Snoop Dogg Teams with KIDZ BOP Tour and ‘PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’

Snoop Dogg, center, appears with characters from his preschool series “Doggyland,” whose live show will open for the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour this summer, as the rapper also lends his voice to the upcoming feature “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie.” (Graphic courtesy of Doggyland/YouTube)

Snoop Dogg is trading G‑funk for giggles this summer, joining forces with the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour and lending his voice to Spin Master’s upcoming feature “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie.”

Beginning June 14 in Stamford, Connecticut, and running through Sept. 7 in Houston, Texas, the 28‑city KIDZ BOP tour will now kick off each night with a live performance of “Doggyland,” Dogg’s animated YouTube series for preschoolers. Created in 2022, “Doggyland” follows Bow Wizzle and a colorful cast of puppies who rap and sing about letters, numbers, colors and social‑emotional skills.

“‘Doggyland’ and KIDZ BOP are teamin’ up for a special tour like no other,” Snoop Dogg said in a release touting the collaboration. “We’re takin’ our animated world and bringing it to life, ya dig? We invite little kids, big kids, mamas, daddies, uncles, aunties — to join us for life lessons and some family fun. When ‘Doggyland’ links with KIDZ BOP, it’s a musical journey you will never forget.”

KIDZ BOP, which claims to be the No. 1 music brand for kids since 2001, will feature its young stars — Aleah, Cliff, Matty and Shila — performing kid‑friendly versions of today’s hits like “Espresso” and “Hot to Go!” on a stage complete with interactive elements and the return of the Daddy Dance Off.

“We’re excited to have ‘Doggyland’ join the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour this summer as our special show opener,” added Sasha Junk, president of KIDZ BOP. “Their hip‑hop spin on classic kids’ songs — especially the viral ‘Affirmations Song' — will add fresh energy to our live events.”

Meanwhile, Dogg is also expanding his family‑friendly portfolio on the big screen. He joins a star‑studded ensemble — Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Paris Hilton, Bill Nye, Meredith MacNeill and Ron Pardo — in “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie." The third theatrical installment of the animated franchise follows the rescue pups on a prehistoric adventure and is set to drop July 31, 2026.

KIDZ BOP LIVE TOUR DATES

Date	City	Venue
Saturday, June 14, 2025	Stamford, Conn.*	The Palace
Thursday, June 19, 2025	Hershey, Pa.*	Giant Center
Friday, June 20, 2025	Raleigh, N.C.*	Coastal Credit Union
Saturday, June 21, 2025	Charlotte, N.C.*	PNC Music Pavilion
Sunday, June 22, 2025	Greensboro, N.C.*	White Oak Amphitheater
Thursday, June 26, 2025	West Palm Beach, Fla.*	iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Friday, June 27, 2025	Jacksonville, Fla.*	Daily’s Place
Saturday, June 28, 2025	Alpharetta, Ga.*	Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sunday, June 29, 2025	Franklin, Tenn.*	FirstBank Amphitheater
Thursday, July 3, 2025	Gilford, N.H.*	Bank of NH Pavilion
Saturday, July 5, 2025	Bangor, Maine*	Maine Savings Bank
Sunday, July 6, 2025	Bethel, N.Y.*	Bethel Woods
Thursday, July 10, 2025	Richmond, Va.*	Allianz Amphitheater
Friday, July 11, 2025	Wantagh, N.Y.*	Northwell Health at Jones Beach
Saturday, July 12, 2025	Holmdel, N.J.*	PNC Bank Arts Center
Thursday, July 17, 2025	Wilmington, N.C.*	Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Friday, July 18, 2025	Baltimore, Md.*	Pier Six Pavilion
Saturday, July 19, 2025	Boston, Mass.* (2 shows)	Leader Bank Pavilion
Sunday, July 20, 2025	Wallingford, Conn.*	Toyota Oakdale Theater
Wednesday, July 23, 2025	Columbus, Ohio*	Ohio State Fair
Thursday, July 24, 2025	Clarkston, Mich.*	Pine Knob Music Center
Friday, July 25, 2025	Noblesville, Ind.*	Ruoff Music Center
Sunday, July 27, 2025	Cincinnati, Ohio*	PNC Pavilion at Riverbend
Friday, August 1, 2025	Saratoga Springs, N.Y.*	Broadview Stage at SPAC
Saturday, August 2, 2025	Camden, N.J.*	Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Tuesday, August 5, 2025	West Allis, Wis.*	Wisconsin State Fair
Friday, August 8, 2025	Macon, Ga.*	Macon Amphitheater
Saturday, August 9, 2025	Tampa, Fla.*	MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, August 15, 2025	Tinley Park, Ill.	Credit Union 1 Amphitheater
Saturday, August 16, 2025	Kansas City, Mo.	Starlight Theatre
Sunday, August 17, 2025	Des Moines, Iowa	Iowa State Fair
Wednesday, August 20, 2025	Grand Rapids, Mich.	DeVos Hall
Thursday, August 21, 2025	Toronto, Ont.	Budweiser Stage
Friday, August 22, 2025	Toledo, Ohio	Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
Saturday, August 23, 2025	Syracuse, N.Y.	New York State Fair
Thursday, August 28, 2025	San Diego, Calif.	Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, August 29, 2025	Phoenix, Ariz.	Arizona Financial Theatre
Saturday, August 30, 2025	Anaheim, Calif.	Honda Center
Sunday, August 31, 2025	Mountain View, Calif.	Shoreline Amphitheater
Friday, September 5, 2025	Irving, Texas	Toyota Music Factory
Sunday, September 7, 2025	Houston, Texas	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Wednesday, September 10, 2025	Puyallup, Wash.	Washington State Fair

*Doggyland opening act dates

Grassroots Campaign Aims to Fund Sun Ra Arkestra’s Return to Jazz Pioneer’s Hometown

Sun Ra appears in a 1973 publicity photo for Impulse/ABC Dunhill Records. A grassroots GoFundMe campaign aims to bring the Sun Ra Arkestra to his hometown of Birmingham for a four-day celebration of what would be his 111th birthday.

A grassroots GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $22,000 (as of press time) toward a $31,000 goal to bring the Sun Ra Arkestra to Birmingham for a four-day celebration of the bandleader’s 111th birthday. All proceeds will cover travel, lodging and production costs, with concert ticket revenue supporting local venues and youth jazz programs.

Herman “Sonny” Poole Blount, better known as Sun Ra, was born in Birmingham on May 22, 1914, and died there on May 30, 1993. A pioneering composer, bandleader and Afrofuturist philosopher, he fused big-band swing with synthesizers and cosmic theatrics to forge a sound that inspired generations. Over a 50-year career and nearly 200 albums, he composed more than 1,000 pieces, pioneering free improvisation, modal jazz and early electronic keyboards. His theatrical live shows — complete with elaborate costumes, dancers and spoken-word manifestos — helped lay the foundation for Afrofuturism and influenced artists from Parliament-Funkadelic to Janelle Monáe.

 

Since Ra’s passing, saxophonist Marshall Allen has led the Arkestra, preserving Ra’s “discipline” and expansive vision on stages worldwide. Allen, who turned 100 last year, remains at the helm of a band that has sold out shows from European jazz festivals to Tokyo’s Shinjuku Pit Inn.

The campaign, “Celebrate Sun Ra’s Legacy in Birmingham,” brings together the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Sidewalk Cinema, Saturn Records, Seasick Records, Southern Music Research Center and East Village Arts. Two headline concerts — May 22 at Carver Theatre and May 23 at The Nick — anchor a slate of film screenings, art exhibits, panel discussions and youth workshops. Proceeds from the May 22 concert will benefit the Hall’s Saturday Jazz Greats initiative.

“This is our chance to honor Sun Ra where it all began,” said organizer Lee Shook. “Fans from Chicago to Tokyo to Johannesburg can join us in spirit — and help launch Birmingham’s first official Sun Ra Day.”

Tentative Event schedule (May 21–24)

• May 21: Screening of Space Is the Place at Sidewalk Cinema; House of Found Objects after-party

• May 22 (Sun Ra’s birthday): Seasick Records in-store signing at noon; workshop TBA; Arkestra concert at Carver Theatre; late-night set at Saturn Records

• May 23: “An Evening with the Sun Ra Arkestra” at The Nick, site of their famed 1988 show

• May 24: Craig Legg’s “Ark in Town” exhibit at East Village Arts; Moon Stew potluck and DJ sets by Rahdu, Suaze and The Audiovore

Full schedule and donation info at gofundme.com/f/4sc93-celebrate-sun-ras-legacy-in-birmingham.

John Legend Revisits His Roots with ‘Get Lifted’ Anniversary Tour

Twenty years ago, "Get Lifted" introduced the world to John Legend. Now, he's revisiting the iconic album with a commemorative tour.

The EGOT-winning artist announced today that he will embark on a world tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Get Lifted," the 2004 album that launched his career. The tour, which kicks off May 27 in Glasgow, Scotland, will take Legend across Europe before making stops in major U.S. and Canadian cities from August through December.

"I'm so excited to announce that I'm heading back on the road for the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour!" Legend, 46, wrote on Instagram. "Join me and my band for an unforgettable performance of the entire Get Lifted album — the album that introduced me to the world — plus a few favorites from my career that all of you know and love."

Fans can expect a nostalgic journey through some of his biggest hits, including "Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "Number One," and "So High," all of which helped Get Lifted earn three Grammy Awards in 2006. Originally released on Dec. 28, 2004, the album was executive produced by Kanye West and will.i.am, blending classic soul influences with hip-hop production to create a defining moment in modern R&B.

Legend will first perform across Europe in May and June, stopping in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich before heading to North America for a series of major dates, including shows at New York’s Barclays Center (Nov. 4), Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl (Sept. 28), and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena (Nov. 13).

To coincide with the tour, Legend is releasing "Get Lifted (20th Anniversary)," a deluxe reissue featuring eight remixes, rare B-sides, and two previously unreleased studio performances from the album's original sessions. Guest artists on the project include Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought.

"This album changed my life," Legend said in a statement via Sony Music. "I had no idea when I was making Get Lifted that it would introduce me to the world the way it did. To be able to celebrate this anniversary with fans, to revisit the songs, and to give people some unreleased moments from that era is really special to me."

Presale for European dates begins Wednesday, with general sales starting Friday, March 21. The North American presale starts Wednesday, March 26, with general sales opening Friday, March 28, via JohnLegend.com.

Legend, who last toured in 2023, has remained a force in music, television, and philanthropy, serving as a coach on The Voice and advocating for criminal justice reform. His Get Lifted Film Co. has also produced award-winning projects, including "Jingle Jangle" and "Monster."

Wu-Tang Clan Announces ‘Final Chamber’ Tour With Run the Jewels

Photo Credit: Kyle Christy

Wu-Tang Clan is forever — but their days of touring together may finally be coming to a close.

The hip-hop collective has embarked on what they are calling "Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber", a farewell tour that kicks off June 6 in Baltimore and wraps up July 18 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Along the way, the tour will hit major cities across North America, including Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, and, of course, their hometown of Staten Island before finishing in Newark, New Jersey.

The tour, which will feature Run the Jewels as the opening act, comes as Wu-Tang marks the 30th anniversary of "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," the groundbreaking debut album that redefined hip-hop.

Wu-Tang Clan co-founder RZA shared his excitement for the final tour, reflecting on the group's decades-long legacy and their bond with fans.

“Wu-Tang Clan has shown the world many chambers throughout our career; this tour is called The Final Chamber. This is a special moment for me and all my Wu brothers to run around the globe together one more time and spread the Wu swag, music, and culture,” RZA said.

Promising to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience, he added:

"On this tour we’re playing songs we’ve never played before to our audience, and me and our production team have designed a Wu-Tang show unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

Hip-hop fans and fellow artists have shared their reactions online, with Run the Jewels' Killer Mike offering a personal reflection on Wu-Tang’s impact on his career:

"The GZA took me on tour and gave me Godbody game. The Chef, Ghost, and Cap had my petty ass running errands just to be in their presence. To hit the road with The Wu is a dream come true," he wrote.

Tickets went on sale last Friday, and some dates have already sold out. Fans hoping to witness Wu-Tang’s final run are encouraged to secure tickets before it’s too late.

Full Tour Dates:

• June 6 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
• June 7 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
• June 8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
• June 9 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
• June 12 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
• June 13 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
• June 14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
• June 15 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
• June 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
• June 19 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena
• June 20 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
• June 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
• June 23 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
• June 25 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
• June 26 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
• June 27 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
• June 28 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
• June 30 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
• July 3 – Chicago, IL – United Center
• July 5 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
• July 6 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
• July 9 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
• July 11 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
• July 12 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
• July 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
• July 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

As the Wu-Tang Clan prepares for one final run, one thing is certain: Wu-Tang is forever, but this tour won’t be.

Tyga Announces 'Red Light Tour' Ahead of 'NSFW' Album Release

Tyga is headlining his first tour in over a decade, in support of his upcoming album "NSFW." The rapper, known for club anthems like "Rack City" and "Taste," took to Instagram on Wednesday to break the news, telling fans:

"For all my day 1s... Red Light Tour 🚨 presale tomorrow. General sale Friday 10 a.m. Tag your city!!! 🔥🔥 See y’all there!"

The 15-date tour, produced in partnership with Rolling Loud and Live Nation, kicks off March 20 in Phoenix and will hit major cities across the U.S., including stops in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, before wrapping up May 3 in Hollywood, California.

'NSFW' Set to Drop Feb. 7

The tour announcement comes just days before the release of NSFW, Tyga's first full-length project in six years. The 17-track album features an eclectic mix of collaborations, including appearances from Lil Wayne, Shenseea, Cher, Flo Milli, and Ty Dolla $ign.

With a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and unexpected genre crossovers, NSFW could mark a new chapter for Tyga, who has built a career on crafting viral hits and high-energy anthems.

Tickets and Availability

Presale tickets for the Red Light Tour go live Thursday, followed by a general sale on Friday at 10 a.m. For more details, visit Tyga’s official website.

Super Bowl LIX to Showcase New Orleans Stars Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Ledisi and More

Trombone Shorty performs at a concert in celebration of Juneteenth, Monday, June 10, 2024, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

The NFL has announced an all-star lineup of New Orleans music legends for the Super Bowl LIX pregame show, set for Feb. 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome. The event will feature performances from Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi, all of whom have deep ties to Louisiana and its rich musical culture.

The Super Bowl, which will air live on FOX, aims to celebrate the iconic music scene of New Orleans. “We're honored to work with this year's pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” said Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL in a release announcing the lineup. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year's performers will bring the energy, soul, and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage.”

Five-time Grammy winner and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem. A New Orleans native, Batiste is known for his work as a singer, songwriter, and composer, and recently released "Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1)," which debuted as the No. 1 classical album. He also composed the score for the critically acclaimed film "Saturday Night" by director Jason Reitman.

Trombone Shorty, born Troy Andrews, will join Grammy Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle to perform "America the Beautiful." Trombone Shorty, known for blending funk, soul, R&B, and rock, is a New Orleans legend who began performing at Jazz Fest at age four and has shared stages with acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. Daigle, a Louisiana native, is celebrated for her powerful vocals and her 2018 album "Look Up Child," which made her the first female artist to reach the Top 10 on both the pop and Christian album charts simultaneously.

Ledisi, another Grammy Award-winning artist from New Orleans, will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Ledisi has earned international acclaim with 15 Grammy nominations and a win for Best Traditional R&B Performance. She has also performed at prestigious venues such as the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall.

In addition to the musical lineup, the pregame show and the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show will feature American Sign Language (ASL) performances. Stephanie Nogueras will sign the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," Otis Jones IV will interpret "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and Matt Maxey will deliver an ASL rendition of the halftime show. The ASL performances will be supported by Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN and Howard Rosenblum of Deaf Equality.

The NFL also previously announced that Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, with DPS, Roc Nation, and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers.

For updates on Super Bowl LIX festivities, fans can visit SuperBowl.com.

Travis Scott Breaks Boundaries: 'Circus Maximus' Becomes Highest-Grossing Solo Rap Tour

Travis Scott's "Circus Maximus" tour has redefined what a solo rap tour can achieve, earning a staggering $209.3 million in revenue and becoming the highest-grossing solo rap tour in history, according to Billboard. Over 1.7 million tickets were sold across 76 dates, solidifying Scott's status as a powerhouse in live music and an artist capable of unprecedented commercial success.

A standout moment of the tour came in Melbourne, where two sold-out shows generated $12.6 million from 115,000 tickets. The tour's momentum only accelerated towards the end, with the final nine shows contributing 24% of the total attendance—an impressive 415,000 tickets sold in just that stretch.

The numbers tell a story of exponential growth for Scott. Compared to his previous "Astroworld: Wish You Were Here" tour, "Circus Maximus" more than tripled the revenue and sold over twice as many tickets. Key drivers of this success included a 65% increase in ticket prices, an expanded schedule featuring over 20 additional shows, and a significant boost in average audience size, with 53% more tickets sold per event.

Scott's achievement places him firmly ahead of other rap giants in solo tour earnings. While JAY-Z and 50 Cent have approached similar milestones, JAY-Z's earnings were bolstered by his co-headlining tour with Beyoncé, and 50 Cent's "The Final Lap" tour crossed the 1-million-ticket mark in 2023. Scott now stands alone as the leading solo rapper in tour history.

The tour's success also coincided with the release of Scott's chart-topping album, "UTOPIA." The "Circus Maximus" tour, spanning four continents and totaling 78 shows, eclipsed Kendrick Lamar's "Big Steppers Tour," which grossed $110 million. Though Scott's revenue still falls short of the $320 million generated by Drake, J. Cole, and 21 Savage on their co-headlining "It's All A Blur" tour, he now holds the crown for solo rap tours.

This accomplishment highlights not only Scott's ability to command massive audiences but also his staying power in the competitive world of live entertainment. Compared to the "Astroworld: Wish You Were Here" tour, which grossed $63 million from 57 shows, "Circus Maximus" managed to triple that figure with just 21 more performances—demonstrating a sharp upward trajectory in Scott's career.

Even after the monumental success of "Circus Maximus," Scott isn't slowing down. He is set to headline and curate next year's Coachella Festival, scheduled for April 11–13 and April 18–20. The event, branded as "Travis Scott Designs The Desert," promises a unique and immersive experience, with the festival's announcement teasing a "Cactus Jack desert takeover" featuring an "immersive and experiential world."

Scott will perform on both Saturdays of the festival, sharing the stage with a diverse lineup including Post Malone, Green Day, and Lady Gaga.

Cabello, GloRilla Join Lil Wayne for College Football Playoff Concert

Courtesy Photo

Lil Wayne is set to headline the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert on Jan. 18, 2025, at State Farm Arena, kicking off a music-filled weekend leading up to the College Football Playoff National Championship, amidst conversations about his controversial Super Bowl halftime show snub.

The New Orleans native, known for chart-topping hits like ‘A Milli’ and ‘Lollipop,’ will take the stage after being controversially excluded from the Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown.

“We are excited to have Lil Wayne headline the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, of the five-time Grammy winner. “He is a talented artist who has had a significant impact on the music industry. We know he will put on a great show for our fans.”

Joining Wayne on Jan. 18 is Grammy-nominated rapper GloRilla, the rising star behind viral hits ‘F.N.F. (Let’s Go)’ and ‘Tomorrow 2.’

The following night, Jan. 19, features a pop-centric lineup headlined by Camila Cabello, known for global hits like ‘Havana’ and ‘Señorita.’ Cabello will be joined by Myles Smith, a British singer-songwriter recognized as Apple Music’s Up Next Artist, and Knox, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who has gained a strong online following.

The weekend culminates on Jan. 20 with the Allstate Championship Tailgate at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The event will feature performances by country music star Kane Brown and iHeartCountry’s ‘On the Verge’ artist Ashley Cooke, along with interactive games, sponsor activations, and live ESPN broadcasts.

Tickets for AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! go on sale Monday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. ET via CollegeFootballPlayoff.com/ppl. The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.