SZA Named Variety's 'Hitmaker of the Year'

The Come Up Show, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

SZA has been crowned "Hitmaker of the Year" at Variety's seventh annual Hitmakers celebration. The event, set to grace the Nov. 29 publication and accompanied by an exclusive invitation-only brunch on December 2, recognizes the individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping and defining this year's 25 most-consumed songs, according to Billboard and Luminate Charts.

Variety's Executive Music Editor, Jem Aswad, succinctly captures the spirit of the event, stating, "The goal of Hitmakers has always been to honor the top artists and songs of the year, and especially the people behind them." He goes on to elaborate, "SZA, her 'SOS' album and tour, and her hits this year are not only a creative and commercial triumph but one with a reach that extends far beyond the music world. We are immensely proud to honor her as our Hitmaker of the Year."

SZA, HITMAKER OF THE YEAR! pic.twitter.com/DjE0V9Jydg

— SZA Brasil (@szabrs) November 6, 2023

SZA's distinction as Hitmaker of the Year follows a string of award nominations, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the music industry. Most recently, Femme It Forward announced its Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala, featuring SZA alongside notable artists like Teyana Taylor, Brandy, Flo Milli, and others.

Furthermore, the BET Soul Train Awards recently revealed that SZA, Usher, and Summer Walker are leading the pack with nine nominations each. The awards ceremony, scheduled to air on Nov. 26, marks a remarkable month for the talented artist.

Along with SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Metro Boomin and boygenius, Billie Eilish and Finneas, Maren Morris and Mark Ronson are among the honorees at Variety’s seventh annual Hitmakers celebration. https://t.co/8KZMRPCNpR

— Variety (@Variety) November 6, 2023

SZA's critically acclaimed album, "SOS," made a significant impact with its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in December. The album comprises 23 tracks, including hit singles like "Kill Bill," "Snooze" and "Nobody Gets Me," with collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Following the album's remarkable success, SZA embarked on an extensive tour across Europe and the United States, captivating audiences with her artistry. The North American leg of her tour commenced on Sept. 20, spanning major cities and concluding in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 29.

Variety's 2023 Hitmakers program, meticulously curated by the editorial team, includes a lineup of distinguished awards:

• SZA – Hitmaker of the Year
• Olivia Rodrigo – Storyteller of the Year
• Boygenius – Group of the Year
• Metro Boomin – Producer of the Year
• Mark Ronson – Soundtrack of the Year
• Billie Eilish and FINNEAS – Film Song of the Year: "What Was I Made For"
• Maren Morris – Changemaker of the Year
• Republic Records – Label of the Year
• Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka – Music Education and Advocacy Leadership Award, presented by City National Bank

Hip-Hop Icon Missy Elliott Steals the Show at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

Photo Credit: Courtesy Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 

Hip-hop pioneer Missy Elliott took center stage at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, making history as the first woman rapper to be inducted into the prestigious hall. The event, which took place on Friday at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and lasted for over four hours, celebrated the remarkable contributions of women and Black artists to the world of rock and roll.

Elliott's electrifying performance closed the show and featured a medley of her greatest hits, including "Get Ur Freak On," "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," "Work It," "Pass That Dutch" and "Lose Control." Queen Latifah, presenting the honor to Elliott, humorously acknowledged, "Missy will wear you out! This woman goes hard for the art."

Get ur freak on! @MissyElliott makes history as the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. #RockHall2023 pic.twitter.com/ETFnNyqw0N

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023

In a heartfelt moment, the artist revealed that it was the first time her mother had seen her perform live, expressing her gratitude to share the experience with her. She also acknowledged the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the significance of being inducted alongside her fellow honorees.

The 2023 induction ceremony featured a diverse and influential group of musicians, celebrating the significant presence of women and Black artists in the world of rock and roll. Notably, this ceremony came shortly after the removal of Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner from the Hall of Fame's board of directors. Wenner had previously made controversial remarks regarding Black and female musicians in his book of interviews. However, the talent displayed by this year's inductees suggested a different narrative.

"Trust me, nothing sounded the same after @MissyElliott came on the scene...everything changed. The bass lines changed, the pockets changed, the cadence, the writing. And that's because Missy has always been a futurist, someone who's always looking ahead." - @IAMQUEENLATIFAH pic.twitter.com/728DT2H9DK

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023

"Trust me, nothing sounded the same after Missy Elliott came on the scene," Queen Latifah recalled. "Nothing. All the kick snares, everything changed. The bass lines changed, the pockets changed, the cadence, the writing. And that's because Missy has always been a futurist, someone who's always looking ahead."

Other memorable moments of the night included Sheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo's opening performance, Elton John's heartfelt tribute to Bernie Taupin, and H.E.R., Sia and Common's medley in celebration of Chaka Khan. Additionally, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow collaborated with Willie Nelson for a lively performance.

Rage Against the Machine and the late guitarist Link Wray were among the other inductees, with performances that underscored the rich diversity of musical genres represented at the ceremony.

"On the surface, our music is obviously very different. But in important ways, they're exactly the same. What I love about Kate's music is that you never know what sound you're going to hear next." - @BigBoi inducting @KateBushMusic.
Stream #RockHall2023 NOW on @DisneyPlus! pic.twitter.com/ScDMp2HkAe

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023

Missy Elliott's induction marked a historic moment as she became the first woman rapper to join the esteemed ranks of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony, streamed live for the first time, offered audiences a chance to witness this musical celebration of inclusion and diversity. A two-hour prime-time special of the event will air on Jan. 1 on ABC, while it will be available for streaming on Jan. 2 on Hulu and Disney+.

2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

Performer Category:
Kate Bush
Sheryl Crow
Missy Elliott
George Michael
Willie Nelson
Rage Against the Machine
The Spinners

Musical Influence Award:
DJ Kool Herc
Link Wray

Musical Excellence Award:
Chaka Khan
Al Kooper
Bernie Taupin

Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Don Cornelius

'Tupac Shakur Way' Unveiled in Oakland, California: A Tribute to a Hip-Hop Legend

In a heartfelt tribute to the late iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, a section of MacArthur Boulevard was officially renamed "Tupac Shakur Way" in Oakland on Friday. The city celebrated this renaming at an event by Lake Merritt, where family members, fans, and fellow artists paid their respects.

Mo Shakur, Tupac's brother, underscored the significance of the rapper's message, stating, "Tupac was more than a rapper; he was a cultural icon. He strived to convey the importance of community care, and that's why his legacy endures."

While Tupac was born in Harlem and raised in Baltimore, the Bay Area held a special place in his heart. His parents were active members of the Black Panther Party, and he spent part of his early life in Marin City, California. He later moved to East Oakland in the late 1980s.

Tupac's sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, expressed her joy, mentioning that her brother would be thrilled to see the love and recognition from a place he held dear.

Money B, a fellow musician, emphasized the lasting impact of Tupac's legacy, saying, "He influenced not just one generation but two more. There are generations who weren't even born when he made music, yet they are still influenced by his legacy."

The initiative to rename this portion of MacArthur Boulevard was spearheaded by Oakland City Councilwoman Carroll Fife, with the goal of ensuring that Tupac's legacy endures and inspires positive change.

The City Council voted unanimously to designate the section of MacArthur Boulevard between Grand Avenue and Van Buren Avenue as "Tupac Shakur Way." This decision aligns with Oakland's tradition of honoring beloved artists, activists, and community leaders with street names, such as Peter Van Kleef, Huey P. Newton, Dorothy King and Too Short.

Tupac Shakur, originally known as Lesane Parish Crooks, transitioned from a young boy in Harlem to an influential figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene, with Oakland playing a pivotal role in his career. He often credited the city for shaping his artistry and providing him with his "Game."

Despite his untimely death, Tupac's popularity continues to soar, with over 75 million albums sold worldwide. The Oakland City Council resolution celebrating his legacy acknowledges his significant contributions to art and social outreach.

This renaming follows previous efforts to commemorate Tupac in Oakland, including the proclamation of "Tupac Shakur Day" in 2016 and various community events honoring his legacy.