Doja Cat's New Album to Showcase Rap Skills

Georgebre, via Wikimedia Commons

Grammy-nominated artist Doja Cat is set to release her fourth studio album, which she recently confirmed will focus on her rapping skills instead of her usual pop sound. 

Tentatively titled "Hellmouth," the 27-year-old artist took to Twitter over the weekend to announce that the album will be "rap only" and will not feature any pop elements.

"Pop isn't exciting to me anymore. I don't want to make it," she tweeted.

In response to a tweet from a naysayer who questioned her rap skills, Doja Cat confidently declared, "I'm definitely a rapper." She also expressed her desire to show her critics that she can write more than "mid" and "corny" verses with her new album.

i also agree with everyone who said the majority of my rap verses are mid and corny. I know they are. I wasnt trying to prove anything I just enjoy making music but I'm getting tired of hearing yall say that i can't so I will.

— Hellmouth (@DojaCat) April 8, 2023

"I wasn't trying to prove anything. I just enjoy making music," she tweeted. "But I'm getting tired of hearing y'all say that I can't [rap] so I will."

Later, she shared a screenshot of the audio files and three tracks from the album titled "Wet Vagina," "Agora Hills," and "Balut." When a fan asked if those were actual songs on the album, she simply replied with "Yes."

✍️✍️ pic.twitter.com/sjwi2FhBbP

— Hellmouth (@DojaCat) April 8, 2023

In other tweets responding to fans' speculations, Doja Cat continued to give away hints of what to expect from the album. In a separate tweet, she wrote that there will be a lot of cuss words. She also confirmed that the album has "10 tracks total +5 extras."

This shift towards rap marks a significant departure from Doja Cat's previous pop-leaning releases, such as her chart-topping hits "Say So," "Juicy" and "Streets."

Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamin, gained popularity in 2018 with her viral hit "Mooo!" and has since been making waves in the music industry. She received three Grammy Award nominations in 2021, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for "Say So."

Watch: Da Brat and Wife Judy Return to TV Screens in Third Season of "Brat Loves Judy" Reality Show

Courtesy We tv

Da Brat, the legendary Chicago rapper born as Shawntae Harris, has made history twice.

First, in 1994, she became the first solo female rapper to go platinum with her debut album "Funkdafied."

Over two decades later, she made history again by publicly coming out as a lesbian, defying the norms of an industry known for misogyny and a lack of tolerance for alternate lifestyles.

"I've always felt like being private is the better way to go because then you don't have so many people in your business," Brat told Variety at the time. "I was fine staying quiet, but my partner is a social media mogul — that's how she became who she is. And when you get with somebody, you have to meet in the middle. So to me, the middle was just letting everybody know: 'Hey, she's the one.'"

Brat's partner is none other than Jesseca "Judy" Dupart, a social media star and entrepreneur. The two tied the knot in 2022 and will continue to share their personal lives with fans on the upcoming third season of "Brat Loves Judy."

This season will focus on the highs and lows of their first year of marriage, including Judy's pregnancy. However, the road to expanding their empire has been far from easy.

The couple has faced unexpected obstacles on their IVF journey, including health issues. As they navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics, Judy's son moving in adds another layer of drama to their relationship, highlighting their contrasting parenting styles and backgrounds.

Despite these hurdles, Brat and Judy have also collaborated on a new hair care product line called "Kaleidoscope X Brat," marking their first official joint venture.

Will the couple overcome the family drama and maintain their flourishing careers while merging their empires? Fans can tune in to WE tv on April 27 (9 pm ET), with episodes airing on ALLBLK the following Monday.

Watch the network's recently released supertease of the upcoming season below for a sneak peek of the action:

From Apple Bottoms to Moonshine Bottles: Nelly's Latest Business Venture

Photo Courtesy: MoShine

Multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly announced on Thursday his latest venture: MoShine, a new moonshine brand that fuses the "southern swagger" of hip-hop with the heartland hustle of country music.

Developed in collaboration with Piedmont Distillers, MoShine is a triple-distilled, corn-based moonshine available in peach and passion fruit flavors.

The company claims that it is smooth enough to be sipped neat or mixed with various beverages, including lemon-lime soda, sweet tea, lemonade, and energy drinks.

The brand's name is inspired by Nelly's hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where hip-hop and country music intersect.

"When I say 'country grammar,' I'm not just talking about my music. I'm taking a country tradition and mixing it up for everyone to enjoy," Nelly said in a statement.

Nelly is no stranger to entrepreneurship, having launched his successful Apple Bottoms clothing line and energy drink, Pimp Juice. He has also acted in films such as "Reach Me" and "The Longest Yard."

Despite his success in various industries, Nelly has stayed true to his musical roots. He has released numerous hit albums, including "Country Grammar" and "Nellyville," and collaborated with artists from different genres.

In recent years, he has focused on his country music career, achieving a No. 7 spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with his EP "Heartland" and releasing the hit single "The Fix."

Nelly introduced MoShine at the WSWA Access Live event, the leading spirits industry gathering, where he performed some of his biggest chart-topping hits. The brand is currently available online at DrinkMoShine.com.

Fans Divided Over Lizzo and Jack Black's Guest Roles on 'The Mandalorian'

Screengrab YouTube

The recent surprise appearance of Grammy-winning artist Lizzo on the hit Disney+ Star Wars spin-off
series, "The Mandalorian," has sparked controversy among fans of the show.

Mandalorian Spoilers
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Lizzo just knighted Baby yoda aka grogu. What is happening in Star Wars #TheMandalorian #StarWars pic.twitter.com/FWnEsqgTyH

— Atom (@theatomreview) April 5, 2023

In "Chapter 22: Guns for Hire," written by Jon Favreau and directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, Lizzo portrays The Duchess, a leader of the distant planet Plazir-15, whom Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian encounters while searching for the former crew of Bo-Katan, played by Katee Sackhoff. Jack Black also appears in the episode as Captain Bombardier, while Christopher Lloyd plays the planet's security chief, Commissioner Helgait.

While some fans were thrilled to see the talented trio on their favorite show, others took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.

Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of "The Mandalorian" to kill Star Wars entirely https://t.co/elahJidraz

— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) April 5, 2023

"Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of 'The Mandalorian' to kill Star Wars entirely," wrote one Twitter user.

Another fan expressed similar sentiments, saying, "I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake."

I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake.

— Lankychris (@Lankychris) April 5, 2023

Despite the negative reaction from some viewers, Lizzo's performance was praised by others.

Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple. #TheMandalorian pic.twitter.com/kUk59geBYf

— Gianni Raisins (@BGaytion) April 5, 2023

"Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple!" raved Twitter user @BGaytion.

The surprise cameos add Lizzo, Black, and Lloyd to an impressive list of celebrities who have made appearances on the series, including Jason Sudeikis, Taika Waititi, Timothy Olyphant, John Leguizamo, Adam Pally, Horatio Sanz, and W. Earl Brown, Olyphant's Deadwood co-star.

New Docuseries 'Family Legacy' on Paramount+ Promises Intimate Look at Offspring of Notorious B.I.G., Diddy, and Brandy

Courtesy Paramount+

The offspring of iconic artists are set to take the spotlight in the upcoming reality show "Family Legacy," scheduled to premiere on Paramount+.

The show was announced by the network today and aims to "relive some of entertainment's most iconic moments and provide viewers with an intimate look at their favorite artists," according to a statement from Paramount+.

Quincy Brown, son of R&B singer Al B. Sure! and stepson of Sean "Diddy" Combs, serves as the show's narrator, promising an intimate glimpse into the next generation of musicians. The recently unveiled trailer for "Family Legacy" provides a tantalizing sneak peek into the lives and careers of these famous musicians' offspring.

C.J. Wallace, son of the late Notorious B.I.G., pays heartfelt homage to his father as "the greatest rapper of all time." Melissa Etheridge's daughter, Bailey Cypheridge, proudly embraces her identity as the "OG lesbian baby," while Briahna Fatone, daughter of *NSYNC's Joey Fatone, shares a special bond with her father.

The docuseries also features Andrew Hagar, son of Van Halen's Sammy Hagar, Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, Nathan Morris II, son of Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris and Draven Bennington, son of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, among others.

Christian "King" Combs and Justin Combs, both sons of Sean "Diddy" Combs, also make an appearance, along with Sy'Rai Smith, daughter of Brandy, and Tron Austin, son of TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.

"Family Legacy" is set to premiere on April 25 on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada.

Watch the official trailer below:

Kem's Memoir 'Share My Life' Reveals Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kem will release his memoir, "Share My Life: A Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption," on Tuesday. The book takes readers on an intimate journey through Kem's life, from a difficult childhood to homelessness and his rise to international stardom.

Kem is renowned for his polished and smooth style, earning four Grammy nominations and releasing numerous hit albums and singles, including "Love Calls," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Why Would You Stay," and "Nobody." The memoir shares its title with one of Kem's No. 1 hit singles and is published by Simon and Schuster. Kirkus Reviews praised the book as a "forthright chronicle of hard-won success."

In his memoir, Kem bravely delves into the emotional struggles he faced on his journey to success. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and a distant father, Kem battled with feelings of abandonment, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. After finding himself homeless and in drug rehab centers, he discovered his passion for music, composing songs that would eventually appear on his debut album, "Kemistry." This seminal work catapulted him into the ranks of Motown's legendary icons.

"I think it's my responsibility to share my life — the good times and the bad — so that I can encourage and inspire others," Kem said about his motivation for publishing the book. The memoir was co-written with music biographer David Ritz, known for his biographies of music greats such as Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson.

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

To coincide with the book's launch, Kem's label home of twenty years, Motown Records, will release his live album "Anniversary" on April 7th. The album features hit singles from Kem's entire career and was recorded at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit during the fall of 2022.

"Celebrating the 20th anniversary of my signing to the Motown label is exceptionally significant for me," Kem said. "Having the last two decades of my career culminate in a live album recorded in Detroit, in the city and with the people who first heard 'Love Calls' and helped put me on the map, is epic."

Kem is currently embarking on a co-headlining national arena tour with Ledisi called the Soul II Soul Tour. The tour kicks off on Friday and features Musiq Soulchild as a special guest. Fans can purchase tickets online at musicbykem.com.

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Helps Defending Champs Open MLB Season by Throwing Out First Pitch

Photo Credit: @thestallion Instagram

Houston native Megan Thee Stallion made a special appearance at the Astros' home opener on Thursday, where she threw the ceremonial first pitch for her hometown team.

The Grammy-winning rapper donned a white Astros jersey and a diamond chain with the words "Hot Girl," along with a jersey displaying her last name and "222" on the back.

While her pitch landed a little outside and bounced in the left-handed batter's box, Megan managed to get the ball to the plate, a feat that has eluded many other celebrities attempting the first pitch. Astros' mascot, Orbit, gave her a hug to celebrate the accomplishment.

The pitch was a lighthearted moment in Megan's busy schedule, as she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.

Megan is in talks to star in a new Netflix movie alongside Adam Sandler, which will be directed and produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, the directors of the hit movie "Uncut Gems." The film, set in the world of sports memorabilia, will begin production this summer, although its title and plot are yet to be revealed.

Megan is also making her feature film debut in the R-rated musical comedy "F***ing Identical Twins," produced by A24 and Chernin Entertainment. She will star opposite Nathan Lane, Bowen Yang and Megan Mullally, although the film's release date is still unknown.

However, Megan has also been involved in a high-profile court case with rapper Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan on a California curbside in July 2020.

Lanez's lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial, citing various grounds, including a claim that the judge "erroneously allowed" jurors to view an Instagram post from Lanez's account claiming that Megan's now-estranged best friend Kelsey Harris was the shooter.

During the trial, both Kelsey and Megan denied the allegations that Kelsey fired the shots that wounded Megan. Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison at sentencing, but his new lawyers have successfully lobbied the judge to delay his sentencing until April to prepare for the motion.

Check out Megan's first pitch below:

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.