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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."


"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."

New Edition, Frankie Beverly to Receive NAACP Image Awards Honors

New Edition
The NAACP and BET have announced that New Edition will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th NAACP Image Awards. This recognition celebrates pioneers in their fields whose influence shapes generations to come. Previous inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Sidney Poitier, Earth Wind and Fire and Aretha Franklin.

Additionally, R&B icon Frankie Beverly, frontman of MAZE, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner on March 14 in Los Angeles. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights alongside their accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

Frankie Beverly
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement, "It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—musical icons who have shaped our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence. We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring excellence of Black artists in the arts."

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, added, "New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence has laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre's sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. We are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture."

New Edition, one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B history, has entertained audiences for over 40 years, selling a cumulative 30 million records worldwide. The group's members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe, have also enjoyed successful solo careers. Their biopic, "The New Edition Story," garnered critical acclaim and a record-breaking viewership of 29 million unique viewers.

Beverly is a trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter. Known for timeless hits such as "Golden Time of Day" and "Before I Let Go," Beverly's influence extends beyond the stage, making lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The award show will air live at 8:00 PM ET/PT on March 16, 2024, on BET and CBS.

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.

Hip-Hop Mourns Loss of Bo$$: Def Jam's First Female MC Dead at 54

Photo Credit: GoFundMe
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Bo$$ (born Lichelle Laws), the trailblazing female rapper who made history as the first woman signed to Def Jam Recordings. Bun B confirmed her passing at 54 on Monday via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the late artist.

"Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Bo$$," he wrote. "One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"


Bo$$'s influence on the rap scene was undeniable. Fellow icons like Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss and DJ Premier expressed their condolences and shared memories of working with the Detroit-born legend, whose musical journey began in her hometown before she caught the eye of Def Jam's West Coast division, leading to her groundbreaking debut album, "Born Gangstaz," in 1993.


In recent years, Bo$$ faced significant health challenges, battling kidney disease since 2011. She also suffered a major stroke and seizure in 2017. To support her medical costs, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a recommended specialized procedure.


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.

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Channels "Hiss" Energy with Snake Liquor Adventure

Screengrab: TikTok/theestallion
Megan Thee Stallion, the celebrated rapper known for her snake-themed hits like "Hiss," embarked on a daring escapade during her recent visit to Japan. While immersing herself in the local culture, she encountered a fascinating yet unnerving beverage: Habushu, a traditional Okinawan liquor infused with a venomous Habu snake.

Initially taken aback by the unusual sight of the snake coiled inside the bottle, Megan couldn't help but express her astonishment. "What the heck!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Okay, okay. Is this gonna kill me? He's looking at me," she quipped, momentarily unnerved by the serpent's gaze.
@theestallion Lol should I show yall all of the food / drinks ive been trying out in Japan ? 😂 I just haddd to taste this dang snake drink 😂 #japan ♬ original sound - Megan Thee Stallion

Despite her reservations, and perhaps inspired by her own fearless musical persona, Megan decided to brave the experience. She took a cautious sip from a shot glass. Her reaction was immediate, her facial expressions revealing a mix of surprise and slight disgust. "That's tough. That's strong," she remarked. "Knew a snake had a taste that tastes like a snake."

Habushu, known for its potent bite, is made by fermenting a Habu pit viper inside the bottle. This process imbues the liquor with a distinct flavor profile and a high alcohol content.

Megan Thee Stallion's trip to Japan wasn't just for leisure. Known for her love of anime, she recently served as a presenter at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo.

Sinbad Vows Comeback Amidst Health Struggles

Photo Credit: Instagram/Sinbad
Actor and comedian Sinbad, known for his role as Coach Walter Oakes in the hit series "A Different World," is making a determined comeback following his stroke in 2020. In a Instagram post, the 67-year old star expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he has received during his medical challenges.

The post, shared on his verified Instagram account, captured Sinbad's emotional reaction as he watched footage of his recent virtual appearance alongside fellow cast members from "A Different World." The cast is currently embarked on a 10-city tour of historically Black colleges and universities, starting at the Atlanta University Center, which comprises Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College.


"Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They’ve carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line," Sinbad wrote in the caption, reflecting on the overwhelming encouragement he has received. "It really is a different world out here! #WeGettinThereYall #ADifferentWorld," he added.


The comedian's journey back to the spotlight has been marked by resilience and determination. In October 2020, his family revealed that he had suffered a stroke due to a blood clot traveling to his brain from his heart. Updates on his progress have been shared periodically, with a recent post in November 2022 showing Sinbad learning to walk again.

In his latest Instagram video, Sinbad expressed surprise and gratitude at the students' enthusiastic reception during the virtual tour, marveling at their familiarity with his work despite the decades since "A Different World" first aired. "Thank you to everybody who’s been praying for me and saying good things and supporting me during this time in my life," he expressed, visibly moved by the experience.

The comedian also reassured his fans of his imminent return, promising, "Expect to see more of me soon, and don’t freak out if you turn around and I’m standing right behind you." His optimistic outlook and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles have garnered an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, with Terry Crews, Wanda Sykes and Judd Apatow among those sending messages of encouragement.

Shocking Betrayal: Jam Master Jay Murdered by Childhood Friend and Godson, Jury Finds

Jam Master Jay
Two men were found guilty Tuesday of murdering hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay, ending a nearly two-decade-long pursuit for justice. The verdict brings closure to one of the most baffling cases in music history.

Ronald Washington, Jay’s childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., Jay’s godson, were convicted of murder in the course of narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. The courtroom erupted in chaos as the verdict was announced. Washington, visibly agitated, proclaimed, “Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here!” before being escorted out. Jordan expressed love and gratitude to his supporters.

The federal jury reached its unanimous decision after days of tense deliberations. A juror was replaced last week, leading to renewed deliberations on Monday.

Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot at a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. The murder sent shockwaves through the music community, and the case remained unsolved for years.

In August 2020, the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York unveiled a criminal indictment implicating Washington and Jordan. They were accused of killing Jam Master Jay in retaliation for a drug-related dispute.

The trial unveiled gripping testimonies, notably from witness Uriel Rincon, who was present at the recording studio on the fateful night. Rincon implicated Washington and Jordan as armed intruders, alleging that Jordan delivered the fatal shot to Jay's head.

Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell underscored the trial's essence, stating, “It’s about greed. It’s about money. It’s about jealousy,” emphasizing the culpability of Washington and Jordan in the chilling crime.

In a dramatic twist, defense attorneys contended that Jay Bryant, another defendant, was the actual perpetrator. They argued that Bryant's DNA found at the crime scene and his presence on surveillance footage pointed to his involvement.

“This is an attempt to make a mockery of the judicial system. They know who killed Jam Master Jay. They know it was Jay Bryant,” said Susan Kellman, Washington’s attorney.

With the impending trial of Bryant, who has pleaded not guilty, the case promises to continue unfolding, shedding light on the shadows of one of hip-hop's darkest chapters.

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