Drake's "Nokia" music video gets the people going
Plus, fresh music picks from DDG, Gelo and Lucki.
THE BEAT DROP
A pulse of the culture
If you’re reading this, it’s another Sunday in Hip Hop and this week Drake released a black and white music video for “Nokia” and it came with some mixed reactions. Young Thug almost went back to jail and the woman who allegedly falsely called 911, leading to the death of Young Scooter, was apprehended by the Atlanta Police Department.
THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST
The most important news items of the week.
Drake released the “Nokia” video in black and white, directed by Theo Skudra in IMAX and choreographed by Tanisha Scott, but it didn’t come without criticism because it was in black and white. What the people really wanted was a colorful music video. However, OG Nokia screens were literally in green and black — so why not in green and black? They’d probably hate that too.
Young Thug was almost sent back to the slammer by Fani Willis because he pointed out an investigator named Marissa Viverito was the “Biggest liar in the DA office.” Judge Paige Whitaker denied the state’s request.
Young Scooter’s funeral has been set to take place on April 7 at St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta. Earlier this week, hundreds gathered to honor the rapper in a balloon release. The woman who made the false 911 call that led to Young Scooter’s murder was arrested after confessing it was her.
“Queen of Pakistan,” Onijah Robinson, returned home to New York in fashion after getting stuck in Dubai. No word on if she got her $100k or more and some land — but she is indeed married.
Dylan from Making The Band was arrested for assault in North Carolina, after slapping another man in the face, not once — but twice.
IShowSpeed drove a flying car in China and you just have to see this one for yourself.
Method Man was revealed as the stud muffin on “The Masked Singer.”
The SZA and Keke Palmer’s buddy film “One of Them Days” is now available to watch on Netflix.
Princess of Crime Mob revealed the group broke up over a Michael Jackson feature.
DDG cut off his dreads after gaining 40k Twitch subs and the ladies went crazy.
BARS OF THE WEEK
Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.
“Scratched off the serial, we call that shit a Cheerio.” — Drake on the leaked For All The Dogs left over “Cheerios.”
“Don't tell me what you heard if you can't tell me who the source is.” — Another bar of the leaked “Cheerios.”
“Where is my fucking check?” — Melyssa Ford on Drake using her likeness on his “Nokia” merch.
“All this motion ain't new to me, nigga, I'm gettin’ the blues, I'm constantly thumbin.” — DDG on his latest release “Motion.”
"Life will never b the same without u brother.” — Future on Young Scooter’s passing.
“If you’ve ever heard a mixtape, you should get it.” — DJ Swamp Izzo on the critical reactions to his tag being all over Playboi Carti’s Music.
“Here is why I said Janet is the Queen of Pop. Britney Spears is doing a Janet impression, and she said it.” — Lizzo on Britney Spears, which caused Stan Twitter to go into a frenzy.
“I’m enough. My music is enough. My word is enough.” — Doja Cat on the narrative that she isn’t Hip Hop enough, which was spurred by a conversation had on Apple Music’s Rap Life Review.
CHART TOPPERS
Notable top-performing rap and R&B tracks on streaming platforms and charts.
Playboi Carti’s Music landed at #2 on the Billboard charts, meanwhile Lil Durk’s Deep Thoughts entered at #3, knocking Kendrick Lamar’s GNX to #4 and $$$4u by Drake and PartyNextDoor to #5, and SZA’s SOS to #6.
SOUND WATCH
Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.
Drake’s “Nokia” music video was released in IMAX, in black and white, complete with snake references, skating and owls. Plus, a For All The Dogs left over titled “Cheerios” resurfaced and I really need him drop it.
Gelo officially released his banger “Law N Order” after performing it for the first time at Rolling Loud.
DDG and Da Baby linked up during his Hit-A-Thon stream for a new one called “Motion.”
Lucki delivered on his latest release “Free Mr. Banks” and offered a music video to go along with it.
AZ Swaye dropped the music video for “Rap Cap.”
GloRilla shared the music video for her song “Opp Shit.”
Alabama rapper FattMack delivered on his promise with the release of his new project, Here to Stay.
Bossman Dlow released a new one called “Money Talks.”
Ken Carson is set to release More Chaos, an extension of A Great Chaos on April 11.
Sexyy Red came through with the vibey cut “Hoochie Coochie” in the form of a music video.
Afrobeats superstar Oxlade released his debut album, Oxlade From Africa.
Murda Beatz came through with “Winter’s Over” featuring Hurricane Wisdom and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Sauce Walka and That Mexican OT came together for “Samsung Screenz.”
YTB Fatt tapped in with Rob49 for “Yessirski.”
Ahead of the release of Russ’ album W!ld, the artist shared the music video for “April 7.”
Big X The Plug released the music video for “All the Way” featuring Bailey Zimmerman.
West Coast rap duo Shoreline Mafia released their second studio album Back In Bidness.
Alex Isley shared her song “Ms. Goody Two Shoes.”
Rising Las Vegas rapper and producer 1nonly hit listeners with “STARDUST.”
Lil Yachty and Veeze came together for the "Can't Be Crete Boy” visual.
Rod Wave released his song “Sinners,” based on Ryan Coogler’s new film starring Michael B. Jordan.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Industry news.
A$AP Rocky unveiled his collaboration with Puma called The Puma Mostro Disccords.
Spotify removed streams from a few notable artists for the third month in a row in an effort to combat fake streams. The only thing is, they didn’t tell us who.
TOUR BUS
Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.
PartyNextDoor is set to perform in Abu Dhabi on April 26.
Chris Brown is going on tour for the Breezy Bowl and bringing Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko and Bryson Tiller along. And yes, he will be bringing his famed meet and greets back. Just don’t wear red bandannas. He’s literally begging. Please.
Mustard will be joining SZA and Kendrick Lamar on the Grand National Tour.
Hot 97’s Summer Jam lineup was announced with A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, Ayra Starr, and more set to perform.
Jada Kingdom will be headlining Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Europe event in Malta on September 13.
Rhiannon Giddens announced the livestream of her Carolina Chocolate Drops Reunion Show from her sold-out Biscuits & Banjos Festival April 26.
FREESTYLE
Memes and viral moments.
¡Me encantan las tetas!
RAP HILL
Legal matters affecting the music industry.
On April 2, Judge Vargas, in Drake’s ongoing defamation lawsuit, denied UMG’s motion to stay discovery — which was essentially the label hoping to slow down the discovery process in regards to the way the roll out “Not Like Us” was handled. Therefore, the discovery process can proceed and apparently there over 50 people his team is looking to depose.
Either way, UMG also has a motion to dismiss the entire lawsuit in the chamber. Drake’s team will respond to that request by April 16 and on April 30, UMG will have responded to the opposition of Drake’s team.
There is no trial date set as of yet.
In response to Judge Vargas denial, Drake’s lead attorney Michael J. Gottlieb said, “Now it's time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide.”
OUTSIDE
Sightings and appearances.
Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug courtside at The Lakers versus Warriors game.
Ice Spice and NY Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner were spotted, sparking dating rumors.
BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.
OVO 40, Jay Rock, Quavo, Young MA, Jill Scott, Shawty Lo (RIP), MC Hammer, NF, Nebu Kiniza, Neef Buck, Tony Yayo, Juicy J, Pharrell, Currensy, Roscoe Dash, Kid Ink
OUTRO
A final thought.
For some, the music video for “Nokia” wasn’t enough. Theo Skudra’s use of IMAX cameras along with Tanisha’s choreography wasn’t impressive enough. The people wanted more and they let it be known. They wanted Kendrick subs and color — and only got one of those — but barely. Nokia’s Snake game homage was the most notable but everything else was not so obvious, but can be attributed to a troll of Dot’s Super Bowl performance and “Not Like Us” music video.
But, was I the only one who noticed the love shown to the late Drakeo? IYKYK.
Anyway, Go Coogs!
xx