R&B singer SZA has shared a new single titled “Shirt” — some two years after she first teased it, but promises that more than six years after her 2016 debut, “It’s album time baby. Y’all gonna get it all. New era starts now.” The song was released alongside a Dave Meyers-directed video depicting SZA and actor LaKeith Stanfield as a couple on a violent crime spree that nods to everything from the 1971 film “Shaft” to multiple Quentin Tarantino projects. The pair’s outlaw relationship also evokes genre classics like 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde” and 1994’s “Natural Born Killers.”

Fair warning: It contains scenes of graphic violence.

The visual treatment follows the stars as they commit ruthless murders and wreak havoc on their town, and both the song and the video reference other movies, like 2001’s “Save the Last Dance.” (“I ain’t no Julia Stiles / This ain’t no ‘Last Dance’… Fuckin’ up my ex / ’cause he validate me,” SZA sings over airy strings.)

The new music video also marks the third time SZA has worked with Meyers, previously collaborating on visuals for “Drew Barrymore” (which featured a cameo from the track’s namesake) in 2017, and in 2018 alongside former TDE labelmate Kendrick Lamar for “All The Stars,” the resonant theme song for the first “Black Panther” movie. Stanfield, the “Atlanta” and “Judas and the Black Messiah” actor, has also previously worked with SZA on the visualizer for her late 2021 loose single “I Hate U.”

SZA’s adventures in acting will continue with her feature film debut for the upcoming “Tuna Melt” by Eddie Huang, which has been described as “an updated ‘Pulp Fiction’ meets ‘High Fidelity.'”

“Shirt” has floated around online in various forms in the past year, as the TDE artist first teased it on her Instagram Story in 2020, later following it up with a snippet on TikTok through a dance challenge back in January 2021. Videos using the snippet on the platform have amassed more than 145 million views since.

She also performed a preview of the song during a live performance for Grey Goose last July. SZA previously shared that Doja Cat would appear on “Shirt” at a festival stop this past summer, though the “Kiss Me More” artist does not appear on the released track.

Regarding her long-awaited sophomore major-label album, which is coming up on six years in the making following 2017’s “Ctrl,” SZA told Variety at the Grammys earlier this April that it was finally finished and on the way. “I just finished it up in Hawaii,” she said. “And it’s coming soon!” Asked for details on her next project, she said, “I think it’s my most unisex album. I think it’s for everyone.”

Although more recently, the singer has been more ambiguous about when the project would come, telling Complex earlier this month that she’s focused on creating her “ideal situation” for the new album’s release rather than cave to outside pressure to drop.

“I don’t have any deadlines because, at the end of the day, when my shit comes out, it comes out,” she said. “And if ever I lose my ability to choose, I have no problem vacating my current life and doing something different. I’m not glued to being an artist for the rest of my life or anything for that matter. I’m seeing where it takes me.”

SZA’s most recent musical guest appearance came in August, laying down vocals on DJ Khaled’s “Beautiful” alongside Future.

SHIRT VIDEO OUT NOW ! https://t.co/U1QgtwYxO5 pic.twitter.com/JYsqEnWJFp

— SZA (@sza) October 28, 2022

There’s just something about the female singers who can hit those lower-range notes.
 

R&B legend Toni Braxton was getting ready for the weekend when she dropped a video on her Instagram singing to Beyoncé‘s “Cuff It,” one of the fan-favorite songs from Bey’s 2022 album, Renaissance.
 

The video shows the iconic singer dancing in the mirror with a black and white hoodie, matching baseball cap, and her phone in hand to record the magic. The Instagram timeline was graced with a new take on the song as Ms. Braxton took the notes to a whole other level, literally.
 

The “Unbreak My Heart” singer is known for singing in a lower register, and the ToniTigerz, the name used as the Instagram story title where she reposts her fans, are always waiting to learn of the next venture for the singer..

According to Hello Beautfiul, comments from followers rolled in back to back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton)

Music lovers rejoice! Some of the biggest R&B and hip hop stars are joining forces for one of the biggest festivals of 2023. The “I Love RNB” festival, set to take place on Saturday, May 27th at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, will feature Ashanti, Ja Rule and Fabolous as headliners. 
 

Some of the biggest stars of the early 2000’s will also be performing during the festival, including Mya, Chingy, Pleasure P, Nivea, Ruff Endz, Marques Houston, 702, Lil Flip and more. Needless to say, friends are excited about the nostalgic event. 

Jeremih breezes through songs like he’s recording from the backseat of a limo. On his last solo studio album, 2015’s Late Nights: The Album, he sang about stumbling through orgies and velvet-roped VIP sections, his wispy voice gliding over spare synth plucks and woozy bass. But there’s more to Jeremih than just debauchery; he’s one of R&B’s most tender lotharios, a persona he perfected on 2018’s MihTy, a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign. In between triplet flows and sex-crazed verses, he approached ballads and slow jams with the winking earnestness of someone who’s promised his partner he’ll never step foot in a strip club again.
 

“Changes” marks Jeremih’s first solo single in six years. Produced by frequent collaborator and fellow Chicago native Hitmaka, it’s a breakup-to-makeup number whose nostalgic R&B is of a piece with MihTy. Over a glossy sample of Avant’s “Read Your Mind,” plus horn flares and a funky bassline, Jeremih tries to weasel out of a lovers’ spat: “How you gonna forget all the things we did in one argument?” He’s still muttering horny lines about handcuffs and favorite positions—but in the chorus, his cadence stabilizes and his apology deepens, his voice rising to a falsetto as he pleads for forgiveness. Rather than being passed out in the club, he’s “standing in the rain,” as confident as ever that he can strike the right note.

Maxwell is one of the artists who put neo soul on the map. During the summer of 1996, he made his mark on the industry. In 2017, Maxwell spoke to Hip-HopVibe.com about his history in music, and his knowledge. Lately, he has been trending on social media. As a result, Maxwell’s performance videos have gotten a lot of attention.

Maxwell left his mark on the game with his single, “Fortunate,” from the Life soundtrack. Not only is that song a classic, but it is also Maxwell’s best known single. In addition, Maxwell’s hook was sampled by Usher on his 2001 single, “U Got It Bad.” As a result, that line was introduced to millions of additional fans.

Maxwell ain’t got a single song that calls for this pic.twitter.com/Nc8gkFNFoP

— super freaky grandma (@artfulkash) October 23, 2022

Maxwell is seeing a lot of his performance footage getting a lot of attention. Lately, there is more attention being given to Maxwell and what he is doing during these concerts. One thing is for sure, Maxwell is going to dance. When they say someone is getting down with the dances, it is actually literal in this case. Several videos of Maxwell’s dances have gone viral on Twitter. Recently, a man shared a video of Maxwell doing his dance, with his knees bent, doing some kind of chicken dance.

Fan voting for all awards is now open with the exception of Favorite K-Pop Artist, that will open on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
 

The 2022 American Music Awards airs live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Artist Of The Year
Adele
Bad Bunny
Beyoncé
Drake
Harry Styles
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
 

New Artist Of The Year
Dove Cameron
Gayle
Latto
Måneskin
Steve Lacy
 

Collaboration Of The Year
Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Elton John & Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”
Future ft. Drake & Tems, “Wait For U”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
 

Favorite Touring Artist
Bad Bunny
Coldplay
Ed Sheeran
Elton John
The Rolling Stones
 

Favorite Music Video
Adele, “Easy on Me”
Bad Bunny ft. Chencho Corleone, “Me Porto Bonito”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
Taylor Swift, “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)”
 

Favorite Male Pop Artist
Bad Bunny
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Harry Styles
The Weeknd
 

Favorite Female Pop Artist
Adele
Beyoncé
Doja Cat
Lizzo
Taylor Swift
 

Favorite Pop Duo Or Group
BTS
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Måneskin
OneRepublic
 

Favorite Pop Album
Adele, 30
Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti
Beyoncé, Renaissance
Harry Styles, Harry’s House
Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)
The Weeknd, Dawn FM
 

Favorite Pop Song
Adele, “Easy on Me”
Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
 

Favorite Male Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Walker Hayes
 

Favorite Female Country Artist
Carrie Underwood
Lainey Wilson
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
 

Favorite Country Duo or Group
Dan + Shay
Lady A
Old Dominion
Parmalee
Zac Brown Band
 

Favorite Country Album
Carrie Underwood, Denim & Rhinestones
Luke Combs, Growin’ Up
Cody Johnson, Human: The Double Album
Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes, Country Stuff: The Album
 

Favorite Country Song
Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”
Cody Johnson, “’Til You Can’t”
Dustin Lynch ft. MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt”
Morgan Wallen, “Wasted on You”
 

Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Baby
Lil Durk
 

Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
 

Favorite Hip-Hop Album
Future, I Never Liked You
Gunna, DS4EVER
Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Lil Durk, 7220
Polo G, Hall of Fame 2.0
 

Favorite Hip-Hop Song
Future ft. Drake & Tems, “Wait For U”
Jack Harlow, “First Class”
Kodak Black, “Super Gremlin”
Latto, “Big Energy”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
 

Favorite Male R&B Artist
Brent Faiyaz
Chris Brown
Giv?on
Lucky Daye
The Weeknd
 

Favorite Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Doja Cat
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
 

Favorite R&B Album
Beyoncé, Renaissance
Drake, Honestly, Nevermind
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), An Evening with Silk Sonic
Summer Walker, Still Over It
The Weeknd, Dawn FM
 

Favorite R&B Song
Beyoncé, “Break My Soul”
Muni Long, “Hrs And Hrs”
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), “Smokin Out The Window”
SZA, “I Hate U”
Wizkid ft. Tems, “Essence”
 

Favorite Male Latin Artist
Bad Bunny
Farruko
J Balvin
Jhayco
Rauw Alejandro
 

Favorite Female Latin Artist
Anitta
Becky G
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rosalía
 

Favorite Latin Duo or Group
Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Eslabon Armado
Grupo Firme
Yahritza Y Su Esencia
 

Favorite Latin Album
Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti
Farruko, La 167
J Balvin, Jose
Rauw Alejandro, Vice Versa
Rosalía, Motomami
 

Favorite Latin Song
Bad Bunny ft. Chencho Corleone, “Me Porto Bonito”
Becky G x Karol G, “MAMIII”
Karol G, “Provenza”
Rauw Alejandro, “Todo de Ti”
Sebastián Yatra, “Dos Oruguitas”
 

Favorite Rock Artist
Imagine Dragons
Machine Gun Kelly
Måneskin
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Lumineers
 

Favorite Rock Song
Foo Fighters, “Love Dies Young”
Imagine Dragons x JID, “Enemy”
Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”
Måneskin, “Beggin’”
Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black Summer”
 

Favorite Rock Album
Coldplay, Music of the Spheres
Ghost, Impera
Imagine Dragons, Mercury – Act 1
Machine Gun Kelly, mainstream sellout
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Unlimited Love
 

Favorite Inspirational Artist
Anne Wilson
for King & Country
Katy Nichole
Matthew West
Phil Wickham
 

Favorite Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
DOE
E. Dewey Smith
Maverick City Music
Tamela Mann
 

Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist
Diplo
Marshmello
Swedish House Mafia
The Chainsmokers
Tiësto
 

Favorite Soundtrack
ELVIS
Encanto
Sing 2
Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 4
Top Gun: Maverick
 

Favorite Afrobeats Artist
Burna Boy
CKay
Fireboy DML
Tems
Wizkid
 

Favorite K-Pop Artist
Blackpink
BTS
Seventeen
Tomorrow X Together
Twice

R&B singer-songwriter Joyce Sims has died, aged 63.

Sims was best known for her hit ‘Come Into My Life’, which reached the top 10 charts in both the UK and the US. Her first hit, ‘All And All’ reached number six in the US dance chart and entered the top 20 in the UK singles chart.
 

Sim’s death was confirmed on social media by family members although no cause of death was given. NME has reached out to Sims’ representatives for comment.

One of Sims’ sisters, Annette Ramsey wrote on social media: “my heart is broken” and wrote on Facebook: “I will always remember the happy times we’ve shared, the love and support you have given me will not go in vain. I Love you Big Sis RIP.”

Another of her sisters, Debbie Sims Hall described the late singer as “a beautiful soul inside and out” who “will truly be missed”.
 

Events organiser CJ Carlos wrote on Facebook last night (October 15): “Having spoken to her immediate family tonight, it’s with a heavy heart that i post this news Joyce Sims has passed away. Joyce was an amazing singer song writer who had so many hits in the 80s.
 

“As most of you know she was going to be one of our USA artist’s in Portugal next May. My heart goes out to her partner Errol and their children and close family.”

Among those paying tribute today to Sims included Happy Mondays singer Rowetta and Dave Haslam, who described Sims as “an incredibly talented singer and songwriter”.
 

Patti LaBelle doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon after over 60 years as an entertainer.
 

The “Lady Marmalade” singer sat with CBS Mornings and revealed that Mariah Carey, Ledisi, and Jazmine Sullivan are all set to appear on her new album.

“[There will be] a lot of surprises,” said LaBelle, 78. After dabbling in several genres including jazz and gospel, the Philly native revealed that her constant need to reinvent herself is “very intentional.”
 

“You don’t want to become boring to people,” she explained.

LaBelle first spoke on her collaboration with the Heaux Tales singer during her recent Drink Champs episode.
 

“I thought Jazmine Sullivan hated me,” LaBelle told N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. “Whenever I would see her, she’s shy and I would give her all these props and stuff and I’d say ‘baby girl don’t like me.’ My feelings were hurt until last week.”

The women wound up on a call in which Sullivan expressed her longtime admiration. “When we talked on the phone, she said ‘Patti LaBelle, you’re my everything. I love you so much.’ So, you see how things are misunderstood in this business … sometimes people wanna make us hate each other and say ‘oh, she don’t like her.’”
 

The forthcoming, untitled LP marks LaBelle’s first in 15 years, but she has yet to announce further details. In the meantime, watch songstress sashay through her iconic catalog for NPR’s Tiny Desk below.

Warning: The following article contains triggering language, photo and/or video related to domestic violence.
 

Ashanti has taken to social media in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sharing photos of her younger sister, Shia Douglas, who has previously spoken out about being a victim of partner abuse.
 

“It is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Words will never be able to express the amount of pain, fury and disgust I feel reliving these moments,” the singer, 41, began in a lengthy Instagram post dedicated to her younger sibling. “but at the same time I am so proud of how strong, courageous, resilient and unbreakable you are. My sister is a warrior! I love you deep and infinitely.”
 

Kenashia “Shia” Douglas previously revealed that she was involved in a violent relationship with her ex-fiancé, Slow Bucks, releasing graphic photos in 2020 of her battered and bruised face, as well as clips of her reconstruction surgery on her mouth and jaw, 

Shia also shared an Instagram post including the photos two days prior to Ashanti’s own carousel.

“Thank you for being so brave and bringing awareness to this evil, vile and sad behavior that so many women face every day. You did it! You won!,” the “Only U” artist continued. “Some women feel so scared that they have no way out… by sharing your story you bring hope, strength & continue to raise awareness for Domestic Violence. God continues to bless you every day as you grow, prosper… and walk in your purpose…your heart, mind and conscience are clear…you will get back EVERYTHING YOU DESERVE!!!”
 

In Shai’s own post, she reflected on her “toxic” relationship, saying she put up with more than she should’ve due to her desire to “create her own family.”

“My undying loyalty and strong desire to create my own family had me accepting things I never should have. I’ve been Punched, spat on, strangled, pushed to the ground. And been threatened with a ?..,” she courageously shared.

“I look at these pictures and I hold grace and patience for the woman I was and everything she didn’t know!,” Shia continued. “I love her and thank her for her role in my journey. I don’t consider myself a victim or a survivor, this is all apart of my story, my life and my journey.”

Los Angeles – After a 2-year pandemic hiatus, R&B Soul Legend, Bobby Brown and his wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, co-founders of The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House (BKSH) are proud to announce the 3rd Annual “Celebration of Serenity” Gala and Golf Tournament, in support of the fight against domestic violence, to take place at the Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge, CA on Sunday, October 16th and Monday, October 17th, 2022 respectively.

This year, the gala will honor champions who lead by example, and set a standard of excellence with their professional accomplishments and their personal humanitarian efforts.

Two-time Emmy®-winning journalist, author and executive producer, Tamron Hall will be honored with the “Courage of Voice” award for her humanitarian work in creating The Tamron Renate Fund to support Safe Horizon victims and raising awareness for women, children and families who have loved ones experiencing the emotional and physical abuse brought on by domestic abuse.

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and cancer survivor, Angela Winbush will receive the “Thrivers Award,” which honors those who persevere, achieve their goals, and even surpass them, despite life-altering circumstances, as they continue to inspire and encourage others along their journey.

The star-studded event will be hosted by actress and NAACP Image Award winner, Tisha Campbell, with entertainment provided by world-renowned DJ Cassidy (Pass the Mic), and some of the most accomplished artists and close friends of Bobby Brown.

“Pre-pandemic statistics show that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner,” stated Bobby Brown. “That’s more than 10 million women and men a year. These numbers have heightened more behind closed in the midst of the pandemic. Our foundation is committed to doing our part through the BKSH to give a voice to the voiceless.”

Founded in 2015, the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House has worked diligently to fulfill their goal to provide 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency transitional shelter, access to resources/referral services, advocacy for social change, and expert support services for survivors of domestic violence.

The Foundation’s primary goal is to assist in eliminating the epidemic of domestic violence against women, children, men, and families.

The Foundation’s primary goal is to assist in eliminating the epidemic of domestic violence against women, children, men, and families.

The BKSH has partnered with Brookview House in Boston, MA and S.H.A.R.E. House in Atlanta, GA to provide support to victims in both cities.
 

Both foundations will oversee domestic violence calls that come through the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House hotline in their states.
 

For more information about the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, please go to https://bobbikristinaserenityhouse.org

Tickets available at www.bobbikristinaserenityhouse.org

Fans anticipating SZA’s long-awaited sophomore album could be left anticipating a little longer.

In a recent interview with Complex, the “Good Days” singer opened up about the follow-up to her 2017 debut, Ctrl. While she says the project is complete, the R&B star is in no hurry to release it.

“I just recently finished it up in Hawaii,” she told the outlet in April. On the red carpet at the Met Gala in May, she again said “My album is, like, ready to go—more than I’ve ever felt before. So this summer, it will be a SZA summer.” Summer came and went and still no SZA album and definitely no SZA season.

“I appreciate [my fans] patience, but constantly trying to people-please and fulfill expectations instead of just thinking about what you need can deter you from your true path,” she explained, laying herself transparent in the conversation. “And the next thing you know you’re somebody that you never signed up to be. Even with this album, I just wanna be better than my last project to myself. I wanna be a better writer. I wanna be a better artist, musician… a better thinker. I just wanna do things that make myself proud and interested.”

Right now, she is in an “ideal situation” with no interest in dropping an album on anyone’s time but hers. “I don’t have any deadlines,” she continued, “because, at the end of the day, when my shit comes out, it comes out. And if ever I lose my ability to choose, I have no problem vacating my current life and doing something different.”

That seems to be the verdict. We’ll get a new album when we get it.