Story
Lil Wayne Explains How Missy Elliott Was His Biggest Influence
Blame it on Joe Budden, but rappers have started to clue in on the expansion potential that podcasting brings to the table. Now, DJ Khaled has officially tossed his hat into the ring with The First One, his brand new Amazon Music-exclusive podcast. And while some may wonder what the affable mogul is set to bring to the table, the debut episode kicked off in an appropriately major way thanks to a clutch appearance from the legendary Lil Wayne.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
While the entire conversation can be heard on Amazon Music, Wayne took a moment to share an interesting bit of insight regarding one of his formative influences. Taking it back to the early Hot Boys days, Khaled asked Wayne who inspired him the most during the creation of “Block Burner” and “Block Is Hot.” Wayne didn’t hesitate to answer. “Missy Elliott,” he says, his tone decisive. “That was my favorite rapper.”
“That would be why I was making so many sounds,” he continues, praising one of Missy’s many influential characteristics. “Missy was into the who — brrrrr — the whole heeheeheeHA. And so when Mannie Fresh would get you in the studio, he gon’ remind you ‘hey, you need to throw that ha ha in there.’ I was like ‘man, he want me to do a sound for every damn line!’ And so the ‘Block Burner’ song was my best favorite song because my favorite artist was Missy Elliott.”
He also explains that “The Block Is Hot” was a direct result of “Block Burner.” “I would say ‘the block is hot, the block is hot,’ and Mannie would remind me, ‘you need that ha ha, to throw that in there.’ That’s Mannie Fresh for real, he get’s it. Plain and simple.”
Artist Spotlight
Henry Desira returns with renewed purpose on latest release “hopeful forever”
Henry Desira’s “Forever Hopeful” is a meaningful return to songwriting, a deeply personal release rooted in reflection, perseverance, and emotional honesty. Rather than sugar-coating life’s difficulties with simple optimism, the song embraces uncertainty and emphasizes the subtle resilience that enables us to carry on. It’s more than a return; it’s a creative renaissance after a difficult time away from music due to mental health issues.
“Forever Hopeful” is a heartfelt song. The song is about the fact that there is still hope even when things seem too big. Henry Desira doesn’t make life seem easy, but rather embraces the complexities of life and reminds the listener that difficult moments don’t negate the possibility of brighter days ahead. That balanced view gives the track a comforting authenticity, making its message of uplift feel earned rather than idealized.
Forever Hopeful is a creative return that packs a bigger emotional punch than its title suggests. It speaks to the courage it takes to start over, to find inspiration again, to transmute personal adversity into something of value. The song becomes a personal milestone and a hopeful reminder that healing is seldom immediate, but progress is possible. Henry Desira’s latest release hits deep for being vulnerable and resilient at the same time, an honest offering of hope that sticks around long after the music stops.
Artist Spotlight
One Yen unveils where alternative rock meets the search for something more with “Vesica Piscis (Open)”
One Yen‘s latest release, “Vesica Piscis (Open)” is an emotionally charged and provocative album of alternative rock that is as compelling as it is powerful. With driving rhythms, layered guitars, atmospheric textures, and soaring melodic vocals, the song captures the spirit of late ‘90s alt-rock while embracing the big sound of modern alt-rock.
Named after the ancient symbol created by the intersection of two circles, Vesica Piscis immediately positions itself as more than a typical rock anthem. It explores awakening, self-discovery, duality, and man’s eternal quest for meaning outside the material world. Instead of giving easy answers, the lyrics begin an ongoing dialogue about identity, consciousness, and transcendence.
Musically, the song keeps up a compelling sense of momentum throughout. The song is built around a powerful foundation of energetic instrumentation, with atmospheric layers providing enough space for reflection. That mix of power and nuance ensures that the ride is never so enthralling that it loses its emotional heft.
Connect with One Yen on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoLiliya Grot explores time, purpose, and reflection in “SELESTIAL WHISPER. THE BEAM VI. CONFESSION OF ETERNITY”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days ago“Make America” by Charlotte Morris explores patriotism, compassion, and change through storytelling
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoKaren Salicath Jamali unveils “Marys Song,” a soulful journey of faith and love
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoDirty Hands Nation unveils a sound about life’s burdens on latest release “Weight I Carry”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agotakenonote sparks relentless confidence on latest release “MENACE”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoSodas & Monsters fuels fearless groove-rock on latest release “Don’t Turn Your Face Away From Rock & Roll”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoKen Okada Group with YOYOKA goes beyond musical boundaries with new release “Crossing Over”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoSoReal explores psychological chaos on new hip-hop track “Chemical Solutions (ACT III)”