Music
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9 Predictions and General Thoughts About J. Cole's Newly Announced Album, The Off-Season
On May 4, Jermaine Cole, aka Light-Skinned Jermaine and famously known as J. Cole, announced the May 14 release of his sixth studio album, The Off-Season, along with (presumably) the album cover. As is always the case when Cole announced a project, drops a loosie and/or a project, the Internets light up—no pun intended—in all…
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Mic Drop: Masterful Musicians Makin' Moves
We’ve got a lot going on here, and guess what? I’m here for it. Black women are dominating the first week of May’s charts, floating between different genres and but putting us in our bag and taking us back out. Music is intersectional as all hell, but we knew that already, so it’s time to…
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'We Can Do Better, Improve, and Transform': Grammys Interim President Harvey Mason Jr. on Eliminating 'Secret' Nominating Committees
Though this year’s Grammys celebration proved to be a major moment for a couple of history-making Houston hotties, it wasn’t without its fair share of criticism and critique. We told you back in March about The Weeknd’s musical upset and his vow to “boycott” the annual event, the artist having cited the “corrupt” organization’s “secret…
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Billboard Music Awards 2021: The Weeknd, Megan Thee Stallion, Drake, Saweetie Among Nominees
On Thursday, Billboard announced its nominees for the annual Billboard Music Awards. This year’s ceremony will air live at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and will include fan-voted categories for Top Social Artist and Top Collaboration. Because y’all know how we get down ‘round this way, let’s go ahead and get into the Blackity-black nominees,…
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New York State Senate Officially Declares December 18 ‘DMX Day’
In light of the recent death of beloved New York rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons, his home state has decided to set a day aside to honor his life and legacy. According to The Fader, the New York State Senate declared December 18 as “DMX Day” which makes perfect sense as it coincides with the late…
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Mic Drop: Just a Couple of Juxtaposed Jingles
Oxymorons, where would we be without them? They are a true staple in our vernacular—how else would someone know they had no idea what was going on if we didn’t tell them they were “clearly confused.” Or that the whole “yeah, no” means “no” and “no, yeah” means “yeah.” You know what I mean, yeah?…
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Honoring a Forever Ruff Ryder: Here's How to Watch DMX's Public Memorial Service
This weekend, fans of the late Earl “DMX” Simmons will have our own Ruff Ryders’ role—to honor the life and legacy of a hip-hop great. Recently, the family of DMX announced that the beloved entertainer’s public memorial service would be held on April 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with more details to follow. According…
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National Museum of African American Music to Honor Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Fisk Jubilee Singers
The National Museum of African American Music has chosen this year’s recipients of its Rhapsody & Rhythm Awards, and the selection is elite! On Wednesday, NMAAM announced it will honor Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, per Billboard. Aptly celebrating Black Music Month, the recipients will receive their honors at…
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Jodeci Is Unbeatable In a Verzuz Battle: A Scientific Breakdown of Black Excellent Proportions
As is often the case after Verzuz “battles,” folks get to ruminating on potential matchups, etc. Also, I’m folks; I do this after every Verzuz. Last night’s love-fest featured Method Man and Redman, two staples of 90s era hip-hop, though Method Man has become quite the actor, and Redman is, well, still one of the…
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H.E.R., DaBaby, Dionne Warwick All Set to Appear for Clive Davis’ 2nd 'Pre-Grammy Gala'
Though the Grammys took place back in March, Clive Davis is keeping the celebratory spirit alive by pressing forward with the second part of his annual “Pre-Grammy Gala.” Variety reports that due to Davis’ recent diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy plus the already limiting factors of the pandemic, the celebration had to be pushed out to…