Ice Cube's BIG3 League Makes International Push With 2023 London Championship

BIG3 Basketball has announced its postseason cities and dates for the 2023 season, which will include the return of the BIG3 All-Star Game and the league's first-ever European game.

The three-on-three professional basketball league, founded by rapper Ice Cube in 2017, has expanded to include more international events and is poised to attract an even bigger audience.

The BIG3 playoffs will take place in three cities across the United States, starting with the first round in Miami on August 12. The second round will be held in Dallas on August 19, and the championship game will be played in Chicago on September 2.

Washington, D.C. for the @thebig3 Playoffs & London for the BIG3 Championship 🔥 #SummerOfFire pic.twitter.com/8R9CZcroJW

— Ice Cube (@icecube) May 12, 2023

In addition to the playoffs, the BIG3 will host its All-Star Game in London on August 26, marking the league's first-ever game in Europe. Ice Cube hopes to attract British sports and music stars to the event, along with basketball legends such as Julius "Dr J" Erving and Clyde "the Glide" Drexler.

"We want it to be star-studded. We want it to be the place to be in London on August 26," Ice Cube said in an exclusive interview with The Sun. "Maybe the King might pop through and check it out, you never know!"

The BIG3 has grown in popularity in recent years, with a growing European presence and plans to expand even further. Ice Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz are currently in the process of selling BIG3 teams to outside investors, which will allow the league to pivot to a franchise model.

Ice Cube also hopes to create a World Cup-style event for the professional game, called the "Big Cup," where countries put their best players together to compete at the highest level. "Our dream is to see the BIG3 in most of the countries around the world playing hoops," he said.

Beyoncé Kicks Off First Tour in Over Four Years With a Three-Hour Extravaganza

The iconic cover of Beyoncé's "Renaissance" album.

Beyoncé kicked off her first tour in over four years today at Stockholm's Friends Arena, delivering an unforgettable performance that included live debuts of several tracks from her Grammy-winning album, "Renaissance."

🪩 | Beyoncé opens the #RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR with Dangerously In Love pic.twitter.com/2yO7MC7SR9

— Beyoncé Press. 🪩 | Fan Account (@beyoncepress) May 10, 2023

The superstar took to the stage without an opening act, allowing fans to get straight to the main event, a three-hour extravaganza filled with high-energy dance routines and breathtaking visuals, as chronicled by the fans and media in attendance on the internet.

Beyoncé transforms her dress with UV light during the Renaissance World Tour. pic.twitter.com/7ljjC964nu

— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 10, 2023

The setlist for the evening featured a mix of classics and new tracks, including "Dangerously in Love," "Flaws and All," "7/11," "Run the World (Girls)," "Black Parade" and "Summer Renaissance." Beyoncé also performed for the very first time on stage "Break My Soul," "Virgo's Groove," "Cuff It" and other tracks from the "Renaissance" album.

One of the most memorable moments of the show was the closing performance of "Summer Renaissance," when Beyoncé rode atop a flying disco horse.

beyonce flying with her horse for summer renaissance 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TyAF2T3vpa

— Renaissance Tour (@bestofrwt) May 10, 2023

The tour continues tomorrow with a second night in Stockholm before heading to North America, with the first stop in Toronto on July 8. It includes stops at more than 50 cities, including London, New York City, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE World Tour is next level#RWT2023

pic.twitter.com/S0zMISc93e

— RENAISSANCE Updates🪩 (@B7Album) May 10, 2023

According to Forbes, Beyoncé's latest global trek could out-earn Taylor Swift's ongoing Eras Tour by a whopping $500 million, with an estimated gross of nearly $2.1 billion, which would make it the most successful concert series of all time.

"Renaissance," which was released last July, won Beyoncé a record-breaking four Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Recording, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album. With these accolades, Beyoncé is now the most decorated artist in Grammys history.

Check out the setlist from her opening night below:

1. Dangerously in Love
2. Flaws and All
3. 1+1 / I'd Rather Go Blind / I'm Going Down
4. I Care
5. I'm That Girl
6. Cozy
7. Alien Superstar / Sweet Dreams
8. Lift Off
9. 7/11
10. Cuff It
11. Energy
12. Break My Soul
13. Formation
14. Diva
15. Run the World (Girls)
16. My Power
17. Black Parade
18. Savage (Remix)
19. Church Girl
20. Get Me Bodied
21. Before I Let Go
22. Rather Die Young
23. Love on Top
24. Crazy in Love
25. Green Light
26. Freedom
27. Plastic Off the Sofa
28. Virgo's Groove
29. Naughty Girl / Say My Name / Rocket
30. Move
31. Heated
32. Thique
33. All Up in Your Mind
34. Drunk in Love
35. America Has a Problem
36. Pure/Honey
37. Summer Renaissance

Minnesota Honors Pop Legend Prince With Dedicated Stretch of Highway

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill on Tuesday dedicating a seven-mile stretch of highway that runs through the Minneapolis suburbs of Chanhassen and Eden Prairie to honor the late Minnesota icon Prince.

The Purple One passed away in 2016 at the age of 57 due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl, leaving behind a legacy that includes a staggering 100 million records sold worldwide, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and hits like "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy," "When Doves Cry" and "1999."

Today, I signed a bill renaming a state highway in honor of Prince – an artist who transformed the music scene in Minnesota and across the world.

Prince was a proud Minnesotan through and through, and it's only fitting that we honor this icon in the community he called home. pic.twitter.com/bWYb6bHpif

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 9, 2023

"Prince transformed the music scene in Minnesota and across the world, and he continues to inspire to this day," said Walz, who used purple ink to sign the bill dedicating the roadway. "Prince was a proud Minnesotan through and through, and it is only fitting that we honor one of the greatest musical and creative icons in the community he called home."

Wonderful 2 hear that Minnesota Senate voted 55-5 4 renaming part of Highway 5 in Chanhassen 2 Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway & for stipulating the sign must B in purple 💜#Prince #Prince4Ever #PaisleyPark #Love4OneAnother #PaisleyParkIsInUrHeart pic.twitter.com/TAGHlOqjly

— PrinceShop.Online (@RockItPooleUK) May 5, 2023

The roadway formerly known as Minnesota Highway 5 will now be called the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway, a fitting tribute to the legendary musician. The legislation was passed by both the House and Senate, with a requirement that the sign must be in purple. Four purple signs, paid for by Prince's friends and fans, will soon be placed along the highway.

Chanhassen is home to Paisley Park, Prince's 65,000-square-foot longtime home and recording complex, which is now a museum dedicated to the Purple One run by his estate. The new highway will run alongside Paisley Park Studios, where Prince would test out his new music with his engineers by riding up and down the highway, listening to how it sounded in the car.

"Prince gave us art, energy, beautiful poetry with his lyrics, and he was a constant symbol of peace, love, and unbridled joy in a world where we are often left standing alone in a world that is so cold," said Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhassen), the bill's author.

The legislation was passed on April 21, the seventh anniversary of Prince's death.

Ludacris Teams Up With Rice Krispies for Family Fun

Courtesy Photo

Rapper and proud "girl dad" Ludacris has teamed up with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats to cook up a "sweet" collaboration aimed at bringing families together.

The limited-edition game set, called "Treat. Eat. Compete," includes five "sweet and silly" games inspired by Ludacris's chart-topping hits and, of course, Rice Krispies Treats.

"As a girl dad and a busy parent, spending quality time with my kids is so important to me, so playing games is a huge part of how we bond," Ludacris said in a statement announcing the partnership. "The 'Treat. Eat. Compete.' collab was the perfect way for me to share our family traditions with the world and inspire more families to get creative, connect, and maybe even get a little competitive. Plus, I'm excited to give back to a cause close to my heart, Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

In addition to donating over $100,000 to the organization, Rice Krispies Treats and Ludacris will contribute proceeds from the game set sales to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America and help create safe places for kids to play and compete.

The limited-edition game set features custom score sheets, markers, instruction cards, a bucket hat "winner crown" inspired by Ludacris, and a pack of Rice Krispies Treats. It is available for purchase for $20 exclusively at ricekrispiestreats.com.

Ludacris, whose real name is Chris Bridges, has five daughters: Karma, Cai, Cadence, Chance, and his oldest, Shaila Scott. He is known for his hits such as "Stand Up," "Money Maker," and "Move B*tch," as well as his long-running role as Tej Parker in the "Fast and Furious" series of blockbuster movies.

Pop Star The Weeknd Shocks Fans with Plan to 'Kill' Famous Alter Ego

Brian Ziff, via Wikimedia Commons

Grammy-winning artist Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has shocked fans by announcing that he is leaving behind the persona that made him famous.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, Tesfaye explained that his decision was motivated by his desire to embark on a "cathartic path" and to "kill The Weeknd."

However, Tesfaye has stated that he plans to continue making music but under a new persona. "I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn," he said in the interview.

The news comes after Tesfaye played the role of Tedros, the ambitious Svengali in "The Idol," an upcoming HBO series about a pop icon and her relationship with a charismatic club owner. Tesfaye helped the protagonist, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, captivate the crowd.

W with Lily 📸 by Tyler Mitchell pic.twitter.com/AgpOpEpytg

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) May 8, 2023

During the final night of filming at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Tesfaye had to switch back and forth between personas, a move that took a toll on him. After the concert, he lost his voice, attributing it to the difficulty of switching between the two characters.

“I had to take off the Weeknd outfit, put on Tedros’s wig, shoot with Jocelyn, then go back to being The Weeknd,” he told W Magazine. “It was tough to go from one head to another. Then, after the concert, I lost my voice. No voice came out at all. That’s never happened before. My theory is that I forgot how to sing because I was playing Tedros, a character who doesn’t know how to sing. I may be looking too deeply into this, but it was terrifying. As The Weeknd, I’ve never skipped a concert. I’ve performed with the flu. I’ll die on that stage. But there was something very complicated going on with my mind at that moment.”

I can’t breathe bruh, The Weeknd is working on his last album.

— Mïtçh (@Love__Mitch) May 8, 2023

hearing "the Weeknd's last album" was not a great thing to wake up to 😞

— D (@dbaelon) May 8, 2023

The Weeknd's decision has left fans wondering what's next for the artist, who has been known for his unique sound and distinct visual aesthetic. Many have taken to social media to express their support for Tesfaye, while others are disappointed that they won't be able to see him perform as The Weeknd again.

The last album to the trilogy, a perfect way to close the chapter. He’s grown so much as a person and artist, The Weeknd gave us an entire catalog of timeless music that I will cherish forever. I am excited to see what he’ll give us in the future, not as The Weeknd but as Abel✨ https://t.co/HmcBTwCatO

— Crystal⚡️ (@sicamoregirl) May 8, 2023

Missy Elliott Joins Elite Company as First-Year Inductee Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Photo Courtesy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

Missy Elliott, the trailblazing songwriter and producer crucial in crafting the Virginia Beach sound, along with Pharrell Williams and Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley, that dominated airwaves in the late 1990s and 2000s, is at the head of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.

Elliott was one of seven musicians announced Wednesday to have been voted into the hall during a one-hour special that was streamed on Apple Music 1, along with Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Sheryl Crow, George Michael and the Spinners.

While freshly-minted nonagenarian Nelson might have the biggest name recognition, the two-time Grammy Award winner — who was also the first woman rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame — accomplished something the country music legend could not by being the only artist in this crop to be inducted in her first year of eligibility, 25 years after her first commercial recording.

These seven performers were voted in via general balloting, while six more inductees were selected by a select Hall of Fame committee, including Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin, Link Wray, DJ Kool Herc, and Don Cornelius.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's chairman, John Sykes, stated that "we're on the road to recognizing all the artists of all genders and races that have impacted rock 'n' roll." With these inductees, the Hall of Fame is continuing its mission to honor artists who have made significant contributions to the world of music.

The 13 honorees will be celebrated in an induction ceremony and concert on November 3, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Kool Keith's Highly Anticipated 'Black Elvis 2' Drops in June

Elvis may have left the building, but "Black Elvis" is poised to make a comeback.

Independent rap legend Kool Keith, also known as Dr. Octagon, is preparing to release his highly anticipated album "Black Elvis 2" on June 16 via Mello Music Group. The album is the sequel to his 1999 cult classic "Black Elvis/Lost in Space."

KOOL KEITH - BLACK ELVIS 2https://t.co/TGzPrxdrQO

Get ready for a mind-bending trip through the Hiphop cosmos with the one and only @UltraMan7000

Feat. Marc Live, Raaddrr Van, Dynamite, Agallah, and @FINALLEVEL

Coming June 16th pic.twitter.com/NobpNHGd3n

— Mello Music Group (@MelloMusicGroup) April 27, 2023

A rapper and producer hailing from The Bronx, he is known for his multiple music aliases and obscure, abstract lyrics. The New York Times has dubbed him "one of the great non sequitur rappers of all time." Additionally, Kool Keith is also a co-founding member of Ultramagnetic MCs, whose debut album "Critical Beatdown" was released in 1988.

"Black Elvis 2" marks a reunion with Marc Live, who worked on the original's production. It features a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, including Ice-T, Raaddrr Van, Dynamite, L’Orange, J. Stylez and Agallah.

After the success of "Black Elvis/Lost in Space," his only major-label release, Kool Keith returned to independently releasing music. He has produced further efforts as a solo artist and collaborated with groups such as Jurassic 5, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Analog Brothers, Masters of Illusion and Peeping Tom.

The Prodigy's hit "Smack My Bitch Up" was based on a sample of Kool Keith's voice saying "Change my pitch up. Smack my bitch up" on Ultramagnetic MC's "Give The Drummer Some."

Fans can get a sneak peek of the album below.

"Black Elvis 2" is available for pre-order here.

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."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

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.