Joyce Sims, R&B Singer Who Topped the US and UK Charts in the 1980s, Dies at 63

The family of R&B star Joyce Sims, who rose to prominence in the U.S. and U.K. in the 1980s with hits like “All and All” and “Come into My Life,” has confirmed her death at the age of 63.

“My heart is broken. I will always remember the happy times we’ve shared, the love and support you have given me will not go in vain,” Annette Ramsey, one of Sim’s siblings shared on Facebook. “I Love you Big Sis RIP.”

No cause of death was given for the singer-songwriter, whose demise on Friday (Oct. 14) was first reported by U.K.-based events organizer CJ Carlos on the same social media site.

"Having spoken to her immediate family tonight (Oct. 15), it's with a heavy heart that I post this news,” he posted. “Joyce Sims has passed away. Joyce was an amazing singer-songwriter who had so many hits in the 80s.”

Carlos added, "As most of you know she was going to be one of our USA artist's in Portugal next May. My heart goes out to her partner Errol and their children and close family."

Joyce Sims, Kurtis Mantronik, Shannon and Lisa Lisa, were the soundtrack to those glorious summers of the late 80's.

Gone to soon RIP Joyce Sims.

"All And All" (Mantronik Mega Mix) 1986pic.twitter.com/e7tTM5x1kU

— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) October 16, 2022

The New York native was best known for her hit “Come into My Life.” Released in 1987, the single peaked at No. 10 on the U. S. Billboard R&B chart and at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.

Along with her first hit, 1986’s "(You Are My) All and All,” which reached No. 6 on the U.S. dance chart and No. 16 on the U.K. singles chart, “Come into My Life” helped propel her eponymously named debut album to success in both countries.

Her follow-up albums did not reach the same heights, but she continued to perform and put out new material steadily. She had multiple minor hits with tracks like “Lifetime Love”, “Walk Away” and “Looking for a Love.”

Sims, whose last album was 2014’s “Love Song,” was touring the U.K. as recently as this summer and had plans to release a new one this year. Her music has also been sampled by several other popular artists, including Snoop Dogg and Angie Stone.

Fans and contemporaries rushed to social media to mourn her passing.

R.I.P. To the Icon JOYCE SIMS
🙏🏾❤️🌹🌹🕊

— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 16, 2022

DJ Premier tweeted, “R.I.P. To the Icon JOYCE SIMS.”

“Rest in peace Joyce Sims,” English singer Kenny Thomas wrote on Twitter. “Another soul legend taken too soon. Thank you for the music.”

Rest in peace Joyce Sims. Another soul legend taken too soon. Thank you for the music 🙏❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/md4ob35AkP

— Kenny Thomas (@kennythomas_uk) October 16, 2022

Kanye West to Acquire Right-Leaning Social Media Platform Parler

Kanye West

In the middle of a firestorm ignited by his recent antisemitic remarks and continued erratic behavior, Kanye West is doubling down instead of backing down.

Parlement Technologies announced on Monday (Oct. 17) morning that the mogul has an agreement in principle to acquire its social networking service Parler.

Launched in 2018 as a "conservative" alternative to sites like Twitter and Facebook, the site is best known for its association with former President Donald Trump.

Parler became the unofficial internet home of his Make America Great Movement. Marketed as a safe space for those with conservative values to share their thoughts without fear of censorship or reprisal, the site attracted hordes of Trump supporters.

It is heavily associated with far-right extremism, conspiracy theorists, racism and antisemitism. Parler is also a stronghold for followers of the QAnon movement. 

Sometimes called a cult, QAnon pitches Trump as America's savior, conspired against by satanic forces and executing thousands of pedophiles as part of his duties during his time in office.

Kanye blaming his:
- failed marriage
- his mental illness
- his fallout with his friends ...

on JEWS.

A new low, even for Kanye. pic.twitter.com/fSXJ68eWlu

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) October 16, 2022

The move might seem baffling to some, but for longtime fans of the artist, it likely comes as no surprise. West, who suffers from bipolar disorder, behavior has grown increasingly unpredictable since his mother Donda West, died of complications from cosmetic surgery in 2007.

In recent years, the "College Dropout" rapper had embraced Trump's MAGA movement and supported his presidency as well, made death threats to Pete Davidson after the comedian began dating his estranged wife and implied that slavery was a choice.

Following in the footsteps of Trump (Truth Social), and West's friend Elon Musk (Twitter), by seeking ownership of a platform where he can espouse whatever beliefs he wants without getting policed —as he recently was on several social media sites after his egregious comments about Jews and others — does not seem so far-fetched with that in mind.

"In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial, we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves," said West, of his reasons for the purchase, in a statement.

Parlement Technologies CEO George Farmer is the husband of recent Kanye-crisis collaborator Candace West, who sparked controversy with the Yeezy boss when the duo wore "White Lives Matter" T-shirts at the brand's Paris fashion show earlier this year.

pic.twitter.com/e8nlOFBg06

— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 3, 2022

Farmer said, "This deal will change the world and change the way the world thinks about free speech."

He added. "Ye is making a groundbreaking move into the free speech media space and will never have to fear being removed from social media again. Once again, Ye proves that he is one step ahead of the legacy media narrative. Parlement will be honored to help him achieve his goals."

The parties intend to enter into a definitive purchase agreement and expect to close during the fourth quarter of 2022. The terms of the proposed transaction would include ongoing technical support from Parlement and the use of private cloud services via Parlement's private cloud and data center infrastructure.

Jeremih Partners With Winemaker Russell Bevan, LiveOne to Launch Wine Brand

"Birthday Sex" singer Jeremih is launching a wine brand in partnership with LiveOne.

First, he brought the world an eponymously named ballad about birthday sex, and now Grammy-nominated R&B singer Jeremih is putting something on the market that may increase its frequency.

The man behind the ode to natal day naughtiness, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009 and is certified 3x-platinum, is following in the footsteps of some of his hip-hop contemporaries and releasing an alcoholic beverage.

Instead of championing liquor with his personal brand, which artists like Jay-Z, Drake and Diddy have done, to name a few, to massive success — the 35-year-old Chicago native is launching a wine label.

"People might think I'm a tequila or Hennessy drinker but don't let the media fool you. I've always been a white wine kinda guy," he said in a statement released today (Oct. 14) announcing his partnership with LiveOne and winemaker Russell Bevan to produce the beverage.

LiveOne a "creator-first, music, entertainment and technology platform" created LiveOne Brands to diversify its business model and attempt to break into the multi-billion-dollar celebrity wine and spirits category.

According to Nielsen, off-premises sales of white wine for the 52-Week period that ended March 6, 2021, totaled over $9.1 billion. With Jeremih lending his name and likeness to the mix and Bevan, who has helped craft over 15 100-point wines, providing the technical know-how, the partners believe they have a winning combination.

"Watching my friends launch their own liquors got me thinking; why am I not doing that? So that's where LiveOne came in," Jeremih said. "They linked me with legendary winemaker Russell Bevan, and when two legends link up it's a recipe for success."

He added, of the wine which will be priced for accessibility according to LiveOne, "Now I got a wine that's perfect for the crib, the club, the studio - anywhere you wanna get a little loose. I'm excited to expand my entrepreneurial endeavors and showcase my creativity in a whole new way."