does DMX stand a chance against Snoop?
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It’s the phenom vs. the marathon man. TheMotto No. 67 is eagerly anticipating the soundclash between Snoop Dogg and DMX. That’s right, a dog fight between two hall of famers from different sides of the country. Verzuz is back! As soon as the announcement hit, I immediately thought of the last time someone brought the dogs together: it was Danyel Smith and her teams at Vibe. The October 1998 double cover of rap excellence that you’re seeing all over the internet was massive— and it was designed by Dwayne Shaw. I’m married to Danyel, and sometimes I think of challenging the Mrs. to a Verzuz-like magazine battle of covers. But I don’t want that smoke. She’s got too much heat ⬇️
as far as who prevails in Wednesday’s battle? King Snoop is King Snoop, but I’m a bit surprised to see him as the overwhelming favorite ⬇️
yes. Snoop’s catalog is way deeper but don’t count X out. If X can stay in pocket like Jadakiss did against Fab, he has a shot. Either way, this will be a close one.
top billin’:
mood ⏬
watch out, now:
⤴️ 🥳 Chris Brown and Young Thug finally create a video for Slime & B’s biggest song, “Go Crazy.” Not sure when this was shot or what the corona protocols were, but it looks like the ultimate California house party. Brown and Thug celebrate with pyrotechnics ⬇️
this is / mumble rap extermination. Joey Badass returns — and in his new visual the Brooklyn rapper highlights a voodoo ceremony he participated in a month ago. He was in search of rebirth. Refreshing rap with boom bap, “The Light” is the highlight of The Light Pack (Pro Era/Cinematic), his strong three-song return ⬇️
for the “Protect Da Brand” video, Moneybagg Yo goes to Miami for a li’l fast life fun. When things get hot with the cops, DaBaby is there with the ‘copter ⏬
also filmed in the Sunshine State, “Scottie Beam” finds Freddie Gibbs and a lady friend gettin’ their Queen & Slim on, but (with assistance from Rick Ross) is there a happy ending in Jamaica?
Yessssir! Quavo aces GQ’s Newlywed Game style quiz show with Saweetie ⬇️
Chicago’s Polo G gets a Juice Wrld tatt ⬇️
you must learn:
Cardi B Is First Woman to Repeat as Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Awards 🎵author: Paul Grein / Billboard
Migos Sue Attorney for Malpractice; Seek ‘Millions’ of Dollars 🎤💵author: Jem Aswad / Variety
How Covid-19 Killed Live Shows and Rappers’ Incomes 🎟 author: Keith Nelson Jr. / LEVEL
The Real-Life Diet of Yo Gotti, Who Used Quarantine to Get Serious About Fitness and Nutrition 💪🏽 author: Alex Shultz / GQ
LVRN’s Tunde Balogun on Mental Health Services for Artists 💭🗯author: Donna C Writes / Audiomack
made you look:
⤴️ 🌊 T.I. celebrates his wife Tiny’s birthday.
⏏️ 📺 Diddy watchin’ the news. Stay informed.
⤴️✈️ Pop and his manager Steven Victor
turn it up:
Yeah, last year, I kept it on the tuck | 2020, I came to fuck it up. In partnership with DJ Khaled, Drake flaunts playful flows and bold declarations throughout “POPSTAR.” My favorite: Crown in my hand / And I'm really playin' keep-away
The internets are saying Khaled and Drake’s second offering, “GREECE” ⏬ sounds a li’l more XO than OVO. But—insert shrug emoji—shit still sounds good to me. Salute producer OZ, who crafted both tracks, but the clear winner is “GREECE” which is in prime position to be a summer anthem. Another one ⬇️
yo! suffice it to say Aiko and her older sister Mila are nonstop with the sex talk here. “On The Way” is the most provocative track on the new deluxe version of Chilombo (Def Jam).
Compton rapper Problem gets by with help from friends Freddie Gibbs and Snoop Dogg on the “Don’t Be Mad At Me (Remix)”. Reconciliation rap works ⬇️
what more can I say:
My guy Jordan Valley Joe finds all the gems. In 2009, I pulled up on Kid Cudi at SXSW for a quick flip cam moment. Interestingly, Cudi shares just how much Snoop Dogg inspires him.
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Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson