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After Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton lit up the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a pair of soulful Grammy-winning performers graced the United Center stage: Oscar-winning rapper Common and “Godmother of Soul,” Ms. Patti LaBelle.
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LaBelle delivered a stirring rendition of her 1978 hit “You Are My Friend” — which peaked at No. 61 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – for the night’s in memoriam segment. The emotional performance marked a notable return to the DNC for the icon, who previously covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” at the 2004 convention, when John Kerry was voted the party’s presidential nominee. The soul legend has also thrown her music support behind the Biden administration, performing on the White House South Lawn for the President’s Juneteenth concert earlier this summer (June 10).
Last night, her performance set the stage for a fiery line-up that included a heartwarming address from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and a pair of rousing speeches from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
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Now in the seventh decade of her illustrious career, Ms. LaBelle continues to enrapture audiences with her powerful voice, as evidenced by the packed arena leaping to their feet the minute she appeared on the stage. This election cycle, the Democrats have been notably forward-looking in their incorporation of music — but by tapping LaBelle to usher in the DNC’s second night, they made sure to honor the classics, and showcase some true soul.
Billboard caught up with the Godmother of Soul for a brief conversation about her DNC performance, what she loves about Vice President Kamala Harris, and the status of her upcoming 8025 album.
When did you first get asked to perform at the DNC?
About last Tuesday. My son said, “Mom, what are you doing on Tuesday? Would [you] be interested in doing something for the DNC?” I said, “Of course, I would do anything to being there!” They wanted me to do “You Are My Friend,” and I said, “Wonderful!” So, that’s what happened. I would do anything for Biden — and always did — and for Kamala [Harris], because we have to keep peace alive and keep hope alive.
How did you feel about the performance?
Well, guess what? The band started very soon, and they just told me to walk out after the band started. When I got to my position, I said, “Oh my God, what line did I miss?” When I got to my mic, I missed a few words and then I had to catch up but I think I did [it]! [Laughs.] It’s nerve-wracking! That’s your one and only time, and you’re in front of everybody and you don’t want to make a mistake. So, I caught up with myself and I felt good when I finished.
And nobody knew it was me coming out, because he forgot to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, Patti LaBelle.” When I didn’t hear the intro, I said, “Oh Lord, I’m stuck like Chuck, but whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen. I can’t change anything now.” It’s an honor just being asked to do something for something as wonderful and important as this. Anytime they call me for anything, I’m available!
What did you think about the energy in the arena last night? Did it bring up any memories of past election cycles for you?
No, it was so much energy from Michelle Obama and her husband. The people were so excited to hear anything about [Kamala]. And to hear Obama and Michelle talk their talk? They’re gangster! I said, “Y’all better talk!” It was heaven. It was a blessed day. It’s gonna be a blessed life after [Kamala’s] where she should be.
If you were running for president, what would your campaign song be?
“California Love.” It’ll be something gangster.
Would songs inspire hope or freedom for you?
Well, some things that I sing. “Oh, People” is one of my songs that [inspire those feelings for me]. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I love [Beyoncé’s] “Freedom” song that she’s using in the campaign. There is a lot of hope in those songs.
Give me one word to describe Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
I think she’s… what they call “brat” or whatever, I call it “gangster.” She’s a throwback girl. She’s a wonderful woman who has all aspects of gangster, political, brilliant. Whatever she wants to be, she is. And she does it well because they have that little clip of her from Trump’s campaign with her doing a crip walk or whatever little dance. I love her because she smiles, she laughs, she’s joyful, and those kinds of things you don’t see in some politicians. It’s important for us to find somebody like that who will bring us a little joy and a little hope It would be a Christmas present to everybody when she becomes president. I don’t think it’s “if,” it’s “when.”
What issue is most heavy on your heart right now going into the election?
The way the world is with homeless people, people who have nothing, just trying to get something for those who’ve never had anything. That’s in my heart. That’s more important than anything. Also, getting a better climate of people looking at each other, laughing with each other and praying together and staying together. The childlike hate that [Trump’s] spewing is not necessary. Even if we’re broke, that joy brings you something.
I think once [Kamala’s] in there, everybody’s going to see a better life. She’s working hard still as Vice President, her job is heavy and she’s doing it with a smile and with confidence because she knows she got everything right. She’s not a half-stepper.
I know you have this 8025 album that you’ve been working on. Are there any updates on that?
I’ve done about 10 songs right. I can’t tell you anything yet, but it’s going to be out, hopefully, before this year is out. That’ll be my Christmas present to me. [Laughs]. It’s been 20 years since [I did] an R&B album!
Big Sean has a had a hard time on the Internet over the last couple of years (something he’s touched on in the past), and his latest song and video show that rap fans aren’t letting up.
If you noticed that Baby Keem was trending on X earlier Wednesday, that’s because some fans on social media are claiming that Sean is using his flow, while others are pointing out that he’s channeling his older stuff like “Paradise.” There isn’t a consensus, as fans on social media seem to be split. We think he’s just trying something different and folks are letting his rocky relationship with Keem’s older cousin Kendrick Lamar get in the way.
The Detroit rapper talked to Charlamagne tha God earlier this month, where they talked about a leaked version of Lamar’s song “Element” where he dissed Sean. “That song came out and he changed that bar, it wasn’t on the song anymore, it was a leaked verse,” Sean said. “I had to keep that in mind because I was pissed when I heard it. He changed that on his own. He probably came to the conclusion it was nothing.”
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He then revealed that he and Kendrick talked and they hashed things out. “He apologized in a sense for going that far to that sh—t coming out,” Sean told Charlamagne. “When that sh—t leaks, people are like, ‘Oh, you heard what he said about you?’ I’m not a clout-chasing a– n—a, I’m solid and I stand on mine. We already talked about it, I already got an apology for it.”
The Detroit rapper has been on fire and he continues his hot streak with a new song and video that arrived Tuesday (Aug. 20). Directed by Diamond Visuals and presented by Lyrical Lemonade, “Yes” shows the artist at his most confident. He’s playing around with flows and rapping like his rent is due.
“New s—t might get spooky, had to bring the ways back/ Stupid lil’ b—-h wan’ reminisce about some s—t from way back/ When you slackin’ on the job, that’s when they try and take that,” he spits.
Sean has been extremely active this year.
This is his fourth single already this year as he gears up to drop his highly anticipated sixth album. He’s started the year off with “Precision” in March, then he dropped “Yes” in July (which makes this Keem “controversy” all the more confusing,) and in August he followed up with “On Up” about his newborn and the Alchemist-assisted “Together Forever.”
He’s also featured on “Shut Up” with Jessie Reyez, “Tobey” with Eminem and BabyTron, and DJ Premier with Lil Wayne and Rick Ross. And let us not forget about his impressive On the Radar freestyle over Aaliyah‘s “If Your Girl Only Knew.”
Better Me Than You was originally supposed to be released on Aug. 9, but Big Sean decided to push it back due to scheduling conflicts. There’s still no word on an official release date.
Check out a few fan reactions to Sean’s “Yes” video below:
17 year olds who never heard ‘Paradise’ are saying he biting Baby Keem when he’s actually the one these rappers copy. 😔 https://t.co/C1FrRPhdy5— 🇵🇸 (@TheActualSihle) August 21, 2024
Pink Sweats has been hospitalized, but details regarding his health status remain scarce. The singer’s team took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday (Aug. 20) providing an update and soliciting prayers from fans. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “This is Pink Sweat$ team. we ask that […]
Fat Joe reps New York about as hard as any rapper in the game, and the city returned the favor on Tuesday night (Aug. 20) when the 54-year-old received a key to New York City.
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Joey Crack was performing at the Up NYC concert at Orchard Beach’s in his hometown of the Bronx when Mayor Eric Adams surprised him on stage with the Key to the City. Adams gave Joe his flowers for everything from his music to his philanthropic endeavors.
“Fat Joe who’s getting the Key to the City of New York. All his legendary — his music, a real brother, authentic — we want to give you this key,” he said.
The musician then grabbed the mic and proceeded to show love to the rap pioneers who paved the way before him.
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“Shout-out my wife, my daughter, shout-out my favorite aunt in the world. I gotta thank the pioneers. From Melle Mel, Mr. Ness to KRS-One — my whole life I been trying to be KRS-One — LL Cool J, Heavy D and the list goes on,” he said. “I want to shout out everybody here because we in the Bronx and I know I know all of you. Every last one of you, I know you — I love you.”
Continuing a celebratory birthday week, Joe had Mayor Adams step to the side before getting into performing some of his hits, including his Billboard Hot 100-topping “Lean Back” and “My Lifestyle.”
2024 is shaping up to be another busy year for Fat Joe. He parlayed his Instagram Live debates into a Starz talk show, which will be executive produced by LeBron James and himself.
Joe picked up a tennis racket and will also serve as the voice of the upcoming 2024 U.S. Open tournament kicking off next week in Flushing, Queens. Earlier this year, Fat Joe performed at President Joe Biden’s rally in North Carolina and he also received an honorary doctorate degree from Lehman College.
On the music side, he returned with frequent collaborators Remy Ma and Cool & Dre for their “Outta Control” single in July.
Find more highlights below.
You know I had to Boogie Down to the Bronx to join the crowd at our Rise Up NYC concert at Orchard Beach!We made it an even more special evening by presenting Fat Joe with the “New York City Entertainer’s Key” for always giving back to the borough that raised him. pic.twitter.com/7fygjWWSH4— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) August 21, 2024
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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama rallied the United Center crowd at the 2024 Democratic National Convention with a pair of fiery speeches on Tuesday night (Aug. 20), and drawing comparisons to Kendrick Lamar‘s Drake disses in the process.
The former president and first lady electrified democrats on night two of the DNC while attacking Republican nominee Donald Trump and encouraging citizens to get out and vote to make sure they’re heard on Nov. 5, which is 76 days away.
“We don’t need four more years of bluster and chaos,” Barack said. “We’ve seen that movie — and we all know that the sequel’s usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. America’s ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”
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Rap fans immediately began connecting the Obamas’ speeches toLamar’sdisses against Drizzy. “They should’ve put the ‘meet the grahams’ beat behind this michelle speech,” former Desus & Mero host Desus Nice tweeted.
Others were a step ahead and edited the harrowing instrumental behind the speeches, which some dubbed the remix as “Meet the Trumps.”
“His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happened to be Black,” Michelle Obama said of Trump before her mic drop as the music plays in the remixed video. “I wanna know who’s gonna tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”
Apple Music host Lowkey continued to quote lyrics from K. Dot’s “Euphoria” alongside clips of Obamas’ speeches. “There’s three goats left and i see two of them kissing and hugging on stage,” he tweeted.
Another viewer chimed in: “Trump’s Truth Social meltdown on the Obama’s is like Drake tryin to respond after Kendrick left him for dead. Done and dusted.”
Music has also been at the center of the DNC in Chicago this week, with Patti LaBelle, Common and DJ Cassidy hitting the stage on night two. Lil Jon even made a surprise appearance to fire up the thousands in attendance, which included Spike Lee and Eva Longoria.
During the California roll call, West Coast hip-hop dominated the segment. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” provided the soundtrack for a set that included K. Dot’s “Alright,” Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” and 2Pac’s “California Love.”
Find more reactions to the Obamas’ speeches below.
dnc bringing out 2pac tomorrow— Desus MF Nice💯 (@desusnice) August 21, 2024
That Obama family is cookin tonight cyat dang !!!— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) August 21, 2024
President Barack Obama’s speech at the DNC if it were backed by Kendrick Lamar’s “Meet The Grahams” instrumental (produced by The Alchemist). pic.twitter.com/gGf7tGqKgU— Andrés Tardio (@AndresWrites) August 21, 2024
There are two people in the world that you don’t wanna have beef with: Kendrick Lamar and Michelle Obama. You will not win. Worzers!!!— Kafui Dzirasa, MD PhD (@KafuiDzirasa) August 21, 2024
Feel like the Obama’s listened to Kendrick all night and then showed up to the DNC— Trump Is Weird (@UnSpoken_Victim) August 21, 2024
The Obama’s danced on trump’s corps like Kendrick Lamar and Whitney danced on Drake’s— 🇨🇩Sports Guy🇨🇩 (@PlamsAbt) August 21, 2024
I need to see Michell Obama’s Summer playlist because I know every single track that Kendrick dropped recently is on there 😂— Chloe (@CosmicallyChloe) August 21, 2024
Eminem and Jelly Roll joined forces for the first time on The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)‘s album closer “Somebody Save Me.” Just over a month later, the duo bring their vision to life with a poignant music video, which arrived on Wednesday (Aug. 21). Em is on the outside looking in watching […]
Mavis Staples claims her first top 10 as a solo lead artist on a Billboard airplay chart thanks to “Worthy,” which lifts three spots to No. 9 on the Adult Alternative Airplay survey dated Aug. 24.
“Worthy” follows a previous radio top 10 – and No. 1 – for Staples in Hozier’s “Nina Cried Power,” on which she’s a featured act. The song ruled Adult Alternative Airplay for two weeks in 2018.
Prior to “Nina Cried Power,” Staples reached Adult Alternative Airplay three times, all in featured roles, via Natalie Merchant’s “Build a Levee” (No. 17, 2002), Arcade Fire’s “I Give You Power” (No. 18, 2017) and Benjamin Booker’s “Witness,” No. 29, 2017).
Prior to “Worthy,” Stapes notched her first lead appearance on the tally with “Change” (No. 27, 2019).
Staples first reached the Billboard charts as a member of The Staple Singers, who released their debut album in 1958 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. The group’s chart history includes a pair of No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100: “I’ll Take You There” in 1972 and “Let’s Do It Again” in 1975.
Staples made solo appearances on the Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in 1970-92, along with a visit to Hot Gospel Songs in 2006.
Concurrently, “Worthy” ranks at its No. 42 high on the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart with 858,000 audience impressions in the week ending Aug. 15, according to Luminate.
“Worthy” is currently a standalone single. Staples, 85, released her most recent album in 2022, the Levon Helm collaboration Carry Me Home, which was recorded in 2011 before Helm’s death; it peaked at No. 2 on the Blues Albums chart, marking her fifth top 10. Her own We Get By became her first No. 1 on Blues Albums in 2019.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears to have briefly ditched his insult comic schtick and flipped to cheekily borrowing pages from Vice President Kamala Harris’ playbook. In the midst of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that on Tuesday night (August 20) officially nominated Harris in a joy- and music-filled night that featured each state announcing their support with a theme song provided by DJ Cassidy, Trump’s campaign spokesperson pre-empted the celebration with a brazen lift.
A 13-second video of Trump’s arrival in Detroit for a rally on Tuesday posted by mouthpiece Steven Cheung hours before night two of the DNC featured the former reality TV star walking down the steps of his plane onto the tarmac soundtracked by Beyoncé‘s “Freedom.” If you’ve been paying attention over the past month, then surely you know that the soaring song from Bey’s Lemonade album is the official Harris campaign theme song.
Harris walked out to the track at her official campaign kick-off on July 22 and Queen Bey gave the former Senator and California Attorney General her blessing to use the song at her rallies. An a cappella version of the tune helped kick-off the DNC on Monday night, further cementing its spot as the official anthem of the Harris campaign.
At press time spokespeople for the Trump campaign and Beyoncé had not returned Billboard‘s request for comment.
The brazen move from Trump’s team comes less than two weeks after Trump complained that Harris was copying his idea to not tax tips, telling a crowd “she just stole it.” The idea theft accusation is rich considering Trump has landed in hot water repeatedly since he pivoted from real estate and reality TV to politics eight years ago.
Since then, dozens of musicians and songwriters have objected to the twice-impeached former President using their songs at political rallies, including the Rolling Stones, Adele, Rihanna and the Sinead O’Connor estate, among many others. While a number have publicly objected and some have sent cease-and-desist orders after saying they want no connection to the Trump campaign, in July the estate of Isaac Hayes said it was taking legal action against Trump for playing the Hayes co-written “Hold On, I’m Coming” to close his rallies.
As reported by Billboard, when it comes to objections from artists and songwriters, the process of protest is pretty straightforward. The performing rights organizations BMI and ASCAP require political campaigns to obtain licenses to use songs in their catalogs, with a caveat in the license that allows songwriters to object to usage in a political campaign. However, that does not prevent a campaign from playing a song at a rally, or in this case, in a promotional video.
That said, a lawyer for Jackson Browne — who sued late Republican Sen. and presidential aspirant John McCain for using his song “Running on Empty” in a 2008 commercial — said “most political campaigns aren’t keen about just taking the song down.” Trump has been especially brazen in this regard and it was unclear at press time if the clip featuring “Freedom” could fall under the fair use provision, which doesn’t require a license at all.
Either way, hijacking a rival campaign’s official song seems decidedly on-brand for the Trump campaign’s “ask for forgiveness, not permission” approach to political combat and it remains to be seen if Beyoncé, or her team, will take action to get the video removed from X. At press time it did not appear that Beyoncé had responded to the Trump video on her socials.
Check out the Trump campaign video below.
Lil Jon transported the 2024 Democratic National Convention to Atlanta when he made a surprise appearance to share the Georgia delegates’ votes for Vice President Kamala Harris during the DNC roll call on Tuesday night (Aug. 20). The roll call took on a new format this year, with DJ Cassidy introducing each state with its […]
LL Cool J caused a bit of a stir a couple weeks ago during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay.
The NFL Hall of Famer asked the Queens rapper turned actor who he would pick to be on Def Jam’s Mount Rushmore. Naturally, LL put himself on there, given that his debut single “I Need a Beat” and debut album Radio were the first official releases on the fabled rap label. He also picked groups Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys, and had Slick Rick round things out. Shannon Sharpe pushed back about leaving Jay-Z off, but had to remind him that the rapper was on the label “a thousand years later.”
His picks caused a bit of controversy online because some felt Jay-Z and DMX should’ve been on his list, however, the rap legend based his picks on the acts that helped build Def Jam from the ground up. While making an appearance on the Joe Budden Podcast, LL defended his reasoning.
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“I know DMX is supremely talented, used to kill the stage, sold a ton of records. I know Jay did a ton of stuff up there… I can name a zillion artists up there who did unbelievable shit up there. I’m very clear about that,” he said. “But I also know that when I walked into Rick Rubin’s dormitory, it was a f—king idea, bro, like you trying to talk to me about guys that are popular. I watched the sh—t when it was a f—king idea on a Post-It. It’s two different conversations.”
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Adding, “The world is talking about the most popular. That’s all they care about. Who’s the most popular, who’s the richest, who sold the most records, who was exciting. I get that, and I respect it, I love it. But that’s not what built the company, that’s what expanded the company at a different point.”
He also reminded detractors that his song “4,3,2,1” helped introduce DMX to a larger audience. “I introduced DMX to the world, you think I don’t love DMX?” he asked. “I put him on my song to introduce him to the f—king world. I put the guy on. You know what I’m saying?”
The full episode is a Patreon exclusive as of right now, but it should be more widely available soon.