Watch: Smokey Robinson's Age-Defying Performance Delights NPR's Tiny Desk

On Monday, NPR presented the latest installment of its "Tiny Desk Concert" series, featuring legendary Motown icon Smokey Robinson. The 83-year-old music sensation graced the stage at NPR Headquarters in Washington, D.C., accompanied by a 12-piece ensemble.

Robinson's influence on the music industry is undeniable. Known for his pivotal role in shaping the Motown sound, R&B, and soul music, he remains a distinguished artist even at the age of 83.

The performance commenced with a rendition of his 1981 classic, "Being With You," showcasing the enduring charm of his falsetto.

Robinson continued by performing "The Tears Of A Clown," a song he co-wrote with Stevie Wonder during his time with The Miracles. This classic delighted the audience, and Robinson's talent shone through.

Two tracks from Robinson's latest album, "Gasms," were also part of this intimate performance. "Beside You" exuded romance, with a standout saxophone solo by Brandon Wright in "If We Don't Have Each Other."

Robinson concluded the concert with his timeless hit, "Cruisin'." The audience participated with enthusiasm, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

Smokey Robinson's legacy as an influential figure in the world of R&B, soul music, and the Motown sound is well-documented. His ability to craft timeless and romantic tunes has set a standard for generations of songwriters.

The concert featured two tracks from Robinson's latest album, "Gasms," revealing his ongoing commitment to creating soulful and timeless music.

NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" series has hosted other celebrated R&B artists this year, such as Babyface and Charlie Wilson, in line with its commitment to showcasing musical excellence.

Watch: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance World Tour' Comes Alive in New Film

Beyoncé is gearing up to mesmerize global audiences as she takes her acclaimed "Renaissance World Tour" from the stage to the silver screen.

Following the tour's triumphant finale in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday night, the iconic diva unveiled the hotly-anticipated trailer for "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé." This cinematic sensation is set to premiere worldwide in theaters on December 1.

The forthcoming film promises an inside look at the extraordinary journey of the "Renaissance World Tour," spanning its inception and grand opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the climactic finale in Kansas City, Missouri.

It also delves into Beyoncé's unwavering dedication, meticulous involvement in all aspects of production, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to crafting a lasting legacy while perfecting her artistry.

"The film encapsulates Beyoncé's unwavering determination, dedication, and comprehensive involvement in every facet of production, showcasing her creative genius and her mission to establish an enduring legacy while elevating her craft," underscores the official synopsis.

Get a sneak peek of this cinematic treat by watching the first trailer below.

Watch: Ben Affleck Fails to Impress Ice Spice With Rap Skills in New Dunkin' Donuts Commercial

Photo Courtesy Dunkin' Donuts

During the MTV Video Music Awards, Ben Affleck debuted a new Dunkin' Donuts commercial, where he teams up with rapper Ice Spice to create the "Ice Spice Munchkins Drink." In the ad, Affleck's attempts at freestyle rapping fall flat, leading to some amusing moments. The drink, described as "reminiscent of the texture of a cookies and cream shake," combines Dunkin's pumpkin-flavored donut holes with Frozen Dunkin' Coffee. Ice Spice, also known as Isis Naija Gaston, was nominated for four VMAs and won Best New Artist.

Watch: Netflix Unleashes 'Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop' Docuseries Honoring Genre's Female Pioneers

Courtesy Netflix

In anticipation of hip-hop's forthcoming 50th anniversary, Netflix is gearing up to pay tribute to the influential female legends who have played an essential role in the genre's evolution.

The network's four-part limited documentary, "Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop," promises candid reflections from trailblazing artists like Queen Latifah and Da Brat, alongside an impressive array of other iconic female emcees.

The newly released official trailer from Netflix unveils the series' mission to recontextualize and elevate the irreplaceable contributions of women in hip-hop, placing them squarely at the core of the genre's history, from its inception to the present day. The documentary delves into the profound impact of the wider social, racial and political landscape that influenced these pioneering artists.

Queen Latifah, who released her debut album a mere decade after hip-hop's birth at the age of 19, asserts in the trailer, "We have come through a lot. We have stood back up, and we'll always keep standing back up. We will always be stronger together than we are apart."

The star-studded lineup of interviewees includes not only Da Brat and Queen Latifah but also other lauded artists such as Bahamadia, Coi Leray, Kash Doll, Latto, MC Lyte, Monie Love, Remy Ma, Rapsody, Roxanne Shante, Saweetie, Sha-Rock, Tierra Whack and Yo-Yo.

Produced by Culture House and executive produced by a team led by Dream Hampton, Troy Carter, Raeshem Nijhon, Carri Twigg, MC Lyte, Nicole Galovski, Justin Simien, and Jennifer Ryan, all four episodes of "Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop" are set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on August 9.

Preview the compelling journey of these remarkable women in hip-hop by watching the full trailer below.

Watch: Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Group Cypress Hill Performs on NPR's Tiny Desk

Trailblazers in the world of hip-hop, Cypress Hill, composed of B Real, Sen Dog, and producer DJ
Muggs, shattered barriers with their psychedelic sound, transcending regional boundaries and fearlessly tackling mental health issues long before they gained mainstream recognition.

As the first Latino hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum status, Cypress Hill also advocated for marijuana legalization when the concept was far from reality.

Recently, the group etched another milestone in its legacy by gracing the stage of NPR's acclaimed Tiny Desk series. Accompanied by touring members Eric Bobo, DJ Lord, and Money Mark from Beastie Boys fame, the band delivered five funky performances infused with the rare addition of a horn section.

During the performance, B Real reflected on the group's journey, stating, "Being here is an honor as we know that many greats have graced this stage. If someone had asked us 30-some-odd years ago when we started, 'Do you see yourself in a situation like this?' I think everyone would’ve said ‘hell no!’"

Cypress Hill's 1993 debut album "Black Sunday" achieved groundbreaking success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the first hip-hop album of the year to claim the top spot. The album has sold over four million copies in the United States. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the group released a deluxe edition featuring remixes of its iconic tracks.

Recent releases include "Back In Black," featuring collaborations with Demrick ("Certified") and Dizzy Wright ("Bye Bye"). Additionally, the group offered fans an intimate glimpse into their career with the Showtime documentary, "Insane in the Brain."

Cypress Hill is currently on a world tour, scheduled to run until December.

Watch the entire performance below.

Tiny Desk Set List:
"When the S*** Goes Down"
"Hand On the Pump"
"How I Could Just Kill a Man"
"(Rap) Superstar"
"Insane in the Brain"

Watch: 'One Love' Film Trailer Offers a Glimpse into the Life of Reggae Icon Bob Marley

Photo Courtesy Paramount

A Bob Marley biopic is set to hit the big screen over 40 years after his passing, offering a captivating portrayal of the reggae icon's life and musical legacy. The highly-anticipated film, titled "Bob Marley: One Love," released its first trailer Thursday, providing a glimpse into the Jamaican singer-songwriter's extraordinary journey.

In the movie, Kingsley Ben-Adir takes on the role of the reggae legend himself, while Lashana Lynch portrays his wife, Rita. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the feature film delves into Marley's rise to fame alongside his band, The Wailers, as they captivated audiences with their powerful music.

The trailer also offers a glimpse into the aftermath of a 1976 assassination attempt on Marley, believed to be politically motivated. Despite the ordeal, Marley's unwavering spirit led him to return to the spotlight, headlining the iconic "One Love" peace concert in Kingston, Jamaica.

Marley, who succumbed to a rare form of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, left an indelible mark on the music world with his soulful melodies and powerful messages of love and unity.

The biopic is a collaborative effort, with involvement from Marley's family. Ziggy Marley, the late singer's son, daughter Cedella and Rita serve as producers, alongside industry veterans Brad Pitt, Robert Teitel, Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner.

The film aims to celebrate Marley's extraordinary life and his enduring musical legacy, inspiring generations with his powerful message. It provides audiences with an opportunity to discover the transformative journey behind his revolutionary music and his triumph over adversity.

During CinemaCon, Ziggy Marley, representing the film as a producer, expressed his excitement, stating, "People will deepen their connection to Bob and honor Bob in the right way."

"Bob Marley: One Love" is scheduled for release on January 12, 2024. Fans can catch a glimpse of the film's essence by watching the recently released trailer below.

From 'Bling Bling' to 'Back That Azz Up': Juvenile Rocks NPR's Black Music Month with Timeless Hits

NPR's celebration of Black Music Month culminated not in a bang, but in a symphony of soul, rhythm, blues, and rap, uniquely born in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

Big Easy native Juvenile took the Tiny Desk stage by storm, supported by a full band that included fellow New Orleans music giants Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste, along with the wizardry of Mannie Fresh, the legendary producer behind Cash Money Records' hits. Together, they orchestrated a Tiny Desk performance that defied all expectations.

As Juvenile shared insights and reflected on his recording history, he effortlessly traded laughs and verses, delivering his and the label's biggest hits. From "400 Degreez" to "Bling Bling" and even the Hot Boys classic "I Need a Hot Girl," Juvenile playfully reminded the audience of his presence in the iconic music video, despite not being featured on the track itself.

"Y'all don't even know, that's my favorite part right there," Juvenile chuckled, exchanging verses with the animated Mannie Fresh. "I ain't even on the song, but I'm in the video. That part resonates with me so much, especially when Turk jumps in. Now, I know Turk might have a bone to pick with me, but he's still my lil bro. Trust me, that's the absolute pinnacle of the song when he enters."

However, it was the grand finale that truly captivated the audience. With the assistance of a cellist and a violinist from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Juvenile crafted a spellbinding rendition of his timeless anthem to the posterior, "Back That Azz Up."

To experience the full concert, watch the video above.

SET LIST
"Intro (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"400 Degreez (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Bling Bling (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Ha"
"Set It Off"
"Slow Motion"
"Rodeo (feat. The Amours)"
"I Need A Hot Girl (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Project Bitch (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Back That Azz Up (feat. Mannie Fresh)"

MUSICIANS
Juvenile: vocals
Mannie Fresh: vocals, effects, keys
Alvin Ford: music director/drums
Josh Connelly: guitar
DJ Raymond: bass
Brandon Butler: keys
BK Jackson: saxophone
Trombone Shorty: trombone
Kevin Woods: trumpet
Jon Batiste: melodica
Jakiya Ayanna: vocals
Shaina Aisha: vocals
Hannah Yim: violin
Jake Fowler: cello

Watch: XXL Magazine Unveils 2023 Freshman Class, Defining the Sound of Hip-Hop's Future

XXL has revealed its highly anticipated 2023 freshman class, showcasing 12 emerging stars in the hip-hop genre. The annual list, unveiled on Wednesday, features a diverse group of artists: Finesse2tymes, Lola Brooke, Rob49, Fridayy, GloRilla, 2Rare, SleazyWorld Go, Central Cee, Real Boston Richey, Luh Tyler, TiaCorine and DC The Don.

This year's announcement carries extra significance as it precedes the upcoming 50th anniversary of hip-hop in August. Reflecting on the genre's evolution over the past five decades, the hip-hop magazine compares the birth of hip-hop to the formation of a diamond, with artists selected for the 2023 freshman class embodying the current essence of the genre's sound.

These rising stars stand alongside past XXL freshmen such as J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Travis Scott, Lil Durk, Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion, aiming to make their mark on hip-hop's history. In the coming weeks, XXL will release a series of content, including freestyles, cyphers, and interviews, providing a platform for each freshman to showcase their talent.

Fans eager to dive into the Freshman issue can expect it to hit stands on July 18. In addition to introducing the 2023 class and featuring groundbreaking producer Pi'erre Bourne, who crafted the beats for this year's cyphers, the issue includes interviews with acclaimed artists such as Lil Baby, NLE Choppa, Boosie BadAzz, Toosii, DDG, Saba and others.

Readers will also find insights into the current activities of the 2022 XXL Freshman Class, as well as stories covering hip-hop's affinity for golfing, the emergence of rookie artists and a compilation of the best A.I. hip-hop songs released to date.