2022 was an enormous 12 months in Hip-Hop, and The SOURCE was together with all of the information because it broke. Kanye West, YSL, Tory Lanez, Rap Lyrics, and Tremendous Bowl are simply the tip of the iceberg. Under are The SOURCE’s Prime Hip-Hop Tales of the 12 months.

Ye Cancelled in 48 Hours and Loses Billionaire Standing
As year-end honors are being handed out, Kanye West might have one which he needs to sidestep. Ye has been named Antisemite of the 12 months by a watchdog group. StopAntisemitism named Ye “probably the most problematic individual of 2022” relating to the group’s mission, corraling 10,000 votes from members. For the final half of 2022, Ye discovered himself in an countless warfare with the Jewish group, the place he hinged his feedback in anti-semitic rhetoric. Ye obtained the dishonor by saying love for Hitler, launching assaults on the Jewish group, and in addition having disparaging remarks about George Floyd. What did that get him? Lower from Adidas, Balenciaga, and different offers ensuing within the lack of billions.
Hip-Hop on Trial: YSL Rico & Tory Lanez Trial
Thug and the Younger Stoner Life file label members are at present awaiting trial or taking plea offers. On the shut of 2022, one trial can be over, and one other will stretch into the brand new 12 months. Younger Thug is headed to trial in January on a state RICO case. The crew is going through accusations of weapons, homicide, and extra, dominating headliners for the higher a part of the 12 months.
As well as, Tory Lanez additionally ran headlines for the second straight 12 months as he approached trial for 3 separate expenses in regards to the capturing of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez faces as much as 22 years in jail with these pending convictions. His sentencing is about for January, and he’s at present behind bars in Los Angeles.
California Restricts the Use of Rap Lyrics in Courtroom
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed The Decriminalizing Inventive Expression Act, prohibiting songs from getting used towards defendants. The invoice, referred to as AB 2799, was unanimously authorised by the California Senate and Meeting in August. Rap lyrics will not have the ability to be used as proof in court docket within the state of California. Rappers Killer Mike, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Ty Dolla $ign, YG, E-40, and Tyga spoke at a digital invoice signing ceremony on the importance of the legislation, together with CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. Leaders from Songwriters of North America and the Black Music Motion Coalition additionally attended the signing ceremony. Extra on this right here.
Latin Hip-Hop Rises and Dangerous Bunny is the Artist of the 12 months
Daddy Yankee did a victory lap retirement tour grossing practically $198 million, Anuel AA is rising, after which there’s the titan of Dangerous Bunny. To indicate you why Dangerous Bunny is the most well liked on the planet, his Un Verano Sin Ti album sat on the high of the Billboard 200 for 11 non-consecutive weeks. Dangerous Bunny has probably the most week at No. 1 in practically six years, matching Drake’s Views effort of 2016. Dangerous Bunny was named the 12 months’s Artist of the 12 months on Apple Music. Un Verano Sin Ti, Dangerous Bunny’s sixth challenge in 4 years and some of the streamed albums on Apple Music in 2022. Greater than 18.5 billion performs of Dangerous Bunny music have been created on Spotify this 12 months, and his album “Un Verano Sin Ti” was the No. 1 most streamed album globally. In 2022, Dangerous Bunny’s concert events grossed $393.3 million globally, and his North American tour grossed $356.5 million this 12 months.
Dr. Dre & Hip Hop’s Tremendous Bowl
The Pepsi Tremendous Bowl LVI Halftime Present was an on the spot historic second in Hip-Hop historical past. The set kicked off with Dr. Dre sitting at an infinite mixing board earlier than “The Subsequent Episode” kicked off, sending the stadium into an uproar. Following his group that featured Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and particular friends 50 Cent and Anderson. Paak, Dre obtained a rise of practically 185% within the first hour following the sport. Tracks from the halftime present additionally witnessed a major rise in world Spotify streams after the present. Together with within the surge was a virtually 520% improve in Mary J. Blige’s “No Extra Drama,” greater than a 270% improve in Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg’s “The Subsequent Episode,” plus greater than a 245% improve in “Nonetheless D.R.E.” and 250% improve of Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright.”