Music News

01 Aug 2023

New York City Restaurant Sei Less Announces HipHop50 Menu Named After Iconic Songs & Albums

Beginning Tuesday (Aug. 1), popular New York City restaurant Sei Less will launch its special menu in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Paying homage to celebrated songs, albums and musicians in the culture, Sei Less created unique appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails as a prix fixe meal for $50. 

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“We’re incredibly grateful for the hip-hop community’s support of Sei Less, so we wanted to find a special way to express our appreciation and honor the hip-hop artists that have pushed the culture forward,” Sei Less founder Dara Mirjahangiry tells Billboard. “Since we’re a New York City restaurant, we intentionally wanted to pay homage to a multigenerational group of New York City hip-hop artists that have played an integral part in our success. But at the end of the day, we’re thankful for all the artists that have dined at our restaurant and we’re proud to celebrate such an iconic anniversary for hip-hop.” 

Some of the meals consist of the “Unforgettable,” an ode to French Montana that is a crispy rock shrimp appetizer and a favorite of the Bronx rapper at the restaurant. Another dish is an entree, a nod to Cardi B’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “I Like It,” which is an order of Beijing chicken, a previous meal she had while dining at the establishment. On the dessert front, fans can devour the “I Know What You Want,” a double chocolate mousse with chocolate sauce honoring Busta Rhymes, or “The Last Temptation,” a vanilla creme brulee with raspberry and yuzu meringue saluting Ja Rule. 

Fans can also enjoy two premium-shelf VIP cocktails named after prominent albums from Jay-Z and Diddy for $50, respectively. Dubbed The Blueprint and The Saga Continues, each drink caters to the artists’ liquor brands D’USSE and Deleon. 

The extensive list of celebrities who have frequented the NYC hotspot ranges from Kanye West, Cardi B, Diddy, Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Future, Fat Joe and NBA superstar James Harden to French soccer star Kylian Mbappe. 

Check out the HipHop50 menu below. 

hip hop 50

Courtesy Photo

01 Aug 2023

Beyoncé Shouts Out ‘Queen’ Madonna During New Jersey Renaissance World Tour Show

Though Madonna‘s 40th anniversary Celebration dates in the U.S. have been postponed due to the serious bacterial infection that landed her in a New York ICU last month, the singer made it out to Beyoncé‘s show in New Jersey on Sunday in one of her first public appearances since the hospitalization.

Video posted by fans showed the 64-year-old legend enjoying Bey’s show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday night. In fact, Queen Bey noticed her special guest as well and during a run through “Break My Soul” she even gave her fellow royal some love from the stage.

“Big shout out to the queen,” Beyoncé said while working the stage during the song that got a “Queens Remix” last year featuring vocals from both powerhouses in their first official collaboration. “Queen Mother, Madonna, we love you,” Bey said in a performance that also slid in a nod to Madonna’s iconic 1990 club track “Vogue.”

Madonna’s manager, Guy Oseary, announced last month that the singer had spent several days in intensive care due to a “serious bacterial infection.” On Sunday, Madonna wrote a note to fans thanking them for their support during this difficult period. “Love from family and friends is the best Medicine. One month out of the hospital and I can reflect,” Madonna said.

“As a Mother you can really get caught up In the needs Of your children and the seemingly endless giving,” she added. “But when the chips were down my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before. It made all the difference.”

Check out some of the images of Madonna at the show below.

01 Aug 2023

Tim McGraw Speaks Out Against Concertgoers Who Throw Things at Artists: ‘You Could Really Injure Somebody’

As Tim McGraw prepares to hit the road in 2024 for his Standing Room Only Tour featuring Carly Pearce, the singer and 1883 actor is speaking out about the troubling trend of concertgoers throwing items onstage at artists.

“I think it’s terrible,” McGraw told CNN in a new interview. “I mean, you could really injure somebody and you could miss and hit somebody in the audience and injure somebody. What happens if somebody gets hurt? Then it ruins the show for everybody … if somebody can’t continue performing.”

In recent months, a rash of such incidents have occurred. Kelsea Ballerini had a bracelet thrown at her that hit her in the face. Kane Brown and Morgan Wallen have each been struck by boots that were thrown onstage. Bebe Rexha was hit in the face by a cell phone, requiring her to get stitches. Cardi B recently retaliated by throwing her microphone at a concertgoer who splashed a drink on the singer.

McGraw added, “I’m used to soft goods being thrown at me. And that’s fine, but don’t throw anything that’s got any heft to it that’s gonna hurt somebody. I just think that it’s just not appropriate to do. Everybody’s there to have fun and there’s just no need in any of that. Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but I’ll try to stay calm if it does.”

McGraw will launch his Standing Room Only Tour in March of next year, and is preparing for the release of the tour’s namesake album, McGraw’s 17th studio project, in August.

“I wanted this music on this album to reflect life in general and be life-affirming and positive,” he said of the music the album contains, noting that much of the album was crafted during the pandemic. “I wanted the music to sort of reflect that, living the good life and being the best person that you can be and knowing we all make mistakes, but you wake up the next day and try to be a better person.”

01 Aug 2023

Drake Flashed His New Tupac Crown Ring During Strip Club Interview

When you drop a milli on Tupac Shakur’s gold, ruby and diamond crown ring you want to show it off. So after first flashing the piece he recently bought at auction in one of his Insta stories last week, Drake put the historic piece on display again recently in an interview with Sidetalk NYC at the Starlets strip club.

The rapper bragged to the show’s host that his son Adonis’ mother, Sophie Brussaux, had a spot on the club’s wall of fame. “I’m wearing Pac’s ring,” Drizzy flexed while pushing his $1.01 million pinkie toward the camera to show off the custom piece worn by Shakur in his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. “They got my baby mama on the wall over there.”

Asked to name the No. 1 thing he looks for in a “ting,” the single dad said “humor,” noting that if a woman watches his glassy-eyed interview and doesn’t think it’s funny she’s not for him. The video also featured footage of some of the club’s dancers tossing up piles of money and inviting viewers to come on down.

Drake had fun with host Trent Simonian’s all-black basic look, which included a self-promotional t-shirt, washed back denim and Converse sneaks, wondering if TS could “pull a batty” at the club with that outfit. For the record, Drake revealed that Denver has the greatest density of tingz as far as he’s concerned.

Drake and 21 Savage will bring the It’s All a Blur tour to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia tonight (Aug. 1). The rapper canceled a previously postponed show at the FedExForum slated for Aug. 6 this week over what his team said were production issues; the Memphis show had previously been booked for June 29 as the tour’s kick-off date.

01 Aug 2023

Hayley Williams Slams ‘Weird Incel…Internet Bros’ For Criticizing Paramore Over Postponed Shows

The last thing you want to do when you’re not feeling well is fight internet trolls. But, there Paramore singer Hayley Williams was this weekend, hitting back at sexist haters who decided to criticize her for postponing four shows due to what she recently revealed was a lung infection.

“internet bros have been pressed by my proximity to rock music and all its subgenres since 2005,” she wrote in an Instagram Story according to People. “the only thing thats changed is the platform from which they spew their ignorance. don’t think for a second your fav bands – metal or punk or otherwise – endorse your weird incel ass lifestyle. so many of these bands have stood side stage at our shows and treat us with respect. why? bc they aren’t threatened by a strong woman front a great band in a completely diff genre of music.”

On Saturday, Williams gave an update on her health after the band rescheduled four shows in the U.S. due to what was originally described as an illness within the band. “We kick back up Saturday in Tulsa (!!!) after a week of misery, sadness, and bellyfuls of antibiotics and steroids,” Williams wrote, referring to the group’s July 29 concert at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. “For the record, we did not have food poisoning or a band-wide s— fest.”

On July 22, the band postponed a gig in San Francisco just hours before showtime before postponing three more shows in Seattle, Portland and Salt Lake City; all four were rescheduled for this month.

“In all seriousness, this past week has been really tough,” she added in her original post. “Nobody would know this but I started getting sick in Houston (non contagious) and muscled my way all the way through LA. Adrenaline is a wonder! But by the time the excitement and the nerves from all the LA shenanigans wore off, my body just gave out.”

Williams’ since-expired Sunday Story also included a screenshot of a tweet in which someone noted that Metallica and Iron Maiden still “manage” to play shows when they are sick, “all of which are much older than you love.”

“Neither [Metallica singer] James [Hetfield] NOR [Iron Maiden singer] Bruce [Dickinson] are gonna suck your d–k for this, LOVE,” Williams shot back. She also responded to another commenter who noted that Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl came back on stage and performed after falling off a stage and breaking his leg in 2015.

Williams didn’t have time for that one, either. “I have a lung infection you soft s—! Not a broken limb,” she wrote to the person who called her “whiney,” noting, “One you can sing with for 2 hours, another you cant. But worry not! The shows weren’t canceled, merely postponed a week. Maybe you should come out to one of them… like Dave did.”

The latter was a reference to Paramore’s set at Bonnaroo last month during which Williams invited Grohl up to sing a cover of his band’s fan favorite “My Hero.”

01 Aug 2023

Drake Cancels Memphis Show With 21 Savage Over Production Issues After Previously Postponing It

Drake was originally scheduled to kick-off of his It’s All a Blur Tour with 21 Savage at the FedExForum in Memphis on June 29. That gig was postponed just days before and now the rescheduled show has been canceled with just a few days notice.

Drake was set to play the Forum on Aug. 6, but the Ticketmaster site now lists the show as canceled with no explanation other than “the event organizer has had to cancel your event.” According to the Commercial-Appeal, Drake’s team told the venue that, “Due to the magnitude of the production of the Drake concert, it is logistically impossible to bring the show as designed to the FedExForum on August 6th. Unfortunately, the show in cancelled.”

At press time a spokesperson for Drake had not returned Billboard‘s request for further comment on the show cancelation.

Fans who already bought tickets for the sold-out show ill get automatic refunds to the original method of payment, typically within 30 days.

Drake and 21 Savage are slated to play the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia tonight (Aug. 1) and the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Friday (Aug. 4); that show was recently pushed back one day, also citing the size of the production. The Memphis show is no longer listed on Drake’s official site.

USA Today noted that the headliner — whose dad, Dennis Graham, is from Memphis — still came to the city to visit his kin and receive an honorary key to Shelby County last week at a restaurant/nightclub called Railgarten.

01 Aug 2023

Paul McCartney Sets ‘Got Back’ Tour of Australia and New Zealand

Paul McCartney has his sights set on a return to Australia, for his first tour there in six years.

The evergreen octogenarian had promised “news coming soon” on his socials, and he delivers with the announcement of a new, Australian swing to his Got Back Tour, which will play two markets for the first time – the satellite cities of Newcastle (north of Sydney) and Gold Coast (south of Brisbane).

The Beatles great’s trek is produced by Frontier Touring, the Melbourne-based concerts giant, part of the Mushroom Group, which secured his previous tour of these parts in 2017. That visit was McCartney’s first Down Under in almost a quarter century.

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In an era when major arena and stadium tours are regularly announced a year ahead of showtime, McCartney’s jaunt, set for this October and November, is tighter than most. McCartney is no ordinary artist.

The two-time Rock And Roll Hall of Famer will embark on his run with an “intimate” date at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Oct. 18, the only arena show on the itinerary. When McCartney and the Beatles played the South Australia capital in 1964, at the very peak of their powers, an estimated 350,000 people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Fab Four. That’s roughly one-third the city’s current population.

The six-city stretch includes outdoor dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Perth misses out.

“I’ve got so many amazing memories of my time in Australia over the years,” McCartney comments in a statement, confirming the Australia leg. “Our last trip was so much fun. We had such an incredible time. Each show was a party so we know this is going to be incredibly special. Australia we are going to rock! I can’t wait to see you.”

Those memories and parties coalesced into a tour for the ages. Macca’s five-city One On One Tour won the Helpmann for best international contemporary concert in 2018, awarded by Live Performance Australia, and was declared a career highlight by legendary promoter Michael Gudinski, the late founder of Frontier Touring.

Joining McCartney on the road is his longtime band, Paul “Wix” Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (bass/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr (drums).

Following the release of Peter Jackson’s three-part 2021 documentary series The Beatles: Get Back, McCartney embarked on a 16-date U.S. run on his Got Back Tour, which last year nudged his total career gross north of the $1 billion mark, making him one of just 11 artists to surpass the 10-digit mark in Boxscore’s 30-year-plus history.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 11 via frontiertouring.com/paulmccartney, with the Frontier members presale starting earlier, on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Paul McCartney – 2023 Got Back Tour of Australia:
Oct .18 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Oct. 21 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Oct. 24 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Oct. 27 — Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Nov. 1 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Nov. 4 — Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast

31 Jul 2023

Kid Cudi, Kerry Washington & More Mourn the Death of Angus Cloud

Euphoria fans mourned the loss of Angus Cloud on Monday (July 31), as the rising actor’s family announced that he died at just 25 years old.

“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend.  Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence,” read the statement.

“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”

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Cloud was known as the kindhearted, fan-favorite drug dealer Fezco on Euphoria, HBO’s Emmy-winning drama from Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya. The series’ official Twitter page mourned the loss of the actor, writing, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Since the news of his death broke, celebrities and Cloud’s Euphoria co-stars have been posting tributes in honor of the actor gone too soon. Read on for heartfelt tributes from Kid Cudi, Kerry Washington and more.

“This hurts man. One of the realest dudes in this business. F—.” – Kid Cudi on Twitter.

“Not the news I wanted to hear this morning g Rest in Power Angus Cloud,” – Denzel Curry on Twitter.

“You will be deeply missed. Rest in Power @anguscloud.” – Kerry Washington on Twitter.

“rest easy brother,” Javon “Wanna” Walton (Who played Cloud’s brother Ashtray on Euphoria) on Instagram.

“It’s weird posting when my friends from oakland die..it happens so much i cant keep up. its weirder posting when my ‘famous’ friends die . So this one is double weird . It’s hard to find someone from the same place doing what you do and being where u at. Bay Area Icon . picking up random calls and hyping you up bout them paintings ahah f— ? TOWN BUSINESS,” – Guapdad 4000 on Instagram.

31 Jul 2023

Taylor Swift Reflects on Eras Tour Ahead of SoFi Stadium Shows: ‘Blows My Mind That We Have One Last City’

Taylor Swift is just as excited about her final Eras Tour shows as Swifties are. On Monday (July 31), the “Look What You Made Me Do” singer took to Instagram and shared photos from her back to back nights in Santa Clara, Calif. — the second to last city on her trek in the United States — as well as a pumped up message regarding the last couple of nights on the tour.

“Really blows my mind that we have one last city on the US leg of The Eras Tour. Santa Clara this weekend was a partyyy, both crowds were so loud and rowdy,” Swift captioned the images, which featured the women of HAIM, Aaron Dessner and her performing alongside backup dancers. “And I’ll never forget when @alanahaim @estehaim and @daniellehaim emerged wearing their gowns from the Bejeweled video ? Loved every second of those shows and can’t wait for LA. Playing six shows at Sofi Stadium lets goooooo.”

Elsewhere during the Santa Clara concerts, the HAIM sisters performed “No Body, No Crime” with Swift on stage, while Dessner joined the pop star for the live debut of their collaborative Evermore bonus track, “Right Where You Left Me.”

“Because it’s one of our favorites, there’s more pressure on it,” Swift told the crowd on July 29. “Also, this is one of the wordiest songs. I have been rehearsing this for weeks, OK? And I’ve never, ever gotten it 100% right. Not even one time. If this is the time that I get it right, you have no idea what kind of celebration I’m going to be exhibiting after that. And also, this goes for you. If you can get all the words right to this song, you get to pat yourself on the back. You win an imaginary prize. It’s yours. We love this song and I hope that I somewhat do it justice.” (Spoiler alert: Swift and Dessner did indeed mess up on the track.)

The Eras Tour’s U.S. leg concludes with six shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (Aug. 3-5 and 7-9). See Swift’s post here.

31 Jul 2023

Angus Cloud, Actor on ‘Euphoria,’ Dead at 25

Angus Cloud, the actor who starred on HBO’s Euphoria, has died. He was 25.

Cloud’s family announced the news on Monday.

“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend.  Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence,” read the statement.

“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”

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HBO added to The Hollywood Reporter, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Cloud was walking down the street in Manhattan when he got cast as drug dealer Fezco on Euphoria, HBO’s Emmy-winning drama from Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya. The role, which he played on two seasons, turned Cloud into a breakout star. His role was expanded in the second season.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.