INSIDER
MrBeast probe ends with some employees fired but finds no proof of sexual misconduct allegations
Read full article: MrBeast probe ends with some employees fired but finds no proof of sexual misconduct allegationsOnline video production company MrBeast says it has fired somewhere between 5 to 10 employees following an investigation into the YouTube empire’s workplace culture.
In 'Piece by Piece,' Pharrell finds Lego fits his life story
Read full article: In 'Piece by Piece,' Pharrell finds Lego fits his life storyWhen Pharrell Williams and Morgan Neville decided to embark on a movie about Williams’ life but animated in Lego pieces, they knew there would be culture shocks.
Rap megastar Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show
Read full article: Rap megastar Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime showKendrick Lamar will pop out on the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Post Malone and Doja Cat to headline Global Citizen Festival to mobilize young people
Read full article: Post Malone and Doja Cat to headline Global Citizen Festival to mobilize young peoplePost Malone and Doja Cat, two of pop music’s biggest stars, will headline this year’s Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park on Sept. 28, as organizers focus on mobilizing young people to help address the world’s pressing problems.
That cool Tony Awards moment when Jay-Z joined Alicia Keys? Turns out it wasn't live
Read full article: That cool Tony Awards moment when Jay-Z joined Alicia Keys? Turns out it wasn't liveJay-Z’s electrifying reunion with Alicia Keys on what appeared to be a live duet of “Empire State of Mind” at the Tony Awards was actually pre-taped, a show official who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly told The Associated Press.
Tonys moments: Hillary Clinton and (sort of) Jay-Z in the house, strides for women and a late upset
Read full article: Tonys moments: Hillary Clinton and (sort of) Jay-Z in the house, strides for women and a late upsetThe Tonys are often the most entertaining of awards shows, with Broadway performers showing their best work.
Photos offer a glimpse of Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee
Read full article: Photos offer a glimpse of Bonnaroo music festival in TennesseeThe Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is underway in Tennessee, bringing tens of thousands of fans to a 700-acre farm campground and concert venue for more than 150 performances this weekend.
Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' hits No. 1, with songs claiming the top 14 spots
Read full article: Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' hits No. 1, with songs claiming the top 14 spotsTaylor Swift continues to dominate in the week following the release of her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”.
Before Usher hits the Super Bowl halftime stage, Apple Music builds anticipation ahead of big show
Read full article: Before Usher hits the Super Bowl halftime stage, Apple Music builds anticipation ahead of big showAs the Super Bowl halftime show sponsor, Apple music wants to leave an influential mark like never before.
From exclusive events to concerts: Stars and athletes plan to flock Las Vegas for Super Bowl events
Read full article: From exclusive events to concerts: Stars and athletes plan to flock Las Vegas for Super Bowl eventsLas Vegas will be flooded with so many pre-Super Bowl events that Shaquille O’Neal lowered the prices to his popular carnival-themed “Shaq’s Fun House.”.
Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day to sing during Super Bowl pregame
Read full article: Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day to sing during Super Bowl pregameCountry music star Reba McEntire will grace next month’s Super Bowl stage to sing the national anthem while Post Malone will perform “America the Beautiful.”.
Hit-Boy enters Grammys with producer nod while helping father navigate music industry after prison
Read full article: Hit-Boy enters Grammys with producer nod while helping father navigate music industry after prisonWhen Hit-Boy walks the Grammy red carpet, he expects to proudly strut into next year’s awards ceremony with his father beside him for the first time.
Pharrell fuses entertainment and fashion for confident Louis Vuitton menswear debut
Read full article: Pharrell fuses entertainment and fashion for confident Louis Vuitton menswear debutLouis Vuitton has kicked off Paris Fashion Week men’s shows with the much-anticipated debut collection by Pharrell Williams.
Judge nixes Block shareholder suit over online music deal
Read full article: Judge nixes Block shareholder suit over online music dealA Delaware judge has dismissed a shareholder lawsuit against financial technology company Block Inc. over its 2021 acquisition of majority ownership in a music streaming service partly owned by rapper Jay-Z.
How the 'Daisy Jones' cast went from beginners to bandmates
Read full article: How the 'Daisy Jones' cast went from beginners to bandmatesIn order to portray famous musicians in the new limited series “Daisy Jones & the Six,” its cast including Riley Keough and Sam Claflin had to attend weeks of band camp.
Grammys Moments: A rap tribute for the ages, Beyoncé triumph
Read full article: Grammys Moments: A rap tribute for the ages, Beyoncé triumphFor almost as long as the 50 years of history celebrated on Sunday's Grammy awards, rap artists have had an uncomfortable relationship with the music's biggest institution.
‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to help’: Meek Mill pays bail for 20 women incarcerated in Philly so they can spend holidays with families
Read full article: ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to help’: Meek Mill pays bail for 20 women incarcerated in Philly so they can spend holidays with familiesRapper Meek Mill is putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting causes that he is passionate about.
New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and Björk
Read full article: New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and BjörkThis week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Björk and Broadway's "Into the Woods,” the reunion of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy in “Hocus Pocus 2” and a Showtime documentary about Sinéad O’Connor.
Ex-Kansas police detective charged with preying on women
Read full article: Ex-Kansas police detective charged with preying on womenA former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has long been accused of sexually preying on Black women has been indicted on federal charges accusing him of using his position to sexually abuse two women.
New this week: 'Me Time,' DJ Khaled and Sylvester Stallone
Read full article: New this week: 'Me Time,' DJ Khaled and Sylvester StalloneThis week’s new entertainment releases include fresh music from DJ Khaled and his celebrity pals, an HBO documentary about the unending toll Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans' children and a film starring Sylvester Stallone as an aged superhero.
Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of Fame
Read full article: Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of FameAfter a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits — not to mention a two-year pandemic delay — Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women.
Desperate search for survivors in Cuba hotel blast; 27 dead
Read full article: Desperate search for survivors in Cuba hotel blast; 27 deadRelatives of the missing in Cuba’s capital are desperately searching for victims of an explosion at one of Havana's most luxurious hotels that killed at least 27 people.
Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crowned
Read full article: Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crownedJon Batiste won album of the year honors for “We Are” at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, giving him five trophies on a night that saw the ’70s funk of Silk Sonic take record of the year and song of the year and newcomer Olivia Rodrigo take three awards.
Q&A: Hit-Boy talks Grammy producer nod, rapper aspirations
Read full article: Q&A: Hit-Boy talks Grammy producer nod, rapper aspirationsHit-Boy won top Grammy rap honors with some of hip-hop’s biggest heavyweights, from Jay-Z, Kanye West, known as Ye, to Nas, and now he is ascending into a new musical weight class as a producer.
Mickey Guyton, Jhené Aiko, Mary Mary to sing at Super Bowl
Read full article: Mickey Guyton, Jhené Aiko, Mary Mary to sing at Super BowlCountry music star Mickey Guyton will hit this month’s Super Bowl stage to sing the national anthem, while R&B hitmaker Jhené Aiko will perform “America the Beautiful.”.
‘Summer of Soul,’ ‘Drive My Car’ make Oscars shortlist
Read full article: ‘Summer of Soul,’ ‘Drive My Car’ make Oscars shortlistDocumentaries about Julia Child, “Black Woodstock,” the pandemic and The Velvet Underground and acclaimed international films like Japan’s “Drive My Car,” Iran’s “A Hero” and Norway’s “The Worst Person in the World” just got a little closer to scoring Oscar nominations.
New this week: 'Finch,' ABBA and 'The Harder They Fall'
Read full article: New this week: 'Finch,' ABBA and 'The Harder They Fall'This week’s new entertainment releases include the first ABBA album in a whopping 39 years and a stylish and kinetic update to the Western in Jeymes Samuel’s “The Harder They Fall” starring Idris Elba and Regina King.
After 'Verzuz' series success, Timbaland creates Beatclub
Read full article: After 'Verzuz' series success, Timbaland creates BeatclubTimbaland paved his own way as a hit-making producer for elite acts like Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, but now he’s creating a lane for aspiring music creators to collaborate with the industry’s biggest performers.
Beyoncé becomes first Black woman to wear Tiffany Diamond in new campaign ‘About Love’
Read full article: Beyoncé becomes first Black woman to wear Tiffany Diamond in new campaign ‘About Love’Tiffany & Co. unveiled a new, historic campaign featuring Houston’s own Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z appearing alongside a never-before-seen painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Durant, Irving carry Nets in opener after Harden hurt
Read full article: Durant, Irving carry Nets in opener after Harden hurtKevin Durant scored 29 points, Kyrie Irving had 25 and the two superstars carried the Brooklyn Nets after James Harden’s early injury in a 115-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
ABC's new 'Women of the Movement' about Emmett Till's mother
Read full article: ABC's new 'Women of the Movement' about Emmett Till's motherABC will air a limited series, ‘Women of the Movement,’ about Mamie Till-Mobley, whose son Emmett Till became an icon of the civil rights movement after he was lynched in Mississippi in 1955.
Grammys overhaul process for picking nominees for top awards
Read full article: Grammys overhaul process for picking nominees for top awardsThe Grammy Awards have changed its tune and voted to remove its nomination review committees — groups that determined the contenders for key awards at the coveted music show.
After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars
Read full article: After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars(Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – A night after winning the top Grammy Award for songwriting, R&B singer H.E.R. Leslie Odom Jr. will also compete for best original song with “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami...," which he wrote with Sam Ashworth. AdSongs by John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Janelle Monae and Robert Glasper were shortlisted for best original song but didn't make the final cut. The duo of Reznor and Ross have won a number of awards for their scoring work, including an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe. Terence Blanchard (“Da 5 Bloods"), Emile Mosseri (“Minari") and James Newton Howard (“News of the World") round out the best original score nominees.
The joy of music returns for Grammy winners, performers
Read full article: The joy of music returns for Grammy winners, performersBeyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for "Savage" at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of creators largely sidelined for a year due to the pandemic got to make music again. 's topical “I Can't Breathe” won song of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was named best new artist. Further crowding the family trophy case is husband Jay-Z, whose songwriting on “Savage” earned him his 23rd Grammy on Sunday, and even their 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who won best music video together with mom.
Who run the Grammys? Beyoncé becomes most decorated female act in Grammy history
Read full article: Who run the Grammys? Beyoncé becomes most decorated female act in Grammy historyFour women won the top four prizes Sunday, including Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history. And 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter — who won best music video alongside her mother — became the second youngest act to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history. Megan Thee Stallion, who won three honors, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song. She's also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist.
Square, Inc. to buy majority of Tidal and put Jay-Z on board
Read full article: Square, Inc. to buy majority of Tidal and put Jay-Z on boardFILE - In this July 23, 2019, file photo, Jay-Z makes an announcement of the launch of Dream Chasers record label in joint venture with Roc Nation, at the Roc Nation headquarters in New York.Financial technology company Square, Inc. says it has reached an agreement to acquire majority ownership of Tidal, the music streaming service partly owned by Jay-Z. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)SAN FRANCISCO – Financial technology company Square, Inc. said Thursday that it has reached an agreement to acquire majority ownership of Tidal, the music streaming service partly owned by Jay-Z. Under the deal, Square will pay $297 million in cash and stock for Tidal, Jay-Z will be named to Square's board of directors, and he and other artists who currently own shares in Tidal will remain stakeholders. Tidal has presented itself as the artist-friendly alternative to other music streamers, and Square says it will take that phenomenon further for musicians just as it has for businesses with its financial systems. AdJay-Z said in the statement that the “partnership will be a game-changer for many.” I look forward to all this new chapter has to offer!"
Rock 'n' roll's big night comes to Cleveland — in fall
Read full article: Rock 'n' roll's big night comes to Cleveland — in fallFILE - In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo, images of Kobe Bryant are displayed as fans enter Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for an NBA basketball game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Orleans Pelicans in Cleveland. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced Tuesday, March 2, 2021, that the 2021 induction ceremony will take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on October 30. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)CLEVELAND – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that the 2021 induction ceremony will take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on October 30. President and CEO Greg Harris said the ceremony's move to the fall will likely stick, going forward, news outlets reported. Last year’s ceremony was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and eventually replaced with an HBO special honoring the inductees.
33 years later, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall return to Zamunda
Read full article: 33 years later, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall return to ZamundaNEW YORK – When Eddie Murphy made the original “Coming to America,” he was, almost indisputably, the funniest man in America. “Now I take nothing for granted and appreciate everything.”Thirty-three years after “Coming to America,” Murphy and Hall have returned to Zamunda. At the barbershop, where Murphy and Hall also reprise their characters, the conversation bounces from Teslas to transgender people. Before making “Black Panther,” Murphy has said Ryan Coogler approached him about a “Coming to America” sequel. Ruth E. Carter designed the costumes of both “Black Panther” and “Coming 2 America.” Both were shot in Atlanta.
Rock hall plans October induction before live audience
Read full article: Rock hall plans October induction before live audienceBlige made this years list of nominees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said Tuesday that it plans to have a live induction of its 36th class on Oct. 30 in Cleveland — before an actual audience! “We are optimistic and hopeful for the ceremony,” said Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It will be the sixth time the induction ceremony will be held in Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. AdHarris said a fall induction ceremony, moved from the spring last year because of COVID, will become permanent.
AP Exclusive: Black Lives Matter opens up about its finances
Read full article: AP Exclusive: Black Lives Matter opens up about its financesThis marks the first time in the movement’s nearly eight-year history that BLM leaders have revealed a detailed look at their finances. The foundation said it committed $21.7 million in grant funding to official and unofficial BLM chapters, as well as 30 Black-led local organizations. In its report, the BLM foundation said individual donations via its main fundraising platform averaged $30.76. “Because the BLM movement was larger than life — and it is larger than life — people made very huge assumptions about what our actual finances looked like,” Cullors said. Leaders at the BLM foundation admit that they have not been clear about the movement’s finances and governance over the years.
Moet Hennessy buys 50% stake in Jay-Z's Champagne brand
Read full article: Moet Hennessy buys 50% stake in Jay-Z's Champagne brandMoet Hennessy is acquiring a 50% stake in the rapper and entrepreneur's Champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, in an effort to up its cool factor and expand sales. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said the partnership will help Armand de Brignac grow and flourish. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)Moet Hennessy is acquiring a 50% stake in rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z’s Champagne brand in an effort to up its cool factor and expand distribution. Moet Hennessy President and CEO Philippe Schaus said Armand de Brignac breaks barriers and reflects contemporary ideas of luxury, even as it supports historic Champagne-making traditions. Moet Hennessy is the wine and spirits division of luxury goods company LVMH.
Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and The Go-Go's nominated for Rock Hall
Read full article: Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and The Go-Go's nominated for Rock HallFILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Dave Grohl of the band Foo Fighters performs at the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The band made this years list of nominees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There are two newly eligible acts in Jay-Z and Foo Fighters while artists nominated for the first time include Blige, The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, Warwick and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is already in the hall as a member of Nirvana. “This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates,” said John Sykes, Chairman of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, in a statement Wednesday.
Lil Wayne, Kodak Black get clemency; Joe Exotic does not
Read full article: Lil Wayne, Kodak Black get clemency; Joe Exotic does notPresident Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 140 people in a last-minute clemency flurry after midnight on Wednesday, a list that included rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. — Rapper Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was given a full pardon. In the pardon, Lil Wayne was praised for his “commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of foodbanks.” Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders backed the pardon. Lil Wayne is one of the seminal figures in rap in the last two decades, selling more than 20 million albums in the U.S. since releasing his debut in 1999. Supporters included Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, and athletes Lamar Jackson and Jack Brewer.
Jazmine Sullivan, Eric Church, H.E.R. to sing at Super Bowl
Read full article: Jazmine Sullivan, Eric Church, H.E.R. to sing at Super BowlSullivan and Church will join forces to sing the national anthem at the next months Super Bowl, where Grammy-winning singer H.E.R. will perform America the Beautiful. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – R&B star Jazmine Sullivan and country singer Eric Church will join forces to sing the national anthem at the next month’s Super Bowl, where Grammy-winning singer H.E.R. will perform “America the Beautiful.”The performances will take place Feb. 7 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa before the big game and halftime show starring The Weeknd. She’s won honors at the MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards and Soul Train Music Awards and launched R&B hits such as “Focus,” “Best Part,” “Slide,” “Damage” and “B.S.” with Jhené Aiko.
Dr. Dre back home after reported brain aneurysm treatment
Read full article: Dr. Dre back home after reported brain aneurysm treatmentPeter Paterno, an attorney for the rapper and producer, said Dre was home but offered no other details in an email exchange Saturday. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)LOS ANGELES – Dr. Dre was back at home Saturday after being treated at a Los Angeles hospital for a reported brain aneurysm. Peter Paterno, an attorney for the music mogul, said Dre was home but offered no other details in an email exchange Saturday. On Friday, actor and rapper Ice T posted that he had connected with Dre on FaceTime and that he had “just made it home. Dre founded Beats Electronics in 2008 with Jimmy Iovine, and six years later they launched a streaming subscription service, Beats Music.
Leslie West, guitarist of rock band Mountain, has died at 75
Read full article: Leslie West, guitarist of rock band Mountain, has died at 75West, an iconic guitarist-vocalist who was behind several 70s rock anthems including Mississippi Queen with the popular band Mountain, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Palm Coast, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File)LOS ANGELES – Leslie West, an iconic guitarist-vocalist who was behind several '70s rock anthems including “Mississippi Queen” with the popular band Mountain, has died. His spokesman Steve Karas said West died Wednesday in Palm Coast, Florida. Karas said West died from cardiac arrest after being rushed to the hospital. West and Pappalardi ended up starting the hard rock band Mountain, which was named after West’s debut solo album.
Jay-Z's Roc Nation forms book publisher with Random House
Read full article: Jay-Z's Roc Nation forms book publisher with Random HouseNEW YORK – A decade after publishing his memoir “Decoded,” Jay-Z is forming a more lasting partnership with the book industry. Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by the rapper, is starting an imprint with Random House called Roc Lit 101. In a joint announcement Tuesday, Random House and Roc Nation promised “books at the dynamic intersection of entertainment and genre-defying literature." Future releases will include a book by Meek Mill on “criminal justice and survival,” memoirs by rappers Yo Gotti and Fat Joe and fantasy fiction from rapper Lil Uzi Vert, along with everything from cookbooks to children's stories. Roc Lit 101 will be led by Chris Jackson, the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Random House imprint One World and a recent recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Center for Fiction; and Jana Fleishman, executive vice president of Roc Nation.
12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out
Read full article: 12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd outAnd it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.
And the Grammy nomination goes to ... Megan? Harry? Weeknd?
Read full article: And the Grammy nomination goes to ... Megan? Harry? Weeknd?Others who may earn nominations include Lewis Capaldi, Summer Walker, Morgan Wallen, Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, Ingrid Andress, Snoh Aalegra, Skip Marley, Mickey Guyton and CNCO. Ricch should also earn nominations for his guest appearance on DaBaby’s international hit “Rock Star,” helping him become the show’s overall top nominee. ________FOLKS LOVE FOLKLORETaylor Swift’s last two albums, “Lover” and “reputation,” didn’t earn nominations for album of the year. The seven-member group’s hit “Dynamite” could snag a nomination for best pop duo/group performance, and their latest album could compete for best global music album. 3 on pop charts, should earn a nomination for best country performance and best country song.
The Weeknd to headline the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show
Read full article: The Weeknd to headline the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime showThe NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced Thursday, Nov. 12 that the three-time Grammy winner will perform at the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show on Feb. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – The Weeknd will bring his popular falsetto vocals to the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. “We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position,” the singer said in a statement. This is an extraordinary moment in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer.”Roc Nation and Emmy-nominated producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. “We are thrilled to have The Weeknd join us in Tampa Bay on the Pepsi Halftime Stage,” said Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer.
Black Lives Matter faces test of its influence in election
Read full article: Black Lives Matter faces test of its influence in election“Black Lives Matter saved us, because we had nobody,” said Jones. Now, BLM’s influence faces a test, as voters in Tuesday’s election consider candidates who endorsed or denounced the BLM movement amid a national reckoning on race. Enter Black Lives Matter. Across social media platforms, the Black Lives Matter movement boasts a following of millions. “Black Lives Matter,” as a slogan, elicited “All Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter” responses from foes.
Meet Amit Mehta, the judge for Google's antitrust case
Read full article: Meet Amit Mehta, the judge for Google's antitrust caseThe Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Google has a judge: Obama appointee Amit Mehta, who was assigned the case Wednesday morning in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He went to elite U.S. universities, clerked for an appellate court judge and worked for both a D.C. law firm with high-profile clients and as a public defender attorney for low-income clients. As a judge, he’s ruled that lawmakers should get the president’s financial records and has sprinkled his music appreciation into opinions. The Supreme Court sent that case back to a lower court and it is ongoing. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1993 and graduated from the University of Virginia’s law school in 1997.
Families seek new investigations into old police killings
Read full article: Families seek new investigations into old police killingsBut the protests against racial injustice since George Floyd was killed during a police encounter in Minnesota have the three men's families urging authorities to reopen the investigations. Because criminal laws and juries often give great deference to police and the split-second decisions they have to make, families sometimes turn to civil courts to seek justice. The footage begins trained on Peters' car. The officer, who is also Black, deployed the stun gun, which appeared to have no effect, then shot Peters with his service weapon. “Marcus needed help, not death,” Blanding said.
New this week: Patty Smyth, 'The Right Stuff' and 'Time'
Read full article: New this week: Patty Smyth, 'The Right Stuff' and 'Time'Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. — AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSIC— Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company has curated an album focused on social justice to be released Friday. — It’s taken nearly three decades but Scandal rocker Patty Smyth is releasing her first album of original material on Friday. Fans of that show will find similar style, cars, clothes and alpha male energy in “The Right Stuff,” an eight-part series based on Tom Wolfe's book. The show, about demon-hunting brothers Dean and Sam Winchester (Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki), debuted the same year as YouTube.
WATCH: More than 40 Houston-area Black-owned entrepreneurs, businesses spotlighted in inspirational video
Read full article: WATCH: More than 40 Houston-area Black-owned entrepreneurs, businesses spotlighted in inspirational videoHOUSTON – Inspired by Pharrell Williams featuring Jay-Z song “Entrepreneur,” a new video highlights Black entrepreneurs and businesses in the Houston area. Most impactfully, the video draws attention to the many success stories of local entrepreneurs and business owners. “There are way too many dope, Black entrepreneurs in Houston to fit them all into one video,” said Williams, the founder of Twice Media Productions, a Houston-based marketing company that produced the video. Other local businesses and entrepreneurs featured:Darryl King owns five companies with officers across the world and he and his companies have given nearly a half-million dollars in donations and scholarships. Here is the full video of Houston-area, Black-owned businesses:
Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambition
Read full article: Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambitionNEW YORK Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have teamed up to release a new song about Black ambition titled Entrepreneur." Black Twitter, whats that? When Jack gets paid, do you? raps Jay-Z, referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. For every one Gucci, support two FUBUs.On the track, Williams sings: In this position with no choice/The system imprison young Black boys/Distract with white noise." Williams told TIME the song is about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with."
Roc Nation partners with Brooklyns LIU to launch new school
Read full article: Roc Nation partners with Brooklyns LIU to launch new schoolNEW YORK Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company is partnering with Brooklyns Long Island University to launch the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. The new school will begin enrolling students for the fall 2021 semester, and 25% of the incoming freshmen class will receive Roc Nation Hope Scholarships. Roc Nation Sports was founded in 2013 and has worked with many athletes as well as the NBA, MLB and NFL, even co-producing this years Emmy-nominated halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment will offer undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship and production, and sports management. The school will also offer resources to high school students and those younger: Starting in spring 2021, the school will launch summer residential camps for high schoolers and Saturday programs for students ages 10-18 that focus on music and sports management.
Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nods
Read full article: Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nodsWilliams is nominated for outstanding original music and lyrics for Letter to My Godfather from The Black Godfather, the Netflix documentary about music executive Clarence Avant. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK Grammy-winners including Pharrell Williams, the Beastie Boys and Nine Inch Nails Trent Reznor have a chance of winning their first-ever honors at the Emmy Awards, where Jennifer Lopez and Shakiras show-stopping halftime show performance also earned multiple nominations. For their work on Watchmen, they scored a second Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition for a limited series, movie or special. They earned nominations as producers for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special and as writers for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who composed music for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, picked up a nomination for outstanding music composition for a documentary series of special.
Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killing
Read full article: Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killingHess shot Henry as Henry drove through a parking lot, away from a disturbance that spilled out of a bar in October 2010 in Mount Pleasant, a New York City suburb. Hess has said Henry was trying to run him down and that he fired through the windshield to stop the driver. The Henrys have said Hess jumped front of the car, got onto the hood and shot their son for no good reason. Henry's father said new information that has come out since the criminal case was closed warrants a reexamination of his son's death. As human beings we should all want a standard of justice that is fair and right, Danroy Henry Sr. told The Boston Globe.
Jay-Z's Made in America festival canceled due to pandemic
Read full article: Jay-Z's Made in America festival canceled due to pandemicNEW YORK Jay-Zs annual festival in Philadelphia, Made in America, wont take place Labor Day weekend due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement Wednesday, the rap moguls Roc Nation company said it plans to produce the popular festival in 2021. Therefore, the Made In America festival will be rescheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2021, Roc Nation said in a statement. This years Made In America festival was set to take place Sept. 5-6 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Roc Nation said tickets for the 2020 event will be valid in 2021.
Antebellum brings racial justice call to reopened theaters
Read full article: Antebellum brings racial justice call to reopened theatersThis image released by Lionsgate shows co-writer/directors Christopher Renz, left, and Gerard Bush on the set of "Antebellum." Filmmakers Bush and Renz planned to release their feature-length debut film, Antebellum, in the spring of 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic exploded internationally. In Antebellum, Mone gives moviegoers a modern Black heroine who takes charge of her own liberation without a male-dominated cavalry. Their path to feature-length films with a racial justice message has been a long time coming, Bush and Renz said. Even as they anticipate finding box office success with Antebellum, Bush and Renz are already at work on their second feature-length script, under a newly formed production company, Gloaming Pictures.
Beyonc drops surprise single 'Black Parade' on Juneteenth
Read full article: Beyonc drops surprise single 'Black Parade' on JuneteenthLOS ANGELES Beyonc did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises a new single called Black Parade.Im going back to the South, Im going back where my roots aint watered down," Beyonc sings, opening the track. Black joy is your right, the message said. We got rhythm, we got pride, we birth kings, we birth tribes, Beyonc sings toward the end of the nearly five-minute song. The release of Black Parade is the singers latest philanthropic effort. In 2013, Beyonc released the self-titled album Beyonc, also without any notice.
Black Lives Matter network establishes $12M grant fund
Read full article: Black Lives Matter network establishes $12M grant fundBlack Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the group behind the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, has established a more than $12 million fund to aid organizations fighting institutional racism in the wake of the George Floyd protests. On Wednesday, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said it was setting aside $6 million from money it received in donations to support black-led grassroots organizing groups. Although there are many groups that use Black Lives Matter or BLM in their names, only 16 are considered affiliates of the global network. The Black Lives Matter movement emerged in 2013 amid anger over the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the Florida man who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012. Im really proud of the work weve been able to do in the last seven years, Patrisse Cullors, co-founder and chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, said in a statement.
Despite drama, Megan Thee Stallion happy to release music
Read full article: Despite drama, Megan Thee Stallion happy to release musicFILE - In this Aug. 26, 2019, file photo, Megan Thee Stallion performs at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The singer says she works extremely hard in the studio when it comes to writing music, so when she almost couldnt release her new album due to drama with her record label, she was anxious and uneasy. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK, N.Y. – Megan Thee Stallion says she works extremely hard in the studio writing music, and so became more than a little worried when she almost couldn’t release her new album because of a dispute with her record label. Stallion accused the label of not sharing data on her music sales with her management. Stallion said she’s happy she decided to sign with Roc Nation to help manage her growing career.