The Kingpins are Back: UMG Deal Brings Hip Hop and R&B Royalty Flooding Back to TikTok

Some of the biggest names in hip hop and R&B are making a triumphant return to TikTok.

That's right, after a period of exile thanks to licensing disputes, a landmark deal between Universal Music Group and the social media giant announced Thursday means your FYP (For You Page) is about to get a whole lot more lit.

The deal signifies a new chapter in the relationship between the two entities. It paves the way for the return of popular artists like Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Bad Bunny to TikTok, where their music can once again be used in user-generated content.

We would like to thank each of our artists, songwriters and label partners for your patience and understanding over the past few months. Your steadfast support alongside the wider music community has been integral to reaching an agreement that better rewards and protects artists… pic.twitter.com/5sYPgieSWz

— Universal Music Group (@UMG) May 2, 2024

"We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG's amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community," said Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, in a statement.

"This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community," said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, in a separate statement.

Beyond the return of UMG's music library, the agreement reportedly includes plans for new monetization opportunities for artists on the platform. Additionally, both UMG and TikTok have pledged to work together to protect artist rights and ensure fair compensation for creators. This includes measures to remove unauthorized AI-generated music and improve artist and songwriter attribution.

The return of UMG artists is expected to significantly impact the music scene on TikTok. It has the potential to attract new users and foster a more vibrant creator community, particularly within the hip-hop and R&B genres.

More Than Music: Blige's Strength of a Woman Movement Grows with $100,000 Fund

Mary J. Blige has partnered with Pepsi to empower Yonkers women. Fund grants $100,000 to local organizations supporting education and advancement.

Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, stands at a crossroads. While whispers of a graceful exit from the music spotlight within the next five to six years have emerged, Blige's unwavering commitment to uplifting Black women continues to burn brightly.

"There's definitely gonna be more acting, and retirement in, like, five or six years," Blige shared in a recent interview with Extra TV. "But for now, I'm still doing what I'm doing, just at a different pace."

Blige's legendary voice may be transitioning to new stages, but her dedication to empowerment takes center stage at the annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Now in its third year, the event is set for May 10-12 in New York City.

"This festival is more than just music," Blige emphasized. "It's a celebration of resilience, a space for us to share stories, and inspire each other to keep pushing forward."

Mary J. Blige to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ at this years ceremony.

“The legendary musician has won 9 #GRAMMYs, sold over 60 million albums and 100 million records worldwide becoming one of the best-selling acts of all time”. pic.twitter.com/fmJGUvp0SR

— music data (@music__data) April 22, 2024

Workshops, panels, and empowering performances promise to create an unforgettable experience, but Blige isn't content with just conversation. Partnering with Pepsi, she's launching the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund, a $100,000 initiative specifically designed to support underserved women in her hometown of Yonkers, New York.

"Pepsi has been an incredible partner from the start," Blige remarked. "Now, with their support, I can finally come home to Yonkers and give back to the community that nurtured me."

The fund will award grants to local organizations tackling critical issues faced by women, including education, financial stability, and food security.

"Through this fund, we aim to uplift those who are often overlooked," Blige stated. "It's about creating opportunities for them to thrive."

Watch: 'Lion King' Prequel Gets Trailer; Beyoncé's Daughter Blue Ivy Carter Cast

Photo Credit: Beyonce.com

The excitement surrounding the upcoming "Mufasa: The LionKing" prequel roared even louder with the release of its teaser trailer on Monday. The trailer itself fueled anticipation, but it was the star-studded cast that truly captivated audiences.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the photorealistic-animated prequel features a returning cast of beloved characters. John Kani reprises his role as the wise Rafiki, while Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner return as the hilarious duo Pumbaa and Timon, respectively. Donald Glover steps back into the role of Simba, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter rejoins the cast as Nala.

However, it was the addition of another member of the Carter family that stole the show – Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé's 12-year-old daughter, makes her film debut by voicing Kiara, Simba and Nala's daughter.

Blue Ivy Carter: A Timeline

• **Jan. 7, 2012:** Blue Ivy Carter is born to Beyoncé and Jay-Z at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
• **Jan. 8, 2012:** Beyoncé and Jay-Z release a statement and photo welcoming Blue Ivy to the world.
• **Feb. 1, 2012:** Blue Ivy becomes the youngest person to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to a feature credit on her father's song "Glory."
• **2015:** Blue Ivy is credited as part of the choir on Coldplay's song "Up & Up."
• **2018:** Blue Ivy begins attending West Hollywood's The Center for Early Education.
• **2020:** Blue Ivy features on her mother's track "Brown Skin Girl," winning a Grammy Award as the youngest winner in a non-competitive category.
• **Nov. 2020:** Blue Ivy narrates Matthew A. Cherry's book "Hair Love," sparking speculation about future voice acting endeavors.
• **Jan. 21, 2023:** Blue Ivy joins her mother onstage for the first time, singing "Brown Skin Girl" at a private show in Dubai.
• **May 26, 2023 (present):** Blue Ivy joins her mother on the Renaissance World Tour as a dancer for "My Power" and "Black Parade."

The teaser offers a captivating glimpse into the film's narrative. Rafiki narrates the legendary tale of Mufasa to a young Kiara, voiced by Blue Ivy Carter. Flashbacks then reveal the origin story of Mufasa, portrayed as an orphaned cub who embarks on an extraordinary journey after encountering Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a sympathetic lion. Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and Keith David round out the cast, bringing life to key characters in Mufasa's life.

Blue Ivy's involvement in the film marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Born into music royalty, she has already made waves in the industry, credited as a featured artist on her mother's hit song "Brown Skin Girl," which earned her accolades as the youngest winner of both a BET Award and an MTV Video Music Award.

Watch the trailer below.