Before Super Bowl XLVIII hits the New York and New Jersey area on Feb. 2, expect plenty of parties and festivities beforehand. Chart-topping artists Drake, J. Cole, TLC and many others will headline major concerts in NYC before the big game.
The 2013 year in hip-hop had a little bit of everything -- some expected and some not so much. Jay Z ruled the summer with a big hit while Drake ruled social media statuses with another smash. The genre's freshmen were the story of the year though, and the class hit heavy with club bangers while one rookie focused on lyricism. The competition for Hip-Hop Song of the Year for The Boombox Fan Choice Awards is a stacked one.
Drake's father's mustache trending on Twitter, the use of pirate ships and Snoop from 'The Wire' making a sudden appearance should clue you in on just how unique hip-hop videos were in 2013. Ten rappers compete for The BoomBox Fan Choice Award for Hip-Hop Video of the Year, but only one can earn the coveted honor.
In 2012, rappers made great attempts to avoid making the stereotypical booty videos and create astounding visuals that offer more than just a cursory glance. Some offered a compelling story line like J. Cole’s 'Crooked Smile' and Kendrick Lamar's 'Poetic Justice.' Others opted for movie inspired treatments like Iggy Azalea’s 'Change Your Life' clip.
Justin Timberlake released a knockout remix for 'TKO.' The all-star rap tune, dubbed the "Black Friday Remix," is a bouncy song featuring J. Cole, A$AP Rocky and Pusha T spitting some gritty rhymes.
With his hat turned back and donning a leather jacket, J. Cole hit the stage at the 'Late Show with David Letterman' to perform one of his biggest hits, the feel-good song with a not-so-feel-good video, 'Crooked Smile.'
Anyone who's been listening to J. Cole since his mixtape days knows that "the struggle" is one of the main themes of his rhymes. He talks about not having much when he was coming up in Fayetteville, N.C. -- a lot. He's still talking about where he came from, only this time it's through a short documentary rather than through verse.
Three of the biggest hip-hop stars will headline a major concert down under. Rappers Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole will headline the Rapture stadium tour in Australia next year.