Black Music Honors to Pay Homage to Missy Elliot, SWV

Photos courtesy Central City Productions

Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott and the women of one of the best-selling R&B groups of the '90s, SWV, will be among the honorees at this year's Black Music Honors.

The annual event, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of urban music, will launch its producer, Central City Productions, Stellar Network television channel with its eighth edition, and there will be plenty of star power to shed light on the endeavor.

In addition to Elliott, who has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 30 million records, and SWV, short for Sisters With Voices and consisting of Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons, the event will also pay homage to disco superstar vocalist, songwriter, record producer, and all-around performer Evelyn "Champagne" King, widely-respected R&B crooner Jeffrey Osborne, and legendary gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family.

Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson expressed his excitement for the honorees in a statement, saying, "Black music is the heartbeat of our culture, and the honorees for this year's Black Music Honors represent the soul of American music. We pay homage to the musical innovators who have paved the way for future generations. Our tribute performances not only celebrate the honorees of yesterday but also showcase the influence and impact of their iconic sounds and styles on today's artists with a beautiful symbiosis of past and present."

LeToya Luckett, a founding member of Destiny's Child, and comedic actor DeRay Davis will co-host the event, which will be held on May 19 at Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The televised special will premiere on the Stellar Network on June 3 and air in national broadcast syndication from Saturday, June 10, to Sunday, July 2, in tribute to Black Music Month. The show will also air on Bounce TV on June 19.

Tickets for the live-taping event will be available for purchase on Friday at www.blackmusichonors.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Erykah Badu and Yasiin Bey Join Forces for 'Unfollow Me' Tour

Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Erykah Badu is set to return to touring after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The soulful artist, known for her sultry voice and genre-bending sound, has announced the "Unfollow Me Tour," which will feature her performing across North America alongside rapper, actor and activist Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def.

Badu has captivated audiences for over two decades with her ethereal vocals and powerful lyrics. She has released five studio albums to critical acclaim, including her most recent work, the 2015 mixtape "But You Caint Use My Phone," which showcases her signature blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop influences.

Bey, best known for his socially conscious lyrics, has released several critically acclaimed albums since his debut in the late 1990s. He and Badu have collaborated on several tracks over the years, including "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" and "The Blast."

Badu's return to touring is particularly special as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of her third album, "Worldwide Underground." Produced by independent promoter Outback Presents, the 25-city tour will begin in San Antonio, Texas, on June 11, with stops in Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Nashville and other cities before culminating on July 23 in her hometown of Dallas.

Last year, Badu performed at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! event at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. However, the Unfollow Me Tour will be her first North American trek since 2019, when she performed in several theaters around the country.

Pre-sales for the tour begin on April 20 through Ticketmaster. See the full list of tour dates below.

Hip-hop Legend LL Cool J's Platform, Rock the Bells, Secures $15M in Funding

Rock the Bells, the hip-hop platform founded by rap legend LL Cool J, announced on Monday a $15 million funding round anchored by a multi-year collaboration with media giant Paramount Global.

The deal includes a first-look agreement for unscripted and scripted content, feature films and co-branded merchandise opportunities.

Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on marketing support for Rock the Bells experiences and activations, including the opportunity to livestream the upcoming 2023 Rock The Bells Festival that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.

LL Cool J expressed his excitement about the partnership in a statement, saying that hip-hop is an art form that "continues to rise to higher heights," and that Rock the Bells is at the forefront of bridging generations.

"I'm excited about all the amazing things we have planned for the community, fans, and brands! This is just the beginning," he added.

Founded in 2018 by LL Cool J, Rock the Bells has become a prominent platform for celebrating and preserving hip-hop culture. With a focus on the art form and its icons, Rock the Bells has gained a loyal following and attracted major brands as partners.

The partnership with Paramount Global is expected to open up new opportunities for Rock the Bells to showcase hip-hop culture and its icons while continuing to honor its legacy.

"Paramount is thrilled to expand our deep relationship with LL COOL J with our investment in Rock The Bells," said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events at Paramount. "We look forward to working with him to shine a spotlight on Hip-Hop culture and icons through music, events, and diverse content."

Other companies that participated in the Series B funding round, a type of investment round where a company seeks to raise capital to scale and expand its business operations, were Raine Ventures and Irving Azoff of Iconic Artists Group, with participation from Amex Ventures, Wildcat Capital Management and Capstar Ventures. The company also received additional investment from ASK Capital, North Island (Glenn Hutchins), AME Cloud Ventures and XO Capital.

Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx Recuperating After Undisclosed Medical Issue

Screengrab via YouTube: Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter in 2022's “Day Shift.”

Academy Award-winning actor and singer, Jamie Foxx, is currently recuperating after suffering a "medical complication" on Tuesday.

Corinne Foxx, his daughter, took to Instagram to share the news with fans and supporters on Wednesday.

"We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday," the 29-year-old actress shared in her post.

No further details regarding the nature of Foxx's medical condition were disclosed. However, Corinne Foxx offered reassurance that her father is "already on his way to recovery" thanks to "quick action and great care."

"We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers," the post concluded. "The family asks for privacy during this time."

Jamie Foxx, 55, is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic "Ray." Foxx is also a renowned singer, comedian, and TV host, having made appearances on hit shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "In Living Color."

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Jay-Z's Rare Paris Performance to Celebrate Art Icons Basquiat and Warhol

Rap mogul Jay-Z will return to the stage this week for a rare live performance. On Tuesday, his label, Roc Nation, announced that he would perform at the Louis Vuitton Foundation's Auditorium in Paris on Friday to celebrate the cultural impact of two of the most influential artists of the 20th century: Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol.

Basquiat was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent who rose to fame in the 1980s as a neo-expressionist painter and graffiti artist. His works are known for their intense colors, bold brushstrokes and incorporation of symbols and text.

🇬🇧🎤JAY-Z - Celebration concert

To coincide with the #BasquiatWarhol exhibition at the Fondation, JAY-Z will give a concert to pay tribute to Warhol and Basquiat, on Friday 14 April 2023 at 9pm, in the Fondation’s Auditorium.

🎫Tickets on sale : https://t.co/Icp8NcO0zn pic.twitter.com/3p2gPwxjF2

— Roc Nation (@RocNation) April 12, 2023

Warhol, on the other hand, was an American artist, filmmaker and pioneer of the Pop Art movement, best known for his vividly colored silkscreen prints of celebrities, everyday objects and iconic American symbols such as the Campbell's soup can.

The "Basquiat x Warhol. Painting Four Hands" exhibition, which the concert will coincide with, features the two artists' 160 canvas collaborations, showcasing the distinctive styles of both artists and highlighting the artistic dialogue between them.

The event, dubbed the "JAY-Z Celebration Concert," is sponsored by Tiffany & Co. and marks a rare occurrence for Jay-Z, who hasn't been on an official tour since his $44-billion grossing 4:44 Tour in 2017. He was last seen on stage rapping his "God Did" verse at the 2023 Grammy Awards, something he said he did out of respect for hip-hop culture.

"I thought about it, I was in my head, and I just broke down and said, 'You know, it's a four-minute verse.' Again, for the culture, for hip-hop, we gotta do that," he told TIDAL.

Jay-Z's love for Basquiat and Warhol has been evident in his music for decades. In his 2008 song "Ain't I," he rapped, "I got Warhols on my hall's walls, I got Basquiats in the lobby of my spot/I'm so sophisticatedly hood, S. Carter cashmere premium goods." In his 2011 song "Illest Motherf*cker Alive," he rapped, "Basquiat, Warhols serving as my muses/My house like a museum, so I see 'em when I'm peeing, usually, you have this much taste, you European."

Beyoncé wearing the iconic Tiffany Stone alongside Jay Z & a never-before-seen painting by Basquiat. Jean-Michel Basquiat was regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He dies at 27 of an overdose. Jeffery Wright portrays him in “Basquiat.” pic.twitter.com/pj4US32zqV

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) August 23, 2021

It's worth noting that the concert will also be supported by Tiffany & Co., with which both Jay-Z and his wife Beyoncé have brand deals. Although Basquiat's estate has spoken out against his work being featured in Jay-Z and Beyoncé's Tiffany & Co campaign, Jay-Z emphasizes that he is solely a fan of the artist.

Rihanna Overtakes Katy Perry as Most Followed Woman on Twitter With 108 million Followers

YouTube Screengrab

Rihanna has added yet another accolade to her already impressive résumé, becoming the most followed woman on Twitter, according to the social media analytics tracking platform Social Blade.

With a massive 108,276,354 followers (at the time this story was published), she now sits in fourth place on the platform's global leaderboard, just behind former US President Barack Obama and Justin Bieber. At the top of the list is Elon Musk, who took over ownership of the social media platform in October 2022.

This milestone marks a significant achievement for the multi-talented artist, who has found success in music, fashion, and cosmetics. Rihanna's Twitter feat came just after her recent Super Bowl halftime performance, where she announced her second pregnancy while singing a medley of her hits.

Following the Super Bowl performance, her music saw a massive surge in sales and streams, with her digital album sales jumping by 301%. Among all her songs, "Pour It Up" saw the biggest boost, with a 1,387% increase in digital song sales and a 470% increase in on-demand audio streams.

Most followed female artists on Twitter:

#1. Rihanna — 108.2M🔺
#2. Katy Perry — 108.2M🔻
#3. Taylor Swift — 92.5M
#4. Lady Gaga — 84.6M
#5. Selena Gomez — 67M
#6. Britney Spears — 55.8M
#7. Shakira — 53.9M
#8. Demi Lovato — 53.6M pic.twitter.com/zHR5fNmwu2

— Noah ⁶𓅓 (@RIHINDUSTRY) April 9, 2023

Rihanna's cosmetics and lingerie brands, Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty, respectively, also experienced a significant surge in attention after her Super Bowl performance. Fenty Beauty alone earned $5.6 million in earned media within the first 12 hours following the game.

diamonds by rihanna - super bowl edition pic.twitter.com/yU1JSn6sUJ

— songs that changed history (@iconiksongs) April 4, 2023

Her powerful appearance at the Oscars, which took place exactly one month after her Super Bowl showstopper, may have also contributed to this increase. At the Oscars, she performed her ballad "Lift Me Up" from the nominated movie "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. This performance earned her the first Oscar nomination of her career and marked the release of her first new solo track in six years.

Watch @Rihanna’s full performance of “Lift Me Up” at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/dl9jRmtreG

— RihannaDaily.com (@RihannaDaily) March 13, 2023

In an interview with British Vogue, Rihanna revealed her plans to release a new album, her first since 2016, adding to her already impressive track record. With all of these accomplishments under her belt, it's no surprise that her fans are flocking to Twitter to see what she has in store for them next.

Doja Cat's New Album to Showcase Rap Skills

Georgebre, via Wikimedia Commons

Grammy-nominated artist Doja Cat is set to release her fourth studio album, which she recently confirmed will focus on her rapping skills instead of her usual pop sound. 

Tentatively titled "Hellmouth," the 27-year-old artist took to Twitter over the weekend to announce that the album will be "rap only" and will not feature any pop elements.

"Pop isn't exciting to me anymore. I don't want to make it," she tweeted.

In response to a tweet from a naysayer who questioned her rap skills, Doja Cat confidently declared, "I'm definitely a rapper." She also expressed her desire to show her critics that she can write more than "mid" and "corny" verses with her new album.

i also agree with everyone who said the majority of my rap verses are mid and corny. I know they are. I wasnt trying to prove anything I just enjoy making music but I'm getting tired of hearing yall say that i can't so I will.

— Hellmouth (@DojaCat) April 8, 2023

"I wasn't trying to prove anything. I just enjoy making music," she tweeted. "But I'm getting tired of hearing y'all say that I can't [rap] so I will."

Later, she shared a screenshot of the audio files and three tracks from the album titled "Wet Vagina," "Agora Hills," and "Balut." When a fan asked if those were actual songs on the album, she simply replied with "Yes."

✍️✍️ pic.twitter.com/sjwi2FhBbP

— Hellmouth (@DojaCat) April 8, 2023

In other tweets responding to fans' speculations, Doja Cat continued to give away hints of what to expect from the album. In a separate tweet, she wrote that there will be a lot of cuss words. She also confirmed that the album has "10 tracks total +5 extras."

This shift towards rap marks a significant departure from Doja Cat's previous pop-leaning releases, such as her chart-topping hits "Say So," "Juicy" and "Streets."

Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamin, gained popularity in 2018 with her viral hit "Mooo!" and has since been making waves in the music industry. She received three Grammy Award nominations in 2021, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for "Say So."

Watch: Da Brat and Wife Judy Return to TV Screens in Third Season of "Brat Loves Judy" Reality Show

Courtesy We tv

Da Brat, the legendary Chicago rapper born as Shawntae Harris, has made history twice.

First, in 1994, she became the first solo female rapper to go platinum with her debut album "Funkdafied."

Over two decades later, she made history again by publicly coming out as a lesbian, defying the norms of an industry known for misogyny and a lack of tolerance for alternate lifestyles.

"I've always felt like being private is the better way to go because then you don't have so many people in your business," Brat told Variety at the time. "I was fine staying quiet, but my partner is a social media mogul — that's how she became who she is. And when you get with somebody, you have to meet in the middle. So to me, the middle was just letting everybody know: 'Hey, she's the one.'"

Brat's partner is none other than Jesseca "Judy" Dupart, a social media star and entrepreneur. The two tied the knot in 2022 and will continue to share their personal lives with fans on the upcoming third season of "Brat Loves Judy."

This season will focus on the highs and lows of their first year of marriage, including Judy's pregnancy. However, the road to expanding their empire has been far from easy.

The couple has faced unexpected obstacles on their IVF journey, including health issues. As they navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics, Judy's son moving in adds another layer of drama to their relationship, highlighting their contrasting parenting styles and backgrounds.

Despite these hurdles, Brat and Judy have also collaborated on a new hair care product line called "Kaleidoscope X Brat," marking their first official joint venture.

Will the couple overcome the family drama and maintain their flourishing careers while merging their empires? Fans can tune in to WE tv on April 27 (9 pm ET), with episodes airing on ALLBLK the following Monday.

Watch the network's recently released supertease of the upcoming season below for a sneak peek of the action:

From Apple Bottoms to Moonshine Bottles: Nelly's Latest Business Venture

Photo Courtesy: MoShine

Multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly announced on Thursday his latest venture: MoShine, a new moonshine brand that fuses the "southern swagger" of hip-hop with the heartland hustle of country music.

Developed in collaboration with Piedmont Distillers, MoShine is a triple-distilled, corn-based moonshine available in peach and passion fruit flavors.

The company claims that it is smooth enough to be sipped neat or mixed with various beverages, including lemon-lime soda, sweet tea, lemonade, and energy drinks.

The brand's name is inspired by Nelly's hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where hip-hop and country music intersect.

"When I say 'country grammar,' I'm not just talking about my music. I'm taking a country tradition and mixing it up for everyone to enjoy," Nelly said in a statement.

Nelly is no stranger to entrepreneurship, having launched his successful Apple Bottoms clothing line and energy drink, Pimp Juice. He has also acted in films such as "Reach Me" and "The Longest Yard."

Despite his success in various industries, Nelly has stayed true to his musical roots. He has released numerous hit albums, including "Country Grammar" and "Nellyville," and collaborated with artists from different genres.

In recent years, he has focused on his country music career, achieving a No. 7 spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with his EP "Heartland" and releasing the hit single "The Fix."

Nelly introduced MoShine at the WSWA Access Live event, the leading spirits industry gathering, where he performed some of his biggest chart-topping hits. The brand is currently available online at DrinkMoShine.com.

Fans Divided Over Lizzo and Jack Black's Guest Roles on 'The Mandalorian'

Screengrab YouTube

The recent surprise appearance of Grammy-winning artist Lizzo on the hit Disney+ Star Wars spin-off
series, "The Mandalorian," has sparked controversy among fans of the show.

Mandalorian Spoilers
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Lizzo just knighted Baby yoda aka grogu. What is happening in Star Wars #TheMandalorian #StarWars pic.twitter.com/FWnEsqgTyH

— Atom (@theatomreview) April 5, 2023

In "Chapter 22: Guns for Hire," written by Jon Favreau and directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, Lizzo portrays The Duchess, a leader of the distant planet Plazir-15, whom Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian encounters while searching for the former crew of Bo-Katan, played by Katee Sackhoff. Jack Black also appears in the episode as Captain Bombardier, while Christopher Lloyd plays the planet's security chief, Commissioner Helgait.

While some fans were thrilled to see the talented trio on their favorite show, others took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.

Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of "The Mandalorian" to kill Star Wars entirely https://t.co/elahJidraz

— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) April 5, 2023

"Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of 'The Mandalorian' to kill Star Wars entirely," wrote one Twitter user.

Another fan expressed similar sentiments, saying, "I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake."

I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake.

— Lankychris (@Lankychris) April 5, 2023

Despite the negative reaction from some viewers, Lizzo's performance was praised by others.

Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple. #TheMandalorian pic.twitter.com/kUk59geBYf

— Gianni Raisins (@BGaytion) April 5, 2023

"Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple!" raved Twitter user @BGaytion.

The surprise cameos add Lizzo, Black, and Lloyd to an impressive list of celebrities who have made appearances on the series, including Jason Sudeikis, Taika Waititi, Timothy Olyphant, John Leguizamo, Adam Pally, Horatio Sanz, and W. Earl Brown, Olyphant's Deadwood co-star.

New Docuseries 'Family Legacy' on Paramount+ Promises Intimate Look at Offspring of Notorious B.I.G., Diddy, and Brandy

Courtesy Paramount+

The offspring of iconic artists are set to take the spotlight in the upcoming reality show "Family Legacy," scheduled to premiere on Paramount+.

The show was announced by the network today and aims to "relive some of entertainment's most iconic moments and provide viewers with an intimate look at their favorite artists," according to a statement from Paramount+.

Quincy Brown, son of R&B singer Al B. Sure! and stepson of Sean "Diddy" Combs, serves as the show's narrator, promising an intimate glimpse into the next generation of musicians. The recently unveiled trailer for "Family Legacy" provides a tantalizing sneak peek into the lives and careers of these famous musicians' offspring.

C.J. Wallace, son of the late Notorious B.I.G., pays heartfelt homage to his father as "the greatest rapper of all time." Melissa Etheridge's daughter, Bailey Cypheridge, proudly embraces her identity as the "OG lesbian baby," while Briahna Fatone, daughter of *NSYNC's Joey Fatone, shares a special bond with her father.

The docuseries also features Andrew Hagar, son of Van Halen's Sammy Hagar, Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, Nathan Morris II, son of Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris and Draven Bennington, son of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, among others.

Christian "King" Combs and Justin Combs, both sons of Sean "Diddy" Combs, also make an appearance, along with Sy'Rai Smith, daughter of Brandy, and Tron Austin, son of TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.

"Family Legacy" is set to premiere on April 25 on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada.

Watch the official trailer below:

Kem's Memoir 'Share My Life' Reveals Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kem will release his memoir, "Share My Life: A Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption," on Tuesday. The book takes readers on an intimate journey through Kem's life, from a difficult childhood to homelessness and his rise to international stardom.

Kem is renowned for his polished and smooth style, earning four Grammy nominations and releasing numerous hit albums and singles, including "Love Calls," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Why Would You Stay," and "Nobody." The memoir shares its title with one of Kem's No. 1 hit singles and is published by Simon and Schuster. Kirkus Reviews praised the book as a "forthright chronicle of hard-won success."

In his memoir, Kem bravely delves into the emotional struggles he faced on his journey to success. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and a distant father, Kem battled with feelings of abandonment, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. After finding himself homeless and in drug rehab centers, he discovered his passion for music, composing songs that would eventually appear on his debut album, "Kemistry." This seminal work catapulted him into the ranks of Motown's legendary icons.

"I think it's my responsibility to share my life — the good times and the bad — so that I can encourage and inspire others," Kem said about his motivation for publishing the book. The memoir was co-written with music biographer David Ritz, known for his biographies of music greats such as Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson.

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

To coincide with the book's launch, Kem's label home of twenty years, Motown Records, will release his live album "Anniversary" on April 7th. The album features hit singles from Kem's entire career and was recorded at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit during the fall of 2022.

"Celebrating the 20th anniversary of my signing to the Motown label is exceptionally significant for me," Kem said. "Having the last two decades of my career culminate in a live album recorded in Detroit, in the city and with the people who first heard 'Love Calls' and helped put me on the map, is epic."

Kem is currently embarking on a co-headlining national arena tour with Ledisi called the Soul II Soul Tour. The tour kicks off on Friday and features Musiq Soulchild as a special guest. Fans can purchase tickets online at musicbykem.com.

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Helps Defending Champs Open MLB Season by Throwing Out First Pitch

Photo Credit: @thestallion Instagram

Houston native Megan Thee Stallion made a special appearance at the Astros' home opener on Thursday, where she threw the ceremonial first pitch for her hometown team.

The Grammy-winning rapper donned a white Astros jersey and a diamond chain with the words "Hot Girl," along with a jersey displaying her last name and "222" on the back.

While her pitch landed a little outside and bounced in the left-handed batter's box, Megan managed to get the ball to the plate, a feat that has eluded many other celebrities attempting the first pitch. Astros' mascot, Orbit, gave her a hug to celebrate the accomplishment.

The pitch was a lighthearted moment in Megan's busy schedule, as she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.

Megan is in talks to star in a new Netflix movie alongside Adam Sandler, which will be directed and produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, the directors of the hit movie "Uncut Gems." The film, set in the world of sports memorabilia, will begin production this summer, although its title and plot are yet to be revealed.

Megan is also making her feature film debut in the R-rated musical comedy "F***ing Identical Twins," produced by A24 and Chernin Entertainment. She will star opposite Nathan Lane, Bowen Yang and Megan Mullally, although the film's release date is still unknown.

However, Megan has also been involved in a high-profile court case with rapper Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan on a California curbside in July 2020.

Lanez's lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial, citing various grounds, including a claim that the judge "erroneously allowed" jurors to view an Instagram post from Lanez's account claiming that Megan's now-estranged best friend Kelsey Harris was the shooter.

During the trial, both Kelsey and Megan denied the allegations that Kelsey fired the shots that wounded Megan. Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison at sentencing, but his new lawyers have successfully lobbied the judge to delay his sentencing until April to prepare for the motion.

Check out Megan's first pitch below:

Martha Reeves, Lead Singer of Martha and the Vandellas, Launches Fundraiser for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Courtesy Photo 

Motown icon Martha Reeves is making a final push to get her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after her former manager failed to follow through on a promise to cover the costs.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Reeves was nominated for the honor in 2021, but her ex-manager's pledge to cover the installation and maintenance costs fell through.

With just a few months remaining before the June deadline, Reeves' current manager, Chris Roe, has established a fundraiser to raise the $55,000 required to secure her spot for next year.

"Martha's former representation got in over their heads on this," Roe explained. "They didn't realize how hard it would be and wasted a year of fundraising time. Now we're down to the wire."

Despite the setback, Reeves, who led the Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas to fame with hits like "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave," is determined to see her dream come true.

"My wildest dreams are coming true, and I hope to continue inspiring others with my music," she stated.

Reeves, who has had a storied career spanning over six decades, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and this year marks her 60th anniversary in Motown. Nevertheless, with no record label or movie production studio to support her, Reeves' team is asking the public for assistance.

"If we do not make a sizeable indentation to our goal, it is likely that Martha's Hollywood Star selection will be withdrawn, and we will have to start the nomination process all over again (which could take several years)," Roe stated on the fundraising page.

Reeves is not the first celebrity to rely on crowdfunding to achieve the Hollywood Walk of Fame honor. In 2020, actor Daniel Dae Kim raised the funds to get James Hong a star, while the Motown music group The Funk Brothers obtained their sidewalk star in 2013 via public fundraising.

'99 Problems' But Money Ain't One: Jay-Z Doubles Net Worth in Record Time

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Sean Combs

Jay-Z is pictured on the far right with Diddy, a current member, and Ye, a former member, of hip-hop's three-comma club.

Hip-hop impresario Jay-Z has once again proven that he's not just a businessman; he's a business, man.

The "99 Problems" artist has surpassed other notable billionaires, such as former NBA icon Michael Jordan ($2 billion) and Apple CEO Tim Cook ($1.8 billion), having doubled his net worth in record time over just a few short years.

According to Forbes, the Brooklyn-born rapper's net worth has reached a staggering $2.5 billion, placing him at No. 1,209 on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals. He's rubbing shoulders with media powerhouse Oprah Winfrey, who shares the same net worth and comes in at No. 1,204.

.@Forbes updates Jay-Z's net worth pic.twitter.com/nN5OYD6bVX

— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) March 23, 2023

In 2020, Forbes estimated Jay-Z's net worth to be $1 billion, which increased to $1.4 billion in 2022. During that same year, Jay-Z was named the third highest-paid entertainer after he sold his stakes in the music streaming platform Tidal and the champagne brand Armand de Brignac.

The Grammy winner's latest increase in net worth is largely due to his February deal with Bacardi over the D'ussé cognac brand. Bacardi acquired a majority stake in Jay-Z's stake in the brand, leaving the rapper with a "significant ownership role."

In addition to profits from his music, Jay-Z's fortune is the result of his successful business ventures, which have included investments in real estate, art, and spirits. In 2019, he was hailed as the first hip-hop billionaire, surpassing his former protege Kanye West.

Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, who has been married to the rapper since 2008, also has a significant net worth of $450 million, according to Forbes.

Watch: New Trailer for 'Dear Mama' Docuseries Offers Intimate Look into Tupac Shakur's Life with Mother Afeni

Screengrab YouTube/FX

FX has unveiled the official trailer for "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur," a new
docuseries that delves into the intricate bond between rapper Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni.

Directed by Allen Hughes, the five-part series promises to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Tupac and Afeni through the eyes of those who knew them best.

The show is scheduled to debut on April 21st and features never-before-seen footage of the late rapper, as well as rare audio and vocals. Hulu describes the series as an "intimate wide-angle portrait of the most inspiring and dangerous mother-son duo (Tupac and Afeni Shakur) in American history, whose unified message of freedom, equality, persecution and justice are more relevant today than ever."

Afeni, a Black Panther and political activist who instilled her values of freedom, power, and revolution into her son, speaks about her philosophy of motherhood in the trailer. "It was my responsibility to teach Tupac how to survive his reality," she says.

The docuseries will air episodes 1 and 2 on FX on April 21st at 10 p.m. ET/PT, followed by a new episode every Friday until the series concludes on May 12th, just two days before Mother's Day.

In addition to the series, fans can look forward to the upcoming release of the first and only Estate-authorized biography of Tupac Shakur, written by author Staci Robinson. While the book is set for a fall 2023 release, it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Check out the trailer below:

Isley Brothers in Legal Battle Over Band Name Trademark

The Isley Brothers, an iconic R&B group founded by six siblings, are currently embroiled in a legal dispute between former bandmates and brothers Rudolph and Ronald Isley.

In August, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Ronald exclusive rights to the "Isley Brothers" trademark, a decision that Rudolph is currently contesting in court.

Rudolph filed a lawsuit against his younger brother, alleging that Ronald unfairly obtained exclusive rights to the trademark without his knowledge. Rudolph is seeking a trial by jury to regain his "rightful 50% share" of the Isley Brothers empire.

The Isley brothers are having a huge Family Feud after Rudolph sues his brother Ronald after he legally purchased “The Isley Brothers” trademark and is now pocketing the profits. “We should own 50% each says Rudolph the oldest brother” pic.twitter.com/GFVLY0lIU6

— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) March 21, 2023

According to court documents, Rudolph claims that all profits and property accrued under the Isley Brothers trademark have been divided equally among the group's founding members since the band's inception. However, Ronald's team argues that Rudolph is no longer qualified for partial ownership of the band name.

The Isley Brothers as a group have 32 Albums and a hit record in EVERY decade for the past EIGHT decades. Their first hit was in 1959 with Shout and their current album is #6 on the charts in 2023. Ronald will be 82 this year. pic.twitter.com/hptpftXVTW

— dj spydermann (@djspydermann) March 19, 2023

The brothers had previously agreed to a 50/50 ownership of the band and trademark after the death of their eldest brother, O'Kelly Isley, in March 1986. Rudolph departed from the group in 1989 due to health issues and the loss of his brother but has remained involved in managing and promoting the group's properties. Ronald and Ernie Isley have continued to perform under the Isley Brothers moniker as a duo.

Ronald's team stated in a letter that they have no issue incorporating Rudolph into Isley Brothers business, but only for the years that Rudolph was a working member of the group. "Rudolph retired in 1986, has had no involvement in any of the compositions/body of works done after he retired, and has not performed with The Isley Brothers since the death of O'Kelly Isley," the letter continued.

The case is currently making its way through the Illinois court system, and the fate of the Isley Brothers trademark remains uncertain.

Formed in Cincinnati in the 1950s, the group has been active for over six decades, releasing numerous hit songs such as "Shout," "Twist and Shout," "This Old Heart of Mine," "It's Your Thing," and "Contagious." The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Hospitalized Following Brutal Florida Gym Assault

 Tekashi 6ix9ine mugshot

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was brutally assaulted by multiple men at a South Florida gym on Tuesday, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization.

According to Lance Lazzaro, the rapper's attorney, 6ix9ine was ambushed without warning while in the sauna at an LA Fitness gym.

The assailants outnumbered and overwhelmed the rapper, who was not accompanied by security at the time.

Gym staff quickly alerted a manager, who called the police and emergency medical services. 6ix9ine was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Tekashi 6ix9ine left bruised and bloodied after ambush attack inside gym sauna. https://t.co/kTrbDOV9lO

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 22, 2023

A photo obtained by TMZ, which first reported the story, shows significant facial damage, including gashes and swelling, sustained by 6ix9ine during the attack.

Lazzaro plans to contact federal authorities to ensure the rapper's safety. 6ix9ine was granted early release from federal prison after cooperating with authorities in a case that resulted in the incarceration of several gang members.

#Tekashi #6ix9ine got hands and feet put on him in Florida #damn pic.twitter.com/rwu0EdnIdN

— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) March 22, 2023

It is unclear whether the attack is related to 6ix9ine's cooperation.

Watch: Bagpiper Puts Tartan Twist on Snoop Dogg's 'Still D.R.E.'

Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg received a grand Scottish greeting upon his arrival at Glasgow Airport for his highly anticipated concert at the OVO Hydro on Thursday night.

The 51-year-old rapper was met by the soulful sound of bagpipes as the traditional Scottish musical instrument played his classic 1999 hit, "Still D.R.E.," in collaboration with Dr. Dre, marking a rare moment of cultural fusion.

Upon hearing the iconic tune played with a Scottish twist, Snoop couldn't contain his excitement and exclaimed, "F—ing dope!" before busting a few moves on the tarmac.

To brave the chilly Scottish weather, the "Gin and Juice" hitmaker was wrapped up in a blanket and donned a red beanie.

Bagpiper Ross Ainslie, who was dressed in a kilt for the occasion, shared his thoughts with Glasgow Live, stating that "It was a very cool experience!" He also revealed that he only had a day to learn Snoop's hit song but was pleased with his tartan-flavored rendition.

The heartwarming moment was shared on Ross' Instagram account, garnering over 40,000 views.

Snoop's concert had been rescheduled from August 2021 due to scheduling conflicts.

Watch the video below to see the international act of goodwill.

Hurricane Chris Acquitted of Murder Charges in Highly Publicized Trial

Christopher Dooley

Louisiana rapper Hurricane Chris, whose real name is Christopher Dooley, has been acquitted of all charges in a highly publicized murder trial.

Dooley, 34, had been indicted by a Caddo Parish grand jury for second-degree murder in connection with the June 2020 slaying of Danzeria Farris Jr., 32, at a Texaco station in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In a statement following the verdict, Dooley expressed gratitude to those who supported him during the ordeal.

"I wanna thank God, my attorneys at the Washington & Wells Law Firm, and my family for standing with me as my life was on the line," he said. "They wanted to give me life if I was found guilty. Now I can hug my son and think about raising him to be a man. This situation drained me and affected my health greatly. God, I give you all the glory. I got my life back, and words can’t explain how I feel. Thanks to everyone who wished me well."

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Dooley's attorney, Alex J. Washington, maintained that his client acted in self-defense.

"He was simply trying not to be killed. When the guy put his hand in his pocket, he was faced with a decision: should I leave my life in this guy's hands? Or, should I make a decision?," Washington said. "And he made a decision to save his own life and he pulled the trigger."

This moment caught by Christopher Dooley’s legal team was immediately following the verdict. Dooley’s mother Stephanie George says this is the start of what she says is their plan to “move on”. #HurricaneChris #trialwatch @ksla #ksla pic.twitter.com/PasYbocIIt

— Alexandria Savage KSLA (@APsavageNews) March 15, 2023

Dooley was also charged with illegal possession of a stolen 2016 Mercedes, but his attorney explained that the car was purchased with an ex-girlfriend who reported it stolen after they broke up. The rapper was acquitted on those charges as well.

In response to the verdict, the Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office issued a statement.

"The same evidence that the grand jury got is the same evidence that we presented to the jury on Tuesday, and they decided there was nothing there," said Ivy Woodard, a spokeswoman for the office.

Hurricane Chris rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits such as "A Bay Bay" and "Halle Berry (She's Fine)." He has collaborated with notable artists, including Lil Wayne, Ludacris and Plies.