Watch: Charlie Wilson Delivers Raw Emotion and Joy in Electrifying NPR Music Concert

 

NPR Music celebrates Black Music Month this June with a lineup of brand-new Tiny Desk concerts that pay homage to the past, present and future of Black music.

Kicking off the series is renowned singer-songwriter Charlie Wilson, whose captivating NPR Music concert serves as a profound tribute to his extraordinary life and career.

Through a spellbinding performance, Wilson takes fans on a mesmerizing journey, seamlessly weaving together timeless hits and personal stories of triumph and resilience.

From his early days as a founding member of The Gap Band, where he achieved fame in the '70s and '80s with their iconic old-school funk and R&B sound, to his influential collaborations with hip-hop icons, Wilson's musical impact transcends generations.

Earning the moniker "Uncle Charlie" in the hip-hop community, he has been embraced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator, who recognize his unparalleled talent.

However, Wilson's path has not been without challenges.

In a candid and heartfelt moment, he opens up about his battle with addiction, revealing the depths of his past and the triumph of his recovery. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homelessness," Wilson shares emotionally. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm now 28 years clean and sober!"

Throughout the performance, Wilson effortlessly transitions between his timeless classics like "Outstanding" and "Computer Love" and more recent gems like "Sweet Yamz" and "There Goes My Baby." Backed by a live band and accompanied by a choir, Wilson's commanding vocals fill the room with raw emotion and infectious joy.

This electrifying Tiny Desk concert sets the stage for NPR's month-long celebration of Black music, featuring an exceptional lineup of diverse artists, including Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger and surprise guests.

NPR's commitment to showcasing Black artists and their unique creative expressions sets the stage for an exhilarating month of musical exploration.

Last year's celebration left an indelible impact with unforgettable performances by Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June, creating viral moments, such as Usher's iconic "watch this" meme during his rendition of "Confessions Part II."

Watch the entire performance above.

Watch: Wendy's and T-Pain Turn Up the Heat With 'Buy U a Frosty' Music Video

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Just in time for summer, T-Pain has put a spin on his iconic hip-hop hit "Buy U a Drank" to pay homage to a fast-food legend — Wendy's Frosty.

The Grammy-winning artist took his chart-topping single and gave it an icy makeover in a music video directed by Miles & AJ of SixTwentySix.

The video starts with T-Pain chilling in his studio, but in a magical twist, the scene transforms into a Wendy's restaurant. With his signature swagger, he grabs the mic and serves up a surreal summer anthem that might just leave fans craving Wendy's famous frozen dairy dessert.

"I loved Wendy's 'We Beefin?' mixtape back in 2018, and knew I wanted to work with them when the time was right. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to remake a classic with one of the most classic menu items of all time – the Wendy's Frosty," he said, expressing his excitement about the collaboration. This latest partnership adds to Wendy's growing list of musical collaborations.

In the previous "We Beefin?" mixtape, which paid homage to Biggie Smalls' debut studio album "Ready to Die," T-Pain even featured media personality and hip-hop icon Wendy Williams on a track. The mixtape sparked a playful feud with McDonald's, with tracks like "Rest in Grease" calling out the fast-food giant's shortcomings.

 

The lyrics took aim at McDonald's by saying, "You’re No. 1? That’s a joke/Why your ice cream machine always broke?/Why your drive-through always slow?/Why your innovation just can’t grow?... McDonald’s be so lazy/ I know the reason you hate me/ ’Cause I’m fast food’s First Lady/ It’s Queen Wendy up in this thang... Y’all are too chicken for this beef."

To sweeten the chances of success for this collaboration, Wendy's and T-Pain are giving fans a tasty incentive. From June 5 to the first day of summer, June 21, fans can enjoy a FREE small Frosty with any purchase. To claim their free Frosty, fans can use the offer in the Wendy's app or on the website.

Check out the full "Buy U a Frosty" video below.

Tupac Shakur's Musical Legacy to be Cemented on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Rap icon and actor Tupac Shakur will be posthumously honored with the 2,758th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 7.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Walk of Fame, announced the news today.

Ana Martinez, the producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, expressed deep admiration for Tupac Shakur, recognizing his remarkable contributions as a rapper, actor, activist, poet and revolutionary.

"This iconic artist has remained an indelible part of our cultural fabric long after his untimely passing and will continue to be a significant figure for years to come," she said. "Without a doubt, as a hometown hero, Tupac's star will rank among the most frequented."

iHeart Media Radio Personality Big Boy will lead the star unveiling ceremony. Prominent guest speakers include Allen Hughes, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the groundbreaking docuseries "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur," currently streaming on FX and Hulu. Accepting the star on behalf of the family will be Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, the artist's sister.

Hughes' docuseries "Dear Mama" has captivated audiences, breaking records for FX and Hulu as the network's most-watched unscripted series debut in May, further amplifying Shakur's enduring cultural impact.

Shakur achieved global acclaim in a brief yet impactful music career and remains one of the most profound and prolific artists of his generation, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.

His albums "All Eyez on Me" and "Greatest Hits" achieved Diamond certification, surpassing ten million copies sold and securing their place among the best-selling albums of all time.

In 2017, he made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He also left an indelible mark as an actor, receiving praise for his work in films such as "Juice," "Poetic Justice," "Above The Rim," "Gridlock'd" and "Gang Related."

Decades after his tragic demise, Shakur's influence continues to resonate throughout popular culture. From his groundbreaking hologram performance at the 2012 Coachella Music and Arts Festival to his spoken-word contribution on Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed album "To Pimp A Butterfly."

In 2015, the Grammy Museum unveiled the exhibit "All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur" as a testament to his artistic prowess. In 2022, Los Angeles embraced the thought-provoking museum experience "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free," offering an immersive exploration of his life and legacy.

The dedication of Tupac Shakur's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will be exclusively live-streamed on walkoffame.com.