HipHopDX – This week in Hip Hop, Jermaine Dupri sparked controversy by claiming today’s female artists sound like strippers rapping. Also, artists such as ScHoolboy Q and Tyga vowed to boycott performing in Sweden until A$AP Rocky is released from jail, and R. Kelly was taken into federal custody on sex crime charges.
Jermaine Dupri Criticize Women In Rap
On Thursday (July 11), Jermaine Dupri claimed contemporary women in Hip Hop sound like strippers rapping.
“They all rapping about the same thing,” he said during an interview with People Magazine. “I don’t think they’re showing us who is the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping. As far as rap goes, I’m not getting ‘who is the best rapper.’”
Cardi B responded to the hit-making producer’s comments by pointing out the difference in reception between her sexually-charged songs and tracks such as “Be Careful” from her Invasion Privacy album. She also shouted out rappers such as Kamaiyah and Chika, who aren’t known for rapping about sex as much as she does, as a way to counter JD’s claims.
Social media was filled with a less than favorable reaction to Dupri’s comments. 6LACK called him out after Dupri announced a So So Def Female Cypher in the aftermath the controversy.
Read more about Jermaine Dupri’s “stripper rap” comment here.
Hip Hop Community Petitions For A$AP Rocky’s Return
A$AP Rocky is being held in a Swedish jail as he waits to see if he’ll be charged with assault.
A TMZ report claimed the facility he’s being held in is “disease-ridden,” but Rocky’s lawyer has denied the conditions are so bad.
A$AP Ferg, Tyga, ScHoolboy Q, T.I. and Tyler, The Creator are among those who’ve vowed to boycott the country as result Rocky’s detainment though. A petition was also created urging the Swedish government to release him.
Due to his legal woes, all Rocky’s European tour dates for July have been canceled.
“A$AP Rocky is being detained in a Swedish jail for an unknown period time for acting in self-defense during an altercation that took place,” his team announced in a statement. “Due to this unfortunate situation he is forced to cancel his European festival and tour dates in July.”
Read more about A$AP Rocky’s situation here.
R. Kelly Locked Up Again
On Thursday (July 11), R. Kelly was arrested for sex crimes in Chicago by NYPD detectives and Homeland Security. He is facing federal charges in Illinois and New York.
Over 20 unearthed videos the disgraced R&B singer making sexual contact with minors were turned over to authorities. The controversial artist has also been accused racketeering and kidnapping, among other charges.
Read more about R. Kelly going back to jail here.
DX Reviews
– J. Cole & Dreamville — Revenge Of The Dreamers III
– Future — SAVE ME
– Mustard — Perfect 10
– GoldLink — Diaspora
– Trina — The One
– Machine Gun Kelly — Hotel Diablo
– Tee Grizzley — Scriptures
– Polo G — Die A Legend
– Wifisfuneral — Ethernet 2
– Sincere Show — The Greatest Show On Earth
– XV — The Dude With The Strap Back Dad Hat
#DXCLUSIVES: Young Drummer Boy, Sons Sonix & Producers Who Make Beats On iPads
Young Drummer Boy Has Pomona & The Whole 909 On Lock
Buzzing rapper Young Drummer Boy spoke with HipHopDX about his deal with distribution company EMPIRE.
“I’m really blessed to be doing the moves I’ve been making,” he said. “Especially with EMPIRE you know? It’s something that’s new to me but has been really good so far. My goal with the project was to cater as much as I could to my fanbase while trying to expand my new fanbase. Trying to reach new fans and stuff like that. I just try to balance it out any way I could.”
Read the full Young Drummer Boy interview here.
Producers Sons Of Sonix Reveal Details Behind Justin Bieber’s Rumored Gospel Album: “He’s Got A Message”
Production duo Mo-Keyz and Mikey, together known as Sons Sonix, spoke with DX about the making Justin Bieber’s forthcoming album.
“I feel like he’s going to be someone that is going to change the trajectory how young people look at God,” Mo-Keyz said. “I think it’s really important that it’s coming from him because it’s Justin.”
Read the entire Sons Sonix interview here.
Producers Buckwild, EZ Elpee & More Weigh In On Making Beats On iPads
DX’s Riley Wallace reached out to a few producers to find out the magic behind making beats with an iPad. D.I.T.C. veteran Buckwild says it’s all in your head.
“I tell people all the time that it’s not the machine that makes the beat, it’s your mind,” the revered Hip Hop producer explained. “You’re only operating the machine because that’s what your mind tells you to do.”
Read the full interview with Buckwild, EZ Elpee and more here.