B.I.G.'s Legacy Lives On: 'Ready to Die' Officially a National Treasure

The Library of Congress has announced the latest additions to the National Recording Registry, with notable selections including ABBA's "Dancing Queen," Blondie's "Parallel Lines" and The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die."

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden unveiled the 25 new titles on Tuesday, citing their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance in the nation's recorded sound heritage. The registry now boasts 650 titles, representing a diverse array of music genres and eras.

In addition to The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die," other inductees include Gene Autry's rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante" and Green Day's "Dookie." The selection process involved input from the National Recording Preservation Board, which considered landmark recordings spanning from 1919 to 1998.

Hayden emphasized the importance of preserving America's musical legacy, stating, "The Library of Congress is proud to preserve the sounds of American history and our diverse culture through the National Recording Registry."

“Ready to Die” was both the debut studio album & the only album released by The Notorious B.I.G. before he was murdered in 1997. A landmark of rap & hip-hop, it features B.I.G.'s smooth delivery, vivid storytelling, humor, eroticism & creative sampling skills. #NatRecRegistry pic.twitter.com/wCeWFknv8Q

— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 16, 2024

The recognition of "Ready to Die" marks a milestone for hip-hop, as the album, released in 1994, serves as both The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut studio album and his only full-length studio release during his lifetime. B.I.G. was killed in 1997, and his music continues to influence new artists.

Produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and featuring hit singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," "Ready to Die" is celebrated for its innovative sampling, raw lyricism, and vivid portrayal of street life. The album achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, earning a 6x Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Quotes from music critics reflect the album's enduring impact: "One of the greatest rap albums ever made" (AllMusic), "A near-flawless debut...he effortlessly spins tales both gritty and witty" (Entertainment Weekly), and "It changed the sound of East Coast rap and revitalized the entire New York hip-hop scene" (Source Magazine).

The induction of "Ready to Die" into the National Recording Registry underscores its cultural significance and contribution to the evolution of hip-hop music. As part of the registry, the album will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.

Find a complete listing of this year's selections below.

Recordings Selected for the 2024 National Recording Registry

• “Clarinet Marmalade” – Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band (1919)
• “Kauhavan Polkka” – Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl (1928)
• Wisconsin Folksong Collection (1937-1946)
• “Rose Room” – Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian (1939)
• “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry (1949)
• “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page (1950)
• “Rocket ‘88’” – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951) 
• “Catch a Falling Star” / ”Magic Moments” – Perry Como (1957)
• “Chances Are” – Johnny Mathis (1957) 
• “The Sidewinder” – Lee Morgan (1964)
• “Surrealistic Pillow” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
• “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)
• “This is a Recording” – Lily Tomlin (1971)
• “J.D. Crowe & the New South” – J.D. Crowe & the New South (1975)
• “Arrival” – ABBA (1976)
• “El Cantante” – Héctor Lavoe (1978)
• “The Cars” – The Cars (1978) 
• “Parallel Lines” – Blondie (1978)
• “La-Di-Da-Di” – Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (MC Ricky D) (1985)
• “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
• “Amor Eterno” – Juan Gabriel (1990)
• “Pieces of Africa” – Kronos Quartet (1992)
• “Dookie” – Green Day (1994)
• “Ready to Die” – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
• “Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks (1998)

Iconic Dungeon Family Member Rico Wade Dies at 52

Photo Credit: Instagram/ricowadedf

Rico Wade, a member of the Dungeon Family and an integral part of the legendary Atlanta rap production group Organized Noize, has passed away at the age of 52.

Wade's family confirmed his sudden and unexpected death in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time," the family wrote.

Recognizing his immense contribution to music, Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family released a joint statement mourning his loss and highlighting his impact. "We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world."

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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also paid tribute to Wade's legacy, stating, "Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world. Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future (his cousin and second generation Dungeon Family member), and many more. Rico's presence will be sorely missed."

As a founding member of Organized Noize, Wade played a vital role in shaping the Southern hip-hop sound, producing hits for Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ludacris, TLC, and more. The Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta rap artists with funk and soul influences, was born out of their collaboration.

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Fellow Dungeon Family member Killer Mike expressed his profound sense of loss on social media, saying, "I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon Family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all."

The Atlanta City Council also issued a statement honoring Wade's legacy, recognizing him as a "cultural architect" whose contributions to hip-hop and production shaped the sound of generations.

Future in 2015 to Mass Appeal: "I never knew nobody who was legal that made money until my cousin Rico [Wade]." pic.twitter.com/O3tF0kuJYj

— 🔊💦 (@SpeakerLeaks) April 14, 2024

O.J. Simpson, Controversial Star of Sports, Screen & Music, Dies

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star whose life was marred by athletic triumph, a sensationalized murder trial, and later imprisonment, has died. He was 76.

Simpson's death was confirmed Thursday by his family. In a statement, they wrote, "Our father, Orenthal James Simpson, passed away today after a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. While this is a difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy."

Simpson rose to prominence as a record-breaking running back at the University of Southern California, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. He went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, rushing for over 11,000 yards.

His public image shattered in 1994 when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The ensuing televised trial captivated the nation. Simpson was acquitted of the murders but later found liable for their deaths in a civil case.

Simpson also enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films such as the "Naked Gun" series. His foray into music included the video "Get Juiced," where he played pranks, including a reference to his infamous white Ford Bronco.

In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas and served nine years in prison. He was released on parole in 2017.

'Lamest S*** I Ever Did': J. Cole Regrets Kendrick Diss

In a surprising turn of events, J. Cole expressed regret over his recent diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar during his performance at the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina.

During his set on Sunday, Cole reflected on his latest project, "Might Delete Later," and openly admitted to feeling remorse regarding his diss towards Kendrick Lamar.

Acknowledging his own misstep, Cole described it as "the most regrettable, misguided s—t," expressing a desire for reconciliation. This revelation follows a recent feud ignited by songs on both Lamar's and Cole's latest projects.

This is my 9/11
pic.twitter.com/zjLF0XN7Rn

— Cole World (@JColeVillle) April 8, 2024

Cole placed the song last on his surprise new project "Might Delete Later," which dropped on April 5. On the track, he responded to Lamar's verse on Future and Metro Boomin's "Like That," where Lamar took shots at Drake and J. Cole for categorizing him as part of "the big three."

"I'm so proud of ['Might Delete Later'], except for one part," said Cole. "It's one part of that sh—t that makes me feel like, man, that's the lamest sh—t I did in my life, right? And I know this is not what a lot of people want to hear."

Continuing his reflection, Cole expressed feeling conflicted about publicly responding to Lamar's diss and the pressure to engage in the discourse it sparked. He admitted that releasing the diss track "spiritually felt bad" and disrupted his peace.

In a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, Cole publicly addressed Lamar, acknowledging his greatness and expressing regret for his actions. He concluded by hoping to return to his true path and acknowledging the discomfort he felt over the past two days as a result of the feud.

Additionally, Cole announced his decision to remove "7 Minute Drill" from streaming services as a gesture of remorse for its content.

Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Scores Biggest Sales Week of 2024

Courtesy Photo: Blair Caldwell/Parkwood Entertainment

Beyoncé has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the music industry, with her latest album "Cowboy Carter" galloping straight to the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart, securing her eighth No. 1 album on the all-genre chart.

According to data from Luminate, "Cowboy Carter" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated April 13, with an impressive 407,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. for the week ending April 4. This remarkable achievement marks Beyoncé's biggest week in terms of album units since her groundbreaking "Lemonade" album debuted with 653,000 units back in May 2016.

Notably, "Cowboy Carter" also achieved the biggest week for any album in 2024 and the largest since Taylor Swift's "1989 (Taylor's Version)" debuted with 1.653 million units in November 2023. The album's launch also marks Beyoncé's largest streaming week ever, underlining her enduring influence and popularity across various platforms.

In a historic moment, "Cowboy Carter" simultaneously topped multiple Billboard charts, including Top Country Albums, Americana/Folk Albums, and Top Album Sales charts. Beyoncé becomes the first Black woman ever to lead the Top Country Albums list, further solidifying her status as a boundary-breaking artist transcending genre boundaries.

The success of "Cowboy Carter" was propelled by the release of singles "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages," which debuted and peaked at Nos. 1 and 9, respectively, on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. These achievements mark Beyoncé's first entries on the country chart and further underscore her versatility as an artist capable of dominating multiple genres.

"Cowboy Carter" boasts an impressive lineup of featured artists, including Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Post Malone, and Stevie Wonder, among others. The album's eclectic mix of collaborators adds depth and diversity to Beyoncé's musical repertoire, showcasing her ability to collaborate with a wide range of talents.

In addition to its chart-topping success, "Cowboy Carter" also achieved remarkable sales figures across various formats. The vinyl edition of the album sold 62,000 copies, marking Beyoncé's biggest week on vinyl and the largest week for any vinyl album in 2024.

From Lizard to Legend: 'The Dragon' Sisqo Unmasked on 'Masked Singer'

Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Fans of “The Masked Singer” who thought the Lizard might prevail in the popular Fox reality singing competition were proved wrong-wrug-wrong-wrong-wrong Wednesday when the show unleashed “The Dragon.” This reveal showed that Grammy-nominated singer Mark Althavan Andrews, better known as Sisqó, was the man behind the Lizard’s mask.

As the Group C final unfolded, Sisqó's Lizard persona bid farewell to the competition after a spirited performance of "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. He placed third.

Following his unmasking, Sisqó, 45, spoke with host Nick Cannon about his love for the show. "My family watches religiously, and they always insisted I was on it!" he said. "So when the opportunity came, I jumped at it – it's been a blast."

During the competition's "smackdowns," Sisqó channeled his resilience into the Dragon's performances. A poignant clue package alluded to his past struggles, highlighting how he overcame the temptations of a reckless lifestyle. Visual clues connected to fellow "Masked Singer" participant Busta Rhymes (as the Dragon), a microphone, and a photo of Beyoncé hinted at moments in his career.

Since his iconic 2000 hit "Thong Song," Sisqo's career has experienced highs and lows. Despite early success, he faced record label conflicts and a reputation for being "difficult."

In a 2016 "Where Are They Now?" interview, Sisqó reflected on these industry challenges and his desire for more creative control. He continues to make music and tours with the R&B group Dru Hill.

Beyoncé Honored as Innovator at iHeartRadio Awards

Beyoncé took center stage at Monday's iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she was honored with the Innovator Award. Presented by legendary artist Stevie Wonder, the accolade recognizes Beyoncé's career achievements and her role as an influential artist in the music industry.

During her acceptance speech, Beyoncé expressed gratitude to Wonder, who played harmonica on her cover of the Dolly Parton classic "Jolene," featured on her most recent album, "Cowboy Carter." "Thank you for making a way for all of us," she said, acknowledging Wonder's inspiration. She dedicated the award to fellow innovators who have defied labels and created shifts in the industry.

In her powerful remarks, Beyoncé reflected on the challenges of innovation and emphasized the importance of staying true to one's vision despite criticism. She thanked her team at Parkwood, as well as her husband, Jay-Z, and their children for their unwavering support.

'Cowboy Carter,' released on March 29, received widespread acclaim and broke records on streaming platforms. Spotify and Amazon Music reported it as the most-streamed album upon its release, solidifying Beyoncé's status as a global icon.

Featuring collaborations with artists like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Stevie Wonder, the album pays homage to country music legends while showcasing Beyoncé's versatility and artistic evolution.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards also honored other notable artists, with SZA taking home multiple awards, including Song of the Year for 'Kill Bill.' Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year, and Jelly Roll and Ice Spice were recognized as new artists in the pop and hip-hop categories. Legends like Metallica and Foo Fighters were also honored for their contributions to rock music.

In addition to mainstream categories, the awards celebrated diversity in music, recognizing artists across genres like Latin pop, regional Mexican, K-pop, and African music.

2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners:

Major Awards
Song of the Year: "Kill Bill" – SZA
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Duo/Group of the Year: OneRepublic
Best Collaboration: "Calm Down" – Rema and Selena Gomez
Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff
Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley

Pop

Pop Song of the Year: "Flowers" - Miley Cyrus
Pop Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Best New Artist (Pop): Jelly Roll
Pop Album of the Year: Olivia Rodrigo, "Guts"

Country

Country Song of the Year: "Heart Like a Truck" - Lainey Wilson
Country Artist of the Year: Morgan Wallen
Best New Artist (Country): Jelly Roll
Country Album of the Year: Morgan Wallen, "One Thing at a Time"

Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop Song of the Year: "All My Life" - Lil Durk ft. J. Cole
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Drake
Best New Artist (Hip-Hop): Ice Spice
Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Metro Boomin, "Heroes & Villains"

R&B

R&B Song of the Year: "Snooze" - SZA
R&B Artist of the Year: SZA
Best New Artist (R&B): Victoria Monét
R&B Album of the Year: SZA, "SOS"

Alternative

Alternative Song of the Year: "One More Time" - Blink-182
Alternative Artist of the Year: Fall Out Boy
Best New Artist (Alt and Rock): Noah Kahan
Alternative Album of the Year: boygenius, "the record"

Rock

Rock Song of the Year: "Lost" - Linkin Park
Rock Artist of the Year: Foo Fighters
Rock Album of the Year: Metallica, "72 Seasons"

Dance

Dance Song of the Year: "Strangers" - Kenya Grace
Dance Artist of the Year: Tiësto

Latin Pop / Urban 

Latin Pop / Urban Song of the Year: "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" - Shakira and Bizarrap
Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year: Karol G
Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban): Young Miko
Latin Pop / Urban Album of the Year: Karol G, "MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO"

Regional Mexican 

Regional Mexican Song of the Year: "Ella Baila Sola" - Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: Peso Pluma
Best New Artist (Regional Mexican): Peso Pluma
Regional Mexican Album of the Year: Peso Pluma, "Génesis"

K-pop

K-pop Artist of the Year: Jung Kook
K-pop Song of the Year: "Cupid (Twin Version)" - FIFTY FIFTY
K-pop Album of the Year: Stray Kids, "5-Star"
Best New Artist (K-pop): NewJeans

African Music Artist

Best African Music Artist: Burna Boy

'Energy Never Dies': Lauren London Reflects on Nipsey Hussle's Loss

Photo Credit: Norberto Garcia

Actress Lauren London took to Instagram on Sunday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of her late boyfriend Nipsey Hussle's passing with a heartfelt message.

"If you know me, you know March is always tough for me. 31 days of holding my breath," London wrote. "This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024. Interesting…. considering your name #GodWillRise. Energy never dies…. I love you. Eternal."

Hussle, a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and community advocate, tragically lost his life at the age of 33 when he was fatally shot outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

Despite his untimely death, Hussle's legacy continues to be celebrated in various ways, notably with the unveiling of a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022, coinciding with what would have been his 37th birthday.

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During the star's unveiling ceremony, London spoke passionately about Hussle's enduring impact: "I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness. This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."

Nipsey Hussle. South Central, 2017.

In the first few seconds of this video, Nip is walking in the same place where he lost his life two years after this video was made. Nip, his brother Blacc Sam, and the late Bolt Da Fatts came together and created the foundation for what we… pic.twitter.com/V6BjVo5HTj

— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 1, 2024

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Hussle transcended his troubled past as a former gang member to become a revered musician and a beacon of hope within his community. His advocacy focused on ending gun violence and providing opportunities for youth in his neighborhood.

Hussle, a father of two, shared a son named Kross, aged 7, with London and had a daughter named Emani from a previous relationship. The man responsible for Hussle's tragic death, Eric R. Holder Jr., was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in 2022.