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28 Nov 2023

Key Vhani, Florida Rapper Who Shot & Killed Manager, Out On Bond

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Key Vhani, a rising rapper out of South Florida, was seen on video in a tussle with two men when she pulled out a firearm and opened fire, striking one of the men. Key Vhani was arrested after suffering injuries and was recently released on bond as she awaits trial for second-degree murder.

As seen on NBC Miami, Key Vhani, 27, was seen on surveillance video on October 8 having a discussion with what police say was her manager when things seemingly turned violent as the man raised his hand at her. Another man exited a parked white vehicle and the two knocked the rapper down but she managed to get herself up.

Vhani was then seen reaching into her bag for a firearm and began shooting at the men. As the man scrambled to get away, Vhani walked up to the man and fired more rounds. As this was happening, the parked car drove and struck Vhani, running her over in the process before driving off.

The artist born Kevhani Camilla Hicks was arrested and booked on second-degree murder charges and was jailed. She is now free on Bond as of Monday (November 27) and shared a message on Instagram to her nearly 23,000 fans.

From IG:

“Good morning to all of my supporters and fans! I’m finally home after experiencing something so traumatic and life changing. I have 3 broken ribs and bruises all over so I’m currently healing and getting rest,” she wrote. “I just want to personally thank everyone who supports me and knows that I’m not the horrible person some are claiming that I am. I can’t comment on the case at all, but I pray you all continue to stand by me and support me through this tragic time. I love you all to the moon and back!”

A public defender for Hicks says that their client was acting in self-defense. A trial date has yet to be announced.

—

Photo: Key Vhani / @ibeenkey.vhani

28 Nov 2023

‘The Voice’ Singer Tom Nitti Promises ‘This Isn’t the End of Me’ After Leaving Show Before Playoff Rounds

If you tuned in to Monday night’s (Nov. 27) playoff round episode of The Voice there was a prominent member of Team Reba who was nowhere to be seen. Season 24 country singer Tom Nitti was missing, forcing Reba McEntire to move her group along with just three performers for the upcoming live shows.

On the episode, McEntire said, “I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight.” Nitti explained his absence in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday morning (Nov. 28), in which he shared a carousel of pics of his children and girlfriend cued to Cody Johnson’s “Leather.”

“Well, I’ve been dreading this day ever since the blind audition so here goes nothin’. …First and foremost I’m blessed beyond belief and I can’t say enough how much I love and appreciate the constant support from my fans, my friends and my family,” wrote Nitti. “As much as it absolutely stings to say, I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever and ultimately at the end of the day, my kids will always come first and if I had to make the same decision again I’d do it over and over.”

McEntire supported Nitti from the get-go, as the only judge to turn her chair when he performed Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” at the blind auditions. He proved he’d earned his spot on the team with subsequent impressive performances of Johnson’s “Til You Can’t” during the battle round and again during the knockout round with the Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”

“This past summer was filled to the max with everything I love and could’ve only dreamed of and Thanks to @nbcthevoice I was able to live my wildest dreams and do what I’ve always hoped. I made friends that’ll last a life time, experiences that I can hold on to forever and even found REAL and TRUE love,” Nitti continued in his post, tagging girlfriend singer Ashley Bryant.

Nitti also shouted out the many people he said had his back “going through the tough times” he said he endured during his time in California on the show, including McEntire and his fellow team members.

“But nonetheless I hope everyone knows how happy and grateful i am for them. This isn’t the end of me and I’ll do what I do best for everyone to see which is keep my head down and move forward playing music and raising/creating new memories with a family I will continue to grow,” he added. “I never believed in the whole, things happen for a reason statement but in this case I think God has it all figured out. He knows I don’t break easily. For everyone asking, I’m alright and still standing. Thank you so much and as always, I’m super pumped to keep on keepin’ on with music, my kids Rayleigh and Brently my whole family to include my smokin’ girlfriend that keeps my head held high… Im more than ready to continue to live life now happier than ever before.”

The post ended with a series of hashtags, including: #familyfirst, #itsnotoveryet, #imstillstanding and #kentuckygotme.

With Nitti’s leave-taking, McEntire sent home Noah Spencer and Ms. Monet, with Ruby Leigh, Jordan Ranier and Jacquie Roar moving on to the live shows. The Voice airs on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Check out Nitti’s post and one of his performances below.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ud-tyZl_9PE&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

28 Nov 2023

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Steps Down as Chairman of REVOLT

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has stepped down from his role as chairman for REVOLT. TMZ first broke the story, and Billboard confirms through Diddy’s reps. The news arrives in the wake of Combs’ three sexual assault lawsuits, including one made by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura earlier this month.

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According to a statement made by REVOLT on Instagram Tuesday morning (Nov. 28), the Black music television company aims to continue its mission of creating “meaningful content for the culture.”

“While Mr. Combs has previously no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps ensure that REVOLT remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this country and the African diaspora,” the statement begins. “Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of REVOLT — one that is not driven by the individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating, and championing our culture and that continues.”

Co-founded in 2013, REVOVT currently houses several popular music podcasts including Drink Champs and Yung Miami’s Caresha Please. In a recent digital cover story with Billboard, Diddy spoke on the success of REVOLT.

“[My goal is to] make it not just the biggest Black-owned network but the biggest media company that I can,” he said. I’m not pigeonholing myself. Again, nobody’s going to give us power, and they’re not going to share it with us. That’s why 10 years ago, I named my network REVOLT, because we have to take our quality of life back. There’s so much value and information.”

Earlier this month, Cassie alleged that Combs abused her during their on-and-off 11-year relationship. One day after filing the lawsuit against Combs, which alleged “episodes of horrific abuse” including rape, she settled with the mercurial music star. “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement by her attorney, Douglas Wigdor. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

Combs responded, adding, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” No terms were disclosed and the release states that “the parties will have no further statements.”

Last week, Combs was accused of sexual abuse by two more women from alleged incidents stemming from the ’90s. Both suits were filed on Thanksgiving Day, the eve of the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, which permitted victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to file a civil action suit regardless of the statute of limitations.

28 Nov 2023

Whoopi Goldberg Has a Message for Critics of Dolly Parton’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Outfit: ‘Bite Me’

Don’t mess with Dolly. Both Whoopi Goldberg and Dolly Parton‘s sister are coming to her defense after the 77-year-old country star’s sizzling Dallas Cowboys cheerleader costume at last week’s Thanksgiving NFL halftime show took some heat from critics who thought that the revealing outfit wasn’t age-appropriate.

Goldberg especially had some strong words — two of which may or may not have been “bite” and “me” — for the “9 to 5” singer’s haters. On the Monday (Nov. 27) episode of The View, the EGOT winner passionately brought up Parton’s outfit, joking that her own social media stir regarding her gloveless Thanksgiving turkey preparations wasn’t “the only subject online that people were hating.”

She continued, “77-year-old superstar Dolly Parton stole the show on Thanksgiving at the Cowboys-Commanders game dressed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but some critics told her to act her age.” Then, looking into the camera, the Goldberg firmly said, “Bite me!”

“Everybody that participated in this,” added the Sister Act star, “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Her comments seemed to earn a rare unanimous agreement from her View cohosts, with Sunny Hostin chiming in, “If I looked like that in one of them Cowboys things, I might have everything out. I don’t know if that’s a belly ring or what, but I want what she has.”

Also sticking up for the 10-time Grammy winner is Stella Parton, who tweeted Sunday (Nov. 26) to say, “I personally thought my big sister Dolly was cute as hell in her Dallas Cowboys cheerleading costume.” She added, “To those of you being so critical of a 77 year old kicking up her heels, I say f–k yourself. Shame on you not her.”

Parton rocked her polarizing look on Thursday (Nov. 23), singing some of her own hits along with a mashup of Queen‘s “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show. The performance came shortly after the iconic songwriter released her first ever rock album, Rockstar, which features collaborations with Paul McCartney, Sting, Steven Tyler, Debbie Harry, Rob Halford, Elton John, goddaughter Miley Cyrus and many more.

See Whoopi Goldberg and Stella Parton defend the superstar’s outfit below:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=x8hSNzg5hbQ&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

I personally thought my big sister Dolly was cute as hell in her Dallas Cowboys cheerleading costume at the half time show on Thanksgiving. To those of you being so critical of a 77 year old kicking up her heels, I say fuck yourself. Shame on you not her.

— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) November 26, 2023

28 Nov 2023

CTM Outlander Inks Global Publishing Deal With Sam Hunt

CTM Outlander, a partnership between Texas-based Outlander Capital and Dutch-based music entertainment company CTM, has signed singer-songwriter Sam Hunt in a go-forward publishing deal for his future works, in addition to acquiring Hunt’s publishing catalog.

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Georgia native Hunt has earned nine No. 1 Country Airplay hits, including “Breaking Up Was Easy in the ’90s” and “Take Your Time.” Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification (10x platinum), and currently sits at 11x Platinum-certification.

As a songwriter, he’s also contributed to hit songs recorded by Kenny Chesney (“Come Over”), Keith Urban (“Cop Car”), Billy Currington (“We Are Tonight”) and William Michael Morgan (“I Met a Girl”). Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb and Loeb handled the transaction on behalf of Sam Hunt.

“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” Hunt said in a statement.

André de Raaff, CEO of CTM Outlander, said in a statement: “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better. We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world.”

Mike McKool, director at CTM Outlander, added, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”

Earlier this year, CTM Outlander acquired songwriter Shane McAnally‘s catalog (the deal included a global admin agreement for SMACKSongs and SMACKBlue). The company also acquired Dutch music label and publisher Strengholt Muisc Group, with a catalog containing more than 100 Dutch No. 1 hits including works composed by Boudewijn de Groot, Lennaert Nijgh, Ramses Shaffy, Pierre Kartner, and more.

28 Nov 2023

Diddy Steps Down As Chairman Of REVOLT

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REVOLT X AT&T Host REVOLT 3-Day Summit In Los Angeles - Day 3

Source: Phillip Faraone / Getty

Sean “Diddy” Combs is stepping down as Chairman of Revolt. The Bad Boy Records founder is stepping back from his role after multiple women have come forward to accuse him of sexual assault, amongst other crimes.

“While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps to ensure that REVOLT remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this country and the African diaspora,” reads a statement from Revolt. “Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of REVOLT – one that is not driven by any individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture – and that continues.”

TMZ reports that sources say the decision is temporary as Diddy doesn’t want all the allegations he is facing to “distract” from Revolt’s business and mission.

Recently, former Bay Boy artist Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of sexual abuse. However, a day after the filing, they settled the matter out of court. But since, two more women have come forward with lawsuits accusing Diddy of sexual and domestic abuse, including rape. Joi Dickerson-Neal claims that Diddy sexually assaulted her back in college in 1991 while a Jane Doe accuser says he, and singer Aaron Hall, allegedly raped her around 1991 or 1992 as well.

Revolt’s current CEO is Detavio Samuels and while Diddy was not involved in the company’s daily business, his name is certainly associated with the Revolt brand.

Revolt was founded by Diddy, and Andy Schuon, and launched in October 2013.

This story is developing.

28 Nov 2023

Live Nation Raises Minimum Wage For Its 5,000 Club Venue Employees to $20/Hour

Live Nation will pay its 5,000 employees and service crew working at its club venues a minimum of $20 per hour, company officials announced earlier today.

“Shows wouldn’t happen without the unsung heroes who work in the background to help support artists and fans,” Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino explained, announcing that the wage hike was an extension of Live Nation’s On the Road Again program, first rolled out in September with the endorsement of touring legend Willie Nelson.

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“In addition to developing artists, clubs also help industry professionals learn the ropes, and many of our promoters and venue managers worked their way up from smaller venues,” Rapino continued. “The live music industry is on track for years of growth and offers a great career path, and by increasing minimum wages we’re helping staff get an even stronger start as they begin their journey in live.”

The $20 per hour base pay is significantly higher than federal minimum wage, which currently sits at $7.50 an hour and serves as the defacto minimum wage in 30 states. Washington has the highest minimum wage in the U.S., starting at $15.74 per hour, followed by California at $15.50, Connecticut and Massachusetts at $15 and New York at $14.20.

“Moving forward, base pay for hourly club staff will start at $20/hour, while supervisor roles will start at $25/hour with opportunity for advancement in the company,” a press release announcing the wage rate explains. The increases will impact more than 5,000 crew members who serve as box office attendants, production crew, artist hospitality, guest services, ushers, parking attendants, cleaning crews, sustainability coordinators, and more.”

“Live Nation prides itself on providing advancement opportunities and developing leaders from within,” according to a release announcing the new minimum wage. “And at venues participating in the On The Road Again, nearly half of all crew members were elevated from part-time into full-time roles over the past two years.”

Company officials added that two other initiatives announced by Live Nation — a commitment that all headline and support acts playing Live Nation clubs would receive $1,500 in travel bonuses on top of nightly compensation and zero fees on band merch sold at participating LN venues, would be extended through 2024.

The September announcement did draw criticism from the National Independent Venue Association, which criticized the program saying “Temporary measures may appear to help artists in the short run but actually can squeeze out independent venues which provide the lifeblood of many artists on thin margins.”

One NIVA member however, Thomas Cussins with Ineffable Music Group, which oversees 10 venues across California, said he welcomed the change, noting his company eliminated merch fees at the beginning of the year, noting it is an overall healthier ecosystem and you will actually do better in business because you are doing something that makes the process easier.”

28 Nov 2023

Ms. Lauryn Hill Announces Tour Postponement Due To Vocal Strain

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Ms. Lauryn Hill And The Fugees Performs At Oakland Arena

Source: Steve Jennings / Getty

After a few embattled show experiences, Ms. Lauryn Hill is pausing her anniversary concert tour due to vocal strain and her desire to avoid any lasting effects of the steroid prednisone.

The Grammy-winner took to Instagram to share the news with fans, writing, “As many of you may know, I’ve been battling serious vocal strain for the past month. I made it through each show by taking prescribed prednisone, but this can be detrimental to the body when taken in large amounts over long periods of time,” Hill said. “In order to prevent any long-term negative [effects] on my voice and my body, I need to take time off to allow for real vocal recovery so that I can discontinue the medication completely.”

The tour has hit many major U.S. cities including New York and Los Angeles. The tour was supposed to run through the middle of December.

Hill began her post saying, “I’d like to start this off by saying how much I’ve enjoyed being on the road, and how much I appreciate all of the fans who have come out to celebrate this incredible milestone anniversary and history making reunion with us. Being able to tour this album to sold out crowds after 25 years has been an emotional experience! I’ve loved sharing the stage again with Wyclef and Pras. The Return of the Fugees has been powerful and amazing—those who’ve witnessed it can testify,” Hill said. “The tour itself reminds us the artists, and the audiences alike of earlier, perhaps less complicated times when ‘It could all be so simple…’ or ‘Ready Or Not, here I come!’ were on repeat on the airwaves. Simply put, classic. Classic music, classic performances with audiences who love those classics has been nothing but…wait for it…EPIC. (I almost said classic again!)

When the tour picks back up there are expected to be new tour stops added including some in Europe.

Released in 1998, the singer’s legendary album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill achieved historic commercial success. The now-classic album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling approximately 422,624 copies in its first week and eventually becoming certified 8x Platinum in the United States by the RIAA, according to BET. The album won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Miseducation remains Hill’s only solo studio album.

28 Nov 2023

Taylor Swift Is In Her College Era: Harvard, University of Florida Add Courses Dedicated to Pop Star

More college courses dedicated to Taylor Swift have been added to the academic canon for 2024, including a class at one of the most famous universities in the world: Harvard.

Starting in the spring, both Harvard University and the University of Florida will offer studies on the 33-year-old pop star: “Taylor Swift and Her World” and “Musical Storytelling With Taylor Swift and other Iconic Female Artists,” respectively. Summaries of the courses are already available online.

At Harvard, English department instructor Stephanie Burt will guide students through examinations of fan culture, celebrity culture, adolescence, adulthood and appropriation, as well as approaches to white texts, Southern texts, transatlantic texts and queer subtexts. “We will learn how to think about illicit affairs and hoaxes, champagne problems and incomplete closure,” adds the course description on Harvard’s website, referencing track titles on Swift’s Folklore and Evermore albums.

Meanwhile, UF’s Melina Jimenez will oversee “13 gorgeous weeks of discussing Taylor Swift’s discography, with a focus on her evergreen songwriting,” according to the institution’s similarly song reference-filled course description. Students will also “draw parallels between Swift’s enchanting lyrics and works by other famous female masterminds” while dissecting themes such as “old flames, infidelity, aging and double standards.”

Harvard and University of Florida are just two of the latest schools to offer Swiftian studies, following in the footsteps of institutions such as University of Texas, Arizona State University, Stanford University and UC Berkeley. The fast-growing trend in Taylor-themed classes stems from New York University’s groundbreaking Swift course taught by Rolling Stone writer Brittany Spanos, which was launched early last year. Soon after, the “Anti-Hero” singer received an honorary doctorate from the university and spoke at its spring 2022 commencement ceremony.

The news comes on the heels of Swift closing out her final Eras Tour show of 2023, wrapping up three nights in São Paulo, Brazil, Sunday night (Nov. 26). It’s proven to be a blockbuster year for the 12-time Grammy winner, who picked up six more Recording Academy nominations earlier this month, in addition to winning 10 Billboard Music Awards. She’s also released two albums this year alone – Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) — while also reportedly reaching billionaire status thanks to her global Eras trek and corresponding concert film.

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