entertainment blog
Artists Are Blasting an NFT Auction Platform After Their Music Appeared Without Their Knowledge
A controversial NFT marketplace has drawn the ire of many in the music industry and creator economy at large. Legions of musicians are taking to social media to condemn HitPiece, a platform allegedly minting and selling music NFTs without artists’ knowledge. According to HitPiece’s website, the marketplace “lets fans collect NFTs of your favorite songs.” However, it’s unclear whether or not the company has acquired the rights to the songs and gone through the necessary channels to publicly list them on its platform. Per its website, HitPiece also claims to remit a royalty to artists whose music NFTs are purchased or sold, but suggests the rights-holder must create an account to receive payments. “Each time an artist’s NFT is purchased or sold, a royalty ...
Wale Pulls Out of Broccoli City Festival 2022 Lineup
Wale announced that he is pulling out of the Broccoli City Festival 2022 lineup just hours after organizers unveiled the list of performers. The Folarin II rapper took to Twitter to announce his exit from the festival, stating “respect” as the reason behind his decision. Wale did not fully share the details, but he did clarify that his decision to pull out was not because he was not a headliner. “I’m not mad at all,” he said in response to a fan. “I wish people would ask Face with tears of joy I’m sure the festival will be amazing all the artist are fire. I don’t think I’ll be missed and I never cared about headlining. This ain’t that. If u gon judge me at least know what’s on my mind my guy.” He also replied to a fan reminding him of the money involved in performing at the festival, but t...
‘New York Times’ Buys Popular Word Game Wordle
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: NurPhoto / Getty Wordle, the game that has become a social media sensation of late, has just been acquired by the New York Times. The sizeable deal has stoked a conversation online, with some wondering if their access to the game will remain the same. On Monday (January 31st), the New York Times announced that their Games department had acquired the immensely popular word-guessing game, which made its debut last October. In their statement, they revealed that their purchase price was an “undisclosed price in the low seven figures.” Created by Josh Wardle, a software designer who resides in Brooklyn, New York, Wordle is a daily puzzle game in which the player attempts to guess a five-letter word in six tries. Then, players can share their results – which c...
Brave Hearts: Anthony Hamilton & Musiq Soulchild To Battle In Valentine’s Day ‘Verzuz’
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Prince Williams / Getty Ladies and gentlemen get your Moscato and candles ready. Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild will be going song for song on a Valentine’s Day themed Verzuz. As spotted on The Grio the two crooners have agreed to step on the infamous Verzuz stage. Titled “A Valentine’s Day Special” the event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15 and will be hosted at the Avalon Hollywood in California. Naturally both performers added to the hype with their own respective posts on social media. “You Asked & We Heard You!” wrote Musiq. “Charlene already asking for tickets 😂” wrote Anthony. The match up is an interesting one as both talents have carved out their lanes with their soulful voices and songs dedicated to love. Related Stor...
Multiple HBCUs Receive Bomb Threats On First Day of Black History Month
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: MANDEL NGAN / Getty This is not the way Black History Month should be kicking off. Per CNN, multiple historically black colleges and universities have received bomb threats resulting in them having to go in lockdown or cancel classes. As of Tuesday (Feb.1), 13 schools have reported receiving bomb threats. One of them, Howard University, has received a threat on Monday (Jan.31) as well. Speaking with CNN, Baltimore’s Coppin State acknowledged someone called the university claiming there was a bomb on campus. A message on the school’s website read, “If you are on campus, please, shelter in place, and wait for further instructions,” the message stated. “Emergency officials are evaluating the campus, and we will provide updates as soon as possible.” Related S...
The Game Claims Interscope Is A “Modern Day Slave Trade” Before Twitter Blocks Him
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Amanda Edwards / Getty The Game had some choice words for his former record label Interscope, stating that they were running a “modern day slave trade” on Twitter before his account got restricted. The Compton, California rapper vented about his former label of 17 years on Friday (January 28th) through his Twitter account. “F—k INTERSCOPE,” he wrote. “I meant it when I said it 17 years ago & I mean it today!!!! They’re runnin a modern day slave trade & they steal from every single artist. Best decision of my life was parting ways. #StayIndependent.” To add to the drama, The Game’s account was then locked by Twitter for violating their media policy as those curious about his latest tweet saw this message: “@thegame’s account is temporarily un...
SSGKobe Uses Wizardry To Ward Off Enemies in “Don’t Miss” Video
SSGKobe, one of the most buzzed-about young new artists, has released his wizard-fighting music video, ”Don’t Miss.” The action-filled visual is yet another mystical piece of SSGKobe’s world coming together, following the release of the Zack Bia-cosigned, “ESCAPE YOUR LOVE.” Originally from Louisiana, Kobe broke mainstream waves as a Soundcloud sweetheart with his Cole Bennet-directed hit, “MIA.” Directed by Rock and Egg, Kobe breaks into a school lab, where he puts his wizardry to the test, concocting potions and creating a magical wand before his enemies close in. Inspired by Kobe’s love of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, the video finds him moving hastily to make a defense potion against his opps, offering up his money, purple-piss and even a blood sacrifice. With the n...
“Welcome to The Last Goodbye”: What’s Going On With ODESZA?
The ODESZA faithful are waiting with bated breath after the beloved electronic music duo launched a cryptic campaign called “Welcome to The Last Goodbye.” ODESZA quietly rolled out the enigmatic initiative via a new microsite that invites visitors to subscribe with either their phone number or email. Entering your phone number triggers an automated text message containing the phrase “Welcome to The Last Goodbye,” as well as an attachment to add ODESZA as a contact. The attachment leads to a landing page at Laylo, a tool artists use to directly message their fans—a not-so-ironic partnership considering ODESZA’s tight-lipped nature and tendency to go on extended hiatuses. The duo’s Laylo page encourages fans to enter a phone number to &...
EDM.com Presents: The House Brew, Vol. 6
“Fidale (I Feel)” – Monolink & Zigan Aldi Melodic techno maestro Monolink has reworked Zigan Aldi’s “Fidale” in dramatic fashion. A throbbing bassline and elevated, twisting synth raise tension beyond the original soundscape, perfectly tied together by Monolink’s yearning vocals. “Tataki” – Argy After months of Tale Of Us teasing swarms of techno fans from Brooklyn to Tulum with live plays of Argy’s “Tataki,” the song finally finds an official release on Afterlife. “Tataki” oozes ominous energy, enticing in its creative control of the dancefloor haunt. “Needed Time” – Marbs A resounding kick leads the way through Marbs’ “Needed Time.” The Deserts Hearts Black boss sticks true to the label’s sound, crafting dark, menacing techno. “Hold On To Your Heart” (Eli & Fur’...
EDM.com Presents: The House Brew, Vol. 6
“Fidale (I Feel)” – Monolink & Zigan Aldi Melodic techno maestro Monolink has reworked Zigan Aldi’s “Fidale” in dramatic fashion. A throbbing bassline and elevated, twisting synth raise tension beyond the original soundscape, perfectly tied together by Monolink’s yearning vocals. “Tataki” – Argy After months of Tale Of Us teasing swarms of techno fans from Brooklyn to Tulum with live plays of Argy’s “Tataki,” the song finally finds an official release on Afterlife. “Tataki” oozes ominous energy, enticing in its creative control of the dancefloor haunt. “Needed Time” – Marbs A resounding kick leads the way through Marbs’ “Needed Time.” The Deserts Hearts Black boss sticks true to the label’s sound, crafting dark, menacing techno. “Hold On To Your Heart” (Eli & Fur’...
Over 60 Artists Added to Ultra Music Festival 2022: See the Phase 3 Lineup
After announcing a third wave of artists, it’s becoming more and more clear that Ultra organizers are going bigger than ever for the festival’s long-awaited return to Miami. Over 60 acts have been added to the massive lineup, which grows more and more impressive with each phase. Newly announced artists include KSHMR, Krewella, Kill the Noise, Slushii, and a collaborative performance by JOYRYDE and Ghastly. They join a formidable list of DJs, including Ultra 2022 headliners Martin Garrix, Alison Wonderland, Pendulum, Kygo, DJ Snake, David Guetta, Nina Kraviz, Armin van Buuren, Seven Lions, and Tiësto, among others. With one gigantic announcement still on the horizon, it’s safe to say the excitement surrounding Ultra is bubbling over. When organizers shared the first wave o...
Over 60 Artists Added to Ultra Music Festival 2022: See the Phase 3 Lineup
After announcing a third wave of artists, it’s becoming more and more clear that Ultra organizers are going bigger than ever for the festival’s long-awaited return to Miami. Over 60 acts have been added to the massive lineup, which grows more and more impressive with each phase. Newly announced artists include KSHMR, Krewella, Kill the Noise, Slushii, and a collaborative performance by JOYRYDE and Ghastly. They join a formidable list of DJs, including Ultra 2022 headliners Martin Garrix, Alison Wonderland, Pendulum, Kygo, DJ Snake, David Guetta, Nina Kraviz, Armin van Buuren, Seven Lions, and Tiësto, among others. With one gigantic announcement still on the horizon, it’s safe to say the excitement surrounding Ultra is bubbling over. When organizers shared the first wave o...
