Don't be dumb, always shake and prosper
Happy Black History Month!
THE BEAT DROP
A pulse of the culture
If you’re reading this it’s another Saturday at the crib and there’s a whole lot going on at once including A$AP Rocky’s gun charge trial, the release of Solange’s short film, an indication that she’s sticking to her promise of focusing on music in 2025, and a pending Top Dawg Entertainment lawsuit for sexual misconduct.
THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST
The most important news items of the week.
A$AP Rocky trial continued this week and Rihanna showed up to court looking fly in support.
Solange announced a short film titled Shakersss.mov. It is set to be showcased at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. She promised 2025 would be all about music. Hopefully this is an extension of that promise.
YFN Lucci was released from jail with strict conditions after serving four years.
GloRilla challenged fans to 30-day Gloridaz fast glow up ahead of her tour.
Two TDE executives were accused of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit filed in Beverly Hills by two women.
Tems canceled a tour stop in Rwanda due to the country’s support of the ongoing Congo conflict. She apologized to fans for not being aware.
The IRS put Tekashi 6ix9ine’s jewelry up for auction due to a multimillion dollar judgement.
Diddy’s indictment was updated to include information about two more alleged victims.
BARS OF THE WEEK
Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.
“I made this lil film ‘shakersss’ for absolutely no reason other than a reminder to myself that light always reveals itself, and if you water the questions enough the answers will rise within you with unshakable faith.” — Solange on her short film “Shakersss.”
“I sold the nine kept the Drake like I'm Sandra.” — Smiley on “Money Feen” featuring Icewear Vezzo.
“All my jewelry dancin’ heavy water like the levy broke.” — Icewear Vezzo on his “Money Feen” verse.
“I been, I hop out clean, rare like a Mona Lisa.” — Larry June on “I Been” featuring 2 Chainz and The Alchemist.
"I never actually did Lyft.” — Larry June after trolling Twitter by insinuating he got his start doing Lyft.
“My heart wasn't built to fix a rat, I love the streets too much for that.” — EST Gee on his I Ain’t Feelin You cut “The Streets.”
“I rap colder than him.” — LiAngelo Ball on how he compares to Cam’Ron.
“I’m starting a podcast called f*ck niggas, it’s gone featuring every body that ever lost me money.” — 42Dugg after losing some money on a sports bet, probably.
CHART TOPPERS
Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.
Central Cee's Can't Rush Greatness is expected to debut at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.
Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is expected to hold down the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 for third week in a row.
SOUND WATCH
Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.
The Weeknd finally dropped Hurry Up Tomorrow and gave fans a clay animated visual for the song “Red Terror.”
EST Gee I Aint Feeling You is here. For real this time.
LiAngelo Ball dropped the music video for “Tweaker” with appearances from his bros.
Smiley dropped a song with Icewear Vezzo called “Money Feen” and a music video for “Budge” off his forthcoming project Don’t Box Me In.
Journey Montana officially released her project Lucky Girl Syndrome.
Larry June, 2 Chainz and The Alchemist announced that their joint album Life Is Beautiful will be set for release on Feb. 7 and shared a music video for “I Been” ahead of its release.
Trevor Spitta shared the danceable “BREAK A LITTLE SWEAT.”
Lil Baby released a music video for his romantic tune “So Sorry” ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Tommy Richman teased a snippet of a new song that is sure to infect TikTok waves whether you like it or not.
Trippie Redd addressed cheating on Coi Leray with "Pretty Rose.”
Baby Tron dropped off his 5-song EP Song Wars, featuring three songs previously heard on PlaqueBoyMax’s Twitch stream.
B.U.G Antman released a psychedelically stunning music video for his song “Make Sense.”
OHGEESY released another single this week featuring Lil Tjay titled “BABYGIRL.” The track samples Fabolous’ 2000s hit “Can’t Let You Go.”
Black Fortune tapped in with Doe Boy for the remix of “Mister.”
Yung Bleu shared his new number “Took Her Friends To Miami” featuring Meek Mill and is expected to release his album What Makes Us Human on Feb. 14.
skaiwater made their highly anticipated return this with the release “pop.”
Will Smith, Big Sean and Obang linked up for “Beautiful Scars.”
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Industry news.
On Feb. 7, Band Camp is supporting musicians who have been affected by the wildfires with 100% of proceeds going to MusiCares.
Interscope released LA Forever charity capsule benefiting those who were affected by the California wildfires. 100% of proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help.
STEAK REPORT
Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.
Finesse2x is now wanted by authorities in his ongoing saga with his former artist Fng King. He is being accused of intimidating King’s guardian at a smoke shop in Texas.
Lil Yachty apologized to Nicki Minaj for choosing sides in the Cardi B feud during his interview with Shannon Sharpe.
TOUR BUS
Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.
The 5th Annual AfroNation lineup was announced with Burna Boy, Mary J. Blige, Tems and Davido, among others to headline. The festival is set to take place in Portugal July 9-11.
Central Cee announced dates his first world tour named after his album, Can’t Rush Greatness. Tickets are on sale now.
The Weeknd also announced tour dates for his After Hours Til Dawn Tour. Tickets go on pre-sale Feb. 5, but you must sign-up first.
Solange’s 8-minute short film Shakersss.mov and will be on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles from Feb. 16-May 4.
FREESTYLE
Memes and viral moments.
energy.
RAP HILL
Legal matters affecting the music industry.
UMG and Spotify struck a multi-year deal for recorded and published music, granting Spotify a direct license to its products.
Meanwhile, the Mechanical Licensing Collective plans to fight back against Spotify after the streaming giant beat MLC’s audiobook licensing lawsuit.
Top Dawg Entertainment’s Chief Marketing Officer Brandon Tiffith and TDE president Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith Jr. are named in a lawsuit for sexual misconduct against two women. It was filed Dec. 6, 2024. The suit alleges “unwanted sexual advances” from one defendant as well as “coerced into consuming alcohol while underage for the purpose of sexual exploitation” by the other defendant.
The next hearing is set for Jun. 6 at the Beverly Hills Courthouse.
TRENDSETTERS
Updates on key figures who are driving the culture.
DJ Khaled has garnered 17 new certifications from the RIAA for a bevy of culture-defining hits including the recently Diamond-certified “I’m The One” featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper and Lil Wayne.
OUTSIDE
Sightings and appearances.
Tia Corine and Smino were spotted in the studio together.
OT7 Quanny represented at the Philly 76ers game.
Drake was spotted vibing to Fivio Foreign’s “PLAQUEBOYMAX”
Armani White took center stage at the NFC Championship halftime show and debuted his highly anticipated single “Cut the Lights.”
Baby Tron was spotted at Lyrical Lemonade doing a Lunch Break freestyle.
BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.
Kid Cudi, Charlie Wilson, Rick Ross, J. Cole, Anita Baker, Kirk Franklin
OUTRO
A final thought.
A$AP Rocky is facing 24 years in prison after pleading not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Rihanna has been in full support of him and made an appearance at the Los Angeles courthouse this week. It’s alleged that Rocky shot his ex-friend A$AP Relli outside a Hollywood hotel. Rocky said it never happened and the gun he shot was fake. Relli is saying it did and the gun was real. Ironically, there is no physical smoking gun here…real or fake.
For Rocky’s team to turn down the prosecution’s offer, I assume they must have a strong argument. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this case since there’s a lot a stake. Plus, we still need Don’t Be Dumb.
Furthermore, I am excited for whatever Solange is about to do. Remember she said that in 2025, music will be her focus. And don’t forget how we saw her chatting it up with Chief Keef. The time has come for new Solange and all the art that comes with it. I plan to check out the Shakersss.mov exhibit and will definitely let you all know how it flows.
Happy Black History Month!
xx