter user said, ""<a target="_blank" href="https://www.xxlmag.com/lil-durk-disses-gunna-new-song/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lil durk</a> had a baby on India omggg that's why he can't get her back... I'm so lateeee like wth." Another online user said, "Lil durk is the worst kind of nigga. Bc this man clearly loves India and has made his love for her apart of his brand….just for him to be cheating on her the whole time AND allegedly had a baby on her??? SICK."https://twitter.com/Alaysiabahja/status/1625970411438571524?s=20&t=7o8Z5OHwbh5utlX2PHeujAIndia made a general Tweet and wrote, "He did not have a baby on me. I wish y'all stop saying that." Take a look:https://www.instagram.com/p/Cosh6P5vyJ5/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=India isn't interested in being with Durk at the moment. He wished her a Happy Valentine's Day, and she replied, "let it go." Take a look:https://twitter.com/dailyloud/status/1625601188136624129?s=46&t=A_EiP6sVFJaHWwMtkZKxTwitter users chimed in. <a href="https://twitter.com/niyanashtg/status/1625897503697645568?s=46&t=A_EiP6sVFJaHWwMtkZKxaA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One person </a>wrote, "You gotta respect a women like India Royale. Mamas is not with NOTHING. When a women is tired she is TIRED! The time, the gifts, the money.. don't mean a thing." Someone else said, "Some b*tches just don't play that getting "embarrassed "by a nigga & going right back to him shyt! - <a href="https://twitter.com/_darker_berry/status/1625591893592530962?s=46&t=A_EiP6sVFJaHWwMtkZKxaA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INDIA ROYALE.</a>" Another person saluted India for being a real one. The person <a href="https://twitter.com/shethecreator/status/1625702924516003841?s=46&t=A_EiP6sVFJaHWwMtkZKxaA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tweeted,</a> "I'm not gon hold you. I've always loved me some India Royale and for reasons like she's so beautiful and so unproblematic 😌 but to see how STRONG she is in comparison to these other industry BMs is beautiful to see. Talk about KNOW your worth."Durk and India started dating in 2017. They have a four-year-old together. In 2021, Durk proposed to India. They broke up last year.Wishing everyone the best!

India Royale Responds To Rumors That Lil Durk Got Another Woman Pregnant

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New collab? Mariah Carey and Lil Durk were spotted at dinner together.A video surfaced online of Durk, Mariah and Shirin Amiri, who is the wife of fashion designer Mike Amiri. At the table, the four of them were seen taking pictures and eating together. Seemingly an interested link up as Mariah and Durk don't have any musical history together.Fans online spectate that the two may be gearing up to release some Christmas music together. “Lil Durk And Mariah Seen Together…It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” wrote a fan via Twitter.https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1590831547749650433?s=20&t=eDgqa5R4z62aKz-PXeKm1AIt's no secret that Mariah Carey is the <a href="https://ew.com/music/mariah-carey-loses-queen-of-christmas-trademark-elizabeth-chan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen of Christmas</a>- yet reports claim that her motion to file for 'QOC' trademark was denied. According to reports, the original and also known as the world's only full-time Christmas recording artist, Elizabeth Chan, blocked Carey's attempt. "This was a classic case of trademark bullying," said Chan's attorney Louis Tompros. "We are pleased with the victory, and delighted that we were able to help Elizabeth fight back against Carey's overreaching trademark registrations.""Christmas is a season of giving, not the season of taking, and it is wrong for an individual to attempt to own and monopolize a nickname like Queen of Christmas for the purposes of abject materialism," Chan<a href="https://ew.com/music/mariah-carey-loses-queen-of-christmas-trademark-elizabeth-chan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> said in a statement.</a>She continued, "As an independent artist and small business owner, my life's work is to bring people together for the holiday season, which is how I came to be called the Queen of Christmas. I wear that title as a badge of honor and with full knowledge that it will be — and should be — bestowed on others in the future. My goal in taking on this fight was to stand up to trademark bullying not just to protect myself, but also to protect future Queens of Christmas."

Social Media Reacts To Mariah Carey And Lil Durk Spotted At Dinner Together

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Lil Baby is going viral off one single post and the ladies are loving it.The <a href="https://youtu.be/cLBWCGAH_Xk">Atlanta rapper</a> posted a photo showing off a different side of him. Fans typically see Lil Baby dripped out in the latest hottest fashion with his jewelry. This time around, Baby tossed the shirt and only had on sweatpants with his Calvin Klein briefs. It's possible Baby is aiming to get his body in shape for the summer. On the photo, there's a text that says, "give me 30 days," it's not clear exactly what he means, but one can assume it's about body image. Take a look:https://twitter.com/theshaderoom/status/1528816277539672064?s=21&t=JNc1vCroxNsxGWv-hN5dgQSome of the ladies on <a href="https://twitter.com/nettakaylani/status/1528818100770164737?s=21&t=EK5R_ItwsZ15pDbbOOrfYw">social media</a> chimed in. One user said, "Lil baby is so fine like you don't understand," another Twitter user wrote, "Say what y'all want. Lil Baby is so fine to me." Someone else said they've always admired the rapper and wrote, "the way ive been saying for years that lil baby is fine.. i saw the potential in my man."https://twitter.com/_imcountry/status/1528879009148313600?s=21&t=EK5R_ItwsZ15pDbbOOrfYwhttps://twitter.com/cominlikeashark/status/1528829871497138178?s=21&t=EK5R_ItwsZ15pDbbOOrfYwhttps://twitter.com/iamlexstylz/status/1529148481130176513?s=21&t=EK5R_ItwsZ15pDbbOOrfYw Lil Baby is gearing up to drop some new joints in music news. Back in <a href="https://twitter.com/lilbaby4pf/status/1503349781334212608?s=21&t=dbIqjN-pzDHJVjHrFFVCdA">March</a>, he let fans know he's dropping this summer so yea, it's about that time. He dropped a few singles so far, "In A Minute," "Right On," and "Frozen." Hip Hop DX points out, on May 22, he took to Twitter and wrote, "7/?/22," with a bunch of fire emojis. https://twitter.com/lilbaby4pf/status/1528243195045457927?s=21&t=qa7IqQffvxyeiC9p6wrXIQIt's not clear if he's dropping a single, an EP, or a <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/mary-j-blige-breaks-the-internet-w-dior-two-piece-bikini/">full-length</a> project. His last album was his 2020, <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3676/title.review-lil-baby-proves-his-hit-making-skills-are-legit-on-my-turn-deluxe-album" target="_blank" rel="noopener">My Turn</a>. It debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earned him two <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/dr-dre-shows-off-drastic-weight-loss-in-new-shirtless-pic/">Grammy nominations</a>. Last year, he <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/drake-ditched-the-heart-haircut-debuted-a-completely-new-look/">joined forces</a> with Chicago rapper Lil Durk for their joint album, <a href="https://hypebeast.com/2022/5/lil-baby-release-new-album-july-2022">The Voice of the Heroes,</a> which also debuted at No. 1. Lil Durk and Lil Baby will also be at Hot 97 Summer Jam this year, <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00005C87ABC3348F">get your tickets NOW!</a>

Lil Baby Posted A Shirtless Photo Rocking Briefs, Social Media Went Nuts

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Lil Durk's priority artist on his label OTF (Only The Family) Doodie Lo stopped by HOT 97 to clear up sexual assault accusations as well as inform listeners on his entry into music & upcoming projects.

OTF's Doodie Lo Talks New Music, Upbringing & Sexual Assault Accusations

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<h1>Lil Durk Is Set To Take The Summer Jam Stage! </h1>“The Voice” is set to take the Summer Jam Main Stage for the first time after years atop the game. Lil Durk has been show-stopping and chart-topping for years since he popped onto the national hip-hop scene during his <a href="https://www.mtv.com/news/1820474/2014-xxl-freshman-class/">2014 XXL Freshman Freestyle</a>.Before 2014, Durkio had risen to prominence off of the popularity of his 2013 mixtapes: Signed 2 The Streets and I’m Still A Hitta. Riding the popularity of those mixtapes, Durk’s collective Only The Family signed a joint venture with Def Jam prompting the release of his first album Remember My Name in 2015. Durk has been one of the most consistent and influential voices out of Chicago in recent years. Both his overall sound and style have helped to accelerate the spread of drill music across the country, as well as internationally. Durk’s influence has extended far beyond his sonic influence, but has also gone on to introduce the realities of life in the projects of Chicago. Through his lyricism, lifestyle, and relationships with other artists - Durk has helped introduce a slice of life that would have otherwise gone ignored without him. Lil Durk’s come up has been turbulent as he manages his life before fame along with his new found A-List celebrity status. There has been no lack of controversy surrounding The Voice as he reckons with his O-block roots. In 2020 Durk and OTF lost a close friend and one of the most promising artists on their label King Von. Von’s death has been a source of tension in Durk’s career as well as a topic in much of his music. In 2020, Drake and Durk to collaborated on the chart-topping single “Laugh Now, Cry Later.” Since the success of Laugh Now, Cry Later, Lil Durk has refused to slow down. In 2021, Durk continued his hot streak - being featured on both Kanye’s Donda, Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, and also released a highly anticipated collab album with Lil Baby. Nearly seven years after the release of his first album, Durk has amassed millions of streams, millions of fans, a couple Grammy nominations, and two #1 albums. Now Durk is set to leave his stamp on New York City by making his Summer Jam debut on the main stage of the biggest show in hip-hop. Get excited to see Lil Durk perform at Hot 97’s Summer Jam! It all goes down on Sunday, June 12th, at MetLife Stadium. <h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/hot-97-summer-jam-east-rutherford-new-jersey-06-12-2022/event/00005C87ABC3348F">BUY TICKETS NOW!</a></h2>

Lil Durk Is Taking The Summer Jam Stage!

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HOT 97, the New York based global culture-setting hip-hop brand unveils the lineup and details for the 2022 HOT 97 Summer Jam.Going down June 12th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hip-hop’s most anticipated festival includes superstars such as Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Pusha T, City Girls, Burna Boy, Young Thug and Gunna, and many more. Tickets officially go on sale April 30th at 10:00 AM EST on <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/hot-97-summer-jam-east-rutherford-new-jersey-06-12-2022/event/00005C87ABC3348F">Ticketmaster</a> or <a href="http://hot97.com/summerjam">hot97.com/summerjam</a> and American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning April 29 at 10am EST through April 29 at 11:59 PM EST.Download the all-new HOT 97 App for more opportunities to win tickets, exclusive content and hip-hop updates.The 2022 HOT 97 Summer Jam festival offers two stages featuring many of the hottest hip-hop talent.The Stadium Stage performers include DreamDoll, Shenseea, Benny The Butcher, Burna Boy, Roddy Rich, Pusha T, City Girls, Young Thug and Gunna, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and — closing the show—hometown, Brooklyn’s, Fivio Foreign. The night will also feature a special musical tribute in memory of the legendary DJ Kay Slay.In addition, the Festival Stage will be a who’s who of emerging artists including, Girll Codee, Nardo Wick, BabyFace Ray, Drewski & Friends featuring B-Lovee, JNR Choi, Dougie B., 22GZ, Lady London, Saucy Santana, NLE Choppa, Yung Bleu, and Cordae.The lineup hits from top to bottom. “HOT 97’s Summer Jam, the biggest hip-hop concert, is a day of music celebrating US… with two stages and an endless list of super-stars, this is a moment you won’t want to miss We understand the assignment and can’t wait to experience, with the fans, an extremely exciting line up of performances from artists who are defining our culture.” TT Torrez, On-Air Personality and VP of Artist and Label Relations.The lineup announcement is highlighted alongside the new and improved HOT 97 app, which allows listeners to enjoy the hottest hip-hop station and all of its amazing content from anywhere in the world. The app keeps fans up-to-date on the culture with breaking news, exclusive articles, video content, and features from Ebro, Laura Stylez & Rosenberg, Funk Flex, TT Torrez, Megan Ryte and many more.Furthermore, app users will have exclusive access to contests, merchandise and prizes— including tickets to Summer Jam 2022. Live chat with the station’s famous personalities and live video streaming are also in the works, along with access to on-the-go to HOT 97’s library of podcasts, including Ebro in the Morning and Tap in with TT, alongside mixes from the station’s world-famous DJs. Also, for the first time, HOT 97 Summer Jam’s Artist Lounge will be sponsored by DCN studio, an entertainment and media company specializing in covering the latest news on web3 culture.<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/hot-97-summer-jam-east-rutherford-new-jersey-06-12-2022/event/00005C87ABC3348F">BUY TICKETS NOW!</a></h2>

HOT 97 Summer Jam Lineup REVEALED + Tickets On Sale Saturday

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For weeks Meek Mill has been teasing the release of his new album, Expensive Pain. The album is finally here. Meek shared the album’s tracklist where has features from Lil Baby, Lil Durk, A$AP Ferg, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Uzi Vert, and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcneV7rnoP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkYou can listen to the entire album below. Let us know what you think. https://music.apple.com/us/album/expensive-pain/1585883836

Meek Mill's 'Expensive Pain' Is Out Right Now

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<h1>Drake's album Certified Lover Boy is here.</h1>Whenever a popular album drops we review it track by track just as it comes out for our <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/featured/first-listen-tyler-the-creators-call-me-if-you-get-lost/">First Listen</a> series. In the midst of album wars with Kanye West and months of promotion, Drake's Certified Lover Boy is finally here.Certified Lover Boy is not nearly as lovey-dovey as the name and album artwork would imply. There are plenty of songs for women to drink mimosas to on this album, but there is also a bit of early 2010's Drake and some hip-hop royalty. There is something for everybody on Certified Lover Boy, want radio hits? Listen to Knife Talk , Way 2 Sexy, or You Only Live Twice. Want to hear Drake rap for 2 minutes uninterrupted? Listen to The Remorse or 7am On Bridle Path. Want music to vibe out to? Try IMY2 or Love All. Then pretty much every other song on this album is for the ladies.Expect Certified Lover Boy to break all sorts of streaming records in the coming week. Personally, I don't think Donda or Certified Lover Boy will be winning the Grammy for Best Hip-Hop Album this year, but the album wars have been fun.Here is a track by track analysis of Certified Lover Boy upon <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/featured/first-listen-what-to-expect-from-j-coles-new-album-the-off-season/">first listen.</a>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxVuT8cgccM<h2>Champagne Poetry </h2>This album begins with a sample of Masego’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAE3U1NvOs">Navajo</a>, which is sampled throughout Champagne Poetry. The five minute song picks up pace about halfway through, adding a piano element and faint gospel singers. An intro record is supposed to set the pace for the rest of the album, if Champagne Poetry sets the pace for anything - it’s lots of rapping. Off the bat, the album is starting to feel like early YMCMB Drake.<h2>Papi’s Home </h2>Drake expresses remorse that without an album from him, clout chasers haven’t “known how to get their clout up” without him. This is a cocky track - wherein Drake calls himself “daddy” - if you can get past that, it’s a pretty fun song.The song ends with Nicki Minaj talking shit at the end of the track, before Drake starts singing into the outro. <h2>Girls Want Girls (with Lil Baby)</h2>Girls Want Girls is a slower track, which it was interesting to hear Lil Baby rap over. This is a quintessential Drake track for the ladies, this is mimosa music. <h2>In The Bible (with Lil Durk & Giveon)</h2>There’s some fat on this song - Lil Durk appears to give up and hum for the last 4 bars of his verse and then let the beat ride into the bridge. This is a five minute song that would’ve been stronger as a four minute song, but still has value. Giveon sings masterfully to end the song. Giveon's full, powerful voice - compliments Drake’s softer voice. This is another one for the ladies, more mimosa and brunch music.<h2>Love All (with Jay-Z)</h2>Love All is where the album starts to pivot away from singing and towards rapping for Drake. The central theme of this song is essentially that Drake feels unflappable at this point. He has everything he needs, except loyalty.Jay-Z spits a very slow and methodical verse devoid of much substance, but he sure sounds cool. <iframe title="Ebro In The Morning - Drake Appreciation Day." src="https://omny.fm/shows/ebro-in-the-morning/ebro-in-the-morning-drake-appreciation-day/embed" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0"></iframe><h2>Fair Trade (with Travis Scott)</h2>Travis Scott has a production credit on this track and his influence is clear on this song. If you listen closely to the background you’ll hear Travis Scott’s signature synthesizer sound - it starts around 11 seconds into the song. The drum kit used on this song is also reminiscent of the Houston sound.This song is when “rapping Drake” pops back out for the first time on the album since the intro. Earlier in the album, Drake mentions that his lyrics are used as Instagram captions then on Fair Trade he drops a great on “I've been losin' friends and findin' peace. But honestly that sound like a fair trade to me.”Heavily featured on this track in the background is Canadian singer - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgNu8kooiQc">Charlotte Day Wilson. </a><h2>Way 2 Sexy (ft. Future & Young Thug)</h2>If anyone can make “Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred cool - it’s Drake, Future, Young Thug, & Kawhi Leonard. We all know what we’re going to get out of a Drake & Future track. Lines like: “I'ma fuck her friends and send her back to Metro housin” and “I get cash wherever I fly, got bitches sexin' on me.”Surprisingly, Kawhi Leonard is dancing in a boy band lineup alongside Drake in the music video for this song. This is yet another example of Drake showing off his sense of humor, which he’s done in many older videos.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX9msKu75qs<h2>TSU </h2>This song is a perfect example of the “Drake bait and switch.” Drake lures in males listeners by writing a first verse about having a gun in the studio and saying things like “give you this bread, you run me some head.” Then by the end of the song Drake’s singing about Zara heels and how the stripper he’s been rapping about has new life goals. Drake does this all the time, it’s his signature form of storytelling. Drake will take you from rapping “we used to do pornos when you would come over but now you got morals and shit,” to singing “mom and daddy didn't really get along, shawty.”Drake has done more work to humanize strippers than any living artist.<h2>N 2 Deep (ft. Future)</h2>An abrupt guitar beat accompanies Drake as he does his favorite thing, sing about Houston. This song is the first of many where Drake brings a rap line and doesn’t finish it by saying “Got a little candy in her pocket. She gon' take off like a—,” allowing the listener to finish the bar with “rocket.” He does this later in the album.This is a five minute song that should be two separate songs - at the 2:25 minute mark, the beat completely changes from a HoustAtlantaVegas-style song to a classic trap beat featuring Future. <h2>Pipe Down</h2>“You said you belong to the streets, but the streets belong to me,” is definitely the strongest opening line on the album to this point. “Why does your ex think we’re beefing? Is that man alright?” This song is filled with quotables, as Drake transitions from rapping to singing to damn near screaming. “How much I gotta pay for you to pipe down?” I found it very surprising that a song named “Pipe Down” on an album called “Certified Lover Boy” that features a dozen pregnant women on the cover art was not at all about “laying pipe down.” <h2>Yebba’s Heartbreak </h2>This is an absolutely beautiful change of pace on the record. Grammy-award winner <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ooV8YZC1KbpEcrmI8WH0F?si=qVJZ7VyCShGHBceUGEP0AQ&dl_branch=1">Yebba </a>sings a short ballad, which also serves as an interlude for the album.<h2>No Friends In the Industry</h2>Bars are back. No Friends in the Industry is reminiscent of the 2018 Drake sound, similar to Nonstop. “And I'm like Sha'Carri, smoke 'em on and off the track.”Despite the tracks name being No Friends In the Industry, there are no overt disses in the song, only vague trash talk.<h2>Knife Talk (ft. 21 Savage & Project Pat)</h2>This is where the hits start coming. Project Pat’s intro into 21 Savage’s verse using Project Pat’s flow is one of the smoothest combos in music this year. 21 Savage does a great job going back and forth with Drake; he sings, he raps, he does it all. Knife talk seems to be a hat tilt to 21 Savage’s British-connections. For those who don’t know, there are no guns in the UK, so they do knife crimes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HFY0xuHybk<h2>7am On Bridle Path </h2>On Drake albums, there are occasionally songs that he makes just to vent. Musically, 7am On Bridle Path is an incredibly simplistic track. It’s just Drake rapping over a simple drum beat, some synth, and light angelic vocals.It’s assumed that Drake is addressing Kanye in this song, but he never says anything too specific to express that. “Have somebody put you on a Gildan, you play with my seed. Trust me, there's some shit you really gotta come see to believe.”<h2>Race My Mind </h2>This is another song that’s truly two songs in one. Race My Mind begins as a sing-songy Marvin’s Room style song, then pivots into more of a rap song. Listen closely and you’ll hear Biggie in the background towards the end. This is an incredibly cinematic song, I can imagine someone running through a hallway in a big-budget film to the ending minute.<h2>Fountains (with Tems)</h2>Fountains is another song where Drake attempts to step outside of his comfort zone. He partners up with <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/687cZJR45JO7jhk1LHIbgq?si=LjtjbkHfS7ywCGGfZJYM_Q&dl_branch=1">Tems,</a> a Nigerian artist and singer, which explains the traditional Afrobeats sound on this track. To be honest, Tems stole the show - I was more captured by her parts on the song than Drakes. The song is smooth and made me want more Tems.<h2>Get Along Better </h2>When the album name “Certified Lover Boy” was announced, I expected 15 songs that sound like Get Along Better. It’s a good enough song, definitely not the strongest on the album - it’s missing something. Ty Dolla $ign is on this track singing back-up vocals on the outro, which is frustrating for fans of Ty Dolla $ign features. All song I was waiting for Ty to pop up and take this song to the next level, but instead it just lingers on.<h2>You Only Live Twice (with Lil Wayne and Rick Ross)</h2>This song would’ve been amazing in 2012, this song would’ve been amazing in 2015, this song would’ve been amazing in 2018, and this song is amazing in 2021. Any song featuring these three artists is going to be a classic. From Rick Ross starting the song with “no, I'm never gangbangin' in my blue Chucks,” to Weezy closing out with “pill popped, house in Hidden Hills on the hilltop, her ears popped, she lick my lollipop and my teardrops, Tunechi.”<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3SpBlxme9WbeQdI9kx7KAV" width="100%" height="380" frameborder="0"></iframe><h2>IMY2 (with Kid Cudi)</h2>If any of the Drake and Kanye beef is real, this has to hurt Ye. This song really sounds like a Kid Cudi song that Drake picked out the drums for. Kid Cudi does his classic sing-humming. This is the song on the album for the stoners. <h2>Fucking Fans </h2>Fucking Fans is the third song on this album that is longer than 4-minutes and completely changes halfway through. Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR sing their way through Drake’s past mistakes for the first half, then Drake elaborates in a longer than usual rap verse where he talks about how he was “out here fucking fans” and how he “was shameless.”<h2>The Remorse </h2>To end the album, Drake raps his ass off. Very similar to 7am On Bridle Path - Drake vents about money, his status as an artist, relationships, and all things Drake. The album ends win the line “For the young Gs out here starting from the beginning. Nobody praying for you when you winning, don't forget it.”