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.
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.
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.
Posted About Five Months Ago by
Andrew Limbong (NPR)
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 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.
“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‘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 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.”
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Alicia Keys is celebrating her influential sophomore album, The Diary Of Alicia Keys, with a special deluxe edition re-release, one-night-only intimate performance, and a limited edition vinyl.
The full deluxe edition of Diary drops on Dec. 1, featuring nine bonus tracks including the previously unreleased “Golden Child,” which stemmed from a poem in her book, Tears For Water: Poems & Lyrics, of the same name.
A decade ago, Keys first unearthed the record from her personal vault, AKVault, that houses an onset of unreleased live performances, recordings, archived behind-the-scenes videos, and more.
On the now-deactivated website, the mother of two revealed, “I wrote this song to pull myself up out of a slump I was in. Feelings of not going anywhere, fears of not being able to make it.”
That evening, Keys will perform the LP in its entirety at New York City’s Webster Hall. This is the same intimate venue she performed at in 2003 for AOL Broadband Rocks!. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Nov. 3), with a portion of the proceeds going to the Keep A Child Alive organization. Four of the new additions to The Diary of Alicia Keys 20 are live performances from that 2003 AOL show— “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Diary” featuring Jermaine Paul, “You Don’t Know My Name,” and “Streets of New York.” The extended LP will also include the recent orchestral and Spanish versions of “If I Ain’t Got You.” Furthermore, Urban Outfitters will be releasing the limited edition vinyl of the original album. Vinyl Me, Please will also be releasing their limited 20th anniversary vinyl of the Grammy-winning LP. This version includes a lyric and photo booklet with a handwritten letter from Keys. Someone at random will be gifted with the original letter.
She previously shared a different song, “Is It Insane,” from her vault that was intended for Diary, but found its home on her 2021 album, KEYS. The New York native told Rated R&B, “Honestly, that song is one of my favorite songs of my entire life. I’m talking about it right now and am getting chills. That’s how I feel about that song.”
When asked about not including it back in 2003, Keys explained, “I remember writing it just how I wrote ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ in that Diary moment… After I finished writing [‘Is It Insane’], I loved it, but I was like, ‘It doesn’t fit.’ Every year, every album after, I would go back to ‘Is It Insane’ and be like, ‘Does it fit here? Can it fit?’ Finally, I started to be like, ‘I guess it’s not meant to fit.’” However, for KEYS, she noted, “It fits as if it has been the missing piece of the entire album. It was meant for this album. Sometimes, songs are just waiting for their time. And now this one has found its time.” Revisit The Diary Of Alicia Keys above.
Ella Mai is a true romantic and one of R&B’s current love song experts. After signing to Mustard’s 10 Summers Records in 2016, she went on to open up for Kehlani on the SweetSexySavage Tour the following year before garnering meteoric success with her hit single, “Boo’d Up,” from her 2017 EP, READY.
The song broke records on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, is RIAA-certified 7x Platinum, and earned Mai her first Grammy.
However, being that some of us were fans of the British singer long before she went viral — with the help of “Trip” and the aforementioned smash — VIBE took this as an opportunity to dig through the now 29-year-old’s discography and share some B-sides or sleepers that shouldn’t be.
From one record that lives solely on Soundcloud to deep cuts from her EP era and more, we’re giving Mai her much deserved flowers while she’s busy working on her third album. Ready to fall back in love with Ella Mai? Allow these 10 selections to encourage you to do so.
"1. "Just In Time"
This is one of those tracks that only Mai fans who were around before she was signed to Mustard’s 10 Summers would know. We’re talking back when the songbird was still doing Instagram covers. “Just In Time” was released back in 2015, ahead of the release of her debut mixtape, Troubled. It was the beginning of her cementing her place as a pioneer of modern-day love songs. “Just in time/ You don’t need nobody else/ Partner in crime, partner in crime/ Love you more than life itself,” Mai sings. She reflected on those around her being jealous of her relationship because the two were made for each other. The relatability, sound, and catchy lyrics have transcended time. Even in recent years, fans gravitated back to her Soundcloud, urging her to “do more songs like this” and she should.
2. "Makes Me Wonder"
Out of her EP trilogy, Ready was definitely her best. While it did boast the Grammy-winning single, “Boo’d Up,” there were several gems that were slept on, including “Makes Me Wonder.”
The song paints a vivid picture that’s reminiscent of a rom-com meet cute as she sings, “Met you in the lobby, I was just arriving, you was checking out/ Felt you staring at me and immediately I had no doubt/ Missed your flight, we spent the week together, but it’s all over now/ ’Cause we tried to keep it going when we got home/ But our heads were in the clouds.”
The daydream continues as she reflects on a late-night drive they took and their magical time spent together. The record oozes innocence and romance.
Fun fact: It was once called “Summer Of Love” with an alternate chorus—”We can take it to when/ We were young and free, stressed about nothing/ Drivin’ your car, going too far/ Like it’s the summer of love,” as told by Mai in December 2020 on Twitter.
3. "Close"
“Close” was the start of Mai’s grown and sexy era. The ballad is the true end of her debut, eponymous album and feels like something you’d hear at an underground lounge that you stumbled upon with your partner after a dreamy date night. Caught up in the intense emotion of desire and yearning as you embrace each other on the dance floor, Mai sings, “It could be a room full of people, you still my sight/ Look at how the whole world is searchin’, but I got mine/ It’s emotional, uncontrollable, all I think about is you/ So if the tears wanna flood my gates…” Whisking away into a world all your own, she continues, “I don’t even really care who knows it/ Just keep me there, keep me in the moment/ Seen a lot of things, but I never seen my spirit glowin’.” This is one feeling many never want to end, and for Mai, this is one of her sexiest records.
4. "Own It"
Now, if “Close” is Mai’s sexiest record, “Own It” is No. 2. The sampling of Adina Howard and Jamie Foxx’s 1998 slow jam, “T-Shirt & Panties,” alone takes the record to a certain, amorous place. But then, Mai starts the track by saying, “I put the na-na in naughty/ Begging for it, got you on your knees/ Didn’t make it to the bedroom, we can do it there too/ Whatever’s your fantasy…” This takes it from “okay” to “oh damn.” Previously, the British singer had not sang so provocatively, and this told her listeners that she wasn’t just a hopeless romantic with her head in the clouds, but a woman ready to let her fanbase in on her lived experience. With the help of co-writers Lucky Daye and Kosine, this helped Mai step into adulthood musically.
5. "Lay Up"
Coming from her 2016 Change EP is bop, “Lay Up.” It’s summertime and escapism encapsulated in one three-minute song. As she and her beau set off onto some place off-the-grid, the record even works if this were intended to be a party for one. Being one of those proclaimed “carefree let-your-hair-down type of songs,” Mai told Genius that when she first heard the Mustard-produced beat, she knew she wanted to have fun with it. R&B needs more fun and not to mention, it could easily serve as a set-up for Mai and Usher’s 2019 collaboration, “Don’t Waste My Time.“
6. "Breakfast In Bed"
“Breakfast In Bed” is another gem from 2017’s Ready and a different type of beggin’ R&B record. Mai lays in bed, confused by her romantic partner and wonders why he isn’t with her. This leads to her questioning, “Why you playin’ hard to get?,” before pleading, “So let me take you to my room, I’ll give you what you need/ I just want to take you home with me/ I just want to take this to another level/ Get you high off my intensity.” Despite this being a “pick me” anthem, it’s infectious in all the best ways, driving home the notion that Ready was a great conclusion to her EP era.
7. "Trying"
When Mai released her sophomore album, Heart On My Sleeve, I tweeted, “Ella Mai had nerve starting this album with ‘Trying.’ Points were made.” It was as though she had something to prove after a four-year hiatus between albums. With “Trying,” it was evident that not only had she evolved, but her voice did, as well. She opened the LP by singing. No skits, preludes, or poems necessary. Not to mention, the song is an endearing tribute to one’s effort in a relationship, especially considering that people make dating much harder than it needs to be because many lack actual effort and reciprocity. “Trying” is also one of the more recent tracks that has an actual bridge—”Truth is, I’m down/ You ain’t been in love/ But you’re learnin’ how I need you now/ Kind of feel weird ’cause you’re not so comfortable sharin’ your feelings/ Ooh, I commend you/ You’re really winnin’/ You got my attention, no competition.” Not only does her man have her attention, but she has ours.
8. "Our Song"
“Our Song” is one of the bonus tracks from Heart On My Sleeve (Deluxe). The ballad is sultry, made strictly for bedroom activities. With most of her discography comprised of romantic songs and break-up anthems, switching gears to make more seductive slow jams is on par with where she is currently. “Just like that my love got you started/ Keep it up and you can stay inside it/ Replays on my body/ All night long (All night long)/ This our song (This our song),” she sings in the Khristopher Riddick-Tynes and Ali P production. Though many were focused on “This Is” — and rightfully so — when the deluxe edition dropped, we urge you to redirect your attention elsewhere momentarily.
"Break My Heart"
D’Mile is whipping R&B into shape and “Break My Heart” was how he did so with Mai. He has a distinct ability to put his stamp on a song without everything sounding the same. The Grammy-winning producer masterfully sampled Alexander O’Neal’s “If You Were Here Tonight” as Mai sings about being so in love that if she had to choose someone to break her heart, it’d be the person she’s with. It’s an absurd thought, but it’s also one that — if we’re being honest — many have had. Of the lyrics, she told VIBE, “I think to be in that space [with] someone and to trust somebody so much to say, ‘If anyone had to break my heart, it would be you,’ that’s love.” “Break My Heart” is not only a story of intentional love, but also of choice and overcoming fear.
10. "Everything" feat. John Legend
Mai is collecting duets with the men of R&B like infinity stones — Babyface, Chris Brown, Lucky Daye, Usher — but her enlisting John Legend, one of the top crooners who specializes in earnest love songs, was brilliant. “Everything” is everything. It’s balanced, assertive — as noted on the song’s outro — as well as honest. Aside from being over the idea that one has to endure “struggle” while falling in love, there’s still something about this record you gravitate towards. On the bridge, Legend and Mai’s voices merge together so seamlessly as they sing, “Oh, anything I give, you take it/ All I know is you’ve been so patient, oh, yeah/ My young heart, boy, you’ll never break it/ And I owe it all to you,” that it causes goosebumps. When it comes to R&B duets, this is one of them ones that needs to serve as an active, and timeless reminder.
Dante Bowe's transition from gospel to R&B has been a notable aspect of his musical journey. As a former member of the famed Maverick City Group, he has been instrumental in blending gospel, R&B, and contemporary Christian music to create a unique and refreshing sound. This transition has allowed him to explore new musical territories while staying true to his faith and message. With his soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery, Bowe has seamlessly incorporated elements of R&B into his music, resulting in a captivating and dynamic style that resonates with listeners from various backgrounds. Dante Bowe's ability to navigate this transition with authenticity and creativity has solidified his position as a standout artist in the contemporary Christian music landscape.
Dante Bowe joins EBONY for a conversation about his transition from Gospel to R&B and how he responds to social media comments.
EBONY:Based on your recent presence on social media, it seems that there is a newfound sense of happiness. Emotionally and physically, how are you mentally feeling today?
I have my ups and downs like everyone else does but today I feel amazing. Have an amazing team. This week was a good week. I won a Dove Award and my plaques came in today and I'm here chatting with EBONY Magazine. So, I feel successful and Black.
We see all notice comments on social media, whether they're positive or negative. How do you handle certain comments?
Usually how I respond is first take it up with God -- and then I talk to my friends and we just gossip about everybody that's talking negative, and we laugh about it. I decide if I want to comment back but I really don't just wake up to read comments and respond. I usually have a talk with somebody in my close circle and see if it's even worth it. A lot of times if I'm responding it’s because I'm trying to teach somebody something and if I feel like your comment is just irrational and just crazy. I'm probably not gonna respond. I don't take it seriously. You don't have to even comment because I'm not going to take it seriously, I'm just gonna keep living my life.
How do you approach blending gospel music and R&B in your songs?
Honestly, I don't try to blend them. I’m really in the studio writing and I might feel like this beat feels more gospel. I'll really try to tap into my spirituality and faith, I'm always there but usually it's a beat that's kind of provoking that thought, that idea and on this new album, there were certain things that just provoked R&B and made me want to think about my breakups, me falling in love, the drama, the good stuff and all that. Certain beats make you feel a certain emotion. I try to be honest and as truthful as possible in my music.
On your new album titled Dante Bowe, you collaborated with Vic Mensa and other artists. Looking ahead, which other artists would you like to work with in the future?
Number one, Victoria Monet, who is my homie and she's already heard the song. Hopefully it'll be released soon. I love Drake. I love Kanye. I love Lauryn Hill the most. I'm pretty much open to work with anybody; just has to make sense for me and my brand and what I stand for. But I'm not closed off to even a new artist that I don't even know of yet.
What were some challenges or breakthrough moments you experienced while making the transition from Gospel Music to R&B Music? I would say some of the challenges would've been my fans in the Gospel and Christian industry not understanding the transition. Them loving me doing one style, one way, all the time, and then me coming on the scene with "Wind Me Up" with Sean Bankhead and not understanding what's happening. But I think they understand it more now, at least I hope that they have a heart to understand. Some of the breakthrough moments would've been my BET and YouTube endorsements, my playlist situation; everything went up. I feel like I've had a lot of breakthrough moments in R&B that are behind the scenes that people don't naturally see on Instagram or Twitter.
Your music often carries a strong spiritual element. What can people expect from Dante Bowe on this new musical journey?
People can expect the unexpected. I'm working very hard. I have a lot of things to talk about. I feel like a lot of times when you just do one genre or one style, you are limited. I feel like with this new project that I just released, and also in the future, something I'll release will be more about life and just things that I experienced, and also they'll still be some spiritual elements for the rest of my life. I'll never do away with it. However, I will go further in expression as far as the world is concerned and how I live my life and how a lot of people live their lives, even a lot of Christians.
Music icon Chaka Khan will debut her first fragrance, Chaka by Chaka Khan, exclusively through HSN worldwide on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
To celebrate her 50 years in music, the fragrance is bottled as a gold microphone with her iconic signature and red lipstick print.
It is said to be a one-of-a-kind blend of sensual violet and ylang ylang, infused with bergamot and pink.
Press materials also describe Chaka by Chaka Khan as having “a hint of musk blossom, woodsy patchouli, vanilla, warm cinnamon and sandalwood for earthy layers.” Prices range from $35 to $90.
“This fragrance is more than just a scent – it’s a journey of music, passion and soul. Every note is lovingly made, inspired by the songs and memories we’ve shared,” says Khan.
She adds, “As you wear it, it’s my wish to uplift your spirit, empowering you to shine, whether you’re sharing a quiet time or out on the town. We’re all rockstars. Here’s to celebrating the power within each of us. With all my love, Chaka.”
Regarding the partnership, Bridget Love, GMM & VP Beauty, Fashion & Jewelry, HSN, shares, “Long-serving as a strategic business partner to celebrities and their fragrances, HSN welcomes Chaka Khan and her debut fragrance Chaka by Chaka Khan – a true reflection of her mark as a pop culture maverick.”
Love continues, “Chaka’s vision has been brought to life from the carefully crafted notes to the iconic microphone bottle design. HSN continues to maintain its pioneering role within the realm of live video commerce, seamlessly integrating respected celebrities such as Chaka Khan.”
Khan is scheduled to appear on HSN studios on the launch day (Nov. 14) of Chaka by Chaka Khan at 11 p.m. ET. She will also appear on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET.
The induction is for Musical Excellence and is “given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.”
Other honorees include Missy Elliott, The Spinners, Don Cornelius, Kate Bush, George Michael, DJ Kool Herc, Al Kooper, Rage Against the Machine, Link Wray and Bernie Taupin. Khan will perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The ceremony will premiere at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+. A special featuring performances and memorable moments will air on ABC on Jan. 1, 2024. Some of the inductees who are also slated to perform include Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow. In addition, New Edition, H.E.R., Miguel, Common, Sia, Carrie Underwood, Adam Levine, and Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, among others, are expected to perform in tribute. Earlier this year, Khan’s first platinum single was awarded for “Ain’t Nobody,” a song recorded with Rufus & Chaka Khan, making it also the band’s first platinum song certification. Khan’s first release under SRG-ILS Group was “Woman Like Me,” an empowering track that debuted last summer. It reached No. 17 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in October 2022. “I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years,” Khan said.
Alicia Keys has major plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her pivotal second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys.
The 15-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer has announced The Diary of Alicia Keys 20, a special digital deluxe edition set to release Dec. 1.
On the same day, Keys will perform Diary in its entirety at Webster Hall in New York City. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 3. (A portion of the price of each ticket will be donated to Keep A Child Alive.)
The 24-track expanded album will feature all the songs from the original, plus nine bonus tracks, including the previously unreleased “Golden Child.”
Written and produced by Keys, “Golden Child” is an empowering track filled with affirming lyrics: “You are a golden / You are a golden / You don’t have to be afraid / ‘Cause time is on your side / And they don’t know the power you possess or the beauty that’s inside.”
The special edition will also include different mixes of songs like “You Don’t Know My Name” and “Diary” featuring Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jermaine Paul, as well as live versions from her 2003 AOL Broadband Rocks! concert at Webster Hall. Additionally, Keys has partnered with Urban Outfitters for an exclusive limited edition of The Diary of Alicia Keys on champagne colored 12″ vinyl and a bonus 7″ vinyl of “Streets of New York” featuring Nas and Rakim. It’s available for pre-order now. In early 2024, Vinyl Me, Please will release a limited-edition 3LP Piano Key-colored 12″ vinyl pressing of The Diary of Alicia Keys (VMP 20th Anniversary Edition). This edition will include a lyric and photo booklet featuring a handwritten letter from Keys. (One random purchaser will receive the original letter.)
The Diary of Alicia Keys was released Dec. 2, 2003, via J Records. It bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with 618,000 copies sold in the first week. It spent two weeks atop the summit. The album spawned the hit singles “You Don’t Know My Name,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Diary,” and “Karma.” All the singles landed in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “You Don’t Know My Name” peaking at No. 3, followed by “If I Ain’t Got You” (No. 4), “Diary” (No. 8) and “Karma” (No. 20). Every single, except “Karma,” reached No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. “Diary” dominated for 12 weeks, while “If I Ain’t Got You” and “You Don’t Know My Name” both reigned for 10 weeks. At the 47th Grammy Awards in 2005, Keys won Best R&B Album (The Diary of Alicia Keys), Best R&B Song (“You Don’t Know My Name”) and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (“If I Ain’t Got You”). She also won a trophy for “My Boo,” her duet with Usher that appeared on his album,Confessions (Special Edition). In August 2020, The Diary of Alicia Keys was certified 5x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over five million copies. At that same time, “Karma” and “Diary” were certified gold with 500,000 equivalent units sold.
In September 2022, “You Don’t Know My Name” was certified platinum. Earlier this year, “If I Ain’t Got You” was upped to 6x platinum with six million units sold. For Keys’ 2021 album, KEYS, she unlocked her vault to include a song recorded during her Diary sessions titled “Is It Insane.” “Honestly, that song is one of my favorite songs of my entire life,” Keys told Rated R&B in an interview. “I’m talking about it right now and am getting chills. That’s how I feel about that song.”
She explained why she didn’t include it on Diary. “I remember writing it just how I wrote ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ in that Diary moment, how I wrote ‘Diary,’ which was a big one for Diary. After I finished writing it, I loved it, but I was like, ‘It doesn’t fit.’ Every year, every album after, I would go back to ‘Is It Insane’ and be like, ‘Does it fit here? Can it fit?’ Finally, I started to be like, ‘I guess it’s not meant to fit.'” Ultimately, she found that KEYS was the right album for “Is It Insane.” “It fits as if it has been the missing piece of the entire album. It was meant for this album. Sometimes, songs are just waiting for their time. And now this one has found its time.” Listen to Alicia Keys’ “Golden Child” below. Pre-save and pre-order The Diary of Alicia Keys 20 HERE.
The lineup for the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been announced. Brandy, Bell Biv DeVoe, En Vogue, and Paul Russell are all among the 17 artists selected to perform at this year’s affair.
“I can’t wait to perform at the @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade!” wrote The Vocal Bible on Twitter of her upcoming performance as BBD took to Instagram to express their joy.
“It’s Official 11/23?? We will be a part of the 2023 @macys Thanksgiving Day Parade! We are excited about this. NYC make sure y’all come out! #BBD4lifers Set your reminders now and be sure to tune in,” wrote the vibrant trio.
Brandy’s performance will come on the heels of her debut holiday album’s release and she will be singing on the Palace of Sweets by Brach’s®, one of four new floats this year. BBD will also debut a new float for Nickelodeon and Paramount to promote Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. This follows the arrival of their recent single, “Act Like You Know.” En Vogue will perform on Colossal Wave Of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions while Russell will perform his viral hit, “Lil Boo Thang,” on Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O.
Diddy recalled taking toad venom psychedelics during a new conversation with Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sean Combs discussed the drug known as 5-MeO-DMT and how he ended up trying it.
“I’m the type of guy who’ll try anything once… with an ambulance outside,” Combs quipped before adding, “Eric didn’t see what I saw.” The Eric in question is Eric Andre, who also previously admitted to using the psychedelic on the show.
“I had an experience. I had heard Mike Tyson and Joe Rogan talking about it. You know, you have to be in the wave of just like, into looking for what’s passed here sometimes to be into psychedelics,” he continued. “But it’s something that I wouldn’t recommend unless you are using my man, and I’ll give y’all my man’s number after this. I wouldn’t advise it to anybody, but I could just speak on my experiences. I took the chance.” However, he stopped short, not expounding upon his “trip.” “That’s the rules,” he said with a smile.
This isn’t the first time the mogul opened up about the toad venom psychedelic. During an interview with The New York Times, Combs spoke about killing his ego during the experiment. The Bad Boy founder also insisted that he is a “top-level” hippie and takes major precautions before embarking on his trips. “I’m a big old hippie,” Combs told the outlet. “I had a little bit of ego left in me. And when I did toad, I officially had an ego death… It’s a journey you don’t even remember. The best way to describe it is it’s just like an opening of a whole different portal, without you seeing it open. I’m a top-level hippie. The testing, the ambulance in front of the house — I don’t play around, baby.” Watch Diddy’s interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! above.
Mariah Carey is being sued (again) over her super successful holidays hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” A songwriter by the name of Vince Vance has continued to accuse the living legend of copyright infringement regarding his original Christmas song.
According to Billboard, Vance, né Andy Stone, made a complaint on Wednesday (Nov. 1) in a Los Angeles federal court that Carey’s 1994 Christmas blockbuster infringed the copyrights to his 1989 song of the same title. He’s made the same case before, only this time he has included more details and is under new representation.
Vance has claimed that Carey fabricated the origin story of how “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was created. He also alleged that the 53-year-old’s co-writer, Walter Afanasieff, debunked Carey’s story.
“Carey has without licensing, palmed off these works with her incredulous origin story, as if those works were her own,” Vance’s new lawyer, Gerard P. Fox, stated in the new suit. “Her hubris knowing no bounds, even her co-credited songwriter doesn’t believe the story she has spun. This is simply a case of actionable infringement.” The new lawsuit also included allegations that Carey copied the “unique linguistic structure” and “musical elements,” of his song.
50 Cent has reached yet another milestone in his storied career, as the rapper’s classic single “In Da Club” has been certified Diamond by the RIAA after surpassing 10 million units sold in the U.S. alone.
On Wednesday (Nov. 1), the 48-year-old’s seismic hit, which was released in 2003, received the certification, giving Fif his first ever Diamond plaque, further bolstering one of the stronger resumes in Hip-Hop history.
Produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo and released as the first single from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, “In Da Club” debuted at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 before gradually creeping up the charts into the Top 10. The song eventually peaked at No. 1, the first chart-topping record of his career, and held that position for nine consecutive weeks, eventually being ousted by Sean Paul’s “Get Busy.”
“In Da Club” helped propel 50 Cent to international stardom and finished 2003 as the No. 1 song on the year-end Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Despite being released more than 20 years ago, “In Da Club” has continued to resonate with music fans decades later, as the track has amassed over 1.2 billion Spotify streams and 1.8 billion YouTube views of its accompanying music video. In addition to its commercial success, “In Da Club” also received critical acclaim, earning Grammy nominations for “Best Male Rap Solo Performance” and “Best Rap Song” for in 2004.
In 2022, 50 Cent performed his signature song during his appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, headlined by Dr. Dre and featuring Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson .Paak. The song has also been featured in multiple films, including Soul Plane, Shark Tale, Beauty Shop, Dead Tone, and Detention.
The next Diamond certification Fif will likely receive will be for Get Rich or Die Tryin’, as the album currently sits at over nine million copies sold in the U.S. alone.
Newly rekindled couple Nelly and Ashanti continue to celebrate each other in a major way.
Ahead of Nelly’s 49th birthday, Ashanti surprised her beau with his childhood dream car. The award-winning singer gifted the St. Louis icon a vintage blue low rider, as close friends and family praised the gesture.
Upon seeing his new ride, Nelly beamed from ear to ear as the “Happy” star danced and kissed him, before hopping in the car, too. See below.
So Ashanti gifted Nelly his childhood dream car for his bday…so thoughtful and dope ???? I really like seeing them back together, they just been smiling ever since. pic.twitter.com/4WN4543H1e
Nelly, né Cornell Haynes, had a star-studded birthday celebration as Jermaine Dupri, Rasheeda, and so many more not only attended, but took the stage. Ashanti, too, gave her man an impromptu performance of her single, “The Way That I Love You,” to which Nelly jokingly gave the song a thumbs down. She also gave her man a big kiss as his “Dilemma” track featuring Kelly Rowland played in the background at some point.
Nelly, né Cornell Haynes, had a star-studded birthday celebration as Jermaine Dupri, Rasheeda, and so many more not only attended, but took the stage. Ashanti, too, gave her man an impromptu performance of her single, “The Way That I Love You,” to which Nelly jokingly gave the song a thumbs down. She also gave her man a big kiss as his “Dilemma” track featuring Kelly Rowland played in the background at some point.
Nelly celebrated Ashanti‘s 43rd birthday earlier this month with a sweet tribute shared to Instagram. “One time for the birthday girl,” Nelly wrote on Oct. 13, while sharing a video of various moments of the two. He also soundtracked the post with his own “Birthday Girl” song featuring Chris Lane. “Such a beautiful, incredible person inside and out and one of the hardest working women. I know.. @ashanti,” he added. “Enjoy your day Ma you look awesome!!!! Happy Birthday Love ya!!!!” Ashanti responded with, “Awwwwww Thank u Big head!!!!!!!! love ya!!!!”
Nelly celebrated Ashanti‘s 43rd birthday earlier this month with a sweet tribute shared to Instagram. “One time for the birthday girl,” Nelly wrote on Oct. 13, while sharing a video of various moments of the two. He also soundtracked the post with his own “Birthday Girl” song featuring Chris Lane. “Such a beautiful, incredible person inside and out and one of the hardest working women. I know.. @ashanti,” he added. “Enjoy your day Ma you look awesome!!!! Happy Birthday Love ya!!!!” Ashanti responded with, “Awwwwww Thank u Big head!!!!!!!! love ya!!!!”
The couple revisited a romantic relationship this year after first dating back in 2003. Rumors of the reconciliation began after the two artists were spotted together several times within a few months. In May, the two showed up together at the 3rd Annual Birthday Ball for Quality Control CEO Pierre “P” Thomas at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The following month Ashanti brought Nelly out on stage during her Las Vegas show to perform “Body On Me.” The pair was also spotted at the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match in Las Vegas holding hands. In September of this year, Nelly confirmed their relationship during an episode of Boss Moves with Rasheeda. “I think it surprised both of us,” he said at the time. “We both were pretty much doing what we do. But sometimes being separate, you understand one another more. You could be like, ‘Well yo, let me exactly see maybe what they see.’ We all can be defensive sometimes in our own relationships. We know we wrong but we going to stand on it, you know what I mean? But we all a victim to that.”
Ashanti also attended the 2023 MTV VMAs in the same night, wearing a personalized clutch with Nelly’s face on it. “We are in a great space,” the Grammy winner told PEOPLE on the carpet. “Everything is positive. We having a lot of fun.”
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