Top Headlines Of The Week: 4/29 – 5/5
This week in hip-hop was active. Monday saw the biggest and most anticipated release of the year—Ray J’s “I Hit It First” video. In more unfortunate news, the death of Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly made national headlines. Lil Wayne and Tyler, The Creator get dismissed by Mountain Dew for their artistic directions. Lastly, Chance The Rapper released Acid Rap and now people are wondering where did this guy come from. Here are your top headlines in hip-hop.
1. Chance The Rapper Drops Acid Rap
Chance The Rapper is everywhere. The 20-year-old out of Chicago released his stellar new mixtape Acid Rap. Like the group of young rappers in the Chi-Town rap scene, Chance is documenting what he sees with compelling lyricism. The future for Chance is looking bright if he continues to put out quality music like this. With major music publications already deeming him the next big thing, Chance’s buzz is only bound to get bigger.
2. Chris Kelly of Kris Kross’s Funeral Arrangements Are Available
Fans of the group Kris Kross were sadden to hear of Chris Kelly’s death on May 1. He was found unresponsive in his Atlanta home, believed to have overdose on a combination of cocaine and heroin. His funeral service will be handled by Murray Brothers Funeral Home. A public viewing is scheduled for May 8 and he will be laid to rest on May 9.
3. Mr. Cee Arrested for Trying to Solicit a Male Prostitute
Third times a … nevermind. Radio DJ and producer Mr. Cee was arrested over the weekend for soliciting a male police officer posed as a prostitute. Reports by The New York Daily News say the bust was on the same charges as his October 8, 2010 arrest.
4. Slaughterhouse Prepping for New Album
The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The lyrical foursome of Royce Da 5’9”, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I are focusing on the follow-up to Welcome to: Our House. The group confirmed at the launch event for Gig-It that the recording process has already begun.
5. Tyler, The Creator speaks on Mountain Dew Ad Controversy
Tyler was a target of scrutiny earlier this week for his new “Felicia the Goat” commercial, which Dr. Boyce Watkin’s claimed it was “arguably the most racist commercial in history.” While Dr. Watkins would reevaluate his comments, the Odd Future leader explained his side of the story exclusively to Billboard. Here’s a small portion of the interview: “It’s not gonna change my art in any way. I just hope that somehow, if it gets bigger or if it disappears tomorrow, that it just opens people’s minds up.”
6. Lil Wayne Is Dropped From Mountain Dew For Emmett Till Lyric
Lil Wayne has had a bumpy week. After suffering from another seizure, Wayne made headlines for his official apology for his reference to Emmett Till on Future’s “Karate Chop (Remix).” What seemed like a genuine gesture wasn’t enough for the Till family, who said they were going after Wayne’s sponsors Mountain Dew. Sure enough, PepsiCo dropped Wayne as their spokesperson, in which the family commended the brand for their decision.
7. AraabMuzik Is Recovering From Robbery Attempt
Producer and MPC king AraabMuzik was a victim of an attempted robbery. He was shot, but survived. Just yesterday, AraabMuzik posted a photo of himself in the hospital, thanking his fans for showing their support. He’s expected to appear at Electric Daisy Festival in Las Vegas, which kicks off June 21.
8. What Does June 18 Mean, Kanye?
Kanye West got the Internet going nuts when he tweeted out a date. Elliott Wilson of Rap Radar confirmed it was for his release date of his album, but then took it back when he realized it wasn’t true. Though we’ve already thought of 10 possibilities of what the day signifies, we’ll just have to actually wait and see when the day comes.
Previously:
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