entertainment blog

Gucci Mane is paying homage to late rapper Takeoff in a new single, “Letter to Takeoff.” The Alabama rapper had collaborated with Migos a number of times over the years on singles such as “I Get the Bag,” “Slippery” and “Solitaire.” Migos was previously signed to the label Gucci founded, 1017 Records. Takeoff, whose real name is Kirsnick Ball, was shot and killed earlier this month after an altercation broke out during a private party at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. The new single, produced by Zaytoven, eulogizes the late Migos member and touches on the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely death. It arrives with a music video Joe Yung Spike that sees Gucci walk through a desolate cemetary. “How the fuck we lose Takeoff? / Damn, he didn’t deserve it,” Gucci raps on the song. ...

The Recording Academy on Tuesday revealed the nominees for the 2023 Grammy Awards. Leading the way, Beyoncé earned nine nominations, three of which are in the Big Four categories. Renaissance is nominated for album of the year, and “Break My Soul” is up for both record and song of the year. She also picked up nods for best dance/electronic recording (“Break My Soul”), best dance/electronic music album (Renaissance), best R&B performance (“Virgo’s Groove”), best traditional R&B performance (“Plastic Off the Sofa”), best R&B song (“Cuff It”) and best song written for visual media (“Be Alive”). Trailing closely behind, Kendrick Lamar received eight total nominations. He’s also up for record and son...

Washington D.C.-born singer/songwriter Kelela is officially back with the announcement of her sophomore album, RAVEN. The artist first reemerged last month with fashion show appearances and the release of singles “Washed Away” and “Happy Ending” – leading many to think that her forthcoming project was on the horizon. Now, fans no longer need to guess as Kelela’s sophomore project is set to be released on Friday, February 10. The long-awaited album follows Kelela’s acclaimed debut Take Me Apart which merged elements on hip-hop, electronic, alternative and R&B. Alongside the announcement of RAVEN, she has also released a new track “On The Run.” The sonically rich track harbors a smooth cadence with uptempo electronic cuts featuring producti...

Wizkid has announced plans for a nationwide U.S. tour in support of his new album More Love, Less Ego. The Afrobeats mainstay will be teasing what’s to come with a one-off, sold-out show at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night. On March 3, the Lagos-born singer will return to commence the official tour, kicking off at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. He’ll make stops in major cities across the country, including Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit and more. Just a little over a month later, the U.S. run will wrap up with a final show at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum on April 7. Wizkid has yet to announce a tour that for additional countries. The highly-anticipated More Love, Less Ego premiered late last week via RCA Records, landing as the celebrated singer’s fifth studio LP. In 202...

Nicki Minaj is joining forces with Maluma and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares for a new track called “Tukoh Taka.” Converging the English, Spanish and Arabic languages, the song will celebrate the unity of countries and fans around the world during this year’s FIFA World Cup. Due for release on Friday via Universal Arabic Music, Universal Music and Republic Records, “Tukoh Taka” will not only appear on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 soundtrack but will also serve as the official song of the FIFA Fan Festival. “Tukoh Taka” is described as a “cross-continental banger” with an energy-packed collaboration from Minaj, Maluma and Fares. The song will debut alongside a cinematic music video. While many Barbz are pumped for the upcoming release, some fans have criticized Minaj for her involvement with...

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its roster of 2023 nominees, with artists including Snoop Dogg, Patti Smith, R.E.M., Sade, Gloria Estefan, ELO frontman Jeff Lynne, Bryan Adams, Steve Winwood, the Broadway team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and more up for the honorary title. The slate will be voted on for induction at the 54th Annual Induction & Awards Gala on June 15, 2023, in New York City. The Songwriters Hall of Fame recognizes the lives and catalogs of notable composers and lyricists across the globe. In order to qualify, a songwriter’s first significant commercial track must have been released 20 years prior to induction. Eligible voters will need to cast their ballots by 12 p.m. ET on December 28, 2022, with three choices in both the songwriter and performing so...