Livelii

Top 10 Songs of 2017 1. Bodak Yellow Cardi B's Bodak Yellow allowed her to reach levels that would take most rappers years to accomplish. Her take on Kodak Black's No Flockin instantly became the number one song with the first bar. After only being acknowledged as a rapper for 2 years, the young rapper is already being compared to veterans like Nicki Minaj. I'm interested in seeing where Cardi's talent takes her.   2. XO Tour LIfe If you doubted Lil Uzi Vert in 2016, well 2017s XO Tour Life changed everyone's opinion of Uzi. He officially became a rock star with this hit single. As an Uzi fan since the release of Luv is Rage in 2015, I'm happy and excited to see the level of success he's received in a 2-year time span. His future is bright, if he remains true to himself. 3. Humble, Love (8) The year 2017 also solidified Kendrick Lamar's value in hip hop. Yes, I know that Lamar is already placed on a high pedestal, but this year w

Known for his controversial political agenda, Spike Lee writer, producer, and director of classic films like; Malcolm X , Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing, School Daze etc. has made his way back into the younger generations eyes, by exploring the very start of his career. The 1986 indie film She's Gotta Have It launched Spike's career, and now in 2017 has been reinvented. Becoming a center of the modern feminist message, young adults all over the Internet have decided to weigh in on the show. Expressing mixed feelings towards the plot, while falling in love with the main character Nola Darling, portrayed by DeWanda Wise. She's Gotta Have It is the story of Nola Darling, an artistic free spirit, who's openly dating three completely different guys. During the 80s, this message of a woman's sexuality being equally as open as a man’s, immediately uprooted the middle class. Between the introduction of crack and the rise of gangsta rap, people feared that this new

In recent interviews rapper Post Malone was quoted saying " Hip Hop isn't the music you go to for emotion or important things," immediately after this statement hip hop fans expressed their outrage. For over a decade now hip hop heads have pondered the direction of the genre. The release of the 2006 Nas album 'Hip Hop is Dead' forced the question of whether the genre is going, and 11 years later we hear the answer. Many like Post Malone believe that the essence and messages in hip hop are lost, but here are 10 modern hip hop songs that stir up several emotions, while maintaining their messages. The statement is disrespectful because Hip Hop grew based off of the messages it provided, and still to this day is used as a political voice. Rapper Logic song "1-800-273-8255" is the number for a suicide prevention hotline, the hip hop single 3x certified platinum. Drake - Jungle (2015) J. Cole - 03 Adolescences (2014) Xxxtentacion - Jocely

What a year Cardi B has had In a two year time span, she's managed from being a random new cast member on Love & Hip Hop New York, to one of the biggest female stars in the world. Her humble beginnings helped shape her intriguing image known "to keep it real." So how did this proud exotic dancer end up on the cover of New York Magazine and Rolling Stone's "Hot Issue?" F Cardi B initially gained recognition on Love & Hip Hop by having an unique voice, that audiences were drawn to. Using her new found reality tv fame, Cardi B expanded her fan base by posting Instagram videos, embracing the stripper lifestyle, that she was once criticized for. Although Cardi stated that rap was her purpose for being on the reality show, many still didn't consider her as an actual rapper. With a couple of tv appearances, and a few features, she was able to land a deal with Atlantic Records. Shortly after signing to Atlantic records, her debut commercial sing

Over the last few weeks the conversation of sports and politics have evolved into one topic. Although conspiracy theories between entertainment and politics have always existed, fans are now seeing the reality of the little power their favorite athletes do not have.  Recently, President Donald Trump, while speaking at a political rally said NFL fans should boycott games and team owners should fire players who fail to stand for the national anthem. Many acted as if they were appalled by Trump's comments, immediately pronouncing the first amendment, "freedom of speech." Although most of the NFL's owners and commissioners agreed that the players should honor the national anthem, they followed with statements like "we are proud of players for using their platforms to make a positive difference," but was the statement of oppression truly supported?  During the 2016 NFL preseason, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest by sitting i

Vh1 set the night off right wth Missy Elliot as the opening performance to the 2017 VH1 Hip Hop Honors . Known for oddly creative visuals, audiences were expecting a dynamic performance from Missy Elliot, and she did not disappoint. After being honored at last years ceremony and having such a dominant role in the late 90s, what better way to start the night. Hosted by Regina Hall, the award ceremony was filled with stars of the 90s and today. In celebration of the golden era of hip hop, fans and celebrities dressed in 90s clothing. Yes, that means flat tops, 4 finger rings, and joggers.  Performances were great, amazing experience. #vh1hiphophonors airs tonight #vh1 #livelive #livelili #music #hiphop #lilinicols #performance #art #losangeles #paramount #hollywood #snapchat @lilinicols A post shared by L!ve Li Li (@liveliliblog) on Sep 18, 2017 at 12:06pm PDT Southern style hip hop Rapper T.I introduced awards to 2 of most iconic moguls in hip hop, Master P an

Recently comedian Kevin Hart posted a video on Instagram, stating that he was being black mailed. He apologized to his family, and more directly towards his wife for his infidelity. Fans are outraged by the comedians actions, and are sympathetic towards his pregnant wife.  Although I am not condoning or agreeing with adultery, I don't feel much sympathy for either Harts. Kevin Hart has been in mainstream media for over 5 years, and during that time frame, we've seen him with two wives. He was married to his first wife Torrie Hart for 8 years, and infidelity is rumored to be the cause of their divorce. I pity Torrie, because not only was she married to him before he blew up into this A list celebrity, but Hart based majority of his stand up surrounding their "happy home." This was the typical story of a man becoming successful and then replacing everyone who was originally there for him.  As for Kevin Hart's second marriage to Eniko Parrish, well what did

Fashion is often defined as a "popular" trend or style, but, fashion is an art lifestyle. What you wear is often how you want to be perceived to the unknown eye. Which is why when we see most famous people in some sort of gimmick outfit, we raise questions.  More than likely that celebrity have a stylist, and was given an outfit to wear with little personal input. So, while audiences are following this trend, unless the stylist is also the designer, there's a chance that the original message in the design can be lost.  I got the opportunity to catch up with an upcoming model named MaleMadonna , who's had much success in a short time frame, by using his creative fashion sense as a ladder to reach beyond gender stereotypes. No longer will male models be constrained to a style based on their sexuality or sexual identity. As model, MaleMadonna has grown into a brand, distributing his resources to other talents, without being attached to an’ agency. Creativity ca

Straight out of California's: The Bay, is a young producer/rapper Hozeastarz . His free-spirited nature thrives throughout his production. Hozeastarz has his own style, and if you can meet this young spirit individual you'll understand why. A go getter since birth, Hozeastarz's music is mirrored after his life, he creates a plan or focus, and stops at nothing until it's achieved. Hozeastarz visualize the type of music he wants to make and he completes it. As definitely one of the hardest underground producers, Hozeastarz already has over 100 beat press kits packaged and ready to go. His self-taught production skills open a creative whirlpool of unique sounds and arrangements. Beat packages start as low as $30, Check him out!   The Indie-Trap-Soul... Hip-Hop S... | HozeaStarz | MP3 Downloads | 7digital United States Buy 'The Indie-Trap-Soul... Hip-Hop Starter Kit by HozeaStarz' MP3 download online from 7digital United States - Over 30 million high qualit

While on the set of Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, singer Ray J stirred up a nice debate. He asked cast members their opinion of who was the better boy band, B2K or Pretty Ricky? Ray J proceed to say that Pretty Ricky was the better group, but several others disagreed leaving the debate inconclusive. This is a classic debate of influence/sales versus content. Although both groups have platinum albums and singles which one dominated their era? B2K (1998-2004) B2k launched in the late 90s and became an instant success by the year 2000, with their hit single "Uh-Huh." After touring with the young rap sensation Lil Bow Wow, B2k could gain their fans easily, and sky rocket into the mainstream appeal. The RnB hip-hop group became the heartthrobs of every young girl. The group consisted of 4 members: Omarion, Lil Fiz, J-Bug, and Raz B. My personal eye candy was J-Bug although the lead singer was Omarion, who eventually went solo from the group. Songs like "Bump, Bump, Bump&

Buzz in ATL You can catch Jon Banks performing at Buzz in ATL on August 22 at Artisans Bar & Gallery. Address: 140 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA. Jon Juug Banks blesses Live with another track titled "Nobody," a song with an unique way voicing the feeling of disconnect. Whether your feelings of isolation means not having a shoulder to lean on or simply the knowledge of distrust. Either way Juug expresses it all, but in a catchy sound that makes the song repeatable.  

Welcome to the Cool Club fans tweet in the wake of Scotty ATL newest project, Cool Club Millionaires. The project was released on July 18, and have already stirred up a lot of buzz, gaining thousands of views overnight. Scotty arrived on the hip hop scene with the recognition from Grammy nominated artist B.o.b. From that point on Scotty grew his home fan base by working a number of Atlanta based artist such as: Bankroll Fresh , Cyhi The Prince, Trinidad James and more. Scotty has had several opportunities to surpass the underground level, but up until now I've been confused as of why he hasn't. Scotty ATL is an entrepreneur, currently he's the proprietor of Atown Grillz in Atlanta, and owner of the Cool Club record label. His hands has been tied up on the business side of entertainment to assure him and others continuous growth. During the Cool Club Millionaires release party Scotty himself said "this is like if were attending the beginning of Cash Money party."

Honestly I haven't heard much of him until the release of his debut album The Autobiography on July 28, 2017. Signed to Roc Nation in 2015, Vic Mensa has definitely followed the foot steps of label mate J. Cole . Sharing both similar backgrounds and writing mechanics, Mensa is fire, creating his own buzz without being obnoxious. Also at first listen to The Autobiography instantly reminded of an older J. Cole, but uniquely keeping his originality. Perfectly titled The Autobiography , Vic Mensa walks us through the story of how he became an artist. The album is a reflection of Vic's life, having the perception of a child chasing after a musician dream. While growing into the man he is today, Mensa expresses regret and pain in losing loved ones, ultimately contributing to his success as an artist. Although having little promotion reflected in sales, I wouldn't count out Mensa just yet. Recently DJ Ackademiks felt a need to subtly show boat against Mensa, because