Bob Marley's Iconic Legacy Lives on with Posthumous Album 'Africa Unite'

Album Art: Courtesy Universal Music Group

Reggae legend Bob Marley's musical legacy lives on through the forthcoming release of "Africa Unite," a posthumous album that pays homage to his iconic career and celebrates the fusion of reggae and Afrobeats.

The album, scheduled to be unveiled on August 4, presents a collection of Marley's greatest hits reimagined with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, featuring collaborations with contemporary African musicians.

Among the ten tracks on "Africa Unite" are notable artists such as Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Teni and Oxlade. Each artist contributes their distinct style and talent to the project, breathing new life into Marley's timeless compositions. The album seamlessly blends the essence of reggae and Afrobeats, delivering heartfelt renditions of beloved songs like "Waiting In Vain" alongside the vibrant energy of "Stir It Up."

Highlighting the significance of the album, Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley, said in a statement, "'Africa Unite' is an album that showcases the importance of Bob Marley in modern-day Africa. The artists featured on this album have reimagined Bob Marley's classics in a way that we know he would have loved and been proud of."

Bob Marley's influence on both reggae and Afrobeats music culture is widely recognized. His pioneering contributions to reggae led to his posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Additionally, his impact on Afrobeats, a popular genre originating from Africa, is evident in the incorporation of reggae elements such as guitar riffs and offbeat rhythms, creating a captivating fusion that resonates with audiences and continues to shape the genre's evolution.

The album's release is spearheaded by the debut single, a fresh rendition of Bob Marley's timeless anthem "Three Little Birds," performed by emerging Nigerian artists Teni and Oxlade. This rendition preserves the essence of the original while infusing it with an afro-fusion twist, showcasing the contemporary sound that permeates the entire album.

Click here to stream a preview of "Africa Unite."

From 'Bling Bling' to 'Back That Azz Up': Juvenile Rocks NPR's Black Music Month with Timeless Hits

NPR's celebration of Black Music Month culminated not in a bang, but in a symphony of soul, rhythm, blues, and rap, uniquely born in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

Big Easy native Juvenile took the Tiny Desk stage by storm, supported by a full band that included fellow New Orleans music giants Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste, along with the wizardry of Mannie Fresh, the legendary producer behind Cash Money Records' hits. Together, they orchestrated a Tiny Desk performance that defied all expectations.

As Juvenile shared insights and reflected on his recording history, he effortlessly traded laughs and verses, delivering his and the label's biggest hits. From "400 Degreez" to "Bling Bling" and even the Hot Boys classic "I Need a Hot Girl," Juvenile playfully reminded the audience of his presence in the iconic music video, despite not being featured on the track itself.

"Y'all don't even know, that's my favorite part right there," Juvenile chuckled, exchanging verses with the animated Mannie Fresh. "I ain't even on the song, but I'm in the video. That part resonates with me so much, especially when Turk jumps in. Now, I know Turk might have a bone to pick with me, but he's still my lil bro. Trust me, that's the absolute pinnacle of the song when he enters."

However, it was the grand finale that truly captivated the audience. With the assistance of a cellist and a violinist from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Juvenile crafted a spellbinding rendition of his timeless anthem to the posterior, "Back That Azz Up."

To experience the full concert, watch the video above.

SET LIST
"Intro (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"400 Degreez (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Bling Bling (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Ha"
"Set It Off"
"Slow Motion"
"Rodeo (feat. The Amours)"
"I Need A Hot Girl (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Project Bitch (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Back That Azz Up (feat. Mannie Fresh)"

MUSICIANS
Juvenile: vocals
Mannie Fresh: vocals, effects, keys
Alvin Ford: music director/drums
Josh Connelly: guitar
DJ Raymond: bass
Brandon Butler: keys
BK Jackson: saxophone
Trombone Shorty: trombone
Kevin Woods: trumpet
Jon Batiste: melodica
Jakiya Ayanna: vocals
Shaina Aisha: vocals
Hannah Yim: violin
Jake Fowler: cello

Grand Jury Determines Travis Scott Not Criminally Responsible for Deadly Astroworld Incident

Frank Schwichtenberg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Travis Scott, the rapper and producer behind the ill-fated 2021 Astroworld Festival, will not face charges related to the deadly crowd crush that claimed 10 lives and injured hundreds, announced District Attorney Kim Ogg on Thursday.

A grand jury also declined to indict others involved in the festival, including chief of security John Junnell and festival director Brett Silberstein, as part of the police investigation.

The grand jury from the 228th District Court of Harris County determined that no crime had occurred and that no individual could be held criminally responsible, according to Ogg. While recognizing the tragedy of the 10 innocent lives lost, Ogg clarified that not every tragedy constitutes a crime and that the grand jury's decision would not affect the ongoing civil lawsuits filed against Scott and other organizers, including Live Nation.

The victims, whose deaths were attributed to "compression asphyxia" by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, included a nine-year-old.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed, alleging negligence in the festival's planning and promotion. Scott's spokesperson, Ted Anastasiou, stated that Scott had halted the show three times and was unaware of the unfolding events. Scott's attorney, Kent Schaffer, conveyed the news of the grand jury's decision to the rapper, who is currently overseas for a concert, expressing Scott's relief and eagerness to return home.

“He is ecstatic. It’s a huge weight that has been removed from his shoulders. He’s looking forward to getting back home after being cleared by the grand jury,” Schaffer told CNN.