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09 Aug 2024

Pitbull’s ‘I Feel Good’ at Center of Copyright Infringement Lawsuit: ‘An Exact Copy’

A new lawsuit claims that Pitbull’s 2021 dance hit “I Feel Good” was copied from an earlier track that was created more than 15 years earlier.

In a case filed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, a company called All Surface Publishing alleged that Pitbull’s song – which spent 27 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart — infringed the copyright to a 2006 song called “Samir’s Theme” by featuring “significant similarities.”

“The infringement is an exact copy of a discernible portion of plaintiff’s musical work that was copied,” the lawsuit claims.

The accusers claim the two songs feature similarities in melody, harmony, melodic structure, tempo, musical arrangement and percussion – including a “three-note introductory phrase” in which notes descend down the musical scale.

“When heard in real time, the descending lines of both songs appear to be almost identical,” the accusers claim.

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The case doesn’t name Pitbull personally as a defendant but instead targets his record label Mr. 305 Inc., as well as DJ White Shadow (Paul Edward Blair), who produced the track and was also featured on it as an artist.

A key part of most copyright lawsuits is proving that the accused infringer had enough “access” to the original that they had a chance to copy it. In the case of “I Feel Good,” the lawsuit claims All Surface owner Aaron LaCanfora sent “Samir’s Theme” directly to DJ White Shadow in 2011.

“I love this song,” the DJ allegedly responded, according to the lawsuit.

Reps for both Mr. 305 and DJ White Shadow did not return requests for comment.

The lawsuit also names Universal Music Group as a defendant, claiming that Mr. 305 Inc. is a “fully owned subsidiary of UMG,” though it’s not clear if that’s true. Mr. 305 signed a distribution deal with Ingrooves in 2019, shortly after that company was acquired by UMG, but Pitbull’s company describes itself as an “independent record label” owned by the star himself.

A rep for UMG did not immediately return a request for comment.

09 Aug 2024

Snoop Dogg Gifts Simone Biles’ Dad a Death Row Chain for His Birthday

The 2024 Summer Olympics have given Snoop Dogg so much, and he’s returning the favor while spreading the love in Paris.

While Snoop was hanging with Simone Biles and her family on Thursday (Aug. 8), the star gymnast’s dad was celebrating his 75th birthday. Snoop Dogg came bearing gifts and gave Mr. Ronald Biles a new Death Row chain.

Simone posted a photo to her Instagram Story featuring her dad rocking the gold chain with a birthday cake, while her sister Adria also put up a clearer picture of the new ice. “Snoop gave him a chain now he don’t know how to act,” Adria wrote. “75 looks great on you! happy birthday I love you.”

Simone Biles was in attendance alongside Snoop for a track and field event, which she reveals is the first Olympic contest she’s ever gone to that wasn’t her own gymnastics competition.

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“I’ve actually never watched any other event before, so this is my first time. Yeah, ever,” she told Snoop Dogg.

Snoop has had a few viral moments with Simone and the Biles family throughout the Olympics. The celebrated gymnast and teammate Jordan Chiles noticed someone dancing in the crowd at a qualification round on July 28 and quickly realized it was indeed Snoop Dogg, who hit a few moves and showed off his Biles T-shirt, before the two athletes joined in the moves from the floor.

The Biles family doesn’t forget, and Simone’s mother, Nellie Biles, recalled a time in 2010 when they were visiting NYC and saw Snoop, who spurned them for a photo opportunity in Times Square. “We asked for a picture and you said, ‘Two minutes.’ One, two and you were gone,” she reminded Snoop during a chat with the rapper and Today show’s Hoda Kotb.

Simone Biles continues to add to her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history at the 2024 Olympics, where she’s snagged three gold medals and a silver.

09 Aug 2024

Executive Turntable: Big Noise Amped About New GM and UMPG Picks Its First Head of Marketing

Welcome to another edition of Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. While you’re here, we also have a weekly interview series spotlighting a single executive and a regularly updated gallery honoring many of the industry figures we’ve lost throughout the year.

Adam Muhlbaum is the newly minted general manager of Big Noise Music Group, the pop/punk label home of The Used, The Veronicas, girlfriends, Goldfinger and more, Billboard can announce. In Muhlbaum’s Los Angeles-based role, an upgrade from his gig as senior vp of marketing and project management, he’ll zero in on A&R, licensing and brand partnerships while also overseeing royalties and administration for the label’s roster, which also includes iann dior, Escape the Fate and MOD SUN. Prior to joining BNMG in mid-2018, Muhlbaum spent more than five years at BMG, where he led production runs for major releases from Blink-182, Janet Jackson, Iron Maiden and more. He also had a stint as head of digital sales and operations at Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak. As part of the transition, Muhlbaum will pass day-to-day operations to Heather Castillo, the label’s vp of marketing, and Josh Cohen, manager of label operations.

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Big Noise Music Group was launched in 2018 by former Vagrant Records head Jon Cohen and Goldfinger members John Feldmann and Nick Gross. “Adam has been with us since day one and has consistently proven his value and expertise while still making Big Noise a positive, productive home for our artists and writers,” said Gross, who is also CEO. “The sky’s the limit for our whole amazing team.”

Muhlbaum added: “Helping to build Big Noise for the past six years alongside Nick, Jon, Feldy, and our incredible label team has been a true highlight of my career and more fun than I ever could have imagined. Our next chapter will be focused on bringing broader creative opportunity to our entire roster — current and future.”

Universal Music Publishing Group picked veteran branding executive Alix Kram as the company’s first head of marketing. In the newly created global role, which she’s held since November, Kram oversees marketing efforts at the publisher with a focus on creative storytelling in order to, as UMPG COO Marc Cimino states, “enhance the incredible stories our songs tell and bring them to life.” Additionally, Kram works closely with Bravado, Universal’s merch specialists, to create strategic opportunities for the UMPG catalog. Prior to joining the Universal fam, Kram spent a year-and-a-half leading a retail business development and marketing team at Netflix. Before that, the NYC-based exec spent seven-plus years at Warner Music Group, where as head of global brand licensing and retail she and her team developed creative opportunities for roster artists including Grateful Dead and Wiz Khalifa. She is also the founder of theKRAMcollective, a boutique marketing and branding agency specializing in experiential storytelling, whose clients have included Hasbro, HBO, Atari and others. She reports to Cimino and chairman/CEO Jody Gerson, and also Bravado president Matt Young. “Upon first meeting [Gerson and Cimino], it was clear that they have created a truly global and unique culture – a force in the industry which leads with a passion for songwriters and champions the expertise of the people that make up the company,” said Kram.

ASM Global did some local hiring and promoting in Arizona, naming Ralph Marchetta to regional vp of live entertainment and elevating Melissa Wasson to general manager of State Farm Stadium. Marchetta, previously GM and svp of Footprint Center in Phoenix, has the mighty task of booking both the Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm across Maryland Ave. in Glendale. “He is well-respected by all, and now we have him playing for our team,” said Jason Rio, ASM Global svp of live entertainment and content development. Wasson joined the stadium staff in 2006 back when it was University of Phoenix Stadium and for the last 13 years has served as assistant GM. She has a lifelong connection with the stadium’s biggest tenant — the Arizona Cardinals — given she’s a native of St. Louis, the team’s former home. “Her decades of in-depth experience will prove invaluable as she continues creating unparalleled memorable experiences that thrill locals and visitors,” said Doug Thornton, executive vp.

Across the pond, ASM Global shifted industry veteran Ed Sanderson from a Singapore-based role, where he’s been working on the massive Kai Tak Sports Park project, to executive vp of business for Europe and the UK. Poor guy has to move to Milan, where he’ll be based as he bounces around Europe in support of ASM’s plans to expand its footprint there. “Living by my personal philosophy of ‘biting off more than you can chew and chew like crazy,’ I’m eager to get started, learn, and make a meaningful impact for our customers, clients, partners, and colleagues,” he said.

Former ASM Global executive Roger LeBlanc joined Romeo Entertainment Group as vp of sales development. With decades of experience, LeBlanc most notably founded and led booking and talent buying agency Madison Entertainment before its sale to ASM in early 2023. “Roger’s vast knowledge and his commitment to mentorship will not only enhance the capabilities of our sales team but also propel our growth and set new standards for excellence in our company and the broader industry,” said R.J. Romeo, president and CEO. LeBlanc can be reached at rleblanc@romeoent.com.

Jelena Grozdanich

courtesy of FivePointFive

Jelena Grozdanich is the new vp of music at FivePointFive, a music-centric welltech app launching soon that will offer live and on-demand classes of functional breathwork. Grozdanich (GROWS-duh-nitch) is coming off a 10-year run at Sony Music Entertainment and Columbia Records, where she rose to director in the latter’s film and TV licensing division. While at Sony/Columbia, she represented a who’s-who of influential artists including Beyoncé, Adele, Miles Davis, A Tribe Called Quest and Elvis Presley, among others. During this decade, she also founded her own talent management firm (Guardian MGMT) and wellness community (TheSecret.LA). Grozdanich is based in Los Angeles. “We are excited to welcome Jelena as our vice president of music at FivePointFive to head up our music division,” said Adam Ludwin, CEO. “Jelena’s love of music, combined with her passion for wellness has led to her being seen as a key figurehead for wellness within the music industry over the last 10 years, so we are thrilled to have her as part of the team.”

CAA promoted Blair Adour, Jibran Ahmed and Sam Reisman to agent roles in the company’s global touring department. All three come from CAA Elevate, the agency’s agent trainee program, and they’ve all put in the work: Ahmed joined CAA in 2018 in the music crossover division before being upped to professional last year; Reisman started in 2019 as an assistant in the music touring division and most recently worked as a coordinator; and Adour joined as a professional in 2021 following a stint at Paradigm. Adour and Reisman are based in New York while Ahmed is in Los Angeles.

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) promoted three executive staffers. Emily Dashiell has been promoted to senior vp of commercial partnerships, Jeff Gunkel has been upped to svp of market development, and Carlos Monnaco has been elevated to svp of finance. Dashiell will oversee the company’s revenue strategies across its portfolio and continue to focus on partner activations with DSPs while guiding the label business across global distribution, e-commerce/D2C, catalog marketing, and more. Gunkel will oversee areas of market development and digital rights, as well as Re:Think Records. Monnaco’s responsibilities expand to include oversight of financial planning and analysis, royalty accounting, and IT. Among the artists on CCMG’s roster are Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, TobyMac, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Crowder. –Jessica Nicholson

Canada native Jenn Dobbins joined BMG as senior vp of rights and royalties in the music company’s U.S.-based copyright and royalties hub in Nashville. Dobbins previously handled asset operations for JKBX, a music investment platform, and earlier she spent six years at Big Machine Label Group, where she rose to director of royalty accounting and income analytics. Throughout her 18-year career in the field, she also made stops at payroll platform Exactuals and Sony Music. At BMG she reports to Eric Scott, evp of rights administration and royalty services, who pointed out her “extensive expertise, deep knowledge, and proven experience in managing complex rights and royalties.”

RADIO, RADIO: Susie Hedrick was named CEO of WideOrbit, a San Francisco-based tech platform that helps broadcasters buy and sell advertising. She replaces founder Eric Mathewson in the role … Nashville Harbor promoted Ryan Dokke to senior vp of streaming and digital partners/radio promotion from vp of promotion and marketing. The label also bumped Andrew Thoen to director of streaming and digital partners/radio promotion from director of Northeast promotion and marketing.

Jessica Roffe joined SoundExchange as associate director of the industry relations team. Roffe has years of artist relations, brand marketing, TV/film production and royalty distribution experience, and joins the collective rights organization following roles at MTV, BMI, NBCUniversal and her own AsUWISH Productions. She is based in Miami and will report to Doug Cohn, vp of artist & label relations. “Excited to be part of the band!!” she said.

Musicians On Call, which brings live and recorded music to hospitals and other health care facilities, announced five new members: Aniket Adhikari as technology manager, Michael Blazer as operations manager, Gabi Coccio as strategic partnerships coordinator, Taylor Leibold as fundraising coordinator and Jennie O’Rourke as digital marketing coordinator. “The talent and experiences Aniket, Michael, Gabi, Taylor and Jennie bring to their roles will take MOC to a whole new level,” said MOC president & CEO Pete Griffin. “I’m confident that the innovative ideas they’ll bring to the table will have a great impact on our mission.”

ICYMI:

Julie Greenwald

Julie Greenwald

Julie Greenwald, one of the most celebrated and influential executives in the music business, will step down from her role as co-chair and COO of Atlantic Records and chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group. 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge will take over the music group-wide role on Oct. 1, while Greenwald will officially exit the company early next year. The announcement arrived days after Warner Music announced it would be undergoing a major restructuring, with CEO of recorded music Max Lousada stepping down soon and Greenwald transitioning to chairman.
Last Week’s Turntable: Mammoth Launches Touring Division

09 Aug 2024

Watch the Moment 2 Taylor Swift Fans Got Engaged in Vienna Following Eras Tour Show Cancellations

In spite of Taylor Swift canceling her Eras Tour stop in Austria due to the discovery of a terrorist plot targeting the concerts, two fans were able to find a moment of joy when they got engaged in Vienna among a huge gathering of Swifties Thursday (Aug. 8).

In clips captured by fellow fans who gathered in the city streets to trade friendship bracelets and sing the pop star’s songs in place of attending the canceled shows, a swarm of Swifties applauds as one man slides a ring on his partner’s finger, wiping tears from his eyes. After popping the question, he and his new fiancée hold up hand-hearts to the onlookers, most of whom immediately reciprocate.

According to fans online, the moment occurred as the crowd was singing “Love Story” — a song that has soundtracked countless other Swiftie proposals at the 14-time Grammy winner’s concerts over the years. “Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone/ I love you and that’s all I really know,” Swift sings on the 2008 hit, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. “I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress/ It’s a love story, baby, just say, ‘Yes.’”

The sweet exchange happened on the same day Swift had been scheduled to take the stage at Ernst Happel Stadium for the first of three back-to-back nights in Vienna. The shows were canceled one day before kickoff as authorities took two teenage Austrian citizens into custody for allegedly planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue” with knives or homemade explosives. One 19-year-old suspect had previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State after being radicalized online, according to officials.

The next day, a third suspect — an 18-year-old man — was detained in connection to the terrorist plot. Swift and her team have not yet issued a statement on the situation.

See the moment two Swifties got engaged in Vienna below.

09 Aug 2024

H.E.R. To Perform National Anthem At Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony in Paris

The closing ceremony of the Summer Olympic games will feature a performance from H.E.R. The five-time Grammy winner will take the stage at the Stade de France on Sunday (August 11) to sing the U.S. National Anthem as part of the elaborate handover to the next host city, Los Angeles in 2028.

NBC’s most viral special correspondent, Snoop Dogg, announced the news on Thursday night (August 8), when he chatted up Olympics broadcast host Mike Tirico about LA28. “We got a lot of super talented people that’s going to be gettin’ down, doin’ what they do, makin’ it come true… for the red, white and the blue,” Snoop said.

Snoop then said he’s a fan of H.E.R. and he would love for her to perform the “Star Spangled Banner.” “Yeah, H.E.R. will also be performing the National Anthem,” Snoop said of the 27-year-old who is already just a Tony away from notching EGOT status.

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A statement from LA28 confirmed the news on Friday morning (August 9), along with the news that LA28 has revealed the new custom LA28 emblem that has been designed to celebrate the next host city’s vibe. The colorful logo features the Olympic rings underneath a bold black L and 28 with a purple guitar adorned with blue sunglasses making up the A portion.

“I can’t wait to bring this experience to Los Angeles,” said Long Beach native Snoop, who has been having the very best time in the City of Light learning the ins-and-outs of equestrian competition and fine French dining while hopping in the pool with Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, carrying the Olympic torch and hanging with pal Martha Stewart.

“This was amazing, but I just feel like L.A. is gonna be a supersize version of what we just did,” Snoop said of the city’s third go hosting after first bringing the world to the west coast in 1932 and then again in 1984.

The closing ceremony begins at 3 p.m. ET live and will then re-run at 7 p.m. ET. Unlike the unique opening ceremony that took place along the Seine River with performances from Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and French metal band Gojira, the closing will be in the stadium that has hosted the track and field and other events. Team USA swimmer Katie Leadecky and rower Nick Mead will be the flag bearers at the closing, which will be heavily focused on the hand-over to the L.A. games.

The closing ceremony will also reportedly include performances from Snoop, as well as fellow L.A.-based stars Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a mix of live and pre-taped bits. Tom Cruise is also reportedly slated to rappel from the top of the Stade de France with the Olympic flag and skydive onto the iconic Hollywood sign in a pre-taped segment.

Check out Snoop’s announcement here and the LA28 logo below.

09 Aug 2024

‘Hard Knocks’: How to Watch ‘Training Camp With the Chicago Bears’ Without Cable Online

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After taking an inside look at the New York Giants’ off-season, Hard Knocks returns with a new season following the Chicago Bears’ training camp into the pre-season.

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The reality series Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears is available to watch on HBO or stream on-demand on Max.

When Does Hard Knocks Air?

The first episode is streamable now, with new episodes of Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears broadcasting every Tuesday until Sept. 10m with a start time of 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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How to Watch Hard Knocks on Max

Max is the best way to watch Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears online. The streaming service goes for $10.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, $16.99 per month for the ad-free plan and $19.99 per month for the ad-free 4K Ultra HD plan.

The streaming service is the home of hit originals such as Hacks, Station Eleven and Search Party; all things HBO, including Succession, House of the Dragon, Veep and Industry; popular movies, including Dune, Barbie, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Wonka; live sports from the NBA, NHL, NCAA, MLB and other leagues, live news from CNN and much more.

Unfortunately, Max doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can get 12 months of service for 50% off with the service’s student discount, with the ad-supported plan going for $4.99 per month. Learn more about Max’s student discount here.

Where to Watch Hard Knocks for Free

If you’re a cord-cutter, then the best ways to watch Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears for free without cable is with DirecTV Stream, which has a five-day free trial. This is a good way to watch HBO without spending money up front.

Keep reading for more details on how to watch Hard Knocks on HBO with DirecTV Stream.

How to Watch Hard Knocks on DirecTV Stream

A subscription to DirecTV Stream’s Premier plan gets you access to live TV, local and cable channels, including HBO to watch Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears when it airs. Plans start at $149.99 per month for the first 24 months of service ($159.99 per month afterwards), while the service offers a five-day free trial to watch for free, if you sign up now.

You can watch local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS, while you can also watch cable networks, including FX, AMC, A&E, Bravo, E!, Cartoon Network, ESPN, FS1, VH1, Fuse, CNN, Food Network, Lifetime, CNBC, BET, MTV, Paramount Network and many others.

More Ways to Watch

Viewers who want to stream Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears internationally can use ExpressVPN, NordVPN and PureVPN to access several streaming platforms.

Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Chicago Bears broadcasts on HBO and drops on Max every Tuesday until Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Max and DirecTV Stream are the best ways to watch the reality series.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

09 Aug 2024

Miles Music Kid, 8-Year-Old Prodigy, Releases First Single ‘You Can Be a Hero’: Listen

Miles Bonham, the 8-year-old Internet sensation known as Miles Music Kid, has released his first official single, “You Can Be a Hero,” through Republic Records: Kids & Family and Pocket.watch on Friday (Aug. 9). The song will be featured on the forthcoming soundtrack to Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure.

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Miles Music Kid has earned 2.7 million Instagram followers and 1.2 million TikTok followers by demonstrating a highly advanced understanding of musical composition and production. At 8 years old, Bonham fully wrote and produced “You Can Be a Hero,” playing all of the instruments on the recording himself.

“As soon as I saw the movie, I knew I needed to make a banger that would make not just kids, but everybody want to dance and inspire them to know that anyone can be a hero,” the young star says in a statement.

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Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure will receive a theatrical release next Friday (Aug. 16) as a big-screen adaptation of the popular YouTube channel starring Ryan Kaji and his family.

“We’re thrilled to have Miles Music Kid as part of the Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure soundtrack,” says Chris M. Williams, founder and CEO of Pocket.watch, the digital media studio that helped launch Ryan’s World. “It’s inspiring to see another young creative talent shine and bring their unique voice to this creator-driven film.” 

Bree Bowles, Republic Records: Kids & Family senior VP, adds, ”I have been watching Miles closely for years now, in awe of his exceptional talent well beyond his years. The Ryan’s World project presented the perfect opportunity to collaborate and my mind has been blown with what he has accomplished. Miles is the future.”

Along with “You Can Be a Hero” and original Ryan’s World music, the film soundtrack also features Pentatonix’s cover of Imagine Dragons’ “Thunder.” The soundtrack will also be released next Friday alongside the film.

Watch a behind-the-scenes clip of the making of “You Can Be a Hero”:

09 Aug 2024

Kellyoke Fans Rejoice! Kelly Clarkson Covers Now Streaming on SiriusXM Channel

Kelly Clarkson has turned the art of the bespoke cover into a staple of her syndicated daytime talk show. Whether she’s tackling Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees,” Tony Bennett’s “(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco, fellow American Idol alum Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” or the Last Dinner Party’s “Nothing Matters,” Clarkson’s fans know to tune into her NBC show every day to see what surprising song she’ll take on next.

Now you can hear those unique takes on Clarkson’s SiriusXM channel, Kelly Clarkson Connection. The singer announced on Thursday (August 8) that you can tune in to SiriusXM 12 to hear Clarkson’s stories behind the covers, why she picked the songs, as well as some of the feedback she’s gotten on them from the original artists.

“I’m very excited to share the Kellyokes because it’s the one thing I get asked the most, ‘Can you just, like, put them all out?,’” Clarkson said in an audio clip included in the announcement on Instagram in which she noted that the covers have been mixed and mastered for inclusion on her satellite channel. “Kelly Clarkson Connection was the perfect place to have this. It’s my station, so why wouldn’t we put them out here so my fans can listen to them?”

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During a five-hour Kellyoke segment on Wednesday, Clarkson gushed about Ariana Grande, saying, “oh my gosh, ya’ll, ‘Seven Rings.’ This is perhaps one of my favorite Kellyokes and I’ll tell you why. Because, after it aired, Ariana texted me and it was so sweet! She was like, ‘oh my God! That was so incredible!’ and I was like, ‘oh thank you!’ Because I love that song so much and I love how she took from The Sound of Music song. That was so cool and clever. And I love the song. And she’s very funny. I don’t think people know how funny and clever she is.”

Clarkson Connection launched in November as a dedicated exclusive year-round channel featuring Clarkson playing her favorite songs by other artists, music that inspires her and the stories behind some of her own hits, as well as appearances from members of her live band.

09 Aug 2024

Kanye West’s Hooked On Laughing Gas Thanks To Dentist, Claims Milo Yiannopoulos

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The Kanye West story continues to get even more bizarre. His ex business manager claims a dentist got the MC hooked on laughing gas.

As reported by Page Six YE’s former chief of staff made some very interesting allegations about one of his doctors. On Wednesday, August 7, Milo Yiannopoulos (yeah, that same Milo Yiannopoulos) claimed a dentist has gotten the Chicago, Illinois native hooked on nitrous oxide; a odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas that when inhaled will cause a state of euphoria. He detailed his theory over a series of post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is no longer capable of successfully releasing music or clothing. In fact, there are several reasons. But the most serious and the most recent is his dentist, Thomas Connelly.” he wrote.

“Connelly got Ye hooked on nitrous—laughing gas. It is my belief that Connelly sought to diminish Ye’s mental faculties so that Connelly and his business associates could extract millions of dollars from him.” he added. “Earlier this year, I uncovered the fraud and intervened. Ye, hooked on nitrous, blew up our relationship on purpose by proposing something he knew I’d have to resign over (because I had told him so): the resurrection of his longtime idle fantasy of making porn.” Milo also proclaims Kanye isn’t the only rapper who is victim of Connelly’s crooked ways. “Thomas Connelly is a dangerous predator who targets African-American celebrities—into whose mouth he puts fake diamonds, as I suspect he did to @lilyachty He must be stopped.”

Yiannopoulos went on to share a sworn affidavit of his time while overseeing the YEEZY empire. His account includes him finding “dozens of fraudulent schemes, audacious greed, double billing, duplication of labor, entirely unnecessary employees collecting seven-figure salaries and all manner of other senseless wastes of money.” Additionally, he lays out that Connelly charges Kanye about $50,000 a month for the laughing gas. A representative for the dentist tells TMZ that Milo’s claims are “not only factually incorrect but also intentionally misleading.”

09 Aug 2024

Cardi B, Gunna, Victoria Monét & More Headline 2024 ONE Musicfest

Cardi B, Gunna, Jill Scott, Victoria Monét and Earth, Wind & Fire are the headlining slate helping ONE Musicfest (OMF) ring in its 15th anniversary. This year’s two-day celebration, presented by Proctor & Gamble in collaboration with Live Nation Urban, will take place Oct. 26-27 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.

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Among the additional R&B acts performing will be Dru Hill, Fantasia, Keyshia Cole, Jeremih, Ari Lennox, Leon Thomas, Monica and Fridayy. Other performers representing hip-hop include Sexyy Red, Glorilla, Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Young Nudy, Bossman Dlow, T.I., Method Man and Redman. Also rounding out the bill: gospel star Koryn Hawthorne plus country artist and newly-signed LVRN Records artist Tanner Adell. The latter will be making her first Black festival appearance. Performing their own sets as well will be DJ Mustard, DJ Drama and longtime Usher associate DJ Mars.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the 15-year mark,” said ONE Musicfest founder J Carter in a press statement. “We’ve grown into the longest-running and largest Black independently owned festival in the country and this journey has been a blessing. Our commitment to the community remains steadfast as we continue to bring the biggest and brightest performers in music and the best activations with amazing partners.”

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Nicknamed “the greatest homecoming on earth,” OMF has welcomed an array of artists over the years from Kendrick Lamar, Usher and SZA to Brent Faiyaz, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion. Additional festival highlights have included the reunion between the late Gangsta Boo and Three 6 Mafia, OutKast’s Big Boi and André 3000 joining The Dungeon Family onstage and Nas celebrating the 25th anniversary of debut album Illmatic.

In addition to title sponsor Procter & Gamble, OMF has partnered with Toyota, Sprite and Hennessy, among other brands. For more information about tickets and other event details, visit ONE Musicfest’s website.