Internet memes that began with the phrase “that awkward moment” may have run their course in social media, but awkward moments like ill-advised name changes and questionable advertising pitches still abound in hip-hop. Here’s a look back at the genre’s most head scratching moments of the past year, from Snoop Lion endorsing hot pockets to DMX’s puzzling battle with a computer. We’ll let you decide the most ridiculous.
Drake vs. Tattoo artist
Groupie love is an occupational hazard when it comes to superstar artists like Drake, but when a crazed fan tattooed “DRAKE” on her forehead, that was enough to make Aubrey Graham green with anger. The YMCMB MC sent his security guards to go YOLO on the tattoo artist for what he felt was a blatant dereliction of duty. For good measure, the “Stay Schemin’” spitter called out that tatt artist during an on air interview: “The guy who tatted is a f—ing –shole though, I will tell you that. I don’t f— with that guy. F— you to that tat artist by the way. And you should lose your job and should never do tattoos again and I don’t f— with you. And if I ever see you, I’ma f— you up.” Unfazed, the tattoo artist kinda called out Drizzy for being a faux gangster.
Pac’s Hologram
The Tupac hologram at Coachella was definitely bizarre and even offensive to some. But it was also ridiculously dazzling. ‘Pac was taken from hip-hop way too soon, so it was exciting to have him back even for the briefest of moments. He clearly didn’t lose any of his moves
Mobb Deep breaks up: Just kidding, it was a publicity stunt?
There’s a war going on outside no one is safe from, not even Mobb Deep. Seems Queens’ most nihilistic duo couldn’t stay above the drama fray as Havoc took to Twitter to accuse longtime partner-in-rhyme Prodigy of switching the other team, sexually. What made things worse was their claim that it was all a publicity stunt. Still, fans of the group hope they can somehow return to their Shook Ones Part II roots.
Drake vs. Chris Brown nightclub brawl
The craziest thing about the nightclub fight involving Drake, Chris Brown and San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker is that no one knows what really happened and why. Rumors, of course, center on Rihanna, but there’s no documented proof of that. The only real evidence of anything was the mean eye-jammie Eva Longoria’s ex took home as a party favor.
Chief Keef’s Pitchfork interview at a gun range
No J-School professor in America would co-sign the way Pitchfork interviewed Chief Keef, a then 16-year-old musician already in hot water for firearms, at a gun range. In light of all the gun violence in the Chicagoan’s hometown and all across America, this was one interview that had everyone shaking their heads.
Backlash from Lil Wayne’s ‘I Don’t Like New York’ comment
You can’t just diss New York and expect to get away with it, apparently. Even if you’re a mega-rap superstar like Lil Wayne. When NY State Sen. Malcolm Smith got wind of Tunechi’s middle finger to the Big Apple, he demanded an apology on behalf of the whole city. Talk about being politically correct. To date, Weezy hasn’t issued that mea culpa to the city responsible for sending him to Riker’s Island. Maybe if the senator asks nicely with sugar on top, the Young Money CEO will oblige. Or…not.
Bet Hip-Hop Awards: G-Unit vs. MMG vs. CTE
It all started with the Source Awards. Anytime a gaggle of rappers get together under one roof, something has to pop off and it usually does. All of the scuffles at this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards were another dubious example. Can’t everyone in hip-hop just get along? 50 Cent and his G-Unit squad took it to Gunplay in the parking lot, while Rick Ross tried to choke Young Jeezy and a chain even got stolen.
Snoop Dogg’s Hot Pockets music video/Snoop Lion name change
Snoop is a legend, so he’s been forgiven for numerous missteps and miscalculations during his 20-year plus career. But a Hot Pockets commercial? Sorry, D-O-Double G, no one’s about that “Pocket Like It’s Hot” life. Additionally, when Calvin decided to change his moniker to Snoop Lion, everyone took that as an LOL and looked the other way. But when it was clear that the Doggystyle MC was serious, all Snoop fans on deck wondered if the “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” spitter they once knew was gone forever. READ MORE
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