Renowned Drummer Aaron Spears, Collaborator of Music Icons, Passes Away at 47

YouTube Screengrab via Drumeo

Aaron Spears, a highly acclaimed drummer known for his extraordinary talent and contributions to the music industry, has passed away at the age of 47, according to a statement from his family. Spears, who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of pop and hip-hop music, leaves behind a remarkable legacy.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Spears' family on Monday. Spears' wife, Jessica, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news with his countless fans.

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"It is with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness that I share the news of the passing of my beloved husband, Aaron Spears," wrote Jessica in a heartfelt post. She described him as not only an incredibly accomplished drummer but also a devoted father to their son, August. She acknowledged the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and requested privacy as the family navigates through this trying period.

Spears, who had recently celebrated his 47th birthday, rose to prominence with a Grammy nomination as a producer for Usher's 2004 album, "Confessions." His innovative style and unrivaled drumming prowess caught the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, Spears delivered a show-stopping performance at the Grammys in 2004, blending Usher's "Caught Up" with James Brown's "Sex Machine." This iconic display made him a household name among drummers and ignited his rise to stardom.

Spears also showcased his talents on national television, appearing on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and serving as the music coordinator and drummer for a season of "The Masked Singer."

The accomplished drummer collaborated with an array of A-list artists. His drumming skills graced the performances of superstars like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. Spears' influence extended far and wide, making him one of the most sought-after drummers in the business.

Born on October 26, 1976, Spears began his musical journey at a young age, honing his skills by playing gospel music in his hometown of Washington, D.C. His early years saw him sitting on someone's lap to reach the drum kit's upper elements while they managed the pedals, he fondly recalled in an interview with DrumTalk.

Ariana Grande, who had the privilege of working with Spears, shared a touching tribute to him on her Instagram Story. "I can’t wrap my head around this. We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being," wrote Grande. She praised his kindness, brilliance, and warmth, adding, "I will miss your hugs. You are so, so loved and will be so very missed."

Questlove, a fellow drummer and producer, paid tribute to Spears, highlighting the impact of his contributions. "You've seen Aaron drum probably 5-10 times in your life if you attend concerts, and sometimes without even knowing it. That's how much in demand his services were," he remarked.

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In addition to his significant achievements in the music industry, Spears was a dedicated advocate for the arts and music community. Aaron Spears is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their son, August.

Watch: Diddy Unveils Trailer for 'Off The Grid' Film: An R&B Love Story Linked to Latest Album

Diddy has unveiled the official trailer for his forthcoming film, "Off the Grid," inspired by and soundtracked by his latest album, which offers a glimpse into a whirlwind R&B love story, with the central theme of escaping the complexities of life in favor of romantic seclusion, devoid of modern-day distractions.

In the lead role, rising talent Eva Apio, an Ugandan actress and supermodel, makes her acting debut in this significant project. Her selection came after a three-month casting process.

"Working with Eva was an incredible experience; her talent and energy brought my vision to life," said Diddy of the decision to cast Apio, in a statement announcing the trailer which is closely related to his album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," and provides a visual and emotional extension of the project.

"Off the Grid" marks a pivotal moment in Diddy's career, representing his debut as a director and screenwriter. The film also marks his eighth acting role in a movie.

In 2021, Diddy founded Love Records, an all-R&B label dedicated to creating timeless R&B music in collaboration with the next generation of artists, producers, and songwriters. The label's first artist, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jozzy, released her album "Songs for Women, Free Game for Nxxxas" in February 2023, setting a high standard for the label.

"The Love Album: Off the Grid," was released in September 2023, receiving critical acclaim. The album features prominent artists such as Justin Bieber, Abel Tesfaye (formerly known as The Weeknd), Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and more. "The Love Album" secured a place in the top 10 of Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, debuting at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and reaching No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

The official release date for "Off the Grid" is yet to be announced. Watch the trailer below:

From Yeezy to 'Yikes': Inside Kanye West's Adidas Fiasco and Partnership Termination

Kanye West (right) with Adidas CMO Eric Liedtke

Kanye West's tumultuous partnership with Adidas, which ended in October 2022, was marked by a series of shocking revelations and controversial behavior, according to an extensive investigation by The New York Times. The artist, who now goes by Ye, left a trail of problematic conduct, but Adidas continued to support him due to the immense profits his Yeezy shoe designs generated.

The Times investigation revealed startling incidents that shed light on West's behavior. During an early meeting with Adidas designers in 2013, he shocked the room by rejecting design ideas and drawing a swastika on a shoe, a move that appalled the Germans present. Adding to the disquiet, the meeting took place near Nuremberg, known for Nazi war crime trials.

West's obsession with the Nazi era extended further when he advised a Jewish manager at Adidas to kiss a portrait of Adolf Hitler daily. He even praised Hitler's use of propaganda. The artist's erratic behavior included bringing pornography to meetings and making inappropriate sexual remarks. In one instance, he compelled Adidas executives to watch porn during a meeting in his Manhattan apartment.

The investigation also revealed West's frequent emotional outbursts, crying, and anger during meetings, often creating a tense atmosphere. In 2019, he moved his shoe design operations to Cody, Wyoming, and insisted that the Adidas team relocate. During a meeting with executives, he threw shoes around the room in frustration.

Adidas was willing to tolerate West's behavior, given the success of the Yeezy brand, which was integral to the company's competition with Nike. Yeezy sales exceeded $1 billion annually, capturing the attention of young American consumers.

Adidas managers established a "Yzy hotline" text group to discuss West's conduct and rotated managers to manage him more effectively. Over time, Adidas improved the terms of West's contract, offering him more favorable royalty percentages, upfront payments, and funds for marketing. But as public awareness of his problematic remarks and actions grew, Adidas decided to terminate the partnership.

This decision led to the company's first annual loss in decades, while West's net worth plummeted. Adidas was left with the challenge of handling the remaining $1.3 billion in Yeezy products. It eventually decided to sell the products in batches, directing some proceeds to charity and retaining most profits.

Adidas stated it "has no tolerance for hate speech and offensive behavior," justifying its termination of the Adidas Yeezy partnership, while West declined interview requests and did not provide a comment.

The Times investigation drew from access to previously undisclosed internal records, offering a comprehensive view of the troubled partnership.

B-Rock and The Bizz Rapper Paul Costict Passes Away at 57

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Paul Costict, a hip-hop pioneer and member of the '90s rap collective B-Rock and The Bizz, has passed away suddenly at the age of 57, leaving the music community in mourning.

The news of Costict's unexpected demise was confirmed by an unidentified family member who spoke to TMZ. According to reports, he died at his residence in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday. As of now, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.

Costict rose to prominence as a member of B-Rock and The Bizz, a group known for their 1997 hit single "My Baby Daddy." The song achieved remarkable success, securing a place in the top ten on the Billboard charts and earning gold certification. While the group is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, their musical legacy endures in the hip-hop community.

In 2022, their influence reached a new generation when global superstar Rihanna was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "dat's just my baby daddy" during her pregnancy, paying tribute to B-Rock and The Bizz.

Thaddeus T-Bird Maye, a former bandmate of Costict, paid an emotional tribute to the late musician. "This one really hit home. I got tears in my eyes as I post this. PAUL COSTICT was a very funny and Kool brother. We go way back to Blount High School," said Maye. "He was so funny. Love you, brother. Rest in peace. Please keep me and his family in your PRAYERS."

B-Rock and The Bizz, consisting of Costict, Baron "B-Rock" Agee, Leevirt Agee, and Maye, emerged from Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, making history as the first rap group from the city. Their signature hit, "My Baby Daddy," propelled them into the national spotlight, earning gold certification and securing a place in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

'Shaft' Icon Richard Roundtree, Who Showcased Musical Talents, Passes at 81 After Cancer Battle

Richard Roundtree, the legendary actor celebrated for his groundbreaking portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft," passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

The confirmation of Roundtree's passing was provided by his manager, Patrick McMinn, who had been managing his career since 1987. McMinn, in a statement, reflected on Roundtree's profound impact on the film industry. He stated, "Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

Roundtree's remarkable journey began with a modeling career, but at the age of 28, he secured the role of John Shaft in the iconic "Shaft" film. The action-packed movie, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, achieved tremendous success, grossing $12 million against a meager budget of $500,000 and helping rescue the studio from financial woes. It set the stage for an era of prolific Blaxploitation filmmaking and underlined the historical oversight of Black talent by Hollywood.

Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply… pic.twitter.com/1N8fHVDsA6

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023

However, Roundtree's influence extended far beyond the silver screen. In 1972, he ventured into the world of music with the release of his debut album, "The Man from Shaft." This musical project marked a distinct departure from his tough-guy image as a private investigator and showcased his versatility as an artist.

"The Man from Shaft" was a unique creation, with Roundtree's singing debut produced by the accomplished musician Gene McDaniels. McDaniels, known as a singer, songwriter, and producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sound. Roundtree's vocals were complemented by a talented ensemble of musicians, including jazz luminaries such as Hubert Laws, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Sonny Fortune and Billy Harper. This collaboration resulted in a musical fusion that combined elements of jazz and funk, creating a distinctive and memorable sound.

Rest in Peace Richard Roundtree. The one and only Shaft.

pic.twitter.com/kSOPhzjs0a

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) October 25, 2023

The lead track of the album, "Gets Hard Sometimes," exemplified the fusion of genres, incorporating a funky groove that bore the hallmark of McDaniels's musical style. While "The Man from Shaft" did not achieve widespread commercial success, it represented a significant and memorable project in Roundtree's artistic journey, highlighting his willingness to explore different creative avenues beyond acting.

Roundtree's groundbreaking role in "Shaft" led to two rapid sequels, "Shaft's Big Score" and "Shaft in Africa," as well as a short-lived 1973 "Shaft" television series on CBS, which he viewed as a less favorable chapter in his illustrious career.

As the years went by, Roundtree's career continued to flourish, extending beyond his initial stardom. He featured in films such as "Earthquake," "Man Friday" alongside Peter O'Toole and Larry Cohen's monster comedy "Q — The Winged Serpent." In addition to his film work, he made notable guest appearances on television, including roles in "Roots," "Magnum P.I." and "The Love Boat."

When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being. pic.twitter.com/1ZiIdj4d0o

— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) October 25, 2023

In 2000, Roundtree revisited the world of "Shaft" in John Singleton's revival of the franchise, co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson, who played a character related to Roundtree's original private eye. This collaboration continued in 2019 with Tim Story's comedic take on the series.

Born on July 9, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Roundtree briefly attended Southern Illinois University before embarking on his modeling career. In the late '60s, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, which initiated his involvement in New York stage productions.

Roundtree's remarkable career spanned over five decades, and his portrayal of Shaft, his contributions to genre filmmaking, and his captivating screen presence added vibrancy to films like "Se7en," "Brick" and "Speed Racer." His recent work included a role in "Moving On," a comedy featuring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was later released in theaters.

He was married twice, first to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973, and later to Karen M. Cierna from 1980 to 1998. He is survived by his four daughters, Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree, as well as his son, James.

Puma Taps A$AP Rocky for F1 Creative Leadership

A$AP Rocky named PUMA x F1 Creative Director. Photo Credit: Ryo Sato

Move over Kanye, there's a new hip-hop shoe-fluencer in town.

Global sports brand Puma and A$AP Rocky have unveiled an exciting long-term creative partnership. Their collaboration centers on the world of motorsports, with A$AP Rocky taking on the role of Creative Director for the Puma x F1 category, emphasizing the fusion of sport and streetwear.

"Working with brands as iconic as Puma, and as innovative as F1, has been truly inspiring," noted A$AP Rocky in a release announcing the alliance. "When the world sees what we're doing, I believe a shift will happen with how brands approach taking risks and working with diverse creatives."

Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, A$AP Rocky has transcended the realm of music to become a fashion icon and cultural influencer. He embarked on his musical journey as a member of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, a pivotal chapter in shaping his artistic identity and earning him his moniker.

A$AP Rocky's meteoric rise began in 2011 with the release of his single "Peso," which quickly garnered widespread attention and radio airplay. In 2013, his debut studio album, "Long. Live. A$AP," skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved double platinum certification.

The collaboration kicks off with an innovative "in the lab" incubator approach, enabling A$AP Rocky to creatively explore the potential of the category. During the initial phase, he will contribute to visual and video content for the brand, providing a window into the intersection of car culture and streetwear fashion.

Later this year, Puma, in partnership with A$AP Rocky, will unveil an exclusive Puma x F1 collection. This limited-edition offering will serve as a preview of the forthcoming capsule collections scheduled for 2024, focused on high-visibility F1 races.

Come 2024, A$AP Rocky's creative vision will take center stage during multiple Grand Prix races, commencing with the Miami event. His involvement will extend to designing and curating collections, organizing race-day activations and overseeing marketing efforts.

By 2025, A$AP Rocky will engage in shaping the entire range of Puma x F1 products, encompassing racewear, fanwear and high-fashion pieces. His ongoing contributions to product design and marketing strategies aim to challenge the traditional boundaries separating sports, culture and fashion.

Maria Valdes, Puma's Chief Product Officer, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: "We couldn't be more excited to collaborate with A$AP Rocky. He's incredibly talented, deeply thoughtful and invested in our brand. He will showcase his vision with elevated F1 race capsules on a global scale, attracting new audiences and undoubtedly shaking up the track. In the future, he will influence the broader Puma x F1 range, continuing to drive progress at the intersection of sports and culture."

"Legendary DJ and Producer DJ Mark The 45 King Passes at 62

45 King Boiler Room DJ set (Screengrab: YouTube)

DJ Mark The 45 King, an icon in the world of hip-hop renowned for his groundbreaking work as a producer and DJ, has passed away at the age of 62. His death was confirmed by DJ Premier, who described him as an "ICON."

While the specific cause of his passing remains undisclosed, the news comes shortly after DJ Mark The 45 King celebrated his 62nd birthday on October 16, marking a somber moment in the realm of music.

Known as Mark Howard James in private life, DJ Mark The 45 King hailed from the Bronx, New York, and commenced his illustrious DJ career in the mid-1980s. He adopted the moniker "45 King" due to his unique ability to craft beats from old 45 RPM records, setting the stage for his distinctive approach to music production.

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His career trajectory saw a meteoric rise with the release of the breakbeat track "The 900 Number" in 1987, a composition that has inspired countless artists through its samples. Inextricably tied to the Flavor Unit, a renowned collective of artists, DJ Mark The 45 King lent his production talents to a lineup that included luminaries like Queen Latifah, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz and Apache.

One of his most significant career milestones came in 1989 when he made pivotal contributions to Queen Latifah's album "All Hail the Queen." His production on this record is lauded by critics as some of his most exceptional work.

In 1996, DJ Kool, a go-go artist from Washington, D.C., catapulted to success with the hit song "Let Me Clear My Throat," which was set to the backdrop of DJ Mark The 45 King's "900 Number" beat. DJ Kool graciously acknowledged the 45 King as the originator of the song's iconic sound.

The pinnacle of his career arrived in 1998 when he produced "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" for Jay-Z, featuring the memorable chorus from the original cast album of the Broadway musical "Annie." Jay-Z himself hailed DJ Mark The 45 King as a trailblazer in hip-hop during an interview, recognizing his pivotal contributions to the genre.

DJ Mark the 45 King, real name Mark Howard James, has reportedly died at age 62.

Throughout his career, DJ Mark the 45 King produced tracks for the likes of Queen Latifah, Gang Starr, Salt-N-Pepa, Eric B. and Rakim, Common, Jay-Z and "Stan" for Eminem.

Rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/ay9BryEQX9

— SHADYVERSE / Eminem Brasil (@EminemBrasil) October 19, 2023

DJ Premier, a close collaborator and friend of DJ Mark The 45 King, shared his thoughts on the iconic producer's passing, stating, "R.I.P. DJ Mark The 45 King who passed this morning. An ICON. His 62nd Birthday was Monday. I never heard of Gang Starr until I heard DJ Red Alert play their 2nd single Produced by Mark on 98.7 Kiss in NYC while shopping my demos looking to get a record deal."

DJ Premier added, "Mark is responsible for so many classics and was a member of the Iconic Crew FLAVOR UNIT, including Queen Latifah, Latee, Chill Rob G., Lakim Shabazz, Double J, Lord Alibaski, DJ Cee Justice, Apache, Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Markey Fresh, Rowdy Rahz, Storm P, Shakim, and many more members. His sound was unlike any other, from his heavy drums to his distinct horns on every production."

RIP DJ MARK THE 45 KING

ONE OF THE GREATEST PRODUCERS/DRUM PROGRAMMERS IVE EVER HEARD pic.twitter.com/uEW0XUuO1j

— Nicholas Craven (@NicholasCraven_) October 19, 2023

Further acknowledging DJ Mark The 45 King's impact, DJ Premier noted, "He got a huge Warner Bros. deal and remixed the Classic Madonna single 'Keep It Together' and the raw remix of Eric B. & Rakim 'I Know You Got Soul.' The '900 Number' is a Super Classic, Queen Latifah's 'Wrath Of My Madness,' 'Ladies First' with Monie Love, Chill Rob G's 'Court Is In Session,' Latee's 'Cuts Got Flavor,' the Historical Jay-Z hit 'Hard Knock Life,' and Eminem's 'Stan,' to name a few of his catalog that will forever ring bells."

Throughout his distinguished career, DJ Mark The 45 King provided beats for a multitude of celebrated artists, including Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Madonna and Eminem.

Missy Elliott Honors 'Missy Elliott Day' with $50,000 Donation to Prevent Evictions

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Portsmouth native Missy Elliott, captured during the state's recognition of Missy Elliott Day in 2022 (Photo courtesy of the Virginia Office of the Governor).

In a heartfelt homecoming celebration, hip-hop artist Missy Elliott returned to her roots in Portsmouth,
Virginia, marking the anniversary of "Missy Elliott Day" on Tuesday. During this emotional event, she pledged a generous donation of $50,000 to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, reaffirming her unwavering commitment to her hometown.

Elliott's donation is aimed at providing vital support to approximately 26 families at risk of eviction who meet specific criteria. She passionately stated, "I feel like as artists, we are celebrated a lot. So instead of it being about me, I wanted it to be about the people here, my hometown."

The commemorative event also witnessed Missy Elliott's mother, Patricia Elliott, sharing touching memories of their family's financial struggles before Missy's meteoric rise in the world of R&B and hip-hop. Recalling the pouring rain and the passionate shouts of fans who chanted, "we love you," Mrs. Elliott emotionally reflected on the enduring love from their hometown. Missy Elliott reciprocated that love with this substantial donation.

Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover emphasized the pressing issue of eviction in the city and highlighted Missy Elliott's donation as a beacon of hope for many residents facing this challenge. Elliott, who personally understands the struggles of single mothers, said, "Especially for me, who has been in a situation like that, my mother is a single mother, that's what made it important."

Had a great day in Portsmouth honoring @MissyElliott at her alma mater Manor High School, and for the dedication of Missy Elliott Boulevard. Her groundbreaking career is an inspiration and source of immense pride for the entire Hampton Roads community. pic.twitter.com/9T1yS3DNAe

— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) October 17, 2022

Aside from her philanthropic endeavors, Missy Elliott's impact on her hometown was also celebrated on October 17, 2022, when Governor Glenn Youngkin officially declared it as Missy Elliott Day in the Commonwealth. The city of Portsmouth honored her by renaming McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard and presenting her with the key to the city.

Missy Elliott's remarkable journey from Portsmouth to international stardom serves as an inspiring example of hometown pride and giving back to the community. With chart-topping hits like "Sock It 2 Me," "She's a Bitch," "Get Ur Freak On," "One Minute Man," "4 My People," "Gossip Folks," and "Work It," her musical legacy and impact on the music industry are significant, earning her four Grammy Awards and numerous accolades.