— YGunveiled 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 background, with his name written in a bold gray font. He holds a red Louis Vuitton duffle bug, similar to the brown one spotted on the original Just Re’d Up album cover. And instead of standing in front of one car, like he did for the second installment, he now stands before three luxurious vehicles.
— LeBron James and Lil Wayne unite for a commercial promoting the return of the new Beats Pill speaker. The ad finds James turning up to music, including Wayne’s “A Milli,” which prevents Weezy from a getting a good night’s rest. He makes his way to the apartment above to find out what’s causing the noise, discovers the party, and ends up staying and asking for the music to be turned up. “The Beats Pill has been a staple in the James household from day one,” said James. “It’s an iconic product, so it’s exciting to be part of its relaunch for a new generation.” Available in matte black, statement red and champagne gold, the Pill is $149.99 on apple.com.
50 Cent was welcomed into Tyler Perry‘s studio in Atlanta, and he left feeling super inspired. “I’m leaving no room for error. Tyler showed me some s*** today that inspired me,” Fif wrote on Instagram. “I need all my money if you owe me, you better give me mine now!” Alongside the post were pictures of him and Tyler, a concession stand and an LED board that announced 50 Cent’s arrival. “Tyler Perry Studios Welcomes 50 Cent & G-Unit,” it read.
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 also set to pop up in a few live classes, including Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts‘ meditation class, on launch day.
“My meditation journey really led me to take on a more positive mindset, and has really helped drive awareness and access to the practice of meditation; everyone deserves to find an outlet that gives them moments of peace,” Lil Jon says, per Billboard. “I’m excited to join Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, I know what an influential force she is in the yoga and meditation space!”
The Lil Jon Artist Series starts June 27 on the Peloton app. It’s not clear what music will be used, but it’s likely some classes will feature his guided meditation albums, Total Meditation and Manifest Abundance.
The 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 forward to headlining the AT&T Dream in Black connected stage as we gear up to celebrate thirty years of ESSENCE Festival,” Mya tells Billboard. “I know I’ll cherish this performance because it gives me the opportunity to connect with my fans and take them through my journey as an artist as we reflect on the last three decades of art and culture within the Black community.”
The Essence Festival takes place July 4-7 in New Orleans, a city Jadakiss describes as having “the vibe, the soul, and the stories of Black culture all around us.”
Also excited about securing a place on the lineup, he says, “It’s about celebrating where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. This performance is a shout-out to our roots, a celebration of our strength, and a step toward community and connection.”
In his own statement, Jeremih adds, “I always look to honor and celebrate Black culture through my music, which is why I’m excited to headline the AT&T Dream in Black connected stage at ESSENCE Festival. Connecting with my fans while they experience the culture and community that is ESSENCE marks a significant moment for me.”
Mya, Jadakiss and Jeremih join a jam-packed lineup that includes T-Pain, Janet Jackson, Birdman and Usher, who’ll be taking the stage with a one-night-only performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album Confessions.
Friday 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.
“so excited to release the best song of all time this friday!” he wrote on Instagram. “also sorry I’ve been so scared with my art lately. I’m coming around to myself again. I will make you guys very proud.”
He posted the artwork for the song, which takes the form of a Detroit police detective ID. Instead of Eddie Murphy‘s Axel Foley character, it shows a picture of Nas, using his birth name, Montero.
Nas’ “He Knows” duet partner Camila Cabello responded in the comments, “nature has seasons and so do we there is no spring without winter. it’s your time to bloom baby!!!”
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F starts streaming on Netflix July 3.
Kevin 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 are amazing people,” Kevin says in an interview with Complex. “Usher’s a really close friend of mine, and he told me we were going to a little lounge atmosphere, which is my vibe. I don’t mind. But we ended up being at what I would consider to be a club.”
Though he makes it clear he has “nothing against the club,” he says he “was ready to take my a** home.”
“My fear is just looking like the old guy in the club. I never want people to look up and go, ‘Why is he here?’ That to me, that’s aggressive. ‘Oh God, you see Kevin over there in the corner? Why is he here? It’s 21, 22 night. Why did he come?’” Kevin says. “Bumping into my kids’ friends from school, that’s just aggressive. I don’t need those problems. I’ll take my a** home and be happy.”
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 can expect to hear the whole album played in full, and see performances from special guests Maurice Brown and GAWD.
The tour kicks off on Sept. 18 in Bend, Oregon, and comes to a close on Oct. 13 in Atlanta. Other cities on the trek include LA, Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia and Columbia, Maryland.
Tickets for the Malibu shows go on sale to the public on Friday at 9 a.m. local time via andersonpaak.com, with presales starting as early as Wednesday at 9 a.m. local time.
