Motown Legend, Ivy Jo Hunter, Dies at 82

Ivy Jo Hunter

Ivy Jo Hunter, a singer and musician best known for his work at Motown — where he was one of the hitmaking record label's most prolific songwriters — passed away on Thursday (Oct. 6). He was 82.

SoulTrack's Chris Rizik first broke the news, and the Motown Museum confirmed it on Twitter with a poignant post remembering the legacy of the man behind many of its classic releases.

"Ivy Jo was not only a remarkable writer and producer, but also a loving husband, father and grandfather," the company, which credited Hunter as being behind some of its most significant hits tweeted, "We send our condolences to his family, friends and dedicated fans around the world."

No cause of death has been given at this time.

Born George Ivy Hunter, the Detroit native was trained in orchestral music. Following a brief stint in the army, he spent time singing in soul clubs around the city and was eventually discovered by legendary Motown A&R man Mickey Stevenson in the early 1960s.  

Motown Museum remembers the life and legacy of Ivy Jo Hunter — @motown principal musician, singer, and one of the company’s most prolific songwriters. pic.twitter.com/Vkf5gJbPFW

— Motown Museum (@Motown_Museum) October 6, 2022

Stevenson signed the adept pianist and trumpeter to the label. There he spent time playing keyboards on Motown albums as a session musician before he eventually was made a principal in the studio's house band, playing on some of the label's biggest hits.

At the same time, Stevenson began working with him as a songwriter. Together the duo is credited with writing many of the studio's classics. Hunter’s songs were recorded by Motown's biggest acts including "Truly Yours" by the Spinners, the Temptation's "Sorry Is a Sorry Word" and the Isley Brothers' "Behind a Painted Smile."

He also wrote and produced hits for Martha & the Vandellas, the Four Tops, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin, among many others.

Eventually, Hunter parted ways with the label when it moved to California. Though he continued to work as a vocalist during his time at the label and recorded many demos and other compositions only two of his singles were ever released by the company, both under its VIP subsidiary. "I Remember When (Dedicated to Beverly)" in 1970 and the following year "I'd Still Love You."

A planned album with the working title "Ivy Jo is in this Bag" was shelved when he left Motown.

Hunter continued to enjoy success in the music world following his departure. He played keyboards on Funkadelic's "Mommy, What's a Funkadelic?" in 1970 and later co-produced a hit album for former Dramatics' lead singer William "Wee Gee Howard."

He also remained active in his hometown's music scene. In 2009 Hunter participated in Motown's 50th-anniversary celebration.

British songwriter and producer, Ian Levine, one of his longtime collaborators mourned his death on social media.

It broke my heart to learn of the death of my friend, my co-writer and my co-producer, the incredible genius Ivy Jo Hunter. I released two singles with him on Motorcity and recorded several tracks. I wrote over fifty songs with him https://t.co/PqJdLoGoJ4

— Ian Levine (@IanLevine) October 7, 2022

"It broke my heart to learn of the death of my friend, my co-writer and my co-producer, the incredible genius Ivy Jo Hunter," Levine wrote in a tweet, noting that he had written over fifty songs with Hunter.

President Biden Pardons Thousands for 'Simple Possession’ of Marijuana

Official White House Photo by Erin Scott

Marijuana has never been more mainstream in America.

Thirty-nine states have legalized the drug for medical use. Nineteen of those have ended penalties for recreational use as well.

According to a report from the Marijuana Policy Project, legal cannabis sales have generated a combined total of $11.2 billion in tax revenue since 2014, when they began in Colorado and Washington.

While some of the old stigma surrounding the drug may be gone, and many states have phased out, gotten rid of or lessened penalties for its possession — multitudes of Americans have been left behind to pay the price of its previous prohibition.

President Joe Biden seeks to rectify that imbalance. Today he announced he is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.

As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022

"There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result," Biden said in a statement. "My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions."

According to Biden the move, which fulfills a pledge he made during his campaign, is the first step for the administration toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.

"Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either," he said.

The pardon covers the thousands who have been convicted of the crime in the District of Columbia as well, and Biden has called on the governors of every state to issue similar pardons — a critical move since most marijuana possession cases involve those convicted of state offenses.

Biden added, "Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Read the full text of his proclamation here.

Kendrick Lamar Rules Over 'Culture's Biggest Night'

"Culture's Biggest Night" proclaimed Kendrick Lamar its monarch Tuesday night at Atlanta's Cobb Theater.

King Kendrick took home six awards — including artist and album of the year (“Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers) — to rule the night at the 17th annual edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Additionally, Lamar won lyricist of the year and best live performer for his work as a solo artist. He shared two other awards. With his cousin, and frequent collaborator Baby Keem, he took home best hip-hop video honors for "Family Ties." Along with Dave Free, Lamar was named video director of the year.

It was an impressive haul, especially considering the "N95" rapper had nine nominations. Drake, who led all nominees with 14 coming into the show, took home just three.

A complete list of winners for the Bet Hip Hop Awards 2022 follows:

Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Drake
Future
Kanye West
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion

Hip Hop Album of the Year
Latto, 777
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Kanye West, Donda
Future, I Never Liked You
Pusha T, It’s Almost Dry
Nas, King’s Disease II
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Song of the Year
WINNER: Latto, “Big Energy”
Hitkidd & Glorilla, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”
Jack Harlow, “First Class”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
Kodak Black, “Super Gremlin”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Hip Hop Video
A$AP Rocky, “D.M.B.”
WINNER: Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
BIA & J. Cole, “London”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Collaboration
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
Drake feat. 21 Savage, “Jimmy Cooks”
Benny The Butcher & J. Cole, “Johnny P’s Caddy”
WINNER: Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Duo or Group
42 Dugg & EST Gee
Big Sean & Hit-Boy
Birdman & Youngboy Never Broke Again
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
DaBaby & Youngboy Never Broke Again
WINNER: EARTHGANG
Styles P & Havoc

Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist
Baby Keem
Blxst
Doechii
Fivio Foreign
WINNER: GloRilla
Nardo Wick
Saucy Santana

Best Live Performer
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Drake
J. Cole
Kanye West
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Tyler, the Creator

Lyricist of the Year
Baby Keem
Benny The Butcher
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Jay-Z
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Burna Boy
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Director X
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free
Teyana Taylor

Producer of the Year
ATL Jacob
Baby Keem
Hit-Boy
WINNER: Hitmaka
Kanye West
Metro Boomin
Pharrell Williams

DJ of the Year
D-Nice
DJ Cassidy
WINNER: DJ Drama
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Premier
Kaytranada
Mustard
Nyla Symone
L.A. Leakers: DJ sourMILK & Justin Credible

Best Hip Hop Platform
Big Boy’s Neighborhood
Breakfast Club
CO-WINNER: Caresha Please
Complex
CO-WINNER: Drink Champs
HipHopDX
Million Dollaz Worth of Game
NPR Tiny Desk
Verzuz

Hustler of the Year
WINNER: 50 Cent
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Megan Thee Stallion

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
CO-WINNER: Drake, “Churchill Downs” (Jack Harlow feat. Drake)
J. Cole, “Poke It Out” (Wale feat. J. Cole)
J. Cole, “London” (BIA & J. Cole)
Lil Baby, “Girls Want Girls” (Drake feat. Lil Baby)
Kanye West, “City of Gods” (Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys)
CO-WINNER: Drake, “Wait for You” (Future feat. Drake & Tems)
Jadakiss, “Black Illuminati” (Freddie Gibbs feat. Jadakiss)

Impact Track
WINNER: Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys, “City of Gods”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
Nas feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill, “Nobody”
Latto, “Pxssy”
Kendrick Lamar, “The Heart Part 5”
Doja Cat, “Woman”

Best International Flow
WINNER: Benjamin Epps (France)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Blxckie (South Africa)
Central Cee (UK)
Haviah Mighty (Canada)
Knucks (UK)
Le Juiice (France)
Nadia Nakai (Zimbabwe)
Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)