West Coast Rap News (August 7–8, 2025)
1. Soulja Boy Released, Charges Dropped
Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested during a traffic stop on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He spent two days in custody before being released, as prosecutors declined to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Clipse Drops Personal Interview on New Album
Veteran duo Clipse (Pusha T and Malice) opened up in a new interview about their deeply personal album Let God Sort ’Em Out, touching on themes of grief, spirituality, their Christian beliefs, and their departure from GOOD Music. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. JID’s New Album “God Does Like Ugly” Debuts
Though not West Coast, rap standout JID dropped his fourth studio album, God Does Like Ugly, on August 8, featuring appearances by Westside Gunn, Clipse, Vince Staples and others—including California’s own Vince Staples. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Anniversary of N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton”
This week marks the 37th anniversary of N.W.A.’s groundbreaking second album Straight Outta Compton, a defining moment in West Coast hip-hop history. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
5. West Coast Hip Hop Awards 2025 Kicks Off Soon
The annual West Coast Hip Hop Awards is set to launch in Seattle on August 9, honoring the region’s cultural legacy with live performances, fashion shows, car exhibits, seminars, and awards celebrating artists, producers, and industry trailblazers. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
6. Shoreline Mafia Releases “Rockin”
LA-based group Shoreline Mafia dropped the single Rockin on June 27, blending West Coast hip-hop with a funky “Funky Little Beat” sample and delivering “infectious banger” vibes that charted on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop lists. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
| Date | Headline | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 7–8, 2025 | Soulja Boy Released | Charges dropped after 2-day custody |
| Aug 7, 2025 | Clipse Interview | New album insights, spirituality, legacy |
| Aug 8, 2025 | JID – God Does Like Ugly | 4th studio album features West Coast artist |
| Aug 8, 2025 | N.W.A. Anniversary | 37 years since Straight Outta Compton |
| Aug 9, 2025 | West Coast Hip Hop Awards | Seattle event honors culture and legacy |