by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 26, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com
Ariana Grande, the pop music sensation, has once again claimed the throne on the Billboard Hot 100 with her new single “Yes, And?”. This is the eighth time the renowned singer has achieved this feat. The song is a testament to Grande’s extraordinary talent, having co-written and produced the track alongside industry veterans Max Martin and ILYA.
Details of Release and Reception
The track was released on January 12 and has since amassed an impressive 27.2 million streams, boasting 41,000 digital downloads. It has been presented in 14 different digital versions, including an extended mix, an a cappella version, and mixes with varying speeds. The song’s house music orientation draws inspiration from Madonna’s 1990 hit “Vogue”, and its music video pays homage to Paula Abdul’s 1988 masterpiece, “Cold Hearted”.
Future Projects and Collaborations
The success of “Yes, And?” is a prelude to Grande’s upcoming seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine. The album is set to release on March 8, following her 2020 album, Positions, which also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Grande’s musical prowess is not her only talent. The two-time Grammy Award winner is set to star in the musical fantasy Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo on November 27. Grande will portray the character of Glinda Upland/Glinda the Good, a role that promises to showcase her acting skills in addition to her singing talent.
Personal Life On Set
While working on the set of Wicked, Grande found love in actor Ethan Slater, who plays Boq, a Munchkin who falls for Grande’s character, Glinda. This new relationship came after both Grande and Slater parted ways with their respective former spouses, Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s journey and success in the music industry is nothing short of phenomenal. With her latest single, “Yes, And?” she continues to create music that resonates with audiences around the world. The upcoming studio album Eternal Sunshine and her role in Wicked add to the excitement of being an Ariana Grande fan in 2022.
Whether it’s her music or personal life, Grande’s story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of creativity. As she continues to dominate the music charts and explore new ventures, fans and critics alike eagerly await what the pop star has in store for the future.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 18, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
R. Kelly, the famed artist, recently claimed oblivion to a lawsuit that led to a court awarding six women a whopping $10.5 million. The lawsuit was in response to alleged threats that resulted in the cancellation of the docuseries screening, Surviving R. Kelly.
The Unnoticed Lawsuit
According to court documents that TMZ managed to acquire, Kelly insisted that he would have contested the lawsuit if he had been cognizant of it. The singer pointed out that he was overwhelmed with legal issues and had to modify his legal counsel. Amidst these changes, this particular lawsuit might have slipped through unnoticed.
“In case he did receive the lawsuit, Kelly argues his linguistic capability is equivalent to a grade schooler’s, and he heavily relies on his lawyers for an understandable explanation.”
This statement underscored the artist’s alleged inability to fully comprehend the lawsuit’s implications.
Allegations and Threats
R. Kelly, along with his then-manager Donnell Russell, were accused of persistently threatening six women who were featured in the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries. The duo also reportedly intimidated the women and the docuseries producers with potential legal action.
“The lawsuit alleges that a Dec. 2018 screening in New York City was called off after someone from Kelly’s team threatened to ‘shoot up’ the venue.”
The Blame Game
In the latest court documents, Kelly disputed Russell’s role as his manager and suggested that if Russell was the source of the threat leading to the screening’s termination, the blame should be placed solely on Russell.
“He did that for his own reasons,” Kelly stated, distancing himself from Russell’s actions.
Russell was consequently sentenced to a year in prison due to the lawsuit’s fallout.
A Heavy Sentence
R. Kelly was handed a 30-year prison sentence in 2022 after being found guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. Additionally, he was sentenced to 20 more years for child sex crimes, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the celebrated artist.
Conclusion
The R. Kelly saga underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the music industry. Despite the artist’s claims of unawareness, the court’s ruling speaks volumes about the alleged misconduct. As music news continues to unfold, we can only hope for justice and a safer environment for artists and fans alike.
As the R. Kelly story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within the music industry. Regardless of the artist’s claims of unawareness, the court’s ruling sends a clear message about the allegations of misconduct. As this music news continues to unfold, we can only hope for justice and a safer environment for artists and fans alike.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 15, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Tony Yayo, known for his hit song “So Seductive“, recently shared some insights into his experience as the supporting act for 50 Cent’s highly profitable Final Lap Tour. This tour was nothing short of a monster, spanning over 70 cities in more than 20 countries in a six-month period between July and December last year.
The Financial Breakdown
Though Yayo didn’t delve much into the specifics of his earnings, he mentioned that he made a ‘six-figure’ income from the tour and that 50 Cent’s merchandise earnings alone ran into the millions.
“His merch is in the millions. He’s an icon,” Yayo said.
This indicates the scale of 50 Cent’s influence and the success of his brand.
The Tour Organizers
The tour was organized by Live Nation, a global event company known for managing some of the biggest events in the music industry.
This quote from Yayo reveals how even industry insiders were taken aback by 50 Cent’s remarkable success on this tour.
The Luxury Lifestyle
Yayo gave us a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle they led on tour, describing their stays in high-end hotels like the Four Seasons and W in Bahrain, and their encounters with famous personalities.
- “People think that Fif is a bad guy, but when you’re staying in the Four Seasons, you got the Eiffel Tower there, you staying at the W in Bahrain sipping Ranis on the water.”
- “There’s an F1 race track around the hotel. You just missed Giorgio Armani at breakfast. It’s a fucking movie! Working with 50 is a fucking movie, bro!”
50 Cent’s Work Ethic
Despite the luxuries, it wasn’t all relaxation and partying. 50 Cent’s dedication to his performance was evident in his rigorous routine, even when on tour.
- “50’s running on the stages, lifting cranes, switching seven outfits, he goes to the gym twice a day. 50’s not fucking around.”
This glimpse into 50 Cent’s work ethic gives us an understanding of the determination and dedication that has led to his immense success.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of Tony Yayo, 50 Cent, or just an avid follower of music news, it’s clear that the Final Lap Tour was a significant event in the music industry. It’s not just about the ‘six figures’ or the lucrative tour, but the dedication, hard work, and strategic planning that went into making it a success.
Yayo’s account underscores the fact that in the music industry, success is not just about talent and creativity, but also business acumen, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 8, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
In the autumn of 2007, Soulja Boy, a then-unknown rapper, catapulted to fame with his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” The track not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks but also defined an era of hip-hop. After a decade and a half, the hip-hop sensation contemplates the potential impact of the track if released in the age of social media.
A Journey Back in Time
“This was before streaming, really,” Soulja recalled. “This was still in iTunes and ringtones. I would have went more viral right now than I did back then.”
Soulja Boy reminisces about the pre-streaming era when his career began. The world was still revolving around iTunes and ringtones, a stark contrast to today’s streaming-oriented music industry. The Chicago-born artist believes that “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” would have garnered more popularity in the current digital age.
The Potential of “Crank That” in 2023
“Imagine if I had TikTok! What the fuck?” he said. “You know how many people would have been doing the ‘Crank That’ dance?”
With a hint of regret, Soulja Boy speculates on the colossal impact “Crank That” could have had in 2023, with the advent of TikTok and other social media platforms. The viral dance challenge trend would have undoubtedly propelled his song to stratospheric heights, he muses.
Soulja Boy: The Unsung Hero of Modern Hip Hop
“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop,” Soulja wrote. “But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time.”
Soulja Boy asserts that he pioneered the evolution of hip-hop in the digital age, despite initial criticism. He remained undeterred and continued to vlog his career, upload music online, and engage with his fans live – practices that are now standard in the industry.
A Legacy Unmatched
“Now everyone vlogs their career like me,” he said. “Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not.”
Soulja Boy’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. His early adoption of the internet and streaming platforms paved the way for the current generation of artists. Whether he’s given credit for it or not, his legacy remains unmatched.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 3, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Brian Friedman / Shutterstock.com
New York’s renowned rapper, Jay-Z, may soon be honored with his own citywide holiday. With his roots firmly planted in Brooklyn, the music mogul’s birthday could turn into a significant annual event in the Big Apple.
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Jay-Z, originally known as Shawn Carter, has created a global legacy not just as an artist, but also as a businessman, family man, wealth creator, and community advocate. His birthday on December 4th might soon be commemorated as “Jay-Z Day,” a testament to his significant contributions and the love he receives from his community.
Councilwoman Farah Louis stated, “The global phenomenon that is Jay-Z—born Shawn Carter—is widely known as an artist, mogul, husband and father, wealth builder, and supporter of economic development and community causes.”
This move aligns perfectly with the sentiment of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, recognizing a homegrown hero and showcasing the city’s support.
From Legislation to Celebration
The legislation for Jay-Z Day was proposed earlier this month by the New York City Council members. The proposal has been forwarded to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.
Once the bill is filed with the City Council, it will be deliberated during the council’s 2024 session, starting on January 3rd. If passed, this will mark a significant milestone for not only Jay-Z but also for the music industry and New York City itself.
An Iconic Figure
Jay-Z, beyond his music, is known for his entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropic efforts, and influence within the community. His journey from the streets of Brooklyn to becoming a global icon is an inspiration for many, making the idea of a Jay-Z Day a fitting tribute to his life and achievements.
Celebrating with Family
Even before the official recognition, Jay-Z seems to be in the celebratory spirit. The rapper was recently seen enjoying a city tour with his wife, Beyoncé, their daughter, Blue Ivy, and a close-knit group of friends and family.
Conclusion
In the spirit of Hip Hop’s golden jubilee, the idea of commemorating Jay-Z’s birthday as a citywide holiday resonates with the city’s vibrant culture and its appreciation for homegrown talent. As the world awaits the council’s decision, the anticipation for “Jay-Z Day” continues to brew.
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