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by DJ Frosty

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Lunch Time Rewind

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Lunch Time Rewind

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R&B/Hip-Hop

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When asked to explain the inspiration behind the title of her latest EP, Jozzy shrugs, saying Songs for Women, Free Game for N—as is exactly as the title suggests; the Memphis native makes music for women, but if men listen they’ll probably learn a thing or two. “When I’m talking to a girl, [men] always stare,” she says. “It’s not a trick to it, it’s not game. It’s just understanding who and what a woman is.” 
Released in late February, Songs for Women is Jozzy’s first project since signing to Love Records, the label created by Sean “Diddy” Combs to highlight R&B talent (Roc Nation and Hallwood Media are handling management for the singer.) It’s her biggest release as a singer, following years of success as a songwriter who has worked with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, Chlöe Bailey, Beyoncé and Timbaland.

Featuring production credits from Diddy, Stevie J and others, the 10-track project is full of adoration and longing for women, from the “Free Game” interlude that features Eartha Kitt’s viral laughter and unflappable response when asked if she’d compromise for a man to “Replay,” the mid-tempo offering about the memories that remain after a relationship has ended. The project isn’t just a debut for Jozzy, though; as the first signee on Love Records, Jozzy’s EP represents a beginning for the label, signaling the type of sound we might come to expect from the Diddy’s latest venture. The mogul pulled no punches when it came to promoting his newest signee, introducing her as the “R&B Biggie” onstage at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards and co-directing her first music video. 

Jozzy says she signed with Love Records because Diddy understood and accepted her identity  in a way that previous collaborators had not. In the past, she says her appearance and sexuality (“I was gay, I was a masculine woman”) perplexed people who didn’t think she should be making vulnerable R&B music. “When they heard ‘Alone,’ a lot of people were like ‘she doesn’t sound how she looks,” she notes, adding that she wants people to look past their biases and stereotypes to give the music a chance. 

Diddy didn’t see those hang-ups, though. “Puff is good at seeing positive and good things in people … Notorious B.I.G. wasn’t the most handsome guy but he saw it in him and then boom, everyone else saw it,” she says. “If Puff says it’s cool, it’s cool,”

“Jozzy is a very special and dynamic talent that only comes around once in a generation, so I’m excited to see how her music sets a new standard for R&B,” Diddy told Billboard in an emailed statement about the singer. “Her skills as a writer and performer, matched with her style and energy has the potential to make her one of the greats and I’m proud to play a part in shaping the next chapter of her career.”

At the foundation of Jozzy’s artistry is her ability to craft songs that capture a distinct feeling or moment and make them feel universal. She’s been doing this for other artists for years, long before she got an opportunity to do so for herself on a big stage. Jozzy co-wrote Billy Ray Cyrus’ verse on Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and has multiple credits on Latto’s 777 album, including for the single “It’s Givin.” Recently, she landed songwriting credits on SZA’s no. 1 album SOS for the song “Low” and on Chlöe’s forthcoming solo debut album for the song “Pray It Away.” “I can be anybody as a songwriter,” she says. “Like the song I wrote with Chloe, ‘Pray It Away.’ [I wrote] ‘Fuck n—a, fuck n—a, I just learned to hate from a fuck n—a.’ I would never say that. It’s like being in a movie. I can be any character.” 

Last year, just before Beyonce’s Renaissance album was released, she learned the singer had transformed a demo she’d co-written and titled “Right Here, Right Now” into the six-minute disco track “Virgo’s Groove.” “Beyonce turned that s–t into a masterpiece,” Jozzy says, noting the original production sounded like Houston R&B. “We had a great song, but the way she colored it … it’s crazy.” 

Jozzy says she now has the management and legal team to help ensure she’s being fairly compensated for her work with other artists, but she still laments the idea that songwriters should be “ghostwriters” or underpaid. “There [are] people trying to fight for us, but we need a union. There are a lot of songwriters that are struggling,” she says, noting she believes they should be paid on the frontend, even if it’s only a couple thousand dollars, in the same way that producers are. 

“These songwriters are broke. It’s sick. If you don’t want songwriters, just put the beat on the radio and see how it goes,” she quickly adds. “I tell people I work with, ‘Are you going to be on the right side of history or the wrong side of history? Because I’m telling. I’m calling your name out.’”

Lately, she’s been working hard to save some of her songwriting magic for her own releases, too. While attending the Wireless Festival in London last year, when she got an idea to film the visuals for the reflective single “Alone.” In the video, which was co-directed by Diddy, she wanders the dark streets in Paris ruminating on her desire for companionship. At one point, she performs on a sidewalk with the Eiffel Tower — a singular symbol of Paris that for forty years was the tallest structure in the world — behind her, before being joined by Diddy for his signature dance, the Diddy Bop.

Jozzy says she wanted to use the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of the isolation she was feeling both in the song and in her own personal life at the time. “If you look at the Eiffel Tower, it sits alone. But it’s so beautiful,” she says. “It’s the irony of being in Paris and I was really going through some s–t with a girl. Who wants to be alone in Paris? Shawty was supposed to be out [there] with me.”

The year has certainly started off on a high note, but Jozzy is always looking forward to her next songwriting credit and her next project as an artist. She hopes to release a new project before the end of the year and she’s been working with famed choreographer Laurieann Gibson to prepare for future live performances.

But, for now, she’s just hoping to keep bringing attention to Songs for Women. “I just want to continue to get more ears on it, she says. “Keep getting new fans.”

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was reportedly hospitalized on Tuesday (March 21) after an alleged attack inside a South Florida gym. According to WPTV, an attorney for the 26-year-old “Stoopid” MC born Daniel Hernandez said he was beaten up in a gym sauna by “three or four thugs.”

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Lawyer Lance Lazzaro told the station that Hernandez suffered cuts to his face and bruises in the incident. “Employees heard the disturbance and the perpetrators fled,” Lazzaro said. “Police in South Florida were called and he [Hernandez] was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.”

At press time it was unclear what injuries Hernandez sustained and if he was still hospitalized. TMZ posted video of the alleged attack, in which an unidentified man can be seen punching and kicking Hernandez as the rapper struggles to evade the blows on the floor of what looks like a bathroom. Lazzaro told TMZ several men began attacking Hernandez — who did not have any security with him — without warning, with police and EMS responding to the scene before transporting the rapper to an undisclosed hospital.

The site posted pictures of Hernandez’s swollen, bloodied face and reported that he also suffered injuries to his back, ribs and jaw. At press time Lazarro could not be reached for comment on the incident. In the video, a bald man can be heard saying, “take a picture, I’m gonna be famous now,” as he grabs Hernandez by the hair while another man kicks him.

The unidentified person filming the video assures Hernandez “I’m a fan, homie,” as the rapper, his face dripping blood, exits the bathroom saying, “ya’ll jumped me, man.”

Speaking to TMZ, Lazarro said he is working on getting his client some protection given the rapper’s legal history; Hernandez was granted early release from federal prison in April 2020 following his arrest and sentencing to two years behind bars a year earlier on 9 charges, including drug trafficking, racketeering and firearms offenses tied to his involvement with the Nine Trey Bloods street gang. The rapper’s sentence was shortened after he cooperated with the feds in their cases against his former associates.

The last six months have been nothing short of tragic for Quavo, whose Migos bandmate and nephew Takeoff was murdered in late 2022.

On Tuesday night (March 21), the rapper put aside grief and let the lyrics flow.

Quavo stepped up to the mic for the latest round of That’s My Jam, Jimmy Fallon’s hour-long music and comedy variety games show, to test his powers for rhyming gobbledygook.

The mission — to hit a “nonsense karaoke” version of Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz’s “Get Low,” replacing its words with drivel.

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For a taster, Quavo smashed out: “Remember Chunk? The Best Goonie/ Got a duck tat, saw it on a magazine.” He had the crowd waving their hands in the air, and they really didn’t care.

The “nonsense karaoke” bit is a world away from the release last month of Quavo’s “Greatness” video, his second tribute to Takeoff following his killing outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. He also released the emotional ballad “Without You,” earlier in the year.

Quavo made his first TV appearance since Takeoff’s death with a gripping rendition of “Without You” at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, on Feb. 5.

“I wish I had a time machine/ Just so you take a ride with me/ I miss just how you smile at me/ Unc & Phew until infinity,” sang Quavo, with Maverick City Music matching his somber tone.

The “nonsense karaoke” performance had anything but a somber tone. Watch below.

Naomi Osaka took to social media on Tuesday (March 21) to show off the her baby bump, just months after it was revealed she’s expecting her first child with Cordae.

The tennis pro shared a series of snaps from a street in Japan, wearing a cropped green jersey with her last name and the number 97 emblazoned on the back, her baby bump adorably peeking out in front. She paired the top with a pair of voluminous oversized jeans, beige and gray sneakers, large gold hoops and a baseball cap by On.

Osaka’s more than 2.7 million Instagram followers couldn’t get enough of the sporty on-the-street shoot. “Mama in Japan…better not delete this!!!!!!!” fellow tennis champ Sloane Stephens commented using the Japanese flag and a heart eyes emoji, while a fan wrote, “it’s giving mommy.”

Others were quick to compare the four-time Grand Slam champ to the also-pregnant Rihanna, with one follower writing, “Cordae really saw Asap and said hold my racket” in reference to RiRi’s relationship with A$AP Rocky and another commenting, “okayyy!! it’s giving Rihanna.”

While her latest carousel is the first time she’s posted her pregnancy on her feed, Osaka first revealed she was expecting at the start of the year by sharing a snap of her ultrasound. At the time, she didn’t mention the identity of the baby’s father, but her spokesperson confirmed to Billboard that she was, indeed, welcoming the bundle of joy with Cordae.

Last month, the “Two Tens” rapper sat down with Billboard to discuss his new PUMA x HI-LEVEL collection as well as his friendship with regular collaborator Anderson .Paak.

Check out Osaka’s chic pregnant street style below.

It’s official: The Weeknd is statistically the most popular artist in the world according to Guinness World Records.

The organization proffered the title upon the pop star on Monday after analyzing the Spotify data of some of the biggest names in the music industry, including number of monthly listeners on the streaming platform.

Considering the artist otherwise known as Abel Tesfaye holds the record as the first, and so far only, artist in Spotify history to reach 100 million monthly listeners as of the end of February, he’s far and away at the top of the class. And yet, even in the few weeks since he crossed the nine-figure threshold, the “Starboy” singer has gained even more streaming followers — up to 111.4 million, according to the Guinness report.

And there’s quite the wide berth between that mind-boggling number and the next artist on the list, Miley Cyrus, who currently tallies 82.4 million monthly listeners in the wake of releasing her hotly anticipated eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation. Other artists who trail The Weeknd include Shakira (81.6 million), Ariana Grande (80.6 million), Taylor Swift (80. 2 million), Rihanna (78.5 million) and Ed Sheeran (77.5 million).

A little over a week ago, The Weeknd swept the 2023 Juno Awards in his native Canada, taking home four awards, including both artist of the year and songwriter of the year for a record fourth time; single of the year for a third time (for 2022’s “Sacrifice”)l and pop album of the year (for Dawn FM).

Nick Cannon looked back on his relationship with Mariah Carey in a new interview.

“Like the greatest? I mean, I always talk about that. Then it goes viral, and our fans get mad at me,” he told The Shade Room when asked about the love of his life. “But I was 12 years old with Mariah Carey pictures on my wall, and that becomes my wife. And the fact that she’s the coolest person I ever met.”

The former couple split in 2016 after eight years of marriage, but Cannon still has nothing but glowing words to say about the superstar singer. “I get a lot of this delightful disposition from her. She’s just always happy, always doing for others. No matter what’s happening in life. I’m like, ‘Wow, a person can really operate like that and don’t allow negative energy into their space.’ When I found that out, about how remarkable she was, that woman is not human. She’s a gift from God.”

Cannon and Carey share 11-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe — known by the Lambily as Dem Babies. Since his split from Mimi, the host of The Masked Singer has also welcomed 10 other kids with five different women as part of his belief in consensual non-monogamy.

He’s even parlaying his reputation for baby-making into a new game show called Who’s Having My Baby With Nick Cannon. Hosted by his pal Kevin Hart, the series is tentatively set to premiere sometime this spring on E!.

Watch Cannon gush over Mariah below.

Spring has officially sprung! As temperatures heat up, so does the music, and we’re here to save you the sifting, by hand-picking the hottest tracks by up-and-coming R&B/hip-hop artists. This week, we’ve highlighted an array of easy listening from Lo Village and Veeze to Ric Wilson, 6lack and more.

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And don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.

Freshest Find: Ric Wilson, Chromeo & A-Trak, “Clusterfunk”

Ric Wilson, Chromeo, & A-Trak have joined forces for the uber-wavy collaborative project, CLUSTERFUNK. Ahead of the nine-track set arriving March 31 via EMPIRE, the trio released the tantalizing single “Clusterfunk.” On it, Wilson delivers a number of unique flows, effortlessly melding the old and the new in a sonic ode to his hometown of Chicago.

Lo Village, “On Your Way”

After years of healing and growing, Maryland trio Lo Village has returned with “On Your Way.” For the group, the robust single “exists as a reminder that the journey doesn’t begin until you look within and bet on yourself. You will run in circles until this is understood,” the group says in a statement.

BLK ODYSSY feat. Bootsy Collins, “Honeysuckle Neckbone”

“Honeysuckle Neckbone” tells the story of a remorseful man who has lost his first love. The recurring phrase “sweet like candy“ references the intimate, addicting times the lovers shared, but also the bittersweet taste candy leaves when over-indulging. BLK ODYSSY linked with bassist Bootsy Collins to capture his ability to fuse jazz instrumentation with R&B/hip-hop melodies.

Veeze, “GOMD”

“If I had a dollar for every time these n—as hate, I’d be rich like Jay and Ye,” Veeze opens on his new single “GOMD.” The Detroit rapper declares that he “got rich with Babyface [Ray]” as the two came up “making plays.” On “GOMD,” Veeze expands on his calculated wordplay using woozy metaphors and similes to compare his success to that of other artists and public figures.

Rory feat. Jay Electronica and reggie, “Enough”

Rory recruits Jay Electronica and reggie for his new single, “Enough.” The single’s alt-soul rhythm is paired with a cinematic visual that sees Rory and his dog aimlessly roaming around a couple’s house. “Enough” is a single from his upcoming album, which he’s been curating for the last three years with new talent in the R&B space.

Ni’jah, “Agatha”

Donald Glover’s new thriller Swarm has been all the rage since premiering last Friday (March 17). Alongside the show, which stars actress Dominique Fishback, the creators also released a Swarm EP via RCA, featuring (of course) Childish Gambino, KIRBY and the series’ central fictional pop star, Ni’jah. “Agatha” is a bold rap anthem from Ni’jah, who is played by Nirine S. Brown.

Alex Vaughn & Ari Lennox, “Demon Time”

Alex Vaughn has quite the crew of homegirls. On her latest offering, HOMEGIRL PACK, she enlists R&B queens Ari Lennox, Summer Walker and Muni Long across three tracks. “Demon Time” proves to be a standout moment, as Lennox and Vaughn harmonize like honey, outlining their sexual conquests unapologetically.

Princess Nokia, “angels & demons”

On her latest break-up-centric EP i love you but this is goodbye, Princess Nokia goes the softer route — save for on “demons & angels.” “I would cover us in blood/ With a knife to a dove/ ‘Cause forever is my angle,” she yells passionately over the somber chorus.

6lack, “fatal attraction” 

6lack has irresistible singles down to a science. On “fatal attraction,” the East Atlanta mainstay sticks to his foolproof formula, delivering vulnerable verses overtop romantic pianos and trap drums. The track arrives ahead of 6lack’s upcoming album, Since I Have A Lover, set to arrive March 24.

Amaarae, “Reckless & Sweet”

Amaarae is bringing all the sensual energy on “Reckless & Sweet.” The Ghanaian singer’s whispery tone pulls listeners in, while the delectable visual and body-swaying production keeps us all eyes and ears for the two-and-a-half-minute ride.

In the immortal words of Snoop Dogg, you gotta pay the cost to be the boss. Or in Rick Ross‘ case, you gotta make sure your cattle behave-or you’ll be a bad neighbor. In case you missed the news earlier this week, some folks who live near Ross’ massive spread in Fayetteville, Georgia complained that a few of the buffalos in his Bawse herd had wandered off the property.

One even shared footage with TMZ of two animals who moseyed onto her property twice last week. In the clip, you can see the animals — who can weigh up to 2,000 pounds — walking through her front yard and grazing on grass near her driveway. The woman said she worried that they might hurt her children. But Ross — who was reportedly gifted the two animals by partners in his clothing company last year — said in an Instagram Story that everyone needs to chill and just reach into the crisper.

“Everybody that’s wanting a statement and a response for my bulls, my cows, a couple of buffaloes that got away in the community, this is my response,” Ross said in the Story. I always return stray animals. Make sure you always keep a collar on your animal. And mine don’t have a collar ’cause you know it’s mines.”

That seemed fair. After all, what other rich forever rappers in the area have massive livestock roaming across their 235-acre, 109-room house estate? To ease tensions, Ross suggested that if you see something, feed something.

“So when you see my buffalo, give it a carrot. Give it a apple,” he said. “They so kind, they so peaceful. Thank everybody for watching. Thank everybody for making sure all of my animals got back into the Promise Land. … All my neighbors, Fayetteville, y’all the best.”

Check out the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office report on the incident below.

Chlöe Bailey revealed the track list for her upcoming album In Pieces on Monday (March 20).

The 14-song track list boasts previously released singles like “Pray It Away” and “How Does It Feel,” featuring Chris Brown, as well as additional collaborations with Missy Elliott (“Told Ya”) and Future (“Cheatback”). Noticeably missing from the back cover are singles like “Have Mercy,” “Treat Me,” “Surprise” and the Latto-assisted “For the Night.”

Last week, the elder half of Chloe x Halle showed off the whimsical artwork for the album, which depicts her holding a colorful, crystalline version of her heart. In a message written to fans, she shared, “I saw a porcelain doll 3 years ago, holding her heart just like this and from then, I said this will be my album cover…”

She went on to explain that even the red tint of her hair is symbolic of the most difficult period of her life, when she dyed it red, about a year and a half ago. “IN PIECES is for the ones who behind closed doors are breaking and don’t know how much more they can take,” Bailey continued, in part. “I hope this project brings healing to those who listen, as it’s been completely therapeutic for me and I can’t wait to share my heart with you, literally.”

While In Pieces is due March 31 via Columbia Records and Parkwood Entertainment, Bailey’s younger sister Halle Bailey is gearing up to show the world her role as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, out May 26.

Check out the full track list for In Pieces below.

Bay Area rapper Larry June is ready to hit the road with Larry’s Market Run Tour, which Live Nation announced Monday (March 20).

The 47-date jaunt will kick off on May 8 at Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater and hit various cities across the United States, including Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta, before eventually wrapping on July 23 at Oakland, Calif.’s Fox Theater for a hometown show.

Pre-sale for tickets starts Wednesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. local time, and general on sale begins this Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. local time here.

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June’s tour arrives two months after the release of The Great Escape, his collaborative album with producer The Alchemist, due March 31. Previously released tracks “60 Days” and “89 Earthquake” will be featured on the project. Fans can catch an inside look at the making of The Great Escape in a 13-minute documentary (directed by Miggs) below.

His Spaceships on the Blade album ranked No. 4 on Billboard‘s 20 best hip-hop albums of 2022. Regarding the album, this reporter wrote, “The 20-track set plays like a laidback soundtrack for a late-night joyride (in June’s Lamborghini Huracán EVO, no less), as he whips though ’70s soul-funk on ‘Private Valet,’ ’80s R&B on the Syd-assisted ‘For Tonight’ and ’90s house on ‘Don’t Check Me.’ Even when he takes his listeners through the scenic route of his life, he reflects on the previous bumps in the road on ‘Organic Adjustments’ (‘You can hear it in my music/ Came from the bottom of it’) and maps out his ultimate destination on ‘Appreciate It All’ (‘Now we cop real estate, pass it down to the seed’).”

See Larry’s Market Run Tour dates below.

Courtesy Photo