Music
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To Queen Aretha, You Are Appreciated. Rest in Power
Like many people, hip-hop was my entryway to a lot of the music I know and love today. Through the use of samples, I made my way into various genres of music and discovered the lifeblood of artistry on several continents. Similarly, it enabled me to become more well-versed in American treasures. One such treasure…
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The Queen of Soul Reigns Supreme: Our Top 6 Aretha Franklin Live Performances
It may seem like a fool’s errand to try and pick the top live performances of Aretha Franklin’s storied career, which spanned 60 years, because, frankly, whenever she was on stage, that performance was likely going to become a moment. (I’ve had the good fortune to see her live twice and both performances will make…
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Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Has Died at 76
Aretha Franklin, the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer who inspired countless generations of singers and whose powerful, gospel-infused voice earned her the title of Queen of Soul, has died. She was 76. The cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer, according to the Associated Press. In a family statement to the AP, Franklin’s publicist Gwendolyn Quinn…
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Don’t Come For Cardi Unless She Sends For You, Bih!
As the resident Cardi B stan here at The Root, I fully understand that not everyone is here for her, and not everyone has an appreciation for her style. It comes with the territory. There will always be someone who has something negative to say about a star, no matter what it is. For the…
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Doja Cat's 'Bitch, I'm A Cow' Is The Song You Never Knew You Needed
Amala Zandile Dlamini is a 22-year-old Los Angeles based rapper, who goes by the name of “Doja Cat.” On Tuesday, she released a video called “Mooo!” that’s gone viral. Clad in a cow print outfit, and french fries stuck in her nose, Doja Cat’s follow-up to “Nintendhoe” and “Take Yo Bitch,” has the internet crying…
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Royalty Recognizes Royalty: Beyoncé Dedicates Detroit On The Run II Concert to Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin
You know our collective hearts stopped on Monday when reports started circulating that the iconic Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is gravely ill and apparently in hospice care. The news quickly spread, prompting everyone to pour out their love and thoughts and prayers for the singer. And because game recognizes game, and royalty recognizes royalty,…
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Cardi B's 1st Postpartum Performance Will Be at the Mala Luna Festival in October
Cardi B fans rejoice! The new mom has announced her first performance after giving birth to her daughter Kulture, and it will be at the Mala Luna Festival in San Antonio, Texas, this October. Cardi gave birth on July 11, and two weeks later, she announced that she was withdrawing from the Bruno Mars’ tour,…
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That 'In My Feelings' Cameo from NOLA Bounce Legend Big Freedia? She Was the One Who Set That Up
It can be said Big Freedia, the iconic, bounce music artist whose signature delivery has popped up on songs from the music industry’s biggest names, does far more than represent New Orleans. She embodies it. So it’s a bit of a surprise to find out that Big Freedia was the one who had to reach…
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MC Lyte Talks Racial Bias, Female Rap Beef and the Longevity of Hip-Hop
MC Lyte recently performed with a nostalgic lineup at the Cincinnati Music Festival, proving once again that black don’t crack. Lyte (born Lana Michelle Moorer) looks and sounds like what happens when you mind your business and drink water. As one of the largest R&B music festivals in America, CMF caters to the grown and…
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How Much Do You Love Your Faves? You Still Can't Beat This 18-Year-Old Who Allegedly Tried to Steal a Plane to Go to Rap Concert
Listen, I love Beyoncé as much as the next red-blooded person, but after sitting in traffic for a measly two to three hours trying to leave the FedEx Field in Landover, Md., after the On the Run II concert, I was pretty much convinced that I wouldn’t be attending another one of her shows. But…