Bill Lee, Respected Jazz Bassist and Composer for Spike Lee, Dies at 94

Renowned jazz bassist Bill Lee, known for his collaborations with artists like Bob Dylan and Duke Ellington and for composing scores for his son Spike Lee's films before their artistic collaboration faltered, passed away at his Brooklyn home on Wednesday (May 24) at the age of 94.

Rest in peace, Bill Lee.

Bill was a jazz bassist who made incredible contributions to the music world, including collaborating with stars like Odetta, Bob Dylan, and even our very own Aretha Franklin on her debut album, ARETHA.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris. pic.twitter.com/YjvykMufyi

— Aretha Franklin (@ArethaFranklin) May 26, 2023

Spike Lee confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing poignant portraits of his late father along with a link to The New York Times obituary. Bill's musical genius graced several of Spike's films, including "She's Gotta Have It" (1986) and "Do the Right Thing" (1989).

Bill began his career as a session musician in Atlanta and Chicago before moving to New York in 1959. His bass can be heard on Bob Dylan's haunting ballad "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," and he collaborated with Max Roach as a composer on multiple albums.

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In the 1990s, a rift formed between Spike and Bill due to unresolved financial and family disputes. However, they found moments of reconciliation at special events commemorating their shared cinematic achievements, such as the 20th-anniversary screening of "Do the Right Thing" in 2009 and a 25th-anniversary gathering in 2014.

Bill's musical contributions extended beyond his collaboration with his son, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of jazz and cinema. He lent his extraordinary talents to over 250 record albums, working with icons like Aretha Franklin, Simon and Garfunkel and Harry Belafonte.

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Surviving Bill Lee are his wife, three sons, a daughter, a brother and two grandchildren. Despite their differences, Spike Lee acknowledged his father's profound influence, stating, "Everything I know about jazz I got from my father. I saw his integrity, how he was not going to play just any kind of music, no matter how much money he could make."

Pro Football Great Jim Brown Dies at 87, Remembered for Athletic Brilliance and Social Activism

Courtesy LBJ Presidential Library Photo by Lizzie Chen

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown, the running back known for his exceptional athletic prowess,
successful acting career, and role as a civil rights advocate during the 1960s, has died at 87.

According to a family spokesperson, Brown died peacefully at his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, with his wife, Monique, by his side.

Brown had a nine-year career with the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, leaving an enduring legacy. He was awarded the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1965 and made a mark on the league's record books.

After retiring at the age of 30, Brown transitioned into a successful acting career, appearing in over 30 films, including notable works such as "Any Given Sunday" and "The Dirty Dozen." His running style and skills boosted the popularity of football on television.

I was too young to remember Jim Brown’s playing days, but I knew his legacy. One of the greatest football players ever, he was also an actor and activist – speaking out on civil rights, and pushing other Black athletes to do the same. Our thoughts are with Jim’s wife Monique, his…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 19, 2023

Brown's impact extended beyond sports. In 1967, he orchestrated a meeting known as "The Cleveland Summit," bringing together top Black athletes, including Muhammad Ali, to support Ali's stand against the Vietnam War.

Throughout his life, Brown dedicated himself to various social causes. He worked to combat gang violence in Los Angeles and founded the Amer-I-Can program in 1988, empowering underprivileged inner-city youth and ex-convicts.

In a statement on Twitter, the Browns organization expressed appreciation for being part of Jim Brown's life and legacy. They mourned his passing, celebrated his impact, and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.

Jim Brown Forever 🧡🤎♾️

Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary.

It’s impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he… pic.twitter.com/F2rrTUnsc1

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 19, 2023

Brown's talent and commitment to social change solidified his place in history. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted Brown's athletic dominance and role in inspiring athletes to engage in social initiatives during the civil rights movement.

“Jim Brown was a gifted athlete — one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field — but also a cultural figure who helped promote change,” Goodell said. “During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport.”

Despite personal controversies, Brown's athletic achievements remain unparalleled. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 230 pounds, he had a combination of strength and agility that made him a formidable force. His signature stiff-arm move became legendary.

Brown's career earned him eight All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances. When he retired, he held the NFL's all-time records for rushing yards (12,312) and touchdowns (126). Notably, he never missed a game, showcasing his durability and tenacity.

Jim Brown was so highly thought of that LeBron James bowed towards Mr. Brown before game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Not only Jim Brown was a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but he was also a civil rights advocate who stood up for social justice
pic.twitter.com/pplvYMWcsJ

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 19, 2023

Tributes poured in from fellow athletes, fans, and admirers as news of Brown's passing spread. NBA superstar LeBron James expressed respect and gratitude for Brown's impact on their lives.

Lebron James on the passing of Jim Brown:

“We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown. I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim… pic.twitter.com/qhvEvR2Go6

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 19, 2023

Jim Brown's legacy transcends sports. He inspired generations, exemplified excellence on and off the field, and made contributions to athletics, activism, and humanitarian efforts that will forever be etched in history, alongside his talent and pursuit of greatness.

Although it’s been 58 years since Jim Brown played his final NFL game, his reputation as one of the most dynamic players to ever step on a football field transcends generations. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/VqAlyr8J1s

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 19, 2023

Reggae Legend Calton Coffie, Voice Behind 'Bad Boys' Theme Song for 'COPS,' Dies at 68

Reggae singer Calton Coffie, renowned for his tenure as the lead vocalist of the legendary Jamaican reggae group Inner Circle, has died at the age of 68.

Coffie's daughter, Eruth Spencer, confirmed his death to the Caribbean-based site DancehallMag. She stated that he passed away on February 2, 2023, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed, but Coffie had been battling diabetes for several years, according to Spencer.

Calton Coffie, Former Inner Circle Lead Singer Of ‘Sweat’, ‘Bad Boys’ Fame, Dead At 68https://t.co/9o1eTjnm35

— DancehallMag (@dancehallmag) May 17, 2023

"My dad always had diabetes... he started to get sick when he was with the band Inner Circle, which is what caused him to leave," she told the publication. Spencer added that Coffie had continued to struggle with diabetes, and despite efforts from family members to reach out to him, they had not received any response since January. They learned of his passing on February 2nd.

Coffie played a pivotal role in Inner Circle as the lead singer, percussionist and keyboard player from 1986 to 1994, contributing significantly to the band's success during his tenure.

Inner Circle's "Bad Boys," featuring Coffie's powerful vocals, became widely recognized as the theme song for the popular TV series COPS. The track was part of Inner Circle's album "Bad To The Bone," which was later re-issued as "Bad Boys" in the United States.

The album achieved notable success on the Billboard 200 chart, spending 49 weeks and peaking at No. 64. The song's popularity transcended television, finding its way into films such as "Bad Boys" (1995), starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, as well as Tom Cruise's "Minority Report" (2002).

The band received its first Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album with "Bad Boys" in 1994. The following year, their album "Reggae Dancer," featuring Coffie as the lead singer, earned a second Grammy nomination in the same category.

Coffie's talent also shone on Inner Circle's hit song "Sweat (A La La La La Long)," which recently received Gold Certification in the United Kingdom, with over 400,000 copies sold, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

After leaving Inner Circle, Coffie pursued a solo career under the name Hot Cup of Coffie, gaining recognition in the United Kingdom music scene.

Jamie Foxx's Daughter Provides Heartwarming Update on His Recovery, Unveils Future TV Venture

Courtesy FOX Entertainment

Jamie Foxx fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster in recent weeks as the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning actor, comedian, and singer was hospitalized due to an undisclosed medical issue while filming his latest movie, "Back in Action."

The news sparked an outpouring of concern, with friends and colleagues portraying a grave situation surrounding Foxx's hospitalization, leading to speculation about the condition of the "Ray" star.

However, on Friday, Foxx's daughter, Corinne Foxx, took to Instagram to provide an update, dispelling the rumors and offering reassurance. She confirmed that her father has made a steady recovery and is now back home.

"My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating. In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone's prayers and support!" she wrote, expressing gratitude for the well-wishes.

The positive news continued today as Foxx and Corinne, who previously worked together as host and house DJ respectively on "Beat Shazam," announced their latest project. The duo revealed their upcoming music-centric game show titled "We Are Family," which is scheduled to premiere on Fox in 2024.

"We are thrilled to be developing 'We Are Family' with Jeff Apploff and our friends at FOX Entertainment after the tremendous success of six seasons of 'Beat Shazam'," the duo said in a joint statement. "We hope this show brings as much fun to audiences at home as we've had creating it when it premieres next year."

"We Are Family" will feature non-famous relatives of celebrities performing duets with their hidden famous family members. The studio audience, consisting of 100 contestants, will have the opportunity to win up to $100,000 by correctly guessing the identities of the celebrity participants. The show will include a diverse range of celebrities from the music, sports and acting worlds. Foxx will also serve as an executive producer for the series.

An official release date for "We Are Family" has not yet been announced, but it is expected to debut sometime in 2024, promising an entertaining and engaging experience for audiences.

Serena Williams Announces Second Pregnancy at Met Gala

Photo Credit: Serena Williams/Instagram 

Serena Williams announced on Instagram Monday night that she is pregnant with her second child, just ahead of her appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, an annual event that benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

The tennis legend, 41, attended the star-studded event with her husband Alexis Ohanian and shared a photo of the couple, captioning it, "Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala."

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Williams and Ohanian, 40, already have a five-year-old daughter, Olympia, who Williams famously carried during her win at the 2017 Australian Open. Ohanian expressed his excitement on Twitter, saying, "Mama & Papa love this parenting-thing, so we're back at it 😁 and @olympiaohanian is gonna be the best Big Sister—she's been asking & praying for this for a minute. #MetGala."

Mama & Papa love this parenting-thing, so we're back at it 😁 and @olympiaohanian is gonna be the best Big Sister—she's been asking & praying for this for a minute. #MetGala pic.twitter.com/Ycv9FBtV61

— Alexis Ohanian 🧠 (@alexisohanian) May 2, 2023

In a first-person essay for Vogue in August, Williams revealed that she would be "evolving away" from tennis to expand her family, saying, "In the last year, Alexis and I have been trying to have another child, and we recently got some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and made me feel that whenever we're ready, we can add to our family."

Williams has been open about the challenges she faced during her first pregnancy, which included a difficult childbirth and a long recovery. Despite these difficulties, she returned to professional tennis just six months after giving birth and has since reached four major finals, winning a title at Auckland in 2020.

Wintour, who co-chairs the Met Gala, is a friend of Williams's and the tennis star is a frequent attendee of the event.

Otis Redding III, Musician and Son of Iconic Singer, Passes Away at 59

Photo Courtesy The Otis Redding Foundation  

Otis Redding III, the musician who shared a name with his iconic 1960s soul singer father, died of cancer on Tuesday. He was 59.

The youngest child of soul legend Otis Redding, Redding III's death was announced in a statement shared Wednesday by his sister, Karla Redding-Andrews, via The Otis Redding Foundation's Facebook page.

"It is with heavy hearts that the family of Otis Redding III confirms that he lost his battle with cancer last evening at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA," Redding-Andrews wrote. "Otis was 59 years old. Please keep our family in your prayers at this time, and please respect our privacy as we consume this huge loss. Arrangements will be announced at a later date."

Otis Redding III covering his father’s hit “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”… RIP pic.twitter.com/D9EOZ1FrXg

— Marvin L James II (@sportsguymarv) April 22, 2023

Redding III's father, nicknamed "The King of Soul," died at the age of 26 in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, when Redding III was just three years old. He and his three siblings, including brother and future bandmate Dexter, were raised by their mother Zelma on the 300-acre Big O Ranch where their dad was buried.

In the 1980s, Redding III formed the funk band The Reddings with Dexter and their cousin Mark Lockett. The trio released six albums together, with their biggest hit being "Remote Control."

The Reddings had a strong debut as the beginning 1980 ringed in. A lotta so called historians and DJ's criminally overlook this song. It was in heavy rotation. Rest In Harmony Otis Redding III https://t.co/xTPSGExWDk

— A-Ski (@MrUnique74) April 19, 2023

Though The Reddings released their final album in 1988, Redding III continued to play music, performing his father's music at weddings and private parties. He also made a high-profile appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2018 for an Otis Redding tribute concert.

Redding III gave back to his community in Georgia, working with The Otis Redding Foundation to offer musical education to young people and serving as the board president for his local chapter of Meals on Wheels.

"Who can live up to Otis Redding? I mean, I had his name, I got a little bit of talent, but you know, nobody can really live up to the King of Soul," Redding III told The Telegraph in 2017. "We do his songs, my brother Dexter does a great job. We do our thing. But we know that we respect the game — he's the King of Soul."

Redding III noted in the same interview that he believed his father's legacy was "timeless," and hoped that younger artists would be inspired by all that he accomplished in his short life.

Megan Thee Stallion Shares Healing Journey After Being Shot by Tory Lanez in Elle Essay

Photography © Adrienne Raquel for ELLE Magazine

Megan Thee Stallion has opened up about her journey of healing after being shot by fellow rapper Tory Lanez in July 2020.

In an essay published Tuesday in Elle magazine, the three-time Grammy Award winner referred to herself as a survivor and reflected on the public humiliation she faced from Lanez.

“I don’t want to call myself a victim. As I reflect on the past three years, I view myself as a survivor because I have truly survived the unimaginable,” she wrote. “Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to see.”

Megan added that the physical and mental scars from the ordeal will always sting, but she is taking the appropriate steps to resume her life. She spent the last few months off social media and "taking time off for myself, spending time with my dogs, hanging out with my manager, Farris, and doing a lot of praying."

“I’m in a happier place, but I still have anxiety. Talking about being shot still makes me emotional,” she said. “I’ve started journaling as a way to better process my thoughts, hopes, and fears. Prayer has also played a therapeutic role in my healing because I can have honest and unfiltered conversations with God without any judgment.”

The rapper accused Lanez of shooting her after she exited a vehicle they had been riding in following an argument in the summer of 2020. He was charged with three counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, according to prosecutors.

In December, Megan testified during his trial, and a Los Angeles jury ultimately found Lanez guilty, convicting him on all three counts.

The guilty verdict was more than just vindication for her, she wrote – "it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them."

“My heart hurts for all the women around the world who are suffering in silence, especially if you’re a Black woman who doesn’t appear as if she needs help," she added.

In late March, Lanez filed a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court requesting a new trial, but prosecutors opposed that motion. Lanez’s attorneys have also suggested that he may appeal the verdict if a new trial is not granted.

If he is given the maximum sentence on each charge, served consecutively, Lanez could face up to 22 years and eight months in prison, in addition to the possibility of being deported to his native Canada after serving his time.

Megan concluded by sharing a message for women who have faced similar situations, saying, "For anyone who has survived violence, please know your feelings are valid. You matter. You are not at fault. You are important. You are loved. You are not defined by your trauma. You can continue to write beautiful, new chapters to your life story. Just because you are in a bad situation doesn’t mean you are a bad person. Our value doesn’t come from the opinions of other people. As long as you stand your ground and live in your truth, nobody can take your power.”

Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx Recuperating After Undisclosed Medical Issue

Screengrab via YouTube: Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter in 2022's “Day Shift.”

Academy Award-winning actor and singer, Jamie Foxx, is currently recuperating after suffering a "medical complication" on Tuesday.

Corinne Foxx, his daughter, took to Instagram to share the news with fans and supporters on Wednesday.

"We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday," the 29-year-old actress shared in her post.

No further details regarding the nature of Foxx's medical condition were disclosed. However, Corinne Foxx offered reassurance that her father is "already on his way to recovery" thanks to "quick action and great care."

"We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers," the post concluded. "The family asks for privacy during this time."

Jamie Foxx, 55, is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic "Ray." Foxx is also a renowned singer, comedian, and TV host, having made appearances on hit shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "In Living Color."

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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:

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.

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.

Da Brat Reveals She's Pregnant at 48

Photo Courtesy Twitter

Da Brat, the legendary rapper behind the hit song "Funkdafied," is pregnant at the age of 48.

The hip-hop icon revealed the news in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine published today.

Da Brat, whose real name is Shawntae Harris, and her wife, Jesseca "Judy" Harris-Dupart, CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, said they were inspired to have a baby after their marketing campaign for a new hair product line featured the tagline "extending our family."

"It started as a joke, but then we got a huge response. It was like, 'Oh my God, do we want to actually have kids, and if we do, girl, we better hurry up!'" Harris-Dupart told PEOPLE.

Da Brat reveals pregnancy at 48: 'I thought it wasn't in the cards for me' https://t.co/tny1yHwf96 pic.twitter.com/m6gqoSo43a

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 21, 2023

The couple tied the knot in February 2022, and Da Brat said she thought having a baby was "not in the cards" for her at this stage in her life.

"It's been quite a journey," she said, adding that they had to learn a lot about pregnancy and childbirth for women over 40.

Da Brat has been in the music industry for over three decades, with hits such as "Funkdafied" and "Give It 2 You," and has also appeared in films and television shows.

She became the first female solo artist to go platinum with her debut album, "Funkdafied," in 1994.

The rapper recently made headlines after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2023.

Her induction ceremony was attended by several of her peers in the music and entertainment industries, including Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, and Jermaine Dupri.

Barrett Strong, Motown's First Star, Dies at 81

Courtesy Photo Motown Museum 

Barrett Strong, the man behind Motown Records' first hit and a gifted singer and songwriter who helped create some of the legendary label's classics has died. 

The Motown Museum announced his death, at the age of 81, on social media Sunday.

"It is with great sadness that we share the passing of legendary @ClassicMotown singer and songwriter Barrett Strong," the Museum wrote on its official Twitter account. 

Born in West Point, Mississippi on Feb. 5, 1941, and raised in Detroit, Strong was the voice behind Motown's first hit, "Money (That’s What I Want)."

Recorded when he was just 18, Strong played piano and provided the vocals for the Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford penned song, in 1959.

Within a year the record had become the label that would come to be nicknamed Hitsville's first smash, selling over a million copies and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart (No. 23 on the Billboard 100).

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of legendary @ClassicMotown singer and songwriter Barrett Strong.

The voice behind @motown's first hit, the iconic “Money (That’s What I Want),” was born in West Point, Mississippi on February 5, 1941 and was raised in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/RvINyjJgcc

— Motown Museum (@Motown_Museum) January 30, 2023

Gordy, who founded Motown, offered high praise for his departed colleague in a statement, even though the men had butted heads over the years after Strong claimed he co-wrote the song along with Grody and Bradford.

"Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield, created an incredible body of work," he said. 

Ultimately, Barrett was denied a writing credit but that did not damage his relationship with Motown.

Along with Whitfield, he was the driving force behind some of its signature hits, such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "War" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone."

He was voted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which cited him as "a pivotal figure in Motown's formative years," in 2004.

 

Gordy Harmon, Co-Founder of R&B Hitmakers the Whispers, Dies At 79

Early promotional material for the Whispers featuring Gordy Harmon. 

The Whispers, and fans of the acclaimed California-bred R&B group, are in mourning following the death of one of its founding members.

Singer Gordy Harmon, who co-founded the quintet in Watts, California, with twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell in 1964, has died at the age of 79.

No cause was given for Harmon’s death, but his family confirmed the news to ABC 7. The media outlet reported that the musician died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on Thursday (Jan. 5). 

The surviving Whispers shared their condolences on social media. 

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A post shared by The Whispers (@themightywhispers)

“We are saddened by the passing of one of the founders and former member of the Whispers,” the group captioned a collage of photos during Gordy's time with it on its official Instagram page. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and his memory and his contributions will never be forgotten. Much love.”

Before leaving the band in 1973, after his larynx was damaged in a driving accident, Harmon helped lay the groundwork for the group's future success. 

He sang on early hits like 1969's "The Time Will Come," which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard R&B chart, and “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” which became the group's first top 10 R&B entry in 1970.

Harmon was replaced by, Leaveil Degree, formerly of Friends of Distinction, and the Whispers went on to enjoy even greater success.

During the eighties and early nineties, the group scored multiple hits on the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts, putting out five gold and two platinum-certified albums. 

In 1987, their signature hit "Rock Steady" peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100, while taking the top spot on the R&B chart. 

The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003, the Soul Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and the R&B Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire Percussionist, Dead at 67

Fred White via EWF Instagram screengrab

Fred White, the man that kept the beat for one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire — which has sold over 90 million records and won six Grammy Awards in its 50-plus years of existence — has died at the age of 67.

His brother and fellow bandmate Verdine White, the group's bassist, shared the news of the drummer's death Sunday on Instagram.

"Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene 'Freddie' White," he captioned a series of images of Fred playing the drums and posing with the other members of the group.

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A cause of death for the percussionist was not given.

Founded in Chicago in 1969 by Fred's older brother, co-lead singer and chief songwriter Maurice White (who died in 2016), Earth, Wind & Fire has been recognized as one of the most important bands of its era. Rolling Stone declared it the band that "changed the sound of black pop."

In 2000, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Fred as a member.

He joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974 as a teenager after making his name in Chicago clubs and playing as a drummer for Donny Hathaway. During Fred's time in the band's rhythm section, featuring fellow drummer Ralph Johnson, he laid the foundation for some of its biggest hits, including Earth Wind & Fire's signature song, "September."

Fred played on all six of the group's most notable albums during its heyday, beginning with 1975's "That's the Way of the World" which reached No. 1 on both the Billboard pop and R&B charts and was followed by five more consecutive releases that reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

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