The Whitsdom Press

Category: Music

  • The 2026 Grammys: A Simple Guide to the Early Buzz

    The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are already generating serious buzz! While the show, set for February 1, 2026, is months away, the music world is already deep into the process of submitting work and making predictions. If you don’t follow music awards closely, the whole thing can seem confusing, so we’ve broken down the biggest talk points in simple terms.

    Who’s Making the Biggest Play? Kendrick Lamar and Pop Royalty

    In the major categories like Album of the Year (AOY) and Record of the Year, a few heavy-hitters are dominating the conversation.

    • Kendrick Lamar is seen as a top contender. His latest album, “GNX,” is widely predicted to be a major challenger for Album of the Year. This is a big deal because, even though he’s won many Grammys, he has never won AOY for one of his own projects. He’s also submitted his popular track “Luther” (featuring SZA) for Record and Song of the Year. Separately, his song “Like That” and his featured part on Beyoncé’s “AMERIICAN REQUIEM” have also been submitted.
    • Lady Gaga is predicted to grab multiple nominations, especially for her new work, “Mayhem”. Some analysts even think she could lead the pack in total top-category nods.
    • Sabrina Carpenter is another star in the mix and could land major nominations.
    • Other artists expected to contend for the biggest awards include Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish.

    The Best New Artist Race: New Talent Hits the Big Time

    The Best New Artist (BNA) award is always a thrilling category because it shines a light on fresh talent. This year, the race is wide open!

    • Two names you’ll hear a lot are Alex Warren and Sombr. Alex Warren is considered a front-runner, especially after his hit single “Ordinary”. Sombr is also gaining serious buzz from viral success.
    • Other possible nominees include Addison Rae, Ella Langley, The Marías, and Lola Young.
    • There’s been a rule change that now makes more artists eligible for BNA. To be considered, an artist must have released a minimum of three singles or one album, but no more than three albums total

    The Simple Guide to Grammy Voting 🗳️

    The Grammys aren’t a popularity contest voted on by fans; the winners are chosen by music professionals. The voting process happens in clear stages:

    PhaseDateWhat It Means
    First Round VotingOctober 3 – October 15, 2025Music pros vote to choose the official nominees for each award.
    Nominations AnnouncedNovember 7, 2025The full list of who made the cut is released.
    Final Round VotingDecember 12, 2025 – January 5, 2026Voters pick the final winners from the list of nominees.
    Grammy CeremonyFebruary 1, 2026The world finds out who won!.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    The countdown is on, and the 2026 Grammys are looking like one for the books. Expect big performances, emotional wins, and maybe a few upsets too. Whether you’re team Kendrick, team Gaga, or just here for the music, this show’s about to deliver.

    So tell me — who you rooting for this year?

  • The Feds Got Diddy! He’s Sentenced to Four Years and Change!

    Whew, chile! You know we gotta talk about the biggest mess that rocked the culture. For months, we’ve been watching the drama unfold, but now, the courts have dropped the final hammer on Sean “Diddy” Combs. It’s time to spill the real tea on his sentencing and break down exactly what got this mogul locked up.

    The Lawsuit That Blew the Whistle (The Civil Suit)

    Remember last year? That whole thing started with Cassie Ventura. She was brave enough to file a major lawsuit against Diddy, outlining years of terrible things—we’re talking serious allegations of abuse and assault. The minute that lawsuit went public in November 2023, the world stopped. Diddy thought he could sweep it under the rug with cash. They settled the case in less than 24 hours. Why so fast? Because rich men use money to stop the bad news. Period. A settlement is not a criminal punishment—it’s just a cash deal. But that one lawsuit opened the floodgates for everything else.

    The Feds Came Through: Why Diddy’s Face Card Bounced (The Criminal Trial)

    The lawsuit was just the appetizer. The real drama was the federal government coming for him with criminal charges. After a whole trial, the jury finally delivered the news everyone was waiting for. He managed to get off on the huge charges like sex trafficking and racketeering. He may have avoided life in prison, but he couldn’t dodge everything. The jury found him GUILTY on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. This is under a federal law called the Mann Act. Basically, they got him for taking people across state lines for sex stuff.

    The Sentence

    Now for the main event: the sentencing that just happened. A federal judge ordered Sean “Diddy” Combs to serve four years and two months (50 months) in prison for those prostitution-related crimes. He also has to pay a massive $500,000 fine.

    The defense tried to get him out right away, talking about his charity work and how he was sorry. But the judge was like, “Nah, this man had the power to keep hurting people, and he didn’t stop.” This sentence is all about accountability and sending a message. The message wasn’t strong enough in my opinion, because FOUR YEARS???

    Diddy is no longer the music mogul who “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.” He’s a convicted felon, and the reign is officially over. That’s the tea.

  • Cardi B and Nicki Minaj got the X Streets Hot!

    The rivalry between two of hip-hop’s biggest female superstars, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, has once again boiled over. It has turned into a vicious social media war on X (formerly Twitter). The rivalry started as a long-standing industry competition. It has now reached shocking new levels. This escalation involves deeply personal insults about family and children.

    The Early Days: From Respect to Rivalry

    In the beginning, Cardi B was an up-and-coming star. She openly expressed admiration for Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of rap. However, as Cardi’s star rose at a meteoric rate with “Bodak Yellow,” the dynamic shifted. The first signs of tension appeared online, with fan bases clashing and subtle, often-deleted, shady comments made on Instagram Live. The core issue? There is a perceived battle for the top spot. This occurs in a male-dominated industry that often has room for only one woman at a time.

    The Infamous 2018 Harper’s Bazaar Event: The Heel Throw Seen ‘Round the World

    One of the most pivotal and documented moments in their feud happened off-social media but was endlessly dissected online. During New York Fashion Week in 2018, the two were involved in a physical altercation at a Harper’s Bazaar party.

    As detailed in numerous viral video breakdowns, the incident allegedly started over a disagreement concerning parenting and past comments. The confrontation escalated, culminating in Cardi B lunging at Nicki Minaj, and famously, a shoe was thrown. Cardi B later stormed out of the event with a visible knot on her head. The paparazzi footage of her, furious and explaining her side, became an instant meme and news story.

    The Spark: Album Sales and Subliminal Shots

    The feud officially flared up. It appeared that Nicki Minaj was mocking the commercial success of Cardi B’s new album. Nicki posted a deleted image referencing a “$4.99” promotional price and questioned the first-week sales numbers.

    This initial shade quickly moved into personal attacks, with both “rap queens” trading severe low blows.

    • Nicki’s Attacks (The Slugs): Nicki clowned Cardi’s lyrics, calling the Grammy winner “Barney Dangerous” and mocking her new song, “Magnet”. She also took a personal shot at Cardi’s pregnancy, calling her a “barefoot and smelly liar with a big belly”.
    • Cardi’s Counter-Attacks: Cardi B immediately fired back, roasting Nicki by bringing up family controversies, including Nicki’s convicted brother. She also accused Nicki of allegedly needing fertility treatments and questioned her ability to reproduce.

    Cardi also tried to shut down the comparison entirely. She told Nicki she should compare herself to peers who started their careers around the same time. Cardi stated that she was still in high school when Nicki first gained fame.

    The Unthinkable: Weaponizing Children and Family

    The conflict drew widespread condemnation. Both artists crossed a major taboo in celebrity beefs. They dragged their children into the fight. Commentators, including the hosts of The Breakfast Club, called the attacks on the children “irresponsible on both women’s part”.

    The confrontation became shocking when insults were traded regarding their kids:

    • The First Dig: The argument reportedly coincided with Nicki Minaj’s son, Papa Bear’s, birthday. Cardi B mocked Nicki for dedicating “essays” to the feud online instead of celebrating her child. Cardi wrote: “You haven’t even cut your kid’s cake yet… you must have took your first line of the day”.
    • The Low Blows: In a dangerous escalation, Nicki tweeted “Barney B and Culture Vulture.” She directly referenced Cardi B’s daughter, Culture. Cardi warned Nicki not to mention her children. The conversation then allegedly saw Nicki Minaj call Culture “ugly“.
    • The Shocking Response: Cardi B’s final response was shocking. She accused Nicki of allegedly abusing drugs. Cardi B claimed, “your son is nonverbal cuz you effed him up with drugs.” She suggested the insult came from jealousy.

    Final Thoughts

    Many mothers of non-verbal children felt Cardi was wrong. They believed that speaking on Nicki’s son, who allegedly has disabilities, was inappropriate, especially concerning children with autism. Nicki knew her child had disabilities before calling Cardi’s kids ‘monkeys’. She chose to log on Twitter on her kid’s birthday to pick a virtual fight with Cardi. She targeted Cardi’s children and got scolded for crossing the line. Cardi was wrong for engaging with Nicki and bringing up Nicki’s child as well.

    I posted an article a few days ago about Black Women weaponizing each other on social media and using their kids as weapons. This is no different. Stop using your kids as weapons.

  • Drake Shows Off 2Pac’s Death Row Records Chain From 1996

    If you’ve been following hip-hop news, you might have seen a lot of talk about Drake and a new chain. But this isn’t just any piece of jewelry. It’s a gold chain from Death Row Records, and it has a big story behind it.

    What is Death Row Records?

    Death Row Records was one of the most famous and important record labels in the 1990s. It was the home of legendary artists like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. For many fans, a Death Row chain is a symbol of old-school hip-hop greatness.

    Why is Drake’s Chain a Big Deal?

    Drake recently posted a picture on Instagram wearing the famous Death Row chain. Fans quickly noticed that it looked like the one owned by the late 2Pac. But why would Drake, a modern superstar, wear a chain from a different era? The answer lies in his recent a disagreement with rapper Kendrick Lamar.

    Drake’s Instagram post with chain front and back.

    Over the past few months, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been in a heated rap feud. This means they have been releasing songs that take shots at each other. Some of their songs have even mentioned 2Pac, who is a legend in the rap world. For example, Drake used an AI version of 2Pac’s voice in one of his songs. Kendrick Lamar mentioned a special ring that belonged to 2Pac in his own song. Okay let’s be real. Drake should have been eliminated from the battle when he used AI. And you use 2Pac’s voice? I told a blogger on Twitter today…

    Me keeping it real on Twitter

    By wearing the Death Row chain, many people believe Drake is sending a direct message to Kendrick Lamar. He is showing that he has a piece of hip-hop history. He is also demonstrating that he is not backing down in their public disagreement.

    What Do Fans Think?

    I see it as Drake trying to stir up more trouble and playing a dangerous game. He should focus on his music instead of that spanking Kendrick Lamar put on him.

  • Apollonia Sues Prince’s Estate for Name Ownership

    Patricia “Patty” Kotero—known to fans worldwide as Apollonia—starred in Prince’s iconic 1984 film Purple Rain. For over 40 years, she has built a career under that name. Now, she has filed a lawsuit against Prince’s estate, claiming ownership of the “Apollonia” name and trademark.

    Apollonia 6 (L to R: Susan Moonsie, Apollonia Kotero, and Brenda Bennett)

    Prince gave Kotero the name when casting her in Purple Rain. She performed as Apollonia in that film, formed the group Apollonia 6 in the mid-1980s, and continued her career using the name. Kotero hosts the podcast Apollonia Studio 6 (launched in 2022), and a Purple Rain musical—featuring a character named Apollonia—is set to premiere in Minneapolis in October before heading to Broadway.

    What Is the Lawsuit About?

    Patty argues that she has used the “Apollonia” name for decades—in films, television, music, podcasts (Apollonia Studio 6), and branding—and that Prince himself gave and encouraged her adoption of that name. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks a court declaration affirming that she owns the trademark rights to “Apollonia.” She also asks for an injunction to stop Prince’s estate from interfering with her use of the name.

    What Prompted the Legal Action?

    In June 2025, Prince’s estate—Paisley Park Enterprises—filed its own trademark application for “Apollonia,” covering clothing and entertainment services. The estate also moved to cancel Kotero’s existing trademark filings Kotero asserts that the estate’s action threatens her identity and business, as she fears they could bring a trademark infringement lawsuit if she continues using her professional name.

    Kotero’s attorney, Dan Cislo, said she “fully expects to prevail in protecting her name”. Prince’s estate called the suit “frivolous” and “unwarranted.” They point out that Kotero’s registration was canceled at some point, that they offered her settlements, and that they never asked her to stop using the name during Prince’s lifetime.

    The late singer’s estate responds on Instagram to the recent lawsuit.

    This breaks my heart because I love Prince and Apolonia, but when it comes to entertainment law, liking somebody doesn’t go as far as the legalities. This case touches on key issues in entertainment law—trademark ownership, rights of artists to use a name tied to their identity, and posthumous control by estates. It also highlights how an artist’s long-standing professional identity can clash with estate or legacy management.

  • Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free Launch pgLang’s New Expansion: Project 3

    Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free have taken their creative company, pgLang, to the next level with a bold new expansion called Project 3. This move marks an exciting shift for the duo as they bring their unique vision to a wider range of creative and branding projects.

    Posted on pgLang’s Youtube channel titled “The Agency”. Directed by Dave Free and Jack Begert

    What is pgLang?

    pgLang is a company founded in March 2020 by Kendrick Lamar and his longtime collaborator Dave Free. The company was created as a space for creativity across multiple forms of media, including music, film, design, and visual art. It’s known as an “at-service company,” which means it’s built to help creators and brands tell powerful stories through different creative outlets.

    Over the years, pgLang has earned a strong reputation for innovation, winning six Cannes Lions awards and even being named Independent Agency of the Year in 2023. Until now, most of pgLang’s work has been focused on internal projects and collaborations. But that’s all about to change.

    Introducing Project 3

    project3 is the new technology and product division of pgLang. Its goal is to create “human-centered” technology. Instead of just making another app or gadget, project3 wants to develop products that help people connect with each other and the world in a more meaningful way, with less digital distraction.

    Their very first product is a collaboration with the tech company Light. It’s a special edition of the Light Phone II, a minimalist phone designed to be the opposite of a smartphone. It is currently sold out.

    Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang x Light Phone 2 — a stripped‑down ‘dumb’ phone priced at $299, capped at just 250 units — sold out within hours, offering calling, texting, basic tools, and a shake‑to‑answer “language” feature instead of social media or a browser. – Business Insider

    The pgLang Light Phone

    Here’s what makes this phone different:

    • Minimalist Design: It’s simple and doesn’t have a big, bright screen full of apps.
    • Core Functions Only: You can call and text, but there are no social media, news feeds, or internet browsers to distract you.
    • “Just a Tool”: The idea is to have a phone that serves as a tool, not as a source of endless entertainment or anxiety.

    This special pgLang edition, called the “Light Phone for pgLang,” features unique design elements and aims to help users be more present in their daily lives.

    Why This is a Big Deal 🚀

    This move is important because it shows that Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free are thinking beyond the traditional entertainment industry. By launching project3, pgLang is exploring how technology impacts our lives and our creativity.

    They are not just selling music or merchandise; they are creating tools that reflect their artistic values. It’s a bold step that merges the worlds of hip-hop, art, and tech, proving that pgLang is one of the most innovative creative companies out there today. Keep an eye on project3—it looks like they’re just getting started.

    While we are on the subject of Kendrick Lamar…

    The Grand National Tour—Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s co-headlining North American stadium run in 2025—has generated phenomenal box-office returns grossing over $256 million across 23 shows (based on Billboard reporting) and averaged more than $11 million per night, securing its place as the biggest co-headlining tour of all time and setting multiple box-office records along the way. Shoutout to K-Dot, SZA, and pgLang!

  • Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s Grand National Tour: A Cultural Reset

    Y’all. Let me just say this upfront: Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour isn’t just a concert series—it’s a cultural reset. As a musical fan who’s been tracking every setlist, surprise guest, and viral moment from TikTok and Twitter (X.com), I’m here to break down why this tour is everything.

    Grand National Tour SOLD OUT show in Chicago 6/6/2025

    🚀 Tour Stats: Breaking Records & Selling Out Cities

    • Sold-Out Domination: 20 out of 23 North American shows SOLD OUT, averaging 49,000 fans per night. From Minneapolis to Toronto, cities are buckling under the demand.
    • Global Reign: shows across the U.S., Canada, and Europe (ending August 9 in Stockholm).
    • The Vibe: Named after Kendrick’s iconic Buick GNX (which literally rises onstage during his opener—chills!).

    🎤 The Magic: Why Their Duo Works

    Kendrick and SZA aren’t just sharing a stage; they’re merging two universes:

    • Kendrick’s World: Moody grays, military-precision choreography, and raw intensity. He raps under a lone streetlamp for “Reincarnated” like a hip-hop noir hero.
    • SZA’s World: A living garden with giant ants (“Anthony”), praying mantis dancers, and butterfly wings. She sang “Saturn” while floating in a cocoon gown—yes, REALLY.
    • Together: Their chemistry explodes during collabs like “All the Stars,” where they rise on separate platforms, singing to the skies. Poetry in motion.

    SZA transforms into a butterfly…or a fairy. We nicknamed her “Thickerbelle”🧚🏾‍♀️

    Doja hits the stage to join SZA in their hit “Kiss Me More”

    SZA soothes Justin Beiber to their duet hit “Snooze”

    Lizzo and her new body performs her hit with SZA, “Special”

    🌟 Special Guests: The A-List Parade

    The surprises have been UNREAL:

    • Playboi Carti jumped out in Atlanta for “Good Credit” squawking like a bird. The moshpit people loved it.
    • Baby Keem (Kendrick’s cousin) crushed “Family Ties” in New Jersey.
    • Lizzo brought viral energy to “Special” in L.A., while Justin Bieber swooned with SZA on “Snooze”. I don’t care what yall say, whatever Justin is going through, it didn’t matter on that stage with SZA. She made sure he felt safe.
    • Doja Cat emerged from literal bushes to perform “Kiss Me More” in Vegas (and I screamed).
    • Celebs in Crowds: Pusha T, Roddy Rich, Lebron James, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Ronald Isley & Kandy Johnson, Jermaine Dupri, Anderson Paak are a few to name who attended shows with their loved ones.

    💄 SZA’s NOT BEAUTY Pop-Ups: Gloss & Glam On Tour

    Between sets, SZA’s been hustling her vegan lip gloss line, NOT BEAUTY, with pop-ups in every city:

    • Shades: “Strawberry Jelly,” “In the Flesh,” and “Quartz” ($23 each).
    • Vibes: Free entry, fan meet-ups, and Kendrick even showed face at the New Jersey event looking all cute and healed. Boss moves.
    Kendrick Lamar surprised fans at SZA’s “Not Beauty” pop-up event in New Jersey at the American Dream Mall.

    🔥 Iconic Moments We’ll Never Forget

    • Super Bowl Tease: Their Halftime Show collab was a sneak peek of this tour’s power
    • Kendrick performing “Good Credit” live. I told yall Good Credit was going to be a hit, but yall were so upset he did a collab with Playboi Carti. Good business is good business and if you got good credit, you’ll get more good business.
    • Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” turned from diss track to Black excellence anthem, backed by vibrant visuals of African art and Funkadelic.
    • SZA’s “Kill Bill” with a female mantis EATING HER MATE on screen. Dark? Yes. Genius? Absolutely.
    • Their fake deposition skit trolling Drake’s lawsuit: SZA smoking a joint while Kendrick orders takeout. PETTY.
    Kendrick performing “Good Credit”

    💡 Why This Tour is Changing the Game

    As a fan, here’s my take:

    1. Business Brilliance: By co-headlining, they’ve doubled their reach. Kendrick’s rap stans + SZA’s R&B hive = UNSTOPPABLE.
    2. Artistic Trust: These are two TDE OGs (labelmates since 2013!) who respect each other’s craft. Their collabs (“Luther,” “30 for 30”) feel organic, not forced .
    3. Innovation: Who else blends insect ballets with Pulitzer-level rap? They’re pushing live shows into new dimensions.
    Even got the security guards dancing…

    🎯 Final Thoughts

    The Grand National Tour isn’t just about music—it’s about community. From SZA’s beauty pop-ups (shoutout to the gloss girlies!) to Kendrick’s L.A. hometown love, they’re proving that hip-hop and R&B can share space, shine together, and sell out STADIUMS.

    If you snagged tickets: I envy you. If not? Track those resales. Watch from TikTok! History is being made, and y’all better witness it! 🔥

    Tour dates + merch at grandnationaltour.com 

  • Celebrating Prince: The Innovator of Music and Culture

    June 7th. For millions worldwide, this date sparks an instant refrain: the birth of Prince Rogers Nelson. Born in Minneapolis in 1958, he reshaped music, culture, and countless souls. Today, we remember not just the icon, but the innovator, the secret giver, and the revolutionary who painted the world purple.

    The Sound Revolution: Where Genius Defied Gravity

    Prince wasn’t just a musician—he was a one-man cosmos of creativity. Signed to Warner Bros. at 19 with unprecedented control, he fused funk, rock, pop, and soul into a sound that ignored racial and genre boundaries. His early band—a defiant mix of Black, white, male, and female members—embodied the “Uptown” ethos: “black, white, Puerto Rican / everybody just a freakin’.” 

    • The “Purple Rain” Eruption: The 1984 film and album weren’t just hits; they were cultural tsunamis. Tracks like “When Doves Cry” (with its absence of bass) rewrote production rules, while his electrifying stage presence—trench coat, bandana, and fearless sexuality—left audiences breathless.
    • The Collaborator’s Heart: Prince’s Paisley Park became a laboratory for proteges (Sheila E., Apollonia) and peers (Madonna, Chaka Khan). He penned hits like “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Sinead O’Connor) and “Manic Monday” (The Bangles), proving his genius flowed beyond his own voice.

    The Secret Garden: Philanthropy Without Fanfare

    While his music roared, Prince’s giving whispered. He donated millions anonymously through one of his charities, Love 4 One Another, believing “love needs no publicity.”

    • Education & Empowerment: He gifted $200,000 to transform a nursing home into Harvest Prep Academy, funded recording studios for youth programs, and backed tech initiatives like #YesWeCode to diversify Silicon Valley.
    • Crisis Compassion: After the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, he quietly sent $50,000 to victims’ families. When Trayvon Martin was killed, he supported the family.
    • Other philanthropic efforts include $80,000 to Urban Ventures to build a youth music studio and $50,000 to Green for All’s environmental jobs initiative.

    Birthdays: From Lavish Parties to Quiet Reflection

    Prince’s relationship with June 7th evolved dramatically:

    • 1980s Extravagance: In 1984, he celebrated at First Avenue with The Revolution, debuting new songs days before Purple Rain exploded. The next year, a masquerade ball featured “giant spiral staircases, brass beds, and international food stations.”
    • A Spiritual Shift: After embracing Jehovah’s Witness beliefs in the 2000s, he publicly rejected birthdays. Yet in 2015, he broke silence just once—tweeting a fan’s tribute article with the caption, “What U give U get back tenfold.”

    In Their Words: The Prince They Knew

    Prince himself was poetic, provocative, and profound:

    “Cool means being able to hang with yourself… If there’s nobody you’re afraid of? Then you’re cool.” 
    “Our consciousness is programmed…Try to create. Start by creating your day.” 

    Fellow artists revered him:

    • Van Jones: “He wasn’t red, and he wasn’t blue. He was purple.” 
    • Nelson George (music journalist): “Prince humped the bassist’s leg, kissed the keyboardist… Whatever was going on in frigid Minnesota was definitely freaky.” 

    The Eternal Rain: Why He Still Matters

    Prince’s 2016 departure left a silence only his music fills. Yet his legacy thrives:

    • Artistic Fearlessness: He fought Warner Bros. for creative freedom, infamously writing “slave” on his face and changing his name to a symbol
    • Inclusion as Gospel: His bands, audiences, and beliefs celebrated unity. As Jones noted, “Nobody went to a Prince concert and said, ‘I don’t belong here.’” 

    On this day, we don’t just say “Happy Birthday.” We say thank you. For the guitar solos that cracked the sky, the kindness hidden in plain sight, and the courage to be defiantly, beautifully you. As Prince himself might whisper: “Don’t cry. He’s coming. Don’t die.”

    “I wish U heaven. I wish U purple rain.”
    — Prince, “I Wish U Heaven”

    Prince of my favorite artists and musicians since I was a kid. I have every movie (except the Second Coming…still looking) and even got to see Prince live in concert on his Musicology tour as a high school graduation gift to myself. This man had style, the art of beautiful noise, and broke barriers in the music industry as he fought for his masters and royalties. Though he left us in 2016, his artistic presence lives on.

    Enjoy one of his best performances from his best one of his best movies and albums… “It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night” from the Sign o’ the Times album and movie. Real music, real energy, real band, REALLY REAL!!!

    It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night by Prince

    What’s your favorite Prince memory? Share how his purple threads still weave through your life below. 💜

  • Lil Wayne’s Producer Sues Universal Music Over Unpaid Royalties

    Looks like Drake isn’t the only one with their foot on UMG’s neck. Now a music producer is asking to be paid what he’s owed.

    Deezle (real name Darius Harrison), a producer who worked with Lil Wayne, is suing Universal Music Group (UMG). He claims they haven’t paid him millions in royalties. He is owed this money for his work on albums like Tha Carter III (2008) and others.

    Deezle and his company, Drum Major Music, recently filed the lawsuit in a New York court. This time, they are targeting only Universal Music. This isn’t his first legal fight. Back in 2008, Deezle sued Lil Wayne over similar issues. The case was settled in 2012. Despite that agreement, Deezle says the royalty problems never fully went away.

    Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III album

    According to the lawsuit, Deezle signed a deal with Lil Wayne’s label, Young Money Entertainment, in 2007. Under that deal, he helped create six songs for Tha Carter III, including the hit “Lollipop.” The agreement promised him regular royalty payments and detailed financial reports. Universal Music handles distribution for Young Money and Cash Money Records. It was supposed to send these payments. However, Deezle claims he hasn’t received royalties in over a decade.

    The lawsuit argues that after the 2012 settlement, Universal briefly sent payment statements but stopped almost immediately. Deezle also says he’s owed money for work on rapper Birdman’s 2005 album. This is for Fast Money. He is also owed money for a song on The Longest Yard soundtrack.

    Deezle is now asking for at least $6 million in damages. He joins other artists, like Iggy Azalea and Limp Bizkit, who’ve accused Universal of failing to pay royalties properly. Universal Music has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.

  • Cardi B Announced as Host for WWE SummerSlam 2025

    Hold onto your seats, music and wrestling fans – Cardi B is stepping into the ring! The Grammy-winning rapper has just been named the official host of WWE SummerSlam 2025, one of the biggest events in sports entertainment.

    Cardi B is no stranger to bold moves, but this is a first: She’ll bring her larger-than-life personality to WWE’s SummerSlam stage. Known for her high-energy music and unfiltered vibe, Cardi seems like a perfect fit for WWE’s wild, action-packed world. The announcement has already sent fans into a frenzy online, with many calling it a “match made in heaven.”

    SummerSlam 2025 is scheduled for August 2025, though the exact location hasn’t been revealed yet. WWE’s mega-events often draw massive crowds, so expect tickets to sell fast once details drop. In a statement, Cardi B shared her excitement: “I’ve always loved WWE’s drama and intensity. Hosting SummerSlam lets me be part of that magic – and trust me, I’m bringing the HEAT!” She also teased surprises, hinting at possible collabs with WWE superstars.

    Social media exploded after the news broke. Supporters praised WWE for the “genius” pick, while others joked about Cardi possibly jumping into the ring herself. Memes of her 2018 hit “I Like It” paired with wrestling clips flooded TikTok and Twitter/X. WWE’s execs called her a “cultural icon” who knows how to entertain. With over 100 million followers online, Cardi’s involvement could attract new viewers to wrestling. Plus, her flair for drama aligns with WWE’s storytelling.

    WWE SummerSlam promo with Cardi B

    For newbies: SummerSlam is WWE’s second-biggest annual event (after WrestleMania). It features championship matches, celebrity appearances, and jaw-dropping stunts. Past hosts include The Rock, John Cena, and even Snoop Dogg. While Cardi won’t wrestle (as far as we know), fans can count on her fiery hosting style. Will she diss a superstar? Drop a new song? Or crash a match? Whatever happens, it’ll be *must-see TV*.

    Cardi B hosting SummerSlam 2025 is a crossover nobody saw coming – but everyone’s here for it. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates!

    Source: Billboard