Rosalind OConnor/NBC via Getty ImagesKeke Palmer is celebrating the release of One of Them Days, which she says took 22 days to film.”Happy release day to @oneofthemdaysmovie!! We filmed this movie in like 22 days which is just not common let me tell you lol,” she wrote on Instagram. “But I’m so proud of the movie and all the amazing women I got to do it with.”She gave a shout-out to director Lawrence Lamont, Issa Rae and her Hoorae Media production company and more, noting “everyone was so amazing and fun to work with.””Everybody embraced my little boy and allowed me to have my mommy time in between the hectic schedule and that was just truly appreciated,” she said.Keke also shared a few words about co-star SZA, who makes her acting debut in the film. “I’m so so proud of you. As honest as you are in your music I’m still not sure people get how much that truly is you, the chaotic yet grounded and spiritual advisor energy,” she wrote. “How you remain so confident while constantly being vulnerable to your ‘flaws’ (flaws is in quotes cause I don’t think you have any!!) but you embrace your humanness even though you so easily see the forest from the trees, it’s like you just here for the vibes and experience lolol. The amazing thing about that is you KNOW and you don’t care what people think while at the same time showing up and giving your best because you do care that you give it your all.””No matter how new all this was to you, you came. You saw. And you CONQUERED,” she continued. “I’m so glad we got to do this together, you’re a remarkable young woman and I love you, my Alyssa.”SZA plays Alyssa, best friend to Keke’s Dreux, in the film.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Urban
The Roots playing six-show Blue Note residency in celebration of 30 years of ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’
DGC RecordsThe Roots are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Do You Want More?!!!??! with a special residency at the legendary Blue Note in New York City. They’ll be performing a total of six shows from March 13 to March 15.“We are doing SIX early Roots era focused shows,” Questlove wrote on Instagram. “Yall better riggety rawl & cop them tix cause uh.” In another post, he shared a video in which he and Black Thought discussed what the album means to them. It was “where it all began” he noted of their second studio album and first major label project.Tickets are currently on sale for The Roots’ Blue Note residency, which will not include a set of all the album’s songs. “We’re not doing the whole album,” Questlove said in the video. “What we will do is have fun with it.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
New Music Friday: Mac Miller, Busta Rhymes and more
Mac Miller’s estate has released the rapper’s second posthumous album, Balloonerism, on what would have been his 33rd birthday. It features single “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” as well as features from Thundercat, SZA and Ashley All Day. The project, recorded around the time Mac created Faces, follows the release of the Balloneerism film, which “follows a group of school friends who are transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world,” per a synopsis.Busta Rhymes shares six new tracks on the newly released Dragon Season… The Awakening, featuring YG Marley on the final track, “Treasure & Gold,” accompanied by a music video. “THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP!! NEVER EVER EVER!!!” Busta has captioned a few posts promoting the album. “DRAGON SEASON IS FINALLY UPON US!!!!!!” Craig David dropped a new song titled “SOS,” in which he sings about opening up to the idea of love despite being hurt in the past. “SOS is about the realisation [sic] that playing it safe doesn’t work,” he said in a statement. “It’s about feeling vulnerable but ready to take a leap of faith and let love in, no matter how scary it feels.” The video is available to watch on YouTube.More releases:Logic, Aquarius III EP OMB Peezy, Drifting AwayNLE Choppa featuring Imagine Dragons, “Dare U”Trippie Redd, “Outta Here”Central Cee featuring 21 Savage, “GPB”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Weeknd is donating $1 million to LA wildfire relief
Samir Hussein/Getty Images for ABAAfter postponing the release of his album Hurry Up Tomorrow and canceling his one-night-only Rose Bowl concert in support of the album, The Weeknd has now taken further action in the wake of the deadly LA wildfires.In partnership with his XO Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Program USA, The Weeknd has committed to donating $1 million to relief efforts. The money will go to the LA Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and LA Regional Food Bank to help displaced residents, make sure everyone has enough food and support firefighters. The singer’s album will now come out Jan. 31. As previously reported, the movie Hurry Up Tomorrow, in which he stars alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, arrives May 16.Weeknd also paid tribute to visionary director David Lynch, whose death at age 78 was reported Jan. 16. He posted a photo of Lynch kneeling in front of an angel, captioned, “everything is fine.” He’s referring to a song that’s performed in Lynch’s cult classic Eraserhead, called “In Heaven (Everything is Fine).”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Busta Rhymes arrested and charged with assault following altercation with assistant
Disney/Stewart CookBusta Rhymes was arrested and charged with third-degree assault Tuesday following an altercation in Brooklyn, New York. According to a statement from a spokesperson for the DCPI, New York Police Department officers responded to a 911 call on Jan. 10, where a 50-year-old male victim reported past harassment. He said he was punched in the face several times by an unidentified individual, with whom he had a verbal dispute. He was transported to the NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhull in stable condition; there was swelling on the left side of his face.The victim was said to be Busta Rhymes’ assistant, police told ABC7.An investigation into the case remains ongoing.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Oprah Winfrey to introduce premiere of ‘Luther: Never Too Much’ on Oprah Winfrey Network
Courtesy OWN: Oprah Winfrey NetworkOprah Winfrey will help to introduce the premiere of the Luther: Never Too Much film on her network, sharing a few words about Luther Vandross’ impact and the way his music has connected people.“Celebrating the extraordinary talent and life of Luther Vandross, this documentary highlights an innovative trailblazer whose story exemplifies the powerful, inspiring narratives that OWN is dedicated to bringing to the forefront,” said Tina Perry, president of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. “We honor Luther’s impact on music and culture by sharing his legendary works and lasting influence, and we are excited for our audience to experience this heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest voices of our time.”Luther: Never Too Much, nominated for two NAACP Image Awards, follows Vandross’ journey from his formative years in Harlem to the master of the love song, including his personal life, health struggles and desire to be respected, through his own words, interviews with his friends and collaborators and some rarely seen archives.OWN Spotlight: Luther: Never Too Much will premiere Feb. 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Black Music Action Coalition announce grants, fundraiser for those affected by LA fires
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImageThe Black Music Action Coalition, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have teamed up with ASCAP and Wasserman Foundation for their third annual BMAC x Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Music Maker Grants, which will be presented to a few Black music producers and songwriters at a ReStore and ReBuild L.A. fundraiser on Jan. 29.Honorees will be recognized with help from Amazon Music Rotation, HarbourView Equity Partners and Independent Artist Group, with proceeds from the fund going toward Black residents and local businesses via the BMAC LA Fire Relief Fund.“Black Music Action Coalition is proud to continue our partnership with the incomparable Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to celebrate the future of the music industry and to create a night of healing to raise funds for L.A. fire relief efforts,” BMAC co-founder, president and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said in a statement. “We hope to address the immediate needs of LA residents, support local businesses and musicians in need of revenue and continue our ongoing work to create access and opportunities for the next generation of songwriters, producers and artists — emphasizing the importance of not only restoring businesses and rebuilding homes, but restoring hope and rebuilding the spirit.”“Music is a divine art that has always played a vital role in healing during times of adversity,” Jam and Lewis added. “From ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ to ‘We Are the World,’ ‘Wake Up Everybody’ and our own ‘Optimistic,’ songs have the power to uplift and raise our spirits while also providing critical financial support for rebuilding. We encourage these young music makers to create the soundtrack for recovery and healing.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Saweetie partially blames brand deals for album delay: ‘It began to overshadow my music’
Photo by Araya Doheny/FilmMagicIt’s been eight years since Saweetie released her debut single, “Icy Grl,” but fans are still waiting for her debut album, originally titled Pretty B**** Music. In a cover story for Cero Magazine, she partially attributes the delay to biting off more than she can chew.“I’m a Sagittarius moon, which means I want to learn everything, I want to do everything, I want to conquer everything. You can’t do that,” she says. “You need to put your focus and attention on one thing that can eventually become a platform for other things.”“There just wasn’t enough time in my schedule to properly record because I had so many brand deals, so many shoots, so many shows,” she continued. “There was no time for me to figure out where I was going with my music.” Saweetie’s heavy workload eventually forced her to stop and move with more intention. “My brand became so big that it began to overshadow my music. I became more known for my content, and that’s not the reason why I’m here,” she explains. “Yes, I’m the content queen. Yes, I love creating aesthetics, photos, and videos that inspire people. But the reason why I’m here is music.”“People thought I was hiding. They thought I wasn’t interested in music anymore,” she says. “But sometimes you have to get yourself together to pop out stronger.”Of being called hip-hop’s brand queen, Saweetie says, “I’m happy to be recognized that way, because it lets me know that I’m doing something right.”She then thanked Rihanna “for paving the road for women of color to have a brand based off of personality. She kicked down a lot of doors. … Before Rihanna, I feel like we had to play by the rules a lot more—but she’s a rule-breaker.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Cardi B says her success made labels sign more female artists, describes how online scrutiny has affected her
Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVENCardi B only released one album, but she says she’s opened doors for other female rappers. “Labels have literally told me [to] my face, ‘We started female rappers because of the success that you have.’ Even the rappers that were rapping around the same time as me, too, have said it themselves,” she said Thursday on X Spaces. “Even Kash Doll herself. She’ll say it herself.”“Labels were being real hard around 2017 with female rappers no matter how good you rap, no matter how good you, no matter how good [you were at] anything. It just wasn’t being done,” she continued. That is until she released her breakthrough hit, “Bodak Yellow.””It took ‘Bodak Yellow’ to show labels that you could really make money with female rappers; that female rappers is the new wave,” Cardi said.She also claimed many people refuse to acknowledge her fashion sense and that they’ve been inspired by her looks. “All these b****** will never admit it, but it’s the truth. Per usual, people will always try to discredit everything I do,” she said.Cardi also addressed the wait for new music, noting it was due to online scrutiny, not her marriage woes. “I don’t think you guys understood how much the internet bullying took a toll on me for a very long time,” she said.“Well, this year, I feel like I’m over that. I feel like nothing could affect me anymore. And I’m throwing arrows, throwing straight arrows … not letting nobody, no b****, no n****, no nothing, f*** with me.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Lil Baby, Rick Ross, Sexyy Red and more to perform at Big Meech Welcome Back concert
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImageAn event is being thrown to celebrate Big Meech’s release from prison. The Big Meech Welcome Back Legacy Concert will take place Feb. 13, featuring performances from big names in hip-hop.Lil Baby, Rick Ross, 21 Savage and Sexyy Red are among those on the star-studded lineup, which also includes Kodak Black, MoneyBagg Yo, BossMan Dlow, Tee Grizzley, Boosie, 42 Dugg and Est Gee.Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at seatgeek.com. More artists will be announced at a later date.Big Meech, born Demetrius Flenory, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he was convicted in 2008 on several counts of criminal conspiracy and money laundering as a leader of the Black Mafia Family enterprise. His sentence was reduced by 32 months.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
SZA says she’ll consider more movie roles under one condition
Photo by Rick Kern/Getty ImagesWith an acting debut now under her belt, SZA may think about taking more roles in Hollywood — as long as she can call One of Them Days co-star Keke Palmer as her lifeline.”As long as Keke can coach me, then I’ll consider it,” SZA said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, in which she admitted she needs “to build my confidence as an actor.” She added she learned so much from filming her upcoming movie and thought it was cool “to look at myself from another lens that had nothing really to do with my personal expression — but still had everything to do with my personal expression.”Despite her claim that she needs Keke’s assistance for other roles, Palmer insists SZA’s a natural who impressed her during their chemistry read.”She’s so naturally talented. I was like, ‘Are you in drama school?’ Because she could naturally get into it,” Keke recalls. “She’s a free person. That freeness that she brings to her music was also what she brought creatively to this, and I think that’s why it turned out so good.”One of Them Days, directed by Lawrence Lamont, follows Keke’s Dreux and SZA’s Alyssa, best friends and roommates who go on a series of escapades trying to avoid eviction after Alyssa’s boyfriend steals their rent money.It’s meant to be a love letter to South LA, in which Lamont intentionally infuses humor while highlighting changes, including the housing crisis and inflation.Producer Issa Rae notes they wanted to make a movie that “LA could be proud of,” while Keke says they were looking to create something fun and joyous featuring two Black female leads.”When we got that final draft, we knew this was perfect,” Keke adds.One of Them Days arrives in theaters Friday.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Lawyer: A$AP Rocky not willing to take plea deal in ongoing case, doesn’t want Rihanna anywhere near trial
Photo by Cindy Ord/WireImageA$AP Rocky’s ongoing gun case will start with jury selection on Tuesday, his attorney Joseph Tacopina confirmed to Rolling Stone. Rocky has maintained his innocence in the shooting of Terell Ephron, for which he was arrested in November 2021, and currently has no interest in taking a plea deal.“My client has indicated he’s not willing to take anything. But obviously, I will listen to anything, any offer. And I have an obligation and a duty to relay it to my client, which I will do,” Tacopina said. “He’s eager to tell his story. He would love the opportunity to do so,” Tacopina added of Rocky. “He’s a good human being, and that would come out if he testifies.”Tacopina says he believes the evidence, which includes footage of the altercation between Rocky and Ephron, will work in his client’s favor, suggesting the prosecutors’ case was “fundamentally weak” in comparison to his “very, very strong” defense.Tacopina appeared in court Wednesday, where there was some confusion about how to address Rihanna. While Tacopina referred to her as Rocky’s “common-law wife,” prosecutors argued that she should be referred to as “his significant other or mother of his children.” The judge ultimately ruled in their favor, making the decision to call Rih Rocky’s “significant other.”Tacopina also mentioned Rocky’s desire to keep his family away from the case. “I know Rocky is very protective of Rihanna and doesn’t want her anywhere near this proceeding. But that’s a family decision they’ll make,” he said. “It’s been something that’s waiting over Rocky’s head and Rihanna and their family’s heads for a while, and we’re just ready. We’re anxious to get this thing underway and get this behind him.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Barbie’s Music Collector Series launches Aaliyah doll on what would have been her 46th birthday
Raymond Boyd/Getty ImagesBarbie is paying homage to Aaliyah, launching a collectible doll in her honor.Available starting Thursday, on what would have been her 46th birthday, this addition to the Barbie Music Collector Series celebrates the legacy of the “Princess of R&B,” who died in 2001 at 22 years old.Inspired by her iconic “One in a Million” music video, the doll is dressed in a black faux leather ensemble featuring studded lace-up details, a zippered vest and statement shades. Her signature hairstyle, with hair sweeping over one eye, completes the look.Barbie’s design team collaborated with Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughton, to capture the singer’s trendsetting style.“We chose that look because it checked all of those boxes that we wanted to represent,” he explained in an interview with Vanity Fair.He says Mattel’s “timing was perfect” because launching an Aaliyah doll “was always on our radar.””I can vividly remember my sister playing with her favorite Barbie dolls for hours when we were kids. She would make them sing, dance, and perform little concerts,” said Haughton in a statement. “It’s clear to me now that she was imagining dreams that would eventually become reality when she embarked on a career in entertainment at just fifteen years old.”He added, “Inspiring confidence, belief in yourself and embracing who you truly are is the essence of Barbie. My sister would be ecstatic to see her legacy celebrated this way.”The Aaliyah Barbie is available at digital mass retailers, including Mattel Shop, Walmart and Amazon.Haughton tells VF he hopes the doll will provide some escape from “all these challenges that the world is experiencing right now.””This doll represents just play, just have fun. Be with your family and imagine,” he says.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Will.i.am, D-Nice, DJ Hed step up to help those affected by LA wildfires with livestreamed benefit concert
Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Haute LivingWill.i.am, D-Nice and DJ Hed are coming together for a livestream event aimed at helping people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. LA Check In will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. PT via D-Nice’s YouTube, will.i.am’s Instagram and Twitch, in partnership with Will’s Angel Foundation, WalkGood LA and the Annenberg Foundation.Much like D-Nice’s virtual Club Quarantine parties during the COVID-19 pandemic, LA Check In will feature D-Nice hyping the virtual crowd while on the 1s and 2s. He’ll be joined by DJ Hed for this event, with a few celebrities and LA heroes slated to make an appearance.”Club Quarantine showed us the power of music and connection,” D-Nice said in a statement. “LA CHECK IN will remind us of the resilience and hope we share as a community.”The benefit concert will also offer “community, entertainment and value to the affected and those looking for ways to assist,” providing “updates on vital resources,” ways to donate funds to first responders, evacuees and displaced workers, and some nonprofits that will focus on helping these groups. “Families and students across the city urgently need our support as many lives have been disrupted, including losing everything in the fires,” will.i.am said in a press release. “Teaming up with fellow musicians and the Annenberg Foundation for fire relief is what the community needs right now to connect us and activate those who wish to donate and volunteer.””When disaster strikes, it reminds us that we’re all in this together,” added DJ Hed. “LA CHECK IN is just another beam of light we hope to shine into a dark time.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Cash Cobain, Monaleo, Cleo Sol, Leon Thomas among Amazon Music’s 2025 Artists to Watch list
Courtesy of Amazon MusicAmazon Music has revealed its annual Artists to Watch list, featuring the rising artists it predicts will have a successful year in music in 2025.“2024 was a landmark year for music, with new stars like Chappell Roan, Doechii, Benson Boone and countless others breaking out and becoming household names,” Emily Cohen, principal music curator for Amazon Music, said in a statement. “And this year will be no different. For this year’s Artist to Watch program, we’ve identified the artists who we believe will define and make waves in 2025.”Included in this year’s Artists to Watch list are Cash Cobain, Monaleo, Cleo Sol and Leon Thomas.Cash and Monaleo represent the genre of hip-hop alongside 41, Anycia, Real Boston Richey, Samara Cyn and Shallipopi. Cleo Sol and Leon Thomas fall under the genre of R&B, where Dylan Sinclair, Isaiah Falls, Lekan, Odeal and Rae Khalil are also named. All artists selected will be featured on Amazon Music’s playlists, with the hip-hop stars on the Rap Rotation playlist and the R&B singers on R&B Rotation.The streaming service will also release new Amazon Music Originals — alternate versions of existing songs, covers or brand-new compositions — featuring artists from the list who are either not signed or signed to an indie label. Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Lil Baby says *this* was the most exciting song to record on ‘WHAM’
Quality Control Music/MotownOf all the songs on Lil Baby’s #1 album WHAM, the most exciting for him to record was “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber” featuring Future and Young Thug. He tells Complex it had everything to do with the energy in the room rather than his performance on the track.”Thug had just come home, and everybody was in the room,” he said. “It was just a whole different energy. I don’t feel like that’s my best verse, but just the most exciting to me.”Baby released WHAM on Jan. 3, followed by a deluxe featuring four bonus tracks. On it, he talks about his “young n**** street s***” in the hope that people will take him seriously.”What I hope to accomplish out of this WHAM album that just came out is, I kind of feel like people be having me f****** up. So in this album, it’s kind of like, ‘Hey stop playing with me,'” he says, later adding people will “get a chance to listen and really get into it and just be like, ‘OK, Baby back in the music again.'”As previously reported, Lil Baby will release an album titled Dominique, after his birth name, Dominique Armani Jones, in February. He says it was supposed to drop first, but he thought it would be better to “bring the fans along” as he showed through the music the transition from Lil Baby to Dominique, with WHAM being a persona he created to represent the phase between the two.Baby says Dominique is “more heartfelt and more direct with talking about certain subjects” and displays “more of a grown sound.”Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Universal Music Group calls Drake’s defamation allegations ‘untrue’ and ‘illogical’
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images via ABCUniversal Music Group has responded to the lawsuit Drake filed against them, calling his allegations “untrue.” A spokesperson for the label shared a statement with ABC News Wednesday, denying claims that they’ve defamed Drake or any artist on their roster.“Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake—is illogical. We have invested massively in his music and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success,” the statement began.The label claimed that Drake has had UMG’s help in distributing his songs amid rap battles but “now seeks to weaponize the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music.””We have not and do not engage in defamation—against any individual,” UMG continued in the statement. “At the same time, we will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people and our reputation, as well as any artist who might directly or indirectly become a frivolous litigation target for having done nothing more than write a song.”UMG’s statement comes hours after Drake filed a lawsuit accusing them of promoting Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a song he says falsely calls him a pedophile. He makes clear that the suit is only against the label, which “chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artist” and not K. Dot, adding it’s not about the song or their rap beef.In a statement to ABC News, Drake’s legal team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP reiterated that their goal is “to hold UMG accountable for knowingly promoting false and defamatory allegations against him” that “led to actual violence at Drake’s doorstep.””This lawsuit reveals the human and business consequences to UMG’s elevation of profits over the safety and well-being of its artists, and shines a light on the manipulation of artists and the public for corporate gain,” Drake’s team said.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Drake files lawsuit against UMG, accusing label of defamation over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images via ABCDrake has filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG, adding to and doubling down on claims previously made in his recently withdrawn pre-action filing.In the suit, he focuses on UMG’s promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and the allegation that he is a pedophile.”UMG chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artist,” the court doc reads. Drake’s lawyers claimed the label was aware of the song’s lyrics and the images in its accompanying music video but “saw an opportunity, seized it, and continued to fan the flames,” especially knowing “Drake was nearing fulfillment” with his contract. “By devaluing Drake’s music and brand, UMG would gain leverage to force Drake to sign a new deal on terms more favorable to UMG.”Drake claims in the lawsuit that UMG was successful in its campaign, noting that people outside of the rap world believe the allegations that he’s a “certified pedophile.” He contends that the label is persisting with its promotion of the song as they arrange for it to be performed at the Super Bowl.The rapper blames UMG’s promotion of “Not Like Us” for three incidents that occurred in his Toronto home days after the song’s release: a shooting that injured his security guard, who fortunately survived, and two break-in attempts.Drake says he attempted to resolve his issues with UMG, informing them of “the tangible harm that the publication and promotion of the Recording had caused him,” but accused them of choosing money over the safety of their artists, telling him he’d “face humiliation if he brought legal action.”He claims the lawsuit is “to hold UMG responsible for the actual and foreseeable harm he has suffered, and will continue to suffer, because of UMG’s choice to elevate profits over the well-being of its artists and the music-consuming public,” and clarifies that there are no claims about the rap beef, the song or Kendrick Lamar.Drake also denies all pedophile allegations in the suit, specifically saying he “never engaged in any acts that would require he be ‘placed on neighborhood watch'” or “sexual relations with a minor'” and “has never been charged with, or convicted of, any criminal acts whatsoever.”ABC News has reached out to Drake and UMG for comment.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Lil Wayne & The Roots, Burna Boy, Babyface and more tapped for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
ABCNew Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival’s celebration of music and culture will continue this spring with help from artists including Lil Wayne & The Roots, Burna Boy and Babyface.They’ve been tapped to perform at the annual festival, taking place over eights days at the Fair Grounds Race Course starting April 24. They’ll be hitting the stage on the first weekend of the event (April 24-27), as will Big Freedia, PJ Morton and Gladys Knight.The second weekend (May 1-4) will see performances from Bryson Tiller, Patti LaBelle, The Wailers featuring Julian Marley, Maze honoring Frankie Beverly and more.Weekend passes and VIP packages for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are currently on sale at www.nojazzfest.com, with single-day tickets becoming available at a future date. The full lineup and more information can be found at NOJazzFest.com.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Bossman Dlow announces tour supporting debut studio album, ‘Dlow Curry’
Courtesy of Live NationBossman Dlow is hitting the road in 2025, visiting 15 cities as part of his just-announced Dlow Curry Tour. The trek will kick off at The Fillmore in San Francisco on March 6, before making stops in Vegas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto and other cities. The trek will come to a close April 22 at Steelhouse Omaha and will somehow involve his young fans.“I know all the kids like my music,” he recently told Billboard News. “So they gon get a chance to win money, prizes, all that. I’m putting on a show everytime.”The Dlow Curry Tour will support Bossman Dlow’s debut studio album, Dlow Curry, seemingly inspired by NBA’s Stephen Curry. An artist presale begins on Thursday, followed by additional presales. The general sale starts Friday at 10 a.m. local time on LiveNation.com. Copyright © 2025, 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 …