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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A post shared by Lauren London (@laurenlondon)

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.

Beyoncé Covers 'Jolene', Features Daughter Rumi on New Album

Beyoncé fans, rejoice! The music icon's much-anticipated country era has officially commenced with the release of her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

The 27-track record dropped at midnight on Friday boasting an impressive lineup of collaborators, ranging from country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to rising stars such as Tanner Adell and country-trap artist Shaboozey.

One of the album's standout tracks is a cover of Dolly Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," featuring Beyoncé's fiery spin on the timeless song. Parton herself makes a cameo appearance on the record, introducing the trap-meets-country track "Tyrant" and delivering her own "Dolly P" interlude, complete with a nod to Beyoncé's iconic "Becky with the good hair" line.

But the surprises don't end there. Beyoncé's daughter, Rumi Carter, makes her musical debut on the album, lending her voice to the poignant track "Protector." The six-year-old's heartfelt snippet sets the stage for an emotional tribute to motherhood.

In addition to the covers and family collaborations, "Cowboy Carter" features an array of musical interpolations, including nods to iconic songs like the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'."

Beyoncé's signature blend of genres shines through on tracks like "Blackbird," a reimagining of the Beatles' "Blackbird," featuring a duet with Adell.

II MOST WANTED
BEYONCÉ, MILEY CYRUS
OUT NOW! pic.twitter.com/hK3xX2uJz1

— Miley Edition (@MileyEdition) March 29, 2024

The album's release comes hot on the heels of Beyoncé's surprise drop of two singles, "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages," during the Super Bowl. In an Instagram post, she revealed that "Cowboy Carter" was inspired by an incident where she felt "unwelcomed," likely referring to her controversial performance at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.

Watch: Big Sean Brings Hits, Heart to Tiny Desk Performance

Detroit rapper Big Sean took the virtual stage for his debut performance at NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. In a 26-minute set uploaded to NPR Music's YouTube channel on Wednesday, he captivated viewers with a 14-song performance accompanied by a small string quartet.

Sporting a Beastie Boys shirt and a Detroit Tigers cap in tribute to the late J Dilla, Big Sean's Tiny Desk debut held special meaning. He left his cap on the set as a keepsake, a tradition among Tiny Desk performers. "This is something my kids can look back on, something my family can look back on to see where I was at in my career," he shared.

The rapper kicked off with "Memories," the opening track from his sophomore album "Hall of Fame." He then showcased hits like "One Man Can Change the World," his Grammy-winning collaboration with Kanye West and John Legend. Pausing between tracks, Big Sean acknowledged fellow Detroiters in the audience and even debuted a new song dedicated to his partner, Jhené Aiko, and their son Noah.

Reflecting on his rise to success, Big Sean expressed gratitude for his fans, highlighting his journey as a "blog-era mixtape rapper" who built a fanbase organically. "To make it out of there, it wasn't easy... It really made me who I am," he remarked, highlighting the resilience and determination that propelled his career.

SET LIST
"Memories"
"Nothing Is Stopping You"
"Blessings"
"Play No Games"
"Light"
"My Last"
"Marvin & Chardonnay"
"All Me"
"Beware"
"I Know"
"Bounce Back"
"One Man Can Change the World"
"On Up" (unreleased?)
"I Don't F*** With You"

R&B Legends Headline Massive 'Queens of R&B' Concert Tour

The Queens of R&B Tour. Photo Credit: Derek Blanks with crowdMGMT

In a historic moment for R&B, powerhouse groups Xscape and SWV are teaming up for "The Queens of R&B Tour." They will be joined by fellow '90s hitmakers Mýa, Total and 702.

The tour was announced on Sherri Shepherd's talk show on Tuesday following a viral video depicting a playful therapy session between the groups. Produced by Monami Entertainment and Live Nation, the tour kicks off June 27 at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord. It will journey through 30 cities nationwide, including stops at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

It’s official.!! SWV & XSCAPE summer tour!!! 🔥 my poor pockets! https://t.co/EHpDjTZuG7 pic.twitter.com/DsVpHICfjo

— ThereGoTerry (@ThereGoTerry) March 25, 2024

Fans may remember that Xscape (Kandi Burruss, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, Tamika Scott) and SWV (Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George, Leanne "Lelee" Lyons) attempted to organize this tour on their 2023 Bravo series, "SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B." Despite initial challenges, the groups have united to deliver what promises to be an unforgettable R&B concert event.

"To bring this HERstorical tour to life during Women's History Month is a dream come true," said Mona Scott-Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment. "This celebration of R&B royalty is going to be something special."

Tickets for "The Queens of R&B Tour" go on sale March 26.

Federal Agents Raid Homes of Music Mogul Sean Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs

Federal agents conducted raids on the homes of mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday.

The raids, conducted by federal investigators with the Department of Homeland Security, may be linked to a possible sex trafficking investigation. Sources revealed to the entertainment news outlet TMZ that multiple individuals have been interviewed by the Southern District of NY regarding sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms related to Combs.

Combs' multi-million dollar properties in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles and Miami, FL, were targeted. The allegations stem from several lawsuits, including one filed by Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend and R&B singer. Ventura alleges she suffered years of abuse during their relationship from 2005 to 2018.

Combs, 54, faces multiple lawsuits alleging historical sexual abuse, all of which he has vehemently denied. One lawsuit, filed by a Jane Doe, alleges Combs invited her to his recording studio in NYC when she was 17-years-old, where she claims he drugged her and subjected her to violent gang rape in 2003.

Another suit alleges that Combs and another individual took turns raping two women in the early '90s. Additionally, Joi Dickerson filed a lawsuit claiming Combs "intentionally drugged" her before assaulting her when she was 19-years-old in 1991.

Combs, through his representative, vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," and claiming that he was being targeted with fabricated allegations for his fame and wealth.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed the raids in a statement, noting that the actions were part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles and HSI Miami, as well as local law enforcement partners.

Hip-Hop Icon Lil Jon Explores Mindfulness With Meditation Album

Courtesy Photo

Andre 3000 traded rapping for the flute, and now Lil Jon, the king of crunk, is swapping "Shots! Shots! Shots!" for soothing meditation mantras.

Hip-hop's most iconic figures are on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, proving there's more to these artists than meets the ear...or the party anthem. Could this be the start of a new era of mindful hip-hop where we go from "Get Low" to finding our inner peace?

In a recent interview with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe on Weekend Edition Sunday March 3, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer unveiled his newfound dedication to meditation, sharing insights into his motivations and aspirations.

"Yeah, it was anxiety and a little stress from a lot hitting me at the same time," Lil Jon shared with Rascoe, reflecting on the catalyst for his exploration of mindfulness. "Turning 50, looking at my life, looking at my marriage and a lot of things, and trying to move on and get through those things."

This transition from his signature party anthems to guided meditation marks a profound shift for the artist, signaling a broader movement toward wellness. Lil Jon's latest album, "Total Meditation," dropped on Feb. 16 and deviates from his customary beats, featuring his own soothing mantras and guided meditations designed to help listeners find calm and focus.

"I found, at this particular point in my life, I really need to go into it a little deeper," Lil Jon explained. "I would meditate every day, say my affirmations, and all of that would quiet me — calm those crazy thoughts and emotions I would have and give me some peace."

Despite his reputation as a high-energy entertainer, Lil Jon stressed the importance of balance and self-care, advocating for rest, sleep, and hydration.

"You gotta turn down sometimes," he emphasized. "You gotta take care of your health."In a subsequent interview with CBS Mornings, Lil Jon discussed the unique aspects of his meditation album and the journey that led him to explore mindfulness.

"I turned 50," Lil Jon disclosed during the CBS interview, reflecting on his motivation. "I started to have... a recurring little thing on my side and it scared me... But I had stopped drinking, and I felt like I started to come out of a fog, and I had clarity."

Lil Jon's venture into meditation underscores a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and self-care within the hip-hop community, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and wellness.