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  • ​​Louisiana is Raining on Kendrick's Super Bowl Parade

​​Louisiana is Raining on Kendrick's Super Bowl Parade

Plus, Ye provides even more music sneak peeks.

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​​In his first-ever music interview, LiAngelo Ball said he thinks he raps colder than Cam’ron. In other news:

  • Song streams & revenue 💰️

  • Some people want a PG Kendrick halftime performance 😬

  • Ye played new music in Tokyo 👀

  • New Music Friday releases 💿️

  • Industry Insights 📈

By the numbers header

Song Streams & Revenue

As reported by Hits Daily Double for the week of January 17 to 23.

It’s a new week and a new song revenue chart. As reported by Hits Daily Double, which tracks streaming revenue week over week, the above chart reflects the streaming period from January 17 to 23.

Kendrick continues to dominate with tracks from GNX, including “squabble up” and “luther.” Meanwhile, the surprise hit “Tweaker” from Gelo took a slight drop in the charts as Tyler, the Creator and The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s collab moves up to take its spot.

Drake’s Not the Only One Coming for Kendrick’s Super Bowl Moment

Kendrick Lamar and Drake

On the track “First Person Shooter,” Drake and J. Cole rapped that they were as big as the Super Bowl. However, only one person from the controversial “Big Three” is confirmed to hit the stage next month. As more news breaks about the performance, from special guests like SZA to exclusive merch collections, fans are excited to see what Kendrick has planned.

However, not every Louisiana native wants to hear the Compton rapper at his most uncensored — and they used one of his collaborators as a shining example of what not to do.

Lawmakers have their pitchforks ready

A “group of 17 Republican Louisiana legislators sent a letter to the leaders of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the Louisiana Stadium and Expo District,” arguing that Louisiana taxpayers should have a say in what happens at the game—including the halftime performance.

The letter cites past Super Bowl controversies, including Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction and Jennifer Lopez’s steamy performance, while also calling out Rihanna’s 2023 set for allegedly featuring lyrics “so offensive that few Louisiana adults could read [them] before an audience without shame.”

Though the letter doesn’t mention Kendrick by name, the lawmakers make it clear they expect a family-friendly show from the rapper—otherwise, they’re ready to stir up Karen-style backlash.

“We realize that these past vulgar performances may have been acceptable to the residents of those states where those Super Bowls were held but, in Louisiana, these lewd acts are inappropriate for viewing by children, objectify women, and are simply NOT welcomed by the majority of Louisiana parents,” the letter states.

Fans predict a Black Hippy reunion

Regardless of the background noise, fans look forward to seeing K. Dot take the stage, especially with rumors swirling about a Black Hippy reunion. 

On January 29, Ab-Soul shared that he received a FaceTime call from Kendrick’s manager, Dave Free, about the Super Bowl that made him “shed a tear.”

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One thing’s for sure—Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance is just the icing on the cake. At this point, he’s done so many victory laps that it’s hard to keep count.

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Ye Cooks Up a Future-Type Vibe in New ‘Bully’ Snippets

Ye and Future in front of Bully album cover

Since Ye first announced his next project, BULLY, he’s been dropping constant hints about what’s to come. From studio footage to sharing "Beauty and the Beast" at listening parties, it’s clear this could be one of Ye’s biggest eras yet. 

He’s also collaborating with other rappers, stepping into his producer bag for Carti’s I AM MUSIC. But that’s not all—he’s reportedly cooking up even more heat, this time with the help of Future and his daughter, North West.

Ye previews remixes of two Future songs

Previous Bully snippets suggest Ye was pulling inspiration from The Life of Pablo and maybe even My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. While at 1OAK in Tokyo, though, Ye previewed new music that has him digging into a completely different vibe, pulling straight from Future’s 2024 run.

The first teaser has him rapping over the "Magic Don Juan" beat from Future’s WE DON’T TRUST YOU. Trap isn’t Ye’s usual style, and his flow takes a monotone approach, flipping Future’s hook, “I got thick shit working that magic like I’m Don Juan,” into “Might just pull up to the Met Gala in some Sean John.”

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Then, on the next snippet, Ye grabs the "LIL DEMON" instrumental from Future’s MIXTAPE PLUTO. With a similar cadence and flow, he raps more controversial lyrics, “Come fuck my wife with me, they hate to see me shining.” So far, fans aren’t feeling this remix as much.

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Other highlights include a song from North West, reportedly titled “Calling On God,” produced by Ye for her Elementary School Dropout album, and a solo song by Ye for Bully. The solo song sounds more aligned with what fans expect the album to be like, and you can practically hear Ye’s fingerprints on the production. 

While the snippets have some fans worried Bully might disappoint, others would be happy just to get a new album from Ye.

Do y’all like the new snippets from Ye?

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New Music Friday

Here’s all the music you can listen to now—categorized by 💿️ for albums and 🎶 for singles:

  • 💿️ I Control My Destiny by Yungeen Ace

  • 💿️ HURRY UP TOMORROW by The Weeknd

  • 💿️ I Ain’t Feeling You by EST Gee (ft. Veeze, Travis Scott, Lil Baby and Rylo Rodriguez)

  • 💿️ Song Wars by BabyTron

  • 💿️ Jump Out (Deluxe) by OsamaSon

  • 🎶afraid” by 2hollis, Nate Sib

  • 🎶 “pop” by skaiwater

  • 🎶Money Feen/Budge” by Smiley (ft. Icewear Vezzo)

  • 🎶 “Man of The Year” by UnoTheActivist, PlaqueBoyMax

  • 🎶Beautiful Scars” by Will Smith, Big Sean

  • 🎶 “Scream” by Trippie Redd

  • 🎶Florida Boy” by Luh Tyler

  • 🎶 “Prettifun” by IDK

  • 🎶Kill Bucker” by Lazer Dim 700

  • 🎶 “I Been” by Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist

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