SIGT HIP HOP STOP W/RON GRANT: New Album From Future, Chance The Rapper Is Going On Tour, Notorious B.I.B. Documentary, New Album From Phife Dawg, The Roots Connect With The NBA Again, Thriller Reaches A Milestone

by Ron Grant • February 17, 2017

A rundown of some of the biggest hip hop news of the week, including new album from Future and Biggie finally getting the official documentary treatment.

FUTURE DROPS HIS NEW SELF-TITLED ALBUM

Let’s face it: besides Drake, Future is hip hop’s current “It” guy. And he’s proven that he can still get the Internet buzzing because he just released his new self-titled, 17-track album. The Atlanta rapper released it in conjunction with an upcoming tour featuring himself, Migos, Kodak Blak, Young Thug and Torey Lanez. Can we assume that he’ll have the summer on lock in ’17? We shall soon see. Stream the new album here.

CHANCE THE RAPPER IS HEADING OUT ON TOUR

Still riding a wave from his Grammy wins this past Sunday, Chance announced on Instagram that he is headed out on tour starting in April, one which will lead into festival season. Chance will be headlining Firefly in Delaware as well as Sasquatch, Banaroo and Governor’s Ball. And still, all without the help of a label. Impressive, we’d say. Here’s a listing of his Spring tour dates.

OFFICIAL BIGGIE DOCUMENTARY IS BEING WORKED ON

With new already that Faith Evans is releasing a duets album with the late, great emcee, now there’s new that Voletta Wallace is working on putting together a documentary titled Notorious B.I.G.: One More Chance. The focus will be on Biggie’s musical influence. The doc will be produced by Ms. Wallace and directed by Emmett and Brendan Mallory.

**POSTHUMOUS PHIFE DAWG ALBUM TITLED FOREVER IS COMING SOON**

Word came from Phife’s widow, Desha Head Taylor, that the latest solo album was completed before his passing and that it would be released in the first quarter of this year. Phife’s track “Wanna Dance” (below) featuring Dwele appeared on the web earlier this year. It’s almost safe to assume that with the anniversary of his passing coming soon, we might get the album on March 23.

THE ROOTS TO DEBUT AN NBA INSPIRED MUSICAL AT ALL STAR WEEKEND

Referred to as “The Evolution of Greatness”, The Roots will perform the NBA-themed musical with support from guests like DJ Jazzy Jeff, actor Michael B. Jordan, singer Jidenna and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. The performance will focus on how the NBA evolved from its beginnings in the 1950s to the present day.

**MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER IS CERTIFIED 33X PLATINUM**

Still breaking records 30-plus years after its first release, Michael Jackson’s magnum opus is the first album to gain this certification ever. The album was helped by the new rules for streaming by the RIAA. Still, it’s an enormous feat for any piece of art to gain such recognition. All hail the King of Pop.