Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images for Sean “Diddy” CombsIn 2005, the parents of a 10-year-old boy from LA sought to help their son’s burgeoning career and flew with him to New York to meet people in the music industry.Sean Combs told a consultant the family hired that he wanted to meet with the boy alone, according to a new civil lawsuit filed Monday in New York.In a hotel room, the plaintiff, referred to as John Doe in the suit, performed several rap songs for Combs, who asked him “how badly he wanted to be a star.”When the boy responded he would “do anything,” according to the lawsuit, one of the other people present gave him a soda, and he “began feeling its effects.”Combs then pushed the boy down and said something to the effect of “you have to do some stuff you don’t want to do sometimes,” according to the lawsuit, which then describes an alleged sexual assault.In a separate civil lawsuit, Combs is accused of sexually assaulting a then-17-year-old boy auditioning for Making the Band.The lawsuit said Combs groped and fondled the teen while he “emphasized his power” to control his future in the music industry.During a second interview, Combs “instructed Plaintiff to undress … to demonstrate the ability to embody a ‘sex idol’ persona,” the lawsuit said. “This encounter also escalated into Combs forcing the Plaintiff to perform oral sex on him.”On the third day of the audition, Combs allegedly forced the plaintiff to perform oral sex on his bodyguard. The lawsuit said he was eliminated from the competition and deemed “untrustworthy due to reservations to perform oral copulation on the bodyguard.”The lawsuits were filed by lawyers Andrew van Arsdale and Tony Buzbee. ABC News has reached out to Combs’ lawyer for comment.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Urban
Mariah Carey and Kerry Washington team up to encourage people to vote
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesThe start of Mariah Carey’s Christmas season is soon approaching, but first she’s placing “Big Energy” into voting season. The singer teamed with Kerry Washington for a social media post encouraging people to get their votes in for the 2024 election.In the clip, Mariah’s on the verge of kicking off Christmastime with her song “All I Want for Christmas is You.” But before she could belt out the intro, Kerry interrupts, saying, “No, no, no! It’s not your season yet, Mariah. It’s voting season!” She then asks Mariah a few questions, including, “Have you registered? Have you made a plan?” Mariah tells Kerry she’s already registered, made a plan and executed it.“Yesss. That’s amazing!” Kerry said. “Because it’s my season before it’s her season. So, now all we need is you!” she added, singing “you” in the “All I Want for Christmas is You” melody. The post was shared to both Kerry and Mariah’s Instagram accounts.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Alicia Keys talks ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ art collection, music and more
Aniaram/ByrdieAlicia Keys’ music career is 20 years old, and she’s “grateful” to have made music that still resonates with fans. Speaking to Byrdie, she says, “I’m so grateful that there is this connection that lasts [with the music] and you can feel it.”Her resume, however, has expanded since the days of “Fallin’.” Alicia now has a skin care line, complete with affirmations, a Broadway musical and an art collection with husband Swizz Beatz, ventures that aren’t as familiar to her as music.”With Hell’s Kitchen, I’m occupying a space that is brand-new for me, but I did not let the fact that I was not completely familiar with it stop me from trying and thriving,” Keys says of the Tony-winning project. As for the art collection, she says she “never dreamed there would be” one that “holds our family name.”With the success of her various ventures, Alicia says she remains open about what’s possible in her world.”I’m open-minded about what’s possible because it will lead you to places you never imagined. I’m learning, now more than ever, that there is no limit. There’s so much more to dream about, and I finally feel free enough to do it,” she shares.When asked how younger Alicia would feel about who Alicia Keys is today, she says, “Younger Alicia would probably think I’m soft now, but I actually got stronger.””I’m so much more in touch with the truth. However, I do think the younger version of me would recognize herself in who I am today,” Alicia continues. “Even though I’ve changed so much, my spirit and essence remain intact. I’m grateful for that because things in life can change us.”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Essence Atkins says her return to prime-time television is an answered prayer
Michael Yarish/CBS Mondays are for Poppa’s House, a new sitcom starring Damon Wayans Sr., Damon Wayans Jr. and Essence Atkins. The show about a radio host who is challenged at work and at home premiered Oct. 21 and is an answered prayer for Essence, who wanted to get back on prime-time television.”It’s what I prayed for,” Essence told ABC Audio, noting it was hard to juggle jobs in Atlanta while being a mother to her son in LA. “It was very difficult personally to be away from my son and traveling back and forth every two weeks just to make sure that I would see him. And so the prayer was a job in LA and a schedule that’s conducive to being able to be present for my son as he’s 12, becoming a teenager.”Essence has been acting for decades, with primetime gigs including Smart Guy, Half & Half and most recently Marlon, on which she worked with the elder Damon’s younger brother Marlon Wayans.Asked about the differences between the two, Essence describes Marlon as the baby of a family with 10 children.”He is vying for attention and he’s always trying to kind of make everyone else pay attention to him … because he has all of these siblings who’ve gone before him and been so monumental and iconic in what they’ve accomplished,” she says. “And so … he’s kind of in this perpetual state of proving himself.”The elder Damon, on the other hand, “is way more kind of at ease in his skin in terms of he has nothing to prove,” Essence adds. “But they’re both brilliant. They’re both hilarious and they’re both really kind.”Poppa’s House airs on CBS. Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Essence Atkins says her return to primetime television is an answered prayer
Michael Yarish/CBS Mondays are for Poppa’s House, a new sitcom starring Damon Wayans Sr., Damon Wayans Jr. and Essence Atkins. The show about a radio host who is challenged at work and at home premiered Oct. 21 and is an answered prayer for Essence, who wanted to get back on primetime television.”It’s what I prayed for,” Essence told ABC Audio, noting it was hard to juggle jobs in Atlanta while being a mother to her son in LA. “It was very difficult personally to be away from my son and traveling back and forth every two weeks just to make sure that I would see him. And so the prayer was a job in LA and a schedule that’s conducive to being able to be present for my son as he’s 12, becoming a teenager.”Essence has been acting for decades, with primetime gigs including Smart Guy, Half & Half and most recently Marlon, on which she worked with the elder Damon’s younger brother Marlon Wayans.Asked about the differences between the two, Essence describes Marlon as the baby of a family with 10 children.”He is vying for attention and he’s always trying to kind of make everyone else pay attention to him … because he has all of these siblings who’ve gone before him and been so monumental and iconic in what they’ve accomplished,” she says. “And so … he’s kind of in this perpetual state of proving himself.”The elder Damon, on the other hand, “is way more kind of at ease in his skin in terms of he has nothing to prove,” Essence adds. “But they’re both brilliant. They’re both hilarious and they’re both really kind.”Poppa’s House airs on CBS. Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ICYMI: Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and more
Snoop Dogg’s long teased album will be coming before the year’s end. Taking to Instagram Sunday, the rapper announced that The Missionary, a Dr. Dre-produced album, will be out in December. Ice Cube opened up Game 2 of the World Series with his performance of “Today Was A Good Day” and “Bow Down” in Dodger Stadium, representing the team and his native LA. Ahead of Monday’s game, Fat Joe will take the field in his hometown of New York, where he’ll perform “New York” and “All the Way Up.”Saweetie paid a visit to her alma mater San Diego State University for homecoming and danced with the majorette team she used to be a part of. The song of choice was her own: “Icy.”Lizzo leaned into a joke made about her on South Park and turned it into her Halloween costume. She dressed up as the Ozempic-related weight loss pill named after her in the episode “The End of Obesity” and danced alongside someone dressed as the show’s Cartman.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Tyler, The Creator releases ‘Chromakopia’
Columbia RecordsTyler, The Creator fans have a new project to listen to: the rapper’s released his brand-new album. Titled Chromakopia, it’s comprised of 14 songs and boasts appearances from Sexyy Red, GloRilla, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, Childish Gambino and more.Daniel Caesar contributed to songwriting, helping to compose lead single “St. Chroma” and “Tomorrow.” Q-Tip is credited as a co-composer for the song “Darling, I.” All the themes heard on Chromakopia are based on his mother’s wise words, Tyler explained at a listening party, according to Rolling Stone.“Now that I’m 33, all that stuff is like ‘oh that’s what the f*** she was talking about,” he said. “‘Oh, I’m not the guy I was at 20. Oh s***, people are getting older, folks having kids and families.’ All I’ve got is a new Ferrari, that does feel kind of weird. I’ve got a grey hair on my chest. Life is life. I just wanted to write about stuff I think about when I’m dolo’ing.”’Chromakopia dropped Monday at 6 a.m., a far cry from industry standards. Explaining his decision on social media ahead of the release, Tyler said, “YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT WHEN YOU WAKE UP, YOU DONT HAVE TO DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF SLEEP FOR SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO BE THERE WHEN YOU WAKE UP.”Chromakopia is now out on streaming platforms.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
DJ Clark Kent dies after battle with colon cancer
Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for American Museum of Natural HistoryLegendary hip-hop producer, DJ and sneaker designer Clark Kent passed away Thursday following a three-year battle with colon cancer. His family confirmed the news Friday, sharing a statement to his socials. “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio,” the statement began. “Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”News of Clark Kent’s death comes days after The Source cited a family member as reporting he’d passed away from an undisclosed illness. Questlove, Angie Martinez and Pete Rock were among the ones to debunk the rumors.DJ Clark Kent was rapper Dana Dane’s DJ in the late ’80s. He produced Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem” and Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” as well as tracks for Lil’ Kim, The Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Slick Rick and Rakim. Clark introduced Biggie to Jay-Z and was credited for introducing Hov to Damon Dash, leading to Roc-A-Fella Records. He was previously an A&R at Atlantic Records and was also known for being a sneaker enthusiast. He collaborated with Adidas, New Balance and Nike.A documentary on Clark’s life was said to be in the works, titled God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent. Angie Martinez was tapped as director, marking her directorial debut.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Melanie Fiona makes musical return with ‘Say Yes’ and ‘I Choose You’
2024 LoveLinc Music Inc.It’s been over 12 years since Melanie Fiona released her last album, The MF Life. Now back with two new singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You,” Melanie says she was simply experiencing life.”I have to give myself space to grow and outgrow, to win, to lose, to be high, to be low,” she tells ABC Audio. “I had to really focus on mental health … [and] take a step back from the spotlight … to protect my peace, to find my way to gain better grounding, spirituality, connection, to self-fortify relationships, build a life and not just a living.”With her purpose these last few years being family-driven, Melanie says she had to allow herself to be “selfish” and return to music because it, too, is part of her purpose. Everything then took place organically, leading to her new songs.”Say Yes” was co-written with SiR, with contributions from Thundercat, Charlie Bereal and Chris Dave. It was created while reflecting on the feeling of embarking on her relationship with her husband.“It was this very sacred space of we’re both scared to love someone again, but in order to get to this life that could be ours, we have to be willing to say yes,” she says of the song, which was recorded live in a session she’ll remember “as one of my top creative moments of my life and career.”“I Choose You” has an R&B reggae vibe, a nod to Melanie’s Caribbean heritage and love for R&B. “I wanted to make something that would be reflective for people at their weddings,” she says.Both songs, which Melanie hopes “act as affirmations for people,” are previews to her upcoming EP, Say Yes. “Say yes to yourself. Say yes to your dream. … Say yes to the life that’s waiting for you that you deserve,” Melanie says. Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
New Music Friday: Megan Thee Stallion, Summer Walker and more
Megan Thee Stallion has released the sequel to her album Megan, complete with features from Spiritbox, Twice and Flo Milli, and accompanied by a brand new video for “Bigger In Texas.” The video, which Meg directed with Julian Klincewicz, pays homage to Meg’s hometown of Houston, with cameos from hometown legends Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Sauce Walka and more.Summer Walker is Finally Over It, but before she tells her story on her new album, she’s giving us a preview. Her new song “Heart of a Woman” has dropped alongside a lyric video featuring Love Island season 6 winners Serena Page and Kordell Beckham as they go through some ups and downs in their relationship.Wiz Khalifa has a new song out called “Hide It” featuring “Back Up” collaborator Don Toliver, released with an accompanying visualizer. The song will appear on his upcoming album, Kush + Orange Juice 2.Sexyy Red’s love for Gucci Mane has led to a collab between the two. She samples his song hit “I Think I Love Her” on her new track “You Don’t Love Me.”If you’re a fan of GloRilla’s Glorious, she’s released a bonus track for the album. “Heard ya’ll been asking for this one!!” she wrote on Instagram. “Never Find” featuring K. Carbon is out now on streaming services.G Herbo has released a deluxe edition of his Big Swerv album. Big Swerv 2 features guests Chris Brown, Meek Mill and Lil Durk. Other releases:Kid Cudi, “The Moon Man Survives”The Weeknd, “The Weeknd’s Dark Secret”Polo G, “S.I.P”The Alchemist feat. Freddie Gibbs & ScHoolboy Q, “Ferraris in the Rain Part 2”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
DMX posthumous album to be released, featuring some of his prayers
Def Jam/ UMe DMX’s spiritual side will be on full display in an upcoming posthumous album titled Let Us Pray: Chapter X. Scheduled to drop on Dec. 13, it will feature the rapper’s prayers soundtracked by the beats of songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell. Warryn also tapped stars from different genres for the album, including Snoop Dogg, Mary Mary, Killer Mike, MC Lyte and LeCrae.“Working on Let Us Pray: Chapter X has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me as a creative. When you hear the voice of DMX, it inspires instant creativity and what better way to showcase who X really was than through prayer,” Warryn said in a statement. “I believe I can speak for MC Lyte, Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, LeCrae, Mary Mary, Lena Byrd Miles, and Terrace Martin when I say it was an honor and privilege to be part of this amazing work.”Let Us Pray: Chapter X is now available for preorder. Its lead single, “Favor,” has dropped, featuring Killer Mike, Mary Mary and RoyzNoyz Orchestra.The full track list can be found below:”Favor” [feat. Killer Mike, Mary Mary & RoyzNoyz Orchestra]”Bear With Me” [feat. LeCrae]”One Life To Do It” [feat. MC Lyte & RoyzNoyz Orchestra]”Until I’m Gone” [feat. Snoop Dogg, Terrace Martin & Lena Byrd Miles]”Favor” (Instrumental)”Bear With Me” (Instrumental)”One Life To Do It” (Instrumental)”Until I’m Gone” (Instrumental)Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Rapper Lil Durk arrested in murder-for-hire plot
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty ImagesLil Durk — born Durk Devontay Banks — has been arrested in South Florida in a murder-for-hire plot, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.He is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service, records show.The Chicago rapper, 32, won a Grammy earlier this year for best melodic rap performance; his albums The Voice, released in 2020, and 7220, released in 2022, both went Platinum. His next album was scheduled to be released in November.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jennifer Hudson says ‘The Gift of Love’ is like “a Christmas tree full of different songs”
Interscope RecordsHalloween’s just days away, but Jennifer Hudson’s getting folks into the Christmas season. It’s been a week since she released her first holiday album, The Gift of Love, an album she says includes many different flavors.”It’s a very diverse album and within it I look at it as a Christmas tree full of different songs and whatever song you love on there is your Christmas gift from me to you,” she told press at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. “I hope you guys pick it up and choose the song. I can’t wait to figure out which gift you get.”While she personally loves “each and every” song on the album, Jennifer, who calls herself the Princess of Christmas, shares she holds two songs in a “special place.” “‘O Holy Night’ is my favorite holiday song, and ‘Hallelujah’ is the reason why I made the entire holiday album,” she said. “So those are the dear to my heart.”Jennifer’s goal with The Gift of Love is to “add to everyone’s holiday traditions, bringing in my family tradition into it as well.”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Mariah Carey releases Christmas Time tour playlist on Apple Music
NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesIt’s almost tiiiime.Mariah Carey is preparing for her annual Christmas Time tour with a new exclusive Apple Music set list playlist.The Christmas Time tour set list playlist includes 20 songs, complete with all of her holiday classics and several of her popular non-festive hits.”Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Joy to the World” and “Sleigh Ride” are just a few of the holiday songs featured, along with hits like “Always Be My Baby,” “It’s Like That” and “Fantasy.” It all ends with her seminal yuletide classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”Mariah told Apple Music in an essay accompanying the playlist that the concert’s atmosphere will be “festive, celebratory, joyous, happy, jolly, jovial,” along with added moments of reflection. “There will also be poignant moments, because there’s a variety of moods in my songs and at the holidays,” Mariah said.The 20-date tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Merry Christmas starts on Nov. 6 in Highland, California.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Mario announces first solo album in six years, ‘Glad You Came’
New Citizen/Epic RecordsIt’s been six years since Mario released Dancing Shadows, but he’s finally ready to drop another album. Glad You Came, executive produced by James Fauntleroy, is set for a Dec. 13 release.“‘Glad You Came’ is an offering, not only an offering to my fans who have been very loyal and patient but to myself and the young 15 year old Mario who always vowed to stay true to what felt authentic,” Mario says in a press release.A trailer for the album shows him as he picks up an old-school dial phone and calls a woman with whom he’s seemingly had relations. When the woman, in the comfort of her bathtub, answers the phone, Mario plays a snippet of a song, before saying, “Glad You Came.” The clip ends with her dropping the phone to the floor.The phone in the video also makes an appearance in the trailer for Glad You Came, which finds Mario holding the base, with the handset cord around his neck. The album is now available for preorder.“My successes and failures in the department of love and my imagination are what helped me to create this body of work,” Mario adds to Billboard. “I had the pleasure of creating alongside James Fauntleroy, who executive-produced this project and wrote multiple songs with me. We have the same mission in our hearts of helping to preserve the art form.”“Being able to create new textures and ways to invite intimacy and imagination back into R&B, Glad You Came embodies the very essence of the quality of classic R&B and retro-futuristic sound that can be played in any space,” he continues. “There’s a level of vulnerability and confidence that permeates this serving.”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Watch trailer for SZA’s acting debut, ‘One of Them Days,’ with Keke Palmer
Photo by: Rosalind OConnor/NBC via Getty ImagesSZA and Keke Palmer are best friends and roommates in the trailer for their buddy comedy, One of Them Days, arriving in theaters Jan. 24.The film captures them as their respective characters Dreux and Alyssa as they go to extremes to make back the rent money Alyssa’s boyfriend has spent and avoid getting evicted. Some of the ways, as shown in their trailer, include donating blood and applying for a loan with their very low credit scores.A production from Issa Rae, Palmer and their respective production companies, Hoorae and Big Boss, One of Them Days marks SZA’s acting debut and the first feature directorial for Lawrence Lamont, according to Variety. Syreeta Singleton wrote the script, with Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Katt Williams, Gabrielle Dennis, DomiNque Perry and more appearing as co-stars. Other producers include Singleton, Deniese Davis for ColorCreative, Charles D. King for Macro Film Studios, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks, Hoorae’s Sara Diya Rastogi and Palmer’s mother, Sharon.The idea for the film came from Sony Pictures and Color Creatives CoCre lab for up-and-coming screenwriters, Variety reports. Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Lil Uzi Vert shares cover art, video trailer to ‘Eternal Atake 2’
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for CoachellaLil Uzi Vert’s sequel to Eternal Atake appears to be on the horizon. Taking to Instagram Wednesday, the rapper shared the cover art, featuring a group of purple women with glowing eyes, alongside an accompanying video trailer.In the clip, it’s reported that Lil Uzi mysteriously vanished on March 6, 2020, with the cause believed to be “the fulfillment of a long awaited prophecy.” We then see a UFO make its way to a space station, where the purple women use technology to clear Uzi’s memory. Following the procedure, Uzi’s eyes pop open as they suddenly awake from a nap. The words “Eternal Atake 2 coming soon” then appear on the screen, bringing the clip to an end.Lil Uzi’s cover art reveal comes hours after the release of what appears to be EA2’s lead single, “Uzi the Earthling! (TV Show Theme).” The 30-second video, as its name implies, seems to take inspiration from throwback TV theme songs, with a woman joining the rapper on the song.“Here’s the story of a guy named Uzi/ Who’s known for his diamonds and his style/ From the streets to the stage, boy is busy,” she sings. “Making music that’ll make you smile/ Little Uzi Vert, he’s the one to see/ Bringing joy to you and me/ Little Uzi Vert, he’s the one to see.”The original Eternal Atake came out March 6, 2020, the date Lil Uzi apparently went missing. Apple Music has the EA2 release date set for Nov. 1.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Beyoncé to join Kamala Harris at rally in Houston: Sources
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for GlamourBeyoncé is set to appear in her hometown with Vice President Kamala Harris during a planned rally in Houston, Texas, on Friday, according to two sources with Harris’ presidential campaign.The musician was thought to be on the program for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, but despite the speculation she did not perform. Friday’s event is slated to be focused on reproductive health care. Beyoncé has spoken publicly about her own fertility journey.Beyoncé previously endorsed the Joe Biden-Harris ticket in 2020. Her song “Freedom” soundtracked Harris’ campaign ad and played as the VP walked out for her first public appearance as a presidential candidate.If Bey does indeed show up to the rally, she’ll be the latest musician to endorse Harris and Gov. Tim Walz onstage. Eminem previously made an appearance at a Detroit rally to support their campaign. There, he introduced former President Barack Obama to the stage.Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ICYMI: Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ update, GloRilla’s pregnancy post and more
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, released the cover art for his upcoming album, Bully. Photographed in black and white by Daidō Moriyama, the image captures a smiling face and squinting eyes. The person is seemingly wearing a pair of custom grills Ye debuted back in January. The release date for Bully has not yet been disclosed.Megan Thee Stallion’s been catching up on Sex and the City, and she’s mad she was never told to watch it. “Nobody told me Sex and the City was this good. I’m pissed,” she said on The Tonight Show. “Nobody said, ‘Megan, you should be watching Sex and the City. Girl, this … for the culture. You know, watch it.’” After coming across photos of Sarah Jessica Parker “looking pretty as f***,” she started watching the show and just can’t seem to stop. “I’m watching it while I’m working out. I’m watching it while I’m in glam. I’m watching it when I don’t have nothing else to do and I’m a busy girl,” she said.Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia album is already breaking industry standards with its release on a Monday, but now he’s announced it won’t be dropping at midnight. Instead, it will release at 6 a.m. ET.Just days after telling Charlamagne Tha God she didn’t want to carry her own baby, GloRilla posted a photo of herself smiling while showing off a pregnant belly. Given her recent promo run, fans and peers, including Latto and Muni Long, are taking it as a joke. “Gloria gone on,” Latto commented. Muni Long wrote, “You play!”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Janelle Monáe credits her mom for her love of horror, Halloween
Pul KuruczJanelle Monáe’s love for Halloween is well known, and it’s one that stems from her childhood. Gracing the cover of The Hollywood Reporter, she credits her mother for her love of the holiday, scary movies and the horror genre.”I had the type of mom who wouldn’t let us watch nudity in films, but when it came to horror, psychological thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, she didn’t limit my watching,” Janelle says. “I really thank her because as a kid, it opened my imagination for what I could be and how I saw myself as a creative, as an artist, as a writer.””I knew that I wanted to tell stories, and I naturally gravitated to the things that frightened me,” she continued. “I wanted to explore that feeling of, ‘Why am I scared?’ That has continued to this day. I’ve always gone after things that terrify me to conquer them, in a sense. It’s this constant dance I do with the genre and with Halloween specifically. I love that I get a chance to bounce back and forth between what scares me and what intrigues me.”While she has family members who grew up believing “Halloween is the devil’s holiday,” Janelle shares she has a different view. “Halloween is about creativity, about giving yourself permission to transform into whatever it is your creative mind wants to be,” she shares. “I get to explore the darkest corners of my mind and not hurt anybody.”It’s also the time when Janelle throws her annual Wondaween party. “Our number one rule is safety first, fun next,” she tells THR of her event. “My great friends like Zoë Kravitz, Channing Tatum, Willow, Chloe Bailey all came last year. They can be in full costume and nobody knows who they are.”Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Will Smith releases inspirational song “You Can Make It”
Photo by Borja B. Hojas/WireImageWill Smith may have been in a Bad Boy in his latest movie, but in his new song, he’s a man of hope. “You Can Make It” sees him team with Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir to provide inspirati…
New Music Friday: Burna Boy, Lucky Daye, Offset and more
Megan Thee Stallion is not the only one with new releases this season. Here’s some of the latest and greatest to hit the culture:JT told us she was “Okay,” but Jeezy apparently is too. He appears on the “Okay Remix,” on which the now divorced…
T-Pain shares reaction to fanfare following success: “What’s the big deal?”
Photo by Dana Jacobs/FilmMagicT-Pain is years into his music career, but it seems he’s still not used to fans’ reaction to his fame and stardom. In an interview with GQ, he says he began experiencing fanfare “a little bit before that, kind of…
Blxst announces upcoming album, featuring newly released Anderson .Paak collab
Red Bull Records/EVGLEBlxst has new music on the way, and this time, it’s not an EP. He announced Thursday that he’s readying for the release of his debut album, which will be titled I’ll Always Come Find You. The announcement came via a…
Normani’s “glad the weight is lifted” following the release of her debut album, ‘Dopamine’
Hugo ComteDopamine was released two weeks ago, and coincidentally, Normani is experiencing a sense of joy as a result.“I have gratitude. Like I said, I’m still processing my feelings but more than anything, I’m so glad the weight is lifted,” she s…
Lil Nas X drops “HERE WE GO!” as theme song for ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’
Columbia RecordsLil Nas X’s latest song “HERE WE GO!” is the theme song for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, so feel free to call him Detective Montero.The rapper dropped the energetic and catchy tune — which notably features a sample of Harold Faltermeyer’…
Megan Thee Stallion releases third studio album, ‘MEGAN’
Hot Girl ProductionsMegan Thee Stallion delves into MEGAN the person on her brand-new album, released under Hot Girl Productions. The project boasts 18 tracks, including previously-released songs “Cobra,” “BOA” and “Hiss,” and …
Lil Baby, Usher and Victoria Monét named winners at the 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
Francis Specker/CBSLil Baby, Usher and Victoria Monét have brought home the gold from the 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, which took place Thursday night in LA.Lil Baby received the Songwriter of the Year A…
Music Notes: Common and Pete Rock’s new video, London benefit concert featuring Yasiin Bey and more
— Common and Pete Rock have released “All Kind of Ideas” and its accompanying video. The track is the first new studio record Pete Rock has rapped on in five years. The video captures the two working during a studio session, with the process embo…
Megan Thee Stallion runs into an obstacle ahead of album release
ABC/Chrys DavisMegan Thee Stallion’s album MEGAN comes out on Friday, but just ahead of its release, she was forced to make a change. Taking to Instagram Live Wednesday, she revealed she had to rerecord a song that referenced an anime series to av…
Rihanna says because fans are so loyal, her new music needs to be “timeless”
Kayla Oaddams/WireImageDespite wearing a T-shirt that said “I’m Retired” a few weeks back, Rihanna still has plans for a new album — but she says that because her previous music was so successful, it’s going to have to be extra special.Speaking to Extr…
Roddy Ricch is saving lives in “911” music video
Bird Vision/Atlantic RecordsRoddy Ricch calls 911 in his latest single and video, directed by Spike Jordan.In it, he takes on the role of a man who saves people from danger, including a woman who almost got hit by a train. “Shake my hand, and…
Pop Out event results in increase in streams for Kendrick Lamar and featured artists
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty ImagesKendrick Lamar’s Pop Out event turned out to be more than a Juneteenth celebration. It was also a win for Kendrick and many of the artists who performed onstage. Kendrick earned almost 61 million c…
Childish Gambino confirms upcoming single, says he’s “trying to have fun” with album rollout
Disney/Randy HolmesDonald Glover has been teasing his upcoming Childish Gambino album with the phrase “Bando is coming,” but a note about one of its songs did not actually come from him. Taking to Instagram Live Wednesday, he confirmed the ne…
50 Cent headlining Earn Your Leisure’s Invest Fest
Paramount+50 Cent has a wealth of knowledge in business and music, so he’s sharing some with those attending this year’s Invest Fest, “a first of its kind, in-person experience to combine investing, entrepreneurship, pop culture, and entertainment…
50 Cent headlining Earn Your Leisure’s Invest Fest
Paramount+50 Cent has a wealth of knowledge in business and music, so he’s sharing some with those attending this year’s Invest Fest, “a first of its kind, in-person experience to combine investing, entrepreneurship, pop culture, and entertainment…
Here’s what host Taraji P. Henson is most excited to see at BET Awards 2024
BETThe jam-packed BET Awards 2024 are just days away, but there are two things host Taraji P. Henson is most looking forward to seeing: the live debut of Will Smith’s new song and the presentation of Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award.“It’s g…
Actor Bill Cobbs of ‘The Bodyguard’ and ‘Night at the Museum’ dies at 90
Allen Berezovsky/Getty ImagesActor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in Night at the Museum, The Bodyguard, Air Bud and more, has died, a rep for Cobbs confirmed to Good Morning America. He was 90.”We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs,” his…
Snoop Dogg plans to be “clean as a book” when he takes on commentary duties for the Paris Olympics
Ralph Bavaro/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesThe Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be underway in one month, and Snoop Dogg is ready to take on his role as a correspondent for NBC Sports. Speaking to Time, he says watching the Olympics was something he began …
JT addresses public spat with Yung Miami, announces “Okay (Remix)”
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty ImagesJT’s addressing the public exchange she and fellow City Girl Yung Miami had two months ago, chalking the conflict up to “ego.”“When you get to the point of ego … it gets there. You forget to express yourself in a p…
Megan Thee Stallion to kick off BET Awards 2024
BETWhen the BET Awards 2024 start on Sunday, fans will be gifted to an opening performance by Megan Thee Stallion. BET announced the news Wednesday via its Instagram.”Our favorite HOTTIE is back! MEGAN THEE STALLION WILL BE OPENING UP CULTURES BIGGEST …
‘Black Panther’ star Letitia Wright teases more Shuri in upcoming Marvel films
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The RoyalLetitia Wright is ready to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.The actress, who starred as Shuri in Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, teased a return to the character while g…
Flo Milli graces NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’
Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty ImagesIt’s Flo Milli’s turn to shine on NPR’s Tiny Desk.The rapper recently appeared on the program, tapped as part of its Black Music Month celebration. She took the stage with her background singers, the Floettes,…
ICYMI: YG unveils Just Re’d Up artwork, LeBron James and Lil Wayne appear in Beats Pill commercial
— YG unveiled the artwork for Just Re’d Up 3, which he announced will come out on Aug. 16. It pays homage to previous Just Re’d Up projects while displaying the juxtaposition of his old and new life. Like previous albums, YG poses in front of a white …
Lil Jon’s music to soundtrack a few Peloton classes
ABC/MICHAEL LE BRECHT Lil Jon is all about promoting wellness of the mind, body and soul. The producer, whose love for meditation is well known, will be bringing his music to six of Peloton’s classes, including cycling, strength and meditation. He’s al…
Mya, Jadakiss and Jeremih added to ‘Essence’ Festival lineup
Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty ImagesThe star-studded Essence Festival has expanded with a few more additions to the lineup. Set to perform at AT&T’s Dream in Black connected stage are Mya, Jadakiss and Jeremih.“I’m looking…
Lil Nas X says new single for ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ is “the best song of all time”
The Tyler Twins/NetflixFriday sees the release of “Here We Go!,” the song Lil Nas X recorded for the upcoming Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. And according to Nas, it’s pretty great. In fact, he thinks no other song has ever been better.”s…
Kevin Hart addresses being tired in viral clip featuring Usher and Latto
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty ImagesKevin Hart is adding more context to a clip that was previously shared on social media. In it, he’s at a club with Latto and Usher, but he appears to be tired. “That moment was a real moment. Both of them…
Anderson .Paak announces tour supporting 2016 album, ‘Malibu’
Courtesy of Live Nation Anderson .Paak is bringing a taste of Malibu to the rest of the U.S., and we’re not talking about the city. He’s set to embark on a 14-date tour in the fall that will support his second studio album, released back in 2016. Fans …
Music Notes: A Boogie’s first Diamond song, Toni Braxton extends tour and more
— A Boogie wit Da Hoodie has earned his first-ever Diamond certification with “Drowning” featuring Kodak Black, which has successfully sold 10 million copies. He was presented with a plaque during his sold-out hometown show at New York’s Madison …
Megan Thee Stallion releases “It’s Prime Day” in partnership with Amazon
ABC/Chrys DavisWith its annual Prime Day approaching, Amazon has tapped Megan Thee Stallion to help promote the two-day event. On Tuesday, the rapper released a song titled “It’s Prime Day.”“I’m Tina Snow, and I shop all the time/ I can be wh…
André 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun’ tour is on the way
Courtesy of Epic RecordsAndré 3000 is taking his debut solo album on the road. He’s announced a tour in support of the instrumental album, New Blue Sun, described as “a celebratory piece of work in the form of a living, breathing, improvised…
Sexyy Red announces Sexyy Red 4 President! tour
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty ImagesSexyy Red wants you to vote for her at the polls, so she’s headed on tour to start her campaign. She shared the dates and locations for her Sexyy Red 4 President! trek Tuesday, revealing the&n…
Common song mixed into Janet Jackson’s tour set
Photo by Scott Legato/Getty ImagesJanet Jackson is on tour, and she’s been featuring songs from other artists in mixes with her own. After recently incorporating Tinashe’s new hit “Nasty” into her set, a recent show captured her dancing …
GloRilla releases “TGIF” music video
CMG/Interscope RecordsThe video for GloRilla’s “TGIF” has arrived just days after the single dropped. Directed by Jerry Morka and Diesel, it sees Glo riding on an ATV, dancing on a tour bus and having a ball with her friends on the beach…
I Wanna Gamble with Somebody: Whitney Houston slot machines coming to a casino near you
Courtesy IGTWhitney Houston fans will want to be saving all their coins for this: a new Whitney-themed slot machine is hitting casino floors nationwide.Whitney Houston Slots, created with the cooperation of Whitney’s estate, features the late supe…
Camp Flog Gnaw’s 10th installment announced
Courtesy Camp Flog Gnaw/Goldenvoice Tyler, The Creator may have canceled some of his headlining sets, but his Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival will proceed as planned. The LA-based music festival, a collaboration with Goldenvoice, will make a return in Nov…
Music Notes: ‘XXL’ Freshman Class of 2024 + Gunna’s new music video
It’s that time again: XXL has announced the Freshman Class of 2024, its list of “rising rappers” who “are out here bodying the competition.” Making it to the latest class are Skilla Baby, Cash Cobain, Maiya the Don, 4batz, Hunxho, ScarLip, Lay Ban…
Fantasia, Busta Rhymes and more named as part of Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025
ABC/John ArguetaThe Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025 has been announced and includes Fantasia, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes and Prince, who will be honored in the category of Recording.In the Motion Pictures category are classmates Ni…
Teyana Taylor to receive Innovator of the Year Award at Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch
Disney/Randy HolmeTeyana Taylor will be an honoree at the eighth annual Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch, taking place Friday.She’ll receive the Innovator of the Year Award for “her profound influence on music, fashion, film…
Saweetie checks on fans following fight at recent concert
Phillip Faraone/VF24/Getty Images for Vanity FairSaweetie’s set was cut short at Sunday’s Vegandale in Chicago following an alleged fight in the crowd.In a clip that surfaced on social media, she asked the DJ to stop the music and addressed t…
Cardi B asks fans if they want her to drop a Spanish album
ABC/Randy HolmesSpanish album or not? That is the question Cardi B asked fans on Sunday night when trying to gauge their interest in the project.While singing her verse to “Put Em in the Fridge” with Peso Pluma, Cardi posted a poll asking fans whe…
Celebration continues for Ms. Lauryn Hill’s ‘Miseducation’
Courtesy of Live Nation Ms. Lauryn Hill is heading back on the road to keep the Miseducation parties going. She’s teamed with the Fugees for a co-headlining tour commemorating her one and only solo album, The Miseducation of Ms. Lauryn Hill. The t…
ICYMI: Kendrick Lamar shoots “Not Like Us” video, Cardi B accepts Hollywood Unlocked Impact award and more
Kendrick Lamar took to the streets of Compton to film the “Not Like Us” music video. Footage surfaced of him performing the song in front of a large crowd that had awaited his arrival. The clips, some of which also featured the song’s producer, DJ…
Will Smith to perform at BET Awards 2024
BETCulture’s Biggest Night has just gotten a little bigger. Added to the lineup of the BET Awards 2024 is Grammy-winning actor and recording artist Will Smith. He’ll be taking the stage to debut a brand-new song.”From his start as a rapper to The Fresh…
Chlöe says upcoming album, ‘Trouble in Paradise,’ is a “coming-of-age celebration of being a woman”
Danielle Levitt for NYLONChlöe’s sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise, is on the horizon. Speaking with Nylon, she revealed she turned it in to her label just a few weeks ago.Ironically, most of the album was recorded in her place of refuge, where she …
Music Notes: Travis Scott’s mugshot merch, Don’t Be Dumb release date and more
Travis Scott is making light of his recent arrest for intoxication and trespassing, all while being charitable. Now being sold on his website are $35 T-shirts with a picture of his mugshot over the words “It’s Miami,” which is what he told police …
New Music Friday: Kehlani, Ice Spice, GloRilla and more
Cheers to another New Music Friday! Here’s some of the latest to hit the culture:Kehlani’s Crash is out now, featuring 13 tracks she thought would be great to tour. “A crash, in any form, is the peak height of the moment,” she says of her new…
Saweetie says her food concoctions are inspired by her father
Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for The AbbeyIf there are two things Saweetie is known for outside of her music and beauty, it’s her food concoctions and business acumen. Both are displayed in her latest venture, a partnership with The Boil…
With ‘Speak Now,’ Moneybagg Yo says he’s letting fans know “I really do this”
CMG/N-Less/Interscope RecordsWhen Moneybagg Yo was working on his Speak Now album, his goal was to “deliver a body of work for my day-one fanbase who been rocking with me since Federal 3x.”The album features melodic tunes like “Drunk Off U” w…
Monica talks teaming with Ariana Grande and Brandy on “The Boy Is Mine (Remix)”
Courtesy of Republic RecordsThere are some songs that are best untouched, and Monica once thought “The Boy Is Mine” was one of them. That is, until she heard the remix Ariana Grande and producer Max Martin had put together.”I’ve always said that the so…
The Game clarifies his stance on Kendrick Lamar/Drake feud after fans noticed his absence at Pop Out event
Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty ImagesKendrick Lamar’s Pop Out event on Juneteenth was a star-studded one filled with natives from the city of LA. Though it seemed like everyone was in attendance, fans took notice of the absence of The Game; he’s sin…
Ty Dolla $ign on why he worked with Ye on Vultures: He’s “the best artist of this generation”
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty ImagesCancel culture can’t and won’t dictate who Ty Dolla $ign supports, according to his recent interview with Billboard. In it, he spoke of his decision to work on Vultures 1 with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, despit…
Music notes: Clipse debuts new song, VP Kamala Harris shows Quavo some love and more
Clipse, the rap duo featuring Pusha T and his brother No Malice, is cooking up some new music. For the second year in a row, the group debuted a new song during Paris Fashion Week’s Louis Vuitton show. This one kicks off with piano keys, followed …
Missy Elliott explains break from music, says she’s “super excited” about upcoming tour
Derek Blanks with crowdMGMTMissy Elliott is Out of this World, and she’s planning to show fans how with the Missy Elliott Experience. Her Out of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience is getting its start on Independence Day, marking her f…
“Not Like Us” producer Mustard talks success of song: “Never had a record with this kind of impact”
Photo by David Crotty/Getty ImagesKendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was created to be a Drake diss, but it appears to have also become a party-starter in the Black community. In an interview with XXL, Mustard says he first heard the track alongs…
Eleven songs off Tems’ ‘Born in the Wild’ debut on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart
RCA/Since 93With an album named Born in the Wild, it’s no surprise Tems’ debut is going wild on the charts.Billboard reports the project sold 16,000 equivalent units in the U.S. for the week of June 7-14, according to Luminate, making its debut as the …