Meek Mill Beef Over?, A$AP Rocky Working On New Music, Nas Believes Hip Hop Is In A Better Place

by Ron Grant • September 24, 2016

Want a fresh perspective on T.I.’s latest video or A$AP Rocky’s new album? Here’s our take on some of the biggest stories of the past seven days.

T.I.’S NEW VIDEO AIMS SQUARELY AT POLICE BRUTALITY

It’s been a busy week for Tip, who just released a new EP, Us or Else. But in light of the recent shooting death of Terence Crutcher, he also dropped a video that takes aim at and turns the tables on race relations and police brutality. “Warzone” features re-enactments of incidents with police brutality victims Tamir Rice, Eric Garner and Philando Castile, but as young white men. Check it out below.

SHAWTY LO KILLED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH IN ATLANTA

It’s one of the sadder moments of the week, as Shawty was only 40 at the time of his death. Shawty Lo was best known for the song “Dey Know”, which also inspired some friction between him and T.I. But T.I. also gave a touching tribute to Shawty, as they had squashed their beef years ago. A tribute also came from Beanie Siegel. The SIGT family sends our condolences to Shawty’s family during this time. R.I.P., Shawty.

**MICHEL’LE BIOPIC SURVIVING COMPTON WILL AIR OCTOBER 15 ON LIFETIME**

Known as the first female artist signed to Ruthless Records, Michel’le is having life story told on lifetime in the new biopic Surviving Compton. Michel’le was also involved with both Dr. Dre and Suge Knight intimately, and says that both men were abusive to her. Yeah, we know Lifetime has a less-than-stellar track record with these films, but this one looks like it could be legit. Check out the trailer for the new movie below.

RUSSELL SIMMONS CLAIMS THE GAME/MEEK MILL BEFF IS OVER

Simmons has seemingly spoken to both emcees and brokered somewhat of a peace treaty. After a war of words over social media and on records and involvement from artists like Sean Kingston and Meek enlisting help from Beanie Siegel, has the spat ended? Guess all we can do is wait and see.

A$AP ROCKY WORKING ON A NEW ALBUM

Several Instagram posts recently popped up this week of A$AP in the studio. Apparently, he’s putting together his latest album, which will follow up 2015’s At.Long.Last.A$AP. The images were taken at L.A.’s Westlake studios and were posted by producer Jim Jonsin, as well as one by Lenny Kravitz when he dropped by the sessions. No word on when we can expect this next piece of music from A$AP.

**10 YEARS AFTER HIP HOP IS DEAD, NAS BELIEVES HIP HOP IS IN A BETTER PLACE**

In 2006, Nas controversially declared the art form to be dead. Now, he believes the genre to be in a better place, having given birth to artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Drake. With all the feuding over mumble rap lately, it’s refreshing to hear a legend like Nas taking a more inclusive stance. Here’s footage of the interview on the HBO show Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons.