Music

5 Top Highlights From Foo Fighters’ Los Angeles Stadium Show

Foo Fighters closed a two-date stand at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium on Sunday night with a nearly three-hour set that would have threatened to blow the roof off the venue if it had one. 

From the high-octane opener “The Teacher” (which is typically part of the encore) to standard closer “Everlong,” Dave Grohl and bandmates showed why, 30 years in, they are one of the most enduring, beloved rock bands out there. A show of hands revealed that lots of fans had been at the Friday show as well, and the band went out of their way to shake up the setlist, swapping out six songs and making the second show three tunes longer. The concert ended just before 11 p.m. in a blaze of fireworks.  

While they have always rocked harder live than on record with an exhilarating passion, Foo Fighters have also blended their solid crunch with songs that were heavy on melody, which led to a night of sing-alongs on such fan favorites as “All My Life,” “Times Like These,” “My Hero,” “Learn to Fly” and “Best of You.”

Nearly three hours later, as the band got ready to finish the show with “Everlong,” Grohl reminded the audience that he didn’t like to say goodbye and that he and his bandmates would be back again. “Nobody’s packing this in anytime soon, just so you know,” he said, which drew a heavy cheer from the crowd. 

Below are five highlights from the concert. 

Carrie Underwood Performs During Worship Service at Local Nashville Church

Since her breakthrough song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Carrie Underwood has been open about how her faith is an essential part of who she is.

On Sunday (Aug. 11), Underwood led a time of worship music, joining the worship team at Rolling Hills Community Church, a local congregation in Franklin, Tennessee. Underwood and the worship team performed the contemporary Christian worship group Bethel Worship’s “The Goodness of God.” The song, featuring Jenn Johnson, reached No. 15 on Billboard‘s Hot Christian Songs chart in 2020.

The passionate worship song features lyrics including, “From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head/ Oh I will sing of the goodness of God/ All my life you have been faithful/ And all my life you have been so, so good.”

Of course, Underwood has included songs of faith throughout her career, including “Temporary Home” and the Grammy-winning 2014 song “Something in the Water.” In 2021, she released My Savior, an album of classic gospel hymns. The project featured artists including CeCe Winans on “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

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“It’s been such a blessing to make music like this, inspirational music that is near and dear to my heart,” Underwood said of the album in a statement at the time. The album debuted atop both Billboard’s Top Country Albums and Top Christian Albums charts.

During her career thus far, Underwood has also appeared on Michael W. Smith’s 2014 The Spirit of Christmas album, on the song “All Is Well,” and included the original song “Sweet Baby Jesus” on her 2020 Christmas album My Gift. She also contributed harmony vocals to the song “Something Greater,” on CCM singer-songwriter Matthew West’s album All In.

Watch the performance below:

Beyoncé, Charli XCX & Billie Eilish Headline Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist

Barack Obama is having a Brat Summer. The former president unveiled his picks for his 2024 Summer Playlist on Monday (Aug. 12) with the weeks of the season dwindling.

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“With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix,” Obama wrote to social media. “I hope you find something new to listen to!”

It’s quite the versatile mix for Barack Obama, who selected tracks like Shaboozey’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro,” Charli XCX’s Brat closer “365” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” anthem.

Other entries include GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be,” Saweetie’s “My Best,” Tems’ “Love Me Jeje,” Moneybagg Yo and Morgan Wallen’s genre-blending “Whiskey Whiskey,” 2Pac’s “How Do U Want It” and Common’s “The People.”

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While some applauded Obama’s picks, others were stunned not to see any Chappell Roan selections or an appearance from Kendrick Lamar’s explosive “Not Like Us” Drake diss, which has remained a staple in the Hot 100 top three.

“Now Barry…you know you listened to ‘Not Like Us’ all summer like the rest of us but we’ll allow it,” one person commented on his IG.

Another added: “Now Barack, I know you’ve listened to Not Like Us at least 30 times this summer.”

“My man,” Shaboozey wrote after learning that Obama included him in the playlist. “A Bar Song” is also spending a fifth week atop the Hot 100.

Moneybagg Yo was hyped to hear that he made the cut too. “S/O to the Presidential Loaf @barackobama This large Thank U,” he captioned an IG Story.

Even though there are a few weeks left for some possible late entries, check out Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist below.

Mannie Fresh Reveals Bun B Originally Was Going to Be in Big Tymers

While appearing on DJ Self’s YouTube series Apt. 5H, Cash Money Millionaire Mannie Fresh talked about the early days of the Big Tymers — the group he was in with Birdman — and how there was supposed to be a third member from another legendary Southern rap group.

Bun [B] actually was supposed to be in the Big Tymers. A lot of people don’t know that,” Mannie told DJ Self. “But I think for reasons that — it kinda conflicted because you gotta think about how weird the dynamics of the South was.” Adding, “Pimp [C] was doing stuff with No Limit; Bun was doing stuff with us. So I think it would’ve made a ripple in their group if any of them would have joined [No Limit or Cash Money].”

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Bun B still maintained a good working relationship with Fresh, as he made guest appearances on three of the group’s five albums and other Cash Money projects like the Hot Boys’ 1997 debut album Get It How U Live!! and the legendary producer’s 2004 debut album The Mind of Mannie Fresh. “I swear, some of the verses that Bun put down on some of the Cash Money sh– is like, ‘Oh my God.’ I used to be like, ‘How you gonna keep up with that sh–?,’” he said. “He just said some incredible sh– and his flows!”

Mannie and Bun still have that same bond. “To this day, our relationship is still like that. Bun is like, ‘Sh–, whatever you doing, I’m on it.’”

You can watch the full interview below:



Jelly Roll & Travis Barker Join Machine Gun Kelly for Surprise MGK Day Performance in Cleveland

Machine Gun Kelly’s bond with his hometown of Cleveland is stronger than ever. The rapper-rocker hosted MGK Day on Sunday along with a slew of other charity events celebrating The Land throughout the weekend.

Kelly reportedly ripped through a 25-track headlining set Sunday evening in the streets of Cleveland, but saved a few tricks up his sleeve when surprising his die-hard hometown fans with appearances from Blink-182’s Travis Barker and Jelly Roll at the block party.

Barker, who produced the Billboard 200-topping Tickets to My Downfall, played the drums on hits such as “My Ex’s Best Friend” as well as Jelly Roll and MGK’s new collab “Lonely Road.” The John Denver-sampling track debuted at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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“Today is all about my brother right her,” Jelly Roll told the crowd of the hometown hero standing next to him. “This is his day, this is his week, this is his city. And right now I want you to be the loudest you’ve been all f—ing night for MGK!”

Detroit’s Tee Grizzley also made the trip to hit the stage with Machine Gun Kelly, where he performed his “First Day Out” banger as well as his “The Sopranos” collaboration with MGK.

Following the block party’s festivities, MGK took a moment on X to get emotional about his love letter to Cleveland and his journey with the fans that has been running high since the late 2000s.

“My eyes too dry to cry but damn cleveland that was legendary tonight wtf. WE DID THAT,” he wrote.

The 34-year-old thanked Barker and Jelly Roll for coming out and making the night special. “Can’t believe you pulled up. love you so much dude,” he wrote to JR, before focusing on Travis Barker, who made quite the commute to get to MGK Day.

“Dude you really hopped off a plane and drove 3 hours to show up for me today @travisbarker i can’t thank you enough for being a big brother to me,” Kelly said. “Playing Lonely Road with you and jelly in front of my city after all those studio nights working on it meant more than you know.”

It was a nonstop busy weekend for Machine Gun Kelly, who also hosted a Skate & BMXing showcase, a nightclub party featuring Nelly performing “Air Force Ones,” as well as a charity softball game.

Find more of the highlights from MGK Day below.

Megan Thee Stallion Turns Into A Snake & Catches A Few Bodies In New Visuals To “Mamushi”

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It looks like Megan Thee Stallion has really taken a liking to Asian culture thanks to her recent trip to Japan as her latest offering “Mamushi” is set in a Far East environment with a touch of the supernatural.

For the Yuki Chiba-assisted visuals to “Mamushi,” Megan finds herself to be a part of a bathhouse bordello of sorts as the only Black woman amongst a team of Japanese hotties. Unfortunately, for the man who chooses to spend time with her, Thee Stallion quickly shape-shifts into a snake and makes quick work of the men in her vicinity. Luring them with her amazing physical, Megan proves Bell Biv Devoe right by reminding us to never trust a big butt and a smile ’cause that girl is poison.

We’re not gonna lie though, we’d still take that chance. Just sayin’.

Check out the Yuki Chiba-assisted visuals to “Mamushi” below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Photo: Getty

Chucho Valdés Dazzles With Cuban Piano Mastery in NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Watch

Chucho Valdés delivered a captivating solo performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, where he showcased his profound mastery and improvisational skills on the piano. He kicked off with the classic 1978 “Mambo Influenciado,” in which he juxtaposed traditional Cuban piano rhythms on one hand with more progressive melodies in the other in six unpredictable minutes.

“This work that I’m going to perform, it doesn’t exist,” he told the crowd in attendance at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am going to improvise something and when I finish, it will be a [new] song. I want to do it like that, spontaneous, natural, I don’t want to plan.” He appropriately called the song “Impromptu Desk.” This rare appearance by the virtuoso offered an intimate glimpse into his expansive musical journey and ongoing influence.

His 20-minute performance also included “Ponle la Clave,” translating to “add the clave,” a traditional percussion instrument that’s popular in his native country. “Generally, Cuban music — four by four, six by eight, the measures — are not simple ones. Many years ago, it occurred to me to make a symmetrical theme, to see how to put the clave in a seven … I composed this song when I was very young, in the ’60s,” he added.

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At 82 years old, Valdés, whose career spans six decades, continues to blend jazz, classical and Cuban musical traditions into breathtaking improvisations. On Aug. 30, he will release a new album called Cuba & Beyond.

Throughout his prolific career, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist has landed on multiple Billboard charts, including 2010’s El Último Trago at No. 8 on Latin Pop Albums and No. 40 on Top Latin Albums, and earned a total of eight entries on the Jazz Albums chart.

He is scheduled to headline the 20th annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Sept. 7.

Watch Valdés’ “Tiny Desk” performance below:



LISA of BLACKPINK Raves About Taylor Swift’s 3-Hour Eras Tour Show: ‘I Maybe Could Do It With a Lot of Practice’

As she embarks on her new solo era, LISA of BLACKPINK is taking notes from Taylor Swift.

In an interview published Monday (Aug. 12), Elle‘s latest cover star raved about the “Anti-Hero” singer’s global Eras Tour, which she saw when the trek stopped through Singapore in March. “She’s incredible!” LISA told the publication of Swift. “Singing alone on a stage for three and a half hours is crazy…I maybe could do it with a lot of practice.”

While at the Eras concert, LISA met the 14-time Grammy winner backstage and posed for pictures. “Had such a blast at The Eras Tour! Amazing performance @taylorswift,” she wrote on social media at the time alongside an emoji of a heart with an arrow through it.

The Thai singer-rapper is fresh off the release of “Rockstar,” which debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July. She’s also already started teasing that her next solo track is on the way, posting a Y2K-inspired snippet on TikTok earlier this month.

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Going forward, LISA will retain ownership of her solo master recordings thanks to a deal she signed with RCA Records in April in partnership with her own LLOUD company. Swift has had her own challenges in acquiring the masters to her first six albums, hence her “Taylor’s Version” re-recorded releases over the past couple years.

“I don’t think it’s easy for anyone to be able to get that,” LISA said of of owning one’s masters. “It feels like a dream. I’m not sure if it’s real or not.”

And though her solo era is in full swing, LISA also took a moment in the interview to assure fans that her work with bandmates ROSÉ, JISOO and JENNIE isn’t going anywhere. “Of course we’re continuing, for sure,” she said. “We’re so proud of BLACKPINK, and I love BLACKPINK. It is not just because of our fans, it’s for ourselves.”

Grammy Awards: All the Artists Who’ve Been Nominated in the Big 4 Categories in the Same Year

Remarkably, 10 of those 14 artists are women.

Since 1959, when the Grammys introduced their best new artist category, just 14 artists have been nominated in each of the “Big Four” categories (album, record and song of the year plus best new artist) in the same year. Remarkably, 10 of those 14 artists are women.

And two more women, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, could join the list when the nominations for the 67th annual Grammy Awards are announced on Nov. 8. Roan is a strong bet for an album of the year nod for her first full-length album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and for record and song of the year nods for its breakout hit “Good Luck, Babe!.” Carpenter is sure to get a look for her upcoming album Short n’ Sweet and one or both of its smash singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”

The Recording Academy’s screening committee will have to decide whether to allow Carpenter to compete for best new artist. Short n’ Sweet, which is due Aug. 23, will be Carpenter’s sixth studio album. There is precedent for an artist on her sixth album being nominated: Shelby Lynne won in 2001 when she was on her sixth album, I Am Shelby Lynne. And this was the year Carpenter broke through to crossover prominence, which has long been the overriding Grammy criteria in this category. One illustration of that: Carpenter performed on the pre-show at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (held on Sept. 12, 2023). At this year’s VMAs, set for Sept. 11, she will perform on the main stage.

Here’s a complete list of artists who have been nominated in each of the top four Grammy categories in the same year. The years shown are the years of the Grammy ceremonies.

Barbra Streisand to Join as Guest Speaker at Jewish Women for Kamala Harris Call

The Jewish Women for Kamala Harris will welcome an A-list guest at its group call this week: Barbra Streisand, who announced Monday (Aug. 12) plans to join the latest virtual gathering of voters supporting the vice president’s 2024 campaign for president.

Described as “thousands of pumped up Jewish women ready to get Kamala elected,” the group will hold the e-meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday to “show [its] enthusiasm and support” for Harris and newly appointed running mate Tim Walz. Streisand will serve as a guest speaker and share “why she’s so passionate about electing Kamala Harris as our next president,” according to a release.

All genders and Jewish allies are also welcome to join, according to the event’s website. Those interested in attending can register online.

The event marks just the latest virtual call organized by groups of voters to really support for the Democratic ticket. In July, Jeff Bridges, Mark Ruffalo, Josh Groban, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Hamill, Josh Gad and more all joined in on a “White Dudes for Harris” Zoom meeting that raised more than $3.7 million for the former prosecutor’s campaign, while P!nk and Connie Britton helped lead a similar conference that attracted more than 160,000 people.

Black women, Hispanic women, Black men, Asian Americans, Native Americans and members of the LGBTQ+ community have also all put together virtual voter-led meetings in support of Harris.

Streisand was one of the first major musicians to voice her support for Harris when president Joe Biden dropped out of the race last month, shortly after which he endorsed his second-in-command for the role. “Trump is a pathological liar who lies as easily as he breathes,” the eight-time Grammy winner tweeted at the time. “He wants to take away women’s rights and destroy our great democracy. Kamala Harris will continue Joe Biden’s work and will be a great president.”