Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Watch: Flo Milli Debuts New 'Never Lose Me' Verse in Soulful Tiny Desk Set
The rising star from Mobile, Alabama, opened with an energetic medley of "Conceited" and "Bed Time," setting the stage for an engaging performance. Backed by Atlanta's Band of Brothers and her backing vocalists, the Floettes, Milli showcased her versatility, transitioning smoothly into a soulful rendition of her breakout hit "Beef FloMix." The song, a fan favorite from her 2020 debut mixtape "Ho, Why Is You Here?", proved its enduring appeal in this new arrangement.
The highlight of the set came at the end, when Milli and her band switched to acoustic instruments for a stripped-down version of her single "Never Lose Me." In a special treat for the audience, she debuted a brand new verse exclusive to the Tiny Desk performance.
Milli's Tiny Desk appearance is a significant milestone in her career, which has been on a steady rise since the release of "Ho, Why Is You Here?" She followed up her debut with "You Still Here, Ho?" in 2022 and "Fine Ho, Stay" in 2023, earning a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and critical acclaim, including recognition from Rolling Stone as "one of the most fun rappers alive."
This Tiny Desk concert, a celebrated platform for showcasing musical talent, underscores Flo Milli's growing influence in the music industry.
Watch the full performance below.
Monday, June 24, 2024
Will Smith's Redemption Song: Hip-Hop Icon Returns to the Mic at BET Awards Sunday
Will Smith will perform at the @BETAwards for the first time ever — debuting a new original song.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 24, 2024
He joins a stellar lineup of performers, including Ice Spice, Lauryn Hill and Victoria Monet. Watch the #BETAwards this Sunday on @BET. pic.twitter.com/720eteqKhT
Smith first rose to fame with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, known for lighthearted hits like "Summertime" and "Parents Just Don't Understand," which earned them a Grammy Award for best rap performance. His transition to acting proved equally successful, with iconic roles in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Ali," earning him critical acclaim and box-office success.
Will Smith reveals to a packed theater crowd that he was watching ‘BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE’ with them the entire time. pic.twitter.com/mOovcoxipI
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 8, 2024
Recently, Smith contributed "Light Em Up," a collaboration with reggae artist Sean Paul, to the "Bad Boys for Life" soundtrack. The track, released in early 2024, marks his first new music in nearly half a decade.
Smith's career has not been without controversy. His 2022 Oscars incident, in which he slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage, sparked a media firestorm and led to a temporary break from the spotlight. His return to the BET Awards stage signifies a new chapter, where he aims to reconnect with audiences through his music.
Will Smith joins J Balvin during his #Coachella set for a surprise performance of ‘Men in Black.’ 🕴️ pic.twitter.com/PGLXALc8ub
— People (@people) April 15, 2024
Connie Orlando, BET's executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy, said, "From his start as a rapper to 'The Fresh Prince' to being a box-office king, we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage."
The 2024 BET Awards will also feature performances from GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla and Victoria Monét. Usher will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Taraji P. Henson will host the event for the third time.
The BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times on BET.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Ambush Claims Life of Jacksonville Rapper Julio Foolio at Tampa Hotel
Charles Jones, also known as Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio. (YouTube) |
Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones, had told his 1 million Instagram followers he had "the best birthday ever," before the tragedy.
Julio Foolio dissed 23 after he died "Went out to eat on his birthday, four shot three dead in the worst way"
— Vada Fly (@Vada_Fly) June 23, 2024
Then got shot and killed the same way... On his Birthday.
Wild.... Karma got no picks. pic.twitter.com/uJiKkRi57L
Jones had been hosting a pool party at a rented Airbnb in the Tampa area Saturday afternoon. The event grew so large that police responded, shutting it down and forcing the guests to leave. Jones and others later moved to a nearby Holiday Inn.
Charleston White reaction to Julio Foolio dying 😂 pic.twitter.com/oMLKO0Bxhw
— Youngboy Snippets (@YoungboySnippet) June 23, 2024
At approximately 4:40 a.m., gunfire erupted in the hotel's parking lot, killing Jones and wounding three other people, according to the Tampa Police Department. The injured victims are in stable condition. The medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed Jones' identity.
Jones' attorney, Lewis Fuso, described the incident as an ambush. "Mr. Jones was reportedly ambushed in the hotel's parking lot," Fuso said in a statement.
Video surfaces of the car Julio foolio was in when he was shot last night in the parking lot of a holiday inn. pic.twitter.com/vj99CfWio3
— Coki (@Zucoki) June 23, 2024
Jones was known for his association with the Jacksonville-based gang KTA and had survived previous attempts on his life, including a 2021 shooting in Jacksonville, after which he taunted his attackers on Instagram.
The investigation is ongoing, with Tampa police reviewing surveillance footage from the hotel. No suspects have been arrested as of Sunday afternoon.