Author: hhns

Alicia Keys’ new album Keys drops Friday, but it won’t feature a collaboration with J. Cole.

Back in September, she teased the potential pairing by sharing footage from their time in the studio. However, the Dreamville rapper was absent from the tracklist when it was revealed earlier this week.

During her interview with Complex’s “360 with Speedy Morman,” the 15-time Grammy winner opened up about their “festive” studio session in the Bahamas.

“That’s the first time we connected,” she said. “He came through, he happened to be in the same place. We were talking, we were conversating, building…And then we just kinda happened to fall on some vibes or some things or some flows.”

In fact, they recorded “two or three of them,” but she’s unsure where they will end up. “We’ll see what happens.”

When asked if the lost songs will eventually be released or kept in the vault, she responded, “It’s really possible,” adding, “It’s good too. I liked it and it was easy, it was fluid.”

One thing Cole didn’t tell Alicia during their session was that he had a crush on her when he was 14. In 1999, he went to her Dallas concert and after her performance, he waited outside for her to leave. He imagined that he would give her a look and whisk her off her feet, but it didn’t quite play out that way.

While Alicia was flattered, she had no recollection of the moment. “I definitely can’t say that I remember the look. I don’t know if the look made it to me,” she said. “It’s really cute ’cause everybody has a story like that.”

J. Cole is not on Keys, but the double album does feature Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Khalid, Swae Lee, and Lucky Daye.

“It’s kinda like a Sunday and a Saturday,” she said of the 26-track set, which is divided into two sides—Originals and Unlocked. “I feel like people really love the piano side of me…I can never express myself in one style, nobody can. That’s not even realistic. So I think the other side of it allows me to go a little more crazy, put a little more Lawry’s seasoning salt in the mix and create this gumbo that fulfills all the senses. And that’s what you can expect, to be fulfilled, well fed.”

Virgil Abloh’s family and friends came together to celebrate the late designer’s life and legacy during a memorial service in his hometown.

The private event was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on Monday (Dec. 6), a week since his passing, and was attended by Kanye West, Drake, Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and more.

The somber gathering included a eulogy from Virgil’s sister, Edwina Abloh, who spoke about her brother’s compassion and drive. “Virgil inspired multitudes to never relent and to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. “My brother was endearing and humble, yet daring and courageous. His charisma and aura resonated love and kindness to all.”

Tyler, the Creator held back tears as he remarked over Virgil’s ability to unite people from all walks of life. “All these different people—colors, ages, backgrounds, religions—all came for one man. That’s what he did. He brought, like, the illest people together,” he said while recalling an invite he sent to Virgil just days before he passed.

Others in attendance included Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who were spotted arm in arm. Dressed in all black, Ms. Lauryn Hill wiped away tears as she delivered an emotional performance of “Everything Is Everything” in honor of the Louis Vuitton men’s creative director and Off-White founder.

Virgil passed away on Nov. 28 after a two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare cancer. He was 41. Louis Vuitton presented his final fashion show during Art Basel in Miami last week.

Friends paid tribute to the fashion trailblazer on social media, including Frank Ocean and Drake, who shared a video of the plane Virgil designed for him while holding up a pin that said “Virgil was here.”

“love you g,” Drake captioned the post.

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As the year comes to a close, Spotify has revealed its top artists, albums, and songs.

With more than 9.1 billion streams this year, Bad Bunny is the most-streamed global artist of 2021. Following him is Taylor Swift (#2) and BTS (#3). The Certified Lover Boy himself, Drake, comes in fourth while Justin Bieber rounds out the top 5.

In the U.S., Drizzy tops the most-streamed artists list, followed by Taylor Swift, Juice WRLD, Kanye West, and Bad Bunny.

Olivia Rodrigo has the two most-streamed songs in the U.S. with “drivers license” and “good 4 u.” Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA takes third, followed by Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” and Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” featuring DaBaby.

The most-streamed albums in the U.S. are Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR, Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album, Doja Cat’s Planet Her, Justin Bieber’s Justice, and Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die.

Starting today, Spotify users can access their personalized Wrapped experience in the Spotify mobile app.

Spotify 2021 Wrapped Global Top Lists

Most Streamed Artists Globally
Bad Bunny
Taylor Swift
BTS
Drake
Justin Bieber

Most Streamed Songs Globally
“drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
“STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI
“good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Levitating (feat. DaBaby)” by Dua Lipa

Most Streamed Albums Globally
SOUR, Olivia Rodrigo
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
Justice, Justin Bieber
=, Ed Sheeran
Planet Her, Doja Cat

Spotify 2021 Wrapped U.S. Top Lists

U.S. Most Streamed Artists
Drake
Taylor Swift
Juice WRLD
Kanye West
Bad Bunny

U.S. Most Streamed Songs
“drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
“good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)” by Doja Cat
“Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
“Levitating (feat. DaBaby)” by Dua Lipa

U.S. Most Streamed Albums
SOUR, Olivia Rodrigo
Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen
Planet Her, Doja Cat
Justice, Justin Bieber
Legends Never Die, Juice WRLD

Ari Lennox was arrested in Amsterdam on Monday for disturbing public order.

According to Dutch military police, who run security for Amsterdam Schiphol airport, the R&B singer accused airline staff of racial discrimination.

“They’re arresting me,” tweeted Lennox. “I’m being arrested in Amsterdam for reacting to a woman racially profiling me.”

Lennox continued to tweet about her experience. “F**k Amsterdam security. They hate black people,” she wrote.

Dutch military police tell Reuters that Lennox was taken into custody because of her aggressive behavior towards an airline official, and for being drunk in public.

“Our unit found a woman full of emotions, that wouldn’t calm down,” spokesman Robert van Kapel said. “That’s why she had to be taken into custody.”

In a since-deleted tweet, Lennox shared a photo of the woman was allegedly profiled her.

“Racism. Wow Amsterdam I’m horrified. I was so happy to travel and this evil woman… I’ve never experienced racism so blatant,” she said.

Police are investigating claims of possible threats made by Lennox during the incident. It’s unclear how long she will remain in custody.

“I just want to go home. I’ll never leave my house again,” she told her followers.

Lennox performed twice at the 2021 Soul Train Awards, which aired Sunday. She delivered her single “Pressure” and teamed up with Summer Walker for their collaboration “Unloyal.”

Virgil Abloh has died after a private battle with cancer.

On Sunday (Nov. 28), the designer for Louis Vuitton and Off-White passed away at age 41, his family announced on Instagram.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” read the statement. “He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”

Abloh had battled a “rare, aggressive form of cancer” called cardiac angiosarcoma for the past two years.

“He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.”

The statement continued, “Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”

Virgil’s friends including Pharrell paid tribute to the iconic designer, calling him a “kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius.”

The fashion world also mourned the devastating loss. “I am so sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May you Rest In Peace and Power dear Virgil,” wrote Marc Jacobs, while Dior’s Kim Jones commented, “love always my friend x.”

After founding Off-White in 2013 and serving as Kanye West’s creative director, Abloh was named artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready wear line in 2018, becoming the first African-American artistic director of a top French heritage house. He worked with numerous brands throughout the years including Nike, Jimmy Choo, Moncler, and Ikea.

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It’s all love between T-Pain and Usher.

After a contentious past, the two reunited and reconciled onstage during an event for Dave Chappelle’s new documentary in Atlanta on Sunday (Nov. 21).

“I love you, bro,” said T-Pain as Usher stood next to him. “I’m telling you, we ain’t going through nothing, bro. We ain’t going through a goddamn thing. It’s all love.”

They then hugged it out onstage. “In times when we’re divided the most, we need to be together the most. I love you, bro. I’m never not gonna love you, bro, trust me. My dawg.”

Earlier this year, T-Pain revealed a conversation he had with Usher in 2013 in which the R&B superstar told him he “fu**ed up music” because of his use of Auto-Tune.

“He was, like, ‘Man, I want to tell you something, man.’ He was like, ‘Man, you kind of fu**ed up music,’” T-Pain recalled on the Netflix docuseries series “This Is Pop.” “I didn’t understand. Usher was my friend. He was like, ‘Nah, man, you really fu**ed up music for real singers.’”

The hurtful comments triggered a years-long battle with depression for T-Pain. “That is the very moment, and I don’t even think I realized this for a long time, but that’s the very moment that started a four-year depression for me,” added T-Pain.

Usher previously addressed his comments, telling Billboard that he didn’t intend to cause harm.

“I’m happy that T-Pain said something — I’m not sure if it was before or after our actual conversation, after I heard what was said,” he said. “It was very hurtful to know that he had experienced that kind of hardship in life. I wouldn’t wish that on any person. Private conversations for me have always been intended to uplift. But when or if people get pieces of it, they can always have some other interpretation. But we’ve spoken since and we’re good.”

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Young Dolph’s murder is under investigation, but a new report may shed more light into his mind state in the days leading up to his death.

According to TMZ, the rapper returned to Memphis and was unaware of any ongoing beef or recent threats to his life.

Sources close to Dolph say he was excited to be back in his hometown, and had planned a week full of charity events for his community including his annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.

He apparently felt safe enough to move around his city without security guards, which led to his fateful stop at Makeda’s Cookies where he was gunned down by two assailants.

His focus was on spreading positivity in Memphis with multiple charity events planned. Instead of canceling, his Paper Route Empire record label decided to keep Dolph’s legacy of giving alive and proceed with handing out turkeys in Dolph’s Castalia neighborhood.

“We’re just representing Young Dolph and keeping the legacy going, and just letting everybody know that we’re gonna keep doing this every year,” said Dolph’s artist Snupe Bandz, who was on hand for Friday’s event.

Dolph was at Makeda’s Cookies, a local spot he frequented, on Tuesday when he was ambushed by two men, who opened fire and killed him. Police have released images of the two masked gunmen outside the cookie shop. Following the shooting, cops were called to Yo Gotti’s restaurant Prive out of fear of retaliation. Dolph and Gotti have had issues in the past, but Gotti has not been linked to the murder.

In the wake of his death, Dolph’s longtime partner, Mia Jaye, shared a touching tribute to the father of her two children, while friends including Monica, Megan Thee Stallion, and Rick Ross mourned the tragic loss on social media.

Young Dolph’s murder is under investigation, but a new report may shed more light into his mind state in the days leading up to his death.

According to TMZ, the rapper returned to Memphis and was unaware of any ongoing beef or recent threats to his life.

Sources close to Dolph say he was excited to be back in his hometown, and had planned a week full of charity events for his community including his annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.

He apparently felt safe enough to move around his city without security guards, which led to his fateful stop at Makeda’s Cookies where he was gunned down by two assailants.

His focus was on spreading positivity in Memphis with multiple charity events planned. Instead of canceling, his Paper Route Empire record label decided to keep Dolph’s legacy of giving alive and proceed with handing out turkeys in Dolph’s Castalia neighborhood.

“We’re just representing Young Dolph and keeping the legacy going, and just letting everybody know that we’re gonna keep doing this every year,” said Dolph’s artist Snupe Bandz, who was on hand for Friday’s event.

Dolph was at Makeda’s Cookies, a local spot he frequented, on Tuesday when he was ambushed by two men, who opened fire and killed him. Police have released images of the two masked gunmen outside the cookie shop. Following the shooting, cops were called to Yo Gotti’s restaurant Prive out of fear of retaliation. Dolph and Gotti have had issues in the past, but Gotti has not been linked to the murder.

In the wake of his death, Dolph’s longtime partner, Mia Jaye, shared a touching tribute to the father of her two children, while friends including Monica, Megan Thee Stallion, and Rick Ross mourned the tragic loss on social media.

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Snoop Dogg is back with The Algorithm.

The hip-hop icon makes his Def Jam debut with a star-studded compilation showcasing Def Jam’s roster of talent including Fabolous, Jadakiss, Dave East, and YK Osiris.

Snoop’s supergroup Mount Westmore, including Ice Cube, E-40, and Too $hort, join forces on the lead single “Big Subwoofer.” Redman and Method Man reunite on “Alright,” while Uncle Snoop taps Usher and Eric Bellinger for “New Oldie.”

The 25-track set also includes Def Jam’s newest signee, Benny the Butcher, who links up with Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes on “Murder Music,” while Mary J. Blige adds some sparkle to “Diamond Life” with DJ Cassidy.

“There’s so much talent on this record, so many styles of music, it breaks the algorithm,” said Snoop, who serves as Def Jam’s Executive Creative and Strategic Consultant. “Right now, the algorithm is telling us you have to rap this way, you have to sound this way, but they’re not telling you how it’s supposed to feel. My algorithm is going to give you a feeling, not a sound.”

Stream The Algorithm below.

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