Urban

Beyoncé helps couple with gender reveal during Cowboy Carter tour

Beyoncé helps couple with gender reveal during Cowboy Carter tour

Parkwood EntertainmentBeyoncé has announced a cowboy will be soon joining the ranch. While reading fans’ signs during her Cowboy Carter Tour stop at MetLife Stadium Wednesday, she read aloud a specific request asking that she help with a gender reveal.“First born, Carter,” she said, reading the sign. “Gender reveal. Right now? I’ll be back.” Bey then exited the stage, did an outfit change and returned to announce whether the couple was expecting a boy or a girl.“I’mma take my time,” said Beyoncé as she took the envelope from the couple. She opened it and faced it toward the crowd to reveal the word “COWBOY.”“It’s a boy! God bless you. Congratulations,” Bey said. “Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it.”The Cowboy Carter Tour’s fourth night at the MetLife Stadium saw Bey entertain fans in the pouring rain, which Bey’s mother, Tina Knowles, praised in an Instagram post.”The show must always go on and even in the pouring down rain. True professional, flying, and all in the pouring down rain never missed a note sounded like it was sunshine!!” she wrote alongside a clip of Bey performing. “I prayed all during hers and Blue [Ivy]’s dance break because the floor was wetttt!”Tina also mentioned the gender reveal, writing, “Wow!!!! Who takes the time and does a gender reveal when they are wet and cold? I was like Girlllllll you gonna get sick.”Bey’s next and final stop at MetLife Stadium is on Thursday.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
ICYMI: Metro Boomin, Megan Thee Stallion and more

ICYMI: Metro Boomin, Megan Thee Stallion and more

Metro Boomin has produced songs, his own albums and a soundtrack for the film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, but his goal to create some music for the WWE. In a post shared on social platform X Wednesday, he wrote,  “Would love to produce some WWE entrance themes. It’s a lifelong goal of mine.”Megan Thee Stallion will display her Hot Girl Summer swimwear brand Thursday at PARAISO Miami Swim Week, The Source reports. It’s the first fashion and runway show for the brand, which launched its first collection earlier in May. The show comes a day after Megan received the Cultural Icon Award at the inaugural Swimwear Icons Honors Night at the Bass Museum. With Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour on the horizon, they’ve announced their Forever Time Capsule, a way to preserve their history for future generations. “From the basements of Staten Island, we created something timeless. And now we invite you to be part of that inspiration,” RZA says. “In every city, we will be putting something new inside this time capsule. Something from your city to connect with all the Wu cities and Wu fans around the world. This Wu-Tang Forever Time Capsule will only be seen in the Shaolin Temple VIP. We invite you to be part of this legacy.”After returning with lead single “Twenties” and releasing “Rather Be,” GIVĒON has announced his sophomore album, Beloved. “i spent over a thousand days crafting this for you and for myself. excited for you to see my growth not only as an artist but also as a man,” he wrote in an Instagram post, which also showed fans the album’s cover art. “i’ll never take your patience for granted. see you soon.” Beloved will arrive on July 11.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Ledisi hopes to make everyone ‘feel good about life’ on Love You Too Tour

Ledisi hopes to make everyone ‘feel good about life’ on Love You Too Tour

Listen Back Entertainment, LLCLedisi’s Love You Too Tour with Marsha Ambrosius is a plan finally coming to fruition. Ledisi tells ABC Audio she’s long desired to hit the road with her friend and decided to make it happen following the release of her latest album, The Crown.”I did it professionally and asked my management to ask her if she wants to go on tour with me, and she said yes, so I’m very excited to have her,” Ledisi says. “It’s gonna be fun, and she can sing, man.”The Love You Too Tour kicked off on Saturday in support of The Crown, which features “BLKWMN” and “Love You Too,” two songs she’s eager to perform onstage.”I’m just excited to go on tour again with this project and then sing some of my other records, but it’s just being able to sing live in this climate,” Ledisi shares. “I hope it makes everyone feel better, feel good about life and living and making it work the best way we can.”While she doesn’t necessarily have preshow rituals, Ledisi says there are some must-bring wellness items that she carries with her as she travels from city to city, like her massager and a yoga mat.”It gets crazy meeting people all the time and then getting onstage and then getting from bus to bus and state to state. So I’m always thinking about things that make me feel better to calm me,” she says. She also uses the time before her performances to prepare and write out the ways in which her shows can improve.”I’m so particular about the show. I put my heart and soul in that,” she says. The next stop on the Love You Too Tour is Friday in Oxon Hill, Maryland.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Music Notes: Jaheim, Victoria Monét and more

Music Notes: Jaheim, Victoria Monét and more

R&B singer Jaheim was arrested on May 1 and is facing six counts of animal cruelty, WSB-TV reports. Court docs revealed he owns four pit bull terriers, a French bulldog and Hound mix-breed, who allegedly are lacking water, ventilation and sanitary conditions. He was released from Atlanta’s Fulton County Jail on May 2.Victoria Monét has confirmed past speculation that she and Stormzy had dated, after they were seen kissing at London’s Heathrow Airport in 2024. While a guest on Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, she said, “He’s a really special guy. I have so much respect for him, and I got to learn more about him by dating him.” She added the photo of them kissing was taken the first time they were “really hanging out hard in his city” and went viral “before we’re even starting.” Though things didn’t work out, Victoria says there is “no bad blood” between them.After sharing a photo of themselves on Instagram, Clipse previewed their Let God Sort Em Out album, sharing sharing a snippet of an upcoming song. “Ace Trumpets,” produced by fellow Virginian Pharrell Williams, is set to arrive on Friday. The snippet and a photo of the duo are the only posts on their Instagram account.Michelle Williams is sharing the lyrics to her verse on Destiny Child’s “Cater to You.” “Y’all have been butchering the lyrics of my bridge in Cater To You for years and I’m sick of it!” she wrote on Threads. The correct lyrics can be found on her Threads account.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Kendrick Lamar leads ‘Billboard”s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs charts

Kendrick Lamar leads ‘Billboard”s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs charts

Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty ImagesKendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” may no longer top the Hot 100, but the song still leads Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a 22nd week.The GNX cut garnered 16.7 million official U.S. streams and 2,000 sales downloads, according to Luminate, tying with K. Dot’s song “Not Like Us.”SZA is now back to having a song with the most weeks at #1, after “Kill Bill” previously topped the chart for 21 weeks in 2022 and 2023.”Luther” also appears on the Hot Rap Songs chart, where it dominates for a 22nd week, following close behind K. Dot’s 26-week record for “Not Like Us.””Luther” led the Hot 100 for 13 weeks before Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want” featuring Tate McRae kicked it out of the #1 spot.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Former Cassie Ventura stylist testifies in Sean Combs’ trial about helping her hide from Combs

Former Cassie Ventura stylist testifies in Sean Combs’ trial about helping her hide from Combs

Photo by MEGA/GC ImagesThis story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.(NOTE LANGUAGE) Cassie Ventura’s friend and former stylist Deonte Nash resumed his testimony Wednesday at Sean Combs’ sex trafficking trial. He testified that Ventura once thought about climbing over a balcony to escape Combs.Nash testified that the Ventura escape attempt occurred after he allegedly saw Combs get violent with Ventura and threaten to release videos of her having sex during a “freak-off.” Nash told the court he had pushed Ventura to catch a cab so that she could hide from Combs in a hotel.Nash testified that Combs showed up at his house with a bodyguard and another employee “and he was like, ‘Where the f*** is she?’ He started looking all around my house. He looked in the closets. He looked in the oven. I have no idea why he looked in the oven.”Nash testified that when Combs learned Ventura was staying in a hotel, which Nash told the court was the Le Montrose in Beverly Hills, Combs allegedly took Nash to the hotel with him and told Nash to get Ventura to come down. Nash told the court Ventura “was frightened” after he told her “that Puff was downstairs looking for her.”Nash told the jury Ventura said “Oh no” and then “went to the balcony and said she was going to go over the balcony.”Instead, Nash testified, he sneaked her out of a side door.Nash remains a friend to Ventura, according to his testimony during cross-examination. He told the court that he helped her pick a wedding dress and also talked to her about what she would wear while testifying during the current trial.Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson questioned Nash about his recollection of seeing a bloodied gash over Ventura’s eyebrow after she allegedly hit her head on a bed frame after what Nash testified was an attack by Combs.“That startled you, correct?” Donaldson asked.“Absolutely,” Nash testified.“You still had interactions with Mr. Combs?” Donaldson asked.“Yes,” Nash told the court in response.“So, after the violence by Mr. Combs you invited him and Cassie to come with you to a Halloween show, correct?” Donaldson asked.“Yes,” Nash again testified.Court has adjourned for the day, and Nash’s cross-examination will resume Thursday.Following Nash’s testimony, the next witness the prosecution is expected to call will be a woman testifying under the pseudonym “Mia,” whose testimony prosecutors have said they expect to take the remainder of the week.Tune in to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy and follow ABC News’ live blog for real-time updates on the trial.If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Drake has most Diamond certifications of any artist in RIAA history

Drake has most Diamond certifications of any artist in RIAA history

Ethan Miller/Getty Images via ABCDrake can not only afford diamonds, he earns them, too. The rapper has made RIAA history by becoming the artist with the most Diamond certifications to date.“Drake has the most RIAA Diamond Certifications of any artist, ever,” the association wrote on Instagram alongside an image displaying all 10 of his Diamond plaques. With the feat, he’s also the first artist to have double-digit Diamond certifications for both singles and albums.Drake’s Diamond club now includes “God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott, “Life Is Good” by Future, “Love Me” by Lil Wayne, “No Guidance” by Chris Brown and its newest entries, “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Officer testifies in Sean Combs’ trial, says car registered to Combs’ company left Kid Cudi’s home after break-in

Officer testifies in Sean Combs’ trial, says car registered to Combs’ company left Kid Cudi’s home after break-in

Photo by MEGA/GC ImagesThis story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.(NOTE LANGUAGE) The Los Angeles police officer who responded to Kid Cudi’s home on Dec. 22, 2011, after the rapper reported a break-in there testified Wednesday that a black SUV he saw leaving the scene was registered to Sean Combs’ company.LAPD Officer Christopher Ignacio testified that he walked through the home with Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, and recorded the incident as trespassing, which he described to the court as “someone entering someone’s property without the owner’s consent.”Ignacio further testified that he ran the license plate from a black Cadillac Escalade SUV seen driving from the house. The jury saw that the resulting report showed the vehicle’s registered owner as Bad Boy Productions, Inc., which Combs owned.On cross-examination, Ignacio testified that his report said nothing about kidnapping or a firearm being involved.Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez also took the stand Wednesday, testifying that it did not take him long to conclude that the car fire at Cudi’s residence on Jan. 9, 2012, was caused by a “makeshift firebomb” commonly known as a Molotov cocktail.Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash then testified about the times he heard Combs call girlfriend Cassie Ventura derogatory names.Nash further testified that he heard Combs tell Ventura “that he wouldn’t put her music out, that he would get her parents fired from their jobs, that he would put out sex tapes,” the latter referring to video recordings of “freak-off” sexual encounters addressed in previous testimony.Nash told the jury that Combs required Nash to send to him photos of Ventura in different outfits so he could choose.Nash told the court that he recalled arriving with Ventura at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. “She looked bomb. Her hair was down,” Nash testified, then told the jury that Combs came over and said, “I thought I told you she needs to wear her hair up.”Nash testified Combs angrily grabbed him by his jacket and lifted him up. “I just started asking people at the party for hair pins,” Nash told the court.Nash also testified about going to a gay club with Ventura, Rita Ora and others one night in 2013. The group had returned to Ventura’s apartment, Nash told the court, when Ventura “got a call from Puff” telling her “that she ought to bring her a** to his house.”Nash told the court that Ventura “started to panic” before Combs called back and told Nash that “we were wild and that he thought he told us not to be going out.”Nash testified that Ventura “just packed her stuff and went to his house.”Tune in to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy and follow ABC News’ live blog for real-time updates on the trial.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Bryson Tiller announces first-ever double album

Bryson Tiller announces first-ever double album

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesBryson Tiller has double the music on his upcoming release. He announced on Instagram Tuesday that he has a double album “coming soon” and shared a brief description of what to expect from each side.Solace, Bryson explains, is “somber, vulnerable, my own personal therapy session.” It will find him “saying things I wouldn’t normally say out loud” and is “inspired by the season my life changed 4ever, FALL.”The Vices, on the other hand, will showcase Bryson’s other side, which is more “fun” and “energetic.” That album will bring the “summer vibes” and will be filled with “bars and bars.”Bryson also unveiled the cover art to both sides of his first-ever double album, with the Solace cover art capturing him against autumn-like scenery. The Vices artwork is a black-and-white image of Bryson in a ski mask, with women in lingerie surrounded by cash on the floor. The double album will follow Bryson’s self-titled project, released in 2024. He is now set to hit the road as part of Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl, starting June 8 in England. The tour also features Summer Walker.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Cassie Ventura welcomes 3rd baby with husband Alex Fine

Cassie Ventura welcomes 3rd baby with husband Alex Fine

Paul Morigi/Getty Images for 1/ST, FILECassie Ventura is a mom of three.The singer, actress and model welcomed her third baby with husband Alex Fine, a source close to Ventura told ABC News.No other details were immediately available. The source said Ventura and her husband would post an update in the future.The news of Ventura’s delivery comes two weeks after she testified in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial.The singer, who was in an on-and-off relationship with Combs for more than a decade and alleged that Combs subjected her to abuse, was called on by prosecutors as their first witness in the trial because she was eight months pregnant at the time of her testimony.One of the violent episodes she testified about was a 2016 incident in Los Angeles that jurors watched on a video captured by hotel surveillance at the time. The video was first released by CNN in May 2024.Following the release of the video last year, Ventura took to Instagram and thanked everyone for their “love and support.””The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning,” she began. “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.””This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me,” she said at the end of her post.After the video surfaced, Combs apologized in a video he shared on Instagram. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies sexually assaulting or trafficking anyone.Ventura announced she was expecting baby #3 in February.She shared a series of black-and-white photos with Fine and their two daughters, Frankie Stone Fine and Sunny Cinco Fine, on Instagram.Fine also shared a separate post about the news of their growing family and wrote, “Best gift I could ask for.”Ventura and Fine, a wellness consultant, met at the gym. The duo tied the knot in October 2019, according to Vogue.ABC News’ Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin to receive BET Ultimate Icon Award at BET Awards 2025

Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin to receive BET Ultimate Icon Award at BET Awards 2025

Disney/Randy HolmesMariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin will be honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2025. They’ll be celebrated for their impact on the community, as well as their contributions to music, entertainment and advocacy. Previous recipients include Janet Jackson, Deborah L. Lee and Tyler Perry.The BET Awards 2025 will take place on June 9, marking the 25th anniversary of the annual show. Kevin Hart will serve as host, and Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti and Leon Thomas will take the stage as performers.The show will also include a tribute to BET’s legendary video show 106 & Park, featuring a reunion of former hosts AJ Calloway, Free Marie Wright, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J, as well as performances from Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya and T.I., all former guests of the show.And, of course, there will be the normal distribution of awards for projects released throughout the year. Kendrick Lamar leads with 10 nominations, with other nominees including Doechii, Drake, Future, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, SZA and The Weeknd.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
ICYMI: A$AP Rocky, Aminé and more

ICYMI: A$AP Rocky, Aminé and more

A$AP Rocky’s At. Long. Last. A$AP album has turned 10 years old, prompting him to celebrate with a limited-edition vinyl release. The project is pressed on two white vinyl discs, and the first 1,000 units are numbered. The vinyl release arrives alongside a pair of graphic tees, now available on the official AWGE webstore.Aminé is heading on tour to promote his third solo album, 13 Months of Sunshine. The North American leg begins Sept. 13 with his Best Day Ever Festival; the European leg kicks off Nov. 24. The whole tour comes to an end on Dec. 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday at 9 a.m. local time, following an artist presale that starts Wednesday at 7 a.m. local time. More info on the tour can be found at aminemusic.com. Future and Travis Scott were spotted making music on a luxury yacht in Monte Carlo over Formula 1 weekend. A clip that circulated on social media finds Future rapping into a microphone, with Travis behind the beats as producer. It remains to be seen whether this will turn into an official collaboration. Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Nicki Minaj doesn’t want to rush her next album

Nicki Minaj doesn’t want to rush her next album

Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImageNicki Minaj has been in the studio, but she’s not rushing to record a new album. “I’ve got a bunch of really strong tracks, but I don’t want to rush. I want the record to mean something, both for the fans and for me. I’ll never be one of those people who puts out songs just to put them out. I love music. I respect it,” she explains to Vogue Italia. Nicki has been in the rap game for over two decades and recently topped Billboard’s list of best female rappers of all time.”I’m extremely grateful, it’s something that still amazes me. At the same time, I try not to dwell too much on the charts or the awards. It’s the only way I can keep hustling,” she says.In short, Nicki has reached a point in her career where she “no longer feel[s] the need to prove anything” while still having the hunger that helped make her successful.”I have heard every possible criticism about me and I have thought about giving up many times. Thank goodness I didn’t,” Nicki says. “I hope that my story can be an inspiration, and push children, adults, anyone not to give up.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Capricorn Clark continues testimony in Sean Combs’ trial; prosecutors say case running ahead of schedule

Capricorn Clark continues testimony in Sean Combs’ trial; prosecutors say case running ahead of schedule

Photo by MEGA/GC ImagesThis story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.During a cross-examination that hopped from time period to time period, Capricorn Clark testified that she didn’t know the connection between Sean Combs and the large man she told the court earlier today repeatedly administered lie detector tests to her on suspicion that she stole jewelry loaned to Combs.“You don’t know what relationship he has to Mr. Combs?” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked. Clark responded that she did not know.Clark broke down again on the witness stand while she testified about a working relationship with Combs that she compared to business school for someone like her who did not finish college.“Separate from all this stuff, I did learn a lot from Puff,” Clark testified, her voice quaking. “I worked for him in varying roles over a long period of time.”Agnifilo asked, “He let you know you were talented, hardworking and effective?””True,” Clark responded.Agnifilo introduced a text message that Clark sent to Combs in June 2021 in which she told him “I had the biggest crush on you.” Clark testified that she had no memory of sending the message but conceded that she liked Combs “as a friend.”“You also respected him?” Agnifilo asked.“Yeah,” Clark replied.A month after federal agents raided Combs’ two homes as part of their criminal investigation, Clark floated the idea of returning to work as Combs’ chief of staff, the defense stated.“You wanted to come back and work with Mr. Combs as his chief of staff?” Agnifilo asked.“We discussed it, yes,” Clark replied.“What you said was, ‘You were always able to take care of him,’” Agnifilo said.Clark later broke down in tears and sobs when confronted by several emails she sent to Combs asking for forgiveness and a rekindled friendship, which were shown to the court. Through sniffles, Clark testified that she “felt that I was somewhat of a protector for Puff. That email is me pleading, like, dude, let it go.” Clark told the court that the stakes for her were high because her parents are gone and her son has autism.Agnifilo kept asking Clark why she wanted to work with Combs again.“I wanted my life back, sir,” Clark testified.“You want to work with him again,” Agnifilo said.“I wanted to work in the music industry,” Clark replied.On redirect examination, federal prosecutors suggested that Clark returned to work for Bad Boy Records because Combs allegedly stymied her attempts to work elsewhere in the music industry.“He held all the power as it related to me,” Clark testified through sobs.Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner also sought to reaffirm Clark’s earlier testimony about Combs allegedly carrying a gun from the time he showed up at her apartment to the time they drove to Scott Mescudi’s house.“Was Mr. Combs carrying a gun?” Steiner asked.“Yes,” Clark answered.“And was that gun visible to you?” Steiner asked.“Yes,” Clark replied, further telling the court that she feared at the time that if she did not oblige Combs’ demands, “I would be hurt.”Federal prosecutors said outside of the jury’s presence that their case is running ahead of schedule and could be finished in a total of five weeks, rather than the six weeks they previously said they may require.Tune in to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy and follow ABC News’ live blog for real-time updates on the trial.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Ciara thanks fans for ‘unwavering support over the years’

Ciara thanks fans for ‘unwavering support over the years’

Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty ImagesCiara’s upcoming album will be filled with energy, love and gratitude, she teases in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.“We are giving energy, we are giving love. We are giving gratitude. I want to thank my fans for their unwavering support over the years,” she says. “I technically turned 21 years in album years, because my first album, Goodies, came out 21 years ago and now I’m doing it independently, which is not easy.”She continues, “It is not for the weak, but it’s such an incredible journey and I just want to say thank you to my fans.”Cici will arrive on July 11. Following “five years of labor and love,” Ciara says, “It’s time to get this whole baby out so I’m excited.”When asked how she responds to people, including Megan Thee Stallion, who support and use her samples, she says, “It’s such a blessing when the new generation lifts you up and supports you and gets excited about your music as if it’s all new. It’s such an honor. It’s so sweet. I feel so honored and loved and it’s a good feeling.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Common celebrates 20th anniversary of ‘Be’

Common celebrates 20th anniversary of ‘Be’

Geffen RecordsCommon is reflecting on his album Be in honor of its 20th anniversary. “It’s hard to grasp that it was 20 years ago,” he began on social platform X Friday, expressing his gratitude to Ye, J Dilla and the others who contributed to the album. “Be means so much to me because I have had so many different types of people tell me what it means to them. And there is no greater feeling than to have your music mean something. Thank you GOD you are the greatest.”Common also announced the release of a limited-edition two-LP vinyl on translucent yellow marble blend, which includes the original track list and the instrumentals, and a deluxe version of the album comprising the original songs, instrumentals and five bonus cuts. The first 750 copies of the vinyl include a signed print of the album cover.Released in 2005, Be featured songs like “Testify,” “The Corner” and “Go.” It was nominated at the 48th annual Grammy Awards for best rap album, best rap performance by a duo or group for “The Corner ” featuring The Last Poets, best rap/sung collaboration for “They Say” featuring Ye and John Legend, and best rap solo performance for “Testify.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Sean Combs’ ex-assistant testifies he threatened ‘to kill’ Kid Cudi

Sean Combs’ ex-assistant testifies he threatened ‘to kill’ Kid Cudi

Photo by MEGA/GC ImagesThis story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.The third week of testimony in the Sean Combs sex trafficking trial began Tuesday with testimony from his former assistant Capricorn Clark. She testified about the time she was working as the creative director for Cassie Ventura, who was seeing Scott Mescudi aka rapper Kid Cudi, and brought her to Best Buy to purchase a burner phone to communicate with him.Clark told the court that on the morning of Dec. 22, 2011, she “heard a loud banging” at her door sometime between 5:30 and 6 a.m. and saw “a very upset Puff.”Clark testified that she opened the door and Combs had a gun in his hand.“Did he enter your apartment holding a gun?” prosecutor Mitzi Steiner asked.“Yes,” Clark replied. “He said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ I said, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He said, ‘Who is Scott?’ I said, ‘I don’t know Scott.’ He said, ‘Kid Cudi,’” Clark testified.“He said, ‘Get dressed we’re going to go kill'” Mescudi, Clark told the court.Clark testified that when she protested, Combs allegedly told her, “I don’t give a f*** what you want to do, go get dressed.”Clark testified that she was made to get into a Cadillac Escalade with Combs and a bodyguard named Ruben, and the three of them allegedly drove to Cudi’s house. Combs and Ruben allegedly went inside the home while Clark waited in the car, according to her testimony.“I called Cassie,” Clark further testified, adding that when she was on the phone with Cassie, she heard Mescudi in the background say, “He’s in my house?”Clark testified that she told Cassie, “Cassie, stop him. He’s going to get himself killed,” referring to Mescudi.Clark told the court that Combs ordered her to fetch Cassie. She further testified that she and Ruben were sent to pick up Cassie to allegedly get her to convince Mescudi not to tell police that Combs was involved in the alleged break-in at his house.“If you don’t convince him, I’m going to kill all you m***********,” Clark testified Combs told her.Clark testified that she returned to Combs’ house with Cassie, and he immediately began kicking her. “Each kick she would crouch into more and more a fetal position” until Cassie was all the way to the street, she testified.Asked why she didn’t intervene, Clark responded that Combs allegedly told her that “If I jump in, he was going to f*** me up, too.”Clark rubbed her eyes with a tissue as she testified about calling Regina Ventura, Cassie’s mother, and telling her that Combs was allegedly “beating the s*** out of your daughter. Please help her. I can’t call the police, but you can.”Clark testified that she was first fired by Combs in August 2012 and that she returned in 2016 to work as Cassie’s creative director. She left Combs in 2018, which she added was the last time she communicated with Cassie.Tune in to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy and follow ABC News’ live blog for real-time updates on the trial.If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
Drake announces return of OVO Fest

Drake announces return of OVO Fest

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images via ABCAfter a three-year hiatus, Drake’s OVO Fest is making a comeback. He announced the news on Saturday while surprising fans at a Central Cee show in Toronto.”I’ll see you this summer, by the way,” Drake said from the balcony of the History venue. “OVO Fest will be back this year.”He then told Central Cee, “We’ll need you there for that.” He also performed “Nokia” off $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, his joint album with PartyNextDoor.Drake’s OVO Fest kicked off in 2010 and typically coincides with Toronto’s Caribana festival, which is held on the first weekend of August. The last show took place in 2022, and saw him reunite with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
ICYMI: Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas and more

ICYMI: Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas and more

After becoming the first rapper to sign an endorsement deal with Gatorade, Kendrick Lamar has dropped his first commercial for the brand, which seemingly references his feud with Drake. “Going the distance. Losing. So I know I always win,” he says in the voice-over. The ad is soundtracked by his song “Peekaboo.”In other K. Dot news, Questlove said he was surprised to see Kendrick pay tribute to The Roots in “Squabble Up.” “I was so shocked because the way that people told me — I woke up to 30 K. Dot texts. I thought, ‘Oh no. He just dissed us,'” he told Jennifer Hudson. “I thought it was something else. And they were like, ‘No, he paid tribute to y’all in this video.’” He continues, “It’s an honor, but it’s also a surprise when you see people acknowledging you after all this time.”Leon Thomas released Heels, the deluxe version of his album Mutt. “New sounds. Same soul. The other side of the story,” he wrote of the deluxe, which has nine bonus records. Masego, Wale, Kehlani, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign and more are featured.42 Dugg dropped a music video for the hard-hitting single “We Not Done.” In the clip, he and his team pop bottles, spend money at the club and ride through his native Detroit on ATVs and dirt bikes. The video, which arrived ahead of his performance at a hometown show, is now available to watch on YouTube.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more
At AMAs, Janet Jackson performs on TV for the first time in seven years

At AMAs, Janet Jackson performs on TV for the first time in seven years

Rich Polk for Penske MediaJanet Jackson made a triumphant return to television on Monday, taking the 2025 American Music Awards stage for her first televised performance in seven years as she was recognized for her impact on the music industry.The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer captivated the audience with a dynamic set featuring fan favorites “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You.” Dressed in a white bomber jacket and loose denim, her signature dance moves and energy had many in the crowd on their feet.After the performance, Janet was invited back onstage to receive the AMA’s prestigious Icon Award — an honor celebrating her decades-long career and the “undeniable cultural and global influence” she has had on the music industry.She described her story and that of her family as “truly an American story,” adding, “This could only have happened in America.”Janet also shared her hope to inspire others.”The one thing that I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed,” she said before thanking her entire team.She also made a special point to thank her family, “who have been the biggest supporters,” as well as her fans.”Because of you and God, I’m standing right here,” Janet concluded her speech. “I wanna thank the AMAs for this honor, which I am humbly grateful. And last, but not least, keep God in every part of your life because that’s where he wants to be.”In addition to the Icon Award, Janet’s illustrious career includes five Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards and 11 American Music Awards.The 2025 American Music Awards were hosted by Jennifer Lopez from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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 …

read more

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,…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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 …

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more

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…

read more
Listen Live

We Are You