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First things first: Pras Michel wants to make it very clear that his recent hard-hitting track “Bar Mitzfa” was not meant as a diss on his Fugees bandmate Lauryn Hill after she abruptly cancelled their highly anticipated reunion tour.
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“You’re family, you have internal disagreements, but it’s not going to be on a level where I’m dissing her — that doesn’t make any sense,” Pras told Vulture about the song he dropped last week in which he appeared to lay the blame for the tour’s meltdown squarely on the trio’s mercurial frontwoman. “No one will remember: click bait beefs, how many Gucci bags you owned, bogus excuses/ People will remember: How you made them feel, if you kept your word, if they could count on you, if you come on Time!!!”, he rapped on the tune.
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The track came after the group’s planned tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hill’s groundbreaking debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was scotched just before its August 9 kick-off date, with Hill citing “sensationalism” by the media over past cancellations as a contributing factor to what she said were low ticket sales.
“Artistically speaking, sometimes we say things because that’s how we express ourselves,” Pras continued about his musical response to the situation. “This track is me speaking my truth. When I was writing the record, those lines just came out. That was actually the last bars that came: ‘Don’t blame me, blame her, she made the mess.’ It sounded hot! I needed something to rhyme with mess, and I was like, Damn, do I put [third Fugees member] Wyclef in this?”
Pras said “everyone’s frustration has been building up” about the cancellation of the tour, noting that “this is not something that just happened overnight.” The MC added that his frustration was for the fans who bought tickets and were disappointed by the 11th-hour announcement.
“They are paying their hard-earned money to see you,” he said. For example, we did Global Citizen in 2021 and they were gracious enough to let us play at another location because they knew that Lauryn could be late and it’s live. They were like, go film it and then we’ll just inject it into whatever segment of the show that we’re projecting. She was three hours late. It was raining. We had fans whose cars were getting towed. The mayor had to reimburse some of the towing. He’s a fan of the Fugees too; he felt bad… We’re going on almost three decades of our existence, individually and as a group. To have people still interested in wanting to come see you, man, you have to be grateful.”
And though Hill has a history of taking to the stage late and calling off shows unexpectedly, given the group’s three-decade history together, Pras said there is undoubtedly “magic” when the three of them hit the stage. “No matter what we’re going through, individually or collectively, when we get on that stage and start performing, it’s euphoric,” Pras said. “It brings back the innocence of when we were kids. I’ve known Lauryn Hill since she was 11 years old, and Clef way before that. But there’s obviously reservation. We don’t even ask her if she’s gonna be on time anymore; we say, ‘How late is she going to be?’ It gets to a point that you say, is it even really all worth it?”
Pras said he was both “surprised and not surprised” the tour was cancelled after the 20 shows the reunited group were scheduled to play in 2023 were reduced to 10. The planned 21-date Miseducation Anniversary Tour was previously postponed in November after Hill said she was struggling with vocal issues. “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,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “In order to prevent any long term negative affect 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.”
Asked what the group’s friend dynamic is off stage, Pras said they communicate “sometimes,” describing himself as the “Bobby Brown of the group.” He noted that he communicates with Wyclef Jean more than Hill, but that they all talk on WhatsApp.
While the U.S. dates were cancelled, Pras was non-committal when asked if he was looking forward to the European dates, which at press time were slated to kick off on Oct. 7 with a show in Dublin, Ireland, according to Hill’s official site; Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s site currently list different European kick-off dates. “It’s a loaded question. I’m always going to love to perform. I feel like when we’re onstage, nothing can stop us,” he said. “The thing that I don’t want to do is be inconsiderate to the fans… I don’t want to be a part of something that’s not going to be able to reciprocate the appreciation and gratitude.” Vulture noted that Pras’ ability to travel outside the United States is currently limited due to his conviction in 2023 of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
If you haven’t learned it by now, Cardi B has no time at all for your ridiculous conspiracy theories and accusations. The “Bongos” MC proved it for the 900th time on Wednesday (August 21) when she clapped back, hard, at a comment on X in which a user asked, “Has Cardi been bleaching her skin?”
The question was in response to a comment on a previous post from Cardi in which former City Girls MC JT was shown cradling the rapper’s growing bump; Cardi recently announced that she’s expecting her third child with estranged husband Offset, who she has filed for divorce from for the second time.
“Bleaching while pregnant? [three sad face emoji] Why must yall be so dumb ?,” Cardi responded. “Actually NO ! I’m pregnant I’m slightly anemic ,this baby suckin all the energy off my body to the point I’m pale,eyes sunken ,veins green ASF,can’t tan under the sun cause I get hot super fast and dizzy ….PLEAE STOP THINKIN WITH YOUR A–HOLE!”
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According to the American Society of Hematology, anemia is a condition that may occur during pregnancy when the body does not produce enough blood cells. Women who are pregnant are at higher risk for the condition because their blood volume goes up and their body needs more iron to supply oxygen to the fetus. Among the potential symptoms of anemia are feeling tired or weak and a progressive paleness of the skin.
Even while swatting away the haters, Cardi also got a nice compliment from another X user, who praised the pic with JT, writing, “This is a beautiful picture @iamcardib. You have to really #trust and #genuinely care about someone to allow them to touch you and your child this way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you post and label pictures of #real #friends,” they added about the pic that Cardi captioned “What about your friends.”
Cardi and JT got into a heated feud in 2022 in which the women went back-and-forth with some vicious insults in a squabble that eventually pulled Nicki Minaj into the fray as well. But based on the friendly caption Cardi put on the baby bump pic, it seems as if the JT drama has been squashed.
In other good news, Cardi recently revealed that she recently completed the cover shoot for her long-in-the-works sophomore album, though at press time there was still not title or announced release date for the follow-up to her 2018 debut album, Invasion of Privacy.
See the posts below.
Bleaching while pregnant 😒😒😒? Why must yall be so dumb ? Actually NO ! I’m pregnant I’m slightly anemic ,this baby suckin all the energy off my body to the point I’m pale,eyes sunken ,veins green ASF,can’t tan under the sun cause I get hot super fast and dizzy ….PLEAE STOP… https://t.co/S4IVLZ4WAv— Cardi B (@iamcardib) August 21, 2024
Dame Dash is back at it again.
The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder went on Instagram Live to talk about selling his shares of the legendary rap label and wondered just how much Jay-Z is willing to pay. “I don’t expect anyone, just some average person, to come buy it — or a third of it, my third. I don’t wanna get sued again,” he says at the beginning of the clip. “I know, for some reason, nobody wants me to sell it, but I’m ready to just move on, do my thing. I had a lawsuit, I had a judgement, and I’m like, ‘Yo, that’s 800 grand. Go get it from over there. They not paying me neither,” he said in regards to the Aug. 29 auction that’s taking place in order to satisfy the $823,000 he owes to movie producer Josh Weber.
Dame then brought up the fact that Jay has the option to block potential buyers and brought up the emergency meeting he and Biggs had to stop him from selling his shares. “I’m sure there’s a little twist they put on things. I don’t know why. I do know why, but I don’t know why. I don’t know why about one thing, but I do know why about the other,” he said cryptically. “[Jay-Z] has the first right of refusal. They had some bum-ass board meeting and all of a sudden he gets first right of refusal. I don’t really care. It don’t slow nothing down for me.” Adding, “Now I don’t know how deep homie’s pockets is. I’m curious if he’s gonna match that. I put an offer on the table, lemme see if he’ll match it. But it was from other people.”
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Earlier this month, Billboard reported that although Jay and Biggs’ last minute attempt to change the company’s by-laws are unenforceable, there are still some stipulations. “Whomever buys Dame’s stake in Roc-A-Fella will be a minority owner without authority over any decision-making,” the source tells Billboard. “They won’t have the ability to sell the copyright or borrow against the master as all decisions require majority vote.”
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There’s also the fact that Roc-A-Fella Inc.’s crown jewel Reasonable Doubt will revert back to Jay-Z in 2031 because copyright’s termination right allows him to control the rights of the album 35 years after its initial release in 1996. “There’s also an expiration date on the master ownership for the company, which means revenue and the only asset doesn’t have many years left,” the source also told Billboard.
Dame has recently been in the news for offering up an original Roc-A-Fella chain to anyone who bids over $10 million for his third of the company. “So if you do wanna buy one-third of Roc-A-Fella Inc., you are gonna have to bring some bread,” he said. “And anything over $10 million, I’m gonna sweeten the pot: you get an original Roc-A-Fella chain from off my neck.”
Thursday, Aug. 29 is going to be a crazy day on Rap Twitter.
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.