Kodak Black claims his latest arrest is a result of harassment from the cops and says he’s planning on taking legal action after being “racially profiled.”
The Pompano Beach, Florida native was arrested on July, 15 after being stopped by Florida Highway Patrol. They claimed his tints were not legal and found Oxycodone pills and nearly $75,000 cash during a search of his vehicle. Kodak is currently on house arrest and must seek permission from the court to leave unless for medical reasons or court appearances. He is also required to submit to regular drug testing and faces going back to jail.
However, Kodak Black and his attorney state the medication was legally prescribed by a doctor after the rapper got shot earlier this year. The “Super Gremlin” hitmaker goes further, stating cops should never have stopped him in the first place.
Kodak Black Says It’s “Character Assassination”
“This S### bogus Af I feel like This a character assassination issue Kuz theirs no way I should be getting harassed bout my tag being expired,” Kodak said. “That’s no reason to even search my car in the first place and going to jail about having my medication in the car is insane.”
He added,” Ima Sue these people for every dollar I gotta spend bout this s### !”
Kodak Black claims he’s being “racially profiled,” and deserves his freedom. “With everything I do for my community,” he added, “I should be getting love , respect and support from the authorities ! To move freely , not getting arrested for expired tag and dark windows.”
The rapper was honored by Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness with a proclamation marking June 11th Kodak Black Day as recognition for his numerous charitable contributions to his city.
While he acknowledged he could have prevented his arrest by ensuring his vehicle tags and tints were legit, Kodak says he’s being treated unfairly. “I should have a pass to drive with tints due to my status AT LEAST !!! I show all this love round here just to get slapped in the face 😔” he added.
With the boom of social media, along with other community platforms, you have a ready audience as well as a treasure trove of amazing works of artists from across the globe. So, there is no better time than now to be an aspiring musician. But, success never comes easy to your platter. Despite several conveniences brought about by technology, budding musicians face many hurdles on their way to success. Rossina Grieco shares practical tips to help out budding talents to make a successful career out of music.
Never Give Up
The world of music is highly competitive and fraught with many challenges. You may find no takers for the kind of music you make; or, you may receive no response after the demo. “That should not discourage you. What budding musicians need is tough mental stamina to persevere and determination not give in to any ways that question your artistic integrity,” adds Rossina Grieco.
Create Goals
“Fix small goals around spontaneous ideas. Go with the gut feeling when planning concerts. It often does wonder. Unflinching faith in your artistic choices and indomitable courage to stick to your goals will make you unique and irreplaceable in the industry,” says Rossina
Network
You cannot work in isolation anymore. You need the support of a like-minded community of people who stand by you through thick and thin. Collaboration with other budding or leading musician can give you leverage and expand audience bandwidth. “Create a network, become part of a group, get in conversation around a production idea. Professionally, collaboration is complimentary and always rewarding,” suggests Rossina Grieco
Experiment
While you are growing as a musician, you do not know what can work better for you, unless you try new ways. Rossina Grieco thinks, “Experimenting is a way to discover new forms, techniques, and potential. You may never know what treasure you hold within.” As a budding musician, your audience will like to know what new flavor you bring to the music scene.
Fans and critics everywhere have been pining for a new project from Doyle English. The artist has been netting popularity over the past few years with his smaller releases across the internet. Enthusiasts have noted the musical evolution of Doyle English throughout these recent projects and have begun anticipating something greater. Doyle English has delivered his newest album, “For Your Inspiration,” available now on all major streaming platforms.
The sonic and experimental element of Doyle English’s latest work has had both fans and critics buzzing ever since its release. “For Your Inspiration” is proving to be a significant force in the rising artist’s career. This has come as no surprise to his long-time fans, but even still, Doyle English is taking advantage of the moment. New and old supporters of Doyle English should be on the lookout for even more music in the near future.
You can stream Doyle English’s latest album on Spotify or follow him on Instagram @doyle__e
Jaylon Torres, aka ATM Tako, has been on a tear in 2022. Starting off his career only a couple of years ago, he has always had a love for music. Seeing what the trenches had to offer, he wanted to see more for himself. With no opportunities or anything to really help make it out, ATM Tako started to focus on his passion. Releasing two singles, an album, and multiple videos in just this year alone, Tako has been the definition of consistent. Ironic enough, ATM Tako’s latest project was titled “Definition of Real”, proving that he lives what he raps. With his strong versatile sound, Tako stands out amongst other underground artists.
His ability to blend together melodies along with his strong rap flow is impressive. Also, his bold and hard-hitting flow is one we have yet to see crack the surface of the industry. At only 19 years old, Tako has proved to be determined enough to land a top spot in the music industry. Born and raised in Louisiana where music is not necessarily as big, this has added fuel to ATM’s fire as well.
To this day, ATM Tako has a combined 600,000 views on his Youtube channel and over 1,000 subscribers. 2022 will definitely be the year we see him break a million plus views. Also hitting 15,000 followers on his Instagram this year, his page has been growing by the day. Securing features on his latest album from Hartbreaak, Yung Bino, Backend Foreign, and Dice Soho, many power players in the industry are also recognizing his talent.
From day one ATM Tako has never looked back. With plans to release much more content throughout the summer and final months of the year, we should only see his platform continue to elevate. Also working on some more projects and singles with even bigger features than the last, we should also see Tako announce some release dates in the coming months. Without a doubt, he is an artist to watch going forward. Make sure to also check out ATM’s latest album “Definition of Real” which can be found on all streaming platforms and he can also be found on Instagram @realtako_ .
Fans and critics everywhere have been pining for a new project from Arturo G Anvini. The artist has been netting popularity over the past few years with his smaller releases across the internet. Enthusiasts have noted the musical evolution of Arturo G Anvini throughout these recent projects and have begun anticipating something greater. Arturo G Anvini has delivered his newest album, “Life is Amazing,” available now on all major streaming platforms.
The sonic and experimental element of Arturo G Anvini’s latest work has had both fans and critics buzzing ever since its release. “Life is Amazing” is proving to be a significant force in the rising artist’s career. This has come as no surprise to his longtime fans, but even still, Arturo G Anvini is taking advantage of the moment. New and old supporters of Arturo G Anvini should be on the lookout for even more music in the near future.
You can stream Arturo G Anvini’s latest album on Spotify or follow him on Instagram @thearturoganvini
When Anthony Carter released his new album, Expensive Taste, a few months ago, he had no idea that it would be so well received. The album has become an anthem for music lovers around the world and has brought about many new opportunities. Anthony Carter is excited about the possibilities this could bring for his career and is working hard to make the most of this.
Anthony Carter is a name you may not have heard of until now, but that’s all about to change. This local talent has turned into something respected on a national and even international level, and he plans to continue the momentum with many more songs this year.
He has been making a name for himself in the music industry, and this new album has received critical acclaim he is planning to release more songs this year. He is a professional artist who takes his work seriously and puts a lot of effort into his music.
You can stream Anthony Carter’s latest album on Spotify or follow him on Instagram
The Kid Mero discussed the end of Desus and Mero during a radio appearance on WFAN.
Mero didn’t address a report claiming the duo broke up over their manager, but the comedian shared his perspective on why the two went their separate ways.
“It’s just natural progression,” he said. “It’s like we said on the podcast, ‘It’s Hollywood, baby.’ You develop strengths and things that you wanna explore and do. And then things come through naturally, things just happen naturally. Like Spike Jonze said on the Viceland show, ‘Everything is finite.’ What’s the corny cliche? Don’t be sad that it’s gone. Be happy that you experienced it.”
Although Desus and Mero are no more, the latter did provide a glimmer of hope regarding a reunion. He mentioned the possibility of working with Desus again at some point down the line.
“Everybody grows,” he said. “I’m sure D’s got his things that he wants to do. I got my things I want to do. And they’re very specific to us. We’ve been a duo for a long time. I love everything that he’s done. It’s just natural. I’ve got my life, my worldview, my things going on, and he got his. So, it’s only right that, instead of just staying like, ‘We’re only going to do this one thing,’ let’s explore. Let’s break out. Let’s see what we do as individuals, and then form like Voltron later on. Who knows?”
Listen to Mero below. The topic of Desus and Mero’s split begins around the 3:40 mark of the video.
Barack Obama went with a heavy dose of Hip Hop for his 2022 summer playlist.
Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lauryn Hill, Rakim and Sampa the Great were a few of the notable Hip Hop artists appearing on Barack Obama’s latest playlist. The former president stacked his summer lineup with plenty of star power, ranging from Beyoncé and Bad Bunny to Prince and Bruce Springsteen.
“Every year, I get excited to share my summer playlist because I learn about so many new artists from your replies,” he wrote on social media. “It’s an example of how music really can bring us all together.
Barack Obama’s other Hip Hop picks included Vince Staples, Doechii, Lil Yachty and Wyclef Jean. The politician’s playlist featured Phonte’s group The Foreign Exchange and the Odd Future-affiliated band The Internet.
Jazz greats Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck were highlighted alongside more recent releases from the likes of Tems, Rosalía, Kacey Musgraves and Harry Styles. Barack Obama also made sure to sprinkle in cuts from legendary artists such as Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Nina Simone, Dr. John and D’Angelo.
Check out all of the tracks on Barack Obama’s summer playlist below. Stream the collection of songs here.
The judge denied Konate’s initial release for medical treatment during this meeting.
But a conversation with Bergen County Jail’s medical director, Dr. Michael Hemsley, based on severe injuries, changed his mind.
Defense lawyer Michael Ashley said he shattered his kneecap and has conjunctivitis from being shot during the altercation that critically wounded Lil Tjay in such a way that he must relearn basic bodily functions, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
According to Hemsley, there is medical attention Konate needs, and he needs an escort of two officers to go to these outside appointments. Then once in the hospital, an officer would be assigned to him.
The doctor did not say if the county jail would give him physical therapy.
The prosecutor, Matt Fitzpatrick, deferred to the doctor’s expert opinion, according to NorthJersey.com, and the facility will make the proper arrangements for the defendant’s outside medical care.
Konate’s detention hearing will be held on August 8th.
Kendrick Lamar has seen the viral video of a security guard crying while he performed “LOVE.”
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper shared his thoughts on the security guard’s emotional moment in a new interview with Jazzy’s World TV. Kendrick Lamar reflected on the impact of his music while chatting with youngster Jazlyn Guerra at Rolling Loud Miami 2022.
“It’s really just ‘bout the feeling of it,” he said. “At the end of the day – past all the politics, past all the numbers – it’s what music make you feel, how it make you feel. So, to see that—and shoutout to him by the way because I seen bro. I was like, ‘I wonder what he going through?’ But at the end of the day, that’s how you want everybody to perceive your music. And make ‘em feel good, make ‘em feel like a moment they’re attached to. It can live forever.”
Kendrick Lamar is currently touring in support of his latest album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The LP dropped in May and marked his final release for his longtime label Top Dawg Entertainment.
K. Dot also joins Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X as the leading nominees for the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. The three artists each received seven nominations for the event, which takes place on August 28.
Foxy Brown’s cousin and Mayor Eric Adams’ mentee Bishop Lamor M. Whitehead, continues to speak out about Sunday’s church stick-up.
And he is blasting people who are making fun of the tragedy, not being sensitive to his or his family’s trauma, and most importantly, talking about how he was wearing $1 million worth of jewelry when he was robbed.
Bishop Whitehead even detailed all the things he and his wife lost.
“It’s not about me being flashy,” the Fendi-wearing preacher said. “It’s about me purchasing what I want to purchase. It’s my prerogative to purchase what I want to purchase.”
Here is the inventory of all the things that were stolen.
The sacrilegious crooks took off with the following items totaling $1,060,000.
A $75,000 Rolex watch, a $75,000 Cavalier watch, a $25,000 Episcopal ruby and diamond ring; a $25,000 Episcopal diamond ring, a pair of $25,000 earrings; a $20,000 diamond and emerald cross; a $20,000 Episcopal ring, a $20,000 Episcopal cross; and a $10,000 Episcopal gold cross.
“How many of you have lost your faith because you saw somebody else die with what you were about to go through,” the Bishop said before having at least three people aim guns in the faces of his congregation and at him.
The Bishop said the gunmen put the gun barrel in his 8-month daughter’s face, and she is now traumatized. In one video on Monday, he said he laid down to show his congregation what to do because he didn’t want anyone hurt.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgc6Z4Wpbxs/
According to the New York Post, the 44-year-old preacher, who pushes a Rolls-Royce, said his haters are only looking at his “blinged-out” appearance and not focusing on his message.
“Sometimes when you’re a known bishop, it’s a gift and a curse,” the flashy preacher said. “You become the talk of the town.”
He also said that his church, which has two campuses (one in Brooklyn and the other in Queens), had purchased another building and an entire New York block.
50 Cent, who once was honored by Bishop and said his message was “a completely different approach to try to reach us” and that “even though it might seem outlandish–the approach–it’s effective,” had some words for the Man of Gawdy regarding his flossing.
“Bishop now you know damn well, you can’t do this in Brooklyn if you ain’t smacking s###!” 50 Cent wrote.
The woman who shot up a Texas airport once claimed to be the wife of multi-platinum selling singer Chris Brown.
Portia Odufuwa, 37, opened fire in the Dallas Love Field airport on Friday after storming out of a public restroom. She was hospitalized after being shot by police during the wild altercation.
Video shows crowds of people running and ducking in a frenzy as the woman, who was previously arrested for arson, bank robbery, and a whole host of other crimes, blasted off while they waited for their flights.
After Odufuwa was struck by police gunfire, she was eventually asked to give her address. She told them she lived with the “Loyal” chart-topper, and in multiple police affidavits for her other crimes, she referred to Chris Brown as her “husband.”
When Odufuwa was arrested in 2019 for burning down a house, police documents record her as saying, “I am God’s prophet … I’m basically letting you all know that I am the cause of this fire.”
Odufuwa never stood trial because she was found mentally unfit. It is unclear if her mental health will allow her to stand trial for this recent offense.
No one was reported hurt, but as of publishing, Odufuwa has not been released from medical care.
#Video More Footage of the suspect shooting a gun in the air inside Dallas Love Field airport in Dallas. Officers shoot her in the leg to stop her pic.twitter.com/gbOCmNtryK
The 11-minute video documented Bre’s attempts to naturally induce labour before Nick had to leave town for work, as well as her labour, the delivery and her family meeting the baby.
Her contractions began at 3pm on June 27th, and after a 10-hour labor, she gave birth to the boy at 1.28am on June 28th, with the newborn weighing eight pounds 10 ounces.
Alongside footage of the baby just after his arrival, Bre wrote, “Baby had a long crown caused by a nucal (sic) hand (hand up by ear) so he needed a little respiratory support from (midwife) Robyn… I noticed he wasn’t crying… Finally baby cried, best sound I ever heard…”
The footage was followed by a lengthy message from Bre reflecting on the experience.
“This was the most limit pushing/painful moment yet completely empowering and beautiful,” she wrote. “The intensity of birth takes over your whole body (and) I swear I was pushing so hard screaming & crying I started to break, I started doubting I could do it I kept saying why won’t he come, get him out.
“At a certain point I had left my body I didn’t remember a lot of my birth until my team sat with me to process my birth which I felt was soo healing and helpful. I cant (sic) thank them enough and my amazing partner who showed the f* up for us. We love you so much.”
She then shared a clip of Nick Cannon holding the baby and calling him “Legendary” in the tot’s nursery, which features a neon “Legendary Love” sign on the wall.
Legendary is Nick’s eighth child overall.
Nick Cannon is already the father of twins Moroccan and Monroe with Mariah Carey, two children with Brittany Bell, and twins Zion and Zillion with Abby De La Rosa.
His son Zen tragically died aged five months in December.
Dame Dash faces an impending trial for accusations of sexual assault. Bunn is suing Dame Dash for allegedly groping her in 2019.
Bunn says she was hired to do a photoshoot for the music executive’s Poppington fashion company. After completing the first day of shooting, she went to the mogul and his partner Raquel Horn’s home. She would stay the night in his daughter’s room.
That night, Bunn claims a drunken Dame Dash entered the room while she was sleeping. He allegedly touched her breasts and butt without consent. The photographer says he was wearing a robe and no underwear during the incident.
According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, attorneys for photographer Monique Bunn submitted a witness list for the trial.
Bunn and Dame Dash are both listed as witnesses for the upcoming trial. Two other women will also take the stand.
One will testify about unwanted sexual harassment encounters while she worked at Poppington LLC and how Raquel Horn supported Damon Dash’s attempts to have “sexual” relations with women outside of their relationship.
Damon Dash himself will be grilled on the stand for an estimated two hours. Dame is expected to testify in regards to numerous statements he made about Brown and his allegation in December 2019 that Brown was under investigation by the FBI due to claims Brown made for his clients Monique Bunn and Corrina Levine.
Brown will also bring out a physician named Dr. Pinsk, who will discuss the medical diagnosis of Bunn and the PTSD she suffered and how it impacted her life.
Bunn will also reveal a picture of Damon exposing himself as he sat in a car with her in New York.
During the trial, Christopher Brown will present an expert who has broken down what he feels Damon should pay for the ordeal he allegedly put Monique Bunn through:
And people are mad. I don’t get folk. The man has an opinion and just because it does not line up with theirs, they are mad. Well I think the groupthink has gotten out of control. Basically, in a new interview, he said that he doesn’t like Biggie or Tupac. And he explained why. When he got deeper into the reasons and explanations, it made sense. At the headline, it seems like he’s “hating.” Nah.
But, alas: he was met with a lot of hate and annoyance from those that feel he should be like them. There are far too many rappers for Biggie and Pac to be at the tippy top of everybody’s list. So, take a second and look at what Will said.
What does Black Eyed Peas music have to do with this? Anyway, Biggie and Pac were dope, but if you came up in the 80’s or 90’s there were plenty of Goats. There were plenty of rappers that were better lyrically, but didn’t have the promo, marketing or beef.
Fans of Saweetie have been waiting for her debut studio LP, Pretty B#### Music, for years. The West Coast rapper born Diamonté Harper delayed her project several times.
Saweetie performed at the annual Rolling Loud Miamifestival on July 22. Spotify’s Creative Director, Head of Urban Music Carl Chery spoke with the 29-year-old Warner recording artist at the event.
The conversation between Saweetie and Carl Chery included them discussing the upcoming Pretty B#### Music. She talked about spending over 120 straight days in the studio recording songs for the album and why it keeps getting pushed back.
“I’m sensitive when it comes to music. When you hear a great body of work, it takes you somewhere. Singles may be great but I didn’t want my album to sound like a bunch of singles. I want it to feel like a narrative, ensemble, and a masterpiece,” explained Saweetie.
She later added, “It was really hard for me to write a song, I’m not gonna lie. Writing a freestyle where I’m just expressing myself, straight through, I could do that. But when it came to writing a song, it was hard for me to transition into that type of writer. So now, it’s just going back to why I’m here in the first place.”
This was not the first time an interviewer asked Saweetie about the progress of Pretty B#### Music. Back in February, Billboard‘s Heran Mamo chatted with the California native as well. At the time, Saweetie claimed the LP would arrive “definitely before the summer.”
Since the start of her rise to music stardom, Saweetie dropped Platinum-certified singles such as “My Type,” “Tap In,” and “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat. The Icy EP creator also presented “Closer” with R&B singer H.E.R. in February.
Despite not yet releasing her debut studio album this year, 2022 has still been prosperous for Saweetie. The Recording Academy nominated her for two Grammy Awards (Best New Artist and Best Rap Song for “Best Friend”).
The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will take place on Sunday, August 28. Three Hip Hop artists go into the ceremony with the most chances to win a Moon Person trophy.
Kendrick Lamar, Jack Harlow, and Lil Nas X lead this year’s VMA nominations with seven each. Harry Stylesand Doja Cat followed closely behind them with six respective nods. Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd each earned five.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album creator Kendrick Lamar picked up his first VMA nomination since 2018. Lamar’s “Family Ties” collaborator, Baby Keem, is among the twenty-six first-time nominees this year.
“Family Ties” collected three nominations in total (Best Cinematography, Best Direction, and Best Editing). Kendrick Lamar’s “N95” is competing in the Best Cinematography section at the Video Music Awards as well.
The “Family Ties” video, directed by Dave Free, also earned a Best Hip-Hop nomination. In addition, Kendrick Lamar’s internet-breaking “The Heart Part 5” obtained a Video For Good nomination.
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s “Industry Baby” is one of the top-nominated videos for this year’s VMAs. The Christian Breslauer-directed visuals are up for Video Of The Year, Best Collaboration, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, and Best Choreography.
Both Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow scored separate nominations for the VMA’s Artist Of The Year. The MTV Video Music Awards also nominated Bad Bunny, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Lizzo in that category for 2022.
The coveted VMA Video Of The Year honor will go to “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, “Woman” by Doja Cat, “Way 2 Sexy” by Drake featuring Future & Young Thug, “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, “As It Was“ by Harry Styles, “brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo, or “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift.
Other Hip Hop/R&B stars will enter the 2022 VMAs with multiple nominations. Baby Keem, Cardi B, Future, and Lizzo all racked up four nods a piece. Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, The Kid LAROI, Young Thug, and Normani each secured three nominations.
Full List Of 2022 MTV VMAs:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was“ – Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “brutal” – Geffen Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bad Bunny – Rimas Entertainment
Drake – OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – Columbia Records
Jack Harlow – Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Lil Nas X – Columbia Records
Lizzo – Atlantic Records
SONG OF THE YEAR
Adele – “Easy On Me” – Columbia Records
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” – EMI / Interscope Records
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “STAY” – Columbia Records
BEST NEW ARTIST
Baby Keem – Columbia Records
Dove Cameron – Disruptor Records / Columbia Records
GAYLE – Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
Latto – Streamcut / RCA Records
Måneskin – Arista Records
SEVENTEEN – PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records
PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
September 2021: Griff – “One Night” – Warner Records
October 2021: Remi Wolf – “Sexy Villain” – Island Records
November 2021: Nessa Barrett – “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” – Warner Records
December 2021: SEVENTEEN – “Rock With You” – PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records
January 2021: Mae Muller – “Better Days” – Capitol Records UK
February 2022: GAYLE – “abcdefu” – Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
March 2022: Sheneesa – “R U That” – Rich Immigrants / Interscope Records
April 2022: Omar Apollo – “Tamagotchi” – Warner Records
May 2022: Wet Leg – “Chaise Longue” – Domino Recording Company
June 2022: Muni Long – “Baby Boo” – Supergiant Records LLC / Def Jam Recording
July 2022: Doechii – “Persuasive” – Top Dog Entertainment / Capitol Records
BEST COLLABORATION
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO/Republic
Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” – EMI / Interscope Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie” – 300 Entertainment
Post Malone & The Weeknd – “One Right Now” – Mercury Records / Republic Records
ROSALÍA ft. The Weeknd – “LA FAMA” – Columbia Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – “STAY” – Columbia Records
BEST POP
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Doja Cat – “Woman” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “traitor” – Geffen Records
BEST HIP-HOP
Eminem & Snoop Dogg – “From The D 2 The LBC” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Future ft. Drake, Tems – “WAIT FOR U” – Freebandz / Epic Records
Kendrick Lamar – “N95” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Latto – “Big Energy” – Streamcut / RCA Records
Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Baby – “Do We Have A Problem?” – Young Money / Cash Money / Republic Records
Pusha T – “Diet Coke” – G.O.O.D. Music / Def Jam
BEST ROCK
Foo Fighters – “Love Dies Young” – RCA Records
Jack White – “Taking Me Back” – Third Man Records
Muse – “Won’t Stand Down” – Warner Records
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Black Summer” – Warner Records
Shinedown – “Planet Zero” – Elektra Music Group
Three Days Grace – “So Called Life” – RCA Records
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Avril Lavigne ft. blackbear – “Love It When You Hate Me” – Elektra Music Group / DTA Records
Imagine Dragons x JID – “Enemy” – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records
Machine Gun Kelly ft. WILLOW – “emo girl” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records
Måneskin – “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” – Arista Records
Panic! At The Disco – “Viva Las Vengeance” – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group
Twenty One Pilots – “Saturday” – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group
WILLOW, Avril Lavigne ft. Travis Barker – “G R O W” – MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation Records
BEST LATIN
Anitta – “Envolver” – Warner Records
Bad Bunny – “T##í Me Preguntó” – Rimas Entertainment
Becky G X KAROL G – “MAMIII” – Kemosabe Records / Sony Music Latin / RCA Records
Daddy Yankee – “REMIX” – Republic Records
Farruko – “Pepas” – Sony Music US Latin
J Balvin & Skrillex – “In Da Getto” – Sueños Globales, LLC /Universal Music Latino / Asylum Records UK
BEST R&B
Alicia Keys – “City of Gods (Part II)” – AKW
Chlöe – “Have Mercy” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
H.E.R. – “For Anyone” – RCA Records
Normani ft. Cardi B – “Wild Side” – Keep Cool/RCA Records
Summer Walker, SZA & Cardi B – “No Love (Extended Version)” – LVRN / Interscope Records
The Weeknd – “Out Of Time” – XO / Republic Records
BEST K-POP
BTS – “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” – BIGHIT Music / Geffen Records
ITZY – “LOCO” – JYP Entertainment
LISA – “LALISA” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
SEVENTEEN – “HOT” – PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records
Stray Kids – “MANIAC” – JYP Entertainment
TWICE – “The Feels” – JYP Entertainment
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Latto – “P*ssy” – Streamcut / RCA Records
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – Atlantic Records
Rina Sawayama – “This Hell” – Dirty Hit
Stromae – ”Fils de joie” – Mosaert Label / The Darkroom / Interscope Records
BEST METAVERSE PERFORMANCE
BLACKPINK The Virtual | PUBG – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
BTS | Minecraft – BIGHIT Music / Geffen Records
Charli XCX | Roblox – Atlantic Records
Justin Bieber – An Interactive Virtual Experience | Wave – Def Jam
Rift Tour ft. Ariana Grande | Fortnite – Republic Records
Twenty One Pilots Concert Experience | Roblox – Fueled By Ramen / Elektra Music Group
BEST LONGFORM VIDEO
Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Foo Fighters – Studio 666 – RCA Records
Kacey Musgraves – star-crossed – Interscope Records / MCA Nashville
Madonna – Madame X – Interscope Records
Olivia Rodrigo – driving home 2 u – Geffen Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “family ties” – Columbia Records
Camila Cabello ft. Ed Sheeran – “Bam Bam” – Epic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records
Kendrick Lamar – “N95” – pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Normani ft. Cardi B – “Wild Side” – Keep Cool / RCA Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records
BEST DIRECTION
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “family ties” – Columbia Records
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Ed Sheeran – “Shivers” – Atlantic Records
Harry Styles – “As It Was” – Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY” – Columbia Records
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Republic Records
BEST ART DIRECTION
Adele – “Oh My God” – Columbia Records
Doja Cat – “Get Into It (Yuh)” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy” – OVO / Republic Records
Three of the most celebrated comedians of the last three decades stood on stage together last week. Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle came together in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on July 23.
The MSG audience got to witness the comedic legends in person for the “Only Headliners Allowed” tour. At one point, Kevin Hart presented a live goat to Chris Rock as a symbol of him being one of the GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) of comedy.
In a clip posted to social media, Hart tells Rock, “You have to keep the goat. I bought you the f###### goat. I’m not joking, I bought the f###### goat.” Then Chappelle began commenting on the gift.
Dave Chappelle asked, “What are you going to name this goat, Chris?” Before Rock could answer Chappelle, Kevin Hart jumped in to reply, “The name is Will Smith… What? What’d I say?”
Will Chris Rock Ever Escape Jokes About Will Smith’s “Oscar Slap”?
Hart name-dropping Will Smith is a reference to the infamous “Oscar Slap” scandal. At this year’s Academy Award ceremony in March, King Richard actor Will Smith smacked Chris Rock in the face on live television.
Will Smith got angry at Chris Rock for making fun of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, during an on-stage presentation at the Oscars. Rock joked about Smith’s bald head which is the result of the Girls Trip actress dealing with the condition known as alopecia.
Later that night, Will Smith received the award for Best Actor to a standing ovation. On April 1, Smith preemptively resigned his membership from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The organization also banned the former Fresh Prince from any AMPAS events for ten years.
Chris Rock clearly took the light jab from Kevin Hart in stride. The three superstars ended the show by taking shots of liquor together and posing for photos. The following day, Hart expressed his gratitude to Rock and Chappelle on Twitter.
“Last night was by far the best moment of my career… I can’t even explain it… I can’t find the words… Just know that last night was the true definition of [an] ‘EPIC NIGHT’… I love my brothers more than words can explain. We made history last night!!! #RockHartChappelle,” tweeted Kevin Hart.
Last night was by far the best moment of my career…I can’t even explain it…I can’t find the words…Just know that last night was the true definition of a “EPIC NIGHT”…I love my brothers more than words can explain. We made history last night!!!#RockHartChappellepic.twitter.com/x1XtRXZQCO
“About Damn Time” rose one spot on the latest Hot 100 to reach the pole position. This gives Lizzo her second career Number One on the weekly chart after “Truth Hurts” in 2019.
Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” became the first song released by a female act in 2022 to lead the Hot 100 this year. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994) and Adele’s “Easy on Me” (2021) have also made it to No. 1 since January.
Lizzo’s Followers Like Her Celebratory Messages
Yesterday, Lizzo took to her social media accounts to celebrate “About Damn Time” becoming the most popular single in America. The R&B/Pop vocalist tweeted, “We got the #1 song in the country YALL! 🥹.” That tweet amassed more than 28,000 likes.
On her Instagram page, Lizzo uploaded a 14-second video of herself popping a champagne bottle. The IG caption read, “IMA BE DRUNK BY 5.” That clip has more than 700,000 videos and 134,000 likes on the platform.
Special Also Gives The Atlantic Recording Artist A Notable Accomplishment
“About Damn Time” lives on the recently released Special album. Lizzo’s latest body of work launched at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The set collected 69,000 first-week units. Special is the highest-charting album released by a woman in 2022.
Before reaching #1 on the Hot 100 again with “About Damn Time,” Lizzo dropped “Rumors” featuring Cardi B in 2021. That collaboration provided the Detroit-born performer with her highest-debuting single to date. It opened at #4 in the Hot 100 rankings.
Lizzo’s discography also includes “Juice,” “Good as Hell,” and “Tempo” featuring Missy Elliott. All three of those tracks by the Atlantic recording artist live on a version of 2019’s Grammy-winning, Platinum-certified Cuz I Love You album.
Marvel Studios will release Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on November 11, 2022. Before the highly-anticipated sequel arrives in theaters, fans can listen to the Wakanda Forever Prologue EP.
Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Grammy Award winner Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, The Mandalorian) produced the entire project. Wakanda Forever Prologue includes Nigerian artist Tems’s cover of “No Woman No Cry.”
That Tems rendition of the classic by Bob Marley and the Wailers plays in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer. The teaser premiered at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con. The EP also features “A Body, A Coffin” by Ghanaian artist Amaarae and “Soy” by Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s Director & Composer Comment On The EP
“This Prologue is an aural first glimpse of Wakanda Forever. The sound world for the film began with extended trips to Mexico and Nigeria,” says Ludwig Göransson and Black Panther franchise director Ryan Coogler in a joint statement. “We spent our days working with traditional musicians who educated us about the cultural, social, and historical contexts of their music.”
Göransson and Coogler continued, “We built a catalog of instrumental and vocal recordings with them that explored both traditional and non-traditional uses of their musical material. During the nights on these trips, we had recording sessions with contemporary artists who were akin to the characters and thematic material explored in the film.”
Wakanda Forever Prologue Cover Art
Coogler & Göransson Talk Creating An Immersive Sound
Once again, Oakland native Ryan Coogler serves as the director and screenwriter for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The forthcoming film centers around Wakandans Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), and Okoye (Danai Gurira) dealing with the death of King T’Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman).
“Using the script as a blueprint, along with the recordings from the traditional musicians, we began to build a musical vocabulary for the characters, storylines, and cultures, “explains Coogler and Göransson. The instrumental score and soundtrack for Wakanda Forever both organically grew from these sessions and workshops. They are conceived together as a singular entity to create an immersive and enveloping sound world for the film.”
