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.

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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+.

Rapper OG Maco, Known for ‘U Guessed It,’ Dies at 32

OG Maco, the Atlanta rapper best known for his viral 2014 hit "U Guessed It," has died at the age of 32.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement shared on his official Instagram account, expressing grief and honoring his legacy.

"With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco," the statement read. "His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love. Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact."

The musician, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on December 12 after reportedly suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He remained in critical condition for two weeks before succumbing to his injuries on December 26.

Maco rose to fame with his breakout single "U Guessed It," which became a viral sensation and peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, characterized by its raw, energetic delivery, cemented his place as a pioneer of the trap movement.

Born in College Park, Georgia, OG Maco signed with Quality Control Music and released a series of mixtapes and EPs. Though he only released two full-length studio albums, his influence within the hip-hop and trap scenes was significant.

Throughout his career, Maco faced health struggles, including a 2016 car accident that left him with multiple skull fractures and the loss of an eye. In 2019, he publicly shared his battle with a rare skin condition caused by a bacterial infection.

His family invited fans to offer condolences and share memories through his social media accounts. "For those who wish to connect, your support means more than words can express," the statement continued. "Today, we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every way."

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988.

Judge Denies Motion to Reveal Jay-Z Rape Accuser, Criticizes Defense

A federal judge has ruled that the woman accusing Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter of raping her nearly 25 years ago may remain anonymous for now, despite recent efforts by the rap mogul’s attorney to reveal her identity.

In a five-page filing issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres criticized attorney Alex Spiro for what she called “combative motions” and attempts to “fast-track” the judicial process. Spiro had filed multiple requests seeking to deny the woman’s petition to proceed under a pseudonym and to dismiss the lawsuit outright.

“Carter’s lawyer’s relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client,” Torres wrote.

The judge’s decision preserves the plaintiff’s anonymity at least temporarily, emphasizing the court’s duty to protect a possible sexual assault victim’s privacy, particularly when the allegations concern a minor at the time of the alleged incident. The lawsuit claims Carter, now 54, assaulted the woman when she was 13 years old.

Judge Torres Order in Doe v... by pmcnamee

No Fast-Track for Dismissal

Spiro also sought an immediate dismissal of the suit, arguing the accusations are without merit and that hiding the plaintiff’s identity prevents Carter from defending himself. However, Judge Torres denied that request, noting that an aggressive or accelerated approach is often unwarranted when serious allegations of sexual misconduct are involved.

Legal experts say the ruling underlines a delicate balance courts must strike between a defendant’s right to transparency and due process, and a plaintiff’s right to remain anonymous in potentially traumatizing legal matters. Judge Torres did not rule on the merits of the case itself, leaving questions about the timeline for further proceedings.

Case Background

Details on the alleged assault remain under seal. Earlier this year, unverified online rumors suggested a claim had been filed accusing Jay-Z of sexual misconduct. While Carter and his representatives have frequently dismissed such allegations as “unfounded,” this filing marks a formal legal challenge that has now withstood the first procedural hurdles.

Next Steps

Torres’ order means the accuser’s anonymity will stand unless or until new motions challenge it more successfully. The court has not set additional hearing dates or deadlines, and discovery—if it proceeds—could reveal more details about the allegations.