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Authorities searched Diddy's properties as part of a sex trafficking probe.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the first nine months of 2023, Sean “Diddy” Combs triumphantly performed at the MTV VMAs, released an R&B album that garnered a Grammy nomination and was a suitor to buy the BET network.
 

But several lawsuits filed late last year raised allegations of sexual assault and rape against Combs — one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.
 

The music mogul's homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigators and other law enforcement. Officials said the searches were connected to an investigation by federal authorities in New York.

 

The officials spoke to The Associated Press on conditions of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation. Combs’ attorney and other representatives didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, and his whereabouts are unknown.

 

Although Diddy was embroiled in one high-profile business dispute for part of 2023, it was a case filed by his former girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie that opened the door to other claims of sexual violence. Combs has vehemently denied the allegations.

 


 

It is not clear whether the search is related to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuits, which include one from a woman who claims Combs raped her when she was 17.
 

Here are some things to know about Combs and the investigation.

WHO IS DIDDY?
 

Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades. He built one of music’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
 


The music mogul created the fashion clothing line called Sean John, was associated with a well-known vodka brand and launched Revolt TV network, which focuses on music and social justice issues targeting African Americans. He also produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.
 

 

In 2022, BET honored Combs with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his ability to shape culture through his career.

Combs won Grammys for his platinum-selling 1997 album “No Way Out” and the single “I’ll Be Missing You,” a song dedicated to the late Notorious B.I.G. who was killed earlier that year. He won another Grammy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Nelly and Murphy Lee.

 

Last year, Combs released his fifth studio album “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” which was nominated for best progressive R&B album at February's Grammy Awards, which he did not attend. The album was his first solo project since his 2006 chart-topping “Press Play,” which had two top 10 hit singles: “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Come to Me” featuring Nicole Scherzinger.

In 2004, Combs played Walter Lee Younger in the Broadway revival of “A Raisin in the Sun,” which aired as a television adaption four years later. He’s also appeared in films including “Get Him to the Greek” and “Monster’s Ball.”

WHAT SPARKED THE LAWSUITS?

In November, Combs' protege and singer Cassie sued him for alleging years of sexual abuse including rape. The lawsuit alleged he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them.

Combs and Ventura began dating in 2007 and had an on-and-off relationship for more than a decade.

Cheyenne Smith, Method Man's Daughter, Earns Trina Co-Sign

As her career begins to rise, Method Man‘s daughter Cheyenne Smith is receiving love from Hip-Hop veterans. Rapping under the stage name Chey, the young talent was recently brought to the stage in Detroit by Trina. Additional performers at the Midwest show included Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Juvenile, and Plies.
 

“I always like to show love to people,” detailed the Diamond Princess rapper when introducing Chey to the audience after performing “Here We Go.” In the moment, Trina dubbed Chey an inspiration, encouraging the crowd to show love. The moment was captured and uploaded to social media sharing her backstage perspective.

An additional carousel post from the Staten Island representative features photos of Chey with the talented lineup and footage of her choreography-filled performance.

 

 


“We told y’all I was taking over right?” wrote Chey on Instagram. “@trinarockstarr thank you so much for having me!! I appreciate you and respect you so much for everything you do for upcoming artists!!! I PERFORMED FOR A SOLD OUT SHOW IN DETROIT!!!!!!! I still can’t believe it. I’m so grateful.” Earlier this year, the rising rapper shared the music video for her release “Boujee & Ghetto” following the song “Hair and Nails.” The latter was performed during the aforementioned concert.

 

 

Tyla Is The Perfect Portrait In "ART" Video

Tyla takes on the role of both painter and muse in her new “ART” music video below.
 

Directed by Nabil, the visual takes the South African singer to an ornate gallery, where she poses freely, dancing to the upbeat track. As the artist, she paints a portrait that appears to be of herself. In the end, the painting morphs into the image of a young man, who is hypnotized by the singer. His picture joins her wall of other men who were seemingly trapped by her charm.
 

“Fresh out the gallery, Can you handle me? Handle me carefully, I’ll be yours to keep. I’m your centerpiece, make the canvas speak,” sings the 22-year-old in the song’s second verse.

 


“ART” is featured on Tyla’s self-titled debut album, also released on Friday. Across 14 tracks, the project features Kelvin Momo, Tems, Gunna, Skillibeng, Becky G, and Travis Scott. The album comes as Tyla continues to enlarge her profile after her breakout hit “Water” and historic GRAMMY win in the Recording Academy’s newly established Best African Music Performance category.
“People listen to my music and they fall in love with that type of Amapiano, then they go deeper and they listen to other artists back home,” she explained of her emerging career to OkayAfrica. “While I’m building my name, I’m also opening more doors for other African artists and just bringing people back to the culture.” Watch the music video for “ART” above and check out the album TYLA below.

 

 

Beyoncé's Publicist Shoots Back After Erykah Badu Seemingly Throws Braid Shade

It looks as if Erykah Badu may have been looking for some sort of credit from Beyoncé after the Renaissance icon posted her newest album cover for Act IICowboy Carter. However, the Beyhive subliminally told Badu to take several “window seats,” including the Houston-native’s longtime publicist Yvette Noel-Schure.
 

On the album cover, Bey rocks nothing but her bare skin, a pageant sash that reads “ACT II: BEYINCE,” and a beautiful braided hairstyle with beaded bangs. The hairstyle, similar to one Badu has been known to rock, inspired her to repost it to her Instagram Story with the simple, yet seemingly shady caption that read, “hmmm.”

 

Besides fans coming to Bey’s defense, Noel-Schure seemingly responded to Badu in an even more clever way: a history lesson.

Noel-Schure took to Instagram with a carousel of photos dating back to before the star’s Destiny’s Child days, showing Bey rocking all kinds of braided styles from childhood. “She slays. She slays. Now. Then. Always. act ii COWBOY CARTER 3.29 #criticswithoutcredentials,” she captioned the post.

 


See Erykah Badu’s repost of Beyoncé’s album below.

 


Following a sting from the Beyhive, the “Bag Lady” icon jokingly asked Bey’s husband, Jay-Z, to intervene. “To Jay Z . Say somethin Jay, ” she wrote on X. “You gone let this woman and these bees do this to me ??” Fans immediately responded to the soulful icon with one person warning her to be “careful,” as another said, “erykah checked her head and realized they snatched her wig.”

 


Neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z has responded to Badu, which is something that we all know likely won’t happen. Take a look at Yvette Noel-Schure and Erykah Badu’s posts above.

 

Usher And Ludacris Celebrate "Yeah!" Going 13X Platinum: "We Did That Bro"

Usher and Ludacris have a new shared milestone to celebrate. The two Atlanta representatives took to social media to share their reactions to their 2004 hit record “Yeah!” earning 13-times platinum status from RIAA decades after its initial release.
 

Officially reaching the sales status only two days before Usher’s headlining Super Bowl LVIII Halftime performance, the party-ready track first went platinum in 2006, just two years after its release. The Crunk-n-B collaboration also hit 1 billion streams on Spotify in May 2023, the first song for Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris to reach this achievement on the platform.

 


“That DAMN SUPER BOWL EFFECT Was The Cherry On Top,” exclaimed Ludacris Monday (March 4) on X, followed by the praying hand emoji. “CONGRATS to my brothers @usher @liljon @seangarrettpen & ALL THE FANS THAT MADE THIS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SONGS IN HISTORY!!!!” Usher reshared the post on his account and commented, “We did that bro” with muscle and fire emojis. “Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!!” Usher shared the post, adding, ” We did that bro. Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!!” By RIAA standards, that’s a lot of gratitude. According to Billboard, “Yeah!” accumulated 4.8 million official on-demand U.S. streams Feb. 11-12, up 105 percent from Feb. 9-10, when the song earned 2.3 million streams.

 

The collaboration stands as one of the 45-year-old’s biggest records. However, it almost did not turn out that way. In an interview on the R&B Money podcast, songwriter Patrick “J. Que” Smith revealed the chart-topping performer did not initially want the track. “Usher didn’t really like the song,” shared Que per Business Insider, detailing how Confessions was already finished, forcing the singer to figure out where “Yeah!” would fit in. A&R Kawan “KP” Prather is said to be the person who eventually convinced Usher to record the song. “KP’s whole thing was, ‘All I know is that sh*t feel like hella Atlanta, I f**k wit’ it, cut it, if you don’t like it, we don’t keep it. But there’s no problem with putting your voice on it, sing it, and see what happens,” explained Que.

 

 

Busta Rhymes Cancels Entire 2024 Blockbusta Tour

Thousands of Bay Area fans have been preparing to see Busta Rhymes perform on his first 2024 tour stop next week. Unfortunately, per Ticketmaster, the 51-year-old rapper has canceled his entire Blockbusta trek.
 

The Brooklyn rapper was supposed to kick off his 24-date road trip next Wednesday (March 13) in San Francisco, followed by stops in Hollywood, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, and more. He was going to finish up the short sprint on April 21 at the Brooklyn Paramount venue in his hometown.
 

However, the Ticketmaster website now shows all 24 dates to be canceled. Busta has yet to comment publicly on what caused this sudden change. He has not posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, since Feb. 29. As for Instagram, he has been actively posting since the start of March, but only to promote music videos and other ventures. It will be interesting to learn why the tour is no longer happening.

 


Busta Rhymes’ Blockbusta tour was planned to support his latest LP of the same name. The 19-track, November 2023 album featured Young Thug, Quavo, Chris Brown, Kodak Black, BIA, Coi Leray, and more. The project united legendary producers Pharrell, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz. He made headlines toward the end of February for an altercation with Nizzle Man while the two attended French Montana’s Mac & Cheese 5 listening party. Footage showed Nizzle being dragged out of a VIP section of the club by security while Busta and the Flipmode Squad trailed them. Nizzle Man gathers himself and stands up, only for the “Touch It” rapper to step up to him. Busta and his crew then led Nizzle into another section. Though it is unclear what sparked the altercation, the legendary rapper seemingly ended it. Watch below.

 

 

Victoria Monét's "On My Mama" Officially Goes Platinum

Victoria Monét‘s smash hit “On My Mama” just garnered her a huge accolade. On March 10, the confident anthem officially became certified Platinum by the RIAA, signifying the song has surpassed 1 million certified units.
 

“On My Mama” was released on June 16, 2023, as the third single from her debut album, Jaguar II, via Lovett Music and RCA Records. The song samples the 2009 song “I Look Good” by American rapper Chalie Boy.
 

The mother-of-one previously detailed the creative process behind the D’Mile, Jeff Gitelman and Deputy co-produced offering. “‘On My Mama’ was the first record I did that I actually liked. But it came while I was in a place of disbelief in what I was actually saying,” she said on The Ebro Show about the affirmations within the song’s lyrics.

 

“It’s almost like I had to speak it into existence. And I do look good, I do feel good, and I am deserving. And so, I think of the record as an anthem for affirmations, positive self-talk, manifestations, living in abundance, speaking things into existence, all of that is kind of in the song, but in a really cool hood way.”

 


The new Platinum plaque is a continuation of the stellar momentum the “Party Girls” singer has been riding. In February, Monét took home three wins from the 2024 Grammy Awards — after being nominated in seven categories. That night, she also met one of her biggest inspirations, Beyoncé , and recapped the moment on Instagram afterward. “I swear I’m usually not even the type to have the courage, but as soon as we spoke I felt a calm over me,” she wrote. “You’re my Diana, my Tina, my Aretha! My Bey!!! Your legacy has absolutely been my artist development…the best blueprint any performer could ever ask for but never EVER to be compared!”

 


 

Beyoncé Reveals Name Of Upcoming Country Album

Beyoncé is continuing to dig into her southern roots with the name of her upcoming country album, revealing its title to be Cowboy Carter.
 

The Houston native, 42, shared the news via Instagram, initially uploading the title to her page before deleting and adding to her Instagram Stories, instead. The accompanying image is of a brown and silver horse saddle with a “Cowboy Carter” sash placed on top of it.
 

 

As previously announced, the album is set to drop March 29.

Bey revealed that she’d be going country for the new album in a 2024 Super Bowl commercial for Verizon, dropping singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” on streaming services immediately after. Her more observant fans picked up hints at her new direction from her 2024 Grammys appearance, as she rocked country-inspired garb from Pharrell’s latest LV menswear collection, topped with a white cowboy hat.
 

Country music icon Dolly Parton has since congratulated Bey on the transition, sharing via Instagram, “I’m a big fan of Beyonce and very excited that she’s done a country album. So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”

 

SZA Debuts New Song "Saturn" From Upcoming Album 'Lana' During 2024 Grammys

SZA‘s 2024 Grammys experience was nothing short of magical. The singer took the stage to perform her hit singles, “Snooze” and “Kill Bill.” She took home three wins for Best R&B Song, Best Progressive R&B Album, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and debuted “Saturn,” a new song from her highly-anticipated upcoming album, Lana.
 

She released a hypnotizing visual to the record while announcing her partnership with Mastercard and the Priceless Planet Coalition. On the song, SZA shares her jaded, somber perspective on the world.

 

“Stuck in this paradigm/ Don’t believe in paradise/ This must be what hell is like/ There’s got to be more, got to be more/ Sick of this head of min? / Intrusive thoughts, they paralyze/ The fun is not as advertised/ There’s got to be more, been here before,” she sings on the pre-chorus.

 


As she and her dancers glide through an enchanted, makeshift forest, SZA questions if karma is real and ponders on the reward for being good, especially if she’s “stuck in a terror dome.” The campaign is set to “merge passion and purpose through a major cultural event,” according to Rustom Dastoor, EVP of Marketing and Communications, Mastercard North America.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mastercard (@mastercard)


He noted in a statement, “It takes more than one person or one company to create scaled impact for the planet. Music does more than unite us, it inspires us to take action. Through our GRAMMY Awards campaign, we are merging passion and purpose in a way that, through a major cultural event, rallies people to come together through the power of music to create collective action for the planet.”

 

A "Feud" Between Beyoncé And Janet Jackson? Say It Ain't So!

You’re a beautiful liar if you say Beyoncé and Janet Jackson are actually beefing, as Bey’s mother, Tina Knowles, has explained why she liked a social media post bashing the “Rhythm Nation” icon.
 

According to Knowles, liking the post was accidental, she explained on Instagram after fans took the gesture as disrespectful to Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty).

 

“I am saddened by this. Janet Jackson is an icon and I would never question another artist. I took Destiny’s Child to see Janet when they were 15 years old. They always looked up to her and she opened doors for Beyoncé,” she captioned the IG video.

 

“Why would I hate on her ? I know now not to be in a rush and to be very careful. (I learned my lesson) ! Especially when I have so much going on.. I just wanted to clarify. . I do know that you can see people’s likes so I would be pretty dumb to do that.”

 

Check out Ms. Tina explaining herself below.

 


The original post found its creator complaining of ticket prices for the second leg of Jackson’s Together Again Tour, hitting the road summer 2024. They also compared her stage show to that of Bey’s on her Renaissance World Tour.

“What a joke….they add $1000 for a 15 second meet & greet again. No front row for fans unless you want to bend over so they can continue to rake in the cash. You want Beyoncé prices, have real production. Just disgusted. I’m not the only one…oh the DMs I’m getting. Way to thank your fans for years of support,” Instagram user @let68 captioned the post. Fans of the youngest Jackson immediately took notice of Knowles liking the post, with one responding, “I do not understand what is the weird obsession with disrespecting The Jacksons. To see Tina Knowles like a post that disrespect Janet makes me lose all respect for her.” Another observer on Twitter added, “Like out of all people, yall choose THEE Janet Jackson to mess with? She’s literally the most unproblematic popstar ever. The woman who paved the way Beyonce walked through years later. Have some shame and respect.”

 

 


Fortunately, the 70-year-old‘s explanation was enough for most who also didn’t want to see the two divas and their fanbases beef. One Beyoncé fan page also shared past footage of the two singers heaping praise on one another to further squash the idea of their being an issue between them.

 

 


Neither Beyoncé nor Jackson have commented on the social media post or alleged “feud.”

 

Victoria Monét Wants To Do An Entire Project With Kaytranada

After Victoria Monét partnered with Kaytranada on “Alright,” the singer revealed she’s ready to do more with the Haitian-Canadian producer.
 

“I want a whole project with him,” she gushed to MixMag, later hinting that her team “may have” spoken to his about getting in the studio for that.
 

However, Monét confirmed that her musical soulmate, D’Mile, and Kaytrananda already have a collaboration for the deluxe edition of JAGUAR II. The mother of one expressed, “I do intend on releasing the deluxe, yes,” but she didn’t reveal when fans can expect that extended version. Previously, she admitted that she wants to do a visual album like Beyoncé, as well.


Later in the conversation, the Grammy nominee reflected on how she felt when Janet Jackson attended her show and hinted about potentially wanting to play Jackson in a film. “I knew FLO were coming, but my team knew about Janet before. My security said ‘and that’s where Janet’s going to sit’. I was like ‘Janet… Janet Jackson?’” Monét recalled saying that the night was the “most nervous she’d ever been for a show.”

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mixmag (@mixmag)


The “On My Mama” singer then thought, “In some world, what if this is an audition for if I ever got to play her?” Rumors about a Jackson biopic have been swirling for quite some time, but for now, the “All For You” superstar is focused on her documentaries. Her next one, Janet Jackson: Family First, will be “the next chapter in Janet’s journey” to commemorate her 50th year as an entertainer. When the backstage meet occurred back in November, Monét enthused, “The fact that this moment even actually happened has had me blushingly speechless […] There is no me as an artist without Janet Jackson, so it feels like you and your music have held my hand the whole time. Like a spirit guide, challenging shaping guiding and solidifying my musical dna. You are my idol, my legend and a huge part of my future legacy as a strong root of it all. The inspiration you’ve gifted is oceans deep and generations long!” There’s no confirmation on whether or not Jackson and Monét will collaborate, but the seeds have definitely been planted.

 

 

 

Nicki Minaj Scores First No. 1 Gospel Song With "Blessings" Feat. Tasha Cobbs-Leonard

Nicki Minaj has just made another feat with Pink Friday 2: her first No.1 Gospel song. The chart-topper, “Blessings” featuring Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, reached the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel chart.
 

“In the Dec. 8-14 tracking week, ‘Blessings’ garnered 3.1 million official U.S. streams,” the outlet reported. “It also sold 3,000 downloads and arrives atop both Gospel Streaming Songs (where its Leonard’s fifth No. 1 and Minaj’s first) and Gospel Digital Song Sales (marking Leonard’s 10th leader and Minaj’s second).”

 

Cobbs-Leonard and Minaj also collaborated in 2017 on the bellower’s “I’m Getting Ready,” marking Minaj’s first Gospel feature.




Pink Friday 2 has had major success since its debut on Minaj’s birthday (Dec. 8). According to Chart Data, PF2 has broken the record for most songs on the Hot 100 chart at one time by a woman rapper. Minaj’s fifth studio album currently has 17 out of 22 tracks charting including: “Everybody” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Needle” with Drake and “FTCU.” Other charting tracks include: “Barbie Dangerous” (No. 58), “Are You Gone Already” (No. 60), “Let Me Calm Down” featuring J. Cole (No. 63), “Beep Beep” (No. 64), “Big Difference” (No. 73) and “RNB” featuring Lil Wayne and Tate Kobang (No. 80). PF2 singles “Super Freaky Girl” peaked at No. 1 last year, “Red Ruby da Sleeze” at No. 13 and “Last Time I Saw You” at No. 23.

Minaj also broke one her inspiration’s records, as she recently surpassed Foxy Brown for most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 by a woman rapper. Minaj now has three. “Umm sir! Only Nic could break tha king[‘s] record,” Foxy wrote in support of her “twin” while alluding to tying with the Queens MC next year, “3rd #1 record dropping 2024.” In another post, Ingavelli wrote, “Hella proud. 26 year record is brazy tho. Y’all mean to tell me no bi**h broke that sh*t in my absence! Took twin to set tha bar again!”

 

In response to all of the support that Pink Friday 2 has received, Minaj took to Instagram to say, “Thank you to everyone who helped on this album in any way. And of course, Thank you for listening.”

Mariah Carey's Recent White House Visit Sparks Mixed Reactions

Prior to concluding her Merry Christmas One And All! tour, Mariah Carey and her twins, Monroe and Moroccan, rang in the holiday season at The White House.
 

“Last week I had the pleasure of meeting President Biden & Vice President Harris at the White House to ring in the holiday season! While there, we got to see all the festive decor and spread some cheer!,” wrote the Queen of Christmas in an Instagram post.
 

However, because of the current conflict happening between Palestine and Israel, Carey’s visit sparked a slew of mixed reactions.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)


One user wrote, “Mariah you’re breaking my heart right now. I love you so much but you’re taking your children to the president that is allowing children to die right now… it’s heartbreaking.”
Another commented, “The pleasure to meet Biden? Disgusting. Another celebrity I’m ready to cross off the list. So disappointing what a bit of attention will do to a person. Bye Mariah.” Mark Edwards and Christian Newman of the popular Instagram profile, @lovefromyourdads, responded, “I hope you sang ‘All I want for Christmas is a CEASEFIRE,'” which is a pun related to her festive hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

 

 

Coco Jones Was Initially Hesitant To Release "ICU": "I Thought It Aged Me"

Coco Jones is basking in her recent feat of earning five Grammy nominations for 2024. The Disney alum is up for Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best R&B Album, and Best R&B Song. Two of her nods stem from her chart-topping ballad, “ICU,” and despite its meteoric success, Jones confessed to being “initially hesitant” to release it as a single.
 

“I thought it aged me,” she revealed to Teen Vogue. Jones would’ve preferred to make “pretty girl club music,” which mirrored her real life. She continued, “I was like, ‘Y’all, please, I want to do choreo. I cannot dance to this.’ I wrote about one heartbreak, but I’m like, ‘Girl, I really enjoy a lot of aspects of my life. I don’t want to have to harp on that.’”

However, “ICU” occupied a pocket within the R&B that had been vacant since Jazmine Sullivan’s “Hurt Me So Good.” Jones was concerned that praise from her loved ones wouldn’t translate into mainstream success.

 


“I had a feeling it was something special, but I swear, I had made special songs my whole life,” explained the Bel-Air star. “I was like, ‘Maybe this will be another time where I give it everything and they don’t care.’” However, everyone cared when Jones stopped R&B lovers and skeptics alike in their tracks with “ICU.” The single peaked No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and scored Jones her first break into the Billboard Hot 100.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Teen Vogue (@teenvogue)

 


When speaking with VIBE back in May about the emotional weight behind “ICU,” the 25-year-old noted that it went beyond the surface. “When you bare your heart like that as an artist, it’s hard for it to not affect you whenever you sing a song because you know exactly what you need. But also, I get so grateful when I can hear the crowd. So, to hear them sing, just like at the top of their lungs, is just always… It reminds me of how long my journey has been,” she expressed. Jones and “ICU” are also up for six Soul Train Awards: Best New Artist, Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year, and The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Coco Jones (@cocojones)

 

Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" To Make Its Award Show Debut At 2023 BBMAs

Mariah Carey is set to take the stage at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.
 

As the Queen of Christmas, it’s only appropriate for her to perform her holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” with a “festive Aspen-inspired and surprise-filled” set, creative directed by the illustrious Debbie Allen. This also marks the first time the record will be performed at an award show.
 

The mother of two described working with Allen as collaborative and intentional, telling Access Hollywood, “I pretty much know if I call Debbie, then it’s a whole different thing.”
 

In addition to that historic moment, Carey is set to receive the Billboard Chart Achievement Award for the success that the timeless smash hit has garnered over the past 30 years.

 


Carey currently holds the record as the artist with most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (91 to be exact), and she’s the female songwriter with the most No. 1 hits on the Hot 100. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has topped the chart annually since 2019.

Despite many suing the singer over alleged copyright infringement, the festive jam still holds the reigns as the official start to the holiday season. Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All! tour kicks off tonight (Nov. 15) in California, ahead of her BBMA performance. The 16-city tour will conclude the week before Christmas on Dec. 17 in New York City at Madison Square Garden. The 2023 Billboard Music Awards will stream live on Nov. 19 via Billboard‘s website and social media platforms.
 

 

Sean Combs (P. Diddy) accused of trafficking, sexual assault and abuse in lawsuit

The singer Cassie has accused hip-hop mogul Sean Combs of rape, trafficking, assault, and more. Cassie, whose real name is Cassandra Ventura, filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday, alleging a history of coercion and abuse that went on for more than a decade.

According to the lawsuit, the two met when Ventura was 19 years old and Combs was 37 years old. By 2006, Ventura signed a record deal with Combs' label Bad Boy Records. Combs then entrenched himself into Ventura's life, gaining control of all aspects of her life while plying her with drugs and alcohol.
 

The relationship soon turned violent. After finding out Ventura spoke with another music manager at a party, Combs allegedly kicked her in the face repeatedly. Combs' own security staff tried to stop him but was unable. According to the lawsuit, Combs then began forcing Ventura to perform sex acts with men he hired while he filmed.

 

In one particularly egregious example of the control Combs exerted, he allegedly became enraged after finding emails between Ventura and the rapper Kid Cudi. From the lawsuit:
 

"In February 2012, during Paris Fashion Week, Mr. Combs told Ms. Ventura that he was going to blow up Kid Cudi's car, and that he wanted to ensure that Kid Cudi was home with his friends when it happened. Around that time, Kid Cudi's car exploded in his driveway."
 

NPR has reached out to Combs' representatives for comment.
 

Combs is one of the biggest figures in popular music. His label, Bad Boy Records, has been home to some of the most foundational acts in hip-hop: the Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mase, and more. Last year he was given a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. In accepting the honor, he said "I really really have to give a sincere thank you to everyone who lifted me up in prayer."
 

In the lawsuit filed, Ventura thanked the passage of New York's Adult Survivor's Act as well as California's Sexual Abuse Accountability and Cover-Up Act for being able to "confront her abuser, and to hold him and those who enabled his abuse accountable for their actions."

Jack Harlow Finally Unleashes Viral "Lovin On Me" Track And Video

Jack Harlow has returned with “Lovin On Me” and an accompanying video. The simple Aidan Cullen-directed visuals dropped on Friday (Nov. 10) and featured an array of Harlow’s friends. Against multicolored backgrounds, Harlow can be seen dancing with a puppy in multiple outfits. 

 

Harlow spoke of the clip before the video was released. He called the track a beginning to his “new era.” He also touted a continued musical shift after the release of this single. 

 

“Thank u for allowing me to reset this year,” he captioned an Instagram post. “I moved back to Kentucky and gave u an album I could not have made on the road. Surrounded by family & childhood friends, this has been one of the happiest years of my life. But now…a new era begins. ‘Lovin On Me’ at midnight EST.”

 


The Kentucky native does appear to be in a happy place in the visuals. He plays off of his friend’s energy as they goof around and vibe to the music. As for the single itself, “Lovin On Me” features a sample from Dale’s “Whatever,” according to Genius.com. Jack borrows the chorus and repurposes it for his song. His verses find the rapper making flirtatious advances toward a potential lover.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @jackharlow


“Young J-A-C-K, AKA Rico, like Suave, Young Enrique/Speakin’ of AKA, she’s an alpha/But not around your boy, she get quiet ’round your boy, hold on,” he raps. “Don’t know what you heard or what you thought about your boy/But they lied about your boy, goin’ dumb and it’s some’ idiotic about your boy/She wearin’ cheetah print, that’s how bad she wanna b? spotted ’round your boy.” “Lovin On Me” was first teased back in October on Jack’s social media. The artist began uploading videos to his TikTok, playing with and walking his dog, using the song. Dressed in New Balance jogger suits, Harlow could be seen rapping along to the chorus before abruptly ending the track. Watch the “Lovin On Me” video above.

 

Victoria Monét And Daughter Hazel Make Grammy History

Victoria Monét‘s much-deserved seven Grammy Award nominations come with a special moment for her closest collaborator. As a featured artist on “Hollywood” from the Jaguar II album, the breakthrough R&B performer’s daughter, Hazel Monét, is also up for big wins at the 2024 event.
 

The 2-year-old’s nominations make her the youngest nominee in Grammy Award history. If the song or album takes the prize, Hazel will be just shy of her third birthday when awarded.
 

“Hollywood” is up for Best Traditional R&B song, and Jaguar II is nominated in the Best R&B Album category. Hazel is also credited as a co-writer on “Hollywood” although the endearing track, which also features Earth, Wind & Fire, is not nominated in a songwriting category.

 

Victoria Monét‘s much-deserved seven Grammy Award nominations come with a special moment for her closest collaborator. As a featured artist on “Hollywood” from the Jaguar II album, the breakthrough R&B performer’s daughter, Hazel Monét, is also up for big wins at the 2024 event. The 2-year-old’s nominations make her the youngest nominee in Grammy Award history. If the song or album takes the prize, Hazel will be just shy of her third birthday when awarded. “Hollywood” is up for Best Traditional R&B song, and Jaguar II is nominated in the Best R&B Album category. Hazel is also credited as a co-writer on “Hollywood” although the endearing track, which also features Earth, Wind & Fire, is not nominated in a songwriting category.


Previously, the youngest person to receive a Grammy nomination as an individual, not part of a duo or group, was DeLeon Richards, who was 8 years old in 1985 when she was nominated for Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female for her album DeLeon. Leah Peasall held the record as the youngest Grammy nominee and winner as part of The Peasall Sisters in 2002 with her siblings Hannah, then 11, and Sarah, then 14. The youngest person to win a Grammy award as an individual, not part of a duo or group, is Blue Ivy, the eldest daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z. She took home the award for Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” in 2021 at 8-years-old.

 


As for Victoria Monét, 2023 served as her breakout year with the release of the aforementioned Jaguar II. Her nominations include Best New Artist, Record of the Year for “On My Mama,” Best R&B Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Jaguar II. She is also up for Best R&B Performance for “How Does It Make You Feel.” “I made a promise to myself when I moved to L.A. that no matter how broke I was, I wouldn’t go get a job that I hated, at an office, or anything that I felt like I didn’t have a passion for. I went through it, being that stubborn Taurus—or determined, if you look at it a certain way, not to do anything less than what I came here for. Not to give up. Not to move home and take the easy way. So, because I don’t view what I’m doing as work, I think that’s why I’m so dedicated to it,” explained the singer earlier this year.

 


This year marks her first time being recognized as a competing artist. Monét was previously up for an award for her work with Ariana Grande as the co-producer of “7 Rings” and Thank U, Next. The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards will return to Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 4, 2024, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live on-demand via Paramount+.
 

 

Chlöe Says Infidelity Has Nothing To Do With Looks: "It's Not A 'You' Thing, It's A 'Them' Thing"

Chlöe is getting real about how art imitates life on her “Cheatback” record. The 25-year-old recently appeared on The Zach Sang Show where she revealed that the song was inspired by her own experiences of being cheated on.
 

“I got cheated on, I had COVID, I was all in my head, in my feelings,” explained the Praise This actress. “That’s why I was like, ‘I was never good enough for you/ You said you didn’t believe in monogamy,’ all that stuff… ’I’m bored [at] my place, I’m gonna cut this.’”
 

Chlöe confessed to having been cheated on “a couple times,” but noted, “You know, I feel like no matter how much of a bad b**ch you are, sometimes n***as will cheat.”

 


She continued, “It’s not a ‘you’ thing, it’s a ‘them’ thing. Anytime I find out somebody cheats, I move on. They don’t believe me. I’ll tell them in the beginning, I’m like ‘You know, we aren’t perfect humans, but you cheat on me? I’m out.’ And they don’t believe me until their number is blocked.” The Grown-ish alum later detailed how she discovered she was being cheated on. “God, Instagram, life, them not putting away evidence, panties, hair ties, a lash extension on the shower floor that’s not mine, and I haven’t been wearing lashes for a while,” Chlöe quipped.

 

When speaking with VIBE about “Cheatback” and the lesson she learned in dealing with the heartbreak and betrayal, the In Pieces singer shared, “You got to love yourself first before you can be open to receiving it from others… I can’t expect another human being to love me when I haven’t fully conquered that and sometimes I hesitate.”

 

She continued, “I’m a pretty insecure person to be honest with you. That shocks people for some reason because from the outside it seems as if I have it all together, it seems that I’m so confident because of how I perceive myself on stage and how I’m comfortable with my body and my curves, but in actuality, I’m so in my head. I’m learning to love being alone.”

 

Coi Leray Says Father Is "Envious" Of Her Success, Benzino Claps Back

Benzino responded to Coi Leray saying he is “envious” of her success. Angie Martinez interviewed Coi for a recent episode of her Angie Martinez IRL Podcast. Angie asked the New Jersey native about her relationship with her dad and how he has received her success. Leray was transparent about her father and stated that there was some envy early in her career. She explained that it was because her father “still has a story to tell” and he wants to “say something.” 
 

“At first it was rocky, because I felt like he couldn’t handle my success,” the “Players” artist expressed. “I felt like it did come from an envious place, which is okay, cause he’s human, and it’s fine. He’s one of those people that feels like, ‘Yo, I still have a story to tell.'”

 

Zino responded to the interview twice on social media. On Saturday (Nov. 11), the former rapper shared a clip from the interview and added a lengthy caption, and the 58-year-old didn’t hold back. 

 


“This has to be the most ridiculous [poop emoji] I’ve heard in my entire life on this earth,” he began typing. “How tf can [I] be envious towards someone I RAISED, NUTURED, PROVIDED FOR, INFLUENCED AND LOVE VERY DEARLY??? This industry and the internet have completely messed up the minds of this young generation. I’m tired of her pushing a false narrative about who I am and what I’ve done as a father.” He then took aim at Angie Martinez and claimed that she was using the moment to be “manipulative and messy.” “In my 40 years in Hip-Hop I’ve never ever seen an artist DOG their parents out the way Coi does and it’s embarrassing and sad… and one last thing, @angiemartinez knows she doesn’t like me so she’s just being manipulative and messy. They want me crash out but I’ve worked on myself so hard that I ain’t going backwards for ANYTHING, but what I won’t do is allow ANYONE to slander my name and push a false narrative on my reputation and who I am.”

 


He followed up with two more Instagram posts. Both posts were created in his notepad app and took two different approaches. The first post blasted the “bad dad” narrative and asserted that he was in Coi’s life since she was born. A second subsequent post seemingly detailed his relationship with his daughter as “beyond repair.” He gave the situation up to God and explained that was good enough. Coi Leray has yet to respond to her father’s IG comments. Watch the interview above.

 

Coi Leray has yet to respond to her father’s IG comments. Watch the interview above.

 

Yung Miami Reveals Secret To How She Got Diddy To Date Her

Yung Miami has shared her secret to getting Sean “Diddy” Combs to date her.

The rapper recently spoke with Billboard News while promoting her and City Girls groupmate JT’s new studio album R.A.W. and was asked to give her advice on how someone can “bag” a billionaire like Diddy. According to the Florida native, she wasn’t perceived to be someone that Diddy would be attracted to, which leads her to believe that simply being authentic to herself is what captured the mogul’s affection upon interacting with one another.
 

“I don’t know ’cause people say that I wasn’t Diddy type,” the 29-year-old explains. “But clearly, I am. So, I think that you just be yourself because people, they gravitate towards real. Like, so many people try to be something that they not. You just got to be yourself. I’m just myself. I’m just that b***h and that’s how you just bag a n***a.”

 


Yung Miami and Diddy have enjoyed a whirlwind romance that has captured numerous headlines since news of the pair dating first surfaced back in 2021. They have been spotted with one another on several occasions, attending many high-profile events such as the 2023 Met Gala, where Diddy confirmed that the rapper was his date for the evening and that he considers her his “best friend in the world.”

“We definitely go together real bad!” he said at the time when asked of their relationship status. “She’s my date for the night… We don’t put titles on it. Everybody wants us to put a title on it, we don’t put titles. This like my best friend in the world, one of the most beautiful people God has blessed me with. And I’m blessed that she’s my date tonight.” This past September, Yung Miami commended Diddy’s prowess in the bedroom, admitting that she was surprised by his sexual stamina. “Let me tell y’all something. This ni**a don’t go to sleep,” the 29-year-old revealed on the 54-year-old’s Love Radio podcast with Apple Music. “I be like goddamn. I’ma tell y’all something, for real, for real, for real, I really thought that I was gon’ make him tap out… This ni**a don’t go to sleep. I be like, ‘You need to go to sleep.’ You gotta be charged up like a Tesla.”

 

 

Ne-Yo And Fabolous Add To List Of Classic Collabs With "Link Up Remix" Music Video

Ne-Yo and Fabolous are back with the R&B singer’s latest remix.

The frequent collaborators share the spotlight on the “Link Up” remix, released last week. The song is co-written by Arin Ray and Eric Bellinger and features production from Hitmaka, Wu10, and Cardiak.
 

Directed by Azzie Scott, the black-and-white visual for “Link Up” remix finds Ne-Yo showcasing his dancing skills alongside a group of sleek performers. Fabolous also appears, rapping his verse on the flirtatious track.

“Link Up” remix adds to the duo’s growing list of collabs, including “She Got Her Own” with Jamie Foxx, Fabolous’ “Make Me Better,” and “Makin Love,” and Ne-Yo’s “Should Be You,” which also features Diddy.

 


 

“Link Up” was initially released on Sept. 29 through Motown Records/Compound Entertainment. The original video takes a more colorful approach to the upbeat song. Also directed by Azzie Scott, Ne-Yo and Hitmaka enjoy a day of tropical fun. “Tell me I’m your favorite tonight/And we gon’ do, we gon’ do everything you like,” croons the 44-year-old on the song’s opening verse.
 


The track is Ne-Yo’s first single of the year, following his 2022 studio album, Self Explanatory, which featured collaborations with artists like Yung Bleu, Jeremih, and Trippie Redd across 13 tracks. The singer also released a deluxe holiday album, Another Kind Of Christmas, last year. During an interview last month with The Cruz Show on Real 92.3 Ne-Yo discussed a new album, due soon after locking in with Hitmaka. “I’m in album mode right now” he revealed, sharing how the pair have created four songs for the project. Later in the conversation he added, “I’m having fun. At this point in the game, Im doing what feels good to me and hoping that the world digs it too…I think that’s the beautiful thing about being 20 years in.”

 

 

 

Chris Brown Shares Official Tracklist For '11:11? Album

Chris Brown has updated fans with details on his upcoming album 11:11. Taking to social media on Monday (Nov. 6), the R&B singer shared the tracklist and a handful of features for the anticipated work.

The Instagram carousel upload detailed the album’s Side A and Side B, each featuring 11 individual tracks. Side A will include Brown’s single “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay. “Nightmares,” a collaboration with Byron Messia issued on Tuesday (Nov. 7), is also featured on Side A.

Future and Fridayy are also set to appear on 11:11, however, the musicians are not yet associated with a specific song. Additionally, the chart-topping singer promises additional unnamed guest artists.

 


11:11 is set to be released on Saturday, with Side A dropping at 11 a.m., and Side B at 11 p.m. as detailed on social media when Brown shared the official album art last month. The project was first announced by the Virginia native this summer. It is appropriately his 11th studio album. “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,” said the “Wall To Wall” performer. View Chris Brown’s upload and the 11:11 tracklist below.

 

11:11 Tracklist Side A:

  1. Angel #’s x 10 Toes
  2. Sensational feat. Davido and Lojay
  3. Press Me
  4. That’s On You feat…
  5. Feel Something
  6. Best Ever feat…
  7. NO ONE Else feat…
  8. Shooter
  9. Nightmares feat Byron Messia
  10. Very Special
  11. Messed Up

11:11 Tracklist Side B

  1. MIDNIGHT FREAK
  2. MOONLIGHT
  3. BOUNCIN X G5
  4. MAKE UP YA MIND
  5. Stutter
  6. Need a Friend
  7. Summer Too Hot
  8. Feelings Don’t Lie
  9. RED FLAGS
  10. CLOSER
  11. Double Negative feat…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BROWN (@chrisbrownofficial)

 

Willow Explores Her Solitude In "alone" Music Video

WILLOW has shared her first release, “alone,” with her new label partner, Three Six Zero Recordings. It is the formal introduction into the singer’s next musical direction and lays the foundation for her new album coming next year.
 

Of the hypnotizing record, WILLOW explained in a statement, “Solitude can become one of our biggest teachers and tools if we truly want to know ourselves completely. I think solitude can be scary for humans sometimes. There is so much space to remember and reflect on things that may be really painful for us. But in my experience, when we open ourselves to this specific flavor of groundlessness we begin to see the inner workings of our minds and hearts in so many beautiful ways that allow us to interact with life with more honesty and presence.”

 


“alone” commands a similar strength exuded on her most recent album, , while also tapping into a level of vulnerability she’s previously kept under wraps.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ∴ W ∴ (@willowsmith)


The youngest child of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith revealed to Rolling Stone that sitting with the “emotional discomfort” of her new single helped her prioritize compassion and gratitude, starting with her mother. “I really started loving her with so much more tenderness and way less expectations, which allowed her to see me differently and to love me differently, and to love me with a little bit more allowance for the parts of me that remind her of the parts of herself that have always caused her pain,” WILLOW explained.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ∴ W ∴ (@willowsmith)


Not only did recording her new album make room for grace, but it also helped with the 23-year-old’s sobriety. “For , I was almost never sober in the studio. And for this new album, I was sober for every single recording session. I feel like my mind state was extremely different.” In terms of what fans can expect, WILLOW noted, “I had always seen music in my own abstract way, but making blew my mind open to the science of harmony and rhythm. I feel like ‘alone’ straddles two worlds […] but there’s this underlying complexity that is just such a great foreshadowing for what’s to come.” Watch full video above.

 

 

Yvonne Orji Opens Up About "Pent-Up" Sexual Energy As A 39-Year-Old Virgin

Yvonne Orji is a proud virgin at 39, but is concerned about her future partner.
 

The Insecure actress appeared on an episode of Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea podcast, back in September, where she confirmed that she’s still a virgin. “Oh my God! I love this,” Handler gushed. “This is the most original guest we’ve ever had on! And what are you, 39? Oh my God. That dam is going to break one day, baby.”
 

In response, Orji joked, “Let me tell you right now — people were like, ‘Oh Yvonne.’ I was like ‘pray for him! Whoever he is. Y’all need to pray for him.’ There’s a lot of pent-up energy up in here with me.”

 


Handler teased that by the time the comedienne loses her virginity, she’ll hit her “sexual peak,” so she’ll “need a couple of men, probably.” Orji comically fired back in third person. “Yvonne went from being a virgin to polyamory,” she replied. Back in 2017, the Nigerian-American actress shared that she doesn’t want to have sex until she’s married. “Before any of [the fame] happened, I sat down with myself and with God and thought, when I make it, how do you want me to represent you while I’m here?” she told PEOPLE.

 

 


Answering her own question, Orji continued, “It was like, OK, I know why I’m here. It’s to make you proud.” She later added, “People ask about it because they’re curious, or they may not understand. How will they ever get understand if I don’t talk about it? I can inform your curiosity, as opposed to everyone being in the dark and just sort of creating their own narrative about it.” The Vacation Friends star also opened up about her faith and sex with Hailey Bieber. Orji was romantically linked to former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho in 2018, but following their split a year later, she has kept her dating life away from public purview.

 

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