By: 50 Sosa

Christian Sosa better known by his stage name 50 Sosa, is a rising musician, rapper out of Patterson Ca. Born in Mexico, Ca raised. He was always musically influenced by 2Pac, he pays homage as he drops off his new video “Pray For Me”. 50 Sosa is in the street getting his money. But the street life isn’t for everyone. Its tough out there, and if your head isn’t on a swivel then its easy to lose it. This video is all about that. If you bout it then you’ll feel this one for sure. Watch “Pray For Me” below.

50 Sosa’s music has always reflected the times, and is no different during the coronavirus pandemic. While on quarantine he found a way to create songs and videos during these hard times, directed by AdFilms and produced by Moshuun “Pray For Me” first premiered on thizzler and is 50 Sosa’s second single following up “New Pac” ft. X-Raided from Sosa’s upcoming album New Pac: 1 Nation is set to feature talent like Omega Crosby, Slim 400, Chin Chin, Magic Girl and X-Raided. With production by Moshuun, Infgang, Bearonthebeat and Novacaine Beats.

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By: Truth Ali

California based Hip Hop artist Truth Ali has dropped off the PREMIERE of his latest visual for his “Wait A Minute” single. Having been compared to the likes of Eminem, Techn9ne, Ludacris, Busta
Rhymes, Twista and 2 Pac,  his raw creativity is relentless. As someone who prides themself on being real and authentic, he shows the world why he is the next big act coming out the west coast. His quick tongue and vicious bars are two elements of this release that take Truth Ali’s talent to new heights.

In this visual you will see the emcee dressed in an almost all black ensemble with a black background, conveying his seriousness. As he spits some of his heaviest bars, the California native comes correct, and hard. With a rapidly growing fan base this visual is exactly what a real hip hop lover is looking for. The man and woman moving in unison as silhouettes are really nice to touch an impressive body fo work.

Truth Ali does a great job bridging conscious lyrics over a booming thriving melody. Some bars that stand out the most on this song are “all I’m fearing is God, no longer afraid of my own strength, y’all ain’t wasting my time ain’t no refunding on that shit”. His on camera charisma and high energy delivery, gives him an edge over the other newcomers looking to shake up the music business.

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And the bull continues…

Out the the blue struggling rapper Tyga decided to hop on Twitter and post a side by side photo of him and legendary rapper Tupac Shakur.  Aside from the fact that Tyga is wearing a Duke jersey like Pac wore in a photo from the mid 90’s.  The most bizarre thing is its caption that read “Dad.”  WTH?  Dad as in your father, or dad as in a legend in the rap game?  Whatever Tyga was trying to convey to the public it went totally wrong.  A series of retweets and upset replies flooded T-Raww’s tweet leaving the public in a frenzy.

As many of us hoped and prayed his Twitter account was hacked, it seems to not have been hacked and the tweet indeed is from Tyga himself.  Our hopes are that Tyga was listening to Pac and felt inspired by the rapper to refer to Pac as his father.  We’re still unsure why he went with that caption, because if he’s referring to himself as the second coming of 2Pac then he’s sadly mistaken. Tyga’s rhymes aren’t even a fraction of Pac’s music.  Besides the few popular features under his belt, his music is subpar.  His only relevance is his high-profile relationship with teen Kylie Jenner.

Perhaps Tyga was feeling nostalgic because the NCAA Duke game that took place over the weekend.  Maybe that’s his reason for imitating Pac’s photo all the way down to the replica Death Row chain Pac was wearing in the photo (he really put thought into this post smh.)  In this case Tyga should have went with a more fitting and suitable caption, because it takes more than a matching Duke basketball jersey to be 2Pac.

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Kendrick Lamar, who many believe is the second coming of Pac, took the time today to pen a short, but powerful open letter to the late rapper.

I was 8 yrs old when I first saw you. I couldn’t describe how I felt at that moment. So many emotions. Full of excitement. Full of joy and eagerness. 20 yrs later I understand exactly what that feeling was.

INSPIRED.

The people that you touched on that small intersection changed lives forever. I told myself I wanted to be a voice for man one day. Whoever knew I was speaking out loud for u to listen.
Thank you.

K.L.

Rest in peace, Tupac. You have inspired and influenced many.

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Visit MTV for the full story – HERE

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Photo: Jeff Otero

There’s no denying that Black Rob has experienced almost every high and low possible– on and off of the mic. From early successes alongside Bad Boy Records to multiple prison sentences, the New York native is far from done. Of course “Whoa!” still gets necks snapping and crowds moving, yes, but Rob is back with all new material and seemingly more focused then ever. With the new Genuine Article record set to be released this coming Tuesday (4/21) fans should expect nothing short of honesty, gritty lyrics and that signature east coast sound we all love. Do expect refreshing production from a solid line-up and features from the likes of Sean Price, Tek and more. Be sure to keep up with him on Twitter and place your pre-order now. Catch our interview with Black Rob below!

Just the other day you stopped up at Sway In The Morning and discussed your latest health issues in detail. It’s great to see you back on your feet and doing what’s necessary to battle this. After the stroke and series of unfortunate events how would you say you’ve been dealing with this?

It’s been hell, man. I beat it already, but you know – I’m maintaining. It’s a good thing to keep this in check, man, because you know I got work to do. We got this album coming out and I have to be ready you know what I mean?

Let’s get right into that. The title of the record, Genuine Article, strikes a few questions. Can you discuss the title a little bit for us?

Yeah man, basically I titled it that because that’s who I am. Everything I say is true. You know, I try to keep it fair and let people know what’s going on. This game ain’t what you think it is. Brothers are out here telling lies. People want to know what truth is. I don’t have time for that lying stuff. I’m always trying to bring the truth, and that’s it.

Fans certainly know Black Rob for always keeping it real on records, dating back to your debut in ’99. There’s no arguing that one.

And that’s it man. The first two albums really banged out. Some people were out there cranking it up, and some apparently missed it. It’s all good. I just try to capitalize off of the truth.

Some heads might forget the stripes you’ve earned throughout your career. You’ve been doing this hip-hop thing for some time now, and have some thick history with Puff and other amazing milestones.

For sure – I definitely feel like I have some stripes. All the other brothers before me were really nice, man. I’m grateful for all of that.

You mention all the others before you. While we’re on the subject, who were some of Black Rob’s biggest influences coming onto the scene as far as music goes?

Awe man, so many to name. Most definitely B.I.G. and Tupac. They were a big influence to get it done for sure. L.O.X. are another one for sure, you know. They’ve helped me out a lot – big up to them. There’s a lot more too that helped me get started.

On the new album you have a joint called “You Need That Real Ish” alongside Sean Price and Tek. We were real excited to see this collaboration. The track has a crazy 90’s vibe, which is refreshing for the real hip-hop heads.

Yeah man, that’s the family. They’ve been really good to me and put me down when I couldn’t find a deal. They put me down and let me go off, so I big them up for that too. We are good friends and we all still come off with the same type of music. They’re real, too, you know what I mean? That’s really all I’m trying to do now – deal with the real people and keep my career going.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop?

There’s a lot of fruity dudes out here now, man. I don’t want to name any specifics, but we know. On the flip side there are a lot of young brothers coming out and really trying to do something for themselves – like Troy Ave for example. It’s really all about rapping and just telling the truth, you know? And keeping the crowd amplified. That fake shit don’t last too long.

I’m sure fans are curious what you listen to on your own time. What is Black Rob listening to right now?

I listen to the real cats that get it on, man. Sadat X right now – Brand Nubian always kept it real. Shout out to Sadat X. And Busta Rhymes. You know, dudes like that.

On a closing note, what should fans be expecting from you after this album drops? Do you have any tours lined up, spot dates, dope features, etc.?

We have the album release show on Tuesday night, which should be real live (see flyer below). Also, we have the reality series The Come Back Kings alongside Ed Lover, Mr. Cheeks and more coming soon, so be sure to keep up with all of that as well. We are looking forward to this album and the worlds response. Thank you for your time and God Bless.

Peace and love. Extra thanks to Jackie O.

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With a distinctive, husky voice and charismatic repertoire, Method Man is easily one of the greatest rappers of our time. Since his 1993 debut with the rambunctious rap collective, Wu-Tang Clan, Meth set the hip-hop world on its ear with his grimy yet smooth flow. From collaborating with two hip-hop giants, The Notorious B.I.G and 2Pac, to penning one of the greatest hip-hop love songs of all time, “All I Need”, Johnny Blaze’s catalog ain’t nothing to f*ck with.

As today marks, the Ticallion Stallion’s 44th birthday it’s only right that we bring you a refresher course on the ten times Meth out-shined your favorite rapper, whether it was in his rhymes or on the big screen. So, get your mind right and prepare to learn the Method behind the madness.

  1. Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers

As the youngest member of the Wu, Method Man was seemingly the underdog among his talented label mates. But when it came to the rap collective’s debut, 36 Chambers, Meth put his lyrical abilities on full display. From his charismatic wordplay on “Protect Ya Neck” to his distinctive crooning on “C.R.E.A.M.” there was no doubt that Meth had a bright future ahead of him. Reluctantly or not, a star was born and the words of Mr. Meth were forever ingrained in our minds.

2. YO! MTV Raps, “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man” (Live Performance) 

Fresh off the debut of their first album, the Wu-Tang Clan appeared on YO! MTV Raps to perform one of their most notable tracks “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man.” Having a lone solo on the album gave Meth free range to fully unload his frantic and sometimes disconnected style. Throughout the performance, the clansmen big him up and add their own twist to Meth’s off kilter rhymes.

3. Tical 

After becoming a fan favorite following his standout performance on 36 Chambers, Meth dropped his solo debut to much anticipation. Serving as both the title track and name of the album, “Tical” was an anthem for cannabis enthusiasts everywhere. The RZA produced track would also later become Meth’s staple catchphrase and euphemism for the loudest of the loud.

4. Bring The Pain 

This dark and brooding RZA production served as the first single for Tical. Wasting no time when it came to introductions, Meth let it be known that he was prepared “to bring the pain, hardcore to the brain.” The next 3:30 are mind blowing for sure, especially when Meth breaks down the hook: “Is it real son, is it really real son?”

5. You’re All I Need ft. Mary J Blige 

Mary and Meth’s collaboration on this revisited Marvin Gaye ballad turned the music world upside down, opening new doors for the sound of hip-hop. Meth’s gritty yet heartfelt lyrics infused with the soulful vocals of Blige made “You’re All I Need” an instant success and even earned Meth a Grammy. With multiple versions (The Puff Daddy Mix, The Razor Sharp Mix, etc.) to follow this 90’s track would go on to become a classic and set the standard for future Rap/R&B duets.

6. Guest verse on “The What”

As the only guest feature on Biggie Smalls’ Ready to Die album there was no question that Meth was a force to be reckoned with. From the gate, we’re reminded just how brass and unfiltered the Staten Island lyricist is. With rhymes like “I’m not a gentle-man, I’m a Method Man”, what else could one really expect?

7. How High ft. Red Man

Early on in his career, Meth found kinship outside of the Wu-Tang in fellow weed aficionado Red Man. In 1995, the pair decided to collaborate on a track for the hip-hop documentary, The Show. Channeling his inner Jimi Hendrix, Meth opens the track with “Excuse me while I kiss the sky” proving once again to be the wittiest in the game.

8. Da Rockwilder

The success of the “How High” collabo among others prompted Meth and Red to do what was a no-brainer and join forces for a full length LP. In 1999, the two released the album Blackout, with this as the lead single, produced by The Rockwilder himself. Shorter in length than the average single, the dynamic duo maximized the usage of that time, creating one of the more memorable one-two punches to date.

9. How High (The Movie)

Joining forces once again, Meth and Red Man took their favorite, daily activity to the big screen. Starring as Silas P. Silas, Meth is a Harvard bound stoner looking to fraternize. This 2001 flick is filled with plenty of quotable one liners and is needless to say a cult classic enjoyed by chronic indulgers virtually everywhere.

10. Rap City Freestyle (2001)

Way back when Big Tigg was reigning king of Rap City artists blessed “tha basement” with a freestyle. Not one to turn down a chance to flex his skills, Meth’s 2001 Rap City freestyle is a highlight of the show’s overall success. Opening the track with his many aliases (“AKA Alicia Keys boyfriend in the video”) Meth stepped up to the plate to unleash his inner ninja. Reminding emcees once again that he’s got the rap game in a choke hold.

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