NE-YO, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, and three-time Grammy Award winner graced NPR’s Tiny Desk with a captivating performance. The intimate set showcased a blend of classics, unreleased gems, and hits he penned for other iconic artists. It featured NE-YO’s dynamic chart-toppers like “So Sick,” “Sexy Love,” “Because of You,” and “Miss Independent.”
Amidst the classics and fan favorites, NE-YO unveiled a touching new unreleased song titled “Two Million Secrets,” offering a glimpse into his vulnerability and emotional depth as an artist.
NE-YO’s Tiny Desk performance was a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry, highlighting his ability to deliver soulful performances that resonate with audiences across generations.
Mary J. Blige pulled up on The Tamron Hall Show and spoke about being inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“I’m still trying to process this whole thing,” Blige said. “It’s a big deal. I’m just so grateful because I know it didn’t have to be this way but it is this way, and I give all the credit to God. I don’t even know what else to do. It’s just so humbling. I don’t know what to do besides be grateful and thankful.”
The inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class have been announced. Headliners include Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Warwick.
Inductees include Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Ozzy Osbourne, Suzanne De Passe, Big Mama Thornton, and Norman Whitfield.
The 2024 ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jeezy is shooting down allegations of domestic abuse and child neglect levied on him by Jeannie Mai. Hitting Instagram, Jeezy released a statement.
“The allegations are not only false, but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved. This malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family is ridiculous,” Jeezy wrote to social media. “It’s disheartening to witness the manipulation and deceit at play and at this time my main concern is being an active father to our daughter as I continue to fight for court mandated joint custody. Rest assured, the truth will prevail through the proper legal channels.”
Complex notes Mai accused Jeezy of domestic violence in court documents, stating he abused her four different times, including choking her and pushing her down stairs at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco in April 2022. Mai also stated Jeezy punched her in the face weeks after she gave birth.
Last week, Jeezy sought primary custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Monaco. Tensions reached a boiling point as Jeezy escalated the pressure in their divorce proceedings by filing for primary custody of Monaco. The move came after Jeezy claimed that Mai was limiting his access to their daughter, sparking a bitter custody battle that has captured headlines.
According to reports from TMZ, Jeezy alleges that Mai has been obstructing his visitation rights and restricting his ability to spend time with Monaco. Despite an informal custody arrangement they had reached last year, Jeezy asserts that the agreement disintegrated at the beginning of 2024, leaving him with minimal contact with his daughter throughout the year.
Jeezy claims that Monaco was not present at their shared home when he attempted to pick her up for a scheduled visit in early April. Furthermore, he alleges that Mai and Monaco have since moved out of the residence without his knowledge, leaving him in the dark about their whereabouts.
Adding fuel to the fire, Jeezy asserts that Mai has blocked his number, making regular FaceTime calls with Monaco impossible.
In response to these allegations, Jeezy has filed a motion requesting a hearing to establish a temporary parenting schedule that would ensure equal time-sharing between both parents.
Following a cease-and-desist letter issued to Drake, the Canadian superstar has removed the “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss track directed at Kendrick Lamar. Originally posted on Instagram, the single used an AI-generated Tupac voice to provoke Lamar.
According to Billboard, the estate threatened to sue and stated the voice was “a flagrant violation” and “blatant use” of Pac’s legacy.
The message was delivered via a cease-and-desist letter filed by Howard King, requesting Drake pull the song within 24 hours or face all of the estate’s “legal remedies.”
“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” King wrote in the letter. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”
Additionally, the letter reads, “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”
Last Friday (April 19) on Instagram, Drake dropped off the “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
Upon pressing play, you will hear something you wouldn’t expect: Tupac’s voice. The single opens with an AI Tupac verse requesting KDot stand up for the West Coast. It is followed by an AI Snoop Dogg asking for the same.
AI Tupac raps: Fuck this Canadian lightskin, Dot We need an undebated West Coast victory, man Call him a bitch for me Talk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from me Heard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be true They told me the spirit of Makaveli is alive In the nigga under five-foot five, so it’s gotta be you
AI Snoop added: ‘Cause right now it’s looking like you writing out the game plan on how to lose How to bark up the wrong tree and then get your head popped in a crowded room World is watching this chess game, but are you out of moves?
After that, Drake pops in for his own slick talk: The first one really only took me an hour or two The next one is really ’bout to bring out the coward in you But now we gotta wait a fucking week ’cause Taylor Swift is your new Top And if you ’bout to drop, she gotta approve
Since “Like That,” your tone changed a little, you not as enthused How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed You tryna let this shit die down, nah, nah, nah Not this time, nigga, you followin’ through
He ends the song with a message, “I know you’re in that NY apartment, you struggling right now I know it.”
Former Death Row head Suge Knight doesn’t like Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss to Kendrick Lamar. Not because it attacked Lamar but because it put 2Pac and Snoop’s voices together on the song.
Speaking on his Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast from Breakbeat Media, Suge said, “Putting him on a song and dissing Kendrick for everybody entertainment–that ain’t how it go.”
He added, “Then putting him on a song with Snoop, who was a part of his downfall and exit, ain’t ever a good look. Pac was a king on that chessboard. He never was a pawn, so he can’t make him be a pawn now.”
Eminem is ready to deliver a new album. Aiming for the summer, Eminem announced The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).
The announcement comes via a true crime mock series that casts 50 Cent for a brief cameo. Also included is a detective setting the scene.
“Through his complex, tongue twisting and oft criticized rhymes, the blonde anti-hero known as Slim Shady has had no shortage of enemies,” the detective says. “The same rude lyrics and controversial antics might have ultimately led to his demise.”
In a significant collaboration, Hip Hop 4 Peace, the UNESCO Center for Peace, and the United States Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations are set to host “Rap 4 Peace: A Hip-Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference” on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the event will be held at Shutters On The Beach in Santa Monica, California, and will be hosted by Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine.
The conference aims to address the urgent issue of gun violence through the cultural lens of hip-hop. Commencing with registration and check-in at 8:00 am PDT, the opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 am PDT with distinguished speakers including Guy Gjoken, Chairman of the US Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Katannia Plummer-Mitchell, President, Latin American and the Caribbean, UNESCO. Also slated to speak are Gabin Ahogbedji Allognon, President, African Federation, UNESCO, and Charlotte Austin Jordan, a mother who lost two children to gun violence, delivering the keynote address.
Insightful sessions on gun violence, mindset and mental wellness, and guns and vulnerable communities will follow, featuring esteemed panelists such as Lil Eazy E of Ruthless Records, NFL player Jaylon Johnson, and mental health experts including Angelina Ruffin, PhD, Managing Director at Kaiser Permanente Center For Gun Violence Research & Education. The conference will conclude with a special panel led by DJ Battlecat and a gala where the President’s Volunteer Service Award will be presented to individuals making exceptional contributions to volunteerism and peacebuilding, including Chuck D, Jon Tilli, Dr. Stephon Alexander, Dr. Angelina Ruffin, and Tina Marie Tyler. Sponsors include Deutsche Bank and Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Research and Education. Tickets are available for purchase online.
“This event examines the issue of trauma as an underlying cause of gun violence in Black, Hispanic, and vulnerable communities. Hip-hop was born from historic and systemic trauma, and serves as both a mechanism for healing and a catalyst for change. Peace is the foundation of hip-hop culture and should be amplified on National Gun Violence Awareness Day,” stated event creator and executive producer, Tina Marie Tyler.
Public Enemy Founder, Chuck D, also calls for peace through hip-hop, “This nation’s normalized behavior of gun violence is not normal. Hip-hop can, and should, lead the way to bring peace into our neighborhoods.”
Jamaican sensation Shenseea has unveiled her latest single, “Neva Neva,” showcasing her signature sound and artistic evolution. Produced by a powerhouse team including Ilya, Supa Dups, and Di Genius, the track boasts captivating rhythms and dynamic vocals, promising to be a summer anthem for fans worldwide.
With “Neva Neva,” Shenseea demonstrates her artistic growth while staying true to her authentic style. The song’s release couldn’t be more perfectly timed, offering listeners the perfect soundtrack for the upcoming summer season.
As a GRAMMY-nominated and chart-topping artist, Shenseea continues to make waves in the music industry with her infectious energy and undeniable talent. “Neva Neva” is yet another example of her ability to captivate audiences with her music.
Singer-songwriter Normani has unveiled her latest single, “1:59,” featuring Gunna, via RCA Records. The release comes hot on the heels of the announcement of her much-anticipated debut album, DOPAMINE, scheduled for release on June 14 across all major streaming platforms.
“1:59” seduces listeners with smooth guitar melodies as Normani addresses a potential love interest, exploring intimate possibilities with provocative lyrics and an infectious rhythm. The track captures Normani’s journey of embracing her femininity, blending sensuality with dominance in an authentic and empowering way.
With this release, Normani continues establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. “1:59” sets the stage for her upcoming album, promising an exciting and dynamic collection of tracks that showcase her versatility as an artist.
Fans can look forward to diving deeper into Normani’s musical world with the release of DOPAMINE on June 14. In the meantime, “1:59” offers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come from this talented singer-songwriter.
YG has returned with his first solo track of the year, “Knocka,” accompanied by a vibrant music video. Under his new BMG deal, the lyrical titan showcases his consistency and energy, solidifying his status in the rap scene.
“Knocka” kicks off with a blend of classic and contemporary sounds, featuring a soulful background vocal leading into YG’s commanding proclamation, “this sh*t is a Knocka,” a hook that resonates throughout the song. With his distinctive West Coast style, YG effortlessly blends elements of his LA roots with a modern twist, which is evident in the track and its accompanying visuals.
The music video captures YG’s arrival in Compton, donning a matching red outfit and vibing to the music alongside locals. Dynamic scenes showcase YG surrounded by dancing women, confidently wielding a flamethrower and tossing money into the air, creating a celebratory atmosphere that mirrors the song’s energy.
Recently, YG signed a multi-album global recordings partnership with BMG under his 4Hunnid Records label, setting the stage for his highly anticipated seventh solo studio album. Beyond music, YG ventures into entrepreneurship with the launch of the 4HUNNID Podcast and makes waves in the wellness sector with his Cherry Bomb supplement for men. “Knocka” marks another milestone in YG’s illustrious career, signaling his continued impact and influence in the industry.
