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Dr. Dre Breaks Silence: Shares Strokes Ordeal, Applauds Eminem's Influence

(L-R) Dr. Dre and James Corden appear on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden." (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
In a revealing interview, Dr. Dre opened up about a harrowing health battle, disclosing that he suffered three strokes while hospitalized after a brain aneurysm in 2021. He shared the details recently on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden."

The rapper and producer recalled experiencing intense pain behind his right ear, a potential sign of an aneurysm. Despite initially dismissing the discomfort, his son and a friend urged him to seek immediate medical attention.

"Next thing you know, I'm in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU for two weeks," Dre said.

The severity of his condition was underscored by the three strokes he endured during his hospitalization. Doctors emphasized his good fortune, saying, "You don't know how lucky you are."

Dre expressed surprise at his diagnosis, noting that he maintains a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a focus on diet. He was later diagnosed with high blood pressure, sometimes called the "silent killer."

During the same interview, Dre also sparked social media debate by declaring Eminem the "best emcee ever." The legendary producer praised Eminem's skills on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine With James Corden."


"I think he's the best emcee ever," Dre shared. "Point blank, period. Of course, there are going to be arguments about that because he's a white guy. I don't think anyone that's rapping can touch Eminem on that microphone."

Anthony 'Baby Gap' Walker, a Pioneer of Funk Music, Dies at 60

Anthony "Baby Gap" Walker (second from right), a former member of the Gap Band and seen here in a promotional photo for GapX, has passed away at the age of 60. 
Anthony "Baby Gap" Walker, a member of the legendary funk and R&B group the Gap Band, has died at age 60. Walker, who was performing with former Gap Band members in the group GapX, died after complications from recent neck surgery on March 4, his brother, Eric Walker, confirmed.

"The Band will miss our friend, brother, and bandmate Anthony 'Baby Gap' Walker," GapX said in a social media post. "Gone too soon. We will never forget you!!!"


The Gap Band was formed in 1967 by brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson. Walker joined in 1979 as a dancer, choreographer, and performer, and the band soon signed with Mercury Records. The group released a string of hits, including "Oops Up Side Your Head," "Outstanding," "Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" and "You Dropped a Bomb on Me."

Walker contributed to the band's songwriting, penning tracks such as "Automatic Brain" and "L'il Red Funkin' Hood." Additionally, in 1985, he collaborated with bandmate Billy Young to release the album "Billy & Baby Gap." Walker's career also included collaborations with Rick James, George Clinton and Snoop Dogg.

A memorial service for Walker will be held later this week in his hometown of Chicago.

New Edition, Frankie Beverly to Receive NAACP Image Awards Honors

New Edition
The NAACP and BET have announced that New Edition will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th NAACP Image Awards. This recognition celebrates pioneers in their fields whose influence shapes generations to come. Previous inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Sidney Poitier, Earth Wind and Fire and Aretha Franklin.

Additionally, R&B icon Frankie Beverly, frontman of MAZE, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner on March 14 in Los Angeles. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights alongside their accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

Frankie Beverly
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement, "It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—musical icons who have shaped our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence. We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring excellence of Black artists in the arts."

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, added, "New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence has laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre's sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. We are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture."

New Edition, one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B history, has entertained audiences for over 40 years, selling a cumulative 30 million records worldwide. The group's members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe, have also enjoyed successful solo careers. Their biopic, "The New Edition Story," garnered critical acclaim and a record-breaking viewership of 29 million unique viewers.

Beverly is a trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter. Known for timeless hits such as "Golden Time of Day" and "Before I Let Go," Beverly's influence extends beyond the stage, making lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The award show will air live at 8:00 PM ET/PT on March 16, 2024, on BET and CBS.

Beyoncé Saddles Up, Announces 'Cowboy Carter' Album

Get ready to dust off your boots and embrace a whole new side of Beyoncé as she saddles up for her latest musical adventure with her upcoming country-inspired album, "Cowboy Carter," slated for release on March 29.

The announcement of the album's title came on Tuesday. Previously hinting at a country music project and the next phase of her acclaimed 2022 album "Renaissance," Beyoncé officially revealed it as "Act II: Cowboy Carter" through a subtle update to her Instagram bio and a western-themed image on her Instagram Story.

Photo Credit: Instagram/Beyonce
This highly anticipated album serves as the second installment of Beyoncé’s ambitious “three-act project,” building upon the success of her critically acclaimed "Renaissance" album.

The album's unveiling follows a teaser during a prominent Super Bowl advertisement in February, initially referred to as "Act II." Beyoncé offered fans a taste of her new musical direction with the release of two singles, "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages," both of which quickly soared to the top of the charts.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" made an impressive debut by claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Beyoncé's ninth solo chart-topper. Notably, the song also secured the top position on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman artist to achieve this milestone, solidifying her influence across genres.

While details about the album remain scarce, country music icon Dolly Parton hinted at a potential collaboration with Beyoncé during a recent interview with Tennessee outlet Knox News. Parton suggested that Beyoncé has recorded her own rendition of Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration and praising Beyoncé's vocal prowess.

Hip-Hop Mourns Loss of Bo$$: Def Jam's First Female MC Dead at 54

Photo Credit: GoFundMe
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Bo$$ (born Lichelle Laws), the trailblazing female rapper who made history as the first woman signed to Def Jam Recordings. Bun B confirmed her passing at 54 on Monday via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the late artist.

"Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Bo$$," he wrote. "One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"


Bo$$'s influence on the rap scene was undeniable. Fellow icons like Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss and DJ Premier expressed their condolences and shared memories of working with the Detroit-born legend, whose musical journey began in her hometown before she caught the eye of Def Jam's West Coast division, leading to her groundbreaking debut album, "Born Gangstaz," in 1993.


In recent years, Bo$$ faced significant health challenges, battling kidney disease since 2011. She also suffered a major stroke and seizure in 2017. To support her medical costs, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a recommended specialized procedure.


Megan Thee Stallion's New Merch Line Supports Women's Well-Being Charities

Planet Fitness x Megan Thee Stallion Crop Top
Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion joins forces with Planet Fitness for "Thee Hottie Drop," a bold merchandise line launched in honor of Women's History Month. This collaboration directly supports Megan's charitable foundations—the Pete & Thomas Foundation and the SeekHer Foundation—dedicated to enhancing women's well-being.

Featuring empowering messages, the collection includes a crop top, sweatpants, and high-rise socks, embodying Megan's commitment to breaking down barriers for women in fitness spaces. "The Hotties loved the last Planet Fitness drop, so we had to run it back with brand new pieces," Megan stated in an announcement touting the release. "But more importantly, I'm proud of the positive impact this collection will bring."

The Houston-born artist, known for her musical prowess, also champions women's empowerment. Her recent hit "Hiss" underscores her influence, complementing her extensive accolades, including three Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Megan leads the Pete & Thomas Foundation, focusing on education, housing and health initiatives for marginalized communities.

Planet Fitness, echoing Megan's advocacy, emphasizes research showing women's struggles with self-care in fitness settings. "We witnessed tremendous demand for the first merch collection launched in collaboration with Megan," said Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Rolling out this new collection to support Megan's foundation and the SeekHer Foundation is a priority for us."

"Thee Hottie Drop" is available at shop.planetfitness.com until March 31st.

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Channels "Hiss" Energy with Snake Liquor Adventure

Screengrab: TikTok/theestallion
Megan Thee Stallion, the celebrated rapper known for her snake-themed hits like "Hiss," embarked on a daring escapade during her recent visit to Japan. While immersing herself in the local culture, she encountered a fascinating yet unnerving beverage: Habushu, a traditional Okinawan liquor infused with a venomous Habu snake.

Initially taken aback by the unusual sight of the snake coiled inside the bottle, Megan couldn't help but express her astonishment. "What the heck!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Okay, okay. Is this gonna kill me? He's looking at me," she quipped, momentarily unnerved by the serpent's gaze.
@theestallion Lol should I show yall all of the food / drinks ive been trying out in Japan ? 😂 I just haddd to taste this dang snake drink 😂 #japan ♬ original sound - Megan Thee Stallion

Despite her reservations, and perhaps inspired by her own fearless musical persona, Megan decided to brave the experience. She took a cautious sip from a shot glass. Her reaction was immediate, her facial expressions revealing a mix of surprise and slight disgust. "That's tough. That's strong," she remarked. "Knew a snake had a taste that tastes like a snake."

Habushu, known for its potent bite, is made by fermenting a Habu pit viper inside the bottle. This process imbues the liquor with a distinct flavor profile and a high alcohol content.

Megan Thee Stallion's trip to Japan wasn't just for leisure. Known for her love of anime, she recently served as a presenter at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo.

J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, SZA to Headline Dreamville Festival

J. Cole's Dreamville Festival returns to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 6-7, with a lineup packed with music industry heavyweights.

R&B stars SZA and Chris Brown headline Saturday's performances, joined by Jeremih, Amaarae, Teezo Touchdown, J.I.D., ScHoolboy Q, Sexyy Red and others.

Sunday's lineup is just as exciting, with J. Cole and Nicki Minaj taking the stage as headliners. Festival-goers can also catch performances by Monica, Muni Long, Chase Shakur, Rema and Jeezy.

Dreamville Festival isn't just about the music. The event also features carnival rides, art installations, a variety of food vendors, and more, creating a weekend celebration of music and community.

This marks the fourth edition of Dreamville Festival, and tickets are selling fast. Limited general admission passes are still available for this two-day music extravaganza.

Full Lineup:
Saturday, April 6
SZA
Chris Brown
J.I.D.
Lil Yachty
ScHoolboy Q
Sexyy Red
Jeremih
EARTHGANG
Teezo Touchdown
Amaarae
Lute
Luh Tyler
Domani

Sunday, April 7
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Rema
Jeezy
Monica
Rae Sremmurd
Key Glock
Bas
Muni Long
Cozz
Omen
TiaCorine

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