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Teddy Pendergrass' Christmas Album To Make Streaming Debut In November

Teddy Pendergrass’ final studio album and the sole holiday LP in his discography is headed to digital streaming platforms this November.
 

This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love) will make its digital debut on Nov. 3 for its 25th anniversary. The infectious album is a soulful blend of the late crooner’s original recordings—“Happy Kwanzaa,” “I Won’t Have Christmas,” “Christmas and You”—and the album’s title track, “This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love).” It also includes his unique spin on holiday classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” and “The Christmas Song.” 
 

To celebrate the announcement, Craft Recordings has already made Pendergrass’ rendition of “Joy to the World” available (listen below).

 

 

The Philly native wrote his first and only Christmas album on the heels of his starring role in the gospel musical, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, and it arrived just before he published his memoir, Truly Blessed. On This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love), Pendergrass worked with Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Reggie Calloway and songwriter/producer Jim Salamone.
 

“What a thrill to realize that Teddy’s album is being re-released! So many great memories are attached to the creation of this timeless work,” Salamone shared in a statement about the digital release. “It will be very satisfying for people to be able to enjoy this record every Holiday season.” Daniel Markus, Pendergrass’s co-manager added, “Teddy was very proud of this album. He put it all together himself with some help from the Calloway Brothers (of Midnight Star fame) and Jim [Salamone].”

 

Pendergrass’ final album was released in September 1998 and debuted at No. 83 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Following the singer’s death in January 2010, This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love) saw a spike in popularity and it peaked No. 43 on the Holiday Albums chart.

 

 

Drake's "American Slaves" Lyric On "Slime You Out" Causes Backlash

Drake and SZA surprised the world last week when they announced their first-ever collaboration “Slime You Out.” While the track’s release came with much excitement, a specific 6 God line now has him facing backlash.
 

In “Slime You Out,” the two superstars croon about their lovers who have done them wrong and have them feeling spiteful. In the 36-year-old artist’s first verse he sings, “Whipped and chained you like American slaves,” in reference to buying cars and jewelry for a woman he was involved with. This quickly became the overwhelming topic of discussion.

 

“‘Whipped and chained you like American slaves..’ nobody in the studio told Drake that line was awful??” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, accompanied by the popular meme of a man taking off his headphones. Another user quoted the line, tagged the Toronto rapper on X, and posted a cartoon meme of a woman covering another woman’s mouth with the caption “Bi**h learn to shut up.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Another user questioned how SZA could hear that line and agree to join the record. “SZA heard Drake say ‘Whipped and chained you like American slaves’ and said ‘Yeah, I need to get on that!'” they wrote, accompanied by a video of a woman saying “You’re an idiot, you’re a clown, and you’re a loser. How dare you?”

Frazier Tharpe, Senior Entertainment Editor at GQ, acknowledged that Drake tends to be hypercriticized generally, but in this instance, it’s warranted. He was especially baffled at the fact the father of one specifically stated “American” slaves in the line. As of now, neither artist has made a statement about reactions to their record. “Slime You Out” came out just one week before Drake’s forthcoming album For All The Dogs was supposed to be released. Early Saturday morning (Sept. 16) he shared a flyer to his Instagram story announcing that the album was being pushed back from Sept. 22 to Oct. 6.

 

 


“Okay my dilemma I am faced with is I either cancel shows to finish the album or I complete the mission and drop the album before the last show,” he wrote. “I owe you all these memories we are building and anywhere we have missed to date we will be spinning back for sure.” He closed the message announcing the album’s new date and saying “It’s only right…” Check out the announcement and listen to “Slime You Out” above.

 

Teyana Taylor Confirms Separation From Iman Shumpert Amid Cheating Rumors

Teyana Taylor has spoken up following rumors of husband Iman Shumpert cheating on her, revealing that the pair are actually separated and on great terms.
 

“AHT AHT! Not too much on my bestie!,” the Harlem native, 32, began in defense of her children’s father. “In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, ‘infidelity’ ain’t one of the reasons for our departure.”
 

The Fashion Week staple went continued, “We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when renting our 2 beautiful children. Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married we ain’t ever played with or about THAT. We just keep y’all asses out the group chat lol, which is the reason we’ve been able to successfully & peacefully separate without all of the outside noise.” 

 

Taylor went on to explain why she chose to address their relationship status with the public, deeming it “unfair” for false “narratives” to ruin anyone’s reputation.
 

“The only reason I’m even sharing THIS part of the chat is because the narratives are getting a little out of hand & it’s unfair to all parties involved. I hope this provided some clarity for y’all. Okay AunTey taking y’all back out the chat bye!”

 


The “Closer To God” singer took to Instagram to set the record straight following a week of social media rumors surrounding NBA pro Shumpert potentially stepping out on Teyana with an artist of his. The whispers became so prominent that Kelly Price felt the need to speak up for Taylor after a blogger disparaged her marriage. “Teyana is not a side piece, she’s not a side h*e, she’s a wife,” Price, 50, began. “I went through it, but this is not about me. I listened to this blogger go off on Teyana. I’m actually emotional, I was venting to my husband because I get so angry when I see this kind of thing. We always talk about Black needing to support Black, Black needing to do this. I just listened to a female Black woman who is a blogger go in on Teyana Taylor, basically calling her all kinds of things. You know, the fact that she speaks up for her family. When there are allegations out there, that she comes to the defense of her family and… her husband. What else is she supposed to do? She’s a wife, they have a family, they have a home, they own businesses together.”

“If anything is worth fighting for, it is your family, and especially if it can be saved,” Price continued. “I just don’t understand why wives get attacked so bad and side b***hes get praised.” News of the Shumperts’ separation comes two days after reports of Jeezy filing for divorce from TV host Jeannie Mai.

 

Irish Grinstead, 702 Group Member, Dead at 43

Irish Grinstead, a member of R&B girl group 702, has died. She was 43 years old.
 

LeMisha Grinstead, Irish’s sister and fellow 702 member, revealed the news with an Instagram post Saturday (Sept. 16). “It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening.”
 

She went on, “She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within. Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family. Love always, Misha.”

 

 


Fellow member Kameelah Williams also took to the social media platform to express her grief. “Devastated & heartbroken. I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real,” the singer began. “There’s a lot I want to say, but there’s no way to say what your heart hasn’t fully accepted. It’s hard to acknowledge this is even happening. I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin Orish which makes me smile, cus I know how much you missed her.

“You & I have known each other since we were kids and we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and everything in between which is why I just don’t want to believe this,” she went on. “You’ll always be my ‘IBG’ & I still love you my forever lil sis!!! Rest easy.”

 

 

Both Kameelah and LeMisha were offered condolences by their fans and peers, including Missy Elliott, who wrote, “Prayers for you and Misha and the rest of Irish family for strength during this time.”

Xscape member Tiny Harris offered, “Man I’m so sorry for your loss…this really hit home!! May her soul RIP,” while SWV’s LeLee Lyons shared her own post in honor of the R&B songstress.
 

“Words can’t express how this feels. Sending My condolences to this family, and everyone who loved Irish and was a part of her journey. @corytaylorva@itsmeelah @lemisha_the_gemini I pray you guys find peace and understanding at this time. What an unexpected pain!”
 

702 is known for classic R&B records including “All I Want”, “Steelo,” “Get It Together”, the Pharrell Williams-produced “I Still Love You” and more.

 

 

Halle set to drop debut solo EP "before the end of this year"

Halle has announced that her debut solo EP will “definitely” be released “before the end of the year”.

 

The news comes a month after the actor-singer dropped her debut solo single ‘Angel’ on August 4. The ethereal operatic pop ballad was her first release since she and her sister Chloe announced they were pursuing solo careers in 2021, taking a break from their Grammy-nominated group Chloe x Halle.

 

Since then, she has starred in two high-profile Hollywood roles in two, The Little Mermaid – which has now grossed over $465 million (£372,218,550) – and the upcoming The Color Purple remake.

 

In a chat with Cosmopolitan earlier this week, when asked if anything she learned on movie sets will also be useful in her music career, she replied: “Absolutely, because I worked my whole childhood [and] there are things I didn’t get to experience.

 

 


“Ariel was my college experience,” she continued. “She was the one to say, ‘Look, look what you have in you. You can.’ Nettie was the same type of lesson, almost in a spiritual way. These characters are speaking to me and teaching me. It’s cool to learn things about life through their eyes. And all musical inspiration really just comes from life experiences.” Now in a relationship with YouTuber-turned-rapper DDG, the Atlantan reflected: “Love has been a really big one for me too, because that’s something I’m experiencing for the first time, and it’s, like, ‘Whoa’ in your brain. It’s just fireworks, a spark for creativity.” This prompted the interviewer to ask whether Halle would be getting “personal” on her EP: “I don’t really talk about my personal stuff… This has been a really beautiful transformative time for me… It’s like, what the heck did I just experience and go through? A whirlwind of amazingness. You never know what you’re capable of until you’re put through it. I was very creatively inspired, and then from there, I fell in love.” She confirmed that “sound-wise, [the record has] a little modern R&B-ish, with all the jazz elements and hints of pop” that she loves.



When ‘Angel’ was released, Halle said in a statement that the song “is so very special and near and dear to [her] heart” as it was her “climb[ing] out of those feelings, a mantra and promise to [herself] that the work I’m doing here on earth matters and that I matter.” When Chloe X Halle was together, the duo were signed to Beyoncé‘s Parkwood Entertainment label in 2013. They went on to release two albums – 2016’s ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and their second album ‘Ungodly Hour’. The latter was critically acclaimed and nominated for Best R&B Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Now they’ve broken up, Chloe has released some viral hits such as ‘Have Mercy’ and ‘Treat Me’ and dropped her debut solo album ‘In Pieces’ last year. “The biggest difference is that I had to learn how to believe in myself on my own,” the 23-year-old said when asked about her first time releasing a body of work without her sister. “Every time we’re working together, she’s the voice of reason, and she [was] the confidence for us both. She goes, ‘Keep going. Keep riding it, Halle. You’re doing great. You’re doing great.’ You know?” Elsewhere, The Color Purple and Halle’s portrayal of Nettie in the iconic film – produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Quincy Jones – will be released in cinemas this Christmas.

Diddy to Receive Global Icon Award at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be presented with the Global Icon Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, celebrating his “unparalleled career and continued influence that has achieved unrivaled global success in music and beyond.”
 

For the past three years, the MTV Video Music Awards has honored a global artist or band for their success, including previous recipients Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Combs is the first Black artist and solo act to receive the Global Icon Award, inspired by MTV’s Europe Music Awards (EMAs).
 

Combs will perform for the first time in 16 years as part of his honor. He last took the stage in 2005 when he hosted the show from Miami and performed a medley of the Notorious B.I.G. songs alongside Snoop Dogg. 

 

 

Combs has been nominated for four other awards, aside from his Global Icon Award. These nominations include Best R&B and Best Collaboration.

Combs has been nominated in each of the latter categories for his contributions on “Gotta Move On (Queens Remix)” featuring Bryson Tiller, Ashanti and Yung Miami, and “Creepin’ (Remix)” with The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, and 21 Savage.
 

Nominations for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were announced in mid-August. SZA received eight nominations, which made her the most nominated R&B artist. Prior to the announcement of the Album of the Year and Song of the Summer nods, she had received six nominations.
 

Other nominees include Beyoncé, Chlöe, Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Lucky Daye, FLO and more. Additionally, Shakira will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
 

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. EST.
 

Circling back to Combs, he will release The Love Album: Off The Grid on Sept. 15 via Love Records. The 23-song, star-studded album will feature guest appearances from Babyface, The Weeknd, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Herb Alpert, Jazmine Sullivan, The-Dream, K-Ci Hailey, H.E.R. and more.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LOVE (@diddy)


Combs is currently boasting on social media about “I Like,” his collaboration with Blige. It appears to sample “Don’t Go” from her 1994 sophomore album, My Life. None of Combs’ previous 2022 singles, “Gotta Move On” with Tiller or “Sex In The Porsche” will appear on The Love Album: Off The Grid. He has not commented on their omission. The former song went No. 1 at R&B radio and on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. The Love Album: Off The Grid is the follow-up to Diddy’s 2006 Press Play, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It will mark his first project as a lead act using the Diddy moniker. He previously released 2015’s MMM as Puff Daddy & The Family and 2010’s Last Train to Paris as part of his group Diddy – Dirty Money.

 

Queen Latifah Has Younger Fans Shook Following Her Recent National Anthem Performance

Queen Latifah has set the tone for football season after performing the National Anthem at Sunday night’s (Sept. 10) game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.
 

The Oscar-nominated actress had to remind a few people that her résumé is long and her talent is limitless. Ahead of the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the New Jersey native took centerstage at MetLife Stadium with an emotional rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
 

Without a hair on her head out of place, Queen rocked a crisp ivory-colored suit and was backed by a choir and a firework finale.

 


Despite it being assumed common knowledge that the Grammy-winning rapper was multifaceted, some were just finding out about her vocal range. One Twitter user wrote, “I didn’t know Queen Latifah could ‘sing.’ Did anybody else know?” Singer Rob Milton commented with a video of The Equalizer star singing a cover of Nat King Cole’s “Lush Life.”

 

 

 


Another user tweeted, “People are JUST finding out that Queen Latifah sings? Have they not seen Chicago or Hairspray? Or saw that she released two jazz albums? Or even when she played Bessie Smith in that HBO movie?” One person chimed in, “Queen Latifah literally sang the theme song on Living Single, has two jazz albums, and has been in many a Broadway musical. You all cannot be serious.” However, an A24 employee summed things up as best as possible with this bottom line: “I know that we all love queen latifah, but she really doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the most multidimensional talents of our generation.” Others rallied for Queen to partake in a Super Bowl Halftime Show as a solo act or alongside Missy Elliott, MC Lyte, Eve, and Lil Kim as an ode to the Queens of Hip-Hop. Though the 2024 halftime performer has yet to be announced, fans are also campaigning for Usher after Rihanna kicked off Apple Music Halftime Show this past February and announced her second pregnancy with her son, Riot.

 

 

 

Busta Rhymes And Coi Leray Make A Clean Getaway In "LUXURY LIFE" Music Video

Busta Rhymes and Coi Leray explore their acting talents in the music video for “LUXURY LIFE.” Directed by Benny Boom, the creative visual draws inspiration from the 1994 film Pulp Fiction.
 

“Aye, you gon’ hold me down mama?” rhymes the Brooklyn rap veteran to kick off the Swizz Beatz-produced track. “Best believe in me daddy, now what you ’bout to do?” responds the Boston-bred chart-topper.



“LUXURY LIFE” is the second collaboration between the two musicians. Earlier this year, Busta Rhymes added a guest verse to Coi Leray’s “Players” which samples his 1997 hit “Put You Hands Where My Eyes Could See.” The collaborative effort follows Busta Rhymes’ “BEACH BALL” featuring BIA. “Me and Busta did this song months ago, he called me up, he’s like ‘Listen Bia, I’ve got this song. You gotta do this part. It’s only your voice that’s gotta do this part,’ so I went to studio right away, I did it. And to perform with Busta during Hip-Hop 50…this is crazy. It’s unreal,” shared the “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” rapper with Billboard of the link-up.

 

The rap song samples “Seven Minutes of Funk” from The Whole Darn Family, most commonly recognized in JAY-Z’s 1996 hit “Ain’t No N**ga” featuring Foxy Brown

 

 

 

Both tracks precede a pending album from the Grammy-nominated act. Earlier this year, he confirmed the project will be executive produced by Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and himself.
 

“I just want to take the time to say that I appreciate my brother Busta Rhymes for his longevity, his distinctive style [and] voice. I wish everybody a long career like Busta Rhymes. He’s the biggest deal,” elaborated Swizz Beatz of his frequent collaborator.

Judge Dismisses Copyright Case Over Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B's "WAP,"

A judge has dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and more over explicit lyrics in the rappers’ songs “WAP” and “Thot Sh*t.”
 

According to legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff, the suit was issued by Denise “Necey X” Jones, who apparently has some ties to rapper/songwriter Pardison Fontaine, né Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe.

Thorpe co-wrote the critically-acclaimed song, “WAP,” and is the ex-boyfriend of Thee Stallion.

 

U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter dismissed the case where the plaintiff claimed the “WAP” lyric, “pu**y so wet,” was taken from her 2019 song, “Grab Em by the Pu**y.”

 

The Judge ruled that the lyric is “neither original nor unique to the Plaintiff,” as the phrase is “employed frequently in popular culture and other Hip-Hop songs.”
 

Further in the dismissal, Judge Carter pointed out that the lyrics aren’t similar, as he noted that the expressions are “plainly different” and even though two words of the lyric are identical, someone “cannot exercise a monopoly over this two-word phrase.”
 


Jones also claimed that a lyric in “Thot Sh*t” was from her song, too. She accused the Traumazine rapper of using her line, “I got that ni**a wild’n,” to create the lyric, “why you in the club with ni**as wild’n.” In the suit, Jones attempted to make a connection between Thorpe writing “WAP” for Cardi and Meg and also the Section 8 rapper dating the Houston rhymer. The Judge referenced other songs that have used the expression “ni**as wild’n” in some sort of fashion, mentioning Rick Ross’ “Phone Tap” and QUE’s “OG Bobby Johnson.”

 

Claims have also included allegations that Megan and Cardi were mocking her in the music video for “WAP” — as her stagename is from star of the 1997 film B.A.P.S. The title for the single is notably a play on the cult classic, where the main characters are Halle Berry as Nisi, and the late actress Natalie Desselle who played Mickey.

 

Kanye West's Butt Exposed

Kanye West’s butt cheeks were exposed during a recent boat ride with his wife, Bianca Censori. TMZ reports that the Chicago artist was on a trip visiting Venice, Italy, when the butt slip happened. Ye and Censori could be seen cuddling on a boat in multiple pictures, with Kanye looking directly at the paparazzi in some of the photos. In other shots, the producer appeared uninterested in fixing his trousers. Onlookers recognized the pair and began recording the couple’s day in the Italian city.
 

The footage went viral on X/Twitter, with some people speculating that the outspoken figure was engaging in sexual activity with his wife. “Girl, I know damn well that Kanye West did not just get a blowjob out in public in Venice,” one person xweeted. “Well, Kanye’s [wife] is either sitting at his feet because she gets motion sickness or she’s making sure he enjoys his boat ride,” someone else quipped. 

 

Other social media users called him a hypocrite for saying the industry perpetuates sexual deviancy while he is seemingly engaging in sexual acts in public.
 

“Yo, this is [f**king] disgusting, and Kanye West has KIDS who have ACCESS TO SOCIAL MEDIA. He wants to blame the industry for [over-sexualizing] children while he’s publicly fornicating in front of Paparazzi. He is the problem he pretends to hate.”
 

 

 

Ciara, Lil Baby Take Over A Wedding In "Forever" Music Video

Ciara and Lil Baby encourage a long-burning love on their new collaborative track “Forever.” The Georgia-bred duo blends their signature styles of R&B and Hip-Hop for the romance-affirming song. Ushering a couple down the aisle in the music video directed by Taj and Dre, “Forever” tells the story of a couple about to embark on their newlywed journey.
 

“I don’t want it if it isn’t forever,” sings the mother of four on the song’s repetitive hook.
 

“Keep it for me, you gotta try sh*t/ Made a bond, we gotta die with it,” adds the “Drip Too Hard” rapper in his verse.

 

“Forever” is one of seven tracks from the Princess of Crunk&B’s latest EP CiCi, issued on Friday (Aug. 18). Additionally, the EP features Chris Brown and Big Freedia.
 

“With this project, we really wanted to be intentional, and we really talked about R&B being super important to us. And when you talk about CiCi, CiCi to me, when you say, ‘That’s CiCi,’ that is some strong core R&B,” explained the Atlanta native to Nadeska Alexis on Apple Music 1.
 


“And for lack of better terms, I always say my music was ghetto pop. It’s a record I could play in the hood and beyond, to the suburbs of London. I’ve always been very proud of that.”

Chris Brown Announces New '11:11? Album

Chris Brown says his 11th studio album is on the way.
 

On Wednesday (Aug. 16), Breezy took to Instagram to share details about the new LP. It’s currently titled 11:11 and will reportedly be released on Nov. 11. The crooner also revealed that the album will contain 11 songs, which is notably shorter than previous releases like Heartbreak on a Full MoonIndigo, and Breezy. Said projects have a combined run time of seven hours and 47 minutes with a total of 132 songs — if you count their respective deluxe editions.
 

With 11:11, Brown wrote in a since-deleted caption, “I see some of my die hard fans wanting me to add more songs for the new project and I love y’all for that. But, I just feel I need you all to really miss me and take my art seriously. IM JUST focused on giving y’all the best to digest. 11:11 make a wish.”

 

 

In a previous Instagram post from May that’s also been deleted, the Virginia native said that there wouldn’t be any more 20-40 song albums. “Y’all ready for some new music?,” the post read.

 

“Been locked in the studio. Ultra instinct activated. I’ll let y’all know the album title soon. NO MORE 20 to 40 song albums. JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF MAGIC TO DIGEST.”
 

11:11 will include its lead single, “Summer Too Hot,” and recent collaboration with Ciara, “How We Roll.”
 

When reflecting on his almost 20-year career and why he continues to release new music, Brown told Drink Champs‘ N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, “I just never lost that hunger. I don’t care about the financial aspect. It’s a great plus to take care of my kids and family, but me getting up, I’m like, ‘This song made me feel like this, or I feel this way about this song.’ I see the impact that it has on certain fans. It doesn’t have to be the mainstream fans, it could be those core people that show up.”

Watch the “Summer Too Hot” visualizer below. The official video drops on Friday, Aug. 18.

 

 

Jack Harlow Pays Homage To Kentucky With No Place Like Home Tour

Jack Harlow is paying homage to his home state in the best way he knows how. On Thursday (Aug. 17), the Grammy-nominated rapper announced his No Place Like Home: The Kentucky Tour, a first-of-its-kind experience that will see him deliver special shows across the Bluegrass State.
 

Produced by Live Nation and Production Simple, the trek will stop in six cities, but will not include his birthplace of Louisville. The tour will kick off on Friday, Nov. 24 in Owensboro and will wrap up in Lexington at Rupp Arena on Sunday, Dec. 3.
 

When announcing his forthcoming slew of shows, the White Men Can’t Jump remake actor also warned fans that this would be the only time in 2023 they can catch him for a live performance. “The only tour I’m going on this year. Six shows across the state of Kentucky. No Place Like Home 2023. Presale tix available at 10 AM local time on Wednesday. Link in bio for first access,” he wrote on Instagram.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @jackharlow


Harlow’s last project release was April’s Jackman, a 10-track offering with no guest appearances. Prior to that was 2022’s Come Home The Kids Miss You. That LP housed features from Pharrell Williams, Drake, Justin Timberlake, and Lil Wayne. Outside of music, the 25-year-old gave back to his community by launching The Jack Harlow Foundation in May. The initiative will “serve as the Louisville, KY native’s primary philanthropic vehicle to reinvest, uplift, and support organizations aiming to make the city that raised him a better place,” according to a statement.
 

Check out the full list of dates for Jack Harlow’s No Place Like Home: The Kentucky Tour down below.

 

Fri Nov 24 – Owensboro, KY – Owensboro Sports Center

Sat Nov 25 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena

Sun Nov 26 – Covington, KY – Truist Arena

Fri Dec 1 – Murray, KY – CFSB Center

Sat Dec 2 – Bowling Green, KY – E.A. Diddle Arena

Sun Dec 3 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena

Ice-T Finds Gold In 'Hip-Hop Treasures'

Hip-Hop—a Bronx-bred movement sparked 50 years ago by the creativity of Black and brown resourcefulness and rebellion—has evolved into a globally recognized art form and culture. As trends come and go and Hip-Hop expands, some stories and relics are overshadowed, misplaced, or simply lost.
 

Cementing Hip-Hop’s legacy has taken work and now A&E’s Hip-Hop Treasures aims to add to the growing archives. Hosted by LL Cool J and Ice-T, the show finds the duo collecting items and stories for the Universal Hip-Hop Museum.
 

“I started off as a guest,” explained the 65-year-old West Coast legend over the phone.“It’s insightful because you get to learn more about people, you get to see a little bit more about the artists than you normally would. It’s educational because you’re going to learn something about the culture. And then it’s fun because we laugh a lot on the show.”

 

The series finds the two rap pioneers uncovering more of the culture’s history alongside field collectors Cipha Sounds and Yo-Yo, Chief Museum Curator Paradise Gray, and curator Pete Nick. The collective explores the narratives of acts including DMC (Run DMC), CeeLo Green, Flavor Flav, Fat Joe, Treach (Naughty by Nature,) Master P, Soulja Boy, and more. 
 

Set to premiere on Aug. 12, Hip-Hop Treasures also features tributes to The Notorious B.I.G., DMX, Biz Markie, and Coolio’s last on-camera appearance before his 2022 death. VIBE spoke with Ice-T ahead of the premiere to discuss the creation of Hip-Hop Treasures and the significance of documenting the culture. 

 

 

SZA Previews 'Snooze' Music Video And A New Single

SZA is teasing her upcoming “Snooze” video with two special behind-the-scenes clips.
 

The singer shared a video on her Instagram of her giving a robot a lap dance while donning a nude bodysuit that matches her complexion perfectly. In the clip, the songstress is also previewing a new single — killing two birds with one stone.
 

“I need you poolside/ You been on my mind… Diamond boy, why you so shiny?/ Diamond boy, gon’ get behind me (rodeo)/ Diamond boy, your light’s so blinding,” she sings. The second teaser, which is equally as sultry, is also a peek into the “Snooze” visual. “I keep pretending, everyone’s as good as me/ S**t so wet I cannot speak… All my exes still love me/ Call me up, he wanna freak,” she sings.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SZA (@sza)


“Snooze” topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart just last month, making it SZA’s second No. 1 since 2022’s “I Hate U.” The ballad was initially set to appear on Babyface’s Girls Night Out. He explained to Jason Lee, “SZA is, I think she’s genius. She sat in there with ‘Snooze’ and she really just wrote that thing herself and I just played guitar and helped create the track. She’s an incredible writer and an incredible artist. I love her voice. I don’t know that there are very many SZAs out there today. I don’t know that there have been SZAs before.” On working with her, the crooner added, “I was just blown away by her and her talent is just incredible.” Funny enough, they both have hinted at the possibility of releasing deluxe versions of their recent albums, so their collab can still come to fruition. SZA is currently nominated for six awards at the 2023 MTV VMAs for fellow chart-topper “Kill Bill,” “Shirt,” and more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SZA (@sza)

Victoria Monét Gets Nostalgic, Highlights Southern Culture With "On My Mama" Video

From the school of Beyoncé, Ciara, and even Mýa comes this year’s valedictorian, Victoria Monét, as proven with the highly-anticipated video for her hit single, “On My Mama.”
 

The visual is laced in nostalgia with a southern flare as the singer-songwriter pays homage to HBCU culture, the Divine Nine Black sororities and fraternities, street style with her Girbaud jeans and oversized white tees, meme culture, and the best of the early 2000s.

Directed by Child and choreographed by the acclaimed Sean Bankhead, the enthralling music video serves as a reminder of the pivotal era when underground southern music began catching international attention.
 

 


Chalie Boy, the rapper behind the sampled track “I Look Good,” makes a cameo in the music video, along with Monét’s daughter, Hazel, and of course, her mother known affectionately as “Mommy Monét.”

 

Fans have drawn visual comparisons to Ciara’s “Oh,” Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier,” and several iconic memes. For Bankhead, he expressed, “this going in my top 5 i’ve ever done.”
 

 


The direction of the visual was first teased prior to the single’s release with the help of Druski. The song itself is considered to be “the soundtrack to positive affirmations.” Monét shared, “I wrote it postpartum when I wasn’t feeling my best, but spoke to how I wanted to feel. Singing the lyrics about yourself will change your frequency, and elevate a positive mental state. The words speak not only to physical features, but to a feeling too because I believe when you feel good you look even better! Give yourself the words you need to hear because it’s true, you look good! There’s no one like you and that’s on ya mama. Enjoy being yourself witcha fine a**!” Following its debut, the song of the summer hit over eight million streams and is the final single before the arrival of her debut album, JAGUAR II, dropping on Aug. 25.

 

 

 

Wyclef Jean to host first-ever Caribbean Music Awards in Brooklyn

The inaugural Caribbean Music Awards ceremony will be hosted by Wyclef Jean on Aug. 31 at King’s Theater in Brooklyn, New York. The event is being put on by the Caribbean Elite Group (CEG), which publishes a print and digital publication called Caribbean Elite Magazine. A host of Caribbean musicians are scheduled to perform during the show, as well, including Nailah Blackman, Dexta Daps, Jada Kingdom, Ding Dong, and Kranium.
 

Several special awards are slated to be given out during the ceremony. Multitalented Trini Machel Montano will receive a lifetime achievement award during the show. Reggae star Beres Hammond is also set to be honored with an Elite Icon Award.
 

The 26 categories being honored at the Caribbean Music Awards cross a range of genres, including reggae, dancehall, kompa, soca, and zouk. Voting for the awards started on April 6 and ended on July 31. Tickets to the event cost $60.50 to $161 and are on sale online. The awards ceremony will also be live-streamed on YouTube.


The top nominee for this year’s awards is Trini soca group Kes, which secured five nominations. Masicka, Montano, Ding Dong, and Shenseea are tied for second place with four nominations each. Seven other artists received three nominations apiece.

 

This is not the former Fugees rapper’s first hosting gig. He hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in Stockholm, Sweden in 2000. For that show, Jean made his entrance on the back of an elephant. So, we anticipate his entrance at the Caribbean Music Awards will be just as memorable.
 

The Haitian artist has won three Grammys throughout his career. Two of the awards were for his work on 1996’s The Score, while the other was for his work as a co-producer of Santana’s Supernatural in 1999. He has also received a Golden Globe Award for his work on the Hotel Rwanda song “Million Voices” in 2005.

Broadway Icon Melba Moore Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star at 77

Melba Moore officially has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame–and the 2,760th to be exact.

The Tony-winning actress and Grammy-nominated singer was awarded the honors during a dedication ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 11, recognizing her astounding work in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category. Guest speakers included Abbott Elementary's Sheryl Lee Ralph, comedian Katt Williams and "Band of Gold" singer Freda Payne.

"This was never in my radar. I never had any thoughts or dreams about being on Hollywood and Vine in pavement," Moore, 77, said. "Seriously, it's so amazing. I don't really have words."
 


Her fans on social media did have a lot to say about it though, sharing the applause alongside endearing notes like "We’ll deserved and overdue! Congratulations!" and "It’s about time..???????????????? congratulations ??."

Moore began her journey to stardom after joining the original cast of Hair in 1967, later replacing Dianne Keaton and becoming the first Black actress to replace a white actress in a leading role on Broadway. She went on to appear in Timbuktu alongside Eartha Kitt. In 1970, she won a Tony Award for best performance by a featured actress in a musical for her portrayal of Lutiebelle in Purlie. She also held roles in Inacent Black, Ain’t Misbehavin, BKLYN, Chicago, and a nearly three-month stint as Fantine in Les Miserables from 1993 to 1996, making history again as the first Black actress to portray a leading role in the musical. Moore's five-octave voice also secured her prolific opportunities as a recording artist and multiple Grammy nominations, including one for best female R&B vocal performance after releasing a cover of Aretha Franklin's "Lean on Me" in 1977 and a second for best female rock vocal performance citing her 1985 hit "Read My Lips."

In the years since, she's released 28 albums, 10 of which have secured spots on the Billboard Top 200 and starred in various TV shows and soaps, including the sitcom Melba, The Love Boat, and Falcon Crest. Her most recent project, an album titled Imagine, was released in April 2022.

Megan Thee Stallion Says Tory Lanez Mocked Trauma With 'Tantrum Of Lies

Megan Thee Stallion says she hasn't had a day of peace since Tory Lanez shot her.

On Monday, August 7, the "Body" rapper's victim statement was read aloud during Lanez's sentencing hearing in Los Angeles. Meg declined to appear in court herself in an effort to preserve her mental health so District Attorney Kathy Ta read her letter into the record.

“He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma," Meg said according to reporter Meghann Cuniff. "He tried to position himself as a victim and set out to destroy my character and my soul.”

 

 

“He lied to anyone that would listen and paid bloggers to disseminate false information about the case on social media," she continued. "He released music videos and songs to damage my character and continue his crusade. At first, he tried to deny the shooting ever happened. Then, he attempted to place the blame on my former best friend. In his tantrum of lies, he’s blamed the system, blamed the press and, as of late, he’s using his childhood trauma to shield himself and avoid culpability.”

Meg's letter was in stark contrast of the 76 letters the judge received in support of Lanez. Before her statement was read, Judge Herriford summarized letters from a jail chaplain and two inmates, who all expressed how "remorseful" Lanez has been. One of the jailed men even said Lanez spoke on the event in detail and explained what he could've done to prevent it. Another letter of support came from Iggy Azalea, who asked the judge to go easy on the defendant. Nonetheless, the Houston artist is demanding justice.

“For once, the defendant must be forced to face the full consequences of his heinous actions and face justice," Meg concluded.

Tory Lanez's sentencing hearing will continue today beginning at 10:30 a.m. PST. The artist faces a maximum sentence of 22 years. Prosecutors have recommended a 13-year sentence while the defense is pushing probation but will settle for three years in prison.

Eminem Shares Thoughts On Donald Trump "Brainwashing" His Supporters In Viral Clip

Eminem has spoken out against Donald Trump several times over the past seven years, and isn’t letting up on the former President who’s looking to earn back his seat in the nation’s highest office.

 

In an undated clip shared to the @Rising_path TikTok page Monday, the Detroit MC, 50, is seen explaining how frustrating it can be discussing Trump, saying he has so many critiques of the businessman, that he is often “flustered in my head” while trying to get his thoughts out. This left many right-wingers with the impression that “Trump broke Eminem,” which soon began trending online.


Trump is currently campaigning to be the Republican pick against Pres. Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election.

 

The lyricist, however, clearly articulated his issues with the former leader within the rest of the black and white clip.

 

 

“Watching him play to his base that thinks that he cares about them — and it’s actually the people that he cares about the f**king least — if you’re talking about his core being, you know, a majority white middle class, what I don’t understand is how in the f**k do you feel like you relate to a billionaire who has never known struggle his entire f**king life.”

 

“I will say this, he talks a good one,” Em conceded. “And if you’re in his base…let’s say you’re going to the rallies or whatever, you watch him on TV, you hear him talking this sh*t, there’s part of me that understands, like, alright, he’s somehow still got them because he’s brainwashing them into thinking something great is going to happen. Nothing’s happening. Nothing is happening.”

 

“Seeing MAGAs posting this clip saying ‘Trump broke Eminem or that he’s scared blah blah blah’…..ummm no losers, Em is saying all you morons are brainwashed and he’s absolutely right,” wrote one fan of the wordsmith, with another adding, “Wow. Eminem completely nails how incredibly full of sh*t Trump is and how he manipulates his hardcore cult members.”
 

Em expressed many of these same issues with Trump during a 2017 interview with Vulture, telling the publication at the time, “At what point do you – a working-class citizen, someone who’s trying to make sh*t better for you and your family – think this guy who’s never known struggle his entire f**king life, who avoided the military because of bone spurs, who says he’s a billionaire, is really looking out for you? He’s got people brainwashed.”

 

The MC also dropped a scathing freestyle taking aim at Trump during the 2017 BET Awards, and addressed its backlash on 2018 Kamikaze track, “The Ringer” where he rhymed, “If I could go back, I’d at least reword it / And say I empathize with the people this evil serpent sold the dream to that he’s deserted.” He also raps of the secret service approaching him following the freestyle.

 


 

Trump is currently campaigning to be the Republican pick against Pres. Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election.

Kelly Rowland's Edie Hints At New Romance On 'Grown-ish

Kelly Rowland made her Grown-ish debut in the sixth episode of the series’ final season titled “Savior Complex.” The Merry Liddle franchise actress stars as Dr. Edith “Edie” Horne, a tenured professor who serves as the current head of Cal U’s psychology department.

Rowland returns this week as things heat up between her and Aaron (Trevor Jackson) and VIBE has an exclusive preview into this upcoming episode titled “Toxic.”
 

While discussing the university’s budget and subsequent cuts that have been made after having a confrontational introduction in the previous episode, Edie and Aaron’s conversation gets heated for a different reason as she wittingly hints at a romantic spark or sexual tension between them.

 

 

The episode will also touch on red flags that emerge after one member of their crew gets consumed by a new fling and another struggles academically in the same class her peer excels in.

Meanwhile, Aaron is unsure about his next move with Edie. For those who haven’t been following the latest season, he and Zoe (Yara Shahidi) broke up again after she returned to New York to pursue her professional dreams.
 

Grown-ish‘s final season has also featured guest appearances from Lil Yacthy, Anderson .Paak, Druski, NLE Choppa, Omarion, and Latto, who additionally has a recurring role as Sloane—Doug’s (Diggy Simmons) new client and love interest.

 

 

When revealing that season six would be the final season of the hit spinoff, -ish franchise creator Kenya Barris said in a statement, “We’ve spent nearly a decade telling our stories through the -ish series and to say it has been an amazing journey would be an understatement. To be able to watch Yara, Marcus and our entire ‘grown-ish’ family grow up in front of (and in many ways alongside) us over these past several years has been both a joy and an honor. From the stories we’ve told to the talent we’ve fostered and, most importantly, the memories made, I could not be more proud of everything we’ve accomplished and the -ish family I’ve been a part of.”
 

Check out the teaser for the new episode of Grown-ish above.

The first half of season six airs weekly on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on Freeform. The second half will premiere in 2024.

Snoh Aalegra Says New "Sweet Tea" Single Is "Spiritual"

Snoh Aalegra has released her newest single “Sweet Tea” following her July release, “Be My Summer.” The singer also dropped her viral rendition of the late Bobby Caldwell‘s 1987 hit “What You Won’t Do For Love” in August 2022 titled “Do 4 Love.”
 

In a recent interview with Eddie Francis of Apple Music 1, Aalegra spoke about her newest ballad and also how she decides to put new music out into the world.
 

“I wrote it prior to kind of finishing up the production and once it was completed, it just really felt really spiritual in a way,” she said of the song. “It also has one of my favorite bridges I’ve ever written, and that bridge really takes me to another place in the song.”

 

“Sweet Tea” is produced by Grammy-winning music producer No I.D., who’s credited for work with Jay-Z, Common, Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Drake, Nas, Pusha T, and many more. Aalegra shared that working with the “incredible musician” is what she feels brought “Sweet Tea” to life.
 

“At the time, he was working a lot with Greg Phillinganes and he kept telling me that we should all work and we finally made it happen and I feel like they really brought the song to life,” the Swedish songstress said. “They took it to somewhere else from when I had written it and it was just really special to finish it up with them. And it was just a very special experience being in the studio with both of them.”
 

She continued, “Sometimes when I work with No I.D. it’s like I’m writing to his music, to his beats, so it all comes together differently. But this one was like that, where we were just all in the room and figured it out together and just felt it all together. So it’s really special.”

 

 

Aalegra first made big waves with her 2017 debut album Feels followed by 2019’s Ugh, Those Feels Again. The debut LP boasted the popular tracks “Feels,” “Time,” and “Fool For You.” Her latter album included hits, “I Want You Around,” “Find Someone Like You,” and “Whoa,” which included Michael B. Jordan in the music video.

 

Since then, Aalegra has continued to make ballads for the lovers, those scorned and everyone in between, with her 2021 album Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies. The LP has musical assistance form Tyler The Creator on “Neon Peach,” as well as her infectious hit “Dying For Your Love.”

 

 

“I just love obviously making music, I’ve been making music my whole life, but I just put out stuff that I’m really proud of and that I want people to hear,” Aalegra told Apple Music 1. “So it’s just that I don’t like to rush anything or put a timestamp on anything or like, ‘Oh, I have to put out music.’ It got to feel right. I can’t force it.”

 

Taka a listen to “Sweet Tea” above.

Soulja Boy's Net Worth Is Negative, Judge Says

Soulja Boy’s net worth is believed to be negative. During the rapper’s ongoing court battle with his ex-girlfriend, a judge has reportedly recommended that “Crank That” star slash his expenses to pay off $472,000 due to his current fiscal status.
 

According to XXL, one of the critical suggestions saw the judge suggesting the controversial musician move out of his $25,000/month home and relocate to a “modest” $10,000 a month location. The “Turn My Swag On” artist motioned to get the ruling thrown out, but the file was denied.
 

Court documents also reveal that the entertainer, né DeAndre Cortez Way, has no money in his banking account and owes a $1 million tax lien. Due to the rapper failing to show his financial records to the court, the judge deemed Way’s net worth negative. However, the court maintains that the artist can “generate income to deal with his debt” considering his pricy rent.

 

 

“Defendant must be earning money from somewhere sufficient to pay for the rent and whatever other monthly expenses he has. In other words, the defendant is paying $300,000/year in rent alone,” the doc reads. “It stands to reason that he must have some other living expenses. And that money must come from somewhere. It is not coming from loans, for the defendant did not testify as to any other debts.“
 

The documents also further reveal Way’s collection of limited assets. As of July 2023, he owns three cars, reportedly listed at $600,000, jewelry priced at $18,000, and $50,000 worth of stocks.
 

But, Way’s lawyer remarked that he couldn’t liquidate his investments because the cars and jewelry are essential to his image as a rapper.

Halle Bailey Issues Ethereal "Angel" Music Video

Halle Bailey has officially entered a new era of her career.
 

Performing under the stage name Halle, the 23-year-old released her debut solo single “Angel” on Friday (Aug. 4). The empowering song explores the beauty and resilience of Black womanhood.
 

“Rich blood, you can probably see the gold in my skin/ I’m more than a girl, won’t let the troubles of the world come weigh me down,” sings the Georgia native.
 

Directed by Wendy Morgan, the music video finds the actress glowing as she performs the song’s powerful lyrics.

 


“Angel” was teased by The Little Mermaid star earlier this week with a video montage featuring footage of herself as a young child. “It’s been a long time coming to get to this part of my solo journey, and I thank you for supporting me through every moment,” shared The Color Purple actress in a Discord message to fans ahead of the release.. “I’m gonna be real with y’all and let you inside this complicated brain of mine. I can’t wait til you hear what I’ve been working so hard on, for a long time. I’ve been shy for a while now, but it’s time… xoxo, Halle.”

 

 

Elsewhere, the younger half of Chloe x Halle elaborated on her solo style, describing her music as “a sonic mash-up of her jazz and grunge influences” noting that her mentor, Beyoncé, has approved her creative endeavors.
 

“I just played her a lot of my songs and she was really overjoyed for me. It’s really cool to have somebody as established and talented as she is give you confirmation that the art you’re creating matters,” shared the vocalist.
 

Watch Halle’s music video for “Angel” above.

Ne-Yo Clarifies Apology, Stands Firm In Opinion On Raising Trans Children

Ne-Yo has apologized for his comments regarding children who identify as transgender and how parents should approach the sensitive matter. He now wants to make it known that the apology is meant for those who took offense, but that he stands firm in his belief that children should not be allowed to make such a decision about themselves at young ages.

 

“Ok. This sh*t is getting out of hand. FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH. I WILL NOT BE BULLIED INTO APOLOGIZING FOR HAVING AN OPINION. AGREEING TO DISAGREE IS NOT A DECLARATION OF WAR,” wrote the “Closer” singer, captioning a black and white Instagram clip of himself reiterating his point.

 

“Lord knows I ain’t perfect, I’ve made my mistakes indeed,” he went on. “And I’ve apologized to the people I’ve hurt for those mistakes. I couldn’t cast a stone if I wanted to, which I don’t. And I haven’t. My intention is never to offend anybody…but my opinion is MINE and I’m entitled to it. I don’t care what y’all do with yours. That’s YOURS. This is how I FEEL.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NE-YO (@neyo)

 

“If one of my 7 kids were to decide that he or she wanted to be something other than what they were born as, once they’re old enough and mature enough to make that decision…so be it,” he explained. “Not gonna love em’ any less. Daddy is still Daddy and he loves you regardless. But this isn’t even a discussion until they are MENTALLY MATURE ENOUGH to have such a discussion.
Period. Point blank. Whatever. Y’all do y’all, imma do me and we can agree to disagree and coexist PEACEFULLY. LOVE IS THE ONLY TRUE POWER.”
 

The crooner’s original comments stem from a VladTV interview where he shared, “I just personally come from an era where a man was a man and a woman was a woman. There was two genders, and that’s just how I rocked.”
 

He later added, “I feel like parents have almost forgotten what the role of a parent is. If your little boy comes to you and says, ‘Daddy, I want to be a girl.’ And you just let him rock with that? He’s five… If you let this five-year-old boy decide to eat candy all day, he’s gonna do that. When did it become a good idea to let a five-year-old, let a six-year-old, let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision for themself? When did that happen? I don’t understand. He can’t drive a car yet, but he can decide his sex?”

 

 

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