Friday, November 10, 2023

SZA Dominates Grammy Nominations With Nine Nods

SZA is the leading nominee for the 66th annual Grammy Awards with nine nominations
In a sweeping acknowledgment of her musical brilliance, SZA takes center stage as the leading nominee for the 66th annual Grammy Awards, securing an impressive nine nominations, as unveiled by the Recording Academy on Friday.

The R&B singer-songwriter's sophomore album, "SOS," emerges as a formidable contender for Album of the Year, while her chart-topping single "Kill Bill" stakes its claim in the prestigious categories of Record and Song of the Year.

Sharing the spotlight in these sought-after categories are other notable artists, including Miley Cyrus with "Flowers," Olivia Rodrigo with "Vampire," Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero," Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" and Jon Batiste with "Worship" for Record of the Year and "Butterfly" for Song of the Year. Each with six nominations, the competition heats up in Album, Song, and Record of the Year.

Other top nominees announced by The Recording Academy include indie rock sensation Phoebe Bridgers, who not only clinched several nominations with her group boygenius but also earned recognition for a collaborative effort with SZA. Also gracing this musical celebration are R&B virtuoso Victoria Monet and accomplished audio engineer Serban Ghenea, each accumulating an impressive seven nominations.

In the league of six-time nominees, renowned producer Jack Antonoff, country songstress Brandy Clark, and the dynamic trio boygenius, comprising Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, add their voices to the symphony of recognition.

Billie Eilish, having previously dominated the Grammy Awards in 2020 with her debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?," makes a triumphant return with six nominations, five of which are attributed to her contribution to the soundtrack of the summer blockbuster Barbie movie with the track "What Was I Made For." Notably, the Barbie movie soundtrack itself amassed seven additional nominations, primarily in categories celebrating music crafted for visual media. Collectively, "Barbie: The Album" emerges as a strong contender for the title of the most celebrated album of the year.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed his excitement, stating, "From emerging artists to seasoned legends, the array of musicians recognized for their outstanding contributions to today's music is truly remarkable." The grand culmination of this celebration of musical excellence is scheduled to unfold at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024.

Click here for a complete list of nominees. 
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Thursday, November 9, 2023

TSU Alum Megan Thee Stallion Ignites Campus with Surprise Appearance

In a surprise visit to Texas Southern University on Wednesday, Megan Thee Stallion turned heads, adding sizzle to the weekly Hump Day pep rally. The Grammy-winning artist, accompanied by the Ocean of Soul Band, took center stage to honor recipients of the Flamin' Hot scholarship fund—a cause profoundly significant to her.

Launched in September, the scholarship fund aims to uplift graduating seniors at TSU, offering over $150,000 to more than 20 deserving students. A recent TSU graduate herself, Megan seized the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these scholarship recipients.

Engaging in an on-stage conversation with TSU's Tracy Clemons, Megan Thee Stallion underscored the importance of education and empowerment.

Beyond the scholarship festivities, Megan Thee Stallion's collaboration with the Canadian alt-metal band Spiritbox on "Cobra (Rock Remix) Feat. Spiritbox" continues to showcase her dynamic range. Both artists are under the management of Roc Nation, Jay-Z's entertainment company.

As a three-time Grammy winner, Megan Thee Stallion has not only dominated the music scene but has also ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing herself as a cultural icon. Graduating in Healthcare Administration in 2021, Megan now aspires to open assisted-living facilities in her hometown, exemplifying her commitment to education and community upliftment.

Megan Thee Stallion has garnered recognition for her advocacy. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented her with the 18th Congressional District Hero Award in Houston, acknowledging her outstanding humanitarian work.

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Country Music Awards Rewrites History: Tracy Chapman's Classic 'Fast Car' Named Song of the Year

Tracy Chapman
Nashville's Bridgestone Arena set the stage for a historic win as Tracy Chapman's timeless hit "Fast Car" secured the Song of the Year award at the 57th annual Country Music Awards on Wednesday.

Despite Chapman's absence from the telecast, presenter Sarah Evans shared Chapman's gratitude in a heartfelt message, "I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Wow. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke (Combs) and to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.’"

This accolade is especially remarkable considering "Fast Car" made its debut 35 years ago and enjoyed a resurgence in July when Luke Combs, a prominent country star, released a cover that soared to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. In a historic moment, Chapman became the first Black woman to top the chart since its inception in 1990.

Chapman, the sole writer of "Fast Car," also claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, a testament to the enduring appeal of her masterpiece through Combs' rendition.



Reflecting on this unexpected journey to the country charts, Chapman shared, "I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”

Luke Combs, who also clinched a CMA Award for Single of the Year with "Fast Car," expressed his deep appreciation during his acceptance speech. "First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time," Combs remarked, highlighting the profound impact "Fast Car" has had on his life since childhood.

The historic win at the CMAs establishes Tracy Chapman as the first Black artist to secure Song of the Year. The Country Music Association not only honored "Fast Car" in this category but also recognized Combs, Chip Matthews, and Jonathan Singleton with Single of the Year.
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