Martha Reeves, Lead Singer of Martha and the Vandellas, Launches Fundraiser for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Courtesy Photo 

Motown icon Martha Reeves is making a final push to get her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after her former manager failed to follow through on a promise to cover the costs.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Reeves was nominated for the honor in 2021, but her ex-manager's pledge to cover the installation and maintenance costs fell through.

With just a few months remaining before the June deadline, Reeves' current manager, Chris Roe, has established a fundraiser to raise the $55,000 required to secure her spot for next year.

"Martha's former representation got in over their heads on this," Roe explained. "They didn't realize how hard it would be and wasted a year of fundraising time. Now we're down to the wire."

Despite the setback, Reeves, who led the Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas to fame with hits like "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave," is determined to see her dream come true.

"My wildest dreams are coming true, and I hope to continue inspiring others with my music," she stated.

Reeves, who has had a storied career spanning over six decades, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and this year marks her 60th anniversary in Motown. Nevertheless, with no record label or movie production studio to support her, Reeves' team is asking the public for assistance.

"If we do not make a sizeable indentation to our goal, it is likely that Martha's Hollywood Star selection will be withdrawn, and we will have to start the nomination process all over again (which could take several years)," Roe stated on the fundraising page.

Reeves is not the first celebrity to rely on crowdfunding to achieve the Hollywood Walk of Fame honor. In 2020, actor Daniel Dae Kim raised the funds to get James Hong a star, while the Motown music group The Funk Brothers obtained their sidewalk star in 2013 via public fundraising.

'99 Problems' But Money Ain't One: Jay-Z Doubles Net Worth in Record Time

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Sean Combs

Jay-Z is pictured on the far right with Diddy, a current member, and Ye, a former member, of hip-hop's three-comma club.

Hip-hop impresario Jay-Z has once again proven that he's not just a businessman; he's a business, man.

The "99 Problems" artist has surpassed other notable billionaires, such as former NBA icon Michael Jordan ($2 billion) and Apple CEO Tim Cook ($1.8 billion), having doubled his net worth in record time over just a few short years.

According to Forbes, the Brooklyn-born rapper's net worth has reached a staggering $2.5 billion, placing him at No. 1,209 on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals. He's rubbing shoulders with media powerhouse Oprah Winfrey, who shares the same net worth and comes in at No. 1,204.

.@Forbes updates Jay-Z's net worth pic.twitter.com/nN5OYD6bVX

— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) March 23, 2023

In 2020, Forbes estimated Jay-Z's net worth to be $1 billion, which increased to $1.4 billion in 2022. During that same year, Jay-Z was named the third highest-paid entertainer after he sold his stakes in the music streaming platform Tidal and the champagne brand Armand de Brignac.

The Grammy winner's latest increase in net worth is largely due to his February deal with Bacardi over the D'ussé cognac brand. Bacardi acquired a majority stake in Jay-Z's stake in the brand, leaving the rapper with a "significant ownership role."

In addition to profits from his music, Jay-Z's fortune is the result of his successful business ventures, which have included investments in real estate, art, and spirits. In 2019, he was hailed as the first hip-hop billionaire, surpassing his former protege Kanye West.

Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, who has been married to the rapper since 2008, also has a significant net worth of $450 million, according to Forbes.

Watch: New Trailer for 'Dear Mama' Docuseries Offers Intimate Look into Tupac Shakur's Life with Mother Afeni

Screengrab YouTube/FX

FX has unveiled the official trailer for "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur," a new
docuseries that delves into the intricate bond between rapper Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni.

Directed by Allen Hughes, the five-part series promises to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Tupac and Afeni through the eyes of those who knew them best.

The show is scheduled to debut on April 21st and features never-before-seen footage of the late rapper, as well as rare audio and vocals. Hulu describes the series as an "intimate wide-angle portrait of the most inspiring and dangerous mother-son duo (Tupac and Afeni Shakur) in American history, whose unified message of freedom, equality, persecution and justice are more relevant today than ever."

Afeni, a Black Panther and political activist who instilled her values of freedom, power, and revolution into her son, speaks about her philosophy of motherhood in the trailer. "It was my responsibility to teach Tupac how to survive his reality," she says.

The docuseries will air episodes 1 and 2 on FX on April 21st at 10 p.m. ET/PT, followed by a new episode every Friday until the series concludes on May 12th, just two days before Mother's Day.

In addition to the series, fans can look forward to the upcoming release of the first and only Estate-authorized biography of Tupac Shakur, written by author Staci Robinson. While the book is set for a fall 2023 release, it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Check out the trailer below:

Isley Brothers in Legal Battle Over Band Name Trademark

The Isley Brothers, an iconic R&B group founded by six siblings, are currently embroiled in a legal dispute between former bandmates and brothers Rudolph and Ronald Isley.

In August, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Ronald exclusive rights to the "Isley Brothers" trademark, a decision that Rudolph is currently contesting in court.

Rudolph filed a lawsuit against his younger brother, alleging that Ronald unfairly obtained exclusive rights to the trademark without his knowledge. Rudolph is seeking a trial by jury to regain his "rightful 50% share" of the Isley Brothers empire.

The Isley brothers are having a huge Family Feud after Rudolph sues his brother Ronald after he legally purchased “The Isley Brothers” trademark and is now pocketing the profits. “We should own 50% each says Rudolph the oldest brother” pic.twitter.com/GFVLY0lIU6

— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) March 21, 2023

According to court documents, Rudolph claims that all profits and property accrued under the Isley Brothers trademark have been divided equally among the group's founding members since the band's inception. However, Ronald's team argues that Rudolph is no longer qualified for partial ownership of the band name.

The Isley Brothers as a group have 32 Albums and a hit record in EVERY decade for the past EIGHT decades. Their first hit was in 1959 with Shout and their current album is #6 on the charts in 2023. Ronald will be 82 this year. pic.twitter.com/hptpftXVTW

— dj spydermann (@djspydermann) March 19, 2023

The brothers had previously agreed to a 50/50 ownership of the band and trademark after the death of their eldest brother, O'Kelly Isley, in March 1986. Rudolph departed from the group in 1989 due to health issues and the loss of his brother but has remained involved in managing and promoting the group's properties. Ronald and Ernie Isley have continued to perform under the Isley Brothers moniker as a duo.

Ronald's team stated in a letter that they have no issue incorporating Rudolph into Isley Brothers business, but only for the years that Rudolph was a working member of the group. "Rudolph retired in 1986, has had no involvement in any of the compositions/body of works done after he retired, and has not performed with The Isley Brothers since the death of O'Kelly Isley," the letter continued.

The case is currently making its way through the Illinois court system, and the fate of the Isley Brothers trademark remains uncertain.

Formed in Cincinnati in the 1950s, the group has been active for over six decades, releasing numerous hit songs such as "Shout," "Twist and Shout," "This Old Heart of Mine," "It's Your Thing," and "Contagious." The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Hospitalized Following Brutal Florida Gym Assault

 Tekashi 6ix9ine mugshot

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was brutally assaulted by multiple men at a South Florida gym on Tuesday, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization.

According to Lance Lazzaro, the rapper's attorney, 6ix9ine was ambushed without warning while in the sauna at an LA Fitness gym.

The assailants outnumbered and overwhelmed the rapper, who was not accompanied by security at the time.

Gym staff quickly alerted a manager, who called the police and emergency medical services. 6ix9ine was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Tekashi 6ix9ine left bruised and bloodied after ambush attack inside gym sauna. https://t.co/kTrbDOV9lO

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 22, 2023

A photo obtained by TMZ, which first reported the story, shows significant facial damage, including gashes and swelling, sustained by 6ix9ine during the attack.

Lazzaro plans to contact federal authorities to ensure the rapper's safety. 6ix9ine was granted early release from federal prison after cooperating with authorities in a case that resulted in the incarceration of several gang members.

#Tekashi #6ix9ine got hands and feet put on him in Florida #damn pic.twitter.com/rwu0EdnIdN

— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) March 22, 2023

It is unclear whether the attack is related to 6ix9ine's cooperation.

Watch: Bagpiper Puts Tartan Twist on Snoop Dogg's 'Still D.R.E.'

Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg received a grand Scottish greeting upon his arrival at Glasgow Airport for his highly anticipated concert at the OVO Hydro on Thursday night.

The 51-year-old rapper was met by the soulful sound of bagpipes as the traditional Scottish musical instrument played his classic 1999 hit, "Still D.R.E.," in collaboration with Dr. Dre, marking a rare moment of cultural fusion.

Upon hearing the iconic tune played with a Scottish twist, Snoop couldn't contain his excitement and exclaimed, "F—ing dope!" before busting a few moves on the tarmac.

To brave the chilly Scottish weather, the "Gin and Juice" hitmaker was wrapped up in a blanket and donned a red beanie.

Bagpiper Ross Ainslie, who was dressed in a kilt for the occasion, shared his thoughts with Glasgow Live, stating that "It was a very cool experience!" He also revealed that he only had a day to learn Snoop's hit song but was pleased with his tartan-flavored rendition.

The heartwarming moment was shared on Ross' Instagram account, garnering over 40,000 views.

Snoop's concert had been rescheduled from August 2021 due to scheduling conflicts.

Watch the video below to see the international act of goodwill.

Hurricane Chris Acquitted of Murder Charges in Highly Publicized Trial

Christopher Dooley

Louisiana rapper Hurricane Chris, whose real name is Christopher Dooley, has been acquitted of all charges in a highly publicized murder trial.

Dooley, 34, had been indicted by a Caddo Parish grand jury for second-degree murder in connection with the June 2020 slaying of Danzeria Farris Jr., 32, at a Texaco station in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In a statement following the verdict, Dooley expressed gratitude to those who supported him during the ordeal.

"I wanna thank God, my attorneys at the Washington & Wells Law Firm, and my family for standing with me as my life was on the line," he said. "They wanted to give me life if I was found guilty. Now I can hug my son and think about raising him to be a man. This situation drained me and affected my health greatly. God, I give you all the glory. I got my life back, and words can’t explain how I feel. Thanks to everyone who wished me well."

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Dooley's attorney, Alex J. Washington, maintained that his client acted in self-defense.

"He was simply trying not to be killed. When the guy put his hand in his pocket, he was faced with a decision: should I leave my life in this guy's hands? Or, should I make a decision?," Washington said. "And he made a decision to save his own life and he pulled the trigger."

This moment caught by Christopher Dooley’s legal team was immediately following the verdict. Dooley’s mother Stephanie George says this is the start of what she says is their plan to “move on”. #HurricaneChris #trialwatch @ksla #ksla pic.twitter.com/PasYbocIIt

— Alexandria Savage KSLA (@APsavageNews) March 15, 2023

Dooley was also charged with illegal possession of a stolen 2016 Mercedes, but his attorney explained that the car was purchased with an ex-girlfriend who reported it stolen after they broke up. The rapper was acquitted on those charges as well.

In response to the verdict, the Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office issued a statement.

"The same evidence that the grand jury got is the same evidence that we presented to the jury on Tuesday, and they decided there was nothing there," said Ivy Woodard, a spokeswoman for the office.

Hurricane Chris rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits such as "A Bay Bay" and "Halle Berry (She's Fine)." He has collaborated with notable artists, including Lil Wayne, Ludacris and Plies.

The Urban Legend is True: Michael Jackson's Vocals Featured on Jay-Z's 'Girls, Girls, Girls (Remix),' According to Just Blaze

Renowned Roc-A-Fella producer Just Blaze has revealed that the late Michael Jackson lent his vocal talents to the once-mythical "Girls, Girls, Girls (Remix)" with Jay-Z.

In an interview with Bloomberg's Idea Generation, Blaze said he discovered rare vocals from the "Thriller" icon on his personal computer during quarantine.

We’re taking it back to the iconic @Hot97 Summer Jam moment when Hov brought out Michael Jackson! #HipHopAwards #TBT pic.twitter.com/YL6loJEpa3

— #HipHopAwards (@HipHopAwards) October 22, 2020

"I thought it was an urban legend or something that Jay said like in jest one day or just was some kind of a myth," Blaze recalled. "And I realize as I’m listening to it it’s him singing on ‘Girls, Girls, Girls.’ And I’m like … ‘It’s true.’ The last 20 years, I just found it during quarantine. So all these years, I’ve never known it was a real thing. And turns out the files had been sitting downstairs this entire time."

Blaze produced the single, which originally featured on Jay-Z's 2001 masterpiece, "The Blueprint," and peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The revelation only adds to the memorable moments between Jackson and Jay-Z during the early 2000s, which included the King of Pop's surprise appearance at Jay-Z's headlining set at Hot 97's Summer Jam concert in 2001 and Jay-Z's cameo on Jackson's "You Rock My World (Remix)."

Watch the entire interview below:

Legendary R&B Singer Bobby Caldwell Passes Away at 71

Legendary R&B singer Bobby Caldwell, known for his chart-topping hits "What You Won't Do For Love" and "Open Your Eyes," has died at the age of 71.

Caldwell's wife Mary confirmed his death on Wednesday via his official Twitter account.

Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been "FLOXED," it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell

— Bobby Caldwell (@bobbycaldwell) March 15, 2023

"Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years," she wrote.

RIP Bobby Caldwell 🫡🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yNzNmrT5sB

— DJ P👀H (@DJPooh) March 15, 2023

Caldwell had been suffering from health issues for the past six years after experiencing an adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, a condition known as "floxed," according to treatment center Regenerative Medicine LA.

Born on August 15, 1951, in New York City, Caldwell was known for his unique ability to blend jazz, R&B and pop into his music.

His soulful hits, including "What You Won't Do for Love," "My Flame" and "Coming Down From Love," earned him worldwide recognition and numerous accolades, including a 1978 Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Caldwell's music has been sampled by a wide range of artists, including 2Pac, Aaliyah, Kendrick Lamar, the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Nas X.

Perhaps his most famous track, "What You Won't Do For Love," appeared on his double-platinum self-titled debut album.

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."

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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.

Watch: Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Adaptation Makes a Splash With New Trailer

YouTube Screengrab

R&B singer and actress Halle Bailey continued to make waves in Hollywood on its biggest night.

Six months after the debut of a teaser trailer promoting the Black star's turn as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” at Disney's D23 expo, which sparked claims of "blackwashing" in the casting of the fictional red-headed mermaid who dreams of a life above the waves, Bailey and co-star Melissa McCarthy took to the Oscars stage on Sunday to unveil the official trailer for the movie.

“It has been such an honor stepping into the iconic role of Ariel,” Bailey said before revealing the new trailer. “It was an extraordinary experience, a dream come true for me.”

Halle Bailey x Melissa McCarthy present the full length trailer for #TheLittleMermaid at the 95th annual #Oscars #Ariel #Ursula pic.twitter.com/VNHBLx4Hu7

— Chlöe x Halle Now 🧜🏽‍♀️ (@cxhnow) March 13, 2023

The two-minute video opens with a dramatic boat crash and a drowning Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). Of course, Ariel (Bailey) takes him to the shore to save his life, an act which begins the duo's obsession with each other and leads the young mermaid to make a choice that threatens the world she was born into in order to pursue love with a human.

It is no secret to most how the romance eventually plays out, but Disney watchers have been clamoring for new footage since the teaser trailer amassed over 104 million views globally shortly after its release, more than any other tease for a live-action Disney adaptation.

Disney did not disappoint. In addition to the wreck, viewers were treated to a scene of Ariel swimming through the ocean with Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremplay) by her side before being confronted by King Triton (Javier Bardem) for breaking the rules by going to the above world.

“This obsession with humans has to stop,” he scolds her.

Bailey responds, “A man was drowning. I had to save him. I just want to know more about them.”

Fans also get a first real glimpse of McCarthy as Ursula, the sea witch who offers to help Ariel become human, and get to hear her take on the antagonist's iconic evil laugh.

Among the other goodies packed into the trailer are Ariel with feet, her meeting with Scuttle the bird (voiced by Awkwafina), and Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs), the crab, as well as snippets from some of the movie’s classic musical numbers, including “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.”

You can watch the full trailer below for the Rob Marshall-directed movie, which includes four new songs and will be in movie theaters on May 26:

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."

Janet Jackson's 2023 'Together Again' Tour Captured in Upcoming Documentary

Janet Jackson's self-titled documentary, released in 2022, garnered 21 million viewers and became the highest-rated documentary of the year on cable television. Now, Lifetime and A&E have approved a follow-up to the story called "Janet Jackson: Family First."

The upcoming documentary will follow Janet Jackson on her 2023 "Together Again" tour and her collaboration with brother Randy Jackson to reunite the family band 40 years after its last performance.

“I was touched by the love and support from the wonderful fans who enjoyed the documentary last year," Janet, who served as executive producer for the project along with Randy, said in a statement. "I am excited to continue to share my story and welcome fans into my life and the 'Together Again' tour. Thank you for your never-ending support, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter."

Randy added, "In this next chapter in the documentary, Janet and I are thrilled to welcome viewers on the road with us as we embark on the 'Together Again' tour, celebrating the milestone of 50 years of Janet's career with fans across the country. We look forward to the continued partnership with Lifetime and A&E and to sharing our family with viewers."

According to a press release from the networks, the project — directed by Ben Hirsch and produced by Workerbee — will provide an exclusive, intimate, and honest look into the life, family, and legendary artistry of the five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, author, actor, philanthropist, and global icon, whose record sales have exceeded 180 million copies worldwide.

Apart from following the "Together Again" tour, "Janet Jackson: Family First" will also celebrate the 25th and 30th anniversaries of two of Jackson's critically acclaimed albums, "The Velvet Rope" and "Janet," respectively.

"Janet Jackson: Family First" is currently in production and will be broadcast simultaneously on Lifetime and A&E. The release date will be announced soon.

From 'Sticky Icky' to Caffeine Kick: Snoop Dogg Launches Premium Coffee Brand

Courtesy Photo 

Snoop Dogg, the undisputed king of all things weed, threw the world a curveball with the announcement of his latest business venture on Tuesday.

The rap icon, who has built an empire around his love for the "sticky icky," has now turned his attention to a new type of buzz: caffeine.

That's right, folks, Snoop has traded in his joint for a cup of joe and launched his very own premium lifestyle coffee brand called INDOxyz.

While some may be shocked at this unexpected turn, Snoop's love for coffee has apparently been brewing for a long time.

"My relationship with coffee goes way back. During the many long nights in the studio making hit after hit, coffee provided the fuel that kept us going," he said in a statement.

"Today marks the launch of a new company I created along with my partner Michael, who introduced me to the best-tasting Indonesian coffee. Indo is going to change the industry, I can promise you that."

The coffee is a joint venture between Snoop and INDOxyz co-founder Michael Riady, an Indonesian entrepreneur. A chance meeting between the duo during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the birth of the product, which the company says was motivated by their shared passion for fueling the people and ideas that move the culture forward, by creating a brand inspired by the creative risk-takers and innovators of the world.

"I want to make coffee fun and cool, and having Snoop as a partner gives us that edge. Beyond being a fan of his music, I've long admired Snoop for his hard work and business acumen," Riady said.

The coffee is sourced directly from Riady's homeland and grown by collective farmers on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi. The green coffee beans are intentionally selected before being shipped to Los Angeles, where they are prepared by a master roaster in-house, then brewed and packaged into the brand's exclusive line of cold brew and whole bean coffee.

INDOxyz will launch with an exclusive and limited rollout starting in Snoop's home state of California, followed by Las Vegas, and then a national retail expansion. The cold brew beverage will retail starting at $5.99, and the whole bean will cost $17.99.

All products will be available at the online store www.indo.xyz, BevMo, GoPuff, Resorts World Casinos in Las Vegas, and will be rolled out in the upcoming months at the following retailers: Erewhon, Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons, Safeway, Sprouts, and Amazon.

Deadly Stampede Breaks Out at GloRilla Concert

Rochester Mayor Malik Evan called the incident a "tragedy of epic proportions." 

One woman is dead and two others are in critical condition after tragedy struck the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York on Sunday night, as a stampede broke out during a concert featuring popular hip-hop artists GloRilla and Finesse2tymes.

In the wake of the tragedy, Grammy-nominated rapper GloRilla, who performed at the concert, expressed her condolences on Twitter. "I'm just now hearing about what happened wtf," she wrote. "Praying everybody is ok."

I’m just now hearing about what happened wtf 😢😢😢praying everybody is ok 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

— GloRilla 🦍 (@GloTheofficial) March 6, 2023

According to Rochester police, the crowd surge occurred as concertgoers were leaving the venue after the show and was sparked by false rumors of a shooting.

At a press conference on Monday, Rochester Police Chief David Smith revealed that the injuries sustained by the victims were not caused by gunfire or other weapons, but rather by the chaos of the stampede itself.

"Preliminary reports from people at the scene indicate that these injuries were caused from people being trampled," said Police Chief David Smith, adding that they have not found any evidence of gunshots or stabbings at the scene.

#viralvdoz#WATCH: 1 dead, 9 hurt in stampede at GloRilla concert in New York#NewYork #stampede #GloRillaconcert #US pic.twitter.com/B3mdBwlj2U

— ViralVdoz (@viralvdoz) March 6, 2023

In addition to the three injured women found by the officers when they entered the building, seven other victims were hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evan called the incident a "tragedy of epic proportions." He pledged to hold those responsible accountable and urged anyone with information or footage of the event to come forward.

"We are nowhere near completing this investigation," he said.

Watch the entire press conference below:

 

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Michael B. Jordan Celebrates Double Triumph with 'Creed III' Release and Walk of Fame Honor

Michael B. Jordan achieved a major milestone in his career on Wednesday (March 1), as he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The timing couldn't have been better as the event took place just two days before tonight's release of "Creed III," a film where the actor not only reprises his role as heavyweight boxing champion Adonis Creed but also makes his directorial debut.

The event was held in front of the Funko Hollywood toy store at 6201 Hollywood Blvd and was attended by his co-star in the film, Jonathan Majors, and Ryan Coogler, who directed the first "Creed" film and received a "story by" credit for "Creed III."

During the ceremony, Jordan expressed his gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the significance of the moment.

"To be amongst artists who received this honor previously — Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Sam Cooke... I know it's not a small achievement," he said. "And it's not lost on me how special this moment is and what this represents to our community."

"So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you," he added.

Majors compared Jordan's career to the 12 labors of Hercules while describing his time on set with his co-star.

"When it's hot, we're tired, his empathetic agility is being pushed to its Nth degree," Majors said. "He's gotta deal with my crazy ass, everybody pulling on him, and I'm giving him hell in [the ring], but he's dealing with it with a mythic effort, with god-like integrity."

At Michael B. Jordan's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Jonathan Majors calls Jordan "Michael B. Handsome" and says that "Creed I" inspired him to get an Equinox membership. https://t.co/79wWzRmXHd pic.twitter.com/i2US6JgLN4

— Variety (@Variety) March 1, 2023

Majors added, "Today, brother, you go from man to god. You sit among Olympians."

Born in Santa Ana, California, on Feb. 9th, 1987, Jordan made his acting debut in a 1999 episode of "The Sopranos" and went on to star in various television shows such as "The Wire," "Friday Night Lights" and "All My Children."

His big break came with his portrayal of Oscar Grant in the 2013 biographical drama "Fruitvale Station," which was directed by Coogler. He also starred in blockbuster films like "Black Panther" and "Just Mercy."

Coogler, who has collaborated with Jordan on several films, added that he knew he was watching "something special" when seeing Jordan and late "Black Panther" actor Chadwick Boseman battle on set.

Ryan Coogler gives a speech at Michael B. Jordan's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony: "I love you, bro. Proud of you, man." https://t.co/JPXJaScKpm pic.twitter.com/qjRSY4NV8Z

— Variety (@Variety) March 1, 2023

"I felt like I was looking at, like, Denzel [Washington] and Will [Smith] or Wesley [Snipes] in their prime and in the same movie in a way that we never got to see them," he said. "I felt like the luckiest director on the planet every day on that set."

Jordan also reflected on the rare opportunity the ceremony provided him to pause and appreciate the moment. "I very rarely stop and smell the roses and take in moments. I'm always moving on to the next thing," he said. "For the first time in a really long time, I'm taking this moment in."

Jordan's star is the 2,751st since the Walk of Fame's completion in 1961.

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."

Tim Story's 'The Blackening' Delivers Chilling Twist on Juneteenth Horror

Director Tim Story is putting a horrific twist on Juneteenth celebrations with his new film "The Blackening," set to hit theaters on June 16, 2022.

The horror title, directed by Story who is known for his work on "Ride Along," "Think Like A Man" and "Barbershop," centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer.

According to an official synopsis, "The Blackening" poses the sardonic question: If the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?

The film stars Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah and Yvonne Orji.

A press release notes that the film promises to subvert genre tropes and will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The idea for the film came from a 2018 3Peat comedy sketch about the horror movie trope of Black characters being the first to die.

"I was a producer on it at first, and they delivered this script that was funny as… I won't cuss, but it was incredibly funny," Story told Shadow And Act. "Seeing the short and then seeing what they did with the script, I knew it would be something."

Story added, "I'm at the point to where if I read a script that makes me laugh out loud and I have the chance to get behind the camera and shoot it. I'm going to do it."

The film was written by Tracy Oliver, known for her work on "Girls Trip" and "Harlem," and Dewayne Perkins, who has written for "The Amber Ruffin Show" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

Check out the newly released trailer for "The Blackening" below:

Hip-Hop Icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Unite for Worldwide Tour

Courtesy Live Nation 

The saga continues.

Hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are teaming up once again for a sequel to their "NY State of Mind Tour" from last year.

On Monday, Wu-Tang shared the news on the group's official Instagram.

"The Saga Continues Worldwide! The #NewYorkStateofMindTour is back — coming to a stage near you," the group wrote alongside artwork featuring the upcoming dates.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wu Tang Clan (@wutangclan)

The 32-date sequel will kick off in Auckland, New Zealand on May 9 and make its way to Australia, Europe, and the UK before reaching North America on September 20 in Nashville.

Both Wu-Tang Clan and Nas began their careers with genre-defining albums in the 1990s. Wu-Tang Clan's "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" dropped in November 1993, while Nas' "Illmatic" hit the airwaves six months later.

The tour follows Wu-Tang Clan's historic debut album being added to the Library of Congress' National Registry in 2022. Nas' most recent album, "King's Disease III," was also released in the same year.

This time the tour, which ironically skipped New York, will include a stop in Brooklyn along with cities including Toronto, Chicago, DC, and Seattle before concluding on October 22 in Highland, California.

Tickets for the North American and European dates will be available for purchase on March 3 at 9 a.m. local time through Ticketmaster, while a Live Nation pre-sale will begin on March 2 (use code CHORUS). Alternatively, tickets can be purchased through Stubhub. The general on-sale for Australia and New Zealand tickets will begin on March 6 at noon local time through Vivagogo.

View the complete schedule for the "NY State of Mind Tour" below:

NY State of Mind Tour Schedule

Date	City	Venue
May 9	Auckland, NZ	Spark Arena
May 12	Brisbane, AU	Brisbane Entertainment Centre
May 13	Sydney, AU	Qudos Bank Arena
May 14	Melbourne, AU	Rod Laver Arena
June 2	Stockholm, SE	Avicii Arena
June 3	Copenhagen, DK	Royal Arena
June 5	Berlin, DE	Parkbuhne Wuhlheide
June 6	Amsterdam, NL	Ziggo Dome
June 7	Paris, FR	Accor Arena
June 9	Dublin, IE	3Arena
June 12	Glasgow, UK	OVO Hydro
June 13	London, UK	The O2
Sept 20	Nashville, TN	Bridgestone Arena
Sept 22	Hollywood, FL	Hard Rock Live
Sept 23	Jacksonville, FL	Daily’s Place
Sept 24	Tampa, FL	Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sept 26	Washington, DC	Capital One Arena
Sept 27	Brooklyn, NY	Barclays Center