Beyoncé has caused a stir in the music world by unveiling what appears to be the tracklist for her upcoming country album, "Cowboy Carter."
The Grammy-winning superstar shared a Western-themed poster on social media, showcasing song titles alongside previously released singles "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em." Intriguing new titles include "Ameriican Requiem," "Blackbiird" and "Protector."
Fans are especially excited about potential collaborations. "Dolly P" and a cover of the classic "Jolene" hint at a Dolly Parton feature, a possibility Parton herself teased in a recent interview. A track titled "Smoke Hour Willie Nelson" suggests a possible duet with the country legend. Beyoncé also pays homage to trailblazing Black country artist Linda Martell with "The Linda Martell Show."
With 27 titles, "Cowboy Carter" promises to be a major release from Beyoncé, following her 2022 album "Renaissance."
The Queens of R&B Tour. Photo Credit: Derek Blanks with crowdMGMT
In a historic moment for R&B, powerhouse groups Xscape and SWV are teaming up for "The Queens of R&B Tour." They will be joined by fellow '90s hitmakers Mýa, Total and 702.
The tour was announced on Sherri Shepherd's talk show on Tuesday following a viral video depicting a playful therapy session between the groups. Produced by Monami Entertainment and Live Nation, the tour kicks off June 27 at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord. It will journey through 30 cities nationwide, including stops at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Fans may remember that Xscape (Kandi Burruss, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, Tamika Scott) and SWV (Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George, Leanne "Lelee" Lyons) attempted to organize this tour on their 2023 Bravo series, "SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B." Despite initial challenges, the groups have united to deliver what promises to be an unforgettable R&B concert event.
"To bring this HERstorical tour to life during Women's History Month is a dream come true," said Mona Scott-Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment. "This celebration of R&B royalty is going to be something special."
Tickets for "The Queens of R&B Tour" go on sale March 26.
Federal agents conducted raids on the homes of mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday.
The raids, conducted by federal investigators with the Department of Homeland Security, may be linked to a possible sex trafficking investigation. Sources revealed to the entertainment news outlet TMZ that multiple individuals have been interviewed by the Southern District of NY regarding sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms related to Combs.
Combs' multi-million dollar properties in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles and Miami, FL, were targeted. The allegations stem from several lawsuits, including one filed by Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend and R&B singer. Ventura alleges she suffered years of abuse during their relationship from 2005 to 2018.
Combs, 54, faces multiple lawsuits alleging historical sexual abuse, all of which he has vehemently denied. One lawsuit, filed by a Jane Doe, alleges Combs invited her to his recording studio in NYC when she was 17-years-old, where she claims he drugged her and subjected her to violent gang rape in 2003.
Another suit alleges that Combs and another individual took turns raping two women in the early '90s. Additionally, Joi Dickerson filed a lawsuit claiming Combs "intentionally drugged" her before assaulting her when she was 19-years-old in 1991.
Combs, through his representative, vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," and claiming that he was being targeted with fabricated allegations for his fame and wealth.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed the raids in a statement, noting that the actions were part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles and HSI Miami, as well as local law enforcement partners.
Andre 3000 traded rapping for the flute, and now Lil Jon, the king of crunk, is swapping "Shots! Shots! Shots!" for soothing meditation mantras.
Hip-hop's most iconic figures are on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, proving there's more to these artists than meets the ear...or the party anthem. Could this be the start of a new era of mindful hip-hop where we go from "Get Low" to finding our inner peace?
In a recent interview with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe on Weekend Edition Sunday March 3, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer unveiled his newfound dedication to meditation, sharing insights into his motivations and aspirations.
"Yeah, it was anxiety and a little stress from a lot hitting me at the same time," Lil Jon shared with Rascoe, reflecting on the catalyst for his exploration of mindfulness. "Turning 50, looking at my life, looking at my marriage and a lot of things, and trying to move on and get through those things."
This transition from his signature party anthems to guided meditation marks a profound shift for the artist, signaling a broader movement toward wellness. Lil Jon's latest album, "Total Meditation," dropped on Feb. 16 and deviates from his customary beats, featuring his own soothing mantras and guided meditations designed to help listeners find calm and focus.
"I found, at this particular point in my life, I really need to go into it a little deeper," Lil Jon explained. "I would meditate every day, say my affirmations, and all of that would quiet me — calm those crazy thoughts and emotions I would have and give me some peace."
Despite his reputation as a high-energy entertainer, Lil Jon stressed the importance of balance and self-care, advocating for rest, sleep, and hydration.
"You gotta turn down sometimes," he emphasized. "You gotta take care of your health."In a subsequent interview with CBS Mornings, Lil Jon discussed the unique aspects of his meditation album and the journey that led him to explore mindfulness.
"I turned 50," Lil Jon disclosed during the CBS interview, reflecting on his motivation. "I started to have... a recurring little thing on my side and it scared me... But I had stopped drinking, and I felt like I started to come out of a fog, and I had clarity."
Lil Jon's venture into meditation underscores a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and self-care within the hip-hop community, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and wellness.
Dr. Dre, the iconic rapper, producer, and entrepreneur, was awarded the 2,775th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. The ceremony took place in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Studios on Hollywood Boulevard.
Hosted by radio personality Big Boy, the event included speeches from fellow artists Eminem, Xzibit, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and music mogul Jimmy Iovine.
"I’d like to thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for finally deciding I deserve to be in the company of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent. Who all got stars before me for some f—ing reason," remarked Dr. Dre, born Andre Romelle Young, to the crowd. "It’s all good, I’m finally here!"
Reflecting on his journey from Compton, Dr. Dre shared, "I never imagined a kid from Compton would stand here among my idols."
As a nine-time Grammy winner, co-founder of Death Row Records, and the visionary behind Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, Dr. Dre solidified his place in hip-hop history. His iconic 1992 solo album "The Chronic" achieved triple-platinum status.
"I want to thank all my fans for supporting me from day one. We've grown up together, and at 60, I appreciate you still rocking with me," Dr. Dre said. "And trust me, I'm far from done. There's much more to come."
Longtime collaborator Snoop Dogg praised Dr. Dre's influence: "There would be no Snoop without Dre. Together, we revolutionized the game, and our music has left an indelible mark on the world."
Dr. Dre's star is located on 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, adjacent to the star of his close friend, Snoop Dogg.
(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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Representatives for former talk show host Wendy Williams revealed on Thursday that she has been diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, shedding light on her recent health challenges. The announcement aimed to dispel rumors and provide clarity about her condition, which has been the subject of speculation in recent years.
"As Wendy's fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health," the press release stated.
Williams, known for her candidness about her health struggles, has previously disclosed battles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema. However, concerns arose as she exhibited difficulties processing information, experiencing word loss, erratic behavior and struggles with financial transactions.
"In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)," the press release confirmed.
According to her representatives, Williams received her diagnoses in 2023 from Weill Cornell Medicine. Progressive aphasia affects communication and language comprehension, while frontotemporal dementia impacts behavior and cognitive functions, posing significant challenges in Williams' life.
"The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances," the press release emphasized.
The decision to disclose this information was not taken lightly, with Williams’ care team emphasizing the importance of advocating for understanding and compassion, as well as raising awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. The hope is to combat stigma and misconceptions surrounding these conditions, offering support to others facing similar circumstances.
Currently under a court-ordered guardianship, Williams remains actively involved in her public narrative. A Lifetime documentary, produced by Williams and her family, is scheduled for release this weekend, providing further insight into her journey.
Beyoncé has made a historical debut on Billboard's streaming, airplay, and sales-based Hot Country Songs chart with her latest singles. The chart, dated February 24, showcases Beyoncé's "Texas Hold ‘Em" at No. 1 and "16 Carriages" at No. 9, marking her first entries on this chart.
These songs, released on February 11, made a splash across various charts, including the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where they debuted at Nos. 2 and 38, respectively. The announcement of their release came during a Verizon commercial aired during CBS’ Super Bowl LVIII broadcast, building anticipation for Beyoncé's upcoming album, expected to be titled "Act II" and slated for release on March 29, following her 2022 "Renaissance" LP.
"Texas Hold ‘Em" garnered significant attention, drawing 19.2 million official streams, 4.8 million in all-format airplay audience, and selling 39,000 units in the U.S. through February 15, according to Luminate. Meanwhile, "16 Carriages" arrived with 10.3 million streams, 90,000 in radio reach, and 14,000 units sold.
Beyoncé's dominance extends beyond the Hot Country Songs chart. Her reign as a solo artist spans across seven of Billboard’s multimetric song charts, including the Hot 100, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, Hot Gospel Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot R&B Songs, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. This achievement solidifies her status as the only artist to achieve such a feat.
"Texas Hold ‘Em" is the first song by a solo Black female artist to chart on country radio since Micky Guyton's 2016 hit "Heartbreak Song" reached No. 45.
Bing Worthington, the younger brother of iconic rapper Snoop Dogg, passed away at the age of 44 on Friday.
Snoop Dogg, 52, whose birth name is Calvin Broadus Jr., shared the heartbreaking news through a series of Instagram tributes, expressing profound grief and reminiscing on cherished moments with his late brother.
In one post, Snoop Dogg shared a photo featuring himself, Worthington, and their nephew Rollin Carter, with a caption adorned with emotive emojis.
Another tribute showcased a video capturing Snoop and Worthington reminiscing amidst family members at a cemetery, evoking memories of shared laughter and camaraderie. "Always made us laugh 💙🙏🏾😢 u bac with moms," Snoop Dogg captioned the post.
Amidst the somber reflections, Snoop Dogg shared a family portrait brimming with smiles and joy, bidding farewell to his brother with a heartfelt message: "Until we meet again ☹️😔😢🙏🏾🕊️."
While the cause of Worthington’s passing remains undisclosed, authorities from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California, confirmed ongoing investigations awaiting the results of toxicology and autopsy reports.
Worthington played a pivotal role in Snoop Dogg’s professional endeavors, contributing to various aspects of his brother's business ventures. From collaborating on the launch of Snoop's skateboard brand to pivotal roles in documentary productions and label mergers, Bing's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication were indispensable.
Worthington served as his brother's tour manager and managed the Snoop Dogg Skateboards brand. He co-founded Dogg Records, a Canadian record label, and served as the executive producer for the documentary Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw ‘N Uncut Vol. 1, released in 2003.
He also briefly ventured into music himself, manifesting his passion for music in the release of the album Liquid Cocaine with his rap group, Lifestyle.
The family's mourning unfolds amidst other recent hardships, including health challenges faced by Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus, who battles lupus and recently suffered a stroke. These difficulties compound the grief of the passing of their beloved mother, Beverly Tate, in October 2021.
