Fans of “The Masked Singer” who thought the Lizard might prevail in the popular Fox reality singing competition were proved wrong-wrug-wrong-wrong-wrong Wednesday when the show unleashed “The Dragon.” This reveal showed that Grammy-nominated singer Mark Althavan Andrews, better known as Sisqó, was the man behind the Lizard’s mask.
As the Group C final unfolded, Sisqó's Lizard persona bid farewell to the competition after a spirited performance of "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. He placed third.
Following his unmasking, Sisqó, 45, spoke with host Nick Cannon about his love for the show. "My family watches religiously, and they always insisted I was on it!" he said. "So when the opportunity came, I jumped at it – it's been a blast."
During the competition's "smackdowns," Sisqó channeled his resilience into the Dragon's performances. A poignant clue package alluded to his past struggles, highlighting how he overcame the temptations of a reckless lifestyle. Visual clues connected to fellow "Masked Singer" participant Busta Rhymes (as the Dragon), a microphone, and a photo of Beyoncé hinted at moments in his career.
Since his iconic 2000 hit "Thong Song," Sisqo's career has experienced highs and lows. Despite early success, he faced record label conflicts and a reputation for being "difficult."
In a 2016 "Where Are They Now?" interview, Sisqó reflected on these industry challenges and his desire for more creative control. He continues to make music and tours with the R&B group Dru Hill.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
From Lizard to Legend: 'The Dragon' Sisqo Unmasked on 'Masked Singer'
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Police Link Rapper Rod Wave to Shooting Investigation
The arrest is part of an ongoing St. Petersburg Police Department investigation into a shooting outside Sonic Sports Bar and Lounge. Four people sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The exact nature of Green’s charges remains unclear. A St. Petersburg Police news conference Wednesday did not reveal the circumstances leading to his arrest, but authorities linked the case to the shooting.
During the conference, St. Petersburg police refrained from disclosing further details. However, the investigation led authorities to two residences associated with suspects in the shooting, both connected to Green or one of his business ventures.
The investigation yielded significant evidence, including multiple firearms, ammunition, cash exceeding $10,000, and various items of jewelry. Authorities have been investigating a violent group known as the "YG's" or "Young Gangsters" since March 2022, connecting several members to Green since the summer of 2023.
St. Petersburg Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev emphasized the association between Green and the suspects, highlighting shared residences and vehicles. However, authorities have yet to determine Green's involvement in the shooting incident.
"We don’t know if he was there that evening when shots were fired. We don’t know if he had anything to do with it at that point," Kovacsev stated. "It’s more of a fact that you have vehicles, you have residences, you have a complacency. You’re complicit, and we can’t ignore it."
Green has a history of legal issues, including a 2022 arrest on domestic battery charges in Pinellas County, which were later dropped. He rose to prominence in 2020 with his hit song "Heart on Ice," which garnered attention on TikTok and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Green has maintained ties to his community in St. Petersburg, at times making headlines for philanthropic efforts such as providing $25,000 worth of free gas to residents in 2022.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Beyoncé Honored as Innovator at iHeartRadio Awards
During her acceptance speech, Beyoncé expressed gratitude to Wonder, who played harmonica on her cover of the Dolly Parton classic "Jolene," featured on her most recent album, "Cowboy Carter." "Thank you for making a way for all of us," she said, acknowledging Wonder's inspiration. She dedicated the award to fellow innovators who have defied labels and created shifts in the industry.
In her powerful remarks, Beyoncé reflected on the challenges of innovation and emphasized the importance of staying true to one's vision despite criticism. She thanked her team at Parkwood, as well as her husband, Jay-Z, and their children for their unwavering support.
'Cowboy Carter,' released on March 29, received widespread acclaim and broke records on streaming platforms. Spotify and Amazon Music reported it as the most-streamed album upon its release, solidifying Beyoncé's status as a global icon.
Featuring collaborations with artists like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Stevie Wonder, the album pays homage to country music legends while showcasing Beyoncé's versatility and artistic evolution.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards also honored other notable artists, with SZA taking home multiple awards, including Song of the Year for 'Kill Bill.' Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year, and Jelly Roll and Ice Spice were recognized as new artists in the pop and hip-hop categories. Legends like Metallica and Foo Fighters were also honored for their contributions to rock music.
In addition to mainstream categories, the awards celebrated diversity in music, recognizing artists across genres like Latin pop, regional Mexican, K-pop, and African music.
2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners:
Major Awards
Song of the Year: "Kill Bill" – SZA
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Duo/Group of the Year: OneRepublic
Best Collaboration: "Calm Down" – Rema and Selena Gomez
Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff
Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley
Pop Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Best New Artist (Pop): Jelly Roll
Pop Album of the Year: Olivia Rodrigo, "Guts"
Country
Country Artist of the Year: Morgan Wallen
Best New Artist (Country): Jelly Roll
Country Album of the Year: Morgan Wallen, "One Thing at a Time"
Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Drake
Best New Artist (Hip-Hop): Ice Spice
Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Metro Boomin, "Heroes & Villains"
R&B
R&B Artist of the Year: SZA
Best New Artist (R&B): Victoria Monét
R&B Album of the Year: SZA, "SOS"
Alternative
Alternative Artist of the Year: Fall Out Boy
Best New Artist (Alt and Rock): Noah Kahan
Alternative Album of the Year: boygenius, "the record"
Rock
Rock Artist of the Year: Foo Fighters
Rock Album of the Year: Metallica, "72 Seasons"
Dance
Dance Artist of the Year: Tiësto
Latin Pop / Urban
Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year: Karol G
Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban): Young Miko
Latin Pop / Urban Album of the Year: Karol G, "MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO"
Regional Mexican
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: Peso Pluma
Best New Artist (Regional Mexican): Peso Pluma
Regional Mexican Album of the Year: Peso Pluma, "Génesis"
K-pop
K-pop Song of the Year: "Cupid (Twin Version)" - FIFTY FIFTY
K-pop Album of the Year: Stray Kids, "5-Star"
Best New Artist (K-pop): NewJeans
African Music Artist
Monday, April 1, 2024
'Energy Never Dies': Lauren London Reflects on Nipsey Hussle's Loss
"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.
Nipsey Hussle. South Central, 2017.
— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 1, 2024
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
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.
Friday, March 29, 2024
Beyoncé Covers 'Jolene', Features Daughter Rumi on New Album
The 27-track record dropped at midnight on Friday boasting an impressive lineup of collaborators, ranging from country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to rising stars such as Tanner Adell and country-trap artist Shaboozey.
One of the album's standout tracks is a cover of Dolly Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," featuring Beyoncé's fiery spin on the timeless song. Parton herself makes a cameo appearance on the record, introducing the trap-meets-country track "Tyrant" and delivering her own "Dolly P" interlude, complete with a nod to Beyoncé's iconic "Becky with the good hair" line.
But the surprises don't end there. Beyoncé's daughter, Rumi Carter, makes her musical debut on the album, lending her voice to the poignant track "Protector." The six-year-old's heartfelt snippet sets the stage for an emotional tribute to motherhood.
Beyoncé's signature blend of genres shines through on tracks like "Blackbird," a reimagining of the Beatles' "Blackbird," featuring a duet with Adell.
II MOST WANTED
— Miley Edition (@MileyEdition) March 29, 2024
BEYONCÉ, MILEY CYRUS
OUT NOW! pic.twitter.com/hK3xX2uJz1
The album's release comes hot on the heels of Beyoncé's surprise drop of two singles, "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages," during the Super Bowl. In an Instagram post, she revealed that "Cowboy Carter" was inspired by an incident where she felt "unwelcomed," likely referring to her controversial performance at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Watch: Big Sean Brings Hits, Heart to Tiny Desk Performance
Sporting a Beastie Boys shirt and a Detroit Tigers cap in tribute to the late J Dilla, Big Sean's Tiny Desk debut held special meaning. He left his cap on the set as a keepsake, a tradition among Tiny Desk performers. "This is something my kids can look back on, something my family can look back on to see where I was at in my career," he shared.
The rapper kicked off with "Memories," the opening track from his sophomore album "Hall of Fame." He then showcased hits like "One Man Can Change the World," his Grammy-winning collaboration with Kanye West and John Legend. Pausing between tracks, Big Sean acknowledged fellow Detroiters in the audience and even debuted a new song dedicated to his partner, Jhené Aiko, and their son Noah.
Reflecting on his rise to success, Big Sean expressed gratitude for his fans, highlighting his journey as a "blog-era mixtape rapper" who built a fanbase organically. "To make it out of there, it wasn't easy... It really made me who I am," he remarked, highlighting the resilience and determination that propelled his career.
"Memories"
"Nothing Is Stopping You"
"Blessings"
"Play No Games"
"Light"
"My Last"
"Marvin & Chardonnay"
"All Me"
"Beware"
"I Know"
"Bounce Back"
"One Man Can Change the World"
"On Up" (unreleased?)
"I Don't F*** With You"
Beyoncé Teases Parton, Nelson Collabs on New Album
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 album is scheduled for release on March 29.
- 16 Carriages
- Texas Hold 'Em
- Ameriican Requiem
- Blackbiird
- Protector
- My Rose
- Smoke Hour Willie Nelson
- Bodyguard
- Dolly P
- Jolene
- Daughter
- Spaghettii
- Alliigator Tears
- Smoke Hour II
- Just for Fun
- II Most Wanted
- Levii's Jeans
- Flamenco
- The Linda Martell Show
- Ya Ya
- Oh Louisiana
- Desert Eagle
- Riiverdance
- II Hands II Heaven
- Tyrant
- Sweet Honey Buckin'
- Amen
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
R&B Legends Headline Massive 'Queens of R&B' Concert Tour
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.
It’s official.!! SWV & XSCAPE summer tour!!! 🔥 my poor pockets! https://t.co/EHpDjTZuG7 pic.twitter.com/DsVpHICfjo
— ThereGoTerry (@ThereGoTerry) March 25, 2024
"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.