SIGT HIP HOP STOP W/RON GRANT: Desiigner Releases “Timmy Turner” Single, KRS One Blasts Bambaataa Detractors, 50 Cent’s Power Renewed, Kid Cudi To Appear On Empire, Common Will Reboot Cooley High, Schools Not Prison Tour Starting Aug. 6, The Game Encourages Peace Between L.A. Gangs

by Ron Grant • July 22, 2016

Want a fresh perspective on the week in Hip Hop news? Here’s our take on some of the biggest stories of the past seven days.

DESIIGNER DROPS NEW “TIMMY TURNER” SINGLE

The lead up to Desiigner’s latest song “Timmy Turner” has been ferocious ever since he debuted the vocals during his XXL Freshman Freestyle. Now that it’s actually dropped, we can expect to hear the sometimes inaudible yet haunting melody all over the place for the rest of the summer. Have a listen below.

KRS ONE CONTINUES TO DEFEND AFRIKA BAMBAATAA

“There was no hip-hop before Afrika Bambaataa. Let’s start there, so anyone who has a problem with Afrika Bambaataa should quit hip-hop.” Words from the legendary KRS One from a lecture in England earlier this week. A controversial move, but then, the Blastmaster is known for them. What do you think?

**50 CENT’S POWER RENEWED FOR TWO MORE SEASONS**

Last Sunday’s season premiere saw 2.2 million viewers tune in and set a new record for the Starz subscription channel. Now The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets report that the crime drama has been given two more seasons. Power airs Sundays on Starz.

KID CUDI TO APPEAR ON SEASON 3 OF EMPIRE

Cudi has signed on to play the role of Gram, an independent artist that will rival Hakeem on Season 3 of Empire. Reports are also that French Montana has signed on for a small role next season. Looks like the big time artist cameos will continue of Hip Hop’s favorite soap opera. Here’s the latest music from Cudi in the meantime.

COMMON TO PRODUCE REBOOT OF COOLEY HIGH

Common, with an ever-growing Hollywood resume, is on board for the MGM remake that will also be produced by DeVon Franklin and Tony Krantz. The original film starred Glynn Turman and Lawrence Hilton Jacobs and grossed $13 million. Now this is a reboot we can get behind. Footage from the original is below.

TY DOLLA $IGN, PUSHA T TO GO ON #SCHOOLSNOTPRISONS TOUR

The “Schools Not Prisons” tour kicks of on Aug. 6 in Sacramento, CA with Dolla $ign and Pusha as participants. It is said to be an effort to get young people involved in bringing attention to the prison industrial complex through peaceful activism and other forms of protest. Here’s some new music from DJ Drama featuring Dolla $ign, Pusha T and Meek Mill.

THE GAME ORGANIZES AN L.A. GANG FORUM AND PEACE TREATY

In light of the recent incidents resulting in the killing of black men and police officers, The Game brought together gang members throughout L.A. for a town hall dialogue. The Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan also supported the event.