Tuesday, March 18, 2025

John Legend Revisits His Roots with ‘Get Lifted’ Anniversary Tour

Twenty years ago, "Get Lifted" introduced the world to John Legend. Now, he's revisiting the iconic album with a commemorative tour.

The EGOT-winning artist announced today that he will embark on a world tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Get Lifted," the 2004 album that launched his career. The tour, which kicks off May 27 in Glasgow, Scotland, will take Legend across Europe before making stops in major U.S. and Canadian cities from August through December.

"I'm so excited to announce that I'm heading back on the road for the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour!" Legend, 46, wrote on Instagram. "Join me and my band for an unforgettable performance of the entire Get Lifted album — the album that introduced me to the world — plus a few favorites from my career that all of you know and love."

Fans can expect a nostalgic journey through some of his biggest hits, including "Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "Number One," and "So High," all of which helped Get Lifted earn three Grammy Awards in 2006. Originally released on Dec. 28, 2004, the album was executive produced by Kanye West and will.i.am, blending classic soul influences with hip-hop production to create a defining moment in modern R&B.

Legend will first perform across Europe in May and June, stopping in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich before heading to North America for a series of major dates, including shows at New York’s Barclays Center (Nov. 4), Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl (Sept. 28), and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena (Nov. 13).

To coincide with the tour, Legend is releasing "Get Lifted (20th Anniversary)," a deluxe reissue featuring eight remixes, rare B-sides, and two previously unreleased studio performances from the album's original sessions. Guest artists on the project include Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought.

"This album changed my life," Legend said in a statement via Sony Music. "I had no idea when I was making Get Lifted that it would introduce me to the world the way it did. To be able to celebrate this anniversary with fans, to revisit the songs, and to give people some unreleased moments from that era is really special to me."

Presale for European dates begins Wednesday, with general sales starting Friday, March 21. The North American presale starts Wednesday, March 26, with general sales opening Friday, March 28, via JohnLegend.com.

Legend, who last toured in 2023, has remained a force in music, television, and philanthropy, serving as a coach on The Voice and advocating for criminal justice reform. His Get Lifted Film Co. has also produced award-winning projects, including "Jingle Jangle" and "Monster."

Monday, March 17, 2025

Dreamville Festival to Take Its Final Bow in April with Star-Studded Lineup

Dreamville Festival has announced the lineup for its fifth and final edition, with Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Erykah Badu, and festival co-founder J. Cole set to headline the two-day event at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C., on April 5-6.

The festival, which began in 2019, has grown into one of the premier hip-hop and R&B events in the South. With its final bow set for April, this year’s lineup blends rap legends, R&B royalty, and rising stars for what is expected to be a historic send-off.

Organizers confirmed that a limited number of two-day general admission passes, starting at $299.99, remain available on the festival’s official website, with other ticket tiers already sold out.

The first night of the festival will feature a moment of hip-hop history as Lil Wayne headlines alongside fellow Hot Boys members Juvenile, Turk, and B.G., as well as Big Tymers (Mannie Fresh and Birdman). Wayne’s set comes after last year’s debates over whether he should have headlined the New Orleans-hosted Super Bowl LIX halftime show.

Wayne will be joined by 21 Savage, a longtime J. Cole collaborator who helped earn the North Carolina rapper his first Grammy. Other Saturday performers include Ab-Soul, Young Nudy, Chief Keef, Ari Lennox, Lute, Omen, Kai Ca$h & Niko Brim, Bas, and Ludacris. R&B star Keyshia Cole will also perform a special set celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album, "The Way It Is," which includes her signature hit “Love.”

On Sunday, Cole will take the stage as the festival’s final headliner, joined by Badu, who is slated to receive the Icon Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony on March 29.

Additional Sunday performers include Grammy winners Tems and Coco Jones, as well as rap stars GloRilla, Wale, BigXthaPlug, JID, and Anycia. EarthGang, Cozz, and Akia will also hit the stage to close out the weekend.

Dreamville Festival president Adam Roy reflected on the event’s legacy and the significance of this final installment.

“Our team looks forward to welcoming fans from around the world to Dreamville Festival this spring for our fifth-anniversary celebration,” Roy said in a statement. “The first weekend in April has grown to become one of our team’s favorite times of the year as an annual NC reunion.”

Dreamville Festival 2025 Lineup
Saturday, April 5:
Lil Wayne with Hot Boys (Juvenile, Turk, and B.G.) and Big Tymers (Mannie Fresh and Birdman)
21 Savage
PARTYNEXTDOOR
Ludacris
Ari Lennox
Chief Keef
Keyshia Cole
Bas
Young Nudy
Ab-Soul
Lute
Omen
Kai Ca$h & Niko Brim

Sunday, April 6:
J. Cole
Erykah Badu
Tems
GloRilla
JID
Wale
Coco Jones
BigXthaPlug
EarthGang
Anycia
Cozz
Akia

Thursday, March 13, 2025

From Basketball to Booze: Shaquille O’Neal’s Latest Business Move

Shaquille O'Neal strategically grows his substantial portfolio with BeatBox partnership.
Shaquille O’Neal has spent his post-basketball career proving that his dominance extends far beyond the court.

From fast food franchises to tech investments and even DJing on the global festival circuit, the Hall of Famer and businessman has consistently turned everything he touches into a success.

Now, the larger-than-life personality is making a splash in the booming ready-to-drink alcohol market with the launch of BeatBox Blueberry Lemonade, a new malt beverage set to roll out nationwide this month.

The move comes as part of a partnership between O’Neal and BeatBox Beverages, a brand that skyrocketed to national prominence after securing a $1 million investment from Mark Cuban on "Shark Tank."

Known for its colorful packaging, high-energy marketing, and presence at music festivals and major events, BeatBox has built a brand that aligns seamlessly with Shaq’s ethos of fun, celebration, and larger-than-life experiences.

O’Neal, who first encountered the brand while touring as DJ Diesel, saw a natural fit and decided to invest — not just in the company, but in creating his own exclusive flavor.

“I’ve always been about creating unforgettable experiences — whether it’s on the court, DJing, or through my business ventures,” O’Neal said in a statement announcing the collaboration. “When I first came across BeatBox, I saw a brand with that same bold energy. This partnership felt like a perfect fit.”

With an 11.1% ABV, Blueberry Lemonade is designed for drinkers looking for a high-impact, low-sugar alternative to traditional cocktails. The beverage, packaged in resealable and recyclable cartons, will be available in major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, H-E-B, 7-Eleven, Total Wine & More and Circle K.

O’Neal’s move into the RTD alcohol space places him in a rapidly growing market that has seen an explosion in celebrity-backed brands. While peers like Diddy (Cîroc), Kevin Hart (Gran Coramino), and The Rock (Teremana) have dominated the spirits industry, Shaq’s decision to back BeatBox aligns with his longstanding strategy of investing in companies with mass-market appeal. The global RTD alcohol market is valued at $20 billion in 2023, with projections estimating it could exceed $40 billion by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry.

Since retiring from basketball in 2011, O’Neal has built one of the most impressive business empires in sports history. His investments span more than 400 franchise locations across brands such as Papa John’s, Krispy Kreme, Five Guys, and Auntie Anne’s, and he was an early investor in Ring, the smart home company later acquired by Amazon for $1 billion. He has also dabbled in tech, fitness, and esports, and has long been rumored to be considering NBA team ownership.

The BeatBox deal marks yet another chapter in Shaq’s business portfolio, reinforcing his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with an instinct for tapping into lucrative markets. While many athletes struggle to transition out of their playing days, O’Neal has redefined what post-career success looks like. Whether it’s dominating the boardroom, the DJ booth, or now the beverage aisle, Shaq isn’t just playing the game — he’s changing it.

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