The Queens of R&B Tour. Photo Credit: Derek Blanks with crowdMGMT
In a historic moment for R&B, powerhouse groups Xscape and SWV are teaming up for "The Queens of R&B Tour." They will be joined by fellow '90s hitmakers Mýa, Total and 702.
The tour was announced on Sherri Shepherd's talk show on Tuesday following a viral video depicting a playful therapy session between the groups. Produced by Monami Entertainment and Live Nation, the tour kicks off June 27 at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord. It will journey through 30 cities nationwide, including stops at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Fans may remember that Xscape (Kandi Burruss, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, Tamika Scott) and SWV (Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George, Leanne "Lelee" Lyons) attempted to organize this tour on their 2023 Bravo series, "SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B." Despite initial challenges, the groups have united to deliver what promises to be an unforgettable R&B concert event.
"To bring this HERstorical tour to life during Women's History Month is a dream come true," said Mona Scott-Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment. "This celebration of R&B royalty is going to be something special."
Tickets for "The Queens of R&B Tour" go on sale March 26.
Federal agents conducted raids on the homes of mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday.
The raids, conducted by federal investigators with the Department of Homeland Security, may be linked to a possible sex trafficking investigation. Sources revealed to the entertainment news outlet TMZ that multiple individuals have been interviewed by the Southern District of NY regarding sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms related to Combs.
Combs' multi-million dollar properties in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles and Miami, FL, were targeted. The allegations stem from several lawsuits, including one filed by Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend and R&B singer. Ventura alleges she suffered years of abuse during their relationship from 2005 to 2018.
Combs, 54, faces multiple lawsuits alleging historical sexual abuse, all of which he has vehemently denied. One lawsuit, filed by a Jane Doe, alleges Combs invited her to his recording studio in NYC when she was 17-years-old, where she claims he drugged her and subjected her to violent gang rape in 2003.
Another suit alleges that Combs and another individual took turns raping two women in the early '90s. Additionally, Joi Dickerson filed a lawsuit claiming Combs "intentionally drugged" her before assaulting her when she was 19-years-old in 1991.
Combs, through his representative, vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," and claiming that he was being targeted with fabricated allegations for his fame and wealth.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed the raids in a statement, noting that the actions were part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles and HSI Miami, as well as local law enforcement partners.
Andre 3000 traded rapping for the flute, and now Lil Jon, the king of crunk, is swapping "Shots! Shots! Shots!" for soothing meditation mantras.
Hip-hop's most iconic figures are on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, proving there's more to these artists than meets the ear...or the party anthem. Could this be the start of a new era of mindful hip-hop where we go from "Get Low" to finding our inner peace?
In a recent interview with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe on Weekend Edition Sunday March 3, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer unveiled his newfound dedication to meditation, sharing insights into his motivations and aspirations.
"Yeah, it was anxiety and a little stress from a lot hitting me at the same time," Lil Jon shared with Rascoe, reflecting on the catalyst for his exploration of mindfulness. "Turning 50, looking at my life, looking at my marriage and a lot of things, and trying to move on and get through those things."
This transition from his signature party anthems to guided meditation marks a profound shift for the artist, signaling a broader movement toward wellness. Lil Jon's latest album, "Total Meditation," dropped on Feb. 16 and deviates from his customary beats, featuring his own soothing mantras and guided meditations designed to help listeners find calm and focus.
"I found, at this particular point in my life, I really need to go into it a little deeper," Lil Jon explained. "I would meditate every day, say my affirmations, and all of that would quiet me — calm those crazy thoughts and emotions I would have and give me some peace."
Despite his reputation as a high-energy entertainer, Lil Jon stressed the importance of balance and self-care, advocating for rest, sleep, and hydration.
"You gotta turn down sometimes," he emphasized. "You gotta take care of your health."In a subsequent interview with CBS Mornings, Lil Jon discussed the unique aspects of his meditation album and the journey that led him to explore mindfulness.
"I turned 50," Lil Jon disclosed during the CBS interview, reflecting on his motivation. "I started to have... a recurring little thing on my side and it scared me... But I had stopped drinking, and I felt like I started to come out of a fog, and I had clarity."
Lil Jon's venture into meditation underscores a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and self-care within the hip-hop community, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and wellness.
