Music
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Black Christmas Songs That Just Slap
Growing up, I knew the minute the Christmas tree was dragged into the house that Christmas songs would soon follow. And Christmas originals sung by Black artists are more than just fun yuletide ditties. They are immersive musical experiences that make it close to impossible to not get up and dance. These following 10 songs…
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This Twitter Thread of ‘Beyoncé Songs: Demo vs. Original’ Is Living Rent-Free in My Mind and You Have to Hear Why
How many times can Beyoncé snatch my wig and throw it across the stratosphere? Let us count the ways. Actually—let’s not do that; we’d be here ‘til Inauguration Day. Instead, let’s take a look at this thread Twitter user Yonce Vocals dropped that perfectly showcases Beyoncé’s natural ability to upgrade a song from a lit…
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Sweet, Sweet Festivus Baby! Mariah Carey Ties Record for Most Time at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Among Holiday Songs
While there isn’t much that has been predictable or consistent this year, there is one thing that always delivers: hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” over and over during the holiday season. This year is no different. Well, actually it’s a little different, but in a good way! According to Billboard,…
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Grammys 2021: Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five to Receive a Lifetime Achievement Award
On the Strength of their catalogue, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five will be named Life Achievement Award recipients at the 63rd Grammy Awards! One of The Furious Five members, Rahiem, took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the big news. “I just learned Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5 will be receiving the Grammy…
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Ashanti and Keyshia Cole Up Next for Verzuz, in a Battle Sure to Have You in Your Feelings
Verzuz, the online musical battle series that has offered up plenty of viral moments during 2020, is back with another highly anticipated match-up. Ashanti and Keyshia Cole, two R&B singers with numerous hits under their belt, will be the next pair of challengers. “Yeah it’s official! The paperwork is IN,” read the official reveal on…
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From 'WAP' to Woman of the Year: Cardi B Receives Annual Billboard Honor
Ahead of its 15th Annual Women in Music event, Billboard released its Women of Music issue, highlighting a handful of this year’s most impactful female artists such as Chloe x Halle, Dua Lipa, JLo, Dolly Parton and Jessica Reyes. But the standout star—or perhaps more fittingly, Woman of the Year, is none other than Bodak…
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The Weeknd Says His Grammys Snub Is 'Corrupt'; Recording Academy Chair Harvey Mason Jr. Responds
We are coming up on Thanksgiving weekend and the streets are buzzing about another Saturday/Sunday namesake—The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye). The Grammys nominations are always the talk of the town when they’re announced and usually, the snubs get most of the attention. This year, that attention went primarily to The Weeknd. The “Heartless” artist received…
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Grammys 2021: Beyoncé Is Queen of Nominations; Trevor Noah to Host
Y’all, we have made it toward the end of the year, which means the formally designated awards season (not just the informal awards season that pretty much happens all year in Los Angeles because…Hollywood) is here! First up, we’re getting Grammy nominations! The 63rd Grammy Awards nominations were announced Tuesday and we have the Black-ass…
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'Put It in a Love Song': Alicia Keys Teaches the Art of Songwriting for MasterClass
While she may not be hosting the Grammys this year, the talented, Grammy-winning songstress Alicia Keys is still staying busy. MasterClass has announced that Keys has joined the streaming platform to teach songwriting and producing. She’ll also be breaking down her personal philosophy for channeling vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy through her music. More details via…
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The Anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s My Life Is Almost Here and I Can’t Help but 'Be Happy'
Nov. 29 marks the 26th anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s sophomore album, My Life. It’s an album filled with stories of trials and triumph, but most importantly it’s a breakthrough album that set the tone for both R&B and Blige’s career trajectory. Boasting fire-ass hits such as “Mary Jane,” “My Life,” “Be Happy,” and the…