What The Hell Just Happened In Music This Year?

This year produced some major moments that fell into three categories: The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian got married, OutKast reunited for a worldwide festival tour, rappers like Remy Ma and Boosie came home from prison, Drake and Chris Brown set their beef aside, D'Angelo emerged with his first release in over 14 years, and Taylor Swift shattered sales records with her album, 1989.

The bad: Lil Wayne beefed with Birdman and Cash Money, Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life in prison for murder, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose split, Puff Daddy attacked Drake over a song, and Bobby Shmurda witnessed his blossoming career disappear after a narcotics investigation led to several charges against the Brooklyn rapper, including conspiracy in the second degree.

And the ugly? Well, of course sometimes shit go down when it's a billion dollars on an elevator. Check out all that and more in What The Hell Just Happened In Music This Year?

Date: January 27

Despite the fact that Macklemore and Kendrick Lamar squared off in many categories—including Best Rap Album—during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the two rappers have had a friendly relationship in the past. With Macklemore winning four Grammys and Kendrick winning none, the Seattle rapper turned into quite the rap villain with fans like Michael Rapaport tweeting about how upset they were Macklemore won (much like we predicted).

Following the Grammys, Macklemore took to Instagram to post photos of text messages he sent Kendrick after the awards show. Although Macklemore never actually apologizes, he admitted he robbed the Compton rapper of an award that even he felt belonged to Kendrick. The caption to his photo read:

My text to Kendrick after the show. He deserved best rap album… I'm honored and completely blown away to win anything much less 4 Grammys. But in that category, he should have won IMO. And that's taking nothing away from The Heist. Just giving GKMC it's proper respect.. With that being said, thank you to the fans. You're the reason we were on that stage tonight. And to play Same Love on that platform was a career highlight. The greatest honor of all. That's what this is about. Progress and art. Thank you. grammys

These texts come after Macklemore posted another text exchange between himself and Kendrick where they hyped each other up before the Grammys. However, that time we saw a back and forth between the two. Macklemore's sentiment was clearly felt by many others, who felt the Seattle rapper didn't deserve to win.

Kendrick took the high road in his response. “It’s well deserved; he did what he did, man,” he said. “He went out there and hustled and grinded. Everything happens for a reason; the universe comes back around, that’s how it go.” —Insanul Ahmed

Related: Macklemore Instagrams Text Messages Telling Kendrick Lamar It “Sucks That I Robbed You”

Date: March 5

Boosie Badazz came home from prison after serving five years for various charges, his most recent charge coming in 2011, when he pleaded guilty for attempting to smuggle narcotics while locked up. Following his release, the Baton Rouge rapper announced his new record deal with Atlantic, and spent the rest of the year gaining back his rep that had gone dormant during his stint in prison. Boosie worked with the likes of Jeezy, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, T.I., and 2 Chainz, as well as dropped his mixtape, Life After Deathrow, building up anticipation for the release of his upcoming album, Touchdown 2 Cause Hell​. —Edwin Ortiz

Related: According to Lil Boosie's Label Rep, He Will “Absolutely” Be Released by March 10 [UPDATED]

Date: March 13

After a trial that has lasted over 65 days, dancehall performer Vybz Kartel and four other co-accused were found guilty of murder. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was convicted of being behind the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. The eleven-member jury decided the verdict in a crippling 10-1 decision naming all the men involved at fault in the brutal beating of Williams.

Kartel was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Williams. While Kartel was found not guilty for the murder of a St. Catherine businessman Barrington 'Bossy' Burton, he will have to serve 35 years before he becomes eligible for parole.

Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell and Kahira Jones were sentenced to life in prison and must serve 25 years before being eligible for parole. Andre St John was also sentenced to life in prison and must serve 30 years before eligible for parole. —Justin Davis

Related: Vybz Kartel Found Guilty Of Murder

Date: Apr. 11-Oct. 31

André 3000 and Big Boi set aside their individual endeavors and reunited on stage for a festival tour that took place between April to October. The tour was to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

The whole experience ended on a bittersweet note when André 3000 announced the duo had no plans to release an album in the immediate future. Hopefully you got a chance to witness the almighty OutKast live, as this may have very well been their farewell tour. —Edwin Ortiz

Related: Here Are the Confirmed Festival Dates OutKast Are Performing

Date: May 5

When Rihanna first signed her record deal with Def Jam in 2005, she said then-label-president Jay Z wouldn't let her out of the office until the 17-year-old signed on the dotted line. Six months later her debut album Music of the Sun hit the charts. Since then, she released all seven of her albums—including 2012's Unapologetic—on Def Jam. But much has changed since then.

In 2009, Jay left his presidential role at Def Jam for his own Roc Nation label, formed as part of his multi-million-dollar contract with Live Nation. In October 2010, Rihanna parted ways with her former manager Marc Jordan and signed with Jay's Roc Nation management team.

There were recent changes at Island Def Jam Music Group. CEO Barry Weiss stepped down and Universal Music Group, the corporate parent of IDJMG, dissolved the company into three distinct record labels: Def Jam, Island, and Motown. As a result Rihanna—along with Kanye West and some others—left Island Def Jam and joined CEO Steve Bartels at the now-revamped Def Jam with No I.D. and Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua serving as executive Vice Presidents and heads of A&R.

In the process, Rihanna quietly made a major move to the house that Hov built. Her Roc Nation website profile has been updated to specify that she's not just managed but also officially signed to the label—joining the likes of Calvin Harris, DJ Mustard, J. Cole, Jay Electronica, Rita Ora, and of course, Jay Z. (Roc Nation management represents many other stars.) Meanwhile, the Def Jam website lists Rihanna under its “Legacy” section, along with folks like Amerie, Ashanti, and Public Enemy. —Lauren Nostro

Related: Rihanna Has Left Def Jam and Signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation Label

Date: May 9

Dr. Dre flexed his entrepreneurial spirit this year when the legendary Compton rap artist and his Beats co-founder, Jimmy Iovine, sold their lucrative consumer electronics company to Apple for $3 billion. Dre celebrated the major business deal with fellow West Coast artist, Tyrese, delivering the grand statement, "The first billionaire in hip-hop, right motherfucking here from the West Coast. Believe it."

Dre didn't quite reach a billion, but he was pretty damn close, as his projected income in 2014 totaled $620 million, making him the highest-paid musician of the year. —Edwin Ortiz

Related: Dre Day: Watch a Drunk Dr. Dre and Tyrese Celebrate Apple Buying Beats Electronics

Date: May 12

Video footage of Solange attacking Jay Z in an elevator after the Met Gala surfaced. In the video obtained by TMZ, Jay, Solange, and Beyoncé are all packed in the elevator along with a security guard at the Standard Hotel in NYC, and are all still dressed in their formal wear. Solange begins kicking and hitting Jay repeatedly, while he backs up towards one side of the elevator.

According to a report by the New York Daily News, Solange allegedly became upset with Jay Z when he left the Standard's Met Gala after party to attend Rihanna's after party. The problem? Beyoncé wasn't going with him.

Jay's crew allegedly called ahead and said he “didn't need extra security” because Beyoncé wouldn't be attending. Tensions were already high after some of Solange's guests tried using Jay's name to get into the party. The source for the Daily News says Solange asked Jay, “Why can't you go home?” She also asked Beyoncé, “Why does your husband need to go to the club right now?” to which Jay allegedly replied, “You're one to talk.” And that's what sparked the drama.

Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Solange made a public statement following the release of the footage of Solange attacking Jay in an elevator. They didn't address what caused the incident, but did note that they have all moved past the issues as a family.

“As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it,”

“Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."

“The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false,” the statement continued. “At the end of the day families have problems and we're no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.” —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Video Surfaces of Solange Attacking Jay Z in an Elevator After This Year's Met Gala

Date: May 24

Kim and Kanye got married in Florence, Italy at the 16th century Forte di Belvedere. According to E! Online, they officially tied the knot around 3 p.m. EST. The pastor was Rich Wilkerson Jr., from North Miami. Kim was walked down the aisle by her stepfather, Bruce, while legendary Italian artist Andrea Bocelli sang. Catering was provided by Galateo Ricevimenti Firenze, with traditional Tuscan cuisine and a 7-tier wedding cake on the menu for guests. The venue included multiple walls of flowers, a white piano, a mini stage, and 20 sculptures courtesy of Vanessa Beecroft. Kanye wore a custom Givenchy tuxedo, while North West wore a Givenchy couture dress to match Kim's dress.

Jay Z and Beyoncé were unable to attend the wedding, as well as Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, who had prior family obligation. Beyoncé did share a special note to the new couple on Instagram, stating, "Wishing you a lifetime of unconditional love. God bless your beautiful family."

E! Online revealed that John Legend sang his hit single “All Of Me” in honor of Kim and Kanye at the wedding. Legend, Kanye's longtime friend and collaborator, performed other songs also and gave a speech, calling Kim and Kanye's romance an inspiration. Kanye also gave a 15 minute speech himself after the vows were exchanged. Fireworks went off along the Arno river following the ceremony. —Lauren Nostro

Related: Here's Everything That Happened at Kim and Kanye's Wedding in Florence

Date: June 1

An old video of Justin Bieber telling a racist joke to his friends was finally made available to the public. According to TMZ, Bieber was 15 years old when the video was recorded backstage at a charity event. TMZ also revealed that they had the video for four years, but didn't publicize it because of Bieber's age at the time the footage was filmed.

Justin released a statement about the video to TMZ:

Before Bieber could escape the backlash of his controversial remarks, another video surfaced of the singer telling a racist joke. The second video featured a 14-year old Bieber singing his song, “One Less Lonely Girl,” but instead of girl, Bieber repeatedly uses the n-word. Bieber also sings about joining the KKK. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Old Video of Justin Bieber Telling a Racist Joke Has Surfaced

Date: July 8

Meek Mill called out Wale on Twitter for not supporting his upcoming album, Dreams Worth More Than Money, and revealed that his fellow MMG member has been hating on him for sometime. He also addressed issues with Louie V Gutta—who responded, as the two rappers have been beefing for quite quite a bit.

Tension between Meek and Wale doesn't appear to be anything new. During an interview in 2011, Wale kept interrupting Meek on the red carpet, which led him to walk away in clear frustration. The two later denied that they had any issues.

After Meek Mill called Wale out on Twitter, Wale took to Instagram, to respond.

Following Meek Mill's online rant, the Philadelphia rapper was sentenced to serve jail time because the local DA was “worried about his behavior while on probation,” particularly his issues that unfolded on Twitter. He also missed meetings with his probation officer. Previously, Meek stated that his longstanding probation held him back from moving out of Philadelphia.

A statement was released by Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Noel Ann DeSantis:

After a five-month stint, Meek Mill was released from jail. He still has to undergo treatment and participate in community service, and he will also not be able to travel outside of Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.

Before he was locked up, Meek was gearing up to drop his long-awaited sophomore album, Dreams Worth More Than Money, which was ultimately delayed due to his jail sentence. A new date for the album has not been announced. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Meek Mill Calls Out Wale On Twitter

Date: July 11

Drake and Chris Brown's turbulent relationship is on the mends, as the two hit the studio together, which was documented by an individual who was present during the session. Tyga and some other members of his crew were also there as Drizzy and Breezy worked on new music. Drake and Brown's beef stems back to their 2012 nightclub fight and both of their relationships with Rihanna. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Drake and Chris Brown Were Spotted In the Studio Together

Date: August 1

Remy Ma was released from prison and picked up by her husband and fellow rapper, Papoose. She confirmed the news on her Instagram with the simple message that read, “I'm back.” Remy was convicted of assault, illegal weapon possession, and attempted coercion in 2008 following a shooting at a Manhattan nightclub in 2007. She appealed the ruling in 2011, but was ultimately denied by the judge and ordered to finish out her prison sentence. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Remy Ma Has Been Released From Prison

Date: August 14

Beanie Sigel was released from federal custody, which was confirmed in an Instagram photo via HipHopSince1987 and re-confirmation from Spade-O​. In 2012, he got a two-year sentence for failing to pay $728,000 in taxes between 1999-2005 and the following year, got a six-to-23 month sentence after getting arrested for possession of a controlled substance in August 2012. —Lauren Nostro

Related: Beanie Sigel Is Home

Date: September 24

Amber Rose filed for divorce from Wiz Khalifa, seeking full custody of their one-year-old son, Sebastian. The divorce papers state the couple split due to irreconcilable differences in the relationship. Though Amber is seeking full custody of their son, she is willing to give Wiz visitation rights. The couple officially married in July of 2013, and celebrated with a ceremony later in the fall.

Following the news of their split, Amber took to her Twitter to speak out. In her tweets, Amber said she never cheated in the relationship, but she can't say the same for Wiz. According to TMZ, Wiz filed a response to Amber's divorce petition is seeking joint custody in the case. The report also states that the couple came to terms with a prenup agreement and that Amber will be receiving around $1 million plus spousal support, which will equal out to around $5,000 per month. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Amber Rose Reportedly Files For Divorce From Wiz Khalifa

Date: October 10

Tyga took to his Twitter account to express his frustrations with his current label situation under Young Money. In the series of tweets, Tyga said that his album, The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, was finished, and that his label is holding him hostage so he can't release anything. He then said that he might just leak the entire project himself so the fans can enjoy it and the label can't make any money off of it.

In a separate tweet, a fan asked Tyga if he was still with Young Money, and he simply replied, “Not for long.”

Following Tyga's Twitter rant, the Compton rapper was interviewed by Vibe, where he detailed his complaints with the label, saying that he doesn't get along with Drake or Nicki Minaj, and that he really doesn't like Drizzy as a person.

"I don’t like Drake as a person. He’s just fake to me," he said. "I like his music; you know what I’m saying? I think his music is good, but we’re all different people. We were forced together and it was kinda’ like we were forcing relationships together."

His negative comments made it to Drake's October's Very Own camp, as Chubbs of OVO responded by making fun of Tyga's less than star-making appearance on MTV's canceled game show Bustas, where Tyga boasts about his easy upbringings, and mixing it with Dennis Green's legendary “They are who we thought they were” speech. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Tyga Threatens to Leak His Album and Says He Won't Be On Young Money For Long

Date: October 14

Kesha sued longtime producer Dr. Luke for sexual assault and battery that, according to the lawsuit, went on for 10 years. The disturbing claims, discovered by TMZ, document years of sexual, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from the well-known producer towards Kesha which includes a time where he reportedly made her snort something before getting on a plane, and once on the plane, he forced himself on her while she was drugged.

She's asking to be released from her contract with Luke, who she says was a reason behind her well-documented eating disorder, which was first reported on earlier this year. TMZ received the following statement from Kesha's lawyer on the matter:

Dr. Luke is countersuing Kesha for extortion. Luke claims that Kesha is lying about her allegations of abuse and that she is only doing it to get out of her binding contract with him. He also claims that the whole thing is an extortion scheme from Kesha and her new management team to get out of the deal by spreading false information about him. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Kesha Is Reportedly Suing Producer Dr. Luke For Sexual Assault and Battery

Date: October 21

Chief Keef's relationship with Interscope came to a close in 2014 when the label dropped the Chicago rapper they signed to a multi-million dollar contract just two years ago. In a report from AllHipHop, which uses information from unnamed sources within the label, it was revealed that Sosa was released from his contract due to tensions surrounding the handling of Keef's upcoming album and the overall direction of his career. The report states that Keef's camp tried to get moving on the album and get it out, but the label wasn't interested, which lead to arguments with officials at Interscope.

Sosa signed with Interscope in 2012 and went on to release his only album on the label, Finally Rich, which has sold around 200,000 units since its release. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Chief Keef Has Been Dropped From Interscope Records

Date: October 21

Earlier this year, Mac Miller announced he was leaving Rostrum Records and going independent with his own label, REMember Music. The Pittsburgh rapper spent a few months on the open market before signing a major deal with Warner Bros. Records, which will cover both him and his label with artists he signs. The deal, which is worth an astonishing $10 million, will give Mac the freedom to sign and develop artists to his label while still working on his own solo music as both a rapper and producer.

“Warner is the most independent thinking company I met with,” Miller told Fader in an email. “It is a partnership and now I can focus on building my label REMember through music and let them handle everything I don't like doing. Nothing will change in how I do things.” —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Mac Miller Signs With Warner Bros Records

Date: November 5

Who said big first week album sales are a thing of the past? Well, they're partially right, but Taylor Swift basically defied logic and sold an incredible 1.2 million copies of her album, 1989, in its first week of release. This was easily good enough for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and marked Swift's fourth No. 1 album in her still very young career.

This was the highest selling first week for an album since 2002 when Eminem moved 1.322 million units in the first week for his The Eminem Show album. So yeah, like we said, Taylor basically defied logic. She now joins some elite company, with 1989 becoming the 19th album to sell a million copies in the first week of sales since SoundScan started tracking the numbers back in 1991. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Taylor Swift's “1989” Album Moved 1.2 Million Copies In Its First Week

Date: November 17

Jaden Smith has always shown an interest in rapping, with the teenage son of A-list actor Will Smith releasing his debut mixtape, The Cool Cafe: Cool Tape Vol. 1, back in 2012. Jaden upped his profile in music this year by sharing a slew of releases, each one displaying his unprecedented versatility. There was the ultra-sad anthem, "Blue Ocean," as well as "Fast," which is best described as bars on top of bars. Jaden even rapped over a Pink Floyd beat on "Melancholy," a move that was uncertainly unexpected from the 16-year-old. On top of that, Jaden also released his sophomore mixtape, Cool Tape Vol. 2, via his own app, “Jaden Experience.” Based on these great musical moments, it's clear the actor-turned-rapper is a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. —Edwin Ortiz

Related: Jaden Smith Just Released His Album Via His New App

Date: December 4

After countless delays, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter V was set to hit stores in 2014 until Weezy took to Twitter to voice his frustrations with Cash Money Records and Birdman, and claims the label won't let him release his album.

Wayne has been associated with Cash Money Records since the early '90s, and has always maintained an extremely close relationship with Birdman over the years. His own label, Young Money Entertainment, is an imprint of Cash Money and back in April 2012, Wayne signed an additional four album deal with Cash Money, as well.

“Everybody knows I came into the game at 11 years old with Cash Money Records, before we even had a major deal,” Wayne told MTV News back in 2012. “We signed a deal in I don’t remember when, and I been with Cash Money ever since. So if you’re looking for integrity, I am the definition. If you’re looking for a person that’s gonna stay down, I am the definition. If you’re looking for loyalty, I am just that." —Lauren Nostro

Related: Lil Wayne Wants Off Cash Money Records, Blames Label and Birdman For “Tha Carter V” Delay

Date: December 8

Drake and Puff Daddy engaged in an altercation at DJ Khaled's birthday party at Club LIV in Miami. Both Charlemagne Tha God and MTV report that some sort of fight between the two did take place, though no concrete reason for the fight was immediately offered.

According to TMZ, the fight was sparked over the beat that Drake used for “0 to 100,” as both Diddy and Drake received it from producer Boi-1da. Both Diddy and Drake reportedly had the song for about eight months, but when Diddy did nothing with it, Drake recorded his version and put it out. It's worth noting that “0-100” is nominated twice for a Grammy in the categories of Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. TMZ also reports Drake made a trip to the ER for treatment on his shoulder, which was hit in the fight and rehashed a prior injury. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Did Drake and Diddy Get Into a Fight In Miami Earlier This Week?

Date: December 14

In an event rarer than the blooming of the corpse flower and nearly on the same level as Halley's Comet, D'Angelo has dropped a new album. D'Angelo explained the title's meaning in a lyric pamphlet distributed at an album listening party in New York prior to its release.

“For me, the title is about all of us,” he wrote. “It's about the world. It's about an idea we can all aspire to. We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah. … Not every song on this album is politically charged (though many are), but calling this album Black Messiah creates a landscape where these songs can live to the fullest."

With that description it almost seems inappropriate to get freaky to this album. But we know that's exactly what will happen given D'Angelo's musical M.O. —Ian Servantes

Related: D'Angelo and the Vanguard's “Black Messiah” Album Is Finally Here

Date: December 17

Bobby Shmurda and his GS9 crew were arrested at Quad Studios in NYC. A total of 21 guns were taken from the studio following the incident. Epic Records EVP of Urban A&R, Sha Money XL, who originally signed Shmurda and the crew to the label, was also present, but was not arrested. The arrest of Shmurda and GS9 was part of a large narcotics investigation that had been conducted by the NYPD and a Brooklyn task force.

Shmurda, whose government name is Ackquille Pollard, rose to fame this past summer when his single, “Hot Nigga,” went viral, largely due to a single Vine video, and soon brought him almost instant stardom.

Pollard was arrested on conspiracy, reckless endangerment and gun possession, and he is now facing the following charges: conspiracy in the second degree, three counts of conspiracy in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and one count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia (Description in court as intent to sell and possession of narcotics). He faces 8 1/3 to 25 years if convicted on conspiracy charges, and a maximum of 15 years on each weapons charge (Pollard was found in possession of three weapons on two separate occasions). His bail was set at a New York City court at $2 million; his attorney Howard Greenberg told Complex that Epic Records was securing his bail on insurance money. —Zach Frydenlund

Related: Bobby Shmurda and the GS9 Crew Were Reportedly Arrested at Quad Studios Last Night

Date: December 19

Azealia Banks is lately hip-hop's foremost defender against cultural appropriation and the likes of Iggy Azalea. Hot 97 hosts Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez recently hosted Banks, who once again slandered Iggy, called T.I. “a shoe-shining coon,” and spoke that real about not needing Interscope or Top 40 radio play to make and promote her music. (Interscope dropped Banks in July, with Banks releasing her long-delayed studio debut, Broke With Expensive Taste, independently.)

At two points in the Hot 97 team's discussion, Banks cries, clearly frustrated with the disparities in popular culture's treatment of black and white musicians who make black music. “At the very fucking least,” Banks says, “y'all owe me the right to my identity. That's all we're holding on to in hip-hop and rap."

“We need you,” Ebro tells Banks. “Your passion is needed."

“It's just upsetting given the deepness of the blackness that's gone,” Banks says.

Iggy Azalea lazily responded to Banks' statement on Twitter without fully understanding the issue at hand. This is your weekly reminder that Iggy Azalea, a blonde Australian who raps as if she's a black woman from Atlanta, doesn't give a shit about black women or black transcendence in general. —Justin Charity

Related: Azealia Banks Gives Amazing Interview to Hot 97, Iggy Azalea Responds With Absolute Nonsense