Monday, January 6, 2025

Drake Leads U.S. Sales for 10th Year as Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Tracks Dominate

Drake isn’t stepping down from the throne anytime soon. For the 10th consecutive year, he’s the best-selling rapper in the U.S., moving more than eight million album-equivalent units in 2024, according to Chart Data.

But Kendrick Lamar has ensured the numbers aren’t the whole story. The two hip-hop titans spent much of 2024 locked in a heated lyrical exchange that captivated the industry, sparked fan debates, and had the culture glued to every bar.

It ignited with Lamar’s verse on “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, a direct shot that set social media ablaze and left fans eagerly awaiting Drake’s response. The Toronto rapper fired back with tracks like “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” blending slick wordplay with subtle digs aimed squarely at Lamar.

Lamar’s counterpunch, “Not Like Us,” wasn’t just a response — it was a statement. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the year’s biggest releases and landing on Pitchfork's list of the 100 best songs of 2024. The song's sharp lyricism and infectious beat transformed it into an anthem, with many crowning it the defining moment of the feud.

As the battle escalated, Drake dropped “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” packed with cryptic basketball metaphors and layered subliminals. Fans and critics dissected each line, turning Twitter timelines and Reddit threads into virtual war rooms, debating who held the upper hand.

The feud hasn’t just dominated the charts — it’s reshaped the narrative around both artists. For Drake, the commercial crown remains firmly in place. But for Lamar, the victory lies in the art. His pen has once again proven to be one of the sharpest in the game, challenging Drake’s dominance with raw lyricism and cultural impact.

As 2025 begins, the rivalry shows no signs of cooling. One thing is certain — Drake may own the charts, but Lamar’s words are cutting deeper than ever.

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Friday, January 3, 2025

Legendary Soul Artist Brenton Wood Dies at 83

Brenton Wood, best known for his 1967 hit "The Oogum Boogum Song," has died at the age of 83, his manager Manny Gallegos confirmed Friday to multiple media outlets. Wood passed away at his home in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by friends and family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved with his family to San Pedro, California, and later to Compton, where he excelled as a member of the Compton High School track team, earning several athletic awards. He began his music career at East Los Angeles College, adopting the stage name Brenton Wood as a nod to his hometown.

Inspired by artists such as Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, Wood honed his songwriting skills and became a proficient pianist. His early singles with Brent Records and Wand Records did not achieve commercial success, but his breakthrough came with the novelty song "The Oogum Boogum Song," which reached No. 19 on the US Billboard R&B chart and No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in spring 1967. The song sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.

Wood's subsequent single, "Gimme Little Sign," climbed to No. 9 on the pop chart, No. 19 on the R&B chart, No. 2 on KHJ, and No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart. His follow-up hit, "Baby You Got It," peaked at No. 34 on the Hot 100 during the last week of 1967.

Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Wood continued to release music, forming his own label, Prophesy Records, in 1972. Under the label, he released and co-produced tracks such as "Sticky Boom Boom [Too Cold] Part I and II." His backing band during this period was Kent And The Candidates, led by famed drummer Kent Sprague.

Over his career, Wood released nine studio albums and worked with notable collaborators, including George Semper and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire. In recent years, his music found renewed popularity through placements in television shows and films. "The Oogum Boogum Song" was featured in "The Umbrella Academy," "Almost Famous," and "Don't Worry Darling," while "Great Big Bundle of Love" appeared in the second season of "Big Little Lies."

Earlier this year, Wood launched his farewell tour, "Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour," but it was paused in May 2024 after he was hospitalized.

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Sunday, December 29, 2024

Alicia Keys to Receive Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at Grammy Honors

Alicia Keys in promotional art for her 2025 Broadway debut "Hell's Kitchen."
Alicia Keys will be honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 2025 Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, an official event of Grammy Week. The ceremony is set for Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Fairmont Century Plaza, preceding the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, established in 2023 and named after the legendary producer and philanthropist Dr. Dre, acknowledges artists whose influence extends beyond music. It honors not only artistic excellence but also entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic efforts, and significant global cultural impact.

Keys, a 16-time Grammy winner, has been a formidable presence in the music industry since her debut album, "Songs in A Minor" (2001). With over 65 million records sold worldwide and more than five billion streams, she stands as the top RIAA-certified female R&B artist of the millennium.


Her latest endeavors include the eighth studio album, "KEYS (Original and Unlocked)," a sold-out world tour, and the best-selling memoir, More Myself: A Journey. In 2023, her Keys to the Summer tour highlighted her dynamic artistry across 22 cities.

Beyond her musical achievements, Keys is a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s equality in the music industry. She co-founded She Is The Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities and equity for women in music, and launched Keys Soulcare, a lifestyle and wellness brand.

“From her timeless music to her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Alicia has made an indelible impact on the world,” said Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO. “Alicia embodies everything the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award represents—her artistry knows no bounds, her advocacy inspires meaningful change, and her influence has profoundly shaped culture. We are honored to celebrate her extraordinary legacy and the transformative contributions she continues to make in music and beyond.”

The inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was presented to Dr. Dre himself in 2023. During his acceptance speech, Dr. Dre emphasized the award’s role in inspiring the next generation of producers, artists, and entrepreneurs. “Never compromise your vision, at all. Pursue quality over quantity, and remember that everything is important,” he stated, highlighting the award’s commitment to excellence and cultural influence.



The Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, now in its fourth year, celebrates trailblazing artists and industry leaders who have significantly contributed to the music industry and culture. The event will be produced by MVD Inc., with Adam Blackstone serving as the evening’s music supervisor.

Grammy Week 2025 culminates with the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to take place live on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streamed on Paramount+.
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