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Weekly Flow: Inside Hip-Hop's Evolving Echo

October 30, 2023

"Revolutionising the Industry: How Hip-Hop Plans to Hold Record Labels Accountable"

In this BET article, the author explores the challenges that Black artists face with record labels and discusses how hip-hop can hold them more accountable.

The article highlights the long history of record labels mistreating Black musicians and stripping them of credit and ownership.

It raises questions about the responsibility of labels to provide support beyond financial benefits, such as legal aid and health services for artists.

The article also discusses instances where labels have taken action against artists for their transgressions and explores the role of Black executives in leading change in the industry.

"Justice at Last: Jam Master Jay Murder Case Finally Headed to Trial After Two Decades"

After 21 years, the murder case of Jam Master Jay, the DJ of the famous hip-hop group Run-DMC, may finally go to trial.

Three suspects have been identified in the 2002 execution of Jam Master Jay, and they may appear in a courtroom next year.

However, this news has done little to appease Jay's family and friends who have been patiently waiting for justice in his death.

The recent identification of a third suspect has spurred new legal battles, with federal prosecutors seeking to try all three suspects at once with separate juries.

Q-Tip Joins the Team Behind Broadway Musical About Muhammad Ali, Bringing Hip-Hop Beats to Stage!

Hip hop artist Q-Tip has joined the team behind the upcoming Broadway musical about boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

The musical, titled "Ali," is set to debut in Kentucky in 2024 before hitting Broadway in 2025.

Q-Tip will serve as the music producer, co-lyricist, and cast album producer.

The play will combine various genres of music, including hip hop, spoken word, classical music and poetry..

Q-Tip is the latest hip hop artist to make a foray into Broadway, following Common's Broadway debut last year.

"Cypress Hill Pioneered Weed Lyrics in Hip Hop, DJ Muggs Claims - A Controversial History Lesson!"

DJ Muggs, the notable producer of Cypress Hill, claimed in a recent interview that his group was the first to include lyrics about marijuana in hip hop.

However, historical evidence proves otherwise, with songs like Run-DMC's "Here We Go (Live At The Funhouse)" and The Beastie Boys' "License to Ill" referencing weed years before Cypress Hill.

Despite this, DJ Muggs has stayed true to his unique style throughout his career, and recently released his first Soul Assassins album in 14 years featuring collaborations with Ghostface Killah, Scarface, and other top-tier artists.

"Digga D Takes the Royal Albert Hall by Storm: A Monumental Moment for UK Drill"

Digga D, the pioneer of UK drill, performed at the Royal Albert Hall in a historic moment for the genre.

Despite his music being vetted by the police, Digga D looked at home on stage, dressed in a humble tracksuit.

The concert represented a victory for UK drill, challenging misconceptions about the genre and showcasing its ability to humanise and empower marginalised communities.

Digga D's performance was a monumental moment for both him and the drill genre, proving that rap music will always find a way to break down barriers and stand its ground.

"MF DOOM Estate Takes Legal Action Against Former Label Manager for Notebook Theft"

The estate of hip-hop legend MF DOOM is suing his former label manager, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt, for allegedly stealing 31 notebooks containing the rapper's songwriting.

The notebooks, which contained lyrics, musings, and unreleased song ideas, were taken by Alapatt from DOOM's Los Angeles studio.

Alapatt has claimed that he acquired the notebooks because DOOM owed rent, but the lawsuit argues that the notebooks should be returned to the estate and that Alapatt has infringed on DOOM's intellectual property.

The lawsuit also accuses Alapatt of fraud, conversion, unjust enrichment, and more.

"Benny The Butcher Respectfully Calls Out Rap Critics: 'Stop the Bullsh-t and Just Enjoy the Music'"

In a recent social media rant, rapper Benny The Butcher called out rap critics for constantly offering their opinions without actually enjoying the music.

He urged critics to start celebrating and uplifting artists instead of critiquing their work.

Benny The Butcher also hyped up his forthcoming album, "Everybody Can't Go," claiming it will be a "10 for 10."

While the album's release has been delayed, Benny is confident that it will be the best album of 2023.

"Tim Westwood Faces Fourth Police Interview Under Caution for Sexual Misconduct Allegations"

66-year-old hip hop DJ and radio presenter Tim Westwood has been interviewed for a fourth time under police caution following sexual misconduct allegations.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating accusations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man between 1982 and 2016.

Westwood, who has previously denied any wrongdoing and also stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in 2022.

The BBC has launched an external inquiry into what was known about Westwood's conduct during his time at the corporation.

"Method Man and Star-Studded Cast Set to Take Podcast World High with 'Yes We Cannabis'"

Method Man is set to star in a new scripted comedy audio series called "Yes We Cannabis," alongside actors Tichina Arnold, Sam Richardson, Langston Kerman, and Punkie Johnson.

The series follows a pharmacist named George who quits his job in Florida to start a legal cannabis company in California.

The show will explore the highs and lows of their journey, including encounters with shady businessmen and the challenges of working with friends.

The podcast will debut on Audible on August 24.

"Offset Calls out the Stagnation in Modern Hip-Hop: 'It's Getting Boring, Fellas!'"

Offset, a member of the hip-hop group Migos, recently discussed the lack of creativity in modern rap during an interview with Apple Music's Ebro Darden.

He expressed his belief that the current music is repetitive, lacking originality and entertainment value.

He also noted that contemporary pop and country musicians are more successful because they offer a complete package, suggesting that hip-hop artists should strive for the same level of creativity and innovation.

Offset's comments have sparked a conversation about the state of hip-hop and the need for fresh ideas in the genre.