Noreaga Questions Why Rap Artists "Respect" Letterman, Oprah, & Zane Lowe Over "The Culture"

BY Erika Marie 10.6K Views
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The "Drink Champs" host says "even going to Oprah and [Gale] is trash at this point!" as he also mentions Ellen DeGeneres. He received mixed reactions.

This platform is a dominating force in Hip Hop and beyond as Drink Champs has become the coveted space for artists to share their truths. Noreaga and DJ EFN have been sitting down with our favorites for years, often eliciting information that other outlets haven't been able to receive. Their experiences and relationships in the industry have certainly helped Nore and EFN along the way, and their interviews are streamed by the millions as fans anticipate their releases.

With a growing reputation in the talk show game—even if their platform may be unconventional—Noreaga took to Twitter to question why artists and entertainers, especially those with backgrounds in Hip Hop, opt to make appearances on mainstream media platforms outside of the culture.


"I have been the best to this culture I have always put hiphop first," he wrote. "And I see u guys go to Ellen and David letterman’s and Zane lows and treat them wit more respect then the culture but u say u want black excellence." Nore wasn't finished. "Imma be honest even going to Oprah or gal is trash at this point !!! We control our in culture why go outside of it!!!"

He didn't detail what prompted this mini-rant, but social media users were quick to start trouble by suggesting that it was Cardi B's recent appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. Others believe the message was for Jay-Z. However, that has not been substantiated.

"David letterman is my favorite but man why go there or Ellen before million dollars worth of game or joe or the champs or even twitter sh*t!!!" Do you believe that Hip Hop artists should visit outlets centered on Rap culture before moving onto the mainstream?

Check out Nore's tweets and a few reactions below.













About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.