Watch: 'One Love' Film Trailer Offers a Glimpse into the Life of Reggae Icon Bob Marley

Photo Courtesy Paramount

A Bob Marley biopic is set to hit the big screen over 40 years after his passing, offering a captivating portrayal of the reggae icon's life and musical legacy. The highly-anticipated film, titled "Bob Marley: One Love," released its first trailer Thursday, providing a glimpse into the Jamaican singer-songwriter's extraordinary journey.

In the movie, Kingsley Ben-Adir takes on the role of the reggae legend himself, while Lashana Lynch portrays his wife, Rita. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the feature film delves into Marley's rise to fame alongside his band, The Wailers, as they captivated audiences with their powerful music.

The trailer also offers a glimpse into the aftermath of a 1976 assassination attempt on Marley, believed to be politically motivated. Despite the ordeal, Marley's unwavering spirit led him to return to the spotlight, headlining the iconic "One Love" peace concert in Kingston, Jamaica.

Marley, who succumbed to a rare form of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, left an indelible mark on the music world with his soulful melodies and powerful messages of love and unity.

The biopic is a collaborative effort, with involvement from Marley's family. Ziggy Marley, the late singer's son, daughter Cedella and Rita serve as producers, alongside industry veterans Brad Pitt, Robert Teitel, Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner.

The film aims to celebrate Marley's extraordinary life and his enduring musical legacy, inspiring generations with his powerful message. It provides audiences with an opportunity to discover the transformative journey behind his revolutionary music and his triumph over adversity.

During CinemaCon, Ziggy Marley, representing the film as a producer, expressed his excitement, stating, "People will deepen their connection to Bob and honor Bob in the right way."

"Bob Marley: One Love" is scheduled for release on January 12, 2024. Fans can catch a glimpse of the film's essence by watching the recently released trailer below.

From 'Bling Bling' to 'Back That Azz Up': Juvenile Rocks NPR's Black Music Month with Timeless Hits

NPR's celebration of Black Music Month culminated not in a bang, but in a symphony of soul, rhythm, blues, and rap, uniquely born in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

Big Easy native Juvenile took the Tiny Desk stage by storm, supported by a full band that included fellow New Orleans music giants Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste, along with the wizardry of Mannie Fresh, the legendary producer behind Cash Money Records' hits. Together, they orchestrated a Tiny Desk performance that defied all expectations.

As Juvenile shared insights and reflected on his recording history, he effortlessly traded laughs and verses, delivering his and the label's biggest hits. From "400 Degreez" to "Bling Bling" and even the Hot Boys classic "I Need a Hot Girl," Juvenile playfully reminded the audience of his presence in the iconic music video, despite not being featured on the track itself.

"Y'all don't even know, that's my favorite part right there," Juvenile chuckled, exchanging verses with the animated Mannie Fresh. "I ain't even on the song, but I'm in the video. That part resonates with me so much, especially when Turk jumps in. Now, I know Turk might have a bone to pick with me, but he's still my lil bro. Trust me, that's the absolute pinnacle of the song when he enters."

However, it was the grand finale that truly captivated the audience. With the assistance of a cellist and a violinist from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Juvenile crafted a spellbinding rendition of his timeless anthem to the posterior, "Back That Azz Up."

To experience the full concert, watch the video above.

SET LIST
"Intro (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"400 Degreez (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Bling Bling (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Ha"
"Set It Off"
"Slow Motion"
"Rodeo (feat. The Amours)"
"I Need A Hot Girl (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Project Bitch (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Back That Azz Up (feat. Mannie Fresh)"

MUSICIANS
Juvenile: vocals
Mannie Fresh: vocals, effects, keys
Alvin Ford: music director/drums
Josh Connelly: guitar
DJ Raymond: bass
Brandon Butler: keys
BK Jackson: saxophone
Trombone Shorty: trombone
Kevin Woods: trumpet
Jon Batiste: melodica
Jakiya Ayanna: vocals
Shaina Aisha: vocals
Hannah Yim: violin
Jake Fowler: cello

Busta Rhymes Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award at 2023 BET Awards

While the show's duration was notably long, lasting for 3 hours and 52 minutes, the 2023 BET Awards, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, featured memorable moments and standout performances.

Migos members Quavo and Offset surprised audiences with a reunion performance honoring their late bandmate, Takeoff. Ice Spice captivated viewers with a Bronx-themed set, showcasing her hits in a dazzling production complete with a basketball court and a mock subway platform.

Busta Rhymes, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, delivered a moving speech reflecting on his career and the importance of mentorship, accompanied by tributes from industry legends.

"A lot of greatness from our people and our culture is by default because it's just the magic that we have," the multiplatinum rapper said. "I am grateful for the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given, and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul."

Rhymes, 51, added, "It's just me trying to do my duty to continue to advance the culture and contribute in a significant way. I see so many people in here that I have known and grown with for a long time. You're watching me grow, and I love y'all, and I know y'all love me."

Other notable award winners of the night included Beyoncé and Sza, who tied for Album of the Year with their respective albums, "Renaissance" and "SOS." Latto claimed the title of Best Female Hip Hop Artist, while Kendrick Lamar was recognized as the Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Sza's "Kill Bill" secured the Video of the Year award and Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor was honored as the Video Director of the Year.

Watch Rhymes' full speech above. Continue reading for a complete list of award winners.

Album of the Year:

"Renaissance" - Beyoncé (TIE)

"SOS" - Sza (TIE)

"Anyways, Life's Great" - GloRilla

"Breezy" - Chris Brown

"God Did" - DJ Khaled

"Her Loss" - Drake & 21 Savage

"Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" - Kendrick Lamar

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist:

Sza

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist:

Chris Brown (TIE)

Usher (TIE)

Best Group:

Drake & 21 Savage

Best Collaboration:

"Wait For U" - Future feat. Drake & Tems

Best Female Hip Hop Artist:

Latto

Best Male Hip Hop Artist:

Kendrick Lamar

Video of the Year:

"Kill Bill" - Sza

Video Director of the Year:

Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor

Best New Artist:

Coco Jones

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award:

"Bless Me" - Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

Viewer's Choice Award:

"Break My Soul" - Beyoncé

Best International Act:

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

BET Her:

"Break My Soul" - Beyoncé

Best Movie:

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

Best Actor:

Damson Idris

Best Actress:

Angela Bassett

YoungStars Award:

Marsai Martin

Sportswoman of the Year Award:

Angel Reese

Sportsman of the Year Award:

Jalen Hurts

Watch: XXL Magazine Unveils 2023 Freshman Class, Defining the Sound of Hip-Hop's Future

XXL has revealed its highly anticipated 2023 freshman class, showcasing 12 emerging stars in the hip-hop genre. The annual list, unveiled on Wednesday, features a diverse group of artists: Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, TiaCorine and DC The Don.

This year's announcement carries extra significance as it precedes the upcoming 50th anniversary of hip-hop in August. Reflecting on the genre's evolution over the past five decades, the hip-hop magazine compares the birth of hip-hop to the formation of a diamond, with artists selected for the 2023 freshman class embodying the current essence of the genre's sound.

These rising stars stand alongside past XXL freshmen such as J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Travis Scott, Lil Durk, Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion, aiming to make their mark on hip-hop's history. In the coming weeks, XXL will release a series of content, including freestyles, cyphers, and interviews, providing a platform for each freshman to showcase their talent.

Fans eager to dive into the Freshman issue can expect it to hit stands on July 18. In addition to introducing the 2023 class and featuring groundbreaking producer Pi'erre Bourne, who crafted the beats for this year's cyphers, the issue includes interviews with acclaimed artists such as Lil Baby, NLE Choppa, Boosie BadAzz, Toosii, DDG, Saba and others.

Readers will also find insights into the current activities of the 2022 XXL Freshman Class, as well as stories covering hip-hop's affinity for golfing, the emergence of rookie artists and a compilation of the best A.I. hip-hop songs released to date.

Watch: Babyface Mesmerizes in Captivating Performance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series

Babyface, the renowned singer, producer, and songwriter, mesmerized audiences with a captivating performance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series Friday.

In honor of June's Black Music Month, the legendary artist showcased his massive catalog of hits in a stripped-down setting, delivering a performance that left fans heaping praise on the star on social media.

And here come the water works!😫😭🥲

Babyface performing ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)’ by Whitney Houston on Tiny Desk! Rest in peace Whitney🙏🏽🕊️ pic.twitter.com/VUGCLUYzMk

— Izzy & Liv (@izzyandliv) June 9, 2023

Charlie Wilson & Babyface in one week! Tiny Desk is showing out for Black Music Month pic.twitter.com/Ju7zM2QIGk

— Samples n’ Friends ® (@SamplesNFriends) June 9, 2023

"Charlie Wilson & Babyface in one week! Tiny Desk is showing out for Black Music Month," one fan Tweeted.

Another added, "This Babyface Tiny Desk is UNREAL."

This Babyface Tiny Desk is UNREAL. pic.twitter.com/8zzbgTdC5E

— Gerrick Kennedy (@GerrickKennedy) June 9, 2023

With the iconic NPR Washington, D.C. studio as his stage, Babyface, also known as Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, took center-mic for a memorable performance that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

The intimate concert featured a collection of the 64-year-old's greatest hits, both self-penned and crafted for other music superstars. From his 1989 love ballad "Whip Appeal" to Whitney Houston's powerful anthem "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" and Tevin Campbell's heartfelt track "Can We Talk," Babyface brought each song to life with his signature smoothness and undeniable talent.

Opening the set with "Two Occasions," a classic he originally performed with his former group The Deele, Babyface set the tone for a concert filled with nostalgia and soulful melodies.

During the performance, he took a moment to pay homage to Whitney Houston, whom he considered "one of the greatest artists ever." Reflecting on their collaboration for the 1995 film "Waiting to Exhale," sharing the story behind "Exhale" and Houston's initial uncertainty about singing on the track.

He revealed, "For the longest time, I hadn't started to write this song because I didn't know whether she was going to sing. And then finally she said she was going to sing, and that kind of explains why on the chorus there's no real lyrics, because I hadn't gotten to that part yet."

The concert featured special guest performances by R&B singers Tank, Chanté Moore and Avery Wilson, adding an extra layer of magic to the proceedings. Babyface's band, comprising music director Erskine Hawkins III on keyboards, Antoine Porter on guitar, Walt Barnes Jr. on bass and Reggie Regg on drums, provided the perfect musical backdrop for the star as he reeled off classic-after-classic.

With each song, Babyface showcased his versatility as an artist, effortlessly transitioning between heartfelt ballads and soul-stirring R&B anthems.

Click on the video above to watch the entire performance.

Watch: Tupac Shakur Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in Posthumous Tribute

Legendary rapper Tupac Shakur was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, solidifying his status as an icon whose influence continues to reverberate through the generations.

First look at Tupac's star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Who's excited for next Wednesday?

"I salute you, my n****z, stay strong
I ride for you, I rhyme for you, I roll for you, it's all for you." - 2Pac

CC: Fernando Di$co Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/PW9RRFTnbc

— 2pacunlimited.eth 𓃮 (@2pacunlimited) June 3, 2023

Ana Martinez, the producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, expressed the impact of Shakur's legacy, stating, "Tupac Shakur was a rapper, actor, activist, poet, and revolutionary. This iconic artist has remained part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come. As one of L.A.'s own, Tupac's star will surely join the list of the most visited stars."

The star unveiling ceremony, hosted by emcee Big Boy, featured filmmaker Allen Hughes, director of the acclaimed docuseries "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur." Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, his sister, accepted the star on behalf of the family.

"We love you, Tupac." Sekyiwa Shakur gets emotional while speaking about her brother's legacy and impact at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. https://t.co/rDVcwgWr6I pic.twitter.com/AgDTEC9GZV

— Variety (@Variety) June 7, 2023

Shakur, known internationally for his multifaceted talent, transcended the boundaries of art and activism. In his brief but prolific career, he sold over 75 million records worldwide, solidifying his status as one of hip-hop's most iconic figures. Both his albums, "All Eyez on Me" and "Greatest Hits," achieved Diamond certification, with sales surpassing ten million copies each.

Sekyiwa Shakur unveiling Tupac’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/o8ZbPMkMOP

— 2Pac News (@2pacnews) June 7, 2023

Shakur's legacy extends beyond music, as he made a significant impact in the film industry with memorable performances in movies such as "Juice," "Poetic Justice," and "Above The Rim," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

His cultural impact has been recognized through various museum exhibits, including the Grammy Museum's "All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur" and the thought-provoking museum experience "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" in Los Angeles.

Watch the video of the star unveiling ceremony below.

 

Watch: Charlie Wilson Delivers Raw Emotion and Joy in Electrifying NPR Music Concert

 

NPR Music celebrates Black Music Month this June with a lineup of brand-new Tiny Desk concerts that pay homage to the past, present and future of Black music.

Kicking off the series is renowned singer-songwriter Charlie Wilson, whose captivating NPR Music concert serves as a profound tribute to his extraordinary life and career.

Through a spellbinding performance, Wilson takes fans on a mesmerizing journey, seamlessly weaving together timeless hits and personal stories of triumph and resilience.

From his early days as a founding member of The Gap Band, where he achieved fame in the '70s and '80s with their iconic old-school funk and R&B sound, to his influential collaborations with hip-hop icons, Wilson's musical impact transcends generations.

Earning the moniker "Uncle Charlie" in the hip-hop community, he has been embraced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator, who recognize his unparalleled talent.

However, Wilson's path has not been without challenges.

In a candid and heartfelt moment, he opens up about his battle with addiction, revealing the depths of his past and the triumph of his recovery. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homelessness," Wilson shares emotionally. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm now 28 years clean and sober!"

Throughout the performance, Wilson effortlessly transitions between his timeless classics like "Outstanding" and "Computer Love" and more recent gems like "Sweet Yamz" and "There Goes My Baby." Backed by a live band and accompanied by a choir, Wilson's commanding vocals fill the room with raw emotion and infectious joy.

This electrifying Tiny Desk concert sets the stage for NPR's month-long celebration of Black music, featuring an exceptional lineup of diverse artists, including Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger and surprise guests.

NPR's commitment to showcasing Black artists and their unique creative expressions sets the stage for an exhilarating month of musical exploration.

Last year's celebration left an indelible impact with unforgettable performances by Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June, creating viral moments, such as Usher's iconic "watch this" meme during his rendition of "Confessions Part II."

Watch the entire performance above.

Watch: Wendy's and T-Pain Turn Up the Heat With 'Buy U a Frosty' Music Video

Courtesy Photo

Just in time for summer, T-Pain has put a spin on his iconic hip-hop hit "Buy U a Drank" to pay homage to a fast-food legend — Wendy's Frosty.

The Grammy-winning artist took his chart-topping single and gave it an icy makeover in a music video directed by Miles & AJ of SixTwentySix.

The video starts with T-Pain chilling in his studio, but in a magical twist, the scene transforms into a Wendy's restaurant. With his signature swagger, he grabs the mic and serves up a surreal summer anthem that might just leave fans craving Wendy's famous frozen dairy dessert.

"I loved Wendy's 'We Beefin?' mixtape back in 2018, and knew I wanted to work with them when the time was right. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to remake a classic with one of the most classic menu items of all time – the Wendy's Frosty," he said, expressing his excitement about the collaboration. This latest partnership adds to Wendy's growing list of musical collaborations.

In the previous "We Beefin?" mixtape, which paid homage to Biggie Smalls' debut studio album "Ready to Die," T-Pain even featured media personality and hip-hop icon Wendy Williams on a track. The mixtape sparked a playful feud with McDonald's, with tracks like "Rest in Grease" calling out the fast-food giant's shortcomings.

 

The lyrics took aim at McDonald's by saying, "You’re No. 1? That’s a joke/Why your ice cream machine always broke?/Why your drive-through always slow?/Why your innovation just can’t grow?... McDonald’s be so lazy/ I know the reason you hate me/ ’Cause I’m fast food’s First Lady/ It’s Queen Wendy up in this thang... Y’all are too chicken for this beef."

To sweeten the chances of success for this collaboration, Wendy's and T-Pain are giving fans a tasty incentive. From June 5 to the first day of summer, June 21, fans can enjoy a FREE small Frosty with any purchase. To claim their free Frosty, fans can use the offer in the Wendy's app or on the website.

Check out the full "Buy U a Frosty" video below.