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Alicia Keys is set to receive the 2025 Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, to be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 30. The award was established in 2023 to recognize artists whose influence extends far beyond music. It also takes into account entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic efforts and global impact.
Dre received the inaugural award on the Grammy telecast in 2023. Jay-Z received on the telecast earlier this year, where he memorably called out Grammy voters for not yet honoring his wife, Beyoncé, in the album of the year category.
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Keys is a current Grammy nominee for best musical theater album for Hell’s Kitchen. The musical, based on Keys’ early career story and featuring her songs, opened at the Shubert Theatre in New York on April 20 and is still playing. It received 13 Tony nominations and won two – best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical (Maleah Joi Moon) and best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical (Kecia Lewis).
“From her timeless music to her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Alicia has made an indelible impact on the world,” Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Alicia embodies everything the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award represents – her artistry knows no bounds, her advocacy inspires meaningful change, and her influence has profoundly shaped culture. We are honored to celebrate her extraordinary legacy and the transformative contributions she continues to make in music and beyond.”
Keys is a 16-time Grammy-winner. She won five Grammys in 2002, including best new artist and song of the year for “Fallin’.” She was just 21, which made her the youngest song of the year winner to that point.
Keys has amassed four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.
Returning for the fourth consecutive year to produce the Recording Academy Honors event is MVD Inc, with Adam Blackstone also returning as music supervisor for the evening. Blackstone won a Primetime Emmy in 2022 as the music director of The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent. He has received five Grammy nods, including one this year for working with Keys on the Hell’s Kitchen cast album.
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Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg will remain linked forever musically and their undeniable chemistry was once more on display during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics. In a new interview, Dr. Dre teased that the long-promised Missionary album with Snoop Dogg could see a release this November.
Dr. Dre, 59, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about his surprise performance with Snoop Dogg as the Summer Olympics concluded in Paris with the games taking place in Los Angeles, Calif. in 2028. The pre-recorded performance of “The Next Episode” was done with an “LA 28” backdrop in Snoop’s hometown of Long Beach. The concert also featured appearances from H.E.R., Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Billie Eilish.
The ET chat opened with the producer praising Snoop for bringing him out of his usual reclusive state in the studio to create magic onstage. Dre did make certain to let it be known that when it comes to producing and creating, he’s the “captain” to use his words but once more showed deference to the Doggfather for his ability to perform.
Later in the discussion, Dre shares details of his work on Missionary, which was initially billed as a followup to Snoop’s debut album Doggystyle on its 30th anniversary, which occurred in November of 2023. Dre’s goal now is to finish mixing between 14 to 16 songs for Missionary by September 1 to have it ready to go in November.
Other great points raised during the Dr. Dre interview were his views on the breaking competition in the Summer Olympics, his aspirations to join the games as an archer, and more.
Check out the chat below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty / Eminem
For his next trick, lyrical magician Eminem resurrected Slim Shady for his new single, “Houdini,” but some folks—mainly the Hotties—believe the rapper went too far trying to be clever.
After months of speculation, Eminem returned to the music scene with “Houdini,” the lead single off his 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).”
The 51-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer uses the melody of Steve Miller Band’s 1982 hit “Abracadabra” in his new track and visual, reminiscent of his 2002 hit single “Without Me.”
In it, we see Eminem brings back characters like “Rap Boy,” his classic Slim Shady blonde hair, and even hops back in the Lamborghini for a rare appearance from his mentor, Dr. Dre, in the cameo-rich music video.
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As for the lyrics in the song, those familiar with Eminem’s style will not be shocked as the Detroit native aims at himself, Dr. Dre, and even his children on the track that reflects on his life in the 90s and current times.
In the song, he raps, “Sometimes I wonder what the old me would say if he could see how (expletive) is today.”
But one particular bar did raise eyebrows. In a clear but what many are calling shady way, Eminem mentions Megan Thee Stallion rapping, “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me, would I really have a shot at a feat?”
This is an obvious reference to Tory Lanez shooting Megan Thee Stallion, which he was found guilty of and is currently serving time in prison for.
Social Media Debates Eminem’s Megan Thee Stallion Bar
The double entendre stirred up Thee Stallion’s loyal fanbase, the hotties, and others. Fans of Eminem point out that this is something he always does, and no one is off-limits.
“This is trash on so many levels,” political commentator and slayer of Mayor Eric Adams, Olayemi Olarin, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Journalist Dee Barnes, whom Eminem’s homie, Dr. Dre, was charged with physically assaulting, also chimed in on the matter, saying, “Proving at that big age you’re only young once… but you can be immature forever.”
Some see no issues with Eminem’s Megan Thee Stallion bar. “Anyone calling this a “diss” didn’t listen to Em growing up,” one person wrote on X.
“I need yall to learn the difference between dissing and referencing… yall make my ass itch,” another post on X read.
Lover of all things Hip-Hop and NBA champion LeBron James loves the song, writing on X, “And just like that, HE’S BACK bruh!” @Eminem Houdini is too good!”
Of course, Bron Bron’s approval of the song also spurs reactions, with some wanting him to take back his positive critique of the single.
So, did Eminem diss Megan Thee Stallion? You can be the judge of that.
We are curious to see if Megan Thee Stallion says anything about it. She is currently on her Hot Girl Summer tour with GloRilla, selling out arenas.
Hit the gallery below for more reactions.
2. Hmmmm, points were made
3. Lol, damn
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Source: Christopher Polk / Getty / Dr. Dre
It was officially Dre Day in Hollywood. The iconic superproducer was immortalized with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Spotted on TMZ, Dr. Dre has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week, and the three artists whose careers he was instrumental in shaping—Eminem, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg—were on hand to celebrate the occasion.
On Tuesday, the producer/rapper/actor’s star was placed in the cement along with other actors and musicians during the ceremony.
Other notable names in attendance were Kurupt, his Beats partner Jimmy Iovine, and legendary radio personality Big Boy.
In a post on Instagram, Dr. Dre thanked his brothers for showing up and showing love, writing in the caption:
“I’d like to thank my brothers and all of Los Angeles for showing me love on March 19th to get my Hollywood Star.”
Dr. Dre Opens Up About His Health Issues
Dre getting his Walk of Fame honor comes after he opened up about his major health scare, revealing he suffered three strokes and a brain aneurysm during a recent interview with James Corden on SirusXM’s The Life of Mine With James Corden.
Per HHW’s previous reporting:
“I got up and I went on about my day, and I thought that I could just lay down and take a nap,” he explained. “My son had a female friend that was there and was like, ‘No, we need to take you to the hospital.’ So they took me to urgent care.”
Dr. Dre went on to detail how he suffered three strokes and nearly lost his life.
“Next thing you know, I’m blacking out. I’m in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU. I was there for two weeks. I’m hearing the doctors coming in and saying, ‘You don’t know how lucky you are.’”
When asked what caused his dire medical condition he pointed to high blood pressure.
“I had no idea that I had high blood pressure or anything like that because I’m on my health sh*t. I’m lifting weights, I’m running, I’m doing everything I can to keep myself healthy.” He went on to make it clear he has a new perspective on life saying it, “definitely makes you appreciate being alive, that’s for sure.”
Salute to Dr. Dre.
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Dr. Dre is having a great week after the legendary producer had a star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, sharing the moment with some of his famous pals. Speaking of those friends, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent joined Dre in a hilarious skit spoofing Grey’s Anatomy.
During Tuesday’s (March 19) airing of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Dr. Dre appears in the spoof of the long-running ABC drama, Grey’s Anatomy titled “Dre’s Anatomy” with the artist born Andre Young in the role of an emergency room doctor.
Dre, Snoop, and Fif all take turns examining Kimmel’s “situation” down below and the most amazing thing about the skit is that nobody breaks character during it all.
After the skit turns into an all-out party with Dre on the beat machine and Snoop taking hits of a mysterious vapor, the skit cuts to a break and teases a new show titled “EM” with Eminem.
The quartet were all on hand this week for Dre’s Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiling, displaying their close friendship and support of one another.
Check out Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent in the “Dre’s Anatomy” skit via Jimmy Kimmel Live below. And we’ll echo the sentiments of others to say this needs to be a real series.
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Photo: Christopher Polk / Getty
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Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz
Dr. Dre no longer takes his life for granted. He recently revealed he suffered three strokes during his scary hospital stint.
As reported by Billboard Magazine, the legendary music producer encountered a major health scare a couple of years back. Back in 2021, he felt a sudden pain behind his right ear that at first he thought he would be able to sleep off but he was wrong. During a recent interview with SiriusXM’s The Life of Mine With James Corden he detailed the life-changing experience.
“I got up and I went on about my day, and I thought that I could just lay down and take a nap,” he explained. “My son had a female friend that was there and was like, ‘No, we need to take you to the hospital.’ So they took me to urgent care.”
Dr. Dre went on to detail how he suffered three strokes and nearly lost his life.
“Next thing you know, I’m blacking out. I’m in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU. I was there for two weeks. I’m hearing the doctors coming in and saying, ‘You don’t know how lucky you are.’”
When asked what caused his dire medical condition he pointed to high blood pressure.
“I had no idea that I had high blood pressure or anything like that because I’m on my health sh*t. I’m lifting weights, I’m running, I’m doing everything I can to keep myself healthy.” He went on to make it clear he has a new perspective on life saying it, “definitely makes you appreciate being alive, that’s for sure.”
You can watch Dr. Dre discuss his first-ever recording session with Eminem below.
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Photo: Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz
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Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty / N.W.A
It’s been a long time coming. N.W.A, Gladys Knight, and others will receive flowers from The Recording Academy.
Spotted on Variety, the Rap group that pioneered Gangsta Rap, iconic R&B singer, Disco queen Donna Summers, Tammy Wynette, and legendary Gospel group Clark Sisters will receive the 2024 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Awards at this year’s Special Merit Awards ceremony.
Other notable names being honored included Hip-Hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc, Linda Ronstadt/ James Taylor, producer/manager Peter Asher, veteran attorney, and longtime Grammy Academy executive Joel Katz, who will receive the Trustee Award.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, spoke on this year’s honorees, adding, “The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients — a remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide. Their contributions to music span genres, backgrounds, and crafts, reflecting the rich diversity that fuels our creative community. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”
It’s About Time N.W.A Gets Their Flowers From The Recording Academy
For N.W.A, it’s about time the rap stable is getting some recognition. Variety shared the Academy’s explanation for the “Straight Outta Compton crew behind honored.
“N.W.A was a rap group from the Compton district in Los Angeles who are credited by many with inventing gangsta rap. The group, consisting of Eazy-E^, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC-Ren, developed a new sound, which brought in many of the loud, extreme sonic innovations of Public Enemy while adopting a self-consciously violent and dangerous lyrical stance. In 1988, N.W.A released their album, Straight Outta Compton, a brutally intense record that became an underground hit without any support from radio or MTV. This negative attention worked in their favor as it brought the album to multiplatinum status. Although the group was short-lived, gangsta rap established itself as the most popular form of hip-hop during the mid-1990s.”
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony goes down on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.
For the rest of the descriptions, head here.
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Photo: Raymond Boyd / Getty
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Source: Paul Natkin / Getty / Les McCann
The music world lost a giant before 2023 came to a close with the passing of soulful Jazz great Les McCann.
The Hollywood Reporter shared the sad news that Les McCann passed away at 88 in the Los Angeles area. McCann’s music is no stranger to the Hip-Hop community, as some of his songs were used as samples of the late Notorious B.I.G., legendary producer/rapper Dr. Dre, Mobb Deep, and more.
Per The Hollywood Reporter:
The musician, who released more than 60 albums over the course of his career, had been admitted to a hospital from the nursing care facility he’d lived in for the past four years and was diagnosed with pneumonia, his manager Alan Abrahams told The Hollywood Reporter.
In a prolific career, he was arguably best known for his 1969 Montreaux Jazz Festival performance of the protest song “Compared to What.”
Hip-Hop Songs That Sampled McCann’s Work
For those who don’t fancy the credits for their favorite albums, McCann’s song “Go On and Cry” was sampled in the original version of “The Next Episode,” which was supposed to be featured on Snoop Dogg’s classic album Doggystyle before it landed on Dr. Dre’s 2001.
Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments” off his double-disc Life After Death is heavily sampled from McCann’s “Vallarta.”
Mobb Deep went into the McCann duffy when they used his song “Benjamin” to craft their track “Right Back At You” off their a1995 album The Infamous.
Other artists who sampled McCann include stoner hip-hop pioneer Massive Attack, Cypress Hill, Slick Rick, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Naughty By Nature.
McCann was born in 1935 in Lexington, Kentucky, and was a self-taught pianist before picking up the sousaphone in high school and serving in the U.S. Navy at 17.
In a 2017 interview with the Oxford American, McCann said he wanted to “go to the Navy School of Music,” only to learn they did not have the sousaphone to play.
He would go on to win a talent contest in the Navy that landed him an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. After being discharged, he formed a band in Los Angeles, landing his first contract with Pacific Jazz in 1960 after Miles Davis heard him play in a nightclub.
McCann also signed with Atlantic Records after Roberta Flack discovered him.
After suffering a stroke in the 90s while on stage in Germany, he used a wheelchair, but that didn’t keep him from performing.
McCann’s life is the true definition of a life well lived.
May he rest in paradise.
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Photo: Paul Natkin / Getty
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Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine are teaming up once again to create a new program for high school students, this time in Atlanta.
On Tuesday (Aug. 28), the co-founder of Interscope Records introduced the “Iovine and Young Center” in a press conference held at Frederick Douglass High School in northwest Atlanta, according to Atlanta News First. The iconic producer wasn’t able to attend in person, so Iovine was joined by another legend and Atlanta native Dallas Austin.
The new magnet program created in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools is designed to give students a more innovative learning model with a focus on technology and leadership, something that Iovine and Dr. Dre aka Andre Young hope will ignite the students’ “superpowers.”
“We believe we’re going to give these kids an advantage, a different type of education,” Iovine said at the press event. “So, you all can sell these kids, go out there and say you want these kids. Because the modern job needs these kids. That’s why.” Interested students in the 9th grade STEAM academy at Frederick Douglass can enroll in the program next year at the school, which has an esteemed alumni list including former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Killer Mike, T.I., Kilo Ali, and Lil Jon. It will be offered to all grade levels by the 2027-2028 school year.
Current sophomore Caleb Mitchell is eager to take part. “I think it will help bring out [the] potential of students and help them engage more… I think this will provide more opportunities for us,” he said. “Integrating the Iovine and Young Center at Frederick Douglass High School supports our ability to teach students how to design their thinking, brings student ideas to life, and further prepares our students for competitive careers that may not even exist yet,” said Forrestella Taylor, Frederick Douglass’ principal.
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine created a similar magnet program in 2022 at Compton High School in Los Angeles, with The Chronic producer chipping in $10 million personally to aid the $200 million renovation of the campus. “Me and Dre think big,” Iovine would later add. “We think everybody in the world’s going to learn like this well, maybe! We never thought everybody in the world would wear our headphones, but they did.”
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Ez Mil is the latest artist signed to Aftermath and Shady Records after a joint deal between Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Interscope went through. Ez Mil, a rapper out of Las Vegas, appeared in a photo with the aforementioned legends as seen on social media.
Ez Mil, who turns 25 today (July 25), has been at his craft for some years after being born in the Philippines before relocating to his new home of Las Vegas, Nev. In the image that Eminem shared on Instagram, the Detroit superstar and his Compton mentor Dr. Dre flank the young rapper, who stands crouched in front of the pair.
This isn’t the first time Mil has been signed to a major, this after releasing music under the Virgin Music/MCA Music imprint. Mil also received a placement on NBA 2K23’s soundtrack with the track “Panalo” which was released in 2020 but went eventually viral due in part to Mil rapping in Filipino/Tagalog, English, and Ilocano. The song also caused controversy for Mil after inaccurately depicting the beheading of Lapu-Lapu, a famed leader and historical figure in the Philippines.
Eminem also shared a tweet sharing Mil’s “Up Down” video, adding in the caption, “This is why we signed him.” Mil is also prepping a deluxe release of his 2022 album, DU4LI7Y, via his former label.
More from the Shady Records website:
The singer-songwriter-producer-rapper also reveals the release date DU4LI7Y: REDUX (Virgin Music), the forthcoming deluxe edition of his 2022 LP. The project, which is set to drop on August 11, includes “Realest”, an intense new single featuring Eminem, who first heard Ez Mil’s music online and brought him to Dr. Dre, resulting in the co-sign.
Check out the video for “Up Down” below. Congrats to Ez Mil.
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Photo: Allen Berezovsky / Getty
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