Following is some of the latest hip hop news:
• Nas Makes Bank with Coinbase
Nas has long been a shrewd investor and, with the Series B round of the Coinbase cryptocurrency going public, he has made a significant profit which could be as high as $100 million. In 2013 Nas established QueensBridge Venture Partners as an investment fund which has made significant investments in some of the most successful startups of recent times. In 2013 the fund invested between $100,000 and $500,000 in Coinbase which has since become the largest cryptocurrency exchange company. Coinbase is valued at approximately $100 billion based on its current share price of $381 and marks the union of traditional finance houses and the alternative cryptocurrency market. Nas was also an early investor in companies such as Lyft, Dropbox and Ring among others.
• Questlove Releases New Book
Questlove fans know that he is an author with several titles to his name already. His most recent release, ‘Music is History‘, looks at the last half century of history in America through music by taking one central song from each of the years from 1971 to 2021 and discussing its significance, particularly around the issues of race, politics, gender and identity. The book includes playlists created by the artist that help to explore the relationship between latest hip hop news and the music of the past.
• Cardi B Accuses Republicans Over Silence About Shootings
Outspoken rapper Cardi B has never been shy about speaking out, whether the topic is her lifestyle, sex or politics. Recently she accused Republicans about their self-righteousness and hypocrisy as they promote their partisan law and order agenda while remaining silent about incidents of police brutality, particularly the recent Duante Wright shooting and the video of Caron Nazario who was pulled over by police and pepper sprayed while restrained and on the ground. She points out that Nazario is a lieutenant in the Army and asks why Republicans have not condemned these actions.
• Rich the Kid Signs Multi-Million Dollar Deal
Rapper Rich the Kid has switched labels while keeping his independence by signing a multi-million dollar deal with Rostrum Records (in partnership with BMG). Rostrum previously launched the successful careers of Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa. The rapper has said that the deal allows him to sign with a major but still retain ownership of his music. He is hoping to continue the success achieved with his first three solo albums which debuted in the top 25 on Billboard’s 200 chart.