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.

Wyclef Jean Admits to Neglecting His Health After Hospitalization

Matt Johnson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wyclef Jean, the Haitian rapper and founding member of the iconic hip-hop group the Fugees, was recently hospitalized due to exhaustion and stress.

Jean opened up about his overnight stay on Tuesday to TMZ, revealing that he began feeling numbness on the right side of his face after returning to Los Angeles from Miami last weekend.

He sought care from his family doctor after experiencing numbness on the right side of his face and was immediately sent to the emergency room. Jean was immediately sent to the ER, where he underwent tests and was advised to stay overnight. "Stress-related exhaustion" was determined to be the root of his facial numbness.

The rapper, who posted a video on Instagram Monday showing himself being rolled away in a wheelchair, admitted that he wasn't properly taking care of himself. "Sometimes we forget that our body is our temple," he wrote in the post. "Be back soon."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wyclef Jean (@wyclefjean)

The Grammy-winning artist has been working non-stop lately, including the recent announcement of the Attucks Apex AP0, a two-passenger sports car set to hit the market in 2024. The electric vehicle was unveiled earlier this month at The Amelia Concours D’Elegance, a luxury automotive event held in Florida.

Attucks Apex AP0, el Supercoche eléctrico más ligero de la historia, ¡se ha lanzado oficialmente en EE.UU.! Conozca el Supercoche EV diseñado en el Reino Unido y fabricado en EE.UU., acelera de 0 a 100 km/h en 2,3 segundos, ¡el coche de mis sueños! pic.twitter.com/utiv2yjEeT

— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 6, 2023

"As the Son of immigrants, my parents always told me to dream big!!" Jean wrote on Instagram while announcing the project. "So I combined my two passions and experiences with cars and music and created my dream vision! I’m launching my electric supercar tomorrow with @apexmotors.global @attucksfuture @supercarrooms."

Jean was also seen in the studio recently, collaborating with Lil Wayne. Fans have speculated that the Fugees rapper may appear on Weezy's upcoming album, "Tha Carter 6." The two previously worked together on "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," which also featured Akon and Shakira, and became a hit in 2007, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

50 Cent's G-Unit Film & Television to Develop 'Vice City' Series for Paramount+

Courtesy Photo G-Unit

Over the last decade, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has proven to be just as adept at scoring hits in the television and movie world as he was as a chart-topping rapper.

His "Power" series and its spinoffs have been massive successes for the Starz network, and his current hit show, "BMF," is only in its second season but has already secured three spinoffs.

Jackson has the proven ability to produce, direct, and sometimes star in compelling, gritty street dramas. So, it should come as no surprise that Paramount+ has announced a partnership with Jackson's G-Unit Film & Television, along with Lionsgate Television and Paramount Television Studios, to create a new original series based on the iconic "Grand Theft Auto" series of video games.

From the director of John Wick Chad Stahelski & ya Boy 50 VICE CITY 🔥GLG🚦💣BOOM💨I don’t miss 🎯#bransoncognac #lecheminduroi pic.twitter.com/FMWFhp464B

— 50cent (@50cent) March 9, 2023

According to Deadline, the series, tentatively titled "Vice City," is set in Miami in the mid-1980s and follows the story of three friends who were dishonorably discharged from the military after their involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal. Returning to their hometown, they unite their financial needs and criminal ambitions to form a heist crew, partnering with a mysterious Colombian immigrant. The pursuit of the American Dream leads them down a dangerous path.

"Vice City" is created by writers and executive producers Darnell Metayer ("Transformers: Rise of the Beasts") and Josh Peters ("Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"), with Chad Stahelski ("John Wick" franchise) serving as executive producer and director.

G-Unit Film & Television is also working on other projects, including the British boxing drama "Fightland." The company is collaborating with horror icon Eli Roth and 3BlackDot to produce a three-picture horror deal. G-Unit, along with Alex Young and Jason Spitz for 87 Eleven, will serve as executive producers on "Vice City."

Paul Masson Brandy Offers Hip-Hop Fans Chance to Party With 'People's Champ'

Paul Masson Brandy and Paul Wall invite fans to “Party with Paul.”

Houston rap legend Paul Wall has teamed up with Paul Masson Brandy to offer a one-of-a-kind experience to a lucky fan — a private party with the Grammy-nominated artist himself.

The philanthropic artist, who earned the nickname "The People's Champ" for his extensive charity work in underprivileged communities in Texas, will perform his chart-topping hits like "Still Tippin," "Grillz," and "Break Em' Off" in the winner's hometown, while the winner and their closest friends are treated to cocktails made with Paul Masson Brandy.

In addition to the private performance, the fortunate fan will also receive a custom set of grillz crafted by Johnny Dang & Co, Wall's long-time jewelry partner who has designed pieces for some of the biggest names in the hip-hop industry.

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A post shared by 97.9 The Box🤘🏽 (@979thebox)

Wall and Dang established their iconic jewelry store in 1998, helping ignite the gold grillz trend in the hip-hop community. The store continues to sell over 100 grillz every day, catering to a worldwide clientele of A-listers.

"We're thrilled to be inviting consumers to Party with Paul for this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Jess Scheerhorn, brand director at Sazerac, the producer of Paul Masson in a news release announcing the partnership. "Smooth, flavorful and affordable, we like to think of Paul Masson Brandy as the 'Party's Champ,' and that connection made a partnership with the 'People's Champ' even more of a no brainer for us."

From March 9th to March 31st, 2023, fans aged 21 and over can enter for a chance to win this unique experience by visiting www.partywithpaulmasson.com.

Wall, whose signature album "The People's Champ" debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 in 2005, and quickly achieved platinum status will also promote the event on his social media channels where he has more than one million followers.

"I really do party with Paul Masson on the regular!" Wall said. "There's nothing better than connecting with fans, performing music and just generally having a good time, and I can't wait to bring the party to someone's hometown later this year."

Wayne Shorter, Legendary Jazz Composer and Saxophonist, Dead at 89

Tom Beetz, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jazz icon Wayne Shorter, a renowned saxophonist and composer with a career spanning more than 50 years, has died at age 89.

A publicist at Blue Note Records, Cem Kurosman, confirmed his passing on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Shorter, a 12-time Grammy Award winner, was born on August 25, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. He gained recognition as a composer and saxophonist while performing with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers after studying music at New York University in the mid-1950s. 

Wayne Shorter; On the meaning, of the Word, *JAZZ*
"Lets jump into the Unknown🎶...
i dare you"🎉
🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/HFWZHSWTn7

— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) March 2, 2023

In the mid-1960s, he joined the Miles Davis Quintet, playing alongside renowned musicians such as pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams.

Wayne Shorter
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet
Weather Report
Genius

August 25, 1933- March 2, 2023

RIPpic.twitter.com/LUCGGJG6EH

— John Nichols (@NicholsUprising) March 2, 2023

Throughout his storied career, Shorter's music evolved from hard bop to experimental jazz and rock-influenced jazz. His innovative sound inspired countless musicians and continues to influence jazz today. 

RIP jazz giant Wayne Shorter.

Miles Davis once advised him not to wear his heart on his sleeve: “Don’t give too much away.”

Instead he put it all in his music.

Here is Shorter talking about playing on Steely Dan’s epic “Aja.” pic.twitter.com/P5d3lUsGX4

— Expanding Dan, a Steely Dan newsletter (@ExpandingDan) March 2, 2023

Shorter even contributed saxophone solos to two soft rock hits, Steely Dan's "Aja" and Don Henley's "The End of the Innocence," which reached the US Top 10. He also played on the Rolling Stones' 1997 album "Bridges to Babylon."

Shorter received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music world, including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship, the Kennedy Center Honors and the Jazz Foundation of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Davis' Second Great Quintet in 2006.

It has been a deeply sad morning to learn that my brother and fellow explorer of the Inner and Outer Universe @Wayne_Shorter has left town. The Maestro was a visionary, a great composer, and a friend with whom I shared a love for the Eternal Now.
Barche Lamsel pic.twitter.com/cjxB6OSnJR

— Charles Lloyd (@CharlesLloydSax) March 2, 2023

The news of Shorter's death has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from musicians and fans alike, who celebrated his immense talent and lasting impact on jazz music.

Fellow saxophone great and composer Charles Lloyd best summed up the general mood while expressing his condolences on Twitter.

"It has been a deeply sad morning to learn that my brother and fellow explorer of the Inner and Outer Universe @Wayne_Shorte has left town," Lloyd wrote. "The Maestro was a visionary, a great composer, and a friend with whom I shared a love for the Eternal Now."

Watch: Ab-Soul Releases Raw and Vulnerable Tiny Desk Performance on Birthday

On Thursday, to mark his 36th birthday, Ab-Soul released a Tiny Desk concert, which he called his "second second chance."

The performance is a must-watch for all hip-hop fans. Backed by a hand-picked group of musicians he dubbed the "Soulersystem," Ab-Soul delivered a raw and rousing performance.

Ab-Soul's career is a prime example of how rap has grown over the past 50 years. For his Tiny Desk set, he hand-picked a live band and gave a display of raw honesty and next-level lyricism. https://t.co/p73zxwu2aj

— NPR Music (@nprmusic) February 23, 2023

The Carson, California native's music is defined by vulnerability, pathos, and hope, all of which were on full display in his first-ever appearance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series.

Surrounded by childhood pictures, some of which graphically detailed his fight with the rare disorder Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which ravaged his skin and left him legally blind, the artist, born Herbert Stevens IV, powered through tracks from his critically-acclaimed new album "HERBERT."

He also paired never-before-heard rhymes with instrumentals from 2012's "Control System" between sets.

Watch the full performance below:

Chuck Jackson, "Any Day Now" Hitmaker, Passes Away at 85

Wand Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chuck Jackson, the legendary R&B and soul singer known for hits such as "Any Day Now" and "I Don't
Want to Cry," has died at the age of 85.

The sad news was confirmed by Ady Croasdell, of UK-based Kent Records, who wrote on social media: "There are confirmed reports that one of the very greatest soul singers of all time, Chuck Jackson, died on February 16th. His passing will be deeply felt around the world." No cause of death was given.

Jackson had an impressive career spanning over six decades, starting in the 1950s as a member of The Del-Vikings before becoming a solo artist and signing with Wand and Scepter record labels. He released over 30 singles throughout his career, including hits such as "Tell Him I'm Not Home," "Beg Me," and "Since I Don't Have You."

In 1962, Jackson released his most famous hit, "Any Day Now," written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard. The song earned him a contract with Motown Records and was later covered by Ronnie Milsap. Jackson's "I Keep Forgettin'" was also covered by Michael McDonald and David Bowie.

RIP Chuck Jackson

The R&B singer/songwriter charted 23 songs on the #Hot100 in his lifetime. Here are the top-charting ones below:

#23, Any Day Now
#36, I Don't Want To Cry
#42, Tell Him I'm Not Home
#45, Beg Me
#46, (It Never Happens) In Real Life
#46, If I Didn't Love You https://t.co/Fogj6y2aQX

— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) February 21, 2023

Croasdell reflected on Jackson's impressive career and legacy in a statement on Kent Records' official website. "No artist had more releases or titles issued on Kent records than Chuck Jackson," he said. He also credited the company's first compilation featuring Jackson's work, "Mr Emotion" (Kent 033), with helping to revive interest in his Wand recordings, which had largely been forgotten about by the 80s.

In memory of #ApolloLegend Chuck Jackson 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/wIZO7kgBgv

— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) February 22, 2023

"Throughout his career Chuck worked hard with his acclaimed live appearances and he continued to sing in great voice up until quite recently," Croasdell said. "He got a terrific reception at the Great Yarmouth soul weekender in 1990 and appeared around Europe on several occasions afterwards — as well as being in constant demand in his home country."

Dionne Warwick, a friend and collaborator of Jackson's, issued a statement about his death, saying: "Another heartache has come my way. Chuck Jackson has made his transition. He was my label mate on Scepter Records and was like a big brother to me."

R&B Pioneer Huey 'Piano' Smith Dead at 89

Legendary R&B pianist and early rock 'n' roll pioneer Huey "Piano" Smith has died at the age of 89.

Smith passed away in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His daughter, Acquelyn Donsereaux, confirmed the news to the New Orleans Times-Picayune/Advocate.

RIP #HueySmith whose trilling piano style was a major influence in New Orleans (and beyond) rock & roll in the 1950s. #RockinPneumonia #DontYouJustKnowIt, etc. Also had the original track for #SeaCruise snatched away to create a Frankie Ford hit. A godlike NOLA master... pic.twitter.com/gjCUuDBpP2

— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) February 15, 2023

Smith was best known for his boogie-woogie piano style and recorded with many New Orleans musicians in the 1950s, including Little Richard, Lloyd Price and Earl King.

RIP #HueySmith: "Don't You Just Know it," 1958: https://t.co/Cy3zNX9oIh

— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) February 15, 2023

His most famous recording, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu," was a minor hit in 1957 but had a lasting influence on music for decades to come.

The track was covered by many artists, including Johnny Rivers, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, the Beach Boys, the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett and the Grateful Dead.

Smith also wrote and recorded the 1958 single "Sea Cruise," which became a platinum-selling hit the following year when Frankie Ford replaced Smith's vocals on the track.

Smith's band, the Clowns, recorded several other popular tracks, including "Don't You Just Know It," which was inspired by a catchphrase often used by their then-driver Rudy Ray Moore.

Moore, an entertainer and vocalist, went on to create the persona of Dolomite, leaving a lasting impression on the world of hip-hop and Black cinema as the driving force behind the creation of "blaxploitation" films.

RIP to Huey "Piano" Smith, legend of R&B who helped shape the sound of rock & roll.

Dr. John performed this Huey "Piano" Smith medley on his Gumbo album. https://t.co/wAJKbgnive

— Dr. John (@akadrjohn) February 15, 2023

In the early 1980s, Smith moved to Baton Rouge and mostly left music behind. However, in 2000 he returned to the stage to perform at the Rhythm and Blues Foundation gala in New York City.

He received the foundation's Pioneer Award, which recognizes "the artistic contributions and excellence of legendary Rhythm & Blues artists who have impacted the world through their music."