When it comes to legendary verses in hip-hop, Lil’ Kim’s performance on the “Crush on You (Remix)” stands out as a masterclass in charisma, confidence, and lyricism. Featured on Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut album, Kim’s verse was more than just a standout moment—it was a declaration of her arrival as rap royalty.
From the moment she opens with, “Ayo shorty, won’t you go get a bag of the lethal / I’ll be undressed in the bra, all see-through,”Lil’ Kim exudes a level of swagger and sex appeal that set her apart in the male-dominated landscape of 90s hip-hop. Her tone is effortlessly commanding, blending seduction with razor-sharp wit.
Lines like, “Keep your stone sets, I got my own baguettes,” cement her independence and refusal to play into stereotypes. Kim asserts her agency, flipping the script and owning her desires, her power, and her luxury—all while delivering bars with undeniable flair.
Her wordplay is clever and playful, as she drops gems like:
“You can slide on my ice like the Escapade / And itchy-gitchy-yaya with the marmalade.” These lines are a perfect example of her ability to mix fun, sensuality, and creativity, creating a vibe that’s unforgettable.
Lil’ Kim’s delivery is the heartbeat of the track, effortlessly balancing sass and sophistication. The way she commands attention with her cadence and confidence makes every bar hit harder.
“Crush on You (Remix)” wasn’t just a song; it was a pivotal moment for Lil’ Kim, solidifying her place as the Queen Bee of rap. Her verse not only elevated the track but also set a standard for future generations of women in hip-hop to embrace their power and redefine the game.
Revisit this verse, and it’s clear why Lil’ Kim remains an icon and trailblazer in the culture.
As we look ahead to 2025, there are a handful of artists whose next projects we eagerly anticipate. Whether it’s a long-awaited comeback, a continuation of their musical evolution, or simply more of the heat they’ve been dropping, these five artists are at the top of our wish list for new releases. From legends like JAY-Z to rising stars like Doechii, each of these artists has the potential to redefine the year with their next moves. Here’s who we’re most excited to hear from in 2025.
Kendrick Lamar Yes, we just got GNX, but Kendrick Lamar’s creative energy is far from tapped out. With his momentum from the Super Bowl performance and GNX, we’re excited to see what he brings next. We expect nothing less than a groundbreaking project that will push boundaries and keep the conversation going.
JAY-Z Can you believe it’s been seven years since 4:44? While JAY-Z has blessed us with memorable features and business ventures, we’re ready for a full-length release. We need more of the Brooklyn legend’s insights, wisdom, and bars. Hov’s return would undoubtedly shake the game once again.
Doechii Doechii’s Alligator Bites Don’t Heal has kept us hooked, and the buzz around her new album is real. The TDE powerhouse continues to tease new music, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store. Her unique blend of creativity and lyricism has us eager for her next project.
Lil Baby Once the hardest rapper on the planet, Lil Baby’s upcoming album is highly anticipated. Despite some saying he took a slight step back, we know Baby still has it. His next album could be a statement, reaffirming his dominance in the rap game. We’re ready for the return of the young Atlanta legend.
Roddy Ricch Roddy Ricch has been vocal about needing to come harder, and we believe he’s ready to deliver. With Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial still a classic, his new project, The Navy Album, has us excited to see if he can reclaim his spot and prove why he’s one of the best in the game.
Drake, the five-time Grammy-winning, multi-platinum global artist, has announced his return to Australia and New Zealand with The Anita Max Win Tournext year. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on Sunday, February 9, at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, with additional stops in Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. These performances mark Drake’s first visit to the region since his 2017 Boy Meets World Tour.
Following the success of his record-breaking It’s All A Blur Tour, which wrapped earlier this year after 80 sold-out shows in North America, Drake’s upcoming tour promises unforgettable experiences for fans Down Under.
Ticket Details: Tickets go on general sale Friday, December 6, at 12 p.m. local time via drakerelated.com and livenation.com.
Presales:
Mastercard Presale: December 3, 12 p.m. – December 5, 12 p.m.
Vodafone Presale (Australia): December 3, 12 p.m. – December 5, 12 p.m.
One NZ Presale (New Zealand): December 3, 12 p.m. – December 5, 12 p.m.
Westfield Reserved Tickets: December 5, 1 p.m.
Prepare for an electrifying tour that brings Drake’s chart-topping hits and dynamic performances to fans across the region.
Snoop Dogg continues his 2024 takeover with the release of “Another Part of Me,” featuring Sting and produced by Dr. Dre and The ICU. Released via Death Row, Aftermath, and Interscope, the track adds another dynamic collaboration to Snoop’s already legendary catalog.
This follows last week’s drop of “Outta Da Blue,” featuring Alus, and the announcement of Snoop’s upcoming album Missionary, due December 13. Earlier this month, he teased the album with “Gorgeous,” featuring Jhené Aiko.
Missionary reunites Snoop and Dr. Dre for their second full-length collaboration since Snoop’s groundbreaking 1994 debut Doggystyle. Packed with features from hip-hop icons Eminem, 50 Cent, Jelly Roll, Method Man, the late Tom Petty, and more, the album promises to be a landmark release in rap and pop culture.
D.FRESH, hailing from a stint in Chicago and known for his distinctive style under the moniker F.U.N.K.Y.F.R.E.$.H, has turned up the scene with his latest track, “DO YA THANG.” Produced by Gwap Productions and engineered by Rucker Studios, this August 2024 release has swiftly caught attention with its infectious vibe. D.FRESH’s goal was simple yet impactful: to craft a record that people could move to without losing the authentic essence of his sound. This blend of fun and finesse has not only resonated with listeners but also earned regular rotation on Chicago’s Power 92.3, thanks to support from DJ Amaris.
What makes “DO YA THANG” special to D.FRESH is the organic vibe that mirrors his own energy. According to him, it’s “a really dope record” that feels genuine — a testament to his artistry and connection with his music. From witty lines like “Shake it like you’ll win a trip to Kay’s for it” to “When it comes to getting money, I’m the mascot,” D.FRESH sprinkles his verses with clever, memorable phrases that stick. These lyrics capture his laid-back confidence and undeniable charisma, solidifying his growing presence in the music world.
Looking forward, D.FRESH is gearing up to release God’s Gift Vol. 3 “Memory Lane”, an album he’s dedicated significant time and energy to, set for a December release. Fans can expect a solid collection of tracks that carry his signature vibe and lyricism. With his music speaking volumes and radio plays amplifying his reach, D.FRESH is on the rise, bringing fresh sounds from Chicago to a broader audience, proving that he’s an artist to watch.
The long-awaited final album from Juice WRLD, The Party Never Ends, is out now via Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. Featuring high-profile collaborations with Eminem, Fall Out Boy, Nicki Minaj, Offset, and The Kid LAROI and production from Benny Blanco, Nick Mira, and Cashmere Cat, the album celebrates the late rapper’s legacy as a once-in-a-generation artist.
“’The Party Never Ends‘ is finally here; I’m glad Jarad‘s fans are getting the music they have been anxiously awaiting! When Jarad was a toddler, he developed a love for globes that lasted for years; he was fascinated with spinning them. Reflecting on that, I realize that was prophetic of what would come. He grew to become the artist Juice WRLD, and touched people worldwide through his music. His lyrics were heartfelt and expressed his challenges with mental health and addiction. Jarad’s transparency made people feel like they were not alone; I consider him a pioneer in normalizing the conversation about mental health. I hope that his music continues to have a positive impact on the lives of others around the world, and it is my prayer that people do not suffer in silence.”
– Carmela Wallace, Mother of Jared “Juice WRLD” Higgins
Accompanying the release is a Steve Cannon-directed video for “Misfit,” a track that sees Juice turning outsider identity into triumphant self-expression. Cannon, a frequent Juice collaborator, delivers a visual tribute to fans finding solace in Juice’s music.
The Party Never Ends coincides with Juice WRLD Day 2024, happening Saturday, November 30, at Chicago’s United Center. The event will feature an exclusive listening experience, performances by Kodak Black, Lil Yachty, Polo G, and more, plus a Fortnite tournament hosted by Xbox.
The album dives deep into Juice WRLD’s colorful, complex psyche, offering fans a final, bittersweet connection to the beloved artist.
Jason Berger, the Philadelphia-based and award-winning Entertainment Lawyer of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, shares the secrets of his rise to success.
Most industries are always evolving, as new technology and trends change the landscape. This is especially true of Entertainment and Media, where the regulatory and financial aspects can lack clarity. Jason Berger is a seasoned player in the legal space of these industries and as a Partner of leading law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, can speak with insight and experience in this area.
“At the beginning of my career, I was focused on having a wide spread of clients including music producers and engineers as well as the music artists themselves,” Berger says. “Many law practices start with one ‘big name’ client and build from there but we started from the ground up with a pretty large group that meant we really dug in and understood the issues that were primarily important to music producers and engineers (e.g. music publishing).
“The higher the level, the more in-depth contracts and agreements get. Most people are aware of royalties,” Berger continues, “But a lot of folks wouldn’t understand the distinction between a mechanical royalty, a performance royalty, and a master royalty. Reading the fine print is essential to understand the terms of any contract presented to a creative person. The landscape is always evolving in a variety of different ways, so we do our best to stay ahead of it.”
Recipient of multiple awards (Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2019-2023 and Pennsylvania Rising Stars, 2008, 2013-2018), Berger is also an advocate for positive changes to the legislative landscape, having previously served on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy and co-chaired the Chapter’s Advocacy Committee. Here he shares three tips that have contributed to his success:
Treat Clients as Family
“You don’t find a lot of people like me that are lawyers. I am present behind the scenes, getting to know my clients with a practical approach so I have a deep understanding of the day-to-day trials and tribulations of facing a creative. I might be in the studio with them one day or traveling to Miami to close a deal or record or backstage at events. I take everything that I’ve learned and add value where I can to their career.”
“That’s atypical for lawyers, most of whom are in the office focusing on the phone calls, emails, and paperwork. That’s crucial too but getting involved in all aspects of a creative’s career is what I feel makes us special and sets us apart. It’s why we have such fantastic relationships with our clients, most of whom we consider close friends or even family now. The atmosphere of trust and open communication makes a big difference when working together.”
Invest in Others’ Careers
“I have always been investing in relationships, specifically younger super talented future executives. I meet different talent across the industry all the time and when I see the spark of potential, I go out of my way to help them look like rock stars to their bosses and really ‘invest’ in the relationship. For example, if I have a top producer who’s charging $30,000 per record and I can get that cleared for $5,000, that allows the future executive to look like a hero in his building.”
“I find that everything you put out (or ‘invest’) there comes back around threefold. I started doing it because I am just naturally that type of person and it’s how I like to do business, but then I realized the results are astronomical so I have become more intentional with it over the last five years. There are people 15 or 20 years younger than me who now are helping me because I helped them years ago. It’s the human connection that means so much in this role.”
Go Above and Beyond
“The music industry can attract a variety of types of people and I pride ourselves on doing great business in a thoughtful, respectful, and professional way. I am always accessible to our clients, which goes a long way because their experience of other lawyers is hard to pin down or generally being very unreachable.”
“It sounds crazy but simple courtesies are regularly forgotten or maybe ignored nowadays. Things like treating people how you would want to be treated and returning phone calls even if you don’t have good news or an immediate answer are easy acts to create a level of professionalism. We take a hands-on approach for our talent so we are always there for whatever they or anyone who may want or need to do business with them need.”
The amazing thing about having someone like Berger in your corner is having backup in an industry that is notoriously challenging to navigate, especially financially. “There needs to be a better system in place to hold everyone accountable as it can be very hard for talent across the board to get paid on time,” he says.
“It is easy to get lost in the mix in the regular course of clearing music and getting paid advances and royalties. Even bright, creative people are not getting paid on time because they don’t have someone like us who knows which hoops to jump through and how to navigate the ever-changing landscape,” he concludes.
To explore how Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP can help you protect your work, check out their website. To get in touch with Jason Berger, connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Playboi Carti has officially announced he will perform I Am Music at Rolling Loud Miami 2024. The festival, which will take place from Dec. 13 to 15 at Hard Rock Stadium, features a star-studded lineup that includes headliners Future, Travis Scott, and Carti himself.
The three-day event will also showcase performances from Yeat, Metro Boomin, JT, Don Toliver, Lil Yachty, Shaboozey, YG Marley, and many more, promising an electrifying weekend for hip-hop fans.
Carti’s I Am Music performance adds to the festival’s anticipation, as the enigmatic rapper continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic artistry and stage presence. With Rolling Loud Miami consistently delivering unforgettable experiences, this year’s edition is shaping up to be another must-attend event for music lovers.
Brooklyn, New York veteran Skyzoo signing to Old Soul Music for his 9th solo LP. Emerging in the underground off the 9th Wonder produced Cloud 9: The 3 Day High, he continued to make a name for himself with a consistent discography. Highlights include The Salvation, the !llmind produced Live from the Tape Deck, A Dream Deferred, Music for My Friends, the Apollo Brown produced The Easy Truth, In Celebration of Us & my personal favorite: the Pete Rock produced Retropolitan dedicated to his home state. All the Brilliant Things built itself around gentrification & coming off The Mind of a Saint dedicated one of my favorite shows Snowfall, he’s calling for everyone to Keep Me Company.
“Community Service” featuring a spoken word out from JRose is this jazzy boom bap opener produced by JR Swiftz discussing scriptures written in threads seemingly holding us all together & the aptly titled voluntary work lasting for eternity whereas “Finder’s Keepers” keeps the jazz rap vibes going talking about not leaving until finding what you came for. “Home Away from Home” addresses still being the one they call up even though he’s been gone while the atmospheric boom bap joint “Ayinde in the March” talks about the corner getting immortalized soon as it dies.
As for “Drug Free School Zone”, we have Sky acknowledging that his footprints are on the soapbox trying to rebuild pride ahead of “Prayers for the Customers” getting back on the jazz rap tip warning to not run around like you one of them after you done with them. The bare-boned yet layered all at once “Courtesy Call” featuring Chuck D advising to stand down if murder’s involved, but then the soulful “Esoteric” describes the feeling as abstruse.
“Record Store Day” after the “Store Runs” interlude playfully talks about women in record stores, which is very much my type personally while “Sleeping Beauty” pushes further towards the final leg of his Old Soul Music debut by talking about your presence speaking volumes before you even say a word. “Wins of the Father” points out that being proud goes both ways on top of sending an open letter to his seed & “Jazz in the Projects” sends it off with an 8-minute jazz rap closer hoping you win the wars you haven’t told anyone that you’re fighting.
Centered on the idea of growth, Keep Me Company shows Skyzoo at his most vulnerable since he speaks on his current personal state along with the effects of the past & the assumptions of the future. Feeling alone in this growth spurt of sorts, Sky come across people who felt the exact same way & lets everyone know that they should fear none if they’re in the middle of their own spurt too since the blessing of growth can be sometimes disguised.
Diamond-certified global superstar The Weeknd has announced the release of his highly anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to drop on January 24, 2025. Serving as the final chapter in his trilogy following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), the announcement comes during a historic week for the artist, who became the first in history to have 22 songs surpass one billion streams each on Spotify.
To celebrate, The Weeknd will perform a one-night-only live stadium show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 25, debuting a groundbreaking in-the-round production. Tickets go on sale Monday, December 2, at 10 a.m. PST via TheWeeknd.com, with exclusive premium tickets available to Cash App Visa Card customers. Cash App Visa Card holders will also enjoy a 20% discount on official merchandise at the event.
Vibee, a music-led destination experience company, is offering premium VIP packages, including concert seating, luxury hotel stays, exclusive lounge access, and commemorative gifts. Packages are available now at TheWeeknd.Vibee.com.
Additionally, exclusive vinyl, box sets, and signed CDs are now available for pre-order at XO.STORE, including a limited edition Frank Miller LP and box sets featuring exclusive Hurry Up Tomorrow merch.
The Rose Bowl show follows The Weeknd’s record-breaking After Hours Til Dawn Tour, which drew over 3 million fans across the globe.
![Snoop Dogg Another Part of Me (ft. Sting) [Official Audio] 0 11 screenshot](https://www.itshiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/snoop-dogg-drops-new-single-another-part-of-me-featuring-sting-produced-by-dr-dre.png)
