Less than one week away from his somewhat mysterious fourth studio album I Decided, G.O.O.D. Music’s Big Sean has finally dropped the tracklist and it already looks to include some of his most illustrious collaborations to date. 14 tracks deep he’s linking up with the likes of Eminem, Jeremih, Migos, The-Dream, Twenty88 (himself and Jhené Aiko), and Starrah (she’s got writing credits on Drake’s Fake Love and Rihanna’s Needed Me), some of the biggest artists in recent times.

Eminem is a huge inspiration of Sean’s, and talking to Beats 1‘s Zane Lowe he explained how refreshing it was to work with his idol on his album, “Eminem, he was the only person I heard that could be on that song, to keep it honest. It kinda reminded me of why I am such an Eminem fan, and why I fell in love with Eminem’s work. The way he’s unique, he’s special. When he did this verse it brought that feeling right back to me. Like, this is like a brand new energy.”

The entire production credits on I Decided still remain uncertain, but already the man of the year Metro Boomin has an extremely prominent role with five of the fourteen tracks being Metro productions, including Sacrifices ft. Migos, Bigger Than Me ft. Starrah, the now certified gold Bounce Back and even No Favors with Eminem. I don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to hear Slim over a Young Metro production.

There’s no doubt this is proving to be one of Big Sean’s biggest (pardon the pun) releases ever. He’s taking a conceptual stance on this project, explaining to Jimmy Fallon that “the album is basically a chance, of having that wisdom of an old man when you’re young, and going through life and figuring it out.” In the lead up to its release he has also had listening sessions with the legendary Rick Rubin and Jay Z to ensure their blessing.

Other details regarding the project are limited, so make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for I Decided out this Friday. In the meantime, check out the track list below and keep Sean on your airwaves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8

Issa Tracklist #IDecided this Friday

A photo posted by BIGSEAN (@bigsean) on Jan 30, 2017 at 3:15pm PST

Image: Billboard

2016 was a huge year in music, no question. Release after release of insanely high quality music and 2017 is shaping up to be a very promising year in music as well. Here are some of the albums we’re looking forward to in the new year and some of the rumours that are getting us excited for what’s to come:

The xx, I See You
Expected release date: January 13

It’s been just a little over four years since The xx released their sophomore effort Coexist. The friend who introduced me to what is now one of my favourite bands once described their self titled debut and Coexist as ‘the stories teenage infatuation followed by the stories of adult relationships’ as their sound matured over time. We’ve been given a taste of what is to come with lead single On Hold and the newly dropped Say Something Loving, we may be looking at an xx album that explores the moments where you realise your relationship isn’t working, and you have no idea where you go from here. Prepare to feel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blJKoXWlqJk

Kehlani, SweetSexySavage
Expected release date: January 27

After dropping her mixtape You Should Be Here in 2015 to massive acclaim, 2016 was an intense, emotional year for Kehlani.  Following a damaging social media incident, Kehlani was briefly hospitalised. Soon, she returned to the live scene with the beautiful 24/7,  in which she shed light on the incident and, before following it up with teaser singles CRZY, Distraction and Advice. From what we’ve heard so far, SweetSexySavage is going to be an R&B-heavy album with incredibly personal lyrics. Kehlani was named ‘one to watch’ in 2015 and in 2017 I believe she’s about to prove that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1waZCoYbts

Big Sean, I Decided
Expected release date: February 3

After crafting a modern classic with his 2015 third album Dark Sky Paradise Big Sean is only moving from strength to strength. Last year he joined forces with Jhené Aiko to release TWENTY88, commenced work on G.O.O.D Music’s second compilation album Cruel Winter and was nominated for a slew of awards. Released in succession, lead singles Bounce Back and No More Interviews immediately set the bar high, as well as new single Moves, which came out with the official album announcement late last month. One of G.O.O.D’s most consistently promising artists, this should be a great album indeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8

Sampha, Process
Expected release date: February 3

On a routine flight between Melbourne and Sydney some time ago, I opened the inflight magazine. In the music section was a feature on, at the time, up and coming electronic musician SBTRKT. The visuals were so intriguing that I went a bought his self-titled debut the same day. This also introduced me to British crooner Sampha, who features heavily on SBTRKT’s work, and has since been called up to sing and produce with some of the world’s biggest names, like Kanye West, Drake, Solange and Frank Ocean. Sampha’s voice is a work of art in and of itself and his production talents are second to none. Having released two EPs and featuring on so many other songs over the past few years, it’s almost difficult to believe that Process is his debut album, but we absolutely cannot wait to experience the fully realised project, particularly as a solo artist, rather than as a collaborator. Pre-released singles Timmy’s Prayer and Blood On Me are both outstanding – this will undoubtedly be one of the best “debuts” of 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oM1DFL43Lk

Thundamentals, Everyone We Know
Expected release date: February 10

Sydney legends Thundamentals have been off the scene since their 2014 release So We Can Remember but have come roaring back with the announcement of their next album Everyone We Know. In 2016 we were treated to four singles Late Nights, Never Say Never, Think About It and Ignorance Is Bliss as well as a huge national tour with Pez and Mallrat (check out H&E’s review of their Melbourne show here). 2017 is set to be a huge year for the Thundas, let’s get it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t61f8PZtK8k

Rumours

G.O.O.D MUSIC (Various artists), Cruel Winter– G.O.O.D Music/Various Artists

Kanye West’s beloved imprint released its first compilation Cruel Summer was released back in 2012, and its follow-up, Cruel Winter has been constantly rumoured ever since. In the middle of 2016, West released a massive collaborative track, Champions,  featuring heavyweights Gucci Mane, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, Yo Gotti, Quavo and Desiigner. The track, as well as a few related social media posts, sparked more interest in the compilation. It has now been rumoured for a February release, although this is completely tentative; considering how busy Kanye West has been in both his personal life and careers, not to mention so many of their artists releasing their own albums and embarking on world tours (Desiigner is in Australia right now and Big Sean’s album is out next month, to name just two examples,) exactly where they found the time to piece it together is unknown. That said, they have had almost five years, so you never know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyfOvJ6ByIY

Arcade Fire

During a reddit AMA in mid-2016, the band’s frontman Win Butler hinted that the next Arcade Fire album could be ready for the North American spring of 2017. Back in October, the Canadian group also played a secret show, during which they apparently debuted several new songs. Considering that Will Butler released his solo album last year, the 3+ year break since 2013’s Reflektor is understandable, but we’re hoping that 2017 will see the band’s fifth studio album.

Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys members have been busy with their own projects, including Alex Turner’s Last Shadow Puppets, and drummer Matt Helders spent much of 2016 touring with Iggy Pop. Now that that’s all been wrapepd up, it’s looking like a follow-up to 2014’s AM is on its way; the boys were recently spotted arriving in their home town, spurring rumours that they’re back in the studio.

https://twitter.com/1892AnfieldRoad/status/807193215703142401

Bad Religion

Donald Trump is President of the United States, so of course Bad Religion are making an album.

Gorillaz

Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn has been hinting at a new Gorillaz album throughout 2016, sending the internet into a frenzy. Now slated for 2017 the album is rumoured to feature Vic Mensa, De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, LCD Soundsystem, André 3000 and The Horrors, just to name a few.

London Grammar

Fresh from performing at Falls Festival, London Grammar dropped an ethereal new track on January 1, no doubt a first taste of their long-awaited follow up to 2013’s If you Wait. Judging by the ethereal atmospherics and the spotlight firmly focused on Hannah Reid’s stirring vocals, it’s looking like the album will no doubt expand on the sound fans came to know and love on their groundbreaking debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqhgXAGP4Ho

Schoolboy Q

Although he only dropped Blank Face last year, Q recently posted on Instagram that he’s already working on a new album, which will hopefully see the light of day this year. We’re cool with that!

System of a Down

SOAD have been spotted on Instagram practicing new material, and have just announced a string of new shows. If this is a new album, it’s the bands first in 12 years. Further evidence of new material is that they have announced a few European tour dates, and it’s looking like they’ll perform at a few festivals as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSvFpBOe8eY

It’ll be hard for 2017 to live up to the amazing music that 2016 produced, but considering that these are just a tiny percentage of the albums we’re waiting on, it’s looking pretty promising.

Big Sean, one of G.O.O.D Music’s best, has announced a new album set for release in February 2017. Titled I Decided, it is his fifth album since 2011, and comes almost exactly two years after the stellar Dark Sky Paradise.

The Detroit native remained fairly quiet in 2016 apart from dropping collaborative project Twenty88 with Jhene Aiko. He surprise dropped two tracks on Halloween, No More Interviews and Bounce Back, for which the video came out last week and has already amassed nearly six million views. He also just dropped the long-teased final version of Living Single featuring Chance the Rapper and Jeremih, so it’s safe to say that there’s a lot going on in his world right now.

Ahead of the announcement has come one lead single, Moves, which you can listen to right here:

It’s a sexy romp reintroducing us to the rapper, who famously got his break after following Kanye West into a radio studio and rapping for him on the spot. His flow is unparalleled by many of his contemporaries, and while his lyrics aren’t exactly deep and meaningful, the way he moves through rhymes with speed and precision is nevertheless incredibly impressive.

Big Sean’s I Decided will be out on February 3, 2017, via G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam.

You can pre-order it here and receive both Bounce Back and Moves for free.

Album artwork: supplied

Just in case you missed any, we’ve pulled together the best music videos released in the last week for you to enjoy all in the one place. The year may be winding down but the videos are still pouring in from the likes of:

Dave – 71

South London’s rising star is back again, dropping the fourth music video from his incredible EP Six Paths. Yet another cinematic masterpiece pieced together by director LX, the clip sees Dave flexing around sunny Hollywood alongside his crew of friends. Whether he’s made it or not, each one of his videos is certainly making it seem that way, but it’s not in a glitzy, girls galore way, he’s worldwide, and it’s inspirational to say the least. Big ups Dave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VAsCZLW4vk

6LACK – Ex Calling

If you haven’t already heard, 6LACK is Atlanta’s newest R&B talent. After releasing his incredible debut album last month, he’s now back with the eerie visuals to one of the highlight tracks, Ex Calling. A ghostly black and white video, packed with slick imagery and locations, this brooding 808-laced anthem is most definitely worth your attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh0228Xx0A

REMI – Lose Sleep feat. Jordan Rakei

He’s released one of this year’s best albums, Divas And Demons, and is currently touring the country with another of the country’s finest in Baro, yet he’s still making waves – Melbourne’s own Remi has released another video from D.A.D. Lose Sleep is an extremely personal, introspective slow burner coveringthe racism and mental struggles Remi has faced. The video parallels this, it’s hazy and mysterious, centering around the nightlife he and collaborator Jordan Rakei find themselves in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqh_nJSafc

DMA’s – Play It Out 

One of Sydney’s most cherished exports in recent times, the lads from DMA’s, have returned with a video for the final track on their 2016 debut album Hills End. Play It Out is gritty, jangly indie rock heaven and is incidentally the first track they ever recorded as a band. The video too was their first ever, recorded years ago for a mere $20. On ya lads!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW3KgxBHcQ

Electric Guest – Dear To Me 

Oh yes! LA’s indietronica synthesiser kings are back with yet another feel good anthem. Filled with moody jingles, throwback synths, and an absolutely soaring chorus Dear To Me is an amazing comeback for the four-piece. Pairing this with another slick and smooth black and white clip, packed with lovey moments with couples, this is sure to pull your heartstrings. Also, see if you can spot the cameos from Andy Samberg and Haim!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AmkMuB0pA

Dune Rats – Scott Green

Brisbane’s premiere punk rock trio are back again with perhaps their craziest release yet, Scott Green (as in ‘who’s got green?’). Featuring their signature gritty guitar riffs, slapping bass, and singalong lyrics, the Dunies are in their finest form here. If that couldn’t get any better, their drug laden music video comes alongside an interactive, choose your own adventure like video clip, making us wonder why every artist doesn’t do this with their videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw

 Fortunes – 501’s

Fortunes’ 501’s is hip-hop laced disco revival at its best. Backed by a seriously grooving bassline, chiming synth tones and booming beats, the Melbourne singer’s silky smooth vocals glide over the mix with ease. The clip too is masterfully created, sewn together with a stream of nostalgia, based around a hot summers day in the local laundromat. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2017. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJkdTP9Ijc&feature=youtu.be

Novella – Does The Island Know

Shot in the style of a clip from the 80s, Novella’s latest single Does the Island Know definitely shares the same vintage, folky appeal too. A glimpse into their upcoming February album, ethereal harmonies shine through on the track, brilliantly wrapped up among a range of bouncy guitar strums and a bouncing bassline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0VwwA7CY

Big Sean – Bounce Back

Chicago’s young stang Big Sean is going big with his latest trap infused banger. Booming 808 and rattling hi-hats ooze the fresh new sounds, no thanks to one Metro Boomin who provided additional production of on the track. Sean showcases a next level flow and lyrical capability on this one, mixing between harmonious singing and fast paced double time rapping with ease. The video is especially arty too, all saturated colours as Sean flexes around different areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8

 PLTS – Call Me Out

Byron Bay’s much loved quartet PLTS are back again with another taste of beach rock bliss on Call Me Out. Wonderfully melancholic and introspective, the video shows the band in another light in serving as a tour video of sorts. From playing Tekken to hanging on tour with Brissie boys Columbus, it’s certainly an entertaining watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfwMSmIrvdY

Image: YouTube


@DUNERATSS
@fortunesband
@NOVELLA_NOVELLA
@BigSean
@pltsmusic

After teasing new music yesterday on social media, Big Sean has finally returned with not one, but two new songs. The first, No More Interviews, takes aim at social media and traditional media for essentially spearheading unnecessary drama and controversy. The second, Bounce Back, is a bravado-laden romp: Sean’s back, and he’s bounced up to the top of his game.

The remarkable thing about these two tracks is how incredible different they are.

No More Interviews is a somber and conscious track making note of the media misrepresentation and exaggeration of drama, to a point where it demonises his friends and family.

First, he proves his authenticity; “I’m so underground that when I talk about J, I might mean J Dilla, RIP real n**gas” – here, he’s saying that a “J” in hip-hop might usually refer to Jay Z, but Sean knows what’s the craic and he’s hip to the underground. Sean confirms this theory by co-signing the Genius annotation explaining it in more detail.

After bigging himself up first, he criticises the music industry and the flippant nature of A&R reps. He addresses some of hip-hop’s most affecting beefs, including Jay Z and Damon Dash, Birdman and Lil Wayne, and perhaps most contextually relevant today, Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Sean goes on to talk more about Cudi, stating, “When I put you on that song with Nas [First Chain] you told me that you was forever grateful… it hurt to hit the internet to find out that me and you don’t fuck with each other over a miscommunication that probably could be fixed with a 5 minute conversation.” His state of mind is clear, his language is precise; all in all it’s one of the realest verses G.O.O.D Music has come out with in a minute.

He goes on to slam the media. “Don’t ask me no stupid questions – ‘are you still signed to Ye?’ questions, no Roc Nation questions,” etc. It’s an incredibly truthful and down-to-earth track, something a lot realer than what I expected from the G.O.O.D Music luminary.

Bounce Back is much more of a party track, a big-up track where Sean runs us through his accolades and glamorous life, explaining in no uncertain terms, why he’s the king. “I woke up in beast mode…. Everything I do is righteous…. Fuck what you know, n**ga I’m taking back control, the underdog just turned into the wolf, and the hunger steady grows… by the night I count stacks… knew that ass was real when I hit bounce back,” and so on. Nevertheless, it’s impressive and aggressive, with a really catchy beat. And if you listen closely at the end, you can hear Sean joined by one Kanye West on the outro hook.

Hopefully this means a full knew release from Big Sean will be out soon! Considering he posted a photo of himself listening to the album with Rick Rubin earlier this year, we’re expecting it to be pretty bloody spectacular.

Image: Supplied

The hype is real. This year has been huge for Detroit’s Big Sean. The G.O.O.D. Music heavyweight released a collaboration album with Jhené Aiko as TWENTY88, and has added serious snarl to both DJ Khaled’s new album and label-head Kanye West’s Champions. Now, Big Sean has taken to social media to finally announce that there will be new music coming tomorrow.

This may in fact mean that we are soon to see Sean’s upcoming album start rolling out, an album which has allegedly had A-lister’s Rick Rubin, Jay Z and more recently Future and 2 Chainz all in the studio listening to the tracks.

While the Instagram post does clearly tease new music, it also poses a few interesting questions. Firstly, he reminds fans that he will be performing on the Jimmy Fallon show tomorrow night, so it’s likely that you’ll need to tune in to hear the new material. Secondly, the next major hint comes from who he has tagged in the post, namely Grammy nominated producer Yung Berg and Atlanta’s rising star Metro Boomin. It’s reasonable to assume that these are collaborators on whatever we’ll be hearing tomorrow.

If this is indeed another album, this project will be Big Sean’s fourth studio album, and be the follow up to the well received Dark Sky Paradise which dropped in February last year. Check out the post below and make sure to keep your eyes and ears out for these new tunes!

Image: B Scott

Big Sean & Jhené Aiko – TWENTY88

Announced early last week before dropping April 1st, TWENTY88 is the debut collaborative project from long time friends Big Sean and Jhené Aiko. Described as “90s R&B and 70s experimental rock/soul” mixed with “neo-soul, ambient beats, and trap drums,” TWENTY88 is a terrific release, taking its name from Sean and Aiko’s birthdays, with both being born in 1988 and having turned 28 last month.

TWENTY88 is a concept EP following two people’s journey through the trials and tribulations of a highly emotional relationship. Sean and Aiko explore their perspectives on what they want and need from their partner (On The Way), through to their physical needs sexual desires (Push It and the K-Ci & JoJo featuring 2 Minute Warning).

The chemistry between Sean and Aiko is utter magic. Sean’s smooth flow and always personal lyrics, paired with Akio’s hypnotic vocals, intertwine like lovers lying in bed on a lazy Sunday morning. While the two claim to be just friends, it’s hard to believe they haven’t shared a moment when listening to TWENTY88.

As with any relationship, it’s not all good, with Sean and Aiko describing the low points on Selfish and the reminiscing about their time together on the penultimate Memories Faded. Final track, London Bridge, finds Sean and Aiko reconnecting and rebuilding their relationship, using the historical collapse of the London Bridge as a metaphor for their situation.

Verdict: The chemistry these two share is plain to hear, making TWENTY88 a must listen.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzGvd_D1-zo]

Royce Da 5’9″ – Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter

Few rappers are as criminally underrated as Detroit legend Royce Da 5’9″.  While overshadowed by good friend Eminem during the early part of his career, his solo work and recent output with Slaughterhouse and DJ Premier (as PRhyme) has helped Royce cultivate a reputation as one of hip-hops best lyricists. As a prelude to his forthcoming sixth solo album, Layers, Royce has released mixtape, Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter, only heightening the excitement for his new album.

Across the 12 tracks, Nickel Nine’s joined by Smoke DZA, Westside Gunn, Sytles P and more, with production handled by DJ Premier, Mr Porter and Araabmuzik. Singles Savages and Dead Presidents Heads are great introductions to Royce’s rapid fire flow, with Royce dropping bars full of metaphors and witty lines for almost seven minutes on Dead President’s Heads. Royce flexes his braggadocio on Rap On Steroids with Black Thought and takes aim at rappers trading the culture for fame on Which Is Cool.

Now almost 40, Royce has matured as both a writer and a human, with the tape’s best moments concerning Royce’s personal accounts and real life experiences and situations. The DJ Premier and AntMan Wonder produced Black History begins with Royce discussing his troubled birth, before going on to heap praise on Gang Starr and let the haters know he’s not trying to replace Guru, but it’s the storytelling weaved throughout Tabernacle that may be Royce’s best effort yet. Tabernacle recalls the day Royce believes defined his life: December 29 , 1997. On this fateful day his son was born, his grandmother passed away and he met future collaborator and good friend Eminem. It’s a masterclass in wordplay, packed with emotional depth, relatable lyrics and Royce’s trademark flow.

Verdict: Further proof Royce is one of the modern greats.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4STstdvnMfU]

Brockhampton – All-American Trash

Texas collective Brockhampton consider themselves an “all American Boyband,” but for all intents and purposes, are a talented and eclectic assortment of artists making experimental rap music. Featuring a ensemble of creative musicians, graphic designers, producers and videographers, Brockhampton’s debut mixtape, All-American Trash, is an innovate blurring of genres that Internet rap fans will no doubt eat up.

Interestingly, the most well known member of Brockhampton, Kevin Abstract doesn’t hog the spotlight, with members Matt Champion, Ameer Van, Joba, Poofie and Merlyn Wood all sharing vocal and production duties as a cohesive unit. All-American Trash covers everything from Odd Future-like rap (Ben Carson), acoustic pop (Contacts), garage (Michigan), smooth R&B (Home, Palace) right through to trap (Flip Mo). What’s more remarkable is how this jumble of genres works well to combine Brockhampton’s influences without feeling disjointed.

Although all members shine, special mention must go to Abstract, another underrated lyricists who never fails to deliver the goods.

Verdict: If you like Odd Future, Brockhampton are your new favourite act.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeC6lLz5Fok]

Total BFFs and frequent collaborators Jhené Aiko and Big Sean have announced a joint LP Twenty88. Big Sean made the announcement via Twitter.

It seems to be the trend in hip-hop now to slowly tease via social media; Big Sean started his Twitter campaign couple of days ago, when he dropped a new song called Get My Shit Together. On the weekend, a new Twitter account called @twenty88 popped up, and then both Sean and Jhené retweeted the account’s videos, and fans knew something was up.

According to the Tidal press release, the LP is “the story of the highs and lows of a relationship, with insights into conflict, memories, love, sex, and more,” and the accompanying videos shows that and more. The videos show the two sitting in a car in rather stunning attire. They both stare out their respective windows, ignoring each other, seemingly mad at each other. The second video is quite the opposite, in a steamy scene we see Aiko (recognisable only by her orange wig) in a suggestive pose on top of an unknown figure, perhaps Big Sean?

Twenty88 will be available for a three-day stream on Tidal come April 1. Releasing albums on April Fool’s Day will hopefully be just an oversight and not a sick joke.

Considering that they are not only killing it in their own rights but the fact that Aiko and Sean have worked together on some gems before (I Know and Beware which also features Lil Wayne), it’s pretty safe to assume Twenty88 should be hot.

Image: Twitter

The Black Entertainment Television Hip Hop awards proved very fruitful for some, and for others not so much. Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean won big on the night with three awards each, which were pre-recorded over the weekend and was aired on Tuesday.

Fetty Wap took home the bacon, winning Song Of The Year for Trap Queen. However, the rapper couldn’t be there in person due to a motorbike accident he had in September which left him hospitalised.

Drake made bank, scoring two awards including including MVP of the Year.

Lamar took home three awards, namely lyricist of the year, award for impact track and hip hop single Alright.

Big Sean scored the award for best collaboration for Blessings and best club banger for IDFWU.

After his massive year with the release of two number one albums – DS2 and his collaborative mixtape with Drake What A Time To Be Alive, it was only right that Future opened the ceremony.

The cyphers for this years performance incorporated a pretty wide range of artists, including Raury, Vince Staples, Tink, to veterans like Redman and Keith Murray and even Charles Hamilton.

P Diddy also took to the stage with Lil Kim, King Los and Styles P, debuting two new songs Workin and The Auction.

Travis Scott also made an appearance, following performances from Future, Puff Daddy, and Rich Homie Quan, the Houston rapper finishing off the night with an incredible performance with TI to help him out. 

Veteran hip hop performer and original Geto Boys member Scarface was awarded the “I am hip hop” award for his influence in the hip hop world. However his glory was short lived, as Houston-based rapper was scooped up by the cops after the ceremony for not paying child support. He travelled to Atlanta to attend awards despite reportedly not being able to leave the state.

Check out the full list of winners – and losers – below.

Best Hip-Hop Video

Big Sean feat. Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign – Play No Games

Big Sean feat. Drake and Kanye West – Blessings

Fetty Wap – Trap Queen

Kendrick Lamar – Alright — WINNER

Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé – Feeling Myself

Best Collabo, Duo or Group

Big Sean feat. Drake and Kanye West – Blessings — WINNER

Big Sean feat. E-40 – IDFWU

Fetty Wap feat. Monty – My Way

Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé – Feeling Myself

Nicki Minaj feat. Drake and Lil Wayne – Truffle Butter

Best Live Performer

Drake

J. Cole — WINNER

Kanye West

Kendrick Lamar

Nicki Minaj

Lyricist of the Year

Big Sean

Drake

J. Cole

Kendrick Lamar — WINNER

Nicki Minaj

Video Director of the Year

Alan Ferguson

Benny Boom — WINNER

Chris Robinson/Lil Chris

Colin Tilley

Director X

 

DJ of the Year

DJ Drama

DJ Envy

DJ Esco

DJ Khaled

DJ Mustard — WINNER

Producer of the Year

DJ Mustard — WINNER

J. Cole

Kanye West

Mike Will Made-It

Pharrell Williams

Timbaland

MVP of the Year

Big Sean

Drake — WINNER

Future

J. Cole

Kendrick Lamar

Nicki Minaj

Track of the Year

Alright – Produced by Pharrell Williams and Sounwave (Kendrick Lamar)

Blessings – Produced by Boi-1da and Vinylz (Big Sean feat. Drake and Kanye West)

Commas – Produced by DJ Spinz and Southside (Future)

IDFWU – Produced by Dj Dahi, Dj Mustard, Kanye West and Key Wane (Big Sean feat. E-40)

Trap Queen – Produced by Tony Fadd (Fetty Wap) – WINNER

Album of the Year

Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise

Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late

J. Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive — WINNER

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly

Nicki Minaj – The Pinkprint

Wale – The Album About Nothing

Who Blew Up Award

Bobby Shmurda

DeJ Loaf

Fetty Wap — WINNER

Rae Sremmurd

Tink

New song from Raury

Pint-sized singer Ariana Grande has spoken out in a lengthy twitter post against what she see as a double standard of treatment between men and women and the media. The outburst was triggered by the recent media coverage of her now defunct relationship with rapper Big Sean.

The 21-year-old ended the eight month relationship after the rapper referenced their sex life in one of his songs, saying, “I got a million-dollar chick with a billion-dollar p–sy/Every time I come, I swear to god I feel rich.”

In a small snippet from the extensive statement, the Problem singer says, “I meant what I said about not being Sean’s ex is that I am tired of living in a world where women are mostly referred to as a man’s past, present or future,” she wrote. “I… do not. belong. to anyone. but myself. and neither do you.”

Check it all out here below in her tweet:

The move has earned her praise from Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber’s manager), Rita Ora and fellow popstrel Taylor Swift, who tweeted this in support: