Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts

Friday, December 20, 2024

Prince Among Honorees for 2025 Lifetime Achievement Grammy

The Recording Academy has announced that Prince, the legendary artist who reshaped contemporary
music, will posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Special Merit Awards Ceremony. The event, set for February 1 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles during Grammy Week, will honor Prince's enduring influence on global music.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Prince was a musical prodigy, mastering instruments by age seven and recording his first demo at 17. His innovative blend of funk, rock, R&B, and pop, along with his bold fashion and electrifying performances, made him a global icon. Albums like "1999," "Purple Rain," and "Sign o' the Times" became cultural touchstones.

"Purple Rain," released in 1984, earned Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and produced classics like "When Doves Cry." The accompanying film solidified his reputation as a charismatic performer and storyteller.


Prince's fight for artistic freedom was as renowned as his music. His refusal to conform to industry standards led him to build Paisley Park Studios, where he could produce music independently. In the 1990s, he famously adopted an unpronounceable symbol as his name, protesting Warner Bros.' control over his catalog. This act spotlighted issues of artistic ownership, inspiring musicians to assert their rights.

Beyond his solo work, Prince penned hits for artists like Sinéad O'Connor ("Nothing Compares 2 U") and The Bangles ("Manic Monday"). His mentorship and collaborations left a lasting imprint across genres.

Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, at 57, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide.

Other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Frankie Beverly of Maze, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Roxanne Shante, and Frankie Valli. Trustees Awards will be presented to Erroll Garner, Glyn Johns, and Tania León, with Dr. Leo Beranek receiving the Technical Grammy Award.

Sponsored by Budweiser, the Special Merit Awards Ceremony is a highlight of Grammy Week, leading up to the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

2025 Special Merit Awards Honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Prince
Frankie Beverly (Maze)
The Clash
Dr. Bobby Jones
Taj Mahal
Roxanne Shante
Frankie Valli (The Four Seasons)

Trustees Awards:
Erroll Garner
Glyn Johns
Tania León

Technical Grammy Award:
Dr. Leo Beranek
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Chic's Alfa Anderson, Disco Star, Dead at 77

Photo Courtesy: officialalfaanderson.com
Alfa Anderson, whose powerful voice helped define the sound of disco as a vocalist with the iconic band Chic, died Tuesday at age 77, according to several reports and a social media post by Nile Rodgers, the band's co-founder, producer and guitarist. While often labeled a "former" member, Anderson's enduring career proved that the music industry, much like the infectious rhythms of Chic's "Good Times," never truly lets go.

Anderson, who rose to fame in the late 1970s, delivered soaring vocals on Chic's hits, including "Le Freak," and "I Want Your Love." These were the anthems that ruled the dance floors of legendary clubs like Studio 54 and propelled the band to international stardom. But Anderson's journey, like that of many disco stars, was more nuanced than the often-simplified narratives presented in posthumous tributes.

Born in the Bronx, New York, but raised in Augusta, Georgia, Anderson graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School before embarking on a music career that would span decades. A longtime friend of Luther Vandross, she was invited by the R&B legend to a vocal session for a new group called Chic, according to a 2017 interview with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

After contributing backing vocals to early tracks like "Dance, Dance, Dance" and "Everybody Dance," she was promoted to co-lead vocalist in 1978. Anderson's commanding voice became a defining feature of the band's sound on the critically acclaimed albums "C'est Chic" (1978) and "Risqué" (1979).

As Chic's output slowed in the early 1980s, Anderson continued to work as a session vocalist, toured with Vandross for five years, and pursued a solo career. She released the album "Alpha's Beta" in 1986, which featured the dance single "Love and Understanding." She also formed the spiritual group Voices of Shalom with her husband, Tinkr Barfield.

The 2010s saw a renewed appreciation for Anderson's contributions to music. She reunited with former Chic vocalists Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright for select performances. In 2013, she released the single "Former Lady of Chic," a nod to her enduring connection to the band. Anderson was also featured in James Arena's 2014 book, "First Legends of Disco," and performed at several high-profile events, including Central Park SummerStage and the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza.

Paying tribute to Anderson on social media, Rodgers wrote, "#restinpoweralfaanderson #chic #loveyou." But beyond the social media tributes, Anderson's legacy endures through the timeless music she helped create. Her voice, an essential element of the Chic sound, remains a defining part of the disco era.

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Report: Lil Wayne, Chris Brown Looted COVID-19 Relief Funds

Pictured (From left): Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Tyga are pictured on the set of their "Loyal" music video. A 2024 report alleges Brown and Lil Wayne misused millions in COVID-19 relief funds intended for struggling artists.
While everyday Americans struggled during the pandemic, some of hip-hop's biggest stars were living large on taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief money, according to a bombshell investigation by Business Insider.

The report reveals how millions of dollars meant to rescue struggling artists and shuttered venues were allegedly funneled into the pockets of celebrities like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.

These stars then used the funds to bankroll extravagant lifestyles, according to the report.

These revelations are part of a broader pattern of COVID-19 relief fraud and abuse that has plagued numerous federal aid programs, raising serious questions about government oversight and accountability.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, a federal initiative championed by Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2020, was intended as a lifeline for independent music venues and working-class artists devastated by pandemic shutdowns.

Schumer said the program would ensure that "young artists" and "middle-class people" could weather the economic storm.
However, Business Insider's findings suggest that for some, "weathering the storm" involved private jets, lavish parties, and questionable travel expenses, all courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer.

Rapper Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Carter Jr., received a staggering $8.9 million in SVOG funds through his touring company, Young Money Touring, Inc.

While the money was ostensibly earmarked for touring expenses, records obtained by Business Insider indicate a significant portion was spent on luxuries that had little to do with keeping his crew employed.

According to the report, over $1.3 million went to private jet travel, $460,000 was spent on high-end clothing, and $175,000 was used for a music festival promoting his marijuana brand, GKUA.

An additional $15,000 was reportedly used for flights and hotel stays for women with no clear connection to his tours.

Chris Brown's financial exploits were equally eyebrow-raising.

His company, CBE Touring, Inc., received $10 million in SVOG funds.

Records show that Brown spent $80,000 of that money on a lavish 33rd birthday party for himself, complete with an LED dance floor and body-painted models.

Brown also apparently used $24,000 in grant money to transport his tour bus to Tulum, Mexico, where he filmed a music video — but did not perform, Business Insider reported.

While stars like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown were enjoying the largesse, their crews were often left with meager compensation.

The Business Insider investigation highlights a disturbing disparity between the millions flowing to headliners and the comparatively small sums doled out to the roadies, technicians, and other workers who make live music possible.

Many smaller venues and independent artists, the intended beneficiaries of the SVOG program, have reported receiving inadequate support or facing bureaucratic hurdles that prevented them from accessing funds, further fueling the sense of injustice.

The Small Business Administration, which administered the SVOG program, has faced intense criticism for its apparent lack of oversight.

Initially, musicians and their loan-out companies were deemed ineligible for the grants.

However, a December 2021 internal memo reversed that decision, paving the way for wealthy artists to receive substantial payouts. The SBA has yet to explain this abrupt policy shift.

Further fueling concerns, the agency prioritized speed over scrutiny, postponing anti-fraud checks until after funds were disbursed.

A staggering $6 billion in grants remains under review for compliance, according to Business Insider.

The SBA has stated that it is working with law enforcement to investigate credible evidence of fraud, but critics argue that more needs to be done to recover misspent funds and hold those responsible accountable.

"They were just trying to get money out. If it was fraudulent, if it was not eligible – whatever," an SBA insider told Business Insider, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The fallout from the scandal has been swift and severe.

"It never crossed my mind that we should be trying to get this money for my artists," one manager who lobbied for the program told Business Insider, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Brandy Hotchner, who runs the Arizona Actors Academy, said the funds saved her school during the pandemic.

She called the misuse by celebrities "a disappointment" that could tarnish public trust in government support for the arts.

Business Insider reports that the SBA has recovered $43 million in misspent COVID-19 relief funds but has yet to assign staff to review the remaining cases.

Calls for greater accountability have grown louder, with some lawmakers demanding a thorough investigation into the SVOG program's administration.

Sen. Schumer's office has not yet released a public statement addressing the specific allegations raised in the Business Insider report.

The revelations underscore the challenges of balancing rapid relief with effective oversight and raise troubling questions about who truly benefited from a program designed to help those most in need.
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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

DJ Quik, Daughter Launch Kickstarter for Debut Single

West Coast hip-hop legend DJ Quik is back, but this time he's sharing the spotlight with a newcomer: his daughter, Damyiah Mornaé.

The pair have launched a Kickstarter campaign for their debut single, "Outta My Way," hoping fans will say "Tonite" to their crowdfunding plea. Quik, the Compton, California, mastermind behind 1991's platinum-selling "Quik Is the Name" and 1998's "Rhythm-al-ism," is no stranger to hits. But in today's music landscape, even a legend needs a little help from his friends — and apparently, their wallets. The Kickstarter campaign, which went live Dec. 13, offers the usual "exclusive perks" for backers, ranging from digital downloads to (presumably) signed Quik memorabilia.

According to a press release, Quik was "deeply impressed" by his daughter's "undeniable talent." (She goes by Myiah.Mornae on Instagram, by the way.) A father-daughter collaboration? Sweet, right? Or is this a savvy move by a veteran artist to tap into a new generation of listeners? For those who've been living under a rock (or maybe just weren't born in the '80s), here's a quick refresher: DJ Quik (born David Marvin Blake) is a cornerstone of West Coast hip-hop. He's the producer behind hits for 2Pac, Janet Jackson, and Tony! Toni! Toné! and a pioneer of the smooth, funk-infused sound that defined the G-funk era.

Quik hasn't been resting on his laurels. He recently sat down with NPR's "Bullseye with Jesse Thorn" to discuss his influential career. He dropped a collaborative album, "Rosecrans," with fellow Compton rapper Problem in 2017, produced "Eargasm" for Megan Thee Stallion's "Fever" in 2019, and released "I Didn't Want to Leave You Lonely" with Long Beach, California's Kokane in 2022.

In September 2023, he and Mornaé released a visual album, "818," on YouTube. And just last April, he teamed up with JasonMartin (formerly Problem) for a new album, "Chupacabra."

The press release hypes up Mornaé's future R&B productions, promising she'll "wow" both Quik and fans. That's a lot of pressure for someone whose main claim to fame, so far, is being DJ Quik's daughter. Of course, there's a hashtag campaign: #DJQuikandDamyiah.

Tag your posts on Instagram (@DJQuik and @Myiah.Mornae), and you might get a shoutout. No guarantees, though. This father-daughter project is brought to you by #8B8 Records, a Los Angeles-based label founded in 2022. They say they're all about "innovative, genre-defying music." Time will tell.

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Friday, December 13, 2024

‘True Justice Is Coming’: Jay-Z Slams Accuser’s Lawsuit After She Admits to Mistakes in Her Story

Jay-Z is speaking out following his accuser's admission of inconsistencies in her allegations of sexual assault against the rap mogul. The Alabama woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims that Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Sean "Diddy" Combs raped her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty when she was 13.

In an interview with NBC News on Friday, Jane Doe acknowledged errors in her account, including misremembering her father's involvement and incorrectly identifying a celebrity present at the event. Despite these discrepancies, she maintains the core of her allegations.
Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized the legal process, stating, "It is stunning that a lawyer would not only file such a serious complaint without proper vetting but would make things worse by further peddling this false story in the press." He added, "We are asking the Court to dismiss this frivolous case today and will take up the matter of additional discipline for Mr. Buzbee and all the lawyers that filed the complaint."
Jay-Z himself condemned the lawsuit, asserting, "Today's investigative report proves this 'attorney' Buzbee filed a false complaint against me in the pursuit of money and fame. This incident didn't happen, and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True justice is coming."

The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe attended the afterparty after attempting to enter the awards show at Radio City Music Hall. She claims she was later assaulted by Carter and Combs, though the specific details of the events remain contested.

Both Jay-Z and Combs have denied the allegations. Combs' representatives have labeled the claims as "shameless publicity stunts."
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Diddy Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Men in Disturbing New Lawsuits, Will Smith Denies Connection to Scandal

Three new lawsuits filed Thursday in New York accuse Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple men, adding to the avalanche of civil claims already pending against the music mogul.

The complaints, submitted to New York Supreme Court, detail alleged assaults between 2019 and 2022. Two of the plaintiffs say Combs “personally offered” them alcoholic drinks at parties, after which they lost consciousness and were attacked. A third man, who says he once worked for Combs, alleges the rapper drugged and assaulted him during a meeting about unpaid wages.

Combs, 55, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, has pleaded not guilty, and has been denied bail three times. A trial is scheduled for May 2025.

His attorneys, who have called the growing number of allegations “full of lies,” recently secured a court order allowing Combs daily access to a discovery laptop in jail, though under strict conditions. In a statement to the BBC, they said: “We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.”

The men, who filed anonymously, say they fear Combs’ “reach and influence,” according to their lawsuits. Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing the three plaintiffs, said his office has fielded inquiries from more than 60 people with claims against Combs.

In one case, an anonymous plaintiff said he felt disoriented at a private gathering in 2019 after Combs “personally offered” him a cocktail. He recalled moments of consciousness during which he was being recorded and assaulted. Another plaintiff alleges that, during a 2020 party at Combs’ East Hampton home, he began losing consciousness after drinking alcohol Combs provided, and “fading in and out” as Combs and others “took turns” raping him. The third man claims he was drugged and assaulted by Combs in February 2020 during a hotel meeting arranged to discuss unpaid wages.

Meanwhile, actor and musician Will Smith recently told a San Diego audience he has no connection to Combs, addressing online speculation by saying: “I don’t have s*** to do with Puffy, so y’all can stop all the memes.”

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

NBA YoungBoy Takes Plea Deal, Gets 23 Months in Gun Case

MILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A federal judge in Utah on Wednesday sentenced Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy to 23 months in prison on gun-related charges, just months after he acknowledged possessing firearms as a convicted felon.

The artist, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, also received five years of probation and must pay a $200,000 fine as part of an agreement that settles multiple federal and state cases, court documents show. He has been detained in Utah since May, reducing his remaining time behind bars to about one year.

Before U.S. District Judge Howard Nielson handed down the sentence, Gaulden, 25, apologized to the court and his family, saying, “I let my situation get the best of me. I take full responsibility.”

Nielson told Gaulden he hoped the rapper would remain “totally unfettered” by substances in the future, emphasizing the importance of “walk[ing] the straight and narrow” under court-ordered treatment and evaluations.

The sentencing stems from a 2020 incident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Gaulden and several others were detained during the filming of a music video. Authorities seized multiple firearms at the scene. As part of the plea deal, Gaulden agreed to relinquish the guns and plead guilty to several state charges.

“This has been a long road that involved extensive litigation and ultimately extensive negotiation,” Atlanta attorney Drew Findling, who represented Gaulden, said in a statement Wednesday. “Kentrell’s defense team is very happy for Kentrell, and we look forward to his many future successes.”

While Gaulden’s legal troubles have often overshadowed his music career, he has remained a prominent name on the charts, recently signing with Motown after fulfilling his Atlantic Records contract. Over the past several years, he has tallied multiple top 10 Billboard 200 entries, including the 2022 album “The Last Slimeto,” which peaked at No. 2.
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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

J. Cole's Music Festival, Dreamville Fest, Sets 2025 as Final Year

J. Cole's Dreamville Fest, the hip-hop festival that transformed a patch of North Carolina into a haven for music and community, is taking its final bow. After four years of electrifying performances and a cultural impact that rippled far beyond the stage.

"April 5 & 6, 2025 will be the Fifth & Final Dreamville Fest 🌻," the festival announced Tuesday on its official Instagram account, adding, "What a ride it’s been… We can’t thank y’all enough for all the memories we’ve shared."
"From the very beginning," the festival organizers added, "the idea behind the fest was creating a place where our fans, the Dreamville community, could spend time together, a place where they could see themselves reflected, a place to share in experiences."
That sense of shared experience extends to the artists and organizers. J. Cole's manager, Ibrahim Hamad, expressed his gratitude Tuesday on Twitter: "I love y'all for real y'all don’t know how hard and how much work it takes to bring all this event…But just know y'all make it more than worth it every year."

Dreamville Fest has not only enriched the cultural landscape of North Carolina but also injected a significant economic boost into Wake County. In 2023 alone, the festival generated a staggering $145 million, solidifying its position as a major contributor to the state's economy.

Presale tickets go on sale Wednesday at 9 a.m. EST, with fans able to snag early access by texting DREAMVILLE to 68624.
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