Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest Lead 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Mary J. Blige, the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," and the pioneering alternative rap group A Tribe Called
Quest lead a strong contingent of Black artists selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2024 class. The announcement was made during Sunday night's "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night" episode on "American Idol."

Mary J. Blige to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ at this years ceremony.

“The legendary musician has won 9 #GRAMMYs, sold over 60 million albums and 100 million records worldwide becoming one of the best-selling acts of all time”. pic.twitter.com/fmJGUvp0SR

— music data (@music__data) April 22, 2024

Blige, who began her career with Uptown Records in 1989, broke new ground in the hip-hop soul genre with R&B hits like "Real Love" and "You Remind Me." Her collaborations with iconic rap artists set a standard for blending R&B and hip-hop, notably her Grammy-winning duet with Method Man, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By," considered one of rap's greatest love songs.

Can I Kick It? 🌐 one of those classiqs

A Tribe Called Quest on the prod 🤝🏽 pic.twitter.com/Jsf9frNYEM

— THE GODMUTHA ✦ (@THEG0DMUTHA) January 26, 2024

A Tribe Called Quest, formed in Queens, New York, in 1985, quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics. Their albums "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," "The Low End Theory," and "Midnight Marauders" are hailed as classics, influencing generations of artists.

Congratulations to the #RockHall2024 Inductee Class for achieving Music's Highest Honor! 🤘 Learn more about this year's Inductees here: https://t.co/6X9ozk4jQ1 pic.twitter.com/nIEja6t5ZT

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) April 22, 2024

Joining them are legendary singer Dionne Warwick, whose smooth vocals and timeless hits like "Walk on By" and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" created a signature blend of pop, gospel, and R&B. Funk legends Kool & the Gang, songwriter Norman Whitfield (mastermind behind Motown hits like "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and "Just My Imagination"), and blues powerhouse Big Mama Thornton, credited with bridging the gap between blues and rock & roll, round out the class.

These artists, selected from a pool of nominees, helped shape the course of rock & roll with their originality, impact, and influence. The induction ceremony will be held live on Saturday, October 19th, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Fans can tune in on Disney+ or catch a special airing on ABC at a later date, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.

Full List of 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Performer Category:

Cher

Dave Matthews Band

Foreigner

Kool & the Gang

Mary J. Blige

Ozzy Osbourne

Peter Frampton

A Tribe Called Quest

Musical Influence Award:

Alexis Korner

John Mayall

Big Mama Thornton

Musical Excellence Award:

Jimmy Buffett

MC5

Dionne Warwick

Norman Whitfield

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Suzanne de Passe

Forensic Errors Cloud Takeoff Murder Case

Photo Courtesy HPD

The trial of Patrick Clark, the suspect accused of fatally shooting Migos rapper Takeoff, faces potential complications following revelations of forensic mishandling by a former Houston Forensic Science Center analyst, Rochelle Austen, who has now been terminated.

Documents obtained by Houston media outlet ABC13 highlight Austen's errors. These errors include switching DNA samples and violating chain of custody procedures, prompting scrutiny over their impact on Clark's case.

Takeoff, whose real name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, was killed outside a Houston bowling alley on November 1, 2022, sending shockwaves throughout the music industry. A pivotal member of the Grammy-nominated group Migos, Takeoff was known for his laidback demeanor and intricate flow that helped propel the group's success and influence countless artists.

Houston Forensic analyst Rochelle Austin fired after Mishandling DNA evidence in many cases. She is the analyst for Takeoff’s murder case against Patrick Clark, and was supposed to serve as a witness. They’re not aware if she mishandled his case as of now. It is being looked…

— Good Job, O (@InternationalO) April 18, 2024

"Since she did mess up, they can never put her on the stand again, and the defense attorney would vigorously cross-examine her," said defense attorney Murray Newman, highlighting the potential impact of the revelations on the trial.

While details surrounding the shooting remain murky, prosecutors allege Clark's involvement in a dice game altercation that escalated to gunfire. Security footage reportedly captured Clark firing a weapon, with a nearby camera providing crucial evidence. His fingerprints were also found on a wine bottle left at the scene. Clark maintains his innocence.

On this day, Takeoff, one third of the rap group Migos, was shot and killed outside of a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.

Police were able to use surveillance footage, cell phone videos, and fingerprints from a wine bottle to identify the suspect as 33-year-old Patrick Clark of… pic.twitter.com/iiB2FqWers

— Investigation Discovery (@DiscoveryID) November 1, 2023

The Harris County District Attorney's Office, proactively addressing potential issues, filed 392 Brady Notices, including one in Clark's case, notifying defense attorneys of the evidence mishandling.

Clark's attorney, Letitia Quinones, expressed concern, indicating plans to investigate how the errors might affect the defense. "This is something of concern for us, and we will be investigating it to see exactly how it affects our client's case," Quinones said.

Surveillance footage allegedly depicts Clark holding a gun and leaving behind a wine bottle, with his fingerprints linking him to the scene. However, FOX 26 Houston's Legal Analyst, Chris Tritico, emphasized the importance of maintaining a chain of custody in forensic science, suggesting that compromised evidence could weaken the prosecution's case.

Takeoff murder suspect Patrick Clark was able to post the $1 million bond and was released from jail

🔗:https://t.co/Gwa3Fa0K29 pic.twitter.com/dRf7UTNDZF

— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) January 5, 2023

Clark, who posted a $1 million bond in January 2023, anticipates returning to court on May 29. The revelations of forensic errors add a layer of complexity to the case, prompting heightened scrutiny.

Timeline:
Nov. 1, 2022: Takeoff is fatally shot.
Dec. 2022: Patrick Clark is arrested and charged with murder.
May. 2023: Grand jury indicts Clark on murder charges.
Dec. 2023: Clark is released on bond with house arrest restrictions.
March 2024: Forensic analyst Rochelle Austen is terminated, and her mishandling of evidence, including a chain of custody mix-up in Clark's case, is revealed.
April 2024: Clark's house arrest restrictions are lifted.

Iconic Dungeon Family Member Rico Wade Dies at 52

Photo Credit: Instagram/ricowadedf

Rico Wade, a member of the Dungeon Family and an integral part of the legendary Atlanta rap production group Organized Noize, has passed away at the age of 52.

Wade's family confirmed his sudden and unexpected death in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time," the family wrote.

Recognizing his immense contribution to music, Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family released a joint statement mourning his loss and highlighting his impact. "We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world."

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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also paid tribute to Wade's legacy, stating, "Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world. Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future (his cousin and second generation Dungeon Family member), and many more. Rico's presence will be sorely missed."

As a founding member of Organized Noize, Wade played a vital role in shaping the Southern hip-hop sound, producing hits for Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ludacris, TLC, and more. The Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta rap artists with funk and soul influences, was born out of their collaboration.

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Fellow Dungeon Family member Killer Mike expressed his profound sense of loss on social media, saying, "I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon Family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all."

The Atlanta City Council also issued a statement honoring Wade's legacy, recognizing him as a "cultural architect" whose contributions to hip-hop and production shaped the sound of generations.

Future in 2015 to Mass Appeal: "I never knew nobody who was legal that made money until my cousin Rico [Wade]." pic.twitter.com/O3tF0kuJYj

— 🔊💦 (@SpeakerLeaks) April 14, 2024

New Orleans Music Icon Clarence 'Frogman' Henry Dead at 87

Clarence "Frogman" Henry, the legendary New Orleans R&B singer known for his distinctive voice and hits like "Ain't Got No Home," has died at the age of 87.

His death on Sunday, was first announced by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation on social media.

The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate later reported that the family confirmed to the publication that he died of complications following back surgery.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Clarence "Frogman" Henry's passing. A beloved icon of New Orleans music, he passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday night, surrounded by friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IB8pXAunSy

— New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation (@Jazznheritage) April 8, 2024

Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Clarence Henry Jr. began his musical journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from icons such as Fats Domino and Professor Longhair. His breakthrough came in 1956 with the release of "Ain't Got No Home," featuring his signature croak that earned him the nickname "Frogman." The song became a national hit and propelled Henry to stardom as a teenager.

The song reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to become a perennial favorite on movie soundtracks, including those of popular films like “Forrest Gump,” “Diner,” and “Casino."

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Henry continued to enjoy success with hits like "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love." He even toured with The Beatles during their first U.S. trip in 1964.

Despite his national fame, Henry remained deeply rooted in New Orleans, performing regularly on Bourbon Street for nearly two decades. He retired from touring in 1981 but continued to make appearances at events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where he was a beloved fixture.

In addition to his contributions to music, Henry's songs found new life in various films, commercials, and covers by other artists, cementing his legacy in the music industry. His induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and recognition by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame further solidified his status as a music icon.

'Energy Never Dies': Lauren London Reflects on Nipsey Hussle's Loss

Photo Credit: Norberto Garcia

Actress Lauren London took to Instagram on Sunday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of her late boyfriend Nipsey Hussle's passing with a heartfelt message.

"If you know me, you know March is always tough for me. 31 days of holding my breath," London wrote. "This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024. Interesting…. considering your name #GodWillRise. Energy never dies…. I love you. Eternal."

Hussle, a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and community advocate, tragically lost his life at the age of 33 when he was fatally shot outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

Despite his untimely death, Hussle's legacy continues to be celebrated in various ways, notably with the unveiling of a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022, coinciding with what would have been his 37th birthday.

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During the star's unveiling ceremony, London spoke passionately about Hussle's enduring impact: "I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness. This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."

Nipsey Hussle. South Central, 2017.

In the first few seconds of this video, Nip is walking in the same place where he lost his life two years after this video was made. Nip, his brother Blacc Sam, and the late Bolt Da Fatts came together and created the foundation for what we… pic.twitter.com/V6BjVo5HTj

— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 1, 2024

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Hussle transcended his troubled past as a former gang member to become a revered musician and a beacon of hope within his community. His advocacy focused on ending gun violence and providing opportunities for youth in his neighborhood.

Hussle, a father of two, shared a son named Kross, aged 7, with London and had a daughter named Emani from a previous relationship. The man responsible for Hussle's tragic death, Eric R. Holder Jr., was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in 2022.

Megan Thee Stallion Unveils 'Hot Girl Summer Tour' with Global Reach

Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion today announced her highly anticipated global "Hot Girl Summer Tour," produced by Live Nation. The 31-city tour will feature special guest GloRilla, the Grammy-nominated artist behind hits like "Tomorrow 2 (feat Cardi B)" and "Yeah Glo!."

The tour will kick off on May 14 in Minneapolis, with stops in major U.S. cities including New York City, Los Angeles and Houston. It will wrap up its North American leg in Las Vegas on June 22. European dates include performances in Scotland, England, France, Germany and Ireland.

Tickets will be available through a Citi presale starting March 20, followed by additional presales. General on-sale begins March 22 at 10 AM local time.

The announcement comes on the heels of Megan's recent chart-topping success with her single "HISS," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February.

2024 HOT GIRL SUMMER WORLD TOUR DATES

North America

May 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center^

May 17 – Chicago, IL – United Center^

May 18 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena^

May 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^

May 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center^

May 24 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley Festival*

May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival*

May 28 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^

May 30 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum^

Jun 1 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena^

Jun 4 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^

June 6 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^

Jun 8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena^

Jun 10 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center^

Jun 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center^

Jun 13 – Austin, TX – Moody Center^

Jun 14 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^

Jun 16 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival*

Jun 17 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena^

Jun 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center^

Jun 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena^

Jun 22 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena^

Europe

Jul 4 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Jul 5 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Jul 7 – Paris, FR – Zenith

Jul 10 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

Jul 11 – Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena

Jul 14 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Jul 16 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena

Jul 17 – London, UK – The O2

^With Support From GloRilla

*Festival Appearances

Dr. Dre Breaks Silence: Shares Strokes Ordeal, Applauds Eminem's Influence

(L-R) Dr. Dre and James Corden appear on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden." (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

In a revealing interview, Dr. Dre opened up about a harrowing health battle, disclosing that he suffered three strokes while hospitalized after a brain aneurysm in 2021. He shared the details recently on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden."

The rapper and producer recalled experiencing intense pain behind his right ear, a potential sign of an aneurysm. Despite initially dismissing the discomfort, his son and a friend urged him to seek immediate medical attention.

"Next thing you know, I'm in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU for two weeks," Dre said.

The severity of his condition was underscored by the three strokes he endured during his hospitalization. Doctors emphasized his good fortune, saying, "You don't know how lucky you are."

Dre expressed surprise at his diagnosis, noting that he maintains a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a focus on diet. He was later diagnosed with high blood pressure, sometimes called the "silent killer."

During the same interview, Dre also sparked social media debate by declaring Eminem the "best emcee ever." The legendary producer praised Eminem's skills on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine With James Corden."

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"I think he's the best emcee ever," Dre shared. "Point blank, period. Of course, there are going to be arguments about that because he's a white guy. I don't think anyone that's rapping can touch Eminem on that microphone."

Beyoncé Saddles Up, Announces 'Cowboy Carter' Album

Get ready to dust off your boots and embrace a whole new side of Beyoncé as she saddles up for her latest musical adventure with her upcoming country-inspired album, "Cowboy Carter," slated for release on March 29.

The announcement of the album's title came on Tuesday. Previously hinting at a country music project and the next phase of her acclaimed 2022 album "Renaissance," Beyoncé officially revealed it as "Act II: Cowboy Carter" through a subtle update to her Instagram bio and a western-themed image on her Instagram Story.

Photo Credit: Instagram/Beyonce

This highly anticipated album serves as the second installment of Beyoncé’s ambitious “three-act project,” building upon the success of her critically acclaimed "Renaissance" album.

The album's unveiling follows a teaser during a prominent Super Bowl advertisement in February, initially referred to as "Act II." Beyoncé offered fans a taste of her new musical direction with the release of two singles, "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages," both of which quickly soared to the top of the charts.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" made an impressive debut by claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Beyoncé's ninth solo chart-topper. Notably, the song also secured the top position on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman artist to achieve this milestone, solidifying her influence across genres.

While details about the album remain scarce, country music icon Dolly Parton hinted at a potential collaboration with Beyoncé during a recent interview with Tennessee outlet Knox News. Parton suggested that Beyoncé has recorded her own rendition of Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration and praising Beyoncé's vocal prowess.

Megan Thee Stallion's New Merch Line Supports Women's Well-Being Charities

Planet Fitness x Megan Thee Stallion Crop Top

Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion joins forces with Planet Fitness for "Thee Hottie Drop," a bold merchandise line launched in honor of Women's History Month. This collaboration directly supports Megan's charitable foundations—the Pete & Thomas Foundation and the SeekHer Foundation—dedicated to enhancing women's well-being.

Featuring empowering messages, the collection includes a crop top, sweatpants, and high-rise socks, embodying Megan's commitment to breaking down barriers for women in fitness spaces. "The Hotties loved the last Planet Fitness drop, so we had to run it back with brand new pieces," Megan stated in an announcement touting the release. "But more importantly, I'm proud of the positive impact this collection will bring."

The Houston-born artist, known for her musical prowess, also champions women's empowerment. Her recent hit "Hiss" underscores her influence, complementing her extensive accolades, including three Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Megan leads the Pete & Thomas Foundation, focusing on education, housing and health initiatives for marginalized communities.

Planet Fitness, echoing Megan's advocacy, emphasizes research showing women's struggles with self-care in fitness settings. "We witnessed tremendous demand for the first merch collection launched in collaboration with Megan," said Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Rolling out this new collection to support Megan's foundation and the SeekHer Foundation is a priority for us."

"Thee Hottie Drop" is available at shop.planetfitness.com until March 31st.

J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, SZA to Headline Dreamville Festival

J. Cole's Dreamville Festival returns to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 6-7, with a lineup packed with music industry heavyweights.

R&B stars SZA and Chris Brown headline Saturday's performances, joined by Jeremih, Amaarae, Teezo Touchdown, J.I.D., ScHoolboy Q, Sexyy Red and others.

Sunday's lineup is just as exciting, with J. Cole and Nicki Minaj taking the stage as headliners. Festival-goers can also catch performances by Monica, Muni Long, Chase Shakur, Rema and Jeezy.

Dreamville Festival isn't just about the music. The event also features carnival rides, art installations, a variety of food vendors, and more, creating a weekend celebration of music and community.

This marks the fourth edition of Dreamville Festival, and tickets are selling fast. Limited general admission passes are still available for this two-day music extravaganza.

Full Lineup:

Saturday, April 6

SZA

Chris Brown

J.I.D.

Lil Yachty

ScHoolboy Q

Sexyy Red

Jeremih

EARTHGANG

Teezo Touchdown

Amaarae

Lute

Luh Tyler

Domani

Sunday, April 7

J. Cole

Nicki Minaj

Rema

Jeezy

Monica

Rae Sremmurd

Key Glock

Bas

Muni Long

Cozz

Omen

TiaCorine

Matriarch of Motown Icons: Etterlene DeBarge Dies at 88

Etterlene DeBarge/Instagram

Etterlene DeBarge, matriarch of the celebrated DeBarge family and a renowned gospel singer in her own right, passed away on Friday, at the age of 88. Her daughter, Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge, confirmed the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message: "Momma has gone to see her king!"

Born Etterlene Abney in 1935, DeBarge's musical journey began in gospel choirs, where her powerful vocals captivated audiences. Married to Robert DeBarge in 1953, she raised 10 children, fostering a household steeped in music. Seven of their children went on to form the iconic Motown group DeBarge, earning multiple Grammy nominations with hits like "Rhythm of the Night" and "Time Will Reveal."

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While never officially joining the group, DeBarge's influence was undeniable. Her son El DeBarge expressed their shared grief, stating, "The Queen of My Heart, my beautiful mama, has gone home to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus." Her unwavering support and guidance played a crucial role in their success.

Yet, DeBarge's musical legacy extended beyond her children. She released two solo gospel albums, "Back on Track" (1991) and "A City Called Heaven" (2005), showcasing her enduring faith and musical passion

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Soul Icon Frankie Beverly Announces 'I Wanna Thank You' Farewell Tour

Courtesy Photo

Frankie Beverly, a renowned figure in soul music alongside his ensemble Maze, has announced the "I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour," marking the culmination of a five-decade career that significantly impacted the genre.

The tour commences on March 22nd, 2024, at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, a city with deep roots in the band's history. Beverly's musical journey began earlier, with The Butlers and Raw Soul in the 1970s. A pivotal move to San Francisco in 1971, encouraged by the legendary Marvin Gaye, led to the formation of Maze and their subsequent rise to prominence.

Their self-titled debut album in 1976 marked a turning point, paving the way for a string of commercially successful albums that solidified their place in soul music history. Tracks like "Back In Stride," an anthem of perseverance, and the upbeat "Happy Feelin's" became enduring favorites among listeners. Notably, the universally acclaimed "Before I Let Go," with its poignant exploration of love and loss, propelled them to even greater recognition.

Beyond the studio, Maze was celebrated for their electrifying live performances. Beverly's passionate vocals, coupled with the band's tight grooves and energetic stage presence, created a memorable experience for audiences across generations. Their concerts transcended mere entertainment, serving as celebrations of life, love, and community, drawing crowds with their heartfelt messages and undeniable presence.

While this marks the end of an era with Beverly at the helm, the music of Maze lives on. "Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly," led by vocalist Tony Lindsay, will carry the torch forward, ensuring the band's legacy of soulful excellence endures. Fans eager to witness this final chapter can find tour details and information on the official website.

Tour Schedule:
March 22, 2024: State Farm Arena, Atlanta GA
April 6, 2024: Mobile County Fairgrounds, Mobile AL
April 13, 2024: Toyota Arena, Houston TX
April 27, 2024: United Center, Chicago IL
May 12, 2024: KIA Forum, Los Angeles CA
July 6, 2024: Dell Center, Philadelphia PA

Former Def Jam Executive Files Lawsuit Accusing Russell Simmons of Rape

David Shankbone, via Wikimedia Commons

Music mogul Russell Simmons faces new rape allegations in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in New York federal court by a former Def Jam Recordings executive, who remains anonymous. The woman alleges Simmons sexually assaulted her at his New York apartment in the 1990s.

According to the lawsuit, the woman was a senior music executive and video producer at Def Jam when Simmons invited her to his apartment to review a video. However, the encounter allegedly turned violent, with Simmons engaging in nonconsensual sexual activity, as detailed in the lawsuit.

Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings in 1984, has not responded to the specific allegations in this lawsuit. He has previously denied all accusations of sexual misconduct, which have emerged in recent years, calling them "untrue" and "without merit."

This latest lawsuit comes amid Simmons' involvement in another legal case. Music executive L.A. Reid's defense team in a separate sexual assault lawsuit filed by former Arista Records and Def Jam executive Drew Dixon is seeking documents related to Dixon's accusations against Simmons. Dixon alleges Simmons raped her in 1995 and that Reid harassed her.

The lawsuit against Simmons is filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act, a recent law allowing survivors of sexual misconduct to file claims within a one-year window, regardless of the statute of limitations. This act has opened the door for several lawsuits against high-profile figures facing historical allegations, including Sean Combs, Jimmy Iovine, Neil Portnow, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jamie Foxx, among others.

Watch: Super Bowl Trailer Has Ludacris, Lil Jon Hunting for Usher in Vegas

Usher has dropped a star-studded new trailer for his Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, igniting intrigue with a playful "Where's Usher?" theme. The seven-minute film, reminiscent of "The Hangover," follows a comedic quest through Las Vegas, led by Ludacris, Lil Jon and Taraji P. Henson as they search for the missing R&B icon.

Their journey takes them past iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, where they encounter celebrities including Anderson .Paak, J Balvin, Wesley Snipes and the Blue Man Group. A surprise appearance by Andre 3000 as "Zoltar 3000" fuels speculation about potential collaborations during the live performance.

The trailer concludes with Usher performing for a bridal party at the Caesars Palace Fountain, showcasing his signature moves and hits like "Climax," "Nice & Slow" and "Bad Girl." The clip ends with Snipes comedically channeling Omarion's iconic dance moves to "Standing Next to You."

Usher's halftime show promises to be a monumental celebration of his 30-year career. With over 80 million records sold and hits like "8701" and "Confessions," his impact on the music industry is significant.

Anticipation is further heightened by the release of his ninth studio album, "Coming Home," two days before the Super Bowl. Presented by Apple Music as part of a multi-year partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation, the halftime show is expected to be a major draw for music fans worldwide. Super Bowl LVIII airs live on CBS February 11th.

Watch the trailer below.

Actor and NFL Veteran Carl Weathers Dies at 76

Photo Credit: Luigi Novi, via Wikimedia Commons

Carl Weathers, the renowned actor and former NFL player, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at the age of 76. His manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the news.

Weathers carved his name in cinematic history with his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" series, alongside Sylvester Stallone. His career, spanning decades, showcased remarkable versatility as he seamlessly transitioned between action-packed roles like "Predator" and "Action Jackson" and comedic performances in "Happy Gilmore" and "Arrested Development."

Weathers' impact extended beyond the big screen. He voiced Combat Carl in the "Toy Story" franchise and lent his comedic talent to the popular series "Arrested Development." Despite his fame, he remained grounded, expressing gratitude for his journey.

Before Hollywood, Weathers played football, excelling at San Diego State University and spending a season with the Oakland Raiders before joining the Canadian Football League. He later earned a B.A. in drama, returning to his passion for acting.

In addition to his acting prowess, Weathers harbored a lesser-known love for music. He released a single, "That's Love Calling," in 1981, showcasing his vocal abilities.

Survived by his two sons, Weathers leaves behind a legacy of captivating performances, diverse talent, and an enduring impact on film and television.

Watch: Cardi B Previews NYX Super Bowl Ad in New Teaser

Courtesy Photo

Cardi B will star in NYX Professional Makeup's upcoming Super Bowl commercial, airing during the second half of the February 12th game. The 30-second spot will feature Cardi B alongside other women, showcasing NYX's popular Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss in a humorous and lighthearted manner.

A 15-second teaser released Thursday offers a glimpse of the commercial, featuring the rapper examining a tube of NYX gloss before applying it and uttering her signature phrase.

In conjunction with the ad, NYX is launching an exclusive "Cherry Spice" shade of the lip gloss, worn by Cardi B in the commercial. Priced at $13, the shade is available only on the cosmetics company's website.

This marks Cardi B's first-ever beauty partnership. The collaboration extends beyond the Super Bowl, with NYX launching the exclusive lip gloss shade and creating interactive social media experiences throughout the campaign.

Watch the teaser below.

Woman of the Ghetto' Singer Marlena Shaw Passes Away at 81

Photo Credit: Cadet Records

Marlena Shaw, the revered soul and jazz vocalist whose voice graced timeless hits like "California Soul" and "Woman of the Ghetto," has died at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by Shaw's daughter, Marla Bradshaw, in a video posted on Facebook on Friday. No cause of death was given.

“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away today at 12:03,” Bradshaw shared. “She was peaceful. We were at peace.”

Shaw's musical journey began in 1966 when she signed with Chess Records. Her rise to prominence came through Cadet Records, a subsidiary of Chess, where she released two defining albums: "Out of Different Bags" (1967) and "The Spice of Life" (1969). The latter featured the iconic "California Soul," penned by Ashford & Simpson. With its infectious groove and optimistic lyrics, the song became an instant classic, later sampled by countless artists and featured in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its place as a timeless treasure.

RIP Marlena Shaw. The Spice Of Life LP was one of those records which shaped my teens, but as a kid raised on jazz, I can’t help but love seeing Marlena in action with Count Basie. Here they are in Stockholm in ‘68 pic.twitter.com/wigtj3HGoQ

— wrongtom (@TheWrongtom) January 20, 2024

In 1972, Shaw transitioned to Blue Note Records, where she continued to release critically acclaimed albums like "Marlena" (1972), "From the Depths of My Soul" (1973) and the live album "Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux" (1974). Her prolific career spanned eight record labels and yielded a total of 17 albums, each showcasing her versatility and artistic depth.

RIP to one of the greatest & beautifully distinctive Soul/Jazz/Blues songstresses, Marlena Shaw. 🕊️

Since it’s #NationalDJDay, what better way to celebrate 2 Icons than sharing this fly-assed routine of ‘California Soul’ by the one n only @SkratchBastid 🔥🔥

RIP Guru as well 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/omhOTSE6Hr

— Evezzy-E (@EvezzyE) January 20, 2024

While "California Soul" remains her most recognized song, Shaw's repertoire extended far beyond this single hit. Her soulful renditions of "Feel Like Making Love," "Loving You Was Like A Party" and "Go Away Little Boy" captivated audiences with their raw emotion and playful energy. Her 1990 Grammy nomination for her cover of "Is You or Is You Ain't My Baby" further cemented her place as a vocal powerhouse with an impressive range.

Beyond her solo career, Shaw's musical tapestry became a treasure trove for hip-hop artists.

Jay-Z's iconic "California Love" wove Shaw's vocals into a smooth West Coast anthem, while Gang Starr's "Check the Technique" laid a gritty boom-bap foundation with the song's chorus. But Shaw's influence wasn't limited to this one hit. DJ Shadow's "Organ Donor" chopped and reimagined "Loving You Was Like a Party" into a mesmerizing soundscape, and Laika reclaimed the iconic melody for female empowerment in her own "California Soul." Even the defiant fire of "Go Away Little Boy" found new life in Xzhibit's hard-hitting "Infiltrator."