by Fabiola Noel | Sep 20, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Beyoncé, the globally revered music sensation, has once again captured the hearts of her fans, and this time, of a fellow artist too. The Renaissance singer recently sent a bouquet of white flowers to Coi Leray, an emerging rapper in the music industry, expressing her admiration for the latter’s talent.
The Unexpected Gift
In a social media post, Coi Leray shared the surprise delivered by the queen of pop herself, Beyoncé. A bouquet of white flowers and a touching note, in which Beyoncé expressed her admiration for Leray’s talent, were the contents of the gift.
“I’m a fan of yours and I love watching you grow. You’re a very talented young lady. Love, Beyoncé,” read the note.
The note was received with pure excitement and gratitude by Leray, who expressed her feelings in her Instagram post.
“The queen has spoken .. Thank you for inspiring all of us not only with music but just how you carry yourself with such grace,” wrote Leray, followed by a string of heart and sparkle emojis.
The Intersection of Two Music Careers
The heartfelt gesture from Beyoncé comes at a time when Coi Leray had crossed paths with the pop icon during a performance with DJ Khaled. Leray had the opportunity to open the Renaissance World Tour in L.A.
“Coi Leray and DJ Khaled opening up for Beyoncé’s Renaissance show in LA with a performance of “Players”,” reported Buzzing Pop.
However, the bouquet and note from Beyoncé served as a ray of sunshine for Leray amidst the shadows of a recent award show snub.
“Shout out BET for my nominations!! They played fair and I love that. VMAS tried me this year but it’s all love. Numbers never gonna lie. W.e tho. Politics,” wrote Leray in regards to the snub.
Despite the setback, Leray has been nominated for five categories at the forthcoming BET Hip-Hop Awards, including Best Live Performer, Song of the Year, Best Hip Hop Video, Best Collaboration, and Hip Hop Album of the Year.
The Impact on Leray’s Career
The music industry is known for its competitive edge, and receiving a nod from a legend like Beyoncé is no small feat. It not only validates Leray’s talent but also opens up opportunities for her in the future. The recognition from Beyoncé can serve as a stepping stone for Leray, allowing her to connect with a broader audience and get recognition for her work.
The Power of Gratitude
The gesture by Beyoncé also highlights the importance of showing gratitude in the music industry. An industry often marred by fierce competition, it’s refreshing to see artists appreciating each other’s work. Beyoncé’s act of sending flowers to Coi Leray is a testament to her gracious attitude and her ability to acknowledge and appreciate rising talent.
Conclusion
This unexpected gift from Beyoncé to Coi Leray is a beautiful example of the solidarity that exists in the music industry. It’s a reminder that even in a competitive environment, there is room for appreciation, admiration, and mutual respect. As fans, it’s heartwarming to see our favorite artists supporting each other, and as for Coi Leray, this endorsement from Beyoncé is undoubtedly a significant milestone in her career.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 14, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
It’s not every day that a concert ends in a birth. But when the concert is headlined by the legendary Beyoncé, anything can happen. This is a tale of how a highly anticipated music event became the backdrop for a miraculous event.
The Concert: A Night to Remember
Beyoncé, known for her electrifying performances, was headlining her Renaissance Tour. The concert was set to take place on September 4, a date that also marked the pop icon’s 42nd birthday, making the night even more special. As the audience filled up the venue, the air buzzed with excitement, anticipation, and birthday wishes for the queen of pop.
However, amidst the crowd of eager fans, one woman was preparing for a night that would prove to be even more unforgettable than she had anticipated. Sarah Francis Jones, a well-known actress with roles in films like Hairspray and Honey, was in attendance, ready to enjoy the show. Little did she know, she would soon become the main event.
The Unexpected Guest: Baby Nola
Sarah Francis Jones was not only a fan of Beyoncé; she was also a mother-to-be. Her baby, Nola, was due to be born the following week through a scheduled C-section. With this in mind, Sarah intended to enjoy the concert as her “last hurrah” before the arrival of her baby. Little did she know, Nola had other plans.
As the concert progressed, Sarah began to experience what she initially dismissed as Braxton Hicks contractions or gas. However, the discomfort soon intensified, leading her to realize that these were not just false alarms. Nola was on her way.
“I wasn’t thinking that I was going into labor,” Sarah explained. “I wasn’t due for another week, and we actually had a scheduled C-section planned. So I was like, ‘Yep, I’m going to have fun at this concert, it’s my last hurrah before I go into the hospital.’ This baby had other plans, I think she heard Beyoncé’s voice and was like, ‘I want to go too.'”
The Social Media Buzz
Sarah took to social media to share her unexpected adventure. In the video, she can be seen enjoying the concert one moment and realizing that she was in labor the next.
“We thought it was just Braxton hicks or gas turns out we were having a whole baby at @beyonce bday show,” she wrote alongside the video.
The post quickly gained traction, turning Sarah and Nola into overnight sensations. The comments section was filled with well-wishes, congratulations, and expressions of disbelief at the incredible situation.
The Perfect Timing
As fate would have it, the timing of Nola’s arrival couldn’t have been more poetic. Sarah went into labor in the middle of Beyoncé’s concert, on Labor Day. The coincidence was not lost on Sarah. She noted the perfect alignment of events, from the Labor Day concert to Nola being a Virgo, just like her mom and Beyoncé.
“It had to be a perfect set of circumstances. We’re at Beyoncé‘s birthday concert, on Labor Day. And then I go into labor, with my Virgo baby. I’m a Virgo. So it just made sense.”
The Quick Dash to the Hospital
With the contractions intensifying, Sarah and the baby’s father, actor Marcel Spears, had to make a swift exit. Marcel shared his experience of the unexpected turn of events.
“This was my first baby. So I was like, I want to make sure I’m doing everything right,” Spears shared. “I may or may not have sped past some red lights on accident. Please don’t get in trouble. I’m just trying to get my baby to the hospital.”
A Night of Surprises
The concert was not only memorable for Sarah but also for another couple. Comedian Lil Rel Howery proposed to his girlfriend Dannella Lane in front of the crowd at the same concert. Like Sarah, they too had a night they would never forget.
The Aftermath
Sarah’s story quickly spread, capturing the attention of many. Her experience served as a reminder that life is full of unpredictable moments, and sometimes, they align perfectly to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Sarah Francis Jones had planned to enjoy a night of music before welcoming her baby girl. But Nola decided to make her grand entrance on a night marked by celebration and music, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. This is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the unique stories it weaves, proving that sometimes, the best moments are the ones we never see coming.
by Pharron Fields | Sep 7, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As we inch towards the twilight of the summer season and prepare to embrace the crisp ambiance of fall, it is impossible to ignore the mellifluous voices that have serenaded us throughout the season. Mercury may still be in retrograde, but the musical cosmos is in perfect alignment, offering us an array of harmonious compositions that perfectly complement the changing seasons. As the sun sets on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, we find solace in the new creations by some of R&B’s most talented artists, helping us transition smoothly into the new season.
Among the myriad of voices, one stands out – Jorja Smith. Her long-awaited sophomore album’s title track has been shared, and it’s as emotion-inducing as Ama Lou and Xenia Manasseh’s debut albums. While we patiently wait for Chase Shakur’s debut LP, he ensures his fans are well-fed with the deluxe edition of his EP. Keke Wyatt is making a stealthy re-entry into music with the lead single from her first album in six years. Additionally, male crooners like Eric Roberson, Lendryx, Landon Thomas, and Beharie are guiding us down a soothing path that’s deeply essential.
Jorja Smith – “Falling or Flying”
Jorja Smith, who welcomed the summer with her singles, “Little Things” and “GO GO GO,” has now unveiled the title track from her highly-anticipated sophomore album, “Falling Or Flying.” During a conversation with Zane Lowe from Apple Music, Smith confessed that this track is currently one of her favorites, depending on her mood.
Smith elaborated, “This song always takes me on a journey, so right now it’s one of my favorites. Maybe because it’s coming out. But it’s funny though because that song started out completely different with me and the producers. It’s the first song we actually ever started together but it didn’t have the chorus before, and we moved everything over and did all sorts to it, and then we got this chorus. But the song has nothing to do with the album title. It’s just called that.”
The music video for “Falling or Flying” also marks Smith’s directorial debut. She had always dreamed of shooting a video in space, and this song gave her the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream. She candidly mentioned that she wanted to journey into space with someone she loved and cherished, but they didn’t reciprocate her enthusiasm.
Smith’s new album is set to release on September 29, and music enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the release.
Ama Lou – “I Came Home Late”
Ama Lou’s debut album, “I Came Home Late,” is a testament to her profound songwriting skills. With an assortment of 15 tracks, including previously released singles “Silence” and “Caught Me Running,” the album paints a vivid picture of Lou’s artistic range.
Lou began songwriting at a tender age and released her debut single, “TBC,” in 2016, which caught the attention of Drake and heavily influenced his 2018 album, “Scorpion.” She has since dropped three EPs, providing fans with a taste of her depth before unveiling “I Came Home Late.”
Chase Shakur – “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love”
Chase Shakur continues to tantalize his fans, who are eagerly waiting for his debut album, with the release of his deluxe EP, “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love.” The EP follows the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship, providing an insight into the male perspective of an emotionally-charged romance. The captivating follow-up includes three new tracks: “nite,” “exit 65,” and “you’re so lovely.”
Shakur has clarified on his Instagram that “this is NOT the album,” and is looking forward to performing these tracks live on his “It’s Still Love Tour.”
K. Michelle – “Blame Yourself”
K. Michelle is gearing up for the release of her final R&B album, “I’m The Problem,” and has shared the LP’s fourth single, “Blame Yourself.” The introspective track urges women to take some accountability and introspect whether they are the problem in their relationships.
The Memphis native sings, “You’re playing the victim all because he made you look stupid/ ‘Fore you put the blame on everybody else/ Point to the mirror and blame yourself.” Her honest and heartfelt lyrics echo the album’s premise.
Back in May, K. Michelle candidly expressed on Instagram, “I am the problem. Took me so long to solve ’em.” In a recent interview with The Shade Room, she added, “I’m gon’ be the problem regardless. The industry gonna label you. It doesn’t matter. I could try to change; I could be better, [but] no matter what I do, I’m a problem because I still stand for what I stand for and I am how I am. It just is what it is.”
LAYA – “Bet That”
LAYA’s long-awaited new EP, “BET THAT,” is finally here. The seven-track project is a confident flex, proving that LAYA is in charge of her world and isn’t budging one bit on that matter. The unapologetic anthem, “F’d Up,” set the tone for the EP, and the Staten Island, N.Y. native continued that momentum with “I Ain’t Playin’,” title track, “Bet That,” and the manic yet soulful “Psycho Bitch.”
The EP succeeds her debut EP, “Um, Hello.” If you’ve been missing out on this rising star, consider this an alert to wake up.
Raiche – “Big Daddy”
Raiche’s new single, “Big Daddy,” is a breath of fresh air as she addresses an alternative perspective from records like Usher’s “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).” Her soothing, distinct tone captivates listeners as she sings, “You just stepped in/ What you bout to prove/ Big daddy, come take real good care of me/ Say that’s what you can be […] You know what your baby needs/ Just come through.”
The singer, with her soulful roots and alternative pop flair, recently performed at 2023’s Atlanta Funk Fest. Since her debut single in 2018, she has amassed over 20 million international streams and has been featured in Netflix’s Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Beharie – “We Never Knew”
Beharie is a dream we never knew we needed. Our introduction to the Norwegian crooner is his latest single, “We Never Knew.” The idyllic production is a somber reflection on a forever love that’s now non-existent.
The singer explains, “In the heat of it all. When you lose yourself in it. How things made sense, and how the bad things were ignored. But little did we know that we would end up being strangers.”
The record stems from his in-depth exploration of varying identities as heard on his upcoming debut album, “Are You There, Boy?,” set to arrive on October 20. Of the album, he explains in a statement, “This album has given me the opportunity to delve into various aspects of my own identity, and in the process, I have explored the complexity inherent in my personality and expression.”
Eric Roberson – “I Apologize”
Eric Roberson is honoring the indie R&B movement with a series of new monthly releases. “I Apologize” is the second single of the series, inspired by what the crooner considers to be his “creative gumbo.”
Co-written and produced by Jairus Mozee, Brett “B Dubb” Baker, Rodney Jones, and Roberson, the latter explains in a statement, “The song is inspired by the creative gumbo that feeds my music. The theatrical musicality of Stevie Wonder, heartfelt word play of urban contemporary gospel group Commissioned, and the unapologetic low-end approach of A Tribe Called Quest.”
Marzz – “In The Morning”
Marzz is back! Two years after the release of their debut EP, Love Letterz, and its subsequent deluxe installment, the singer’s impassioned new single, “In The Morning,” hypnotizes us once more.
“This song represents a feeling of waiting until the morning, getting excited of the unknown,” they explained in a statement. “It’s the wishful understanding of everything within a relationship. Sometimes we need understanding about falling in love when we’re not sure.” Ultimately, Marzz hopes their music encourages listeners to “create their own narratives” but in a magical way.
Landon Thomas – “Anything”
Landon Thomas may be new to us, but R&B is embedded in his DNA. With the lead single, “Anything,” from his forthcoming album, “R U STILL MAD AT ME,” the Pittsburgh, Pa. native is making his mark as a trailblazer with his infectious melodies and unique spin on contemporary R&B.
As he sings “Do you mind/ If I slide on you/ Spend time with you tonight/ Do you mind if I chill with you/ Make it real for you,” we’re drawn into the heartwarming embrace of his sultry tone.
“Anything” irresistibly sets the tone for the LP centered about intricate feelings, relationships, and ultimately, self-discovery.
“R U STILL MAD AT ME” arrives on Sunday, September 3.
Xenia Manasseh – “Love/Hate, PT. 1”
Xenia Manasseh’s debut album, “Love/Hate, Pt. 1,” is an emotional rollercoaster focused on love’s unpredictability. The 11-track LP is for delicate yet powerful women as the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based singer fuses her heritage with a sorrowful, intensely honest masterpiece.
After earning songwriting credits on Teyana Taylor’s The Album and singing background vocals for Taylor, Big Sean, and Burna Boy, fans love Xenia’s universal lyricism and earnest personal reflections.
“All the songs are special to me because they all came from me, they’re all my feelings on a page or in a song and the creation of all songs is sentimental to me,” she shared in a statement of the album. “But I will single out GI’s intro that is with my grandfather, Edgar Manasseh, GI is his nickname. That was done this year and was extremely sentimental and emotional because he has influenced so much of my musical journey. I can think of days when I was growing up he would teach me how to play things on the piano and his music collection is incredible.”
The endearing Swahili song was paired with a Luka Tututu composition. The LP wraps up just as strong as it began with the emotive yet hopeful “Love/Hate.”
She explained, “‘Love/Hate’ is also one of the tracks I felt that was the song that encompassed all the feelings that are spoken about in the album–the good, the bad, and in-between. I try to remember that balance as a lifeline. I’m also a Libra which is the sign of the scale, so I try to see the world through that lens and I felt like it’s not just representative of the album but also of me. I feel like everything in the album falls under those two words. It’s like a pendulum swing–you’re in and you’re out.”
Most of all, she hopes listeners take away the understanding of love’s karmic journey while also learning that it’s just the beginning. “This is just part 1 of the album; there’s a part 2 and in all of it, just know that love always comes around and it’s how you approach it the second time that matters.”
Keke Wyatt – “Water Into Wine”
The first offering from Keke Wyatt’s new album–her first in six years–has arrived. “Water Into Wine” showcases the mother of 11’s soulful roots as she gets honest with her lover about some expectations and realities.
“I really feel good about signing with Shanachie!” the singer said of her new team in a statement. “I’m excited and finally ready. I feel like this time we will create magic together and make HISTORY!”
Shanachie General Manager, Randall Grass, chimed in, “At a time when great singers are in short supply, Keke Wyatt continually displays what real singing is all about. Her range, power and intensely felt vocals connect with her audiences on the deepest level. We loved working with her before and are very excited to work with her now to make an epic new album.”
The reality TV star assures fans that her new LP will spotlight “good ole sanging” and will be an honest look into her life as she gears up to bare it all.
Lendryx – “Forces”
Lendryx is channeling two R&B legends with his new single, “Forces.”
Produced by Dionso, OSEI, and Jproof, the slow jam oozes romantic gratification as the crooner also inquires about the tug ‘o war battle of not wanting to fall in love, but also realizing that may be out of his control.
“I don’t wanna be in love/ But you’re so tempting/ When you leave the room, it feels so empty/ I’m trying be tough/ I’m fighting forces,” he sings.
Lendryx feels the ballad is his most “dynamic vocal performance yet” and admits that he challenged himself by using Tyrese’s “Signs Of Love Makin'” and Brandy’s range as the foundational elements of his vocal execution. It follows his previous single from April, “Just My Turn.”
Shae Universe – “Passenger Princess”
Shae Universe is riding the wave of her recent single, “Passenger Princess,” with the premiere of its visual. The song’s video, starring Kojey Radical, hints at the enthralling story being told as the title card reads, “Ever wish you could go back in time?”
Viewers see Shae seated in the backseat during a late-night drive as she reflects on some lingering feelings and bittersweet memories. The song, itself, was birthed by those emotions.
“He’d sent me roses all the way from LA and I still wasn’t over everything we’d been through when I received them, so I put all my mixed emotions into this song,” the UK-bred songbird stated of the record.
“I think ‘Passenger Princess’ is a very special song because not only is the title current and relatable, but the song’s deeper message of not always knowing exactly how to navigate situations is part of being a human with feelings. A part that sometimes frustrates us but hopefully, through this song, people feel seen and confident enough to accept this grey area of life.”
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