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24 May 2023

Travis Scott Breaks Down the Meaning of Upcoming ‘Utopia’ Album: ‘You Create It Yourself’

This month, Travis Scott hasn’t relented in his quest to roll out his highly anticipated album Utopia. After previewing the project for the Houston Astros and then having his bodyguard spotted with a Utopia-branded suitcase handcuffed to his wrist last week, Scott has elected to take a new, calmer approach by covering the latest issue of PINUP Magazine.

The wildly creative cover finds the Astroworld artist reimagining the alphabet through his eyes. Scott offered each letter a word and its importance when talking to the architecture and design publication. For the letter “U,” of course, Scott chose “utopia” and gave his breakdown, saying, “Utopia is something that people feel is so far-fetched and out of reach, some perfect state of mind. But you create it yourself. There are people who achieve Utopia every day. They may not be the richest people with the dopest cribs, but it’s a utopia wherever they are, and that’s the most you can have. With every album I live in these worlds in my mind — I’m trying to show people experiences where utopian things can exist, and you can enjoy yourself and have a good time. They can create energy that spews out magical things — new cures, new buildings, new avenues for people to move forward. People need to see that Utopia is real.”

For “M,” Scott chose MPC, reveling that he “made most of my new album on an MPC.” “I got new ones; I got some old ones. My favorite is the 2000XL. It produces a very distinctive sound that makes it feel alive,” he added.

Though Utopia doesn’t have a release date, Scott’s longtime collaborator Mike Dean said on social media this week that he and the Houston staple are still busily chipping away on the project. “Utopia will be done when Trav and I say it’s done. Do not rush. Let us cook.”

24 May 2023

Fetty Wap Sentenced to 6 Years In Prison After Pleading Guilty to Federal Drug Charge

Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years in federal prison Wednesday after pleading guilty last year to federal drug charges.

Attorneys for the “Trap Queen” star (real name Willie Junior Maxwell II) had urged the judge to issue only a five-year sentence, the minimum allowed under the law. Prosecutors instead asked for between seven and nine years, urging the judge to “send a message” against a star who used his music to “glamorize the drug trade.”

At a hearing Wednesday in Long Island federal court, Judge Joanna Seybert split the difference – ordering the rapper to serve a six-year sentence, to be followed by an additional five years of post-release supervision.

An attorney for Fetty did not immediately return a request for comment. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the sentence but declined to comment further.

Fetty Wap was arrested in October 2021 at Rolling Loud New York, after prosecutors unveiled an indictment against him and five others. Prosecutors claimed group had shipped more than 100 kilograms of the drugs from California and distributed them on Long Island, contributing to “the addiction and overdose epidemic we have seen time and time again tear people’s lives apart.”

In August, Fetty admitted to participating in the scheme, pleading guilty to a single charge of conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.

Ahead of Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, his lawyers pleaded for leniency, saying he “realizes the terrible mistake he made” and is “truly sorry for the loss and hurt he has caused.” Seeking the minimum of five years, they argued that Fetty only turned to crime to support family members as his touring income dried up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Personal gain was not his motivation,” they wrote. “Rather, he was motivated by his commitment to financially support others.”

But prosecutors quickly fired back with a darker story: Of a successful musician who had already earned millions but chose to “supplement his income” by selling “drugs he knew would ruin lives.” And notably, they cited Fetty’s music itself, claiming he should receive a harsher punishment in part because he used his songs to “glamorize the drug trade.”

“Before his arrest, the defendant became famous singing about his experience cooking crack cocaine, selling drugs and making substantial money from those illegal endeavors,” prosecutors wrote. “Young people who admire the defendant and are considering selling drugs need to be sent a message.”

Such references to rap lyrics in criminal cases has come under scrutiny in recent years. Critics say drugs and violence are stock elements of hip-hop and should not be treated literally — and that by doing so, prosecutors infringe on free speech and sway courts with unfair evidence, with predictably disproportionate harm inflicted on Black artists.

24 May 2023

Miley Cyrus Clarifies Her Reasons for Not Touring Anymore: ‘It Isn’t What’s Best for Me’

Miley Cyrus meant what she said about not wanting to tour anymore. After some fans were left disappointed when she revealed in a recent interview that she has no plans to hit the road, the pop star has now posted a message to social media doubling down and shedding light on her decision.

“For clarity I feel connected to my fans NOW more than ever,” she wrote in a lengthy notes app entry on her phone, sharing a screenshot to Twitter on Wednesday (May 24). “Even if I don’t see them face to face every night at a concert, my fans are felt deeply in my heart.”

“This has nothing to do with a lack of appreciation for the fans & everything to do with I simply don’t want to get ready in a locker room,” she continued. “Which is the reality of life on the road.”

The message comes less than a week after the “Flowers” singer told British Vogue that she wouldn’t be touring in support of her latest album, Endless Summer Vacation, even though it’s been nearly 10 years since her last global trek (2014’s Bangerz Tour). “I can’t,” she told the publication, calling stadium and arena performances “isolating” and “not natural.” “Not only ‘can’t’, because ‘can’t’ is your capability, but my desire. Do I want to live my life for anyone else’s pleasure or fulfillment other than my own?”

Her new note to fans echoes those sentiments, with the musician writing, “I just don’t want to sleep on a moving bus.”

“It isn’t what’s best for me right NOW, & if you’ve been following my career you know that I always change and the way I feel about that could too,” she added. “Love you forever, I’m just on my Endless Summer Vacation.”

Read Miley’s message below:

24 May 2023

Here’s How Nick Cannon Addressed Jamie Foxx’s Absence on ‘Beat Shazam’ Season Premiere

Beat Shazam premiered Tuesday night (May 23) with Nick Cannon at the helm instead of regular host Jamie Foxx.

The temporary MC had previously been announced as the substitute host of the FOX game show while his close pal is recovering from a private, undisclosed health issue. But that didn’t mean Foxx wasn’t part of the season six premiere — at least in spirit.

“Welcome to Beat Shazam,” Cannon told viewers at the top of the hour. “Now, I know what you all are thinking: ‘That ain’t Jamie Foxx.’ And you are absolutely right. I’m actually Nick Cannon, and I am honored that Jamie asked me to fill in for him. So make no mistake, this is Jamie Foxx’s house.”

“He has hosted this show for five seasons and given away almost $12 million, y’all,” he continued. “So I’mma do my best to live up to Jamie’s Beat Shazam legacy, which means I need to do three things: play the biggest hit songs on the planet, throw a party every single night and give away how much money? One million dollars!”

The father of 12 certainly has the credentials to sub in while Foxx is on the mend, considering his long-running stints hosting shows such as The Masked Singer and Wild ‘N Out. However, he also got Foxx’s blessing after his role was announced earlier this month, with the Oscar winner thanking him for stepping in via a now-expired Instagram Story.

Foxx was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness on April 12, when his daughter broke the news to the public, but has since been out of the hospital “for weeks,” according to a recent statement from his family. His famous friends — Cannon included — have also stated repeatedly that he’s expected to make a full recovery.

24 May 2023

Here Are Five Things You Didn’t Know About Goyo | Billboard

Goyo reveals five things you didn’t know about her.

¡Hola, mi gente! Soy Goyo La Pantera y estas son cinco cosas que no sabían de mí. Primera cosa que no sabías de mí: Bueno, amo las pastas, me encanta la comida Italiana. Nadie se espera eso de mí, pero me gusta todo lo italiano, hasta Mario Bros. Segunda cosa que no sabías de mí: Seguramente no sabían que ya no vivo en Colombia, que estoy viviendo en Miami. Tercera cosa que no saben de mí: Que pertenezco a un grupo que se llama ChocQuibTown, pero que estoy haciendo un álbum, construyendo un álbum, sola, con todo el mundo de La Pantera, pa’ ustedes, mi combo, con mucho amor. Cuarta cosa que no sabían de mí: Que antes de ser Goyo y estar en ChocQuibTown, estuve en un colectivo que se llama Sidestepper, dirigido por Richard Blair, un productor Inglés y que con ellos pude viajar por 25 países en el mundo, en muchos festivales, rapeando y cantando con ellos. Y quinta cosa que no sabían de mí, es que practiqué por mucho tiempo voleibol y estuve en el equipo del colegio, y todavía me encanta, así que en estos días nos vemos en una cancha en Miami Beach.

24 May 2023

Offset Details His Struggles in Grieving TakeOff’s Death: ‘I Get Through My Day Thinking It’s Fake’

Time has yet to heal Offset after he lost TakeOff following the 28-year-old’s death six months ago in Houston. Covering the newest issue of Variety, the Migos star says he’s still having a tough time grasping the passing of his fallen comrade. 

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“It’s hard for me to talk about s–t right now,” he said. “I’ve never talked about this stuff. Seriously. Talking about Take is hard, man. Talking about all this s–t is hard. That’s why I don’t, to be honest. That s–t hurts.” Offset attempted to continue the conversation before ultimately cutting things off because of how painful the chat was getting. “Like, it’s gonna put me in a mood, and I don’t want to get in that mood. Some things I don’t never tell nobody. He’s not here. That s–t feels fake, bro. I get through my day thinking it’s fake. And I don’t say nothing to nobody about it.”

Though Offset has struggled with grieving the loss of TakeOff since the fatal shooting in November, he’s found ways to express his adoration for late friend. He previously previewed unreleased music with the Migos bandmate on social media, and even shared a huge portrait tattoo he got in honor of Take, which rests right on his back. 

Offset also chatted with Variety about his forthcoming album, the follow-up to his 2019 debut Father of Four. According to the interview, the effort will feature Travis Scott, Future, Chloe Bailey, Latto and TakeOff, with the latter being recorded last summer. Offset’s wife, Cardi B, will also be on the album, continuing their streak of collaborations dating back to 2019’s “Clout” and past Migos’ records “Motorsport” and “Type S–t.” The album is expected this summer.

24 May 2023

Claire Melendez, Featured On Griselda’s Shady Records Debut LP Cover, Has Died #RIPCLAIRE

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Claire Melendez

Claire Melendez, a woman who was featured on the cover of WWCD, the studio debut album of Griselda, has died. Westside Gunn, the co-founder of the Griselda collective, shared news of the passing of Claire Melendez, showcasing a number of photos within the process.

According to a report from Syracuse.com, Claire Melendez, also known as Claire Mel, was an unhoused woman who was known across the Buffalo, N.Y. region. While a cause of death wasn’t shared in the article, the chatter online appears to put to a hit-and-run incident.

Melendez graced the cover of WWCD (What Would Chine Gun Do), an album released in 2019 on Eminem’s Shady Records imprint that featured no samples. The production was handled by longtime Griselda cohort Daringer and Beat Butcha, using live instrumentation throughout the project.

“My fav Buffalo Kid. You’ll be Loved Forever,” Gunn wrote via Twitter with a brief collage of photos and the hashtags “#IMMORTAL” and “#RIPCLAIRE.”

Melendez was referenced on the track “Connie’s Son” from Gunn’s HWH7 project with production from King JBY B. According to a Facebook post, Melendez graduated from Burgard High School in Buffalo back in 1993.

Gunn referred to Melendez as a beloved figure in interviews, and there has been an outpouring of love and respect occurring across Twitter. We’ve got those reactions listed below.

Rest in powerful peace to Claire Melendez.

—

Photo: Instagram/@crackheadclaire__

24 May 2023

Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem Hit No. 1 on a Billboard Chart for the First Time

Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem made their first televised appearance on the pilot of The Muppet Show in 1975, and now, nearly a half-century after their on-screen debut, the musical Muppet band tops a Billboard chart for the first time.

The new LP The Muppets Mayhem: Music From the Disney+ Original Series, released May 10 via Disney+/Walt Disney Records, jumps from No. 13 to No. 1 on the Kid Albums chart, leading for the first time. The set is the companion soundtrack to the group’s new Disney+ comedy musical series The Muppets Mayhem, which also premiered May 10.

The album concurrently debuts at No. 10 on the Soundtracks chart, No. 23 on Top Current Album Sales and No. 29 on Top Album Sales. It earned 5,000 equivalent album units, nearly all from album sales, in the United States its first full tracking week (May 12-18), according to Luminate. Of its sales, 4,000 were on vinyl, and the set also starts at No. 10 on the Vinyl Albums chart.

The 22-track album includes 17 songs credited to Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem, plus five scores by Mick Giacchino. While some songs are original compositions for the series, others are covers of classics by The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who and more.

Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem comprises Dr. Teeth (performed originally by Jim Henson, and now by Bill Barretta), Animal (Frank Oz, now Eric Jacobson), Floyd Pepper (Jerry Nelson, now Matt Vogel), Janice (Richard Hunt, now David Rudman), Lips (Steve Whitmire, now Peter Linz) and Zoot (Dave Goelz).

While this marks the group’s first foray onto Billboard’s charts under the Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem artist billing, the act has appeared on multiple Muppet-related albums that have charted. Here’s a recap of every Muppet-themed title that has hit the Billboard 200.

Title (peak position, year):

  • The Muppet Show (No. 153, 1978)
  • The Muppet Movie: Original Soundtrack Recording (No. 32, 1979)
  • A Christmas Together (billed as John Denver & The Muppets) (No. 26, 1980)
  • The Great Muppet Caper (No. 66, 1981)
  • The Muppet Christmas Carol (No. 189, 1992)
  • The Muppets (No. 38, 2011)
  • Muppets: The Green Album (No. 8, 2011)
  • Muppets Most Wanted (No. 68, 2014)

“We had the support of the frog, the pig, the bear and everybody else,” Pepper recently mused to Billboard of the band’s first stand-alone venture. “We knew we could deliver the goods.”

Added Animal, “ROCK AND ROLL!”

24 May 2023

Blake Shelton Reflects on ‘Bittersweet’ 23 Seasons on ‘The Voice’ After His Final Show

Blake Shelton is officially retired from The Voice following Tuesday night’s (May 23) finale. And after he wrapped his impressive run as a coach for 23 seasons over 12 years, the country star is reflecting on his “bittersweet” journey with the show he helped start back in 2011.

“Can’t believe it’s been 23 seasons of @nbcthevoice… and especially can’t believe today is my final episode,” he wrote in an Instagram post hours before the live final episode aired. “It’s bittersweet. When we signed up for season 1, I don’t think any of us knew what this was going to be.”

Shelton was one of four OG coaches on The Voice‘s very first season, alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and CeeLo Green. Over the years, he remained a fixture on the panel, which also saw Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Shakira, Usher, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus and Shelton’s now wife, Gwen Stefani, take one of the red chairs. He spent his final season coaching with Clarkson and newcomers Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.

“These past 12 years I have made lifelong friends and memories,” the “God’s Country” singer continued in his post, sharing photos with some of his mentees and co-coaches from seasons past. “I’ve had the great opportunity to coach some really talented artists, 9 who have taken home #TeamBlake wins (let’s make that 10 tonight?), and watch these artists grow so much from the show. Thank you to everyone… the crew, the coaches, the contestants, the fans, and my wife who have made these some really great years. Love y’all!!!!!!”

Unfortunately for #TeamBlake, it was Gina Miles on Horan’s team who took home the prize. Still, Shelton remains The Voice‘s winningest coach of all time with nine victories total. Next season will mark the show’s first season without him as a coach, though Stefani, Horan and Legend will return, with Reba McEntire making her debut in Shelton’s place.

See Blake’s post below:

24 May 2023

Kanye West Sued By Gap Over Alleged Damage to Yeezy Store in Los Angeles

The Gap is suing Kanye West over allegations that the rapper made unapproved changes to a Los Angeles retail location that resulted in an expensive lawsuit from the building’s owner.

In a complaint filed last month in Los Angeles court, the apparel giant claimed that West – and not Gap – is on the hook for a lawsuit filed last year by a company called Art City Center, the landlord who owns the retail space.

“Defendants made numerous alterations to the building at the subject premises without Gap’s approval, much less pursuant to the terms of the Agreement,” Gap’s lawyers wrote in an April 2 complaint. “The performance of the work not only breached the Strategic Agreement, but the manner of preparing for and performing the work caused the need for … repairs and restoration.”

Gap is one of many former business partners that split with West (sometimes known as Ye) and his Yeezy brand last year in the wake of antisemitic statements and other erratic behavior. The breakup was a particularly stark reversal, coming just a year after Gap announced a 10-year deal with West for a branded line called “Yeezy Gap.”

As part of that partnership, Gap agreed to open up to five retail locations for the Yeezy partnership, including one at 1360 East 6th Street in Los Angeles – the property owned by Art City Center.

In October, the landlord filed a lawsuit against Gap, claiming that the company had breached its lease agreement by making “numerous, significant, unapproved modifications” to the building. They included adding a ramp and a tunnel to the parking lot, removing three bathrooms, and removing lights that “led to additional damage to the ceiling and roof caused by water/rain.”

The company claimed that Gap owed $822,924 and counting in “holdover” damages – 150 percent of monthly rent for every month in which the building has original condition – and another $470,350 from the work that would be required to undo the alleged damage.

In its new complaint against West, Gap says the terms of their agreement require him indemnify the company against such legal claims.

“The Gap denies that it has any liability to [Art City],” the company wrote. “However, if the Gap does have any such liability, any damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff, if any, were the result of the actions or inactions of [West and Yeezy].”

West could not immediately be located for comment.

Gap is not the only former Kanye business partner now facing legal problems. Last month, Adidas was hit with a class action lawsuit claiming the sportswear giant knew about West‘s problematic “personal behavior” years prior to ending its partnership with the disgraced rapper but failed to warn investors about it. That case is pending.